Prepared with concrete and pragmatic questions,members of a media delegation from the Republic of the Congo toured the cities of Yunfu and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province from 16 to 22 November 2025.They visited produc...Prepared with concrete and pragmatic questions,members of a media delegation from the Republic of the Congo toured the cities of Yunfu and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province from 16 to 22 November 2025.They visited production workshops,explored research institutes,toured beautiful villages and discovered archaeological sites,searching for the keys to Chinese modernisation in its many dimensions.展开更多
The application of legal texts in the context of digital television is a process that relies on several normative instruments,ranging from international treaties,such as those of the ITU(International Telecommunicatio...The application of legal texts in the context of digital television is a process that relies on several normative instruments,ranging from international treaties,such as those of the ITU(International Telecommunications Union),to national regulations defining the obligations of audiovisual operators and the modalities of consumer support.Many countries have introduced specific laws and regulations to organize the gradual switch-off of analog broadcasting and encourage the adoption of new digital standards.Consequently,the digitization of Guinea’s broadcasting network cannot be carried out without taking into account the legal framework:allocation of resources and broadcasting players.Analog and digital broadcasting,according to regulatory texts,shows the relationships between the different communication management structures.As for digital broadcasting,we note the appearance of a new service,multiplex.展开更多
BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally,including the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).Despite its increasing incidence,limited data exist on physicians’knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the D...BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally,including the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).Despite its increasing incidence,limited data exist on physicians’knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the DRC.AIM To evaluate the knowledge levels of Congolese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancers,and to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement.METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024,involving 369 physicians practicing in healthcare facilities across Kinshasa,DRC.Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method.Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering thyroid cancer epidemiology,diagnostic methods,treatment approaches,and prognosis.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25,employing descriptive and inferential statistics,with a P value≤0.05 being considered as statistically significant.RESULTS Overall response rate was 96.1%.Of all participants,68%were female and 32%were male physicians.General practitioners constituted 84.8%of respondents,with an average age of 34 years.While 53.7%demonstrated adequate knowledge of hypothyroidism management post-thyroidectomy and 61.2%identified the approach for hypoparathyroidism,only 5.1%recognized the need for radiotherapy in metastatic thyroid cancer cases.Awareness of anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment was limited(6.5%),and 90.2%of physicians were unfamiliar with the surgical complications.Moderate understanding was noted in diagnostic protocols,with 44.2%correctly identifying repeat fine-needle aspiration timing in Bethesda I cases.Knowledge of molecular genetics,recurrence risks,and metastasis patterns was remarkably low.CONCLUSION This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among Congolese physicians regarding thyroid cancer management,especially about advanced treatment modalities and molecular genetics.Targeted educational programs and improved access to diagnostic tools are critical to bridging these deficits.Addressing these gaps can enhance the quality of thyroid cancer care and align clinical practices in the DRC with global standards.展开更多
Introduction: Obstetric Fistulas (OF) constitute a major public health problem in developing countries in general and in Central African Republic (CAR) in particular because of its numerous consequences. The objective...Introduction: Obstetric Fistulas (OF) constitute a major public health problem in developing countries in general and in Central African Republic (CAR) in particular because of its numerous consequences. The objective of this work is to contribute to the management of OF cases in CAR. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, including data from several OF care services. The study included 245 cases of OF, operated on from 2009 to 2018. The parameters studied were maternal and obstetrical data, sociodemographic data, the specific characteristics of the fistulas as well as the modalities and outcome of surgical treatment. The data collected came from six (6) OF surgical repair campaigns organized by the Ministry of Health and Population with the support of UNFPA. Results: We recorded 245 patients, representing a prevalence of 0.77% of OF per year. Among these patients, almost half (45.3%) were treated at the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital Center (CHUASC). The average age of the patients was 30 years (range 14 to 78 years). They were unschooled (53.9%) and primigravidas (35%). The fistulas had an average duration of evolution of 7.58 years. They were vesicovaginal in 25.3%. Types V and I dominated in 17.4% and 9.2%, respectively. In 85.9% of cases, fistulorrhaphy was performed, half of which (50.2%) via the upper route. The cure rate was 83.3%. Note that our study reveals statistically significant links between the evolution after surgery with age (p = 0.04 Conclusion: OF mainly affected women of childbearing age, uneducated, primiparous. Vesicovaginal fistula was the frequently encountered type and was manifested by urine loss clinically with a positive methylene blue test.展开更多
This paper discusses the ways in which classicists communicate and present themselves in the digital world by comparing selected“Western”and Chinese social media platforms and specific forms of digital communication...This paper discusses the ways in which classicists communicate and present themselves in the digital world by comparing selected“Western”and Chinese social media platforms and specific forms of digital communication.It argues that a Digital Republic of Letters is emerging,encompassing all the pros and cons of digitality alongside the very same participatory possibilities and limitations which the historical Republic of Letters offered.Therefore,it is natural to question whether this said Digital Republic of Letters will form a“Global Classics”community as it shows significant differences in the modes of how Greco-Roman Classics are assessed in different cultural frameworks.展开更多
1|Introduction The Federal Republic of Somalia,often perceived as linguistically homogeneous,is home to a rich tapestry of dialects and minority languages that reflect its diverse cultural heritage.While Somali is the...1|Introduction The Federal Republic of Somalia,often perceived as linguistically homogeneous,is home to a rich tapestry of dialects and minority languages that reflect its diverse cultural heritage.While Somali is the official medium of communication,it is divided into two major dialects:Maxaa Tiri(spoken by approximately 60%of the population)and Maay(spoken by approximately 20%of the population)[1].Minority languages such as Bravanese(also known as Chimwiini or Chimbalazi),Mushunguli,Benadiri Somali,and Kibajuni are spoken by smaller communities,particularly in the southern and coastal regions[1].展开更多
Plato’s philosophy of natural education revolves around his conception of“natural right.”The primary goal of natural education is to guide learners to consciously reflect on the“Form of the Good,”thereby fosterin...Plato’s philosophy of natural education revolves around his conception of“natural right.”The primary goal of natural education is to guide learners to consciously reflect on the“Form of the Good,”thereby fostering the natural reorientation of the soul and its inner harmony through the influence of Eros and the process of recollection.This transformative process facilitates the spontaneous emergence of a socially stratified order rooted in natural right.Embedded primarily in The Republic,Plato’s philosophy of natural education emphasizes child-rearing practices as foundational to cultivating virtuous citizens.This study examines The Republic as its central text,analyzing the theoretical underpinnings,practical principles,and ultimate aims of Plato’s natural education philosophy.Additionally,it explores the contemporary relevance of this philosophy for modern educational theory and practice.展开更多
The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs),their sources and toxic equivalent(TEQ)in soil,suspended matter and bottom sediments in the Fatala River Basin ecosystem were obtained for the fi rst time t...The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs),their sources and toxic equivalent(TEQ)in soil,suspended matter and bottom sediments in the Fatala River Basin ecosystem were obtained for the fi rst time to our knowledge.Determination of 14 PAHs(ΣPAHs)was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography.TheΣPAH content in soil ranged from 13 to 50,920(Me=820)ng/g.The composition of PAHs(high proportion of low-molecular-weight compounds and values of individual PAHs ratios)refl ected the signifi cant oil pollution of soil.Contaminated soil was localated in the central part of the Fatala River Basin.The median benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalent of soil at the study site was 1.08(range,0.05 to 53.16)ngTEQ/g,showing generally low soil toxicity.TheΣPAH content in suspended matter was in the range of 33 to 1316(Me=309)ng/L.TheΣPAH content in bottom sediments ranged from 36 to 6943(Me=478)ng/L,corresponding to clean and moderately contaminated sediments.TheΣPAH content in bottom sediments depended on the anthropogenic impact on the Fatala River Basin territory and the bottom sediment features.Bottom sediments and suspended matter had a low toxic equivalent.展开更多
In sub-Saharan Africa, foodborne Salmonella infections cause around 680,000 deaths per year. The evolutionary aspects of the incidence of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains no longer seem to attract much inte...In sub-Saharan Africa, foodborne Salmonella infections cause around 680,000 deaths per year. The evolutionary aspects of the incidence of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains no longer seem to attract much interest in the Central African Republic (CAR), although salmonellosis remains a health problem requiring national and international surveillance. Methodology: The study conducted at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health, Bangui, Central African Republic (LNBCSP) was a retrospective descriptive study. The study duration was five years (January 2019 to December 2023). The study sample consisted of patients who underwent bacteriological testing of stool, blood and urine samples for Salmonella at the LNBCSP in Bangui during this period. Study variables were age, sex, year and bacteriological test results. Statistical tests were used to compare incidences. Relative risks (RR) were calculated to measure the degree of association. Results: From 2019 to 2023, we recorded 353 Salmonella strains, of which 5% were found in blood, 37% in urine and 58% in stool. Patient age ranged from 1 to 86 years, with a mean of 27 ± 22.05 years and a mode of 5 years. Children aged 0 to 14 years (34%) and females (55.81%) predominated. The highest rate of contamination by Salmonella strains was 1.69% in 2022. The overall incidence of salmonellosis was 6.72 in 2019, 7.05 in 2020, 6.91 in 2021, 16.9 in 2022 and 6.26 in 2023 per 1000 samples. Resistance was 30.47% to β_lactam antibiotics, 24.22% to fluroquinolones and 37.97% to Salmonella spp. For Salmonella arizonae strains, resistance was 20.25% to aminoglycosides, 43.67% to chloramphenicol and 7.59% to imipenem. Conclusion: Laboratory-based surveillance of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains is needed in both human and veterinary medicine. Another study based on molecular characterization will identify new antibiotic-resistant variants circulating in CAR.展开更多
Red tourism is a derivative product of organized patriotic education and revolutionary education activities.Memorial Park of Soviet Republic of China in Ruijin City,Jiangxi Province,as a representative of red tourism ...Red tourism is a derivative product of organized patriotic education and revolutionary education activities.Memorial Park of Soviet Republic of China in Ruijin City,Jiangxi Province,as a representative of red tourism destination,is designed with red and patriotic education as the principal line to carry forward revolutionary traditions and spirits of Red Army,as well as create "red" garden landscapes with strong patriotism,time spirits and leisure elements.展开更多
This paper contrasts Military Power of the People＇s Republic of China from the year of 2000 to 2009 and Military and Security Developments Involving People＇s Republic of China from the year 2010 to 2013 with corpus ...This paper contrasts Military Power of the People＇s Republic of China from the year of 2000 to 2009 and Military and Security Developments Involving People＇s Republic of China from the year 2010 to 2013 with corpus analysis. It distinguishes the new reports＇ differences from the old ones and tries to explore American＇s discourse colonization and discourse hegemony through corpus software WordSmith 5.0-Keywords and Concordance analysis of high frequency words. The significance of the study is that it enlightens military texts which will influence audiences＇ viewpoints and provides a new perspective for strategies replying American media war.展开更多
In accordance with the regulations as stipulated in the Pro-visions of the Customs of the People’s Republic of China on Ex-ternal Audit, the Customs officers engaged in external audit shalluse the Certificate of Exte...In accordance with the regulations as stipulated in the Pro-visions of the Customs of the People’s Republic of China on Ex-ternal Audit, the Customs officers engaged in external audit shalluse the Certificate of External Audit of the Customs (hereinafterreferred to as Certificate) as of June 5, 1997. The Certificate has ablack leather outer covering and is inlaid inside with a pierced andguilded customs emblem, which consists of the red national em-blem in its upper part, and a key and a truncheon encircled by earsof wheat in its lower part. Put in a leather covering, the Certificateis a card sealed up with plastics, on which there is a bareheadedcolour photo of the holder in the Customs uniform and with a展开更多
Among the factors influencing tourist trail network development are political issues, including the presence of state borders, the possibility of crossing them and the accessibility of border zones. In the article, it...Among the factors influencing tourist trail network development are political issues, including the presence of state borders, the possibility of crossing them and the accessibility of border zones. In the article, it was decided to look at changes in the offer of tourist trails(hiking and cycling) along the entire border of the Czech Republic after the extension of the Schengen area(within this area, crossing the border is possible anywhere, and not only at official border crossings). It should be emphasized here that the borders of the Czech Republic over most of their length run through mountainous areas and, apart from political factors, natural features should have a major impact on the development of tourist routes. In order to determine the coherence of the current network of trails on both sides of the Czech Republic state border, modern tourist maps have been analyzed, determining the number of places where it is possible to cross the state border with the help of a marked tourist trail. Based on that, two indicators were introduced to determine the degree of openness with all neighboring countries as regards the opportunity to cross on a tourist trail. Changes in the historical situation, a comparison of the accessibility of the border area before entering the Schengen area and 2019, were analyzed for two study areas using archival maps. Over a decade after the extension of the Schengen area, the number of places where tourist trails of neighboring countries approach the border has clearly increased. Crossing is more often made possible using hiking trails than cycling routes(trails of the first type cross the border every 7.91 km, while the latter every 13.3 km), but considering the speed of movement, it can be assessed that the openness for cyclists is higher than for hikers. Moreover, in many places there is still significant potential for further integration of tourist trail networks as trails created in one country often do not have a continuation on the other side of the border.展开更多
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonizes the human stomach and is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.However,although the prevalence of H.pylori is high in Africa,the incidence of gastri...BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonizes the human stomach and is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.However,although the prevalence of H.pylori is high in Africa,the incidence of gastric cancer is low,and this phenomenon is called to be African enigma.The CagA protein produced by H.pylori is the most studied virulence factor.The carcinogenic potential of CagA is associated with the Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala(EPIYA)patterns and CagAmultimerization(CM)motifs.AIM To better understand the EPIYA patterns and CM motifs of the cagA gene.METHODS Gastric mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from 258 patients with dyspepsia living in the Dominican Republic,from which 120 H.pylori strains were cultured.After the bacterial DNA extraction,the EPIYA pattern and CM motif genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-based sequencing.The population structure of the Dominican Republic strains was analyzed using multilocus sequence typing(MLST).Peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer were identified via endoscopy,and gastric cancer was confirmed by histopathology.Histological scores of the gastric mucosa were evaluated using the updated Sydney system.RESULTS All CagA-positive strains carried the Western-type CagA according to the identified EPIYA patterns.Twenty-seven kinds of CM motifs were observed.Although the typical Western CM motif(FPLKRHDKVDDLSKVG)was observed most frequently,the typical East Asian CM motif(FPLRRSAAVNDLSKVG)was not observed.However,“FPLRRSAKVEDLSKVG”,similar to the typical East Asian CM motif,was found in 21 strains.Since this type was significantly more frequent in strains classified as hpAfrica1 using MLST analysis(P=0.034),we termed it Africa1-CM(Af1-CM).A few hpEurope strains carried the Af1-CM motif,but they had a significantly higher ancestral Africa1 component than that of those without the Af1-CM motif(P=0.030).In 30 cagA-positive strains,the"GKDKGPE"motif was observed immediately upstream of the EPIYA motif in the EPIYA-A segment,and there was a significant association between strains with the hpAfrica1 population and those containing the“GKDKGPE”motif(P=0.018).In contrast,there was no significant association between the CM motif patterns and histological scores and clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION We found the unique African CM motif in Western-type CagA and termed it Africa1-CM.The less toxicity of this motif could be one reason to explain the African enigma.展开更多
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest(OHCA)is widely recognized as a global health issue.However,little is known about OHCA epidemiology in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR)territories.[1,2]The15 post-Sovi...Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest(OHCA)is widely recognized as a global health issue.However,little is known about OHCA epidemiology in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR)territories.[1,2]The15 post-Soviet states occupy nearly one-sixth of the land surface of the earth,and the total population exceeds 292 million people.展开更多
Climate change is one of the most important issues of today’s World. Climate scientists have concluded that the earth’s surface air temperature warmed by 0.6 ± 0.2℃ during the 20th century, accompanied by chan...Climate change is one of the most important issues of today’s World. Climate scientists have concluded that the earth’s surface air temperature warmed by 0.6 ± 0.2℃ during the 20th century, accompanied by changes in the hydrologic cycle. Of all the climate elements, temperature plays a major role in detecting climate change brought about by urbanization and industrialization. This study focuses on the variability and trends of the mean annual, seasonal and monthly surface air temperature in Taiz city, Republic of Yemen, during the period 1979-2006. The results of the analysis of the whole period reveal a statistically significant increasing trend in practically all the months and seasons. A tendency has also been observed towards warmer years, with significantly warmer summer and spring periods and slightly warmer autumn and winter, an increase of 1.79℃ and 1.18℃ has been observed in the mean summer and mean winter temperature, respectively. Positive trends of about 1.5℃ in the annual mean temperature were found for the whole period. The air temperature time series are analyzed, so that the variability and trends can be described.展开更多
Wheat yellow dwarf disease(BYD),caused by different species of barley/cereal yellow dwarf viruses(B/CYDVs),is one of the most serious cereal diseases in China and the Czech Republic.Because genetic diversity of the vi...Wheat yellow dwarf disease(BYD),caused by different species of barley/cereal yellow dwarf viruses(B/CYDVs),is one of the most serious cereal diseases in China and the Czech Republic.Because genetic diversity of the virus directly influences disease epidemiology,the molecular diversity and population structure of 24 Chinese isolates and 16 the Czech Republic isolates of BYDV-PAV from different regions in two countries were analyzed by sequencing their coat protein(CP)and readthrough protein(RTP)domain(RTD)genes and comparing the sequences with six CP and 16 RTP sequences of BYDVPAV isolates from the NCBI database based on nucleotide identity position,phylogenetic analysis and nucleotide diversity.Nucleotide identities between the Chinese and the Czech Republic isolates for the CP were 76.6–99.4%,73.9–89.1%for RTD(ORF5),respectively.The Chinese and the other country isolates showed 74.7–99.2%nucleotide identity for RTP(ORF3+ORF5).Phylogenetic analysis of CP sequences showed that 20 Chinese isolates clustered in the same clade,but the other four Chinese isolates clustered in another clade with the isolates from the Czech Republic and other counties.The population of BYDV-PAV in China had greater nucleotide variability and was more divergent than that in the Czech Republic.Geographical and ecological factors but not hosts might contribute to the population differences in the two countries.展开更多
The goal of this research is to describe and analyze Shanghai’s fashion during Republic Period. Shanghai’s fashion during Republic Period plays a special role in fashion history of China and Shanghai history. In the...The goal of this research is to describe and analyze Shanghai’s fashion during Republic Period. Shanghai’s fashion during Republic Period plays a special role in fashion history of China and Shanghai history. In the paper, three aspects including the fashion centre of China as well as Far East, men’s fashion and women’s fashion in Shanghai are discussed. The style, textiles, color, decoration and combination of clothing are described. Many costumes from the Clothing Museum at Donghua University and private collections as well as some historical writings, photographs and publications are elucidated and corroborated to give a more detailed description about Shanghai’s fashion during that period.Here are some tentative conclusions. Firstly, Shanghai had always been the fashion center in China even Far East during Republic Period. Modeng was the main reflection of Shanghai fashion. Secondly, the traditional clothing exerted less influence and was less widely used, some kinds and combinations were out of fashion gradually. The fashion was described to be highly stylized, exquisite and concise. Thirdly, the influence of Western Style was further greater. The fashion in Shanghai was almost synchronous with fashion of Paris. Some western clothing was directly used in daily life and the elements of Western Style had an increasingly wide utilization. Fourthly, the New Chinese Style whose representatives were Qipao and Zhongshan Zhuang appeared and popularized in Shanghai. The fashion of Qipao changed frequently. Finally, the fashion in Shanghai called Shanghai Style could be summarized fashionable, exquisite, rapidly changeable, which is harmonious of both ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign.展开更多
AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medi...AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medical records of patients with retinal diseases seen in the major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the University Hospital of Kinshasa(UHK)and Saint Joseph Hospital(SJH),from January 2012 to December 2014.Demographics and diagnoses were retrieved and analyzed.Outcome measures were frequency and prevalence of retinal diseases,blindness and low vision.RESULTS:A total of 40965 patients aged 40 y or older were examined during this period in both clinics.Of these,1208 had retinal disease,giving a 3-year and an annual prevalence of 3%and 1%,respectively.Mean age was 61.7±10.7 y,and 55.8%of the patients were males.Arterial hypertension(68.1%)and diabetes(43.3%)were the most common systemic comorbidities.Hypertensive retinopathy(41.8%),diabetic retinopathy(37.9%),age-related macular degeneration(AMD;14.6%),and chorioretinitis and retinal vein occlusion(7.3%each)were the most common retinal diseases,with 3-year prevalence rates of 1.3%,1.0%,0.43%,and 0.21%respectively.Bilateral low vision and blindness were present in 26.8%and 8.4%of the patients at presentation.Major causes of low vision and blindness were diabetic retinopathy(14.8%),AMD(4.9%),retinal detachment(2.8%),and retinal vein occlusion(2.5%).The prevalence was significantly higher among males than females,and at the UHK than SJH.CONCLUSION:Retinal diseases are common among Congolese adult patients attending eye clinics in Kinshasa.They cause a significant proportion of low vision and blindness.展开更多
AIM:To study possible decrease in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in the Czech Republic within a 10-year period.METHODS:A total of 22 centres entered the study.The catchment areas of these centre...AIM:To study possible decrease in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in the Czech Republic within a 10-year period.METHODS:A total of 22 centres entered the study.The catchment areas of these centres covered cities and towns with more than 20 000 inhabitants,smaller towns(≤ 20 000 inhabitants) with surrounding villages and rural areas,and were spread over the whole country,corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population.A total of 1 837 subjects(aged 5-98 years) took part in the study,randomly selected out of 38 147 people from the general population.H.pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13 C-urea breath test.Breath samples in duplicates were analysed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry.The cut-off point was 3.5.Social and demographic characteristics were based on data from self-completed questionnaires.RESULTS:The overall prevalence of H.pylori infection was 23.5%(430/1826),and 4.8%(20/420) in children aged 15 or less.There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between males(24.3%;208/857) and females(22.9%,222/969,P = 0.494).H.pylori infection was strongly associated with higher age,among subjects aged 55+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was 39.8%(252/633,P < 0.001).The highest prevalence of H.pylori infection was found among persons aged 55-64 years(43.9%,97/221) and 75+ years(37.9%,58/153).Among study subjects aged 15+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was significantly increased in those with lowest education(odds risk 3.19,95% CI 1.87-5.47).Compared to never married(14.1%),the prevalence of H.pylori infection was statistically significantly higher among married(35.4%,246/694,P < 0.001),divorced(36.8%,49/133,P < 0.001) and widowed study subjects(40.2%,45/112,P < 0.001),both in minimally and fully adjusted analysis.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of H.pylori infection between married and widowed subjects(35.4%,246/694 vs 40.2%,45/112,P = 0.389).There was little variation in smoking prevalence across categories of smoking and there was no evidence of an increased risk ofH.pylori infection among current or past smokers in our data(odds risk 1.04 with 95% CI 0.78-1.40 for current smokers;odds ratio 0.83 with 95% CI 0.60-1.16 for former smokers).The current prevalence of H.pylori in 2011 was significantly lower compared to the prevalence reported from identical geographical areas in 2001(23.5%vs 41.7%,P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:The overall prevalence of H.pylori infection in the general population has fallen substantially in the Czech Republic over the past 10 years.展开更多
文摘Prepared with concrete and pragmatic questions,members of a media delegation from the Republic of the Congo toured the cities of Yunfu and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province from 16 to 22 November 2025.They visited production workshops,explored research institutes,toured beautiful villages and discovered archaeological sites,searching for the keys to Chinese modernisation in its many dimensions.
文摘The application of legal texts in the context of digital television is a process that relies on several normative instruments,ranging from international treaties,such as those of the ITU(International Telecommunications Union),to national regulations defining the obligations of audiovisual operators and the modalities of consumer support.Many countries have introduced specific laws and regulations to organize the gradual switch-off of analog broadcasting and encourage the adoption of new digital standards.Consequently,the digitization of Guinea’s broadcasting network cannot be carried out without taking into account the legal framework:allocation of resources and broadcasting players.Analog and digital broadcasting,according to regulatory texts,shows the relationships between the different communication management structures.As for digital broadcasting,we note the appearance of a new service,multiplex.
文摘BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally,including the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).Despite its increasing incidence,limited data exist on physicians’knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the DRC.AIM To evaluate the knowledge levels of Congolese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancers,and to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement.METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024,involving 369 physicians practicing in healthcare facilities across Kinshasa,DRC.Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method.Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering thyroid cancer epidemiology,diagnostic methods,treatment approaches,and prognosis.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25,employing descriptive and inferential statistics,with a P value≤0.05 being considered as statistically significant.RESULTS Overall response rate was 96.1%.Of all participants,68%were female and 32%were male physicians.General practitioners constituted 84.8%of respondents,with an average age of 34 years.While 53.7%demonstrated adequate knowledge of hypothyroidism management post-thyroidectomy and 61.2%identified the approach for hypoparathyroidism,only 5.1%recognized the need for radiotherapy in metastatic thyroid cancer cases.Awareness of anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment was limited(6.5%),and 90.2%of physicians were unfamiliar with the surgical complications.Moderate understanding was noted in diagnostic protocols,with 44.2%correctly identifying repeat fine-needle aspiration timing in Bethesda I cases.Knowledge of molecular genetics,recurrence risks,and metastasis patterns was remarkably low.CONCLUSION This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among Congolese physicians regarding thyroid cancer management,especially about advanced treatment modalities and molecular genetics.Targeted educational programs and improved access to diagnostic tools are critical to bridging these deficits.Addressing these gaps can enhance the quality of thyroid cancer care and align clinical practices in the DRC with global standards.
文摘Introduction: Obstetric Fistulas (OF) constitute a major public health problem in developing countries in general and in Central African Republic (CAR) in particular because of its numerous consequences. The objective of this work is to contribute to the management of OF cases in CAR. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, including data from several OF care services. The study included 245 cases of OF, operated on from 2009 to 2018. The parameters studied were maternal and obstetrical data, sociodemographic data, the specific characteristics of the fistulas as well as the modalities and outcome of surgical treatment. The data collected came from six (6) OF surgical repair campaigns organized by the Ministry of Health and Population with the support of UNFPA. Results: We recorded 245 patients, representing a prevalence of 0.77% of OF per year. Among these patients, almost half (45.3%) were treated at the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital Center (CHUASC). The average age of the patients was 30 years (range 14 to 78 years). They were unschooled (53.9%) and primigravidas (35%). The fistulas had an average duration of evolution of 7.58 years. They were vesicovaginal in 25.3%. Types V and I dominated in 17.4% and 9.2%, respectively. In 85.9% of cases, fistulorrhaphy was performed, half of which (50.2%) via the upper route. The cure rate was 83.3%. Note that our study reveals statistically significant links between the evolution after surgery with age (p = 0.04 Conclusion: OF mainly affected women of childbearing age, uneducated, primiparous. Vesicovaginal fistula was the frequently encountered type and was manifested by urine loss clinically with a positive methylene blue test.
文摘This paper discusses the ways in which classicists communicate and present themselves in the digital world by comparing selected“Western”and Chinese social media platforms and specific forms of digital communication.It argues that a Digital Republic of Letters is emerging,encompassing all the pros and cons of digitality alongside the very same participatory possibilities and limitations which the historical Republic of Letters offered.Therefore,it is natural to question whether this said Digital Republic of Letters will form a“Global Classics”community as it shows significant differences in the modes of how Greco-Roman Classics are assessed in different cultural frameworks.
文摘1|Introduction The Federal Republic of Somalia,often perceived as linguistically homogeneous,is home to a rich tapestry of dialects and minority languages that reflect its diverse cultural heritage.While Somali is the official medium of communication,it is divided into two major dialects:Maxaa Tiri(spoken by approximately 60%of the population)and Maay(spoken by approximately 20%of the population)[1].Minority languages such as Bravanese(also known as Chimwiini or Chimbalazi),Mushunguli,Benadiri Somali,and Kibajuni are spoken by smaller communities,particularly in the southern and coastal regions[1].
文摘Plato’s philosophy of natural education revolves around his conception of“natural right.”The primary goal of natural education is to guide learners to consciously reflect on the“Form of the Good,”thereby fostering the natural reorientation of the soul and its inner harmony through the influence of Eros and the process of recollection.This transformative process facilitates the spontaneous emergence of a socially stratified order rooted in natural right.Embedded primarily in The Republic,Plato’s philosophy of natural education emphasizes child-rearing practices as foundational to cultivating virtuous citizens.This study examines The Republic as its central text,analyzing the theoretical underpinnings,practical principles,and ultimate aims of Plato’s natural education philosophy.Additionally,it explores the contemporary relevance of this philosophy for modern educational theory and practice.
基金support of the Project of the Russian Federation represented by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation:assistance in the form of grants in accordance with paragraph 4 of article 78.1 of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation(agreement No.075-15-2023-592 on subject No.13.2251.21.0216)CEREMAC-G own research fund and a Support special fi nancier of the Ministry of Higher Education,Scientifi c Research and Innovation(MESRSI)of the Republic of Guinea.
文摘The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs),their sources and toxic equivalent(TEQ)in soil,suspended matter and bottom sediments in the Fatala River Basin ecosystem were obtained for the fi rst time to our knowledge.Determination of 14 PAHs(ΣPAHs)was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography.TheΣPAH content in soil ranged from 13 to 50,920(Me=820)ng/g.The composition of PAHs(high proportion of low-molecular-weight compounds and values of individual PAHs ratios)refl ected the signifi cant oil pollution of soil.Contaminated soil was localated in the central part of the Fatala River Basin.The median benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalent of soil at the study site was 1.08(range,0.05 to 53.16)ngTEQ/g,showing generally low soil toxicity.TheΣPAH content in suspended matter was in the range of 33 to 1316(Me=309)ng/L.TheΣPAH content in bottom sediments ranged from 36 to 6943(Me=478)ng/L,corresponding to clean and moderately contaminated sediments.TheΣPAH content in bottom sediments depended on the anthropogenic impact on the Fatala River Basin territory and the bottom sediment features.Bottom sediments and suspended matter had a low toxic equivalent.
文摘In sub-Saharan Africa, foodborne Salmonella infections cause around 680,000 deaths per year. The evolutionary aspects of the incidence of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains no longer seem to attract much interest in the Central African Republic (CAR), although salmonellosis remains a health problem requiring national and international surveillance. Methodology: The study conducted at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health, Bangui, Central African Republic (LNBCSP) was a retrospective descriptive study. The study duration was five years (January 2019 to December 2023). The study sample consisted of patients who underwent bacteriological testing of stool, blood and urine samples for Salmonella at the LNBCSP in Bangui during this period. Study variables were age, sex, year and bacteriological test results. Statistical tests were used to compare incidences. Relative risks (RR) were calculated to measure the degree of association. Results: From 2019 to 2023, we recorded 353 Salmonella strains, of which 5% were found in blood, 37% in urine and 58% in stool. Patient age ranged from 1 to 86 years, with a mean of 27 ± 22.05 years and a mode of 5 years. Children aged 0 to 14 years (34%) and females (55.81%) predominated. The highest rate of contamination by Salmonella strains was 1.69% in 2022. The overall incidence of salmonellosis was 6.72 in 2019, 7.05 in 2020, 6.91 in 2021, 16.9 in 2022 and 6.26 in 2023 per 1000 samples. Resistance was 30.47% to β_lactam antibiotics, 24.22% to fluroquinolones and 37.97% to Salmonella spp. For Salmonella arizonae strains, resistance was 20.25% to aminoglycosides, 43.67% to chloramphenicol and 7.59% to imipenem. Conclusion: Laboratory-based surveillance of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains is needed in both human and veterinary medicine. Another study based on molecular characterization will identify new antibiotic-resistant variants circulating in CAR.
基金Supported by National Social Science Foundation(09BJY024)2008 Open Task of National Key Laboratory of Subtropical Architectural Science,South China University of Technology(2008KB15)~~
文摘Red tourism is a derivative product of organized patriotic education and revolutionary education activities.Memorial Park of Soviet Republic of China in Ruijin City,Jiangxi Province,as a representative of red tourism destination,is designed with red and patriotic education as the principal line to carry forward revolutionary traditions and spirits of Red Army,as well as create "red" garden landscapes with strong patriotism,time spirits and leisure elements.
文摘This paper contrasts Military Power of the People＇s Republic of China from the year of 2000 to 2009 and Military and Security Developments Involving People＇s Republic of China from the year 2010 to 2013 with corpus analysis. It distinguishes the new reports＇ differences from the old ones and tries to explore American＇s discourse colonization and discourse hegemony through corpus software WordSmith 5.0-Keywords and Concordance analysis of high frequency words. The significance of the study is that it enlightens military texts which will influence audiences＇ viewpoints and provides a new perspective for strategies replying American media war.
文摘In accordance with the regulations as stipulated in the Pro-visions of the Customs of the People’s Republic of China on Ex-ternal Audit, the Customs officers engaged in external audit shalluse the Certificate of External Audit of the Customs (hereinafterreferred to as Certificate) as of June 5, 1997. The Certificate has ablack leather outer covering and is inlaid inside with a pierced andguilded customs emblem, which consists of the red national em-blem in its upper part, and a key and a truncheon encircled by earsof wheat in its lower part. Put in a leather covering, the Certificateis a card sealed up with plastics, on which there is a bareheadedcolour photo of the holder in the Customs uniform and with a
基金funded by the University of Wroclaw(Grant no.0420/2667/18).
文摘Among the factors influencing tourist trail network development are political issues, including the presence of state borders, the possibility of crossing them and the accessibility of border zones. In the article, it was decided to look at changes in the offer of tourist trails(hiking and cycling) along the entire border of the Czech Republic after the extension of the Schengen area(within this area, crossing the border is possible anywhere, and not only at official border crossings). It should be emphasized here that the borders of the Czech Republic over most of their length run through mountainous areas and, apart from political factors, natural features should have a major impact on the development of tourist routes. In order to determine the coherence of the current network of trails on both sides of the Czech Republic state border, modern tourist maps have been analyzed, determining the number of places where it is possible to cross the state border with the help of a marked tourist trail. Based on that, two indicators were introduced to determine the degree of openness with all neighboring countries as regards the opportunity to cross on a tourist trail. Changes in the historical situation, a comparison of the accessibility of the border area before entering the Schengen area and 2019, were analyzed for two study areas using archival maps. Over a decade after the extension of the Schengen area, the number of places where tourist trails of neighboring countries approach the border has clearly increased. Crossing is more often made possible using hiking trails than cycling routes(trails of the first type cross the border every 7.91 km, while the latter every 13.3 km), but considering the speed of movement, it can be assessed that the openness for cyclists is higher than for hikers. Moreover, in many places there is still significant potential for further integration of tourist trail networks as trails created in one country often do not have a continuation on the other side of the border.
基金Supported by The Grants-in-aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science,and Technology of Japan,No.16H05191,No.221S0002,No.16H06279,No.18KK0266 and No.19H03473(partly)the National Fund for Innovation and Development of Science and Technology from the Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic,No.2012-2013-2A1-65 and No.2015-3A1-182(MC).
文摘BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonizes the human stomach and is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.However,although the prevalence of H.pylori is high in Africa,the incidence of gastric cancer is low,and this phenomenon is called to be African enigma.The CagA protein produced by H.pylori is the most studied virulence factor.The carcinogenic potential of CagA is associated with the Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala(EPIYA)patterns and CagAmultimerization(CM)motifs.AIM To better understand the EPIYA patterns and CM motifs of the cagA gene.METHODS Gastric mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from 258 patients with dyspepsia living in the Dominican Republic,from which 120 H.pylori strains were cultured.After the bacterial DNA extraction,the EPIYA pattern and CM motif genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-based sequencing.The population structure of the Dominican Republic strains was analyzed using multilocus sequence typing(MLST).Peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer were identified via endoscopy,and gastric cancer was confirmed by histopathology.Histological scores of the gastric mucosa were evaluated using the updated Sydney system.RESULTS All CagA-positive strains carried the Western-type CagA according to the identified EPIYA patterns.Twenty-seven kinds of CM motifs were observed.Although the typical Western CM motif(FPLKRHDKVDDLSKVG)was observed most frequently,the typical East Asian CM motif(FPLRRSAAVNDLSKVG)was not observed.However,“FPLRRSAKVEDLSKVG”,similar to the typical East Asian CM motif,was found in 21 strains.Since this type was significantly more frequent in strains classified as hpAfrica1 using MLST analysis(P=0.034),we termed it Africa1-CM(Af1-CM).A few hpEurope strains carried the Af1-CM motif,but they had a significantly higher ancestral Africa1 component than that of those without the Af1-CM motif(P=0.030).In 30 cagA-positive strains,the"GKDKGPE"motif was observed immediately upstream of the EPIYA motif in the EPIYA-A segment,and there was a significant association between strains with the hpAfrica1 population and those containing the“GKDKGPE”motif(P=0.018).In contrast,there was no significant association between the CM motif patterns and histological scores and clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION We found the unique African CM motif in Western-type CagA and termed it Africa1-CM.The less toxicity of this motif could be one reason to explain the African enigma.
文摘Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest(OHCA)is widely recognized as a global health issue.However,little is known about OHCA epidemiology in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR)territories.[1,2]The15 post-Soviet states occupy nearly one-sixth of the land surface of the earth,and the total population exceeds 292 million people.
文摘Climate change is one of the most important issues of today’s World. Climate scientists have concluded that the earth’s surface air temperature warmed by 0.6 ± 0.2℃ during the 20th century, accompanied by changes in the hydrologic cycle. Of all the climate elements, temperature plays a major role in detecting climate change brought about by urbanization and industrialization. This study focuses on the variability and trends of the mean annual, seasonal and monthly surface air temperature in Taiz city, Republic of Yemen, during the period 1979-2006. The results of the analysis of the whole period reveal a statistically significant increasing trend in practically all the months and seasons. A tendency has also been observed towards warmer years, with significantly warmer summer and spring periods and slightly warmer autumn and winter, an increase of 1.79℃ and 1.18℃ has been observed in the mean summer and mean winter temperature, respectively. Positive trends of about 1.5℃ in the annual mean temperature were found for the whole period. The air temperature time series are analyzed, so that the variability and trends can be described.
基金This research was supported by the Inter-Governmental S&T Cooperation Project of China(2016YFE0131000)the Research Program of the Ministry of Education,Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic(LTACH-17010).
文摘Wheat yellow dwarf disease(BYD),caused by different species of barley/cereal yellow dwarf viruses(B/CYDVs),is one of the most serious cereal diseases in China and the Czech Republic.Because genetic diversity of the virus directly influences disease epidemiology,the molecular diversity and population structure of 24 Chinese isolates and 16 the Czech Republic isolates of BYDV-PAV from different regions in two countries were analyzed by sequencing their coat protein(CP)and readthrough protein(RTP)domain(RTD)genes and comparing the sequences with six CP and 16 RTP sequences of BYDVPAV isolates from the NCBI database based on nucleotide identity position,phylogenetic analysis and nucleotide diversity.Nucleotide identities between the Chinese and the Czech Republic isolates for the CP were 76.6–99.4%,73.9–89.1%for RTD(ORF5),respectively.The Chinese and the other country isolates showed 74.7–99.2%nucleotide identity for RTP(ORF3+ORF5).Phylogenetic analysis of CP sequences showed that 20 Chinese isolates clustered in the same clade,but the other four Chinese isolates clustered in another clade with the isolates from the Czech Republic and other counties.The population of BYDV-PAV in China had greater nucleotide variability and was more divergent than that in the Czech Republic.Geographical and ecological factors but not hosts might contribute to the population differences in the two countries.
文摘The goal of this research is to describe and analyze Shanghai’s fashion during Republic Period. Shanghai’s fashion during Republic Period plays a special role in fashion history of China and Shanghai history. In the paper, three aspects including the fashion centre of China as well as Far East, men’s fashion and women’s fashion in Shanghai are discussed. The style, textiles, color, decoration and combination of clothing are described. Many costumes from the Clothing Museum at Donghua University and private collections as well as some historical writings, photographs and publications are elucidated and corroborated to give a more detailed description about Shanghai’s fashion during that period.Here are some tentative conclusions. Firstly, Shanghai had always been the fashion center in China even Far East during Republic Period. Modeng was the main reflection of Shanghai fashion. Secondly, the traditional clothing exerted less influence and was less widely used, some kinds and combinations were out of fashion gradually. The fashion was described to be highly stylized, exquisite and concise. Thirdly, the influence of Western Style was further greater. The fashion in Shanghai was almost synchronous with fashion of Paris. Some western clothing was directly used in daily life and the elements of Western Style had an increasingly wide utilization. Fourthly, the New Chinese Style whose representatives were Qipao and Zhongshan Zhuang appeared and popularized in Shanghai. The fashion of Qipao changed frequently. Finally, the fashion in Shanghai called Shanghai Style could be summarized fashionable, exquisite, rapidly changeable, which is harmonious of both ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign.
文摘AIM:To determine the frequency and types of retinal diseases and the extend of the related visual loss in adult patients attending two public eye clinics of Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo.METHODS:Review of medical records of patients with retinal diseases seen in the major eye clinics in Kinshasa,the University Hospital of Kinshasa(UHK)and Saint Joseph Hospital(SJH),from January 2012 to December 2014.Demographics and diagnoses were retrieved and analyzed.Outcome measures were frequency and prevalence of retinal diseases,blindness and low vision.RESULTS:A total of 40965 patients aged 40 y or older were examined during this period in both clinics.Of these,1208 had retinal disease,giving a 3-year and an annual prevalence of 3%and 1%,respectively.Mean age was 61.7±10.7 y,and 55.8%of the patients were males.Arterial hypertension(68.1%)and diabetes(43.3%)were the most common systemic comorbidities.Hypertensive retinopathy(41.8%),diabetic retinopathy(37.9%),age-related macular degeneration(AMD;14.6%),and chorioretinitis and retinal vein occlusion(7.3%each)were the most common retinal diseases,with 3-year prevalence rates of 1.3%,1.0%,0.43%,and 0.21%respectively.Bilateral low vision and blindness were present in 26.8%and 8.4%of the patients at presentation.Major causes of low vision and blindness were diabetic retinopathy(14.8%),AMD(4.9%),retinal detachment(2.8%),and retinal vein occlusion(2.5%).The prevalence was significantly higher among males than females,and at the UHK than SJH.CONCLUSION:Retinal diseases are common among Congolese adult patients attending eye clinics in Kinshasa.They cause a significant proportion of low vision and blindness.
基金Supported by Research Project PRVOUK P37-08 from Faculty of Medicine at Hradec Králové,Charles University in Praha,Czech Republic
文摘AIM:To study possible decrease in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in the Czech Republic within a 10-year period.METHODS:A total of 22 centres entered the study.The catchment areas of these centres covered cities and towns with more than 20 000 inhabitants,smaller towns(≤ 20 000 inhabitants) with surrounding villages and rural areas,and were spread over the whole country,corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population.A total of 1 837 subjects(aged 5-98 years) took part in the study,randomly selected out of 38 147 people from the general population.H.pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13 C-urea breath test.Breath samples in duplicates were analysed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry.The cut-off point was 3.5.Social and demographic characteristics were based on data from self-completed questionnaires.RESULTS:The overall prevalence of H.pylori infection was 23.5%(430/1826),and 4.8%(20/420) in children aged 15 or less.There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between males(24.3%;208/857) and females(22.9%,222/969,P = 0.494).H.pylori infection was strongly associated with higher age,among subjects aged 55+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was 39.8%(252/633,P < 0.001).The highest prevalence of H.pylori infection was found among persons aged 55-64 years(43.9%,97/221) and 75+ years(37.9%,58/153).Among study subjects aged 15+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was significantly increased in those with lowest education(odds risk 3.19,95% CI 1.87-5.47).Compared to never married(14.1%),the prevalence of H.pylori infection was statistically significantly higher among married(35.4%,246/694,P < 0.001),divorced(36.8%,49/133,P < 0.001) and widowed study subjects(40.2%,45/112,P < 0.001),both in minimally and fully adjusted analysis.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of H.pylori infection between married and widowed subjects(35.4%,246/694 vs 40.2%,45/112,P = 0.389).There was little variation in smoking prevalence across categories of smoking and there was no evidence of an increased risk ofH.pylori infection among current or past smokers in our data(odds risk 1.04 with 95% CI 0.78-1.40 for current smokers;odds ratio 0.83 with 95% CI 0.60-1.16 for former smokers).The current prevalence of H.pylori in 2011 was significantly lower compared to the prevalence reported from identical geographical areas in 2001(23.5%vs 41.7%,P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:The overall prevalence of H.pylori infection in the general population has fallen substantially in the Czech Republic over the past 10 years.
