Business Opportunity for Health Functional Textiles

'It is predicted that the total output of China’s health care industry in 2010, 2015, and 2020 will respectively realize such market sizes of 960, 2,480, and 5,720 billion yuan, with an annual growth rate of 20%, leaving huge room for development.' said

The Impact of Health Information Technology on Hospital Performance: A Systematic Integrative Literature Review

Objective: To review, categorise, and synthesise findings from literature on health information technology (HIT) functionalities, HIT use, and the impact of HIT on hospital performance. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic integrative literature review based on a compre-hensive database search. To organise, categorise and synthesise the ex-isting literature, we adopted the affordance actualization theory. To align the literature with our research framework, we used four categories: 1) the functionalities of HIT and how these functionalities are measured;2) use and immediate outcomes of HIT functionalities;3) different perfor-mance indicators and how HIT functionalities affect them;and 4) what hospital characteristics influence the outcome of hospital performance. Results: Fifty-two studies were included. We identified four types of HIT. Only ten studies (19.2%) define the use of HIT by explicitly meas-uring the use rate of HIT. We identified five dimensions of hospital per-formance indicators. Every dimension showed mixed results;however, in general, HIT has a positive impact on mortality and patient readmis-sions. We found several hospital characteristics that may affect the rela-tionship between HIT and hospital-level outcomes. Discussion: Further efforts should focus on embedded research on HIT functionalities, use and effects of HIT implementations with more performance indicators and adjusted for hospital characteristics. Conclusion: The proposed framework could help hospitals and researchers make decisions regard-ing the functionalities, use and effects of HIT implementation in hospi-tals. Given our research outcomes, we suggest future research opportuni-ties to improve understanding of how HIT affects hospital performance. .

Using AI and Precision Nutrition to Support Brain Health during Aging

Artificial intelligence, often referred to as AI, is a branch of computer science focused on developing systems that exhibit intelligent behavior. Broadly speaking, AI researchers aim to develop technologies that can think and act in a way that mimics human cognition and decision-making [1]. The foundations of AI can be traced back to early philosophical inquiries into the nature of intelligence and thinking. However, AI is generally considered to have emerged as a formal field of study in the 1940s and 1950s. Pioneering computer scientists at the time theorized that it might be possible to extend basic computer programming concepts using logic and reasoning to develop machines capable of “thinking” like humans. Over time, the definition and goals of AI have evolved. Some theorists argued for a narrower focus on developing computing systems able to efficiently solve problems, while others aimed for a closer replication of human intelligence. Today, AI encompasses a diverse set of techniques used to enable intelligent behavior in machines. Core disciplines that contribute to modern AI research include computer science, mathematics, statistics, linguistics, psychology and cognitive science, and neuroscience. Significant AI approaches used today involve statistical classification models, machine learning, and natural language processing. Classification methods are widely applicable to problems in various domains like healthcare, such as informing diagnostic or treatment decisions based on patterns in data. Dean and Goldreich, 1998, define ML as an approach through which a computer has to learn a model by itself from the data provided but no specification on the sort of model is provided to the computer. They can then predict values for things that are different from the values used in training the models. NLP looks at two interrelated concerns, the task of training computers to understand human languages and the fact that since natural languages are so complex, they lend themselves very well to serving a number of very useful goals when used by computers.

Rehabilitation of shoulder paresis caused by herpes zoster according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health A case report

We describe the case of a 73-year-old man with left shoulder paresis caused by a herpes zoster infection of the left C5 dermatomes. The patient had been affected by pain for 10 days, a skin rash on his left shoulder and back for 5 days, and weakness of his left shoulder for 2 days before admission. Eiectromyography revealed denervation discharges from the left supraspinatus, infraspinatus and deltoid muscles, which was compatible with radiculopathy showing after zoster infection. The patient was examined in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and treated with range-of-movement and strengthening exercises as well as activities of daily living and social participation. At 14 months after the onset of the condition, muscle strength had returned to normal. Electromyography revealed that motor unit action potentials were largely normal. These results indicate that the rehabilitation of paresis caused by herpes zoster can obtain positive results with suitable movement training.

Exploration of functional health, mental well-being and cross-sex hormone use in a sample of Thai male-to-female transgendered persons （kathoeys）

Transgender people sometimes use cross-sex hormones without medical supervision. The use of cross-sex hormones, as well as the functional health and mental well-being, among male-to-female transgendered people （＇kathoeys＇） in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was studied. Sixty kathoeys were interviewed regarding their use of cross-sex hormones and their familyrelationships. Individuals also completed the Life Orientation Test Revised （LOT-R） to assess dispositional optimism, the Social Functioning Questionnaire （SFQ） and the Short Form Health Survey 36 （SF-36）. Three categories were established as follows： those who never cross-dress, those who sometimes cross-dress and those who always cross-dress in public. Of the 60 subjects, 44 had used hormones for prolonged periods （9.7＋6.1 years）. Their use was related to the permanence of cross-dressing but unrelated to functional health and mental well-being. Fifty percent of subjects had overdosed on commonly used oral contraceptives. Three people used injectable oestrogen in a higher-than-recommended dose. Self-acceptance was high or reasonably good （83%） compared to no acceptance （17%）, and neither was related to the permanence of cross-dressing. Their acceptance by parents and siblings was also relatively high （85% and 89%, respectively）. The permanence of cross-dressing had no effect on the scores of optimism, SF-36 scores and social functioning. Acceptance by oneself or one＇s parents did not seem to affect most aspects of functional health and mental well-being, but non-acceptance by siblings generated lower scores on the social functioning and general mental health subscales. Stressors tended to include physical rather than social factors. In conclusion, the unsupervised use of cross-sex hormones was common among kathoeys, and 50% of the sample had overdosed on them. Acceptance was relatively good, except by siblings. New strategies are needed for a more responsible use of cross-sex hormones.

Functional Health Literacy and Doctor-Patient Communication: Experiences of HIV/AIDS Patients in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Patient involvement in the health care process has been documented as a critical component of successful disease management. However, inadequate functional health literacy among patients is a well-known barrier to effective doctor-patient communication, which has an adverse effect on health outcomes. This study aimed at investigating the association of functional health literacy and doctor-patient communication among HIV/AIDS patients in Homa Bay County, Kenya. It was a cross-sectional hospital-based survey conducted among 362 HIV/AIDS patients receiving care at the eight sub-county hospitals of Homa Bay county. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis tests were used to ascertain the reliability and validity of study instruments, while Logistic regression logistic analysis was used to measure the association between functional health literacy and doctor-patient communication. 51% of the respondents were females, and the majority (30.9%) of respondents fell in the age group of 45 years and above. The respondents’ functional health literacy levels were inadequate at weighted means scores of 3.23 [SD 1.31]. The study further established that functional health literacy significantly influenced doctor-patient communication [Nagelkerke R square = 0.318]. There is, therefore, a need to document the determinants of functional health literacy to improve it and make doctor-patient interaction an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

Health Profiles and Functional Independence in Former Cane Cutters from a Biofuel Plant in Bahia

Introduction: Brazil leads the production of sugarcane and its derived commodities, sugar and ethanol. The fact that it is predominantly manually harvested exposes the workers to a variety of health hazards. Since the harvest is a labor activity that exacts from the worker a heavy physical toll, involving the exertion of quick, repetitive movements that intensely overburden both one’s muscles and skeletal frame. Objective: To assess the health profile and functional independence in former workers who operated in a biofuel plant in Bahia. Methods: This is a descriptive, exploration-oriented study conducted with 42 workers formerly employed as cane cutters, both male and female and over 18 years old, all of them living in the town of Amélia Rodrigues (BA). The self-administered Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to measure their quality of life, based on the World Health Organization’s classification of disabilities;the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) metrics was employed to keep track of functional independence. The FIM focuses on two aspects, motile and cognitive, subdivided further into categories designed to assess individual independence in tackling basic activities effectively and satisfactorily. Results: 42 individuals were assessed, most of them men (54.8%), predominantly adults (73.8%) of African descent (61.9%). Evidence, along with the correlation coefficient to analyze the FIM and the NHP, presents a significance level of 0.05 in the categories: Total NHP, Energy Level, Pain and Physical Abilities. Conclusion: This study found that there is harm to the health of former cane cutters as far as their sleep, energy levels and physical abilities are concerned. With these remarks, the authors expect to motivate health surveillance efforts regarding the risks in those work environments and the associated health issues, so that preventive and interventive public health measures can be implemented.

Awareness, self-management behaviors, health literacy and kidney function relationships in specialty practice

AIM To determine the relationship between chronic kidney disease(CKD) awareness(CKD-A), self-management behaviors(CKD-SMB) knowledge, performance of CKDSMBs, health literacy(HL) and kidney function. METHODS Participants were eligible patients attending an outpatient nephrology clinic. Participants were administered: Newest Vital Sign to measure HL, CKD self-managementknowledge tool(CKD-SMKT) to assess knowledge, past performance of CKD-SMB, CKD-A. Estimated GFR(e GFR) was determined using the MDRD-4 equation. Duration of clinic participation and CKD cause were extracted from medical charts. RESULTS One-hundred-fifty patients participated in the study. e GFRs ranged from 17-152 m L/min per 1.73 m2. Majority(83%) of respondents had stage 3 or 4 CKD, low HL(63%), and were CKD aware(88%). Approximately 40%(10/25) of patients in stages 1 and 2 and 6.4%(8/125) in stages 3 and 4 were unaware of their CKD. CKD-A differed with stage(P < 0.001) but not by HL level, duration of clinic participation, or CKD cause. Majority of respondents(≥ 90%) correctly answered one or more CKD-SMKT items. Knowledge of one behavior, "controlling blood pressure" differed significantly by CKD-A. CKD-A was associated with past performance of two CKD-SMBs, "controlling blood pressure"(P = 0.02), and "keeping healthy body weight"(P = 0.01). Adjusted multivariate analyses between CKD-A and:(1) HL; and(2) CKD-SMB knowledge were nonsignificant. However, there was a significant relationship between CKD-A and kidney function after controlling for demographics, HL, and CKD-SMB(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CKD-A is not associated with HL, or better CKD-SMBs. CKD-A is significantly associated with kidney function and substantially lower e GFR, suggesting the need for focused patient education in CKD stages 1.

Service Functions of Private Community Health Stations in China: A Comparison Analysis with Government-sponsored Community Health Stations

In China, with the restructuring of health care system moving forward, private community health facilities have been playing a complementary but increasingly important role in providing public health and basic medical care services in urban areas. However, only limited evidence is available con-cerning the service functions of private community health facilities in China. The aim of this study was to explore the functions of private community health stations (PCHSs) to provide evidence-based rec-ommendations for policy-making and practice in the development of urban community health services systems. A total of 818 PCHSs and 4320 government-sponsored community health stations (GCHSs) located in 28 cities of China were investigated in 2008. The percentages of stations that provided health services and the annual workload per community health worker (CHW) were compared between the two types of institutions. The results showed that the percentages of PCHSs providing public health services were significantly higher than those of GCHSs (P<0.05); but no significant differences were found in the percentages of basic medical services providing between PCHSs and GCHSs (P>0.05). The annual workloads of all the public health services and basic medical services per CHW in PCHSs were lighter than those in GCHSs (P<0.05), except for resident health records establishment and health education materials distribution (P>0.05). At present, the GCHSs are still the mainstream in urban China, which will last for a long period in future. However, our findings showed that the annual workloads of CHWs in PCHSs were no heavier than those in GCHSs, and the PCHSs were willing to provide public health services. In view of current inadequacy of health resources in China, it is feasible to further develop PCHSs under the guidance of the government, given that PCHSs can perform the basic functions of community health services, which is useful for the formation of public-private partnerships (PPP) and the improvement of community health services.

食用醋粉的制备工艺、营养成分及保健作用研究进展

综述了食用醋粉的制备工艺、营养成分和保健作用,并对其未来发展进行了展望,以期为食用醋粉的综合利用提供参考。

Efficacy of a Kiwifruit Extract (PhenActivTM) on Gastrointestinal Tract Function: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is experienced by millions of people every day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PhenActivTM, a novel green kiwifruit extract, on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function in otherwise healthy adults. Methods: 41 healthy adults with mild GI discomfort were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either take 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM or a placebo for 6 weeks. Interviews were conducted at baseline, week 3 and week 6, with participants completing questionnaires regarding GI symptoms. Frequency of bowel movements was self-recorded daily. Results: There were no differences in daily and weekly defecation frequency and stool characteristics in either group. The active and placebo groups significantly improve GSRS scores (p , only the active group had a significant improvement in the IBSSS and PAC-QOL scores (p < 0.05) from baseline. Neither group had changes in sleep quality, quality of life and fatigue, plasma zonulin concentrations or macular pigment optical density scores. The product was well tolerated with no GI disturbances or adverse events being reported. Conclusion: Supplementation of 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM for 6 weeks did not improve defecation frequency or stool composition in healthy adults, but did improve perceived symptoms of GIT function, including symptoms of functional GIT disorders, IBS and constipation. The product was well tolerated and future trials investigating higher doses with more participants and/or a different population would be beneficial.

Chronic Diseases of Childhood and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: A Systematic Review

The increase in chronic diseases in childhood highlights the need for a biopsychosocial approach to deal with the complexity of these health conditions. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) results from the need to implement new explanatory evaluative and therapeutic models. Thus, the present systematic review aims to identify published studies on the use of the ICF in chronic childhood diseases. As a secondary objective, to map the themes that have already been studied in the area to support the discussion on the expansion of the use of this classification in health services. The systematic review followed the PRISMA protocol, and the model was the PICO acronym, where Population was children and adolescents with chronic diseases, Intervention/Exposure was evaluation based on ICF concepts, Comparator was any tool, instrument, or intervention, and outcome was direct or indirect use of the ICF. We selected eight articles, five of which used the ICF as a conceptual tool and three as a classification system, divided into the following themes: quality of life, evaluation of patients (without using coding) and mapping the inclusion of the activity’s results and participation in clinical trials. Thus, use of the ICF in clinical practice is still incipient, although it has been recommended in guidelines. Further studies are necessary to expand the number of contributions by the ICF and to develop the necessary approaches for understanding the classification’s use.

重庆市北碚区康复医学人才队伍建设现状及对策研究

目的调查了解重庆市北碚区康复医学人才队伍建设现状及存在的问题,并分析其原因,从而为重庆市北碚区康复医学人才队伍建设提供参考依据。方法从2023年12月—2024年1月开展调研,共调研了24家开展了康复医学工作的机构,其中访谈了20家。收回有效问卷143份,应用SPSS 23.0进行数据处理与分析。结果143位调查对象中康复科医师67人、康复治疗师37人、康复科护士39人。年龄段以31~44岁为主,占50.3%。文化程度以本科为主,占60.8%,研究生及以上占13.3%。月收入5000元以下占51.7%,10000元以上仅占4.9%。正高级职称占2.1%,副高级职称占7.7%。从事康复医学工作的年限以1~5年为主,占36.4%,而工作年限为21年及以上的仅占6.3%。康复科医师第一专业名称中占比较多的2个专业是针灸推拿学和中医学,分别占41.8%(28/67)和37.3%(25/67),而康复医学仅占4.5%(3/67);执业方向中有康复医学的占41.8%(28/67),执业方向中有中医学的占70.1%(47/67)。康复治疗师第一专业以康复治疗类为主,占91.9%(34/37)。所有康复科护士第一专业都是护理学,从事的康复护理方向大多数是现代康复和中国传统康复护理,占66.7%。调查对象所在机构基本上是公立医疗机构,占95.1%(136/143)。康复治疗师主要在公立医疗机构,所在机构为三级医院的占40.6%(15/37)。康复科护士所在单位全部为公立医疗机构。结论目前重庆市北碚区康复医学人才队伍建设尚存在一定问题。建议培养或引进具有高技术水平、高管理能力的康复医学学科带头人;适时安排专人进修学习,提高其现代康复医学服务能力;打造人才队伍,激发人才积极性;完善康复医疗服务网络,提高康复医学人才数字化素养。

食品中益生菌的功能与安全性研究进展

益生菌在人类的食品生产和生活中有着悠久的使用历史,随着对益生菌功能研究的逐步深入,益生菌对人体的多种营养功能和健康功效也逐渐明确。现有研究表明益生菌具有调节肠道菌群、提高免疫力等功效,甚至能够改善一些疾病的症状,因此在食品行业中,益生菌从传统的发酵食品中的应用到功能性食品中的添加使用变得越来越广泛。然而食品中益生菌的大规模使用也提升了潜在的安全性风险,如感染、生物毒素和耐药性基因转移等,益生菌在使用的过程中必须充分考虑其安全性问题。欧洲的安全资格认证(Qualified Presumption of Safety,QPS)和美国的公认安全(Generally Recognized as Safe,GRAS)体系是目前比较成熟的微生物安全性评价体系,近年来我国也通过相关立法规范益生菌的使用从而保障食品安全。该研究综述了目前对于益生菌营养功能和食品中益生菌应用的国内外研究进展,阐述了益生菌目前面临的安全性问题与安全性评价体系,以期为食品中益生菌的安全应用提供一定的参考。

ω-3多不饱和脂肪酸健康机制及应用研究进展

ω-3多不饱和脂肪酸(omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,ω-3 PUFAs)是一类重要的功能性高值脂肪酸,包括α-亚麻酸(ALA)、二十碳五烯酸(EPA)和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)等,在膳食中主要来源于植物油或海洋多脂鱼类。近年来,利用微藻、丝状真菌、产油酵母等微生物生产ω-3 PUFAs,使其供应短缺、品质不稳定的问题显著改善,广泛扩大了其应用范围。ω-3 PUFAs在预防心血管疾病、神经退行性疾病、抑郁症、癌症,促进婴幼儿神经发育以及创面愈合和组织修复等方面均具有显著功效,其分子机制涉及缓解神经及系统性炎症、维持细胞结构及功能、激活机体免疫信号等。介绍了ω-3 PUFAs的结构及体内消化吸收过程,系统分析了DHA、EPA等发挥健康功效的分子机制及潜在的区别,总结了ω-3 PUFAs在食品中的应用形式,对ω-3 PUFAs应用的未来趋势进行了展望。提出了改进微生物发酵技术、构建高效基因编辑工具、开发活性保持技术等跨学科的研究方向,以期推动ω-3 PUFAs在食品和膳食补充剂领域的广泛应用。

益生菌发酵乳对机体健康作用的研究进展

益生菌发酵乳是益生菌的重要载体。近10年,随着研究的深入,对益生菌发酵乳认识取得重大进展,尤其是对益生菌发酵乳对机体健康促进作用机理逐渐清晰。本文阐述益生菌发酵乳对便秘的缓解作用、对免疫系统的增强作用以及对神经系统的调节作用,并展望了益生菌发酵乳产业的未来发展。

基于ICF的听力障碍儿童言语与语言康复服务:理论架构与服务体系

目的 基于《国际功能、残疾和健康分类》(ICF)的生物-心理-社会功能和健康模式,系统分析世界卫生组织(WHO)康复相关的政策文件,探讨听力障碍儿童言语与语言康复的理论与政策原则、服务体系以及优先发展领域、主要政策和技术措施。方法 采用文献研究和政策研究法,系统梳理ICF的功能和健康架构、WHO康复相关政策报告和美国语言听力协会技术文件,结合我国听障儿童康复服务的现状和需求,提出构建基于ICF的听障儿童言语与语言康复服务体系的理论框架、优先领域和主要政策与技术措施。结果 发展听障儿童言语与语言康复需要遵循八大原则:以儿童为中心、尊重个体差异;全生命周期支持和促进持续发展;开展循证实践,确保干预的科学性和有效性;多学科团队合作并提供全面支持;构建家庭参与的支持网络;促进儿童的融合教育与社会参与;关注文化敏感性;技术赋能康复创新。听障儿童言语与语言康复要构建五大服务体系:早期筛查、诊断与干预综合体系;家庭和社会支持体系;多学科团队服务体系;全方位、多层次的听障儿童言语与语言康复服务体系;数字赋能服务构建新的康复服务模式。并讨论了优先发展领域以及主要政策和技术措施。结论 基于ICF的生物-心理-社会的功能和健康架构,通过加强政策支持、完善服务体系、构建多学科团队服务、推广数字赋能技术、加强社会支持等措施,可以为听障儿童提供全方位、个性化、持续性的高质量、全覆盖康复服务,促进儿童的全面发展和社会参与,提高儿童的生活质量。

心理复原模型框架下的动机性访谈对冠心病老年患者健康管理的影响

目的探讨心理复原模型框架下的动机性访谈对冠心病老年患者健康管理的影响。方法选取2023年1~4月于河南科技大学第一附属医院就诊的164例老年冠心病患者纳入研究,按随机数表法分为研究组和常规组各82例。常规组患者采用常规护理,研究组患者在常规组护理的基础上联合心理复原模型框架下的动机性访谈,两组均干预3个月。干预前后比较两组患者的心功能[左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)]、6 min步行试验结果、生活质量[西雅图心绞痛调查问卷(SAQ)]、自我管理行为[冠心病自我管理行为量表(CSMS)]、心理状态[焦虑自评量表(SAS)、抑郁自评量表(SDS)],同时比较两组患者的不良事件发生率和干预后3个月的复发率。结果干预后,研究组患者的LVESD、LVEDD分别为(46.25±3.25)mm、(45.39±1.17)mm,明显低于常规组的(50.14±4.19)mm、(49.87±1.39)mm,LVEF和6 min步行试验结果分别为(44.25±2.59)%、(362.27±12.35)m,明显高(长)于常规组的(39.98±2.21)%、(258.54±7.86)m,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);干预后,研究组患者的CSMS、SAQ评分分别为(68.50±1.20)分、(242.21±7.85)分,明显高于常规组的(54.68±2.38)分、(222.05±6.52)分,SAS、SDS评分分别为(38.52±2.14)分、(35.97±1.14)分,明显低于常规组的(44.14±3.58)分、(40.49±2.59)分,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组患者的不良事件总发生率为3.66%,明显低于常规组的12.20%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);干预后3个月,研究组患者的复发率为5.00%,明显低于常规组的15.19%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论心理复原模型框架下的动机性访谈应用于老年冠心病健康管理中可缓解患者负性情绪,改善患者自我管理行为,提升患者心功能及生活质量,降低不良事件发生风险,预防疾病复发。

藏茶科学研究现状与展望

藏茶生产历史悠久,文化积淀丰厚,是川藏地区少数民族同胞的生活必需品。本文综述了藏茶加工原料选用、品质形成机理及保健功效研究现状,旨在为雅安藏茶的研究与进一步发展提供依据,同时展望了藏茶未来的科学研究方向。