The current definition of health of the World Health Organization (WHO), formulated in 1948, describes health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease or in...The current definition of health of the World Health Organization (WHO), formulated in 1948, describes health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease or infirmity”.[1] Although, this formulation was been revolutionary because it overcame the negative definition of health as the absence of disease and included physical, mental and social domains, it has been partially criticized over the past 60 years. This definition is in fact referred to the disease acute pattern, which is transient and limited in the time. Today, the number of people living with chronic diseases for decades is increasing worldwide.展开更多
Background: Dengue fever (DF) is an important health problem in Asia. We examined it using its clinical symptoms to predict DF. Methods: We extracted statistically significant features from 17 DF-related clinical symp...Background: Dengue fever (DF) is an important health problem in Asia. We examined it using its clinical symptoms to predict DF. Methods: We extracted statistically significant features from 17 DF-related clinical symptoms in 177 pediatric patients (69 diagnosed with DF) using the unweighted summation score and the non-parametric HT person fit statistic, which jointly combine the weighted score (yielded by logistic regression) to predict DF risk. Results: Six symptoms (Family History, Fever 39C, Skin Rash, Petechiae, Abdominal Pain, and Weakness) significantly predicted DF. When a cutoff point of 1.03 (p = 0.26) suggested combining the weighted score and the HT coefficient, the sensitivity was 0.91 and the specificity was 0.76. The area under the ROC curve was 0.88, which was a better predictor: specificity was 5.56% higher than for the traditional logistic regression. Conclusions: Six simple symptoms analyzed using logistic regression were useful and valid for early detection of DF risk in children. A better predictive specificity increased after combining the non-parametric HT coefficient to the weighted regression score. A self-assessment using patient smart phones is available to discriminate DF and may eliminate the need for a costly and time-consuming dengue laboratory test.展开更多
Background: Health behavior (HB) is an action taken by a person who pursues good health and prevents illness. Health behavior, thus, reflects a person’s health beliefs and attracts, particularly, on published papers ...Background: Health behavior (HB) is an action taken by a person who pursues good health and prevents illness. Health behavior, thus, reflects a person’s health beliefs and attracts, particularly, on published papers in academics. However, who is the most influential author (MIA) with highly-cited papers on HB remains unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study is to apply the authorship-weighted scheme (AWS) developed by authors to select the MIA on HB using the visual displays on Google Maps. Methods: We obtained 1,116 abstracts published between 2012 and 2016 from Medline based on the keywords of (health [Title]) and (behavior [Title] or behavior [Title]) on September 22, 2018. The author names, countries/areas, and Pubmed paper IDs were recorded. The AWS was applied to (1) select the most productive authors (MPA) using social network analysis (SNA);(2) discover the MIA using h-indexes and author impact factors (AIF) dispersed on Google Maps, and (3) display the countries/areas distributed for the x-index in geography. Pajek software was performed to determine the partition categories of clusters. Results: We found that the MPA and MIA are Matthew K Nock (US) and Erika A Waters (US) for the MPA and MIA, respectively. All visual representations that are the form of a dashboard can be easily displayed on Google Maps. The most influential countries are the US (=19.03) and Australia (=6.46) with the highest x-indexes. Readers are suggested to manipulate them on their own on Google Maps. Conclusion: Many individual researchers achievements (IRA) were determined using h-index, AIF, x-index, or other bibliometric indices without quantifying author contributions. We demonstrated visualized representations on Google Maps using the AWS developed by authors to measure authors influences in a specific discipline. The research approach using the AWS to quantify the authors contributions can be applied to measure IRA in the future.展开更多
Central nervous system involvement in hydatidosis is rare compared to other somatic localizations: 1-5%. It is schematically divided into two major types: cerebral involvement and spinal involvement. The brain is a ra...Central nervous system involvement in hydatidosis is rare compared to other somatic localizations: 1-5%. It is schematically divided into two major types: cerebral involvement and spinal involvement. The brain is a rare localization of hydatid cyst accounting for only 2% of all hydatid disease. The psychiatric manifestations revealing cerebral hydatidosis remain exceptional and often unrecognized and neglected by practitioners despite their potential severity. We report two original observations of fatal cerebral hydatidosis revealed by behavior change (psychomotor agitation, aggressiveness, persecutory delusion, and auditory and visual hallucinations) insufficiently explored in two women aged 45 and 17. The possibility of cerebral hydatidosis must always be evoked in front of any psychiatric symptomatology that remains unexplained in endemic areas for echinococcosis.展开更多
Background:Health behavior is an action taken by a person to maintain, attain, or regain good health and to prevent illness. As such, health behavior reflects a person’s health beliefs and attracts many published pap...Background:Health behavior is an action taken by a person to maintain, attain, or regain good health and to prevent illness. As such, health behavior reflects a person’s health beliefs and attracts many published papers in academics. However, who is the most influential author (MIA) remains unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study is to apply the algorithm of between centrality(BC) in social network analysis (SNA) to select the MIA on the topic of health behavior using the visual displays on Google Maps. Methods: We obtained 3,593 abstracts from Medline based on the keywords of (health [Title]) and (behavior [Title] or behaviour [Title]) on June 30, 2018. The author names, countries/areas, and author-defined keywords were recorded. The BCs were applied to (1) select the MIA using SNA;(2) display the countries/areas distributed for the 1st author in geography,(3) discover the author clusters dispersed on Google Maps, and (4) investigate the keywords dispersed for the cluster related to the MIA on a dashboard. Pajek software was performed to yield the BC for each entity (or say node). Results: We found that the MIA is Spring, Bonnie (US). All visual representations that are the form of a dashboard can be easily displayed on Google Maps. The most influential country and the keywords are the US and health behavior. Readers are suggested to manipulate them on their own on Google Maps. Conclusion: Social network analysis provides wide and deep insight into the relationships with the pattern of international author collaborations. If incorporated with Google Maps, the dashboard can release much more information regarding our interesting topics for us in academics. The research approach using the BC to identify the same author names can be applied to other bibliometric analyses in the future.展开更多
Background and Aims: Dissatisfaction with sexual relationships can influence the marital life of people and have negative psychological effects on them. Hence, the current research was conducted to evaluate the effect...Background and Aims: Dissatisfaction with sexual relationships can influence the marital life of people and have negative psychological effects on them. Hence, the current research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of sexual skills training on marital satisfaction. Methods: The study design was quasiexperimental with pre-test and post-test type along with a control group. The research samples included 14 couples (28 people) who were randomly divided into experimental and control groups to evaluate the effect of sexual medicine intervention. Interventions were provided to the experimental group during 9 sessions. Control group did not receive any interventions during this time. Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (short form) was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 19, software. Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that sexual skills training increased marital satisfaction (p<0.01). Thus, based on the results obtained and the importance of sexual skills training in increasing marital satisfaction, psychotherapists and counselors are recommended to use this intervention to reduce marital problems and increase satisfaction in couples.展开更多
Despite the very high burden of malaria among children in Borno state, the proportion of those who receive standard treatment has been very low. This study aimed to determine malaria knowledge, attitude towards preven...Despite the very high burden of malaria among children in Borno state, the proportion of those who receive standard treatment has been very low. This study aimed to determine malaria knowledge, attitude towards prevention, and health care seeking behaviours of parents or caregivers of children presenting with fever at the paediatric clinic of a secondary-level hospital in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, from the parents or caregivers of children presented to the Paediatric clinic with history of fever, and analysed in SPSS. A total of 331 respondents were finally recruited into the study. The ages of the children ranged from one to fourteen years. Some of them (15.3%) were internally displaced persons (IDPs). As many as 90.7% and 91.9% of the respondents believed that malaria is a life-threatening illness, and ITNs could prevent malaria, respectively. Less than a half of them (42.3%) had immediately brought their children to the hospital once they detected the fever. At the hospital, only 202 (60.7%) of the children had had malaria parasite test done on them, of which 89.1% tested positive. Permanent residents were more likely to promptly take their children to the hospital, one they detected fever, compared to IDPs ( 2=12.401, df =1, p=0.002). There is the need for promoting early presentation of febrile children to health centres, and also promoting routine malaria tests for febrile persons.展开更多
This study aims to evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) on the prevalence of hypertension among older adults in Beijing community. As economy growing rapidly in China, the occurrence of hypertension increases...This study aims to evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) on the prevalence of hypertension among older adults in Beijing community. As economy growing rapidly in China, the occurrence of hypertension increases among older people in China as well. Epidemiological studies have shown that physical activity may significantly related to lower risk of hypertension. Taking PA maybe an instructive factor to reduce the risk of being hypertensive. We randomly selected Beijing community residents aged 65 and above (n = 400), collected data comprising level of PA (low, moderate, high), blood pressure, and a host of potentially confounding variables indicated by the literature. Five logistic regression models adjusted for different modifiers were used to estimate the association between hypertension and PA. The prevalence of hypertension was 96.88%, 78.57% and 73.66% among subjects with low, moderate and high level of PA respectively. Lower diastolic BP was observed for elder people with higher level of PA (p<0.01). We observed a strong and statistically significant association between moderate (OR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.74) or high (OR=0.08, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.57) level of PA and lower risk of hypertension (p < 0.05). PA is a protective factor for hypertension among older Beijing people, which suggests elderly people be encouraged to actively engage in PA, if body conditions permit.展开更多
Self-compassion refers to a positive, kind attitude of a person toward oneself when confronted with difficulties. A self-compassionate coping style may buffer against the development of psychological problems. Aim was...Self-compassion refers to a positive, kind attitude of a person toward oneself when confronted with difficulties. A self-compassionate coping style may buffer against the development of psychological problems. Aim was to introduce a new, 4-item measure for Self-compassion and to test its psychometric properties. In addition, its relationships with Neff’s Self Compassion Scale (SCS) and with the HADS depression and anxiety scales were studied, in an adult general population sample. The results showed that the SCCM had a high reliability, confirming internal validity. In addition, the SCCM was strongly related to all subscales and total score of the SCS, suggesting construct validity. Finally, also strong relationships were found with symptoms of depression and anxiety, suggesting criterion validity. The SCCM might therefore be considered a valuable and reliable tool in the study of self-compassion associated with mental-health problems, while it also might provide us with targets for intervention.展开更多
With pharmaceutical companies’ repeated failures at finding effective interventions for Alzheimer’s disease, together with an increasing reliance on the growing Federal funding for research, there is an emergent opp...With pharmaceutical companies’ repeated failures at finding effective interventions for Alzheimer’s disease, together with an increasing reliance on the growing Federal funding for research, there is an emergent opportunity for financing alternate research through crowdfunding. Crowdfundingwhere funding is obtained from small donations from a large group of peoplehas become a new source of funding for medical research. By understanding how the research community has evolved to study Alzheimer’s disease the pitfalls of this strategy can be highlighted. Alzheimer’s disease research is complex. From its inception in the early 1900s, Alzheimer’s disease has been at the center of movement within psychiatry to define the disease on the basis of its biology. Recent emphasisthrough the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), RDoC (Research Diagnostic Criteria), RDoC (Research Domain Criteria) as well as the more recent Framework from the U.S. National Institute on Aginghave supported an exclusive emphasis on biology. But by excluding other aspects of the disease, such as its clinical expression, this research approach will be shown to be faulty and contradictory. So far this approach has resulted in 100% failures. By examining the historical and financial circumstances of the industry centered on Alzheimer’s disease a strong warning is given to the public to mistrust crowdfunding Alzheimer’s disease research. A broader and more inclusive approach is likely to generate a better understanding of the disease and therefore hold better promise for understanding the disease in the long term. Such a nuance approach competes badly with the more binary search for a cure and is less receptive to public support through crowdfunding.展开更多
The health mobility is a right of the citizens that they can turn to any structure, without territorial restrictions, to look for an answer to their needs. Often produces inappropriateness and increases costs without ...The health mobility is a right of the citizens that they can turn to any structure, without territorial restrictions, to look for an answer to their needs. Often produces inappropriateness and increases costs without affecting the quality of care. The purpose of this work is to study in depth the phenomenon of passive hospital mobility of Calabrian citizens through detailed and comparative analysis relating to the years 2014 and 2015, and the analysis of inappropriateness.展开更多
A mini-review is presented for the evidence of growth-inhibitory effects of several psychoneurotropic drugs and glucocorticoids on developing animals and humans, together with our own data obtained in experimental mod...A mini-review is presented for the evidence of growth-inhibitory effects of several psychoneurotropic drugs and glucocorticoids on developing animals and humans, together with our own data obtained in experimental models, as well as in epidemiologic studies confirming female predominance in morbidity caused by affective disorders and in consumption of some psychoneurotropic drugs. The emerging concepts of pharmacotoxicologic programming/imprinting and embedding are discussed, justifying the necessity of regional DOHaD centers.展开更多
Many studies have indicated a relationship between smoking cessation and a history of depression. However, few studies have examined the association between smoking cessation and current depression and even fewer evid...Many studies have indicated a relationship between smoking cessation and a history of depression. However, few studies have examined the association between smoking cessation and current depression and even fewer evidence come from China's Mainland. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of smoking quitters, the correlates of successful smoking cessation, and its relationship with depressive symptoms in Northwest China. Methods: A total of 7,644 subjects who met the study’s entry criteria were randomly selected from the urban areas of three provinces in Northwest China and interviewed using standardized assessment tools, including basic characteristics of households and detailed information on family members. All respondents provided informed consent. Results: people with depression symptom have a more than 1.5-fold risk of abstinence from smoking than those without depression (OR=1.54;95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9) and the likelihood ratio test for two models reach statistical significance (x2=13.2, p<0.001). Smoking quitters have a more than 1.5-fold risk of having depressive symptoms than current smokers (OR=1.54;95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9) and the likelihood ratio test for two models is also statistically significant (x2=6449.85, p<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking quitters in urban areas of Northwest China is very low. After controlling certain confounders, smoking cessation is associated with current depressive symptoms. More rigorous surveys are needed to elucidate the barriers to smoking cessation in China. Government bodies in China should implement appropriate strategies and execute effective measures to mitigate its harmful consequences.展开更多
Antimicrobial resistance(AMR)is a pressing issue in China,with antibiotic therapy becoming less effective against bacterial infections.To address this challenge,the China Antimicrobial Surveillance Network(CHINET)was ...Antimicrobial resistance(AMR)is a pressing issue in China,with antibiotic therapy becoming less effective against bacterial infections.To address this challenge,the China Antimicrobial Surveillance Network(CHINET)was established in 2005 to monitor antimicrobial resistance in the country.This study analyzed the CHINET data from teaching hospi-tals and evaluated the trends of AMR in China from 2018 to 2022.A range of 163,636 to 301,917 isolates was obtained per year,with the majority being Gram-negative bacilli(69.0%to 71.8%).The proportion of important multidrug-resistant pathogens remained stable over the years.While the analysis showed diverse AMR profiles for different bac-terial species.Over the five years,generally decreased resistance rates were observed from the majority of the tested species.For example,resistance to ceftriaxone decreased in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae,while resistance to imipenem and meropenem decreased in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Moreover,resistance to methicillin,gentamicin,fosfomycin,and clindamycin also decreased in clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates.On the other hand,resistance levels of Acinetobacter baumannii remained stable.Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the AMR profiles of common bacterial species in China and highlights the ongoing efforts to address this challenge.展开更多
China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network for Pets(CARPet)was established in 2021 to monitor the resist-ance profiles of clinical bacterial pathogens from companion animals.From 2018 to 2021,we recovered and...China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network for Pets(CARPet)was established in 2021 to monitor the resist-ance profiles of clinical bacterial pathogens from companion animals.From 2018 to 2021,we recovered and tested 4,541 isolates from dogs and cats across 25 Chinese provinces,with Escherichia coli(18.5%)and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius(17.8%)being the most predominant bacterial species.The Enterobacterales were highly susceptible to tigecycline,meropenem,colistin,and amikacin(70.3%-100.0%),but showed moderate resistance to ampicillin,ceftriaxone,doxycycline,florfenicol,levofloxacin,enrofloxacin,and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole(29.3%-56.7%).About 66.3%of Acinetobacter spp.were resistant to florfenicol,with relatively low resistance to another 11 antibiot-ics(1.2%-23.3%).The Pseudomonas spp.showed high susceptibility to colistin(91.7%)and meropenem(88.3%).The coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp.showed higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents than coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates.However,over 90.0%of Staphylococcus spp.were susceptible to linezolid,dapto-mycin and rifampin,and no vancomycin-resistant isolates were detected.E.faecium isolates demonstrated higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents than E.faecalis isolates.Streptococcus spp.isolates showed low resistance to most antimicrobial agents except for doxycycline(78.2%)and azithromycin(68.8%).Overall,the tested clinical isolates showed high rates of resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents in companion animals.Therefore,it is crucial to strengthen the monitoring of bacterial resistance in pets.By timely and effectively collecting,analyzing,and reporting antimicrobial resistance dynamics in pets,the CARPet network will become a powerful platform to provide scientific guidance for both pet medical care and public health.展开更多
Salmonella is widely known as one of the most common foodborne pathogens,and antibiotics remain effective in clinical therapies against its infections.To guide better clinical antibiotic treatment,we analyzed the anti...Salmonella is widely known as one of the most common foodborne pathogens,and antibiotics remain effective in clinical therapies against its infections.To guide better clinical antibiotic treatment,we analyzed the antimicrobial resistance(AMR)profiles of a nation-wide collection of 36,822 Salmonella isolates derived from sporadic diarrhea cases in China from 2014 to 2021.A panel of 15 antibiotics,including 10 critically important and 5 highly important antimicrobial agents for human medicine based on the WHO CIA List,was selected for AMR surveillance.Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium,Enteritidis,I 4,[5],12:i:-,London,and Stanley were turns to be the top five serotypes from human diarrhea cases in China.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the majority of the isolates(87.2%)were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent,and 66.5%were multidrug resistant(MDR).Salmonella isolates were found to be highly resistant to ampicillin(73.4%)while sensitive to imipenem(98.73%).Over the eight years,the isolates were demonstrated generally an increase in resistance to ampicillin,chloramphenicol,trimethoprim-sulfameth-oxazole,and azithromycin,but displayed varied resistance profiles in terms of serotypes.Stanley(0.66-27.18%)and Agona(0.78-45.30%)had lower resistance rates compared to Typhimurium(1.11-85.6%),Enteritidis(1.55-91.29%),and I 4,[5],12:i:-(1.02-94.28%).In conclusion,our results provide systematic data on the resistance characteristics of Salmonella isolates from human diarrhea cases in China.Furthermore,this data identifies priorities for the clinical treatments of antibiotics.展开更多
The performance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing(AST)of bacteria and the interpretation of AST results for bacteria isolated from animals are complex tasks which must be performed using standard published metho...The performance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing(AST)of bacteria and the interpretation of AST results for bacteria isolated from animals are complex tasks which must be performed using standard published methodology and overseen by experts in clinical microbiology and in consultation with clinical pharmacologists.Otherwise,AST has significant potential for errors and mistakes.In this review,we provide guidance on how to correctly perform AST of bacteria isolated from animals and interpret the AST results.Particular emphasis is placed on the various approved or published methodologies for the different bacteria as well as the application of interpretive criteria,including clinical breakpoints and epidemiological cut-off values(ECVs/ECOFFs).Application of approved interpretive criteria and definitions of susceptible,susceptible dose-dependent,nonsusceptible,intermediate,and resistant for clinical breakpoints as well as wild-type and non-wildtype for ECVs,are explained and the difficulties resulting from the lack of approved clinical breakpoints for other bacteria,indications,and animal species is discussed.The requirement of quality controls in any AST approach is also emphasized.In addition,important parameters,often used in monitoring and surveillance studies,such as MIC50,MIC90,and testing range,are explained and criteria for the classification of bacteria as multidrug-resistant,extensively drug-resistant or pandrug-resistant are provided.Common mistakes are presented and the means to avoid them are described.To provide the most accurate AST,one must strictly adhere to approved standards or validated methodologies,like those of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute or other internationally accepted AST documents and the detailed information provided therein.展开更多
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global public health,and excessive antimicrobial use(AMU)in animals is a major contributing factor.We used national AMU data for food animals to examine the curre...Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global public health,and excessive antimicrobial use(AMU)in animals is a major contributing factor.We used national AMU data for food animals to examine the current status and trends for AMU in food animals in China from 2018-2020.In 2020,China used 32,776.30 tons of antimicrobials in food animals,amounting to 165 g of antimicrobials per ton of animal products.AMU in China increased throughout the 2018-2020 study period;however,the data still showed a consistent and notable reduction from those of 2017,coinciding with the implementation of the China National Action Plan for Combating Animal Antimicrobial Resistance.Among the antimicrobials used,tetracyclines,macrolides andβ-lactams(includingβ-lactam inhibitors)were the most commonly used in food animals.Analysis by antimicrobial class revealed shifts in usage patterns,such as decreased tetracycline use and increased macrolide andβ-lactam use.Furthermore,the use of antimicrobial growth promoters decreased sharply,from 51.78%in 2018 to 28.7%in 2020.Compared with AMU data from other countries,China used more antimicrobials,but the values were relatively lower when adjusted for population correction units.These findings highlight China’s remarkable efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting antimicrobial stewardship,thus contributing significantly to global initiatives.展开更多
Continuously emergence of human infection with avian influenza A virus poses persistent threat to public health,as illustrated in zoonotic H5N1/6 and H7N9 infections.The recent surge of infection to farmed mink by mul...Continuously emergence of human infection with avian influenza A virus poses persistent threat to public health,as illustrated in zoonotic H5N1/6 and H7N9 infections.The recent surge of infection to farmed mink by multiple subtypes of avian influenza A viruses in China highlights the role of mink in the ecology of influenza in this region.Serologic studies suggested that farmed mink in China are frequently infected with prevailing human(H3N2 and H1N1/pdm)and avian(H7N9,H5N6,and H9N2)influenza A viruses.Moreover,genetic analysis from the sequences of influenza viruses from mink showed that several strains acquired mammalian adaptive mutations compared to their avian counterparts.The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mink to human alerts us that mink may serve as an intermediate host or reservoir of some emerging pathogens.Considering the high susceptibility to different influenza A viruses,it is possible that mink in endemic regions may play a role as an“mixing vessel”for generating novel pandemic strain.Thus,enhanced surveillance of influenza viruses in mink should be urgently implemented for early warning of potential pandemic.展开更多
Canine Leishmaniasis(CanL)is an endemic infectious disease in China,causing visceral Leishmaniasis(VL)and result-ing in important public health problem.However,in the last 3 y,endemic trends have changed considerably ...Canine Leishmaniasis(CanL)is an endemic infectious disease in China,causing visceral Leishmaniasis(VL)and result-ing in important public health problem.However,in the last 3 y,endemic trends have changed considerably and spa-tial-temporal aggregation areas have shifted from northwestern to central China.Although Beijing was an endemic area for CanL in the last century,this disease has not been reported in Beijing since control programs were imple-mented in the 1950s.In the present study,PCR and immunochromatographic(ICT)were used to estimate prevalence of Leishmania infection in domestic dogs living in Beijing,a VL re-emergencearea.In total,4420 canine blood samples were collected at vet clinics in 14 districts of Beijing.Overall prevalence(percentage of dogs seropositive and/or PCR positive)of CanL infection in Beijing was 1.22%(54/4420).However,prevalence of CanL in the western mountain areas was 4.68%(45/961),significantly higher than that(0.26%,9/3459)of the plains.In addition,multilocus sequence typing(MLST)of seven enzyme-coding genes was used to examine phylogenetic relationships of CanL strains.Forty-one Leishmania infantum isolates were well separated from the other strains and divided into five major clades(A to E)by MLST analysis.All clades were closely related to strains from Sichuan Province and Gansu Province.A phylogenetic tree,based on the MLST,revealed that L.infantum in Beijing was genetically related to strains from western endemic of Mountain type VL in China.In conclusion,CanL has re-emerged in Beijing,and almost 5%of dogs living in Beijing’s mountain areas were infected with L.infantum.The phylogenetic tree based on MLST effectively distinguished species of Leishmania and reflected geographical origins.Because dogs are considered a natural reservoir,comprehensive control measures including surveillance,phylogenetic analyses and management should be implemented to mitigate or eliminate Leishmaniasis.展开更多
文摘The current definition of health of the World Health Organization (WHO), formulated in 1948, describes health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease or infirmity”.[1] Although, this formulation was been revolutionary because it overcame the negative definition of health as the absence of disease and included physical, mental and social domains, it has been partially criticized over the past 60 years. This definition is in fact referred to the disease acute pattern, which is transient and limited in the time. Today, the number of people living with chronic diseases for decades is increasing worldwide.
文摘Background: Dengue fever (DF) is an important health problem in Asia. We examined it using its clinical symptoms to predict DF. Methods: We extracted statistically significant features from 17 DF-related clinical symptoms in 177 pediatric patients (69 diagnosed with DF) using the unweighted summation score and the non-parametric HT person fit statistic, which jointly combine the weighted score (yielded by logistic regression) to predict DF risk. Results: Six symptoms (Family History, Fever 39C, Skin Rash, Petechiae, Abdominal Pain, and Weakness) significantly predicted DF. When a cutoff point of 1.03 (p = 0.26) suggested combining the weighted score and the HT coefficient, the sensitivity was 0.91 and the specificity was 0.76. The area under the ROC curve was 0.88, which was a better predictor: specificity was 5.56% higher than for the traditional logistic regression. Conclusions: Six simple symptoms analyzed using logistic regression were useful and valid for early detection of DF risk in children. A better predictive specificity increased after combining the non-parametric HT coefficient to the weighted regression score. A self-assessment using patient smart phones is available to discriminate DF and may eliminate the need for a costly and time-consuming dengue laboratory test.
文摘Background: Health behavior (HB) is an action taken by a person who pursues good health and prevents illness. Health behavior, thus, reflects a person’s health beliefs and attracts, particularly, on published papers in academics. However, who is the most influential author (MIA) with highly-cited papers on HB remains unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study is to apply the authorship-weighted scheme (AWS) developed by authors to select the MIA on HB using the visual displays on Google Maps. Methods: We obtained 1,116 abstracts published between 2012 and 2016 from Medline based on the keywords of (health [Title]) and (behavior [Title] or behavior [Title]) on September 22, 2018. The author names, countries/areas, and Pubmed paper IDs were recorded. The AWS was applied to (1) select the most productive authors (MPA) using social network analysis (SNA);(2) discover the MIA using h-indexes and author impact factors (AIF) dispersed on Google Maps, and (3) display the countries/areas distributed for the x-index in geography. Pajek software was performed to determine the partition categories of clusters. Results: We found that the MPA and MIA are Matthew K Nock (US) and Erika A Waters (US) for the MPA and MIA, respectively. All visual representations that are the form of a dashboard can be easily displayed on Google Maps. The most influential countries are the US (=19.03) and Australia (=6.46) with the highest x-indexes. Readers are suggested to manipulate them on their own on Google Maps. Conclusion: Many individual researchers achievements (IRA) were determined using h-index, AIF, x-index, or other bibliometric indices without quantifying author contributions. We demonstrated visualized representations on Google Maps using the AWS developed by authors to measure authors influences in a specific discipline. The research approach using the AWS to quantify the authors contributions can be applied to measure IRA in the future.
文摘Central nervous system involvement in hydatidosis is rare compared to other somatic localizations: 1-5%. It is schematically divided into two major types: cerebral involvement and spinal involvement. The brain is a rare localization of hydatid cyst accounting for only 2% of all hydatid disease. The psychiatric manifestations revealing cerebral hydatidosis remain exceptional and often unrecognized and neglected by practitioners despite their potential severity. We report two original observations of fatal cerebral hydatidosis revealed by behavior change (psychomotor agitation, aggressiveness, persecutory delusion, and auditory and visual hallucinations) insufficiently explored in two women aged 45 and 17. The possibility of cerebral hydatidosis must always be evoked in front of any psychiatric symptomatology that remains unexplained in endemic areas for echinococcosis.
文摘Background:Health behavior is an action taken by a person to maintain, attain, or regain good health and to prevent illness. As such, health behavior reflects a person’s health beliefs and attracts many published papers in academics. However, who is the most influential author (MIA) remains unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study is to apply the algorithm of between centrality(BC) in social network analysis (SNA) to select the MIA on the topic of health behavior using the visual displays on Google Maps. Methods: We obtained 3,593 abstracts from Medline based on the keywords of (health [Title]) and (behavior [Title] or behaviour [Title]) on June 30, 2018. The author names, countries/areas, and author-defined keywords were recorded. The BCs were applied to (1) select the MIA using SNA;(2) display the countries/areas distributed for the 1st author in geography,(3) discover the author clusters dispersed on Google Maps, and (4) investigate the keywords dispersed for the cluster related to the MIA on a dashboard. Pajek software was performed to yield the BC for each entity (or say node). Results: We found that the MIA is Spring, Bonnie (US). All visual representations that are the form of a dashboard can be easily displayed on Google Maps. The most influential country and the keywords are the US and health behavior. Readers are suggested to manipulate them on their own on Google Maps. Conclusion: Social network analysis provides wide and deep insight into the relationships with the pattern of international author collaborations. If incorporated with Google Maps, the dashboard can release much more information regarding our interesting topics for us in academics. The research approach using the BC to identify the same author names can be applied to other bibliometric analyses in the future.
文摘Background and Aims: Dissatisfaction with sexual relationships can influence the marital life of people and have negative psychological effects on them. Hence, the current research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of sexual skills training on marital satisfaction. Methods: The study design was quasiexperimental with pre-test and post-test type along with a control group. The research samples included 14 couples (28 people) who were randomly divided into experimental and control groups to evaluate the effect of sexual medicine intervention. Interventions were provided to the experimental group during 9 sessions. Control group did not receive any interventions during this time. Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (short form) was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 19, software. Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that sexual skills training increased marital satisfaction (p<0.01). Thus, based on the results obtained and the importance of sexual skills training in increasing marital satisfaction, psychotherapists and counselors are recommended to use this intervention to reduce marital problems and increase satisfaction in couples.
文摘Despite the very high burden of malaria among children in Borno state, the proportion of those who receive standard treatment has been very low. This study aimed to determine malaria knowledge, attitude towards prevention, and health care seeking behaviours of parents or caregivers of children presenting with fever at the paediatric clinic of a secondary-level hospital in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, from the parents or caregivers of children presented to the Paediatric clinic with history of fever, and analysed in SPSS. A total of 331 respondents were finally recruited into the study. The ages of the children ranged from one to fourteen years. Some of them (15.3%) were internally displaced persons (IDPs). As many as 90.7% and 91.9% of the respondents believed that malaria is a life-threatening illness, and ITNs could prevent malaria, respectively. Less than a half of them (42.3%) had immediately brought their children to the hospital once they detected the fever. At the hospital, only 202 (60.7%) of the children had had malaria parasite test done on them, of which 89.1% tested positive. Permanent residents were more likely to promptly take their children to the hospital, one they detected fever, compared to IDPs ( 2=12.401, df =1, p=0.002). There is the need for promoting early presentation of febrile children to health centres, and also promoting routine malaria tests for febrile persons.
文摘This study aims to evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) on the prevalence of hypertension among older adults in Beijing community. As economy growing rapidly in China, the occurrence of hypertension increases among older people in China as well. Epidemiological studies have shown that physical activity may significantly related to lower risk of hypertension. Taking PA maybe an instructive factor to reduce the risk of being hypertensive. We randomly selected Beijing community residents aged 65 and above (n = 400), collected data comprising level of PA (low, moderate, high), blood pressure, and a host of potentially confounding variables indicated by the literature. Five logistic regression models adjusted for different modifiers were used to estimate the association between hypertension and PA. The prevalence of hypertension was 96.88%, 78.57% and 73.66% among subjects with low, moderate and high level of PA respectively. Lower diastolic BP was observed for elder people with higher level of PA (p<0.01). We observed a strong and statistically significant association between moderate (OR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.74) or high (OR=0.08, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.57) level of PA and lower risk of hypertension (p < 0.05). PA is a protective factor for hypertension among older Beijing people, which suggests elderly people be encouraged to actively engage in PA, if body conditions permit.
文摘Self-compassion refers to a positive, kind attitude of a person toward oneself when confronted with difficulties. A self-compassionate coping style may buffer against the development of psychological problems. Aim was to introduce a new, 4-item measure for Self-compassion and to test its psychometric properties. In addition, its relationships with Neff’s Self Compassion Scale (SCS) and with the HADS depression and anxiety scales were studied, in an adult general population sample. The results showed that the SCCM had a high reliability, confirming internal validity. In addition, the SCCM was strongly related to all subscales and total score of the SCS, suggesting construct validity. Finally, also strong relationships were found with symptoms of depression and anxiety, suggesting criterion validity. The SCCM might therefore be considered a valuable and reliable tool in the study of self-compassion associated with mental-health problems, while it also might provide us with targets for intervention.
文摘With pharmaceutical companies’ repeated failures at finding effective interventions for Alzheimer’s disease, together with an increasing reliance on the growing Federal funding for research, there is an emergent opportunity for financing alternate research through crowdfunding. Crowdfundingwhere funding is obtained from small donations from a large group of peoplehas become a new source of funding for medical research. By understanding how the research community has evolved to study Alzheimer’s disease the pitfalls of this strategy can be highlighted. Alzheimer’s disease research is complex. From its inception in the early 1900s, Alzheimer’s disease has been at the center of movement within psychiatry to define the disease on the basis of its biology. Recent emphasisthrough the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), RDoC (Research Diagnostic Criteria), RDoC (Research Domain Criteria) as well as the more recent Framework from the U.S. National Institute on Aginghave supported an exclusive emphasis on biology. But by excluding other aspects of the disease, such as its clinical expression, this research approach will be shown to be faulty and contradictory. So far this approach has resulted in 100% failures. By examining the historical and financial circumstances of the industry centered on Alzheimer’s disease a strong warning is given to the public to mistrust crowdfunding Alzheimer’s disease research. A broader and more inclusive approach is likely to generate a better understanding of the disease and therefore hold better promise for understanding the disease in the long term. Such a nuance approach competes badly with the more binary search for a cure and is less receptive to public support through crowdfunding.
文摘The health mobility is a right of the citizens that they can turn to any structure, without territorial restrictions, to look for an answer to their needs. Often produces inappropriateness and increases costs without affecting the quality of care. The purpose of this work is to study in depth the phenomenon of passive hospital mobility of Calabrian citizens through detailed and comparative analysis relating to the years 2014 and 2015, and the analysis of inappropriateness.
文摘A mini-review is presented for the evidence of growth-inhibitory effects of several psychoneurotropic drugs and glucocorticoids on developing animals and humans, together with our own data obtained in experimental models, as well as in epidemiologic studies confirming female predominance in morbidity caused by affective disorders and in consumption of some psychoneurotropic drugs. The emerging concepts of pharmacotoxicologic programming/imprinting and embedding are discussed, justifying the necessity of regional DOHaD centers.
文摘Many studies have indicated a relationship between smoking cessation and a history of depression. However, few studies have examined the association between smoking cessation and current depression and even fewer evidence come from China's Mainland. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of smoking quitters, the correlates of successful smoking cessation, and its relationship with depressive symptoms in Northwest China. Methods: A total of 7,644 subjects who met the study’s entry criteria were randomly selected from the urban areas of three provinces in Northwest China and interviewed using standardized assessment tools, including basic characteristics of households and detailed information on family members. All respondents provided informed consent. Results: people with depression symptom have a more than 1.5-fold risk of abstinence from smoking than those without depression (OR=1.54;95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9) and the likelihood ratio test for two models reach statistical significance (x2=13.2, p<0.001). Smoking quitters have a more than 1.5-fold risk of having depressive symptoms than current smokers (OR=1.54;95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9) and the likelihood ratio test for two models is also statistically significant (x2=6449.85, p<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking quitters in urban areas of Northwest China is very low. After controlling certain confounders, smoking cessation is associated with current depressive symptoms. More rigorous surveys are needed to elucidate the barriers to smoking cessation in China. Government bodies in China should implement appropriate strategies and execute effective measures to mitigate its harmful consequences.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2701800 and 2021YFC2701803)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.81861138052)+1 种基金the China Antimicrobial Surveillance Network(independent medical grants from Pfizer,2018QD100)the Shanghai Antimicrobial Surveillance Network(3030231003).
文摘Antimicrobial resistance(AMR)is a pressing issue in China,with antibiotic therapy becoming less effective against bacterial infections.To address this challenge,the China Antimicrobial Surveillance Network(CHINET)was established in 2005 to monitor antimicrobial resistance in the country.This study analyzed the CHINET data from teaching hospi-tals and evaluated the trends of AMR in China from 2018 to 2022.A range of 163,636 to 301,917 isolates was obtained per year,with the majority being Gram-negative bacilli(69.0%to 71.8%).The proportion of important multidrug-resistant pathogens remained stable over the years.While the analysis showed diverse AMR profiles for different bac-terial species.Over the five years,generally decreased resistance rates were observed from the majority of the tested species.For example,resistance to ceftriaxone decreased in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae,while resistance to imipenem and meropenem decreased in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Moreover,resistance to methicillin,gentamicin,fosfomycin,and clindamycin also decreased in clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates.On the other hand,resistance levels of Acinetobacter baumannii remained stable.Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the AMR profiles of common bacterial species in China and highlights the ongoing efforts to address this challenge.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1800400)Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Project(Z171100001517008).
文摘China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network for Pets(CARPet)was established in 2021 to monitor the resist-ance profiles of clinical bacterial pathogens from companion animals.From 2018 to 2021,we recovered and tested 4,541 isolates from dogs and cats across 25 Chinese provinces,with Escherichia coli(18.5%)and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius(17.8%)being the most predominant bacterial species.The Enterobacterales were highly susceptible to tigecycline,meropenem,colistin,and amikacin(70.3%-100.0%),but showed moderate resistance to ampicillin,ceftriaxone,doxycycline,florfenicol,levofloxacin,enrofloxacin,and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole(29.3%-56.7%).About 66.3%of Acinetobacter spp.were resistant to florfenicol,with relatively low resistance to another 11 antibiot-ics(1.2%-23.3%).The Pseudomonas spp.showed high susceptibility to colistin(91.7%)and meropenem(88.3%).The coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp.showed higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents than coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates.However,over 90.0%of Staphylococcus spp.were susceptible to linezolid,dapto-mycin and rifampin,and no vancomycin-resistant isolates were detected.E.faecium isolates demonstrated higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents than E.faecalis isolates.Streptococcus spp.isolates showed low resistance to most antimicrobial agents except for doxycycline(78.2%)and azithromycin(68.8%).Overall,the tested clinical isolates showed high rates of resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents in companion animals.Therefore,it is crucial to strengthen the monitoring of bacterial resistance in pets.By timely and effectively collecting,analyzing,and reporting antimicrobial resistance dynamics in pets,the CARPet network will become a powerful platform to provide scientific guidance for both pet medical care and public health.
基金supported by The National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant number 2022YFC2303900).
文摘Salmonella is widely known as one of the most common foodborne pathogens,and antibiotics remain effective in clinical therapies against its infections.To guide better clinical antibiotic treatment,we analyzed the antimicrobial resistance(AMR)profiles of a nation-wide collection of 36,822 Salmonella isolates derived from sporadic diarrhea cases in China from 2014 to 2021.A panel of 15 antibiotics,including 10 critically important and 5 highly important antimicrobial agents for human medicine based on the WHO CIA List,was selected for AMR surveillance.Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium,Enteritidis,I 4,[5],12:i:-,London,and Stanley were turns to be the top five serotypes from human diarrhea cases in China.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the majority of the isolates(87.2%)were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent,and 66.5%were multidrug resistant(MDR).Salmonella isolates were found to be highly resistant to ampicillin(73.4%)while sensitive to imipenem(98.73%).Over the eight years,the isolates were demonstrated generally an increase in resistance to ampicillin,chloramphenicol,trimethoprim-sulfameth-oxazole,and azithromycin,but displayed varied resistance profiles in terms of serotypes.Stanley(0.66-27.18%)and Agona(0.78-45.30%)had lower resistance rates compared to Typhimurium(1.11-85.6%),Enteritidis(1.55-91.29%),and I 4,[5],12:i:-(1.02-94.28%).In conclusion,our results provide systematic data on the resistance characteristics of Salmonella isolates from human diarrhea cases in China.Furthermore,this data identifies priorities for the clinical treatments of antibiotics.
文摘The performance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing(AST)of bacteria and the interpretation of AST results for bacteria isolated from animals are complex tasks which must be performed using standard published methodology and overseen by experts in clinical microbiology and in consultation with clinical pharmacologists.Otherwise,AST has significant potential for errors and mistakes.In this review,we provide guidance on how to correctly perform AST of bacteria isolated from animals and interpret the AST results.Particular emphasis is placed on the various approved or published methodologies for the different bacteria as well as the application of interpretive criteria,including clinical breakpoints and epidemiological cut-off values(ECVs/ECOFFs).Application of approved interpretive criteria and definitions of susceptible,susceptible dose-dependent,nonsusceptible,intermediate,and resistant for clinical breakpoints as well as wild-type and non-wildtype for ECVs,are explained and the difficulties resulting from the lack of approved clinical breakpoints for other bacteria,indications,and animal species is discussed.The requirement of quality controls in any AST approach is also emphasized.In addition,important parameters,often used in monitoring and surveillance studies,such as MIC50,MIC90,and testing range,are explained and criteria for the classification of bacteria as multidrug-resistant,extensively drug-resistant or pandrug-resistant are provided.Common mistakes are presented and the means to avoid them are described.To provide the most accurate AST,one must strictly adhere to approved standards or validated methodologies,like those of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute or other internationally accepted AST documents and the detailed information provided therein.
基金supported by a grant from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(grant number 2022YFD1800400).
文摘Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global public health,and excessive antimicrobial use(AMU)in animals is a major contributing factor.We used national AMU data for food animals to examine the current status and trends for AMU in food animals in China from 2018-2020.In 2020,China used 32,776.30 tons of antimicrobials in food animals,amounting to 165 g of antimicrobials per ton of animal products.AMU in China increased throughout the 2018-2020 study period;however,the data still showed a consistent and notable reduction from those of 2017,coinciding with the implementation of the China National Action Plan for Combating Animal Antimicrobial Resistance.Among the antimicrobials used,tetracyclines,macrolides andβ-lactams(includingβ-lactam inhibitors)were the most commonly used in food animals.Analysis by antimicrobial class revealed shifts in usage patterns,such as decreased tetracycline use and increased macrolide andβ-lactam use.Furthermore,the use of antimicrobial growth promoters decreased sharply,from 51.78%in 2018 to 28.7%in 2020.Compared with AMU data from other countries,China used more antimicrobials,but the values were relatively lower when adjusted for population correction units.These findings highlight China’s remarkable efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting antimicrobial stewardship,thus contributing significantly to global initiatives.
文摘Continuously emergence of human infection with avian influenza A virus poses persistent threat to public health,as illustrated in zoonotic H5N1/6 and H7N9 infections.The recent surge of infection to farmed mink by multiple subtypes of avian influenza A viruses in China highlights the role of mink in the ecology of influenza in this region.Serologic studies suggested that farmed mink in China are frequently infected with prevailing human(H3N2 and H1N1/pdm)and avian(H7N9,H5N6,and H9N2)influenza A viruses.Moreover,genetic analysis from the sequences of influenza viruses from mink showed that several strains acquired mammalian adaptive mutations compared to their avian counterparts.The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mink to human alerts us that mink may serve as an intermediate host or reservoir of some emerging pathogens.Considering the high susceptibility to different influenza A viruses,it is possible that mink in endemic regions may play a role as an“mixing vessel”for generating novel pandemic strain.Thus,enhanced surveillance of influenza viruses in mink should be urgently implemented for early warning of potential pandemic.
基金supported by the China Agricultural University Teaching Animal Hospital.
文摘Canine Leishmaniasis(CanL)is an endemic infectious disease in China,causing visceral Leishmaniasis(VL)and result-ing in important public health problem.However,in the last 3 y,endemic trends have changed considerably and spa-tial-temporal aggregation areas have shifted from northwestern to central China.Although Beijing was an endemic area for CanL in the last century,this disease has not been reported in Beijing since control programs were imple-mented in the 1950s.In the present study,PCR and immunochromatographic(ICT)were used to estimate prevalence of Leishmania infection in domestic dogs living in Beijing,a VL re-emergencearea.In total,4420 canine blood samples were collected at vet clinics in 14 districts of Beijing.Overall prevalence(percentage of dogs seropositive and/or PCR positive)of CanL infection in Beijing was 1.22%(54/4420).However,prevalence of CanL in the western mountain areas was 4.68%(45/961),significantly higher than that(0.26%,9/3459)of the plains.In addition,multilocus sequence typing(MLST)of seven enzyme-coding genes was used to examine phylogenetic relationships of CanL strains.Forty-one Leishmania infantum isolates were well separated from the other strains and divided into five major clades(A to E)by MLST analysis.All clades were closely related to strains from Sichuan Province and Gansu Province.A phylogenetic tree,based on the MLST,revealed that L.infantum in Beijing was genetically related to strains from western endemic of Mountain type VL in China.In conclusion,CanL has re-emerged in Beijing,and almost 5%of dogs living in Beijing’s mountain areas were infected with L.infantum.The phylogenetic tree based on MLST effectively distinguished species of Leishmania and reflected geographical origins.Because dogs are considered a natural reservoir,comprehensive control measures including surveillance,phylogenetic analyses and management should be implemented to mitigate or eliminate Leishmaniasis.
