Globally, the epidemic of hepatitis virus infection is increasing in the context of common viral transmission routes with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Thus, co-infection with both hepatitis virus and HIV is...Globally, the epidemic of hepatitis virus infection is increasing in the context of common viral transmission routes with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Thus, co-infection with both hepatitis virus and HIV is becoming a common occurrence, particularly for key populations. Studies of key populations, people who inject drugs, sex workers, transgendered individuals and men having sex with men, report high levels of illicit drug and/or alcohol use along with limited access to health care and medical treatment. Without the medical management of co-occurring substance use disorders and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a significant proportion of this population with HCV/HIV co-infection will progress to chronic liver disease then subsequently end-stage liver disease. Thus, access to comprehensive care and treatment, including HCV testing with subsequent care and treatment of acute/chronic HCV infection is essential to address the global burden of disease. Increased efforts are needed globally to address the barriers to comprehensive care and treatment for key populations with HCV/HIV co-infection.展开更多
In view of complex geological characteristics and alternating loading conditions associated with cyclic large amount of gas injection and withdrawal in underground gas storage(UGS) of China, a series of key gas storag...In view of complex geological characteristics and alternating loading conditions associated with cyclic large amount of gas injection and withdrawal in underground gas storage(UGS) of China, a series of key gas storage construction technologies were established, mainly including UGS site selection and evaluation, key index design, well drilling and completion, surface engineering and operational risk warning and assessment, etc. The effect of field application was discussed and summarized. Firstly, trap dynamic sealing capacity evaluation technology for conversion of UGS from the fault depleted or partially depleted gas reservoirs. A key index design method mainly based on the effective gas storage capacity design for water flooded heterogeneous gas reservoirs was proposed. To effectively guide the engineering construction of UGS, the safe well drilling, high quality cementing and high pressure and large flow surface injection and production engineering optimization suitable for long-term alternate loading condition and ultra-deep and ultra-low temperature formation were developed. The core surface equipment like high pressure gas injection compressor can be manufactured by our own. Last, the full-system operational risk warning and assessment technology for UGS was set up. The above 5 key technologies have been utilized in site selection, development scheme design, engineering construction and annual operations of 6 UGS groups, e.g. the Hutubi UGS in Xinjiang. To date, designed main indexes are highly consistent with actural performance, the 6 UGS groups have the load capacity of over 7.5 billion cubic meters of working gas volume and all the storage facilities have been running efficiently and safely.展开更多
AIM To compare the efficacy,improved quality of life,and prognosis in patients undergoing either subtotal colonic bypass with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy(SCBAC) or subtotal colonic bypass plus colostomy with antip...AIM To compare the efficacy,improved quality of life,and prognosis in patients undergoing either subtotal colonic bypass with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy(SCBAC) or subtotal colonic bypass plus colostomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy(SCBCAC) for the treatment of slow transit constipation.METHODS Between October 2010 and October 2014,aged patients with slow transit constipation who were hospitalized and underwent laparoscopic surgery in our institute weredivided into two groups: the bypass group,15 patients underwent SCBAC,and the bypass plus colostomy group,14 patients underwent SCBCAC. The following preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected: gender,age,body mass index,operative time,first flatus time,length of hospital stay,bowel movements(BMs),Wexner fecal incontinence scale,Wexner constipation scale(WCS),gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI),numerical rating scale for pain intensity(NRS),abdominal bloating score(ABS),and ClavienDindo classification of surgical complications(CD) before surgery and at 3,6,12,and 24 mo after surgery.RESULTS All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery without open surgery conversion or surgeryrelated death. The operative time and blood loss were significantly less in the bypass group than in the bypass plus colostomy group(P = 0.007). No significant differences were observed in first flatus time,length of hospital stay,or complications with CD > 1 between the two groups. No patients had fecal incontinence after surgery. At 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery,the number of BMs was significantly less in the bypass plus colostomy group than in the bypass group. The parameters at 3,6,12,and 24 mo after surgery in both groups significantly improved compared with the preoperative conditions(P < 0.05),except NRS at 3,6 mo after surgery in both groups,ABS at 12,24 mo after surgery and NRS at 12,24 mo after surgery in the bypass group. WCS,GIQLI,NRS,and ABS significantly improved in the bypass plus colostomy group compared with the bypass group at 3,6,12,and 24 mo after surgery(P < 0.05) except WCS,NRS at 3,6 mo after surgery and ABS at 3 mo after surgery. At 1 year after surgery,a barium enema examination showed that the emptying time was significantly better in the bypass plus colostomy group than in the bypass group(P = 0.007).CONCLUSION Laparoscopic SCBCAC is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of slow transit constipation in an aged population and can significantly improve the prognosis. Its clinical efficacy is more favorable compared with that of SCBAC. Laparoscopic SCBCAC is a better procedure for the treatment of slow transit constipation in an aged population.展开更多
The G-protein-coupled purinergic receptor P2Y2(P2RY2) plays an important role in the mechanism of atherosclerosis, which is relevant to ischemic stroke. This retrospective case-control study aimed to assess the relati...The G-protein-coupled purinergic receptor P2Y2(P2RY2) plays an important role in the mechanism of atherosclerosis, which is relevant to ischemic stroke. This retrospective case-control study aimed to assess the relationship between P2RY2 gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk in the northern Han Chinese population. In this study, clinical data and peripheral blood specimens were collected from 378 ischemic stroke patients and 344 controls. The ischemic stroke participants were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University. The controls were recruited from the Health Check Center at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. Ischemic stroke patients were divided into two subgroups according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment(TOAST) classification: large-artery atherosclerosis(n = 178) and small-artery occlusion(n = 200) strokes. All subjects were genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms(rs4944831, rs1783596, and rs4944832) in the P2RY2 gene using peripheral venous blood samples. The distribution of the dominant rs4944832 phenotype(GG vs. GA+AA) differed significantly between small-artery occlusion patients and control subjects(odds ratio(OR) = 1.720, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.203–2.458, P < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the GG genotype of rs4944832 was significantly more prevalent in small-artery occlusion patients than in control subjects(OR = 1.807, 95% CI: 1.215–2.687, P < 0.01). The overall distribution of the haplotype established by rs4944831-rs1783596-rs4944832 was significantly different between ischemic stroke patients and controls(P < 0.01). In ischemic stroke patients, the frequency of the G-C-G haplotype was significantly higher than in control subjects(P = 0.028), whereas the frequency of the T-C-A haplotype was lower than in control subjects(P = 0.047). These results indicate that the G-C-G haplotype of P2RY2 is a susceptibility haplotype for ischemic stroke. In addition, the GG genotype of rs4944832 may be associated with the development of small-artery occlusion in the northern Han Chinese population. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University on February 20, 2012(No. 2012-38-1) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, China, on March 1, 2013(No. 2013-03-1). All participants gave their informed consent. This trial was registered with the ISRCTN Registry(ISRCTN11439124) on October 24, 2018. Protocol version(1.0).展开更多
This article proves the existence of a hyper-precise global numerical meta-architecture unifying, structuring, binding and controlling the billion triplet codons constituting the sequence of single-stranded DNA of the...This article proves the existence of a hyper-precise global numerical meta-architecture unifying, structuring, binding and controlling the billion triplet codons constituting the sequence of single-stranded DNA of the entire human genome. Beyond the evolution and erratic mutations like transposons within the genome, it’s as if the memory of a fossil genome with multiple symmetries persists. This recalls the “intermingling” of information characterizing the fractal universe of chaos theory. The result leads to a balanced and perfect tuning between the masses of the two strands of the huge DNA molecule that constitute our genome. We show here how codon populations forming the single-stranded DNA sequences can constitute a critical approach to the understanding of junk DNA function. Then, we suggest revisiting certain methods published in our 2009 book “Codex Biogenesis”. In fact, we demonstrate here how the universal genetic code table is a powerful analytical filter to characterize single-stranded DNA sequences constituting chromosomes and genomes. We can then show that any genomic DNA sequence is featured by three numbers, which characterize it and its 64 codon populations with correlations greater than 99%. The number “1” is common to all sequences, expressing the second law of Chargaff. The other 2 numbers are related to each specific DNA sequence case characterizing life species. For example, the entire human genome is characterized by three remarkable numbers 1, 2, and Phi = 1.618 the golden ratio. Associated with each of these three numbers, we can match three axes of symmetry, then “imagine” a kind of hyperspace formed by these codon populations. Then we revisit the value (3-Phi)/2 which is probably universal and common to both the scale of quarks and atomic levels, balancing and tuning the whole human genome codon population. Finally, we demonstrate a new kind of duality between “form and substance” overlapping the whole human genome: we will show that—simultaneously with the duality between genes and junk DNA—there is a second layer of embedded hidden structure overlapping all the DNA of the whole human genome, dividing it into a second type of duality information/redundancy involving golden ratio proportions.展开更多
Clarifying the photosynthetic and population characteristics of conventional japonica rice at different yield levels is crucial for boosting yield and ensuring food security.Therefore,a two-year field trial with two c...Clarifying the photosynthetic and population characteristics of conventional japonica rice at different yield levels is crucial for boosting yield and ensuring food security.Therefore,a two-year field trial with two conventional japonica varieties was conducted at four planting densities:16 cm×30 cm(D1),14 cm×30 cm(D2),12 cm×30 cm(D3),and 10 cm×30 cm(D4).This study aimed to investigate how photosynthetic and population characteristics influence grain yield under varying planting densities.The results indicated that higher yields were primarily driven by increased grain weight and seed-setting rate(with a 9.68%‒11.40%higher single panicle weight),supported by optimized dry matter translocation and source-sink relationships.Elevated planting density(D2‒D4)enhanced panicle number and total spikelet number(by 3.91%‒15.00%)but reduced the number of spikelets per panicle,1000-grain weight,and photosynthetic efficiency due to mutual shading.Despite these trade-offs,yield increased by 4.10%‒12.42%under higher densities.The use of planting density D4 in japonica rice cultivation contributed to maximize yield.These findings provide important theoretical insights and practical significance for increasing the yield of conventional japonica rice and ensuring food security.展开更多
Two common polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARG) gene, rs1801282 and rs3856806, may be important candidate gene loci affecting the susceptibility to ischemic stroke. This case-co...Two common polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARG) gene, rs1801282 and rs3856806, may be important candidate gene loci affecting the susceptibility to ischemic stroke. This case-control study sought to identify the relationship between these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk in a northern Chinese Han population. A total of 910 ischemic stroke participants were recruited from the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China as a case group, of whom 895 completed the study. The 883 healthy controls were recruited from the Health Check Center of the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China. All participants or family members provided informed consent. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Hospital of China Medical University, China on February 20, 2012(approval No. 2012-38-1). The protocol was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration number: ChiCTR-COC-17013559). Plasma genomic DNA was extracted from all participants and analyzed for rs1801282 and rs3856806 single nucleotide polymorphisms using a SNaPshot Multiplex sequencing assay. Odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression to estimate the association between ischemic stroke and a particular genotype. Results demonstrated that the G allele frequency of the PPARG gene rs1801282 locus was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group(P < 0.001). Individuals carrying the G allele had a 1.844 fold increased risk of ischemic stroke(OR = 1.844, 95% CI: 1.286–2.645, P < 0.001). Individuals carrying the rs3856806 T allele had a 1.366 fold increased risk of ischemic stroke(OR = 1.366, 95% CI: 1.077–1.733, P = 0.010). The distribution frequencies of the PPARG gene haplotypes rs1801282-rs3856806 in the control and case groups were determined. The frequency of distribution in the G-T haplotype case group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The risk of ischemic stroke increased to 2.953 times in individuals carrying the G-T haplotype(OR = 2.953, 95% CI: 2.082–4.190, P < 0.001). The rs1801282 G allele and rs3856806 T allele had a multiplicative interaction(OR = 3.404, 95% CI: 1.631–7.102, P < 0.001) and additive interaction(RERI = 41.705, 95% CI: 14.586–68.824, AP = 0.860;95% CI: 0.779–0.940;S = 8.170, 95% CI: 3.772–17.697) on ischemic stroke risk, showing a synergistic effect. Of all ischemic stroke cases, 86% were attributed to the interaction of the G allele of rs1801282 and the T allele of rs3856806. The effect of the PPARG rs1801282 G allele on ischemic stroke risk was enhanced in the presence of the rs3856806 T allele(OR = 8.001 vs. 1.844). The effect of the rs3856806 T allele on ischemic stroke risk was also enhanced in the presence of the rs1801282 G allele(OR = 2.546 vs. 1.366). Our results confirmed that the G allele of the PPARG gene rs1801282 locus and the T allele of the rs3856806 locus may be independent risk factors for ischemic stroke in the Han population of northern China, with a synergistic effect between the two alleles.展开更多
Globally,there have been multiple public health emergencies in recent decades.High rates of morbidity,occasionally mortality,and economic instability are usually associated with pandemics.One of the epidemics that has...Globally,there have been multiple public health emergencies in recent decades.High rates of morbidity,occasionally mortality,and economic instability are usually associated with pandemics.One of the epidemics that has significantly increased morbidity and mortality worldwide is the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)pandemic.HIV has a disproportionately negative impact on key populations.Strong leadership,effective communication,and sound science are necessary for public health emergency(PHE)responses to be successful.These three PHE response pllars are also essential for bridging the HIV response gap among key populations in the setting of restrictive laws.In this review,we explored the importance of these three pillars of successful PHEs responses,and how they are essential to closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations.Leaders must make decisions and instil a sense of authority in the populace during PHEs to foster trust and confidence.Leaders should base their choices on scientific evidence.Effective communication during PHEs should be proactive,polite,imaginative,innovative,and constructive.To address gaps in the HIV response among key populations,leaders must create a supportive environment for effective communication and scientific research,communication should be used to raise awareness of HIV and to dispel stigma and discrimination,while science should provide evidence of efficacy and effectiveness of interventions amongkey populations.展开更多
BACKGROUND To achieve the elimination of hepatitis B and C,there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies to increase the access of diagnosis,particularly among key populations such as people living with hu...BACKGROUND To achieve the elimination of hepatitis B and C,there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies to increase the access of diagnosis,particularly among key populations such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),individuals with coagulopathies and chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.AIM To evaluate the use of dried blood spot(DBS)in the detection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)markers.METHODS A total of 430 individuals comprised of people living with HIV,coagulopathies and CKD provided paired serum and DBS samples.HBsAg,anti-HBc and anti-HCV were tested in those samples using a commercial electrochemiluminescence.Demographic and selected behavioral variables were evaluated to assess possible association with HBV and HCV positivity.RESULTS Using DBS,HBsAg prevalence varied from 3.9%to 22.1%,anti-HBc rates varied from 25.5%to 45.6%and anti-HCV positivity ranged from 15.9%to 41.2%in key populations.Specificities of HBV and HCV tests using DBS varied from 88.9%to 100%.The HBsAg assay demonstrated the best performance in CKD and coagulopathy individuals and the anti-HCV test had a sensitivity and specificity of 100%in people living with HIV.Accuracy of HBV and HCV detection in DBS varied from 90.2%to 100%.In the CKD group,HBsAg positivity was associated with infrequent use of condoms,and anti-HBc positivity was associated with sharing nail cutters/razors/toothbrushes.Anti-HCV reactivity was positively associated with a history of transplantation and length of time using hemodialysis in both specimens.In people living with HIV,only the male gender was associated with anti-HBc positivity in serum and DBS.CONCLUSION DBS with electrochemiluminescence are useful tools for the diagnosis and prevalence studies of hepatitis B and C among key populations and may increase the opportunity to foster prevention and treatment.展开更多
In order to identify the variation and estimate the genetic diversity among the fig (Ficus carica L.) genotypes collected from Algeria and Turkey, the genetic relationships between 86 genotypes were investigated using...In order to identify the variation and estimate the genetic diversity among the fig (Ficus carica L.) genotypes collected from Algeria and Turkey, the genetic relationships between 86 genotypes were investigated using 23 inter primer binding sites (iPBS)-retrotransposon and 16 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. A total of 63 polymorphic bands for the iPBS-retrotransposon markers and 25 alleles for the SSR markers were identified with an average of 2.7 and 1.6 per primer, respectively. The average value of polymorphism information content (PIC) for the iPBS markers (0.73) was higher than that for the SSR markers (0.69). Applying the neighbor-joining method to the combined iPBS-retrotransposon and SSR data, the fig genotypes were clustered into two groups. The STRUCTURE software was used to determine the population structure. Among the genotypes studied, two populations (K = 2) were identified indicating a low diversity between the Algerian and Turkish varieties. Both types of markers were able to differentiate all the fig genotypes and were efficient in discriminating the closely related genotypes. Our data also showed that as a universal marker, iPBS-retrotransposon is a useful tool for the molecular characterization of fig genotypes.展开更多
HIV and AIDS has continued to be a major public health concern, and hence one of the epidemics that the world resolved to end by 2030 as highlighted in sustainable development goals (SDGs). A colossal amount of effort...HIV and AIDS has continued to be a major public health concern, and hence one of the epidemics that the world resolved to end by 2030 as highlighted in sustainable development goals (SDGs). A colossal amount of effort has been taken to reduce new HIV infections, but there are still a significant number of new infections reported. HIV prevalence is more skewed towards the key population who include female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWID). The study design was retrospective and focused on key population enrolled in a comprehensive HIV and AIDS programme by the Kenya Red Cross Society from July 2019 to June 2021. Individuals who were either lost to follow up, defaulted (dropped out, transferred out, or relocated) or died were classified as attrition;while those who were active and alive by the end of the study were classified as retention. The study used density analysis to determine the spatial differences of key population attrition in the 19 targeted counties, and used Kilifi county as an example to map attrition cases in smaller administrative areas (sub-county level). The study used synthetic minority oversampling technique-nominal continuous (SMOTE-NC) to balance the datasets since the cases of attrition were much less than retention. The random survival forests model was then fitted to the balanced dataset. The model correctly identified attrition cases using the predicted ensemble mortality and their survival time using the estimated Kaplan-Meier survival function. The predictive performance of the model was strong and way better than random chance with concordance indices greater than 0.75.展开更多
Objectives: To determine the predictive value of the ECG for sudden death in the general population. Design: In the Copenhagen City Heart Study, a randomly selected population sample in Copenhagen, Denmarkhas been fol...Objectives: To determine the predictive value of the ECG for sudden death in the general population. Design: In the Copenhagen City Heart Study, a randomly selected population sample in Copenhagen, Denmarkhas been followed prospectively since 1976. From this population sample, we analyzed ECGs of individuals who had suffered sudden cardiac death (SCD) before the age of 50 years and compared them with ECGs of a randomly selected control individuals from the same population sample. Specific ECG signs that could point toward a condition associated with a risk of SCD were noted. Results: From a total of 18,974 individuals in the cohort, 207 had died at an age younger than 50 years. Among these, 24 persons with SCD were identified. The most prevalent ECG abnormality was QRS fragmentation. We found no ECGs with long or short QTc, Brugada sign or WPW. The prevalence of signs of left ventricular hyper-trophy, early repolarization, or fragmentation was not different from the prevalence of these signs in the control group. Conclusion: In the Copenhagen City Heart Study, the ECG failed to predict SCD in persons who died before the age of 50 years.展开更多
Background: The overall HIV prevalence and incidence in Rwanda have decreased significantly in the past decade. However, opposite trends are seen among key populations (KP). The HIV prevalence among sex workers is as ...Background: The overall HIV prevalence and incidence in Rwanda have decreased significantly in the past decade. However, opposite trends are seen among key populations (KP). The HIV prevalence among sex workers is as high as 51% and continues to rise. While the HIV prevalence among KP remains high, their adherence to treatment is low. Healthcare providers play a vital role in KP’s access and adherence to HIV treatment. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers on providing HIV services to key populations in Rwanda. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with nurses, doctors, social workers, and psychologists who provide HIV services to KP in public health facilities in Rwanda. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. All data were analyzed thematically using Dedoose. Results: Interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare providers. Three overarching themes emerged from the interviews: healthcare providers’ intrinsic feelings affect the ways they provide HIV services to key populations, key populations face a multitude of challenges related to accessing treatment and preventing the spread of HIV, and a more comprehensive and sensitive approach should be used to improve HIV services for key populations. Conclusion: Healthcare providers expressed difficulties in providing services to key populations and identified a lack of adherence to treatment and prevention guidelines, structural barriers, KP’s lack of trust in the healthcare system, and the discrimination and abuse KP face as challenges to effective HIV prevention and treatment. More comprehensive services including clinical, financial, and psychosocial support from trusted sources are needed. Some important policy changes are essential to facilitate access to HIV services for KP.展开更多
Three types of spatial function zoning is an effective measure for regional environmental protection and orderly development.For ecological and economic coordinated development, spatial function zones should be divide...Three types of spatial function zoning is an effective measure for regional environmental protection and orderly development.For ecological and economic coordinated development, spatial function zones should be divided scientifically to clear its direction of development and protection. Therefore, based on ecological constraints, a beneficial discussion would be about the key ecological function areas adopting the concept of ecological protection restriction and supporting socioeconomic development for spatial function zoning. In this paper, the researchers, taking Tacheng Basin, Xinjiang of China as an example, choose township as basic research unit and set up an evaluation index system from three aspects, namely, ecological protection suitability, agricultural production suitability, and urban development suitability, which are analyzed by using spatial analysis functions and exclusive matrix method. The results showed that: 1) This paper formed a set of multilevel evaluation index systems for three types of spatial function zoning of the key ecological function areas based on a novel perspective by scientifically dividing Tacheng Basin into ecological space, agricultural space, and urban space,which realized the integration and scientific orientation for spatial function at the township scale. 2) Under the guidance of three types of spatial pattern, the functional orientation and suggestions of development and protection was clearly defined for ecological protection zones,ecological economic zones, agricultural production zones, and urban development zones. 3) A new idea of space governance is provided to promote the coordinated and sustainable development between ecology and economy, which can break the traditional mode of thinking about regional economic development, and offers a scientific basis and reference for macro decision-making.展开更多
In the present work we study the global solvability of the Kolmogorov-Fisher type biological population task with double nonlinear diffusion and qualitative properties of the solution of the task based on the self-sim...In the present work we study the global solvability of the Kolmogorov-Fisher type biological population task with double nonlinear diffusion and qualitative properties of the solution of the task based on the self-similar analysis. In additional, in this paper we consider the model of two competing population with dual nonlinear cross-diffusion.展开更多
Bayesian predictive probability density function is obtained when the underlying pop-ulation distribution is exponentiated and subjective prior is used. The corresponding predictive survival function is then obtained ...Bayesian predictive probability density function is obtained when the underlying pop-ulation distribution is exponentiated and subjective prior is used. The corresponding predictive survival function is then obtained and used in constructing 100(1 – ?)% predictive interval, using one- and two- sample schemes when the size of the future sample is fixed and random. In the random case, the size of the future sample is assumed to follow the truncated Poisson distribution with parameter λ. Special attention is paid to the exponentiated Burr type XII population, from which the data are drawn. Two illustrative examples are given, one of which uses simulated data and the other uses data that represent the breaking strength of 64 single carbon fibers of length 10, found in Lawless [40].展开更多
Signal peptide capable of efficiently directing many protein secretion in mammalian cells is one of the key elements in recombinant protein production,gene therapy and the development of DNA vaccines.In order to explo...Signal peptide capable of efficiently directing many protein secretion in mammalian cells is one of the key elements in recombinant protein production,gene therapy and the development of DNA vaccines.In order to explore the possibility of rat growth hormone signal peptide as such an element,a new vector based on the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3 was constructed by employing rat growth hormone(rGH) signal peptide as leading sequence,followed by multiple cloning sites,the myc epitope-tag and 6×his purification tag in the expression cassette.The vector was validated by successfully expressing and secretion of chick MMP-2 C-terminal PEX domain,a potential angiogenesis inhibitor,and tandem peptide repeats of myc epitope-tag in COS-7 cells.These results suggest that rat growth hormone signal peptide is effective in the mediation of recombinant protein expression and secretion,and this vector provides a new tool for universal cloning and secretion of exogenous proteins in mammalian cells.展开更多
The famous ’Hu Line’, proposed by Hu Huanyong in 1935, divided China into two regions(southeast and northwest) of comparable area size but drastically different in population. However, the classic Hu Line was derive...The famous ’Hu Line’, proposed by Hu Huanyong in 1935, divided China into two regions(southeast and northwest) of comparable area size but drastically different in population. However, the classic Hu Line was derived manually in absence of reliable census data and computational technologies of modern days. It has been subject to criticism of lack of scientific rigor and accuracy. This research uses a GIS-automated regionalization method, termed REDCAP(Regionalization with Dynamically Constrained Agglomerative Clustering and Partitioning), to reconstruct the demarcation line based on the 2010 county-level census data in China. The results show that the logarithmic transformation of population density is a better measure of attributive homogeneity in derived regions than density itself, and produces two regions of nearly identical area size and greater contrast in population. Specifically, the revised Hu Line by Hu Huanyong in 1990 had the southeast region with 94.4% of total population and 42.9% of total land, and our delineation line yields a southeast region with 97.4% population and 50.8% land. Therefore, the population density ratio of the two regions is 27.1 by our line, much higher than the ratio of 22.4 by the Hu Line, and thus outperforms the Hu Line in deriving regions of maximum density contrast with comparable area size. Furthermore, more regions are delineated to further advance our understanding of population distribution disparity in China.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the relationships between the personal, sociocultural,and environmental characteristics,and the presence or absence of symptoms with the detection of Enterobius vermicularis(E.vermicularis)in a populat...AIM:To evaluate the relationships between the personal, sociocultural,and environmental characteristics,and the presence or absence of symptoms with the detection of Enterobius vermicularis(E.vermicularis)in a population sample in our region(General Mansilla,Province of Buenos Aires,Argentina),by individual and familiar analyses. METHODS:E.verrnicularis was diagnosed in 309 people from 70 family units residing in the urban area and the rural area of the city of General Mansilla.Each of them was surveyed so as to register personal,environmental and sociocultural data.Questions about the presence or absence of anal itch,abdominal pain and sleeping disorder were also asked.Significant associations were determined by square chi tests.Logistic regression models were adjusted by using a backward conditional stepwise method to determine the presence of this parasite in the individuals and in the families. RESULTS:The parasites were found in 29.12%(90/309) of the individuals,with a frequency of 14.28%(20/140) among the heads of the families and of 41.42%(70/169) among the children.The only variables showing a significant association were affiliation,where the risk category was “being the son/daughter of”,and the symptoms were abdominal pain,sleeping disorder,and anal itch.Families with a member infected with parasite were considered Positive Families(PF)and they were 40/70(57.14%),only 5%(2/40)of the PF had 100% of their members infected with the parasite.The logistic regression models applied showed that the risk categories were mainly affiliation(son/daughter) and housing(satisfactory)among others. CONCLUSION:The presence of E.vermiculariswas proved in one third of the studied population.The frequency of families with all their members infected with the parasite was very low.Most of the studied personal,sociocultural, and environmental variables did not turn out to be significantly associated with the presence of the parasite.An association with the category of“son/daughter”and housing classified as“satisfactory”was determined.The latter may be due to the fact that the people living in that category of housing have hygienic practices at home that favour the distribution of the eggs in the environment.The presence of the analysed symptoms was associated with the presence of the parasite, thus strengthening the need of periodical control of the population showing at least one of these symptoms.展开更多
In the last 40 years, threats to the survival of wild primate population have greatly increased. Globally, primate population is severely threatened with extinction especially due to habitat loss from conversion of fo...In the last 40 years, threats to the survival of wild primate population have greatly increased. Globally, primate population is severely threatened with extinction especially due to habitat loss from conversion of forest areas to farmland and/or unsustainable logging. There is paucity of information on the population density and abundance of Mona monkeys in Omo Forest Reserve. The population density and distribution of Mona monkeys were conducted in two forest blocks of Omo Forest Reserve (OFR). The objective of the study therefore, is to determine the population density and distribution of Mona monkey, and ascertain the presence of other primate species in sympatric relationship with the monkey. The line transect sampling method was used for the enumeration. Data were collected from seven (7) transects randomly selected from two forest blocks;the Elephant Sanctuary (4) and the Strict Nature Reserve (3). Other primate species were considered to be sympatric with Mona monkeys if they were encountered within 20 m proximity range with the target species. Data on threat of human activities were collected in Omo Forest Reserve based on four major categories (Hunting/Poaching, Logging, Farming, and Collection of Non-Timber Forest Products). Analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 20 to determine population density estimate and the relative density in the two forest blocks. The field work took 30 days each, in September, 2015 and March 2016 that covered both seasons. Results revealed that a total number of 57 Mona monkeys with density of 0.44 km−2 in the entire reserve were sighted during the survey. The relative density across the two forest blocks surveyed in the forest reserve revealed that Mona monkeys were present in both the Elephant Sanctuary (ES) (n = 42) and Strict Nature Reserve (SNR) (n = 15) with density of 0.27 km−2 and 0.18 km−2, respectively. The species were observed to be more active during morning surveys than in the evening surveys, with densities of 0.77 km−2 and 0.4 km−2 recorded, respectively. The mean encounter rates for the species were 3.31 km−1 and 1.5 km−1 for morning and evening surveys, respectively.展开更多
文摘Globally, the epidemic of hepatitis virus infection is increasing in the context of common viral transmission routes with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Thus, co-infection with both hepatitis virus and HIV is becoming a common occurrence, particularly for key populations. Studies of key populations, people who inject drugs, sex workers, transgendered individuals and men having sex with men, report high levels of illicit drug and/or alcohol use along with limited access to health care and medical treatment. Without the medical management of co-occurring substance use disorders and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a significant proportion of this population with HCV/HIV co-infection will progress to chronic liver disease then subsequently end-stage liver disease. Thus, access to comprehensive care and treatment, including HCV testing with subsequent care and treatment of acute/chronic HCV infection is essential to address the global burden of disease. Increased efforts are needed globally to address the barriers to comprehensive care and treatment for key populations with HCV/HIV co-infection.
基金Supported by the CNPC Science and Technology Major Project(2015E-4002)
文摘In view of complex geological characteristics and alternating loading conditions associated with cyclic large amount of gas injection and withdrawal in underground gas storage(UGS) of China, a series of key gas storage construction technologies were established, mainly including UGS site selection and evaluation, key index design, well drilling and completion, surface engineering and operational risk warning and assessment, etc. The effect of field application was discussed and summarized. Firstly, trap dynamic sealing capacity evaluation technology for conversion of UGS from the fault depleted or partially depleted gas reservoirs. A key index design method mainly based on the effective gas storage capacity design for water flooded heterogeneous gas reservoirs was proposed. To effectively guide the engineering construction of UGS, the safe well drilling, high quality cementing and high pressure and large flow surface injection and production engineering optimization suitable for long-term alternate loading condition and ultra-deep and ultra-low temperature formation were developed. The core surface equipment like high pressure gas injection compressor can be manufactured by our own. Last, the full-system operational risk warning and assessment technology for UGS was set up. The above 5 key technologies have been utilized in site selection, development scheme design, engineering construction and annual operations of 6 UGS groups, e.g. the Hutubi UGS in Xinjiang. To date, designed main indexes are highly consistent with actural performance, the 6 UGS groups have the load capacity of over 7.5 billion cubic meters of working gas volume and all the storage facilities have been running efficiently and safely.
基金the Medical Science and technology Project of Henan Province,No.2011030031
文摘AIM To compare the efficacy,improved quality of life,and prognosis in patients undergoing either subtotal colonic bypass with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy(SCBAC) or subtotal colonic bypass plus colostomy with antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy(SCBCAC) for the treatment of slow transit constipation.METHODS Between October 2010 and October 2014,aged patients with slow transit constipation who were hospitalized and underwent laparoscopic surgery in our institute weredivided into two groups: the bypass group,15 patients underwent SCBAC,and the bypass plus colostomy group,14 patients underwent SCBCAC. The following preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected: gender,age,body mass index,operative time,first flatus time,length of hospital stay,bowel movements(BMs),Wexner fecal incontinence scale,Wexner constipation scale(WCS),gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI),numerical rating scale for pain intensity(NRS),abdominal bloating score(ABS),and ClavienDindo classification of surgical complications(CD) before surgery and at 3,6,12,and 24 mo after surgery.RESULTS All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery without open surgery conversion or surgeryrelated death. The operative time and blood loss were significantly less in the bypass group than in the bypass plus colostomy group(P = 0.007). No significant differences were observed in first flatus time,length of hospital stay,or complications with CD > 1 between the two groups. No patients had fecal incontinence after surgery. At 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery,the number of BMs was significantly less in the bypass plus colostomy group than in the bypass group. The parameters at 3,6,12,and 24 mo after surgery in both groups significantly improved compared with the preoperative conditions(P < 0.05),except NRS at 3,6 mo after surgery in both groups,ABS at 12,24 mo after surgery and NRS at 12,24 mo after surgery in the bypass group. WCS,GIQLI,NRS,and ABS significantly improved in the bypass plus colostomy group compared with the bypass group at 3,6,12,and 24 mo after surgery(P < 0.05) except WCS,NRS at 3,6 mo after surgery and ABS at 3 mo after surgery. At 1 year after surgery,a barium enema examination showed that the emptying time was significantly better in the bypass plus colostomy group than in the bypass group(P = 0.007).CONCLUSION Laparoscopic SCBCAC is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of slow transit constipation in an aged population and can significantly improve the prognosis. Its clinical efficacy is more favorable compared with that of SCBAC. Laparoscopic SCBCAC is a better procedure for the treatment of slow transit constipation in an aged population.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81070913(to ZYH)
文摘The G-protein-coupled purinergic receptor P2Y2(P2RY2) plays an important role in the mechanism of atherosclerosis, which is relevant to ischemic stroke. This retrospective case-control study aimed to assess the relationship between P2RY2 gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk in the northern Han Chinese population. In this study, clinical data and peripheral blood specimens were collected from 378 ischemic stroke patients and 344 controls. The ischemic stroke participants were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University. The controls were recruited from the Health Check Center at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. Ischemic stroke patients were divided into two subgroups according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment(TOAST) classification: large-artery atherosclerosis(n = 178) and small-artery occlusion(n = 200) strokes. All subjects were genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms(rs4944831, rs1783596, and rs4944832) in the P2RY2 gene using peripheral venous blood samples. The distribution of the dominant rs4944832 phenotype(GG vs. GA+AA) differed significantly between small-artery occlusion patients and control subjects(odds ratio(OR) = 1.720, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.203–2.458, P < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the GG genotype of rs4944832 was significantly more prevalent in small-artery occlusion patients than in control subjects(OR = 1.807, 95% CI: 1.215–2.687, P < 0.01). The overall distribution of the haplotype established by rs4944831-rs1783596-rs4944832 was significantly different between ischemic stroke patients and controls(P < 0.01). In ischemic stroke patients, the frequency of the G-C-G haplotype was significantly higher than in control subjects(P = 0.028), whereas the frequency of the T-C-A haplotype was lower than in control subjects(P = 0.047). These results indicate that the G-C-G haplotype of P2RY2 is a susceptibility haplotype for ischemic stroke. In addition, the GG genotype of rs4944832 may be associated with the development of small-artery occlusion in the northern Han Chinese population. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University on February 20, 2012(No. 2012-38-1) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, China, on March 1, 2013(No. 2013-03-1). All participants gave their informed consent. This trial was registered with the ISRCTN Registry(ISRCTN11439124) on October 24, 2018. Protocol version(1.0).
文摘This article proves the existence of a hyper-precise global numerical meta-architecture unifying, structuring, binding and controlling the billion triplet codons constituting the sequence of single-stranded DNA of the entire human genome. Beyond the evolution and erratic mutations like transposons within the genome, it’s as if the memory of a fossil genome with multiple symmetries persists. This recalls the “intermingling” of information characterizing the fractal universe of chaos theory. The result leads to a balanced and perfect tuning between the masses of the two strands of the huge DNA molecule that constitute our genome. We show here how codon populations forming the single-stranded DNA sequences can constitute a critical approach to the understanding of junk DNA function. Then, we suggest revisiting certain methods published in our 2009 book “Codex Biogenesis”. In fact, we demonstrate here how the universal genetic code table is a powerful analytical filter to characterize single-stranded DNA sequences constituting chromosomes and genomes. We can then show that any genomic DNA sequence is featured by three numbers, which characterize it and its 64 codon populations with correlations greater than 99%. The number “1” is common to all sequences, expressing the second law of Chargaff. The other 2 numbers are related to each specific DNA sequence case characterizing life species. For example, the entire human genome is characterized by three remarkable numbers 1, 2, and Phi = 1.618 the golden ratio. Associated with each of these three numbers, we can match three axes of symmetry, then “imagine” a kind of hyperspace formed by these codon populations. Then we revisit the value (3-Phi)/2 which is probably universal and common to both the scale of quarks and atomic levels, balancing and tuning the whole human genome codon population. Finally, we demonstrate a new kind of duality between “form and substance” overlapping the whole human genome: we will show that—simultaneously with the duality between genes and junk DNA—there is a second layer of embedded hidden structure overlapping all the DNA of the whole human genome, dividing it into a second type of duality information/redundancy involving golden ratio proportions.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2024YFD2300301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 32472223 and 31901447)+1 种基金the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutionsthe Qinglan Project of Jiangsu Province, China
文摘Clarifying the photosynthetic and population characteristics of conventional japonica rice at different yield levels is crucial for boosting yield and ensuring food security.Therefore,a two-year field trial with two conventional japonica varieties was conducted at four planting densities:16 cm×30 cm(D1),14 cm×30 cm(D2),12 cm×30 cm(D3),and 10 cm×30 cm(D4).This study aimed to investigate how photosynthetic and population characteristics influence grain yield under varying planting densities.The results indicated that higher yields were primarily driven by increased grain weight and seed-setting rate(with a 9.68%‒11.40%higher single panicle weight),supported by optimized dry matter translocation and source-sink relationships.Elevated planting density(D2‒D4)enhanced panicle number and total spikelet number(by 3.91%‒15.00%)but reduced the number of spikelets per panicle,1000-grain weight,and photosynthetic efficiency due to mutual shading.Despite these trade-offs,yield increased by 4.10%‒12.42%under higher densities.The use of planting density D4 in japonica rice cultivation contributed to maximize yield.These findings provide important theoretical insights and practical significance for increasing the yield of conventional japonica rice and ensuring food security.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81070913(to ZYH)
文摘Two common polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARG) gene, rs1801282 and rs3856806, may be important candidate gene loci affecting the susceptibility to ischemic stroke. This case-control study sought to identify the relationship between these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk in a northern Chinese Han population. A total of 910 ischemic stroke participants were recruited from the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China as a case group, of whom 895 completed the study. The 883 healthy controls were recruited from the Health Check Center of the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China. All participants or family members provided informed consent. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Hospital of China Medical University, China on February 20, 2012(approval No. 2012-38-1). The protocol was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration number: ChiCTR-COC-17013559). Plasma genomic DNA was extracted from all participants and analyzed for rs1801282 and rs3856806 single nucleotide polymorphisms using a SNaPshot Multiplex sequencing assay. Odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression to estimate the association between ischemic stroke and a particular genotype. Results demonstrated that the G allele frequency of the PPARG gene rs1801282 locus was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group(P < 0.001). Individuals carrying the G allele had a 1.844 fold increased risk of ischemic stroke(OR = 1.844, 95% CI: 1.286–2.645, P < 0.001). Individuals carrying the rs3856806 T allele had a 1.366 fold increased risk of ischemic stroke(OR = 1.366, 95% CI: 1.077–1.733, P = 0.010). The distribution frequencies of the PPARG gene haplotypes rs1801282-rs3856806 in the control and case groups were determined. The frequency of distribution in the G-T haplotype case group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The risk of ischemic stroke increased to 2.953 times in individuals carrying the G-T haplotype(OR = 2.953, 95% CI: 2.082–4.190, P < 0.001). The rs1801282 G allele and rs3856806 T allele had a multiplicative interaction(OR = 3.404, 95% CI: 1.631–7.102, P < 0.001) and additive interaction(RERI = 41.705, 95% CI: 14.586–68.824, AP = 0.860;95% CI: 0.779–0.940;S = 8.170, 95% CI: 3.772–17.697) on ischemic stroke risk, showing a synergistic effect. Of all ischemic stroke cases, 86% were attributed to the interaction of the G allele of rs1801282 and the T allele of rs3856806. The effect of the PPARG rs1801282 G allele on ischemic stroke risk was enhanced in the presence of the rs3856806 T allele(OR = 8.001 vs. 1.844). The effect of the rs3856806 T allele on ischemic stroke risk was also enhanced in the presence of the rs1801282 G allele(OR = 2.546 vs. 1.366). Our results confirmed that the G allele of the PPARG gene rs1801282 locus and the T allele of the rs3856806 locus may be independent risk factors for ischemic stroke in the Han population of northern China, with a synergistic effect between the two alleles.
文摘Globally,there have been multiple public health emergencies in recent decades.High rates of morbidity,occasionally mortality,and economic instability are usually associated with pandemics.One of the epidemics that has significantly increased morbidity and mortality worldwide is the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)pandemic.HIV has a disproportionately negative impact on key populations.Strong leadership,effective communication,and sound science are necessary for public health emergency(PHE)responses to be successful.These three PHE response pllars are also essential for bridging the HIV response gap among key populations in the setting of restrictive laws.In this review,we explored the importance of these three pillars of successful PHEs responses,and how they are essential to closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations.Leaders must make decisions and instil a sense of authority in the populace during PHEs to foster trust and confidence.Leaders should base their choices on scientific evidence.Effective communication during PHEs should be proactive,polite,imaginative,innovative,and constructive.To address gaps in the HIV response among key populations,leaders must create a supportive environment for effective communication and scientific research,communication should be used to raise awareness of HIV and to dispel stigma and discrimination,while science should provide evidence of efficacy and effectiveness of interventions amongkey populations.
基金Supported by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq)and Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro(FAPERJ).
文摘BACKGROUND To achieve the elimination of hepatitis B and C,there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies to increase the access of diagnosis,particularly among key populations such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),individuals with coagulopathies and chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.AIM To evaluate the use of dried blood spot(DBS)in the detection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)markers.METHODS A total of 430 individuals comprised of people living with HIV,coagulopathies and CKD provided paired serum and DBS samples.HBsAg,anti-HBc and anti-HCV were tested in those samples using a commercial electrochemiluminescence.Demographic and selected behavioral variables were evaluated to assess possible association with HBV and HCV positivity.RESULTS Using DBS,HBsAg prevalence varied from 3.9%to 22.1%,anti-HBc rates varied from 25.5%to 45.6%and anti-HCV positivity ranged from 15.9%to 41.2%in key populations.Specificities of HBV and HCV tests using DBS varied from 88.9%to 100%.The HBsAg assay demonstrated the best performance in CKD and coagulopathy individuals and the anti-HCV test had a sensitivity and specificity of 100%in people living with HIV.Accuracy of HBV and HCV detection in DBS varied from 90.2%to 100%.In the CKD group,HBsAg positivity was associated with infrequent use of condoms,and anti-HBc positivity was associated with sharing nail cutters/razors/toothbrushes.Anti-HCV reactivity was positively associated with a history of transplantation and length of time using hemodialysis in both specimens.In people living with HIV,only the male gender was associated with anti-HBc positivity in serum and DBS.CONCLUSION DBS with electrochemiluminescence are useful tools for the diagnosis and prevalence studies of hepatitis B and C among key populations and may increase the opportunity to foster prevention and treatment.
文摘In order to identify the variation and estimate the genetic diversity among the fig (Ficus carica L.) genotypes collected from Algeria and Turkey, the genetic relationships between 86 genotypes were investigated using 23 inter primer binding sites (iPBS)-retrotransposon and 16 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. A total of 63 polymorphic bands for the iPBS-retrotransposon markers and 25 alleles for the SSR markers were identified with an average of 2.7 and 1.6 per primer, respectively. The average value of polymorphism information content (PIC) for the iPBS markers (0.73) was higher than that for the SSR markers (0.69). Applying the neighbor-joining method to the combined iPBS-retrotransposon and SSR data, the fig genotypes were clustered into two groups. The STRUCTURE software was used to determine the population structure. Among the genotypes studied, two populations (K = 2) were identified indicating a low diversity between the Algerian and Turkish varieties. Both types of markers were able to differentiate all the fig genotypes and were efficient in discriminating the closely related genotypes. Our data also showed that as a universal marker, iPBS-retrotransposon is a useful tool for the molecular characterization of fig genotypes.
文摘HIV and AIDS has continued to be a major public health concern, and hence one of the epidemics that the world resolved to end by 2030 as highlighted in sustainable development goals (SDGs). A colossal amount of effort has been taken to reduce new HIV infections, but there are still a significant number of new infections reported. HIV prevalence is more skewed towards the key population who include female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWID). The study design was retrospective and focused on key population enrolled in a comprehensive HIV and AIDS programme by the Kenya Red Cross Society from July 2019 to June 2021. Individuals who were either lost to follow up, defaulted (dropped out, transferred out, or relocated) or died were classified as attrition;while those who were active and alive by the end of the study were classified as retention. The study used density analysis to determine the spatial differences of key population attrition in the 19 targeted counties, and used Kilifi county as an example to map attrition cases in smaller administrative areas (sub-county level). The study used synthetic minority oversampling technique-nominal continuous (SMOTE-NC) to balance the datasets since the cases of attrition were much less than retention. The random survival forests model was then fitted to the balanced dataset. The model correctly identified attrition cases using the predicted ensemble mortality and their survival time using the estimated Kaplan-Meier survival function. The predictive performance of the model was strong and way better than random chance with concordance indices greater than 0.75.
文摘Objectives: To determine the predictive value of the ECG for sudden death in the general population. Design: In the Copenhagen City Heart Study, a randomly selected population sample in Copenhagen, Denmarkhas been followed prospectively since 1976. From this population sample, we analyzed ECGs of individuals who had suffered sudden cardiac death (SCD) before the age of 50 years and compared them with ECGs of a randomly selected control individuals from the same population sample. Specific ECG signs that could point toward a condition associated with a risk of SCD were noted. Results: From a total of 18,974 individuals in the cohort, 207 had died at an age younger than 50 years. Among these, 24 persons with SCD were identified. The most prevalent ECG abnormality was QRS fragmentation. We found no ECGs with long or short QTc, Brugada sign or WPW. The prevalence of signs of left ventricular hyper-trophy, early repolarization, or fragmentation was not different from the prevalence of these signs in the control group. Conclusion: In the Copenhagen City Heart Study, the ECG failed to predict SCD in persons who died before the age of 50 years.
文摘Background: The overall HIV prevalence and incidence in Rwanda have decreased significantly in the past decade. However, opposite trends are seen among key populations (KP). The HIV prevalence among sex workers is as high as 51% and continues to rise. While the HIV prevalence among KP remains high, their adherence to treatment is low. Healthcare providers play a vital role in KP’s access and adherence to HIV treatment. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers on providing HIV services to key populations in Rwanda. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with nurses, doctors, social workers, and psychologists who provide HIV services to KP in public health facilities in Rwanda. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. All data were analyzed thematically using Dedoose. Results: Interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare providers. Three overarching themes emerged from the interviews: healthcare providers’ intrinsic feelings affect the ways they provide HIV services to key populations, key populations face a multitude of challenges related to accessing treatment and preventing the spread of HIV, and a more comprehensive and sensitive approach should be used to improve HIV services for key populations. Conclusion: Healthcare providers expressed difficulties in providing services to key populations and identified a lack of adherence to treatment and prevention guidelines, structural barriers, KP’s lack of trust in the healthcare system, and the discrimination and abuse KP face as challenges to effective HIV prevention and treatment. More comprehensive services including clinical, financial, and psychosocial support from trusted sources are needed. Some important policy changes are essential to facilitate access to HIV services for KP.
基金Under the auspices of Grant Program of Clean Development Mechanism Fund of China(CDMF)(No.2014092)Task 2 of Key Service Project 5 for the Characteristic Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.TSS-2015-014-FW-5-2)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41571159)The Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA20010301)Jiangsu Natural Science Foundation(No.BK20181105)
文摘Three types of spatial function zoning is an effective measure for regional environmental protection and orderly development.For ecological and economic coordinated development, spatial function zones should be divided scientifically to clear its direction of development and protection. Therefore, based on ecological constraints, a beneficial discussion would be about the key ecological function areas adopting the concept of ecological protection restriction and supporting socioeconomic development for spatial function zoning. In this paper, the researchers, taking Tacheng Basin, Xinjiang of China as an example, choose township as basic research unit and set up an evaluation index system from three aspects, namely, ecological protection suitability, agricultural production suitability, and urban development suitability, which are analyzed by using spatial analysis functions and exclusive matrix method. The results showed that: 1) This paper formed a set of multilevel evaluation index systems for three types of spatial function zoning of the key ecological function areas based on a novel perspective by scientifically dividing Tacheng Basin into ecological space, agricultural space, and urban space,which realized the integration and scientific orientation for spatial function at the township scale. 2) Under the guidance of three types of spatial pattern, the functional orientation and suggestions of development and protection was clearly defined for ecological protection zones,ecological economic zones, agricultural production zones, and urban development zones. 3) A new idea of space governance is provided to promote the coordinated and sustainable development between ecology and economy, which can break the traditional mode of thinking about regional economic development, and offers a scientific basis and reference for macro decision-making.
文摘In the present work we study the global solvability of the Kolmogorov-Fisher type biological population task with double nonlinear diffusion and qualitative properties of the solution of the task based on the self-similar analysis. In additional, in this paper we consider the model of two competing population with dual nonlinear cross-diffusion.
文摘Bayesian predictive probability density function is obtained when the underlying pop-ulation distribution is exponentiated and subjective prior is used. The corresponding predictive survival function is then obtained and used in constructing 100(1 – ?)% predictive interval, using one- and two- sample schemes when the size of the future sample is fixed and random. In the random case, the size of the future sample is assumed to follow the truncated Poisson distribution with parameter λ. Special attention is paid to the exponentiated Burr type XII population, from which the data are drawn. Two illustrative examples are given, one of which uses simulated data and the other uses data that represent the breaking strength of 64 single carbon fibers of length 10, found in Lawless [40].
文摘Signal peptide capable of efficiently directing many protein secretion in mammalian cells is one of the key elements in recombinant protein production,gene therapy and the development of DNA vaccines.In order to explore the possibility of rat growth hormone signal peptide as such an element,a new vector based on the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3 was constructed by employing rat growth hormone(rGH) signal peptide as leading sequence,followed by multiple cloning sites,the myc epitope-tag and 6×his purification tag in the expression cassette.The vector was validated by successfully expressing and secretion of chick MMP-2 C-terminal PEX domain,a potential angiogenesis inhibitor,and tandem peptide repeats of myc epitope-tag in COS-7 cells.These results suggest that rat growth hormone signal peptide is effective in the mediation of recombinant protein expression and secretion,and this vector provides a new tool for universal cloning and secretion of exogenous proteins in mammalian cells.
文摘The famous ’Hu Line’, proposed by Hu Huanyong in 1935, divided China into two regions(southeast and northwest) of comparable area size but drastically different in population. However, the classic Hu Line was derived manually in absence of reliable census data and computational technologies of modern days. It has been subject to criticism of lack of scientific rigor and accuracy. This research uses a GIS-automated regionalization method, termed REDCAP(Regionalization with Dynamically Constrained Agglomerative Clustering and Partitioning), to reconstruct the demarcation line based on the 2010 county-level census data in China. The results show that the logarithmic transformation of population density is a better measure of attributive homogeneity in derived regions than density itself, and produces two regions of nearly identical area size and greater contrast in population. Specifically, the revised Hu Line by Hu Huanyong in 1990 had the southeast region with 94.4% of total population and 42.9% of total land, and our delineation line yields a southeast region with 97.4% population and 50.8% land. Therefore, the population density ratio of the two regions is 27.1 by our line, much higher than the ratio of 22.4 by the Hu Line, and thus outperforms the Hu Line in deriving regions of maximum density contrast with comparable area size. Furthermore, more regions are delineated to further advance our understanding of population distribution disparity in China.
基金Supported by the Agencia Nacional de Promoci6n Científica y Técnica de la Argentina,the Alberto J.Roemmers Foundation,and the Universidad Nacional de La Plata,and it was declared of Municipal Interest by the town of Magdalena,Province of Buenos Ai
文摘AIM:To evaluate the relationships between the personal, sociocultural,and environmental characteristics,and the presence or absence of symptoms with the detection of Enterobius vermicularis(E.vermicularis)in a population sample in our region(General Mansilla,Province of Buenos Aires,Argentina),by individual and familiar analyses. METHODS:E.verrnicularis was diagnosed in 309 people from 70 family units residing in the urban area and the rural area of the city of General Mansilla.Each of them was surveyed so as to register personal,environmental and sociocultural data.Questions about the presence or absence of anal itch,abdominal pain and sleeping disorder were also asked.Significant associations were determined by square chi tests.Logistic regression models were adjusted by using a backward conditional stepwise method to determine the presence of this parasite in the individuals and in the families. RESULTS:The parasites were found in 29.12%(90/309) of the individuals,with a frequency of 14.28%(20/140) among the heads of the families and of 41.42%(70/169) among the children.The only variables showing a significant association were affiliation,where the risk category was “being the son/daughter of”,and the symptoms were abdominal pain,sleeping disorder,and anal itch.Families with a member infected with parasite were considered Positive Families(PF)and they were 40/70(57.14%),only 5%(2/40)of the PF had 100% of their members infected with the parasite.The logistic regression models applied showed that the risk categories were mainly affiliation(son/daughter) and housing(satisfactory)among others. CONCLUSION:The presence of E.vermiculariswas proved in one third of the studied population.The frequency of families with all their members infected with the parasite was very low.Most of the studied personal,sociocultural, and environmental variables did not turn out to be significantly associated with the presence of the parasite.An association with the category of“son/daughter”and housing classified as“satisfactory”was determined.The latter may be due to the fact that the people living in that category of housing have hygienic practices at home that favour the distribution of the eggs in the environment.The presence of the analysed symptoms was associated with the presence of the parasite, thus strengthening the need of periodical control of the population showing at least one of these symptoms.
文摘In the last 40 years, threats to the survival of wild primate population have greatly increased. Globally, primate population is severely threatened with extinction especially due to habitat loss from conversion of forest areas to farmland and/or unsustainable logging. There is paucity of information on the population density and abundance of Mona monkeys in Omo Forest Reserve. The population density and distribution of Mona monkeys were conducted in two forest blocks of Omo Forest Reserve (OFR). The objective of the study therefore, is to determine the population density and distribution of Mona monkey, and ascertain the presence of other primate species in sympatric relationship with the monkey. The line transect sampling method was used for the enumeration. Data were collected from seven (7) transects randomly selected from two forest blocks;the Elephant Sanctuary (4) and the Strict Nature Reserve (3). Other primate species were considered to be sympatric with Mona monkeys if they were encountered within 20 m proximity range with the target species. Data on threat of human activities were collected in Omo Forest Reserve based on four major categories (Hunting/Poaching, Logging, Farming, and Collection of Non-Timber Forest Products). Analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 20 to determine population density estimate and the relative density in the two forest blocks. The field work took 30 days each, in September, 2015 and March 2016 that covered both seasons. Results revealed that a total number of 57 Mona monkeys with density of 0.44 km−2 in the entire reserve were sighted during the survey. The relative density across the two forest blocks surveyed in the forest reserve revealed that Mona monkeys were present in both the Elephant Sanctuary (ES) (n = 42) and Strict Nature Reserve (SNR) (n = 15) with density of 0.27 km−2 and 0.18 km−2, respectively. The species were observed to be more active during morning surveys than in the evening surveys, with densities of 0.77 km−2 and 0.4 km−2 recorded, respectively. The mean encounter rates for the species were 3.31 km−1 and 1.5 km−1 for morning and evening surveys, respectively.
