The aging and declining birthrate is a common challenge faced by many countries in the world today,especially those with relatively developed economies.As close neighbors in East Asia,Japan and China are particularly ...The aging and declining birthrate is a common challenge faced by many countries in the world today,especially those with relatively developed economies.As close neighbors in East Asia,Japan and China are particularly prominent in this issue.Japan is one of the countries with the highest degree of aging globally,and its process is characterized by“getting rich first and aging later”;while China is known for its“aging before getting rich”and its ultra-large elderly population,and is experiencing a similar demographic transition at a faster pace.This paper aims to systematically compare the current characteristics of aging and declining birthrate issues in China and Japan,and deeply analyze the similarities and differences in the underlying economic,social,and cultural reasons.The study finds that the two countries are similar in overall trends such as low fertility rates and inverted population structures,but there are significant differences in the timing of the problem’s outbreak,its severity,and specific causes.Japan’s predicament is rooted in its long-term economic stagnation,mature welfare social system,and profound individualization trend;while China’s challenges are closely related to unique family planning policies,rapid socioeconomic changes,and significant urban-rural regional differences,as well as the deep penetration of the declining birthrate phenomenon from urban to rural areas,and the accelerated disintegration of traditional fertility concepts.展开更多
In the present paper, a total optimal cost of an inventory model with exponential declining demand and constant deterioration is considered. The time-varying holding cost is a linear function of time. Shortages are no...In the present paper, a total optimal cost of an inventory model with exponential declining demand and constant deterioration is considered. The time-varying holding cost is a linear function of time. Shortages are not allowed. The items (like food grains, fashion apparels and electronic equipments) have fixed shelf-life which decreases with time during the end of the season. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the model and the sensitivity analysis of various parameters is carried out.展开更多
Root activity has an important impact on soil development but we have little knowledge of the interaction of the root zone and soil genetic horizons.The aim of this investigation was to study the interactions between ...Root activity has an important impact on soil development but we have little knowledge of the interaction of the root zone and soil genetic horizons.The aim of this investigation was to study the interactions between soil chemical characteristics and root zone processes in a declining Persian oak forest(Quercus brantii Lindl.).A randomized complete block design was used to investigate the long-term eff ect of Persian oak on soil horizons,and the chemical and biological properties in two soil zones(under and outside the canopy).Results indicate that the rhizosphere zone had signifi cantly higher total organic carbon(TOC)than outside the canopy soil in the upper soil horizons.In subsurface horizons,water-extractable organic carbon values were signifi cantly higher in rhizosphere than in non-rhizospheric zone.Microbial biomass carbon(MBC)values in the rhizospheric zone decreased from the fi rst to the second horizon.The MBC/TOC ratio indicated signifi-cant diff erences between the rhizosphere and soils outside of the canopy,with the exception of the subsurface horizon.In the subsurface horizon of the rhizosphere,there was greater respiration of organic carbon(ΣCO 2/TOC)than in outside of canopy soil.In addition,root processes infl uenced pH,nitrogen fractions,and availability of phosphorus,potassium,iron,zinc and manganese.Diff erences in soil characteristics between rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric zones were signifi cant in surface horizons due to higher root density than in deeper soil layers.The fi ndings indicate that Persian oak(Quercus brantii Lindl.)roots infl uenced the main soil chemical properties,even in calcareous soils.展开更多
A declining rate filter operating through over flow control mode is proposed in this paper with a view to improving the overall performance of declining rate filters. Traditional declining rate filters have in-built s...A declining rate filter operating through over flow control mode is proposed in this paper with a view to improving the overall performance of declining rate filters. Traditional declining rate filters have in-built self-adjustment of flow rates among the filters assisted with downstream orifice for flow control with limited flexibility for further adjustment. The proposed design allows the control of flow level and flow rates in individual filters, the water level in the over flow distributor tank and offers increased flexibility in responding to changes in filtration variables and optimising the overall performance of the filters. The design set up can also operate as constant rate filter through setting the water level in the distributor tank to the maximum.展开更多
A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside ...A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.展开更多
Japan’s investment in China in2015 was$3.2 billion,which was a drop of 25.9%compared with the year before;as for trade,however,Japan was the second destination country for China’s exports,with a volume of$135.7 bill...Japan’s investment in China in2015 was$3.2 billion,which was a drop of 25.9%compared with the year before;as for trade,however,Japan was the second destination country for China’s exports,with a volume of$135.7 billion;as for imports,Japan ranked third with a volume of$143 billion.Japanese companies展开更多
Background: The application of invasive obstetric procedures has an end point of reducing the Caesarean section rate. The declining rate of use of these procedures is one of the reasons for increasing Caesarean sectio...Background: The application of invasive obstetric procedures has an end point of reducing the Caesarean section rate. The declining rate of use of these procedures is one of the reasons for increasing Caesarean section rates in our environment. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the practice of operative vaginal deliveries among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria and to evaluate the reasons for non-use of these procedures. Methodology: It was a questionnaire based study. The questionnaires were administered to practitioners of Obstetrics in the various centres in Nigeria. Data was collated and analyzed with Epi-Info statistical software version 7.0 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), and conclusions were drawn by means of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 1200 questionnaire were distributed but 1104 were returned and used for analysis. This gave a response rate of 92%. The age distribution of the respondents showed that the 20 - 30 year age group had the least number of respondents 22 (2%) while 41 - 50 age group had the highest number of respondents 486 (4%). The majority of the respondents were males 839 (76%). In terms of duration of practice, 449 (40.7%) of the respondents had more than 6 years duration of practice while 256 (23.2) had practiced for less than 3 years. Tertiary centres had highest number of respondents 71.8%. The distribution of the respondents according to the geopolitical zones in Nigeria are;South-East (57.6%), South-South (19.6%), South West (11.4%), North-West (4.9%), North-East (3.8%), North-Central (2.7%). The practice of these procedures among respondents were: External cephalic version (68.0%), Symphysiotomy (41.7), Forceps delivery (68.8%), Destructive delivery (60.1%), Vaginal breech delivery (85.5%), Vacuum extraction (84.8%). Reasons for the non-use included: Risk of perinatal/maternal morbidity and mortality greater than benefit (25.7%), Lack of equipment (22.4%), Lack of skills (16.6%), Decline by patients (6.5%), Not in the departmental protocol (26.2%), Not evidence based (34.6%), Patient preferred Caesarean section (5.6%), Outdated (32.6%), fear of litigation (32.7%). The mean rate of caesarean section according to rates reported from different centres was 25.2% while the individual centre rates ranged from 2% to as high as 51%. Conclusion: There is a decline in the practice of operative obstetric procedures among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria. There is an urgent need to reverse this trend by increased training and re-training of manpower, provision of necessary equipment, more research to provide supportive evidence of need and inclusion in protocols.展开更多
Background Climate change associated with droughts has led to widespread forest decline.Hydraulic and carbonrelated performances are key physiological processes for the tolerance of trees to environmental changes,yet ...Background Climate change associated with droughts has led to widespread forest decline.Hydraulic and carbonrelated performances are key physiological processes for the tolerance of trees to environmental changes,yet our current understanding of such physiological performances for forest decline is still limited.Here,we investigated the hydraulic and carbohydrate performances of healthy and declining(canopy dieback)trees in temperate larch(Larix principis-rupprechtii)plantations.Results Relative to healthy trees,the higher native percentage loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity and lower xylem hydraulic conductivity indicated a deterioration of the integrity of the hydraulic system in declining trees.Additionally,the comparable Huber value,intrinsic water-use efficiency,and leaf mass per area between healthy and declining trees suggest a relatively profligate water-use strategy by declining trees.Declining trees had lower nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations in leaves,branches,and twigs but higher soluble sugars concentration in fine roots than conspecific healthy trees.Conclusions Overall,declining trees in larch plantations would be more vulnerable to drought due to the higher risk of hydraulic dysfunction and carbohydrate depletion.展开更多
Background:The development and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Greater Mekong Subregion has created impetus for continuing global monitoring of efficacy of artemisinin-based combinatio...Background:The development and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Greater Mekong Subregion has created impetus for continuing global monitoring of efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies(ACTs). This post analyses is aimed to evaluate changes in early treatment response markers 10 years after the adoption of ACTs as first-line treatments of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Nigeria.Methods: At 14 sentinel sites in six geographical areas of Nigeria, we evaluated treatment responses in 1341 children under 5 years and in additional 360 children under 16 years with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in randomized trials of artemether-lumefantrine versus artesunate-amodiaquine at 5-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2014-2015 and at 2-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2012-2015, respectively after deployment in 2005.Results: Asexual parasite positivity 1 day after treatment initiation (APPD1) rose from 54 to 62% and 2 days after treatment initiation from 5 to 26% in 2009-2010 to 2014-2015(P=0.002 and P<0.0001, respectively).Parasite clearance time increased significantly from 1.6 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-1.64) to 1.9 days (95% C,1.9-2.0) and geometric mean parasite reduction ratio 2 days after treatment initiation decreased significantly from 11 000 to 4700 within the same time period (P< 00001 for each). Enrolment parasitaemia > 75 000 μl^-1, haematocrit > 27% 1 day post-treatment initiatiortreatment with artemether-lumefantrine and enrolment in 2014-2015 independently predicted APPD1. In paralle , Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of recurrent infections by day 28 rose from 8 to 14% (P=0005) and from 9 to 15%(P=0.02) with artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine, respectively. Mean asexual parasitaemia half-life increased significantly from 1.1 h to 1.3h within 2 years (P<0.0001).Conclusions:These data indicate declining parasitological responses through time to the two ACTs may be due to emergence of parasites with reduced susceptibility or decrease in immunity to the infections in these children.展开更多
Current treatments for cerebral amyloid angiopathy are mainly symptomatic and have limited efficacy,and there is a lack of targeted therapies.Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation improves cognitive and motor function...Current treatments for cerebral amyloid angiopathy are mainly symptomatic and have limited efficacy,and there is a lack of targeted therapies.Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation improves cognitive and motor function in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,acute ischemic stroke,and Parkinson’s disease.In addition,mesenchymal stem cell therapy modulates the immune system,reduces neuroinflammation,and improves resolution of brain lesions by cells of the macrophage lineage.Cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease share similar pathologic changes involving amyloid-beta deposition,which contributes to the progression of both diseases and exacerbates cognitive deficits through impaired vascular integrity and neuroinflammation.Therefore,we hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cell therapy could also ameliorate the pathological changes seen in cerebral amyloid angiopathy by modulating the immune response.In this study,we show that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have a protective effect in a mouse model of cerebral amyloid angiopathy(Tg-SwDI/B).Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell treatment improved cognitive function,reduced neuroinflammation,and maintained blood-brain barrier integrity in Tg-SwDI/B mice.Mechanistically,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell treatment enhanced the expulsion of damaged mitochondria from neutrophils via migrasomes,in a process known as mitocytosis,thereby preserving mitochondrial quality within the neutrophils.Mitochondrial damage in neutrophils leads to cellular injury,including the generation of reactive oxygen species and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps.Neutrophils activate mitocytosis to promote mitochondrial renewal,which further enhances their own clearance by macrophage lineage cells.Our findings demonstrate that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are a promising therapeutic candidate for cerebral amyloid angiopathy,as they play a significant role in migrasome-dependent mitochondrial quality control in neutrophils.展开更多
The majority of our daily activities and routines are highly dependent on vision.What we experience as our vision arises from the detection and encoding of visual signals in the retina,which are then interpreted in th...The majority of our daily activities and routines are highly dependent on vision.What we experience as our vision arises from the detection and encoding of visual signals in the retina,which are then interpreted in the brain.This interpretation has the benefit of providing a level of constancy to what we experience as vision but also limits our ability to perceive subtle decline in our own vision.展开更多
Ischemic stroke has a higher survival rate and is more likely to result in cognitive impairment than hemorrhagic stroke.The primary pathological mechanism underlying cognitive impairment involves dysfunction of neural...Ischemic stroke has a higher survival rate and is more likely to result in cognitive impairment than hemorrhagic stroke.The primary pathological mechanism underlying cognitive impairment involves dysfunction of neural circuits and damage to specific brain regions.This review aims to investigate the role of the hippocampus in cognitive impairment following a stroke.A review of the literature suggests that the hippocampus is a metabolically active structure that is easily involved in various metabolic states,such as hypoxia and hypoglycaemia.The functional changes in hippocampal cells associated with poststroke cognitive impairment mainly manifest as neuronal apoptosis,impaired synaptic plasticity,and decreased neurogenesis.The primary pathological mechanism of poststroke cognitive impairment involves a complex cascade of reactions,including neuroinflammatory activation,bursts of oxidative stress,and neuronal apoptosis induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.Interventional drugs for cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia include neuroprotective drugs,traditional Chinese medicines and their extracts,and stem cell therapies.Many of these drugs have unique advantages,including the inhibition of neuroinflammation,the prevention of apoptosis,and the promotion of neurogenesis.They hold great potential for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment following cerebral ischemia.However,most current studies are animal experiments,and relatively few clinical studies exist.In future research,emphasis should be placed on interventions for cognitive impairment following cerebral ischemia.These findings offer novel perspectives for the treatment of cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia.Finally,the role of hippocampal cell dysfunction in other diseases associated with cognitive decline is briefly discussed.The aim of this review is to provide researchers with a comprehensive overview of the role of the hippocampus in cognitive impairment and its intervention strategies.展开更多
Through collecting,reflecting and summarizing various opinions on the conservation of the old city in South Nanjing,this paper examines the problems that the declining historic quarters are facing amid the urban renew...Through collecting,reflecting and summarizing various opinions on the conservation of the old city in South Nanjing,this paper examines the problems that the declining historic quarters are facing amid the urban renewal process.Moreover,in combination with the existing planning practices in the old city in South Nanjing,this paper carries out a discussion on the renewal of the declining historic quarters from the perspective of values,exploration and assessment of historic resources,choice of renewal methods,and support of implementation system.展开更多
Astrocytes,a major class of glial cells,have emerged as crucial regulators of synaptic function,neuronal homeostasis,and cognitive processes(Cabral-Miranda et al.,2024).These star-shaped cells not only provide structu...Astrocytes,a major class of glial cells,have emerged as crucial regulators of synaptic function,neuronal homeostasis,and cognitive processes(Cabral-Miranda et al.,2024).These star-shaped cells not only provide structural and metabolic support to neurons but also actively participate in modulating synaptic transmission,neurovascular coupling,and inflammatory responses in the brain.展开更多
The innate immune system of the central nervous system(CNS),long viewed as primarily microgliadriven,is now increasingly recognized to include astrocytes as active participants in neuroimmune signaling.Chronic alcohol...The innate immune system of the central nervous system(CNS),long viewed as primarily microgliadriven,is now increasingly recognized to include astrocytes as active participants in neuroimmune signaling.Chronic alcohol exposure trigge rs oxidative stress,glial activation,and sustained inflammation,ultimately contributing to cognitive decline and neuronal injury.展开更多
Aging is a universal biological process characterized by the progressive decline in cellular and tissue function,representing the main risk factor for the development of most chronic human diseases.At the cellular lev...Aging is a universal biological process characterized by the progressive decline in cellular and tissue function,representing the main risk factor for the development of most chronic human diseases.At the cellular level,one hallmark of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells—non-dividing yet metabolically active cells that adopt a unique phenotype,including the senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)(Wang et al.,2024).展开更多
Mounting evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disruption may be linked to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.However,whether this disruption occurs before the appearance of cognitive symptoms and whe...Mounting evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disruption may be linked to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.However,whether this disruption occurs before the appearance of cognitive symptoms and whether it drives disease development remain unclear.Understanding the temporal relationship between circadian rhythm dysregulation and early Alzheimer’s disease pathological changes may open up new avenues for disease prevention and intervention.To determine if circadian rhythm disruption precedes cognitive decline,we conducted high-resolution transcriptome analyses of the hippocampus in a 5-month-old mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and age-matched wild-type control mice at multiple time points over a 24-hour period.While the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease did not exhibit obvious cognitive symptoms at this stage,the expression of circadian-related genes in the hippocampus exhibited extensive abnormalities.In the control group,2109 genes exhibited rhythmic expression characteristics.In the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,a marked proportion of these genes lost their rhythmicity,some genes newly developed rhythmicity,and some maintained rhythmicity but with altered expression patterns.Genes related to neuronal function,including those involved in protein homeostasis regulation,neuroinflammation,and ion homeostasis,showed significant changes in circadian rhythm amplitude and phase,and some completely lost their rhythmicity.These findings point to the following critical early events in Alzheimer’s disease:hippocampal circadian gene disruption occurs before cognitive symptoms emerge,genes related to neuronal function are uniquely susceptible to this early dysregulation,and circadian dysfunction may even precede the pathological changes of Alzheimer’s disease and influence disease onset.This work advances Alzheimer’s disease research by clarifying that circadian disruption is an early pre-symptomatic event,reinforcing the potential of circadian rhythm regulation as a strategy for early intervention of Alzheimer’s disease,and identifying neuronal pathways that may serve as intervention targets.展开更多
Biological aging is a complex physiological process characterized by a decline in tissue function and the loss of cellular capabilities,which increase an individual's risk of various diseases[1].While genetic fact...Biological aging is a complex physiological process characterized by a decline in tissue function and the loss of cellular capabilities,which increase an individual's risk of various diseases[1].While genetic factors and lifestyle are key influences on biological aging,environmental factors also play a significant role.Given the rapid aging of the global population,elucidating the factors that influence biological aging is crucial for promoting healthy aging.展开更多
文摘The aging and declining birthrate is a common challenge faced by many countries in the world today,especially those with relatively developed economies.As close neighbors in East Asia,Japan and China are particularly prominent in this issue.Japan is one of the countries with the highest degree of aging globally,and its process is characterized by“getting rich first and aging later”;while China is known for its“aging before getting rich”and its ultra-large elderly population,and is experiencing a similar demographic transition at a faster pace.This paper aims to systematically compare the current characteristics of aging and declining birthrate issues in China and Japan,and deeply analyze the similarities and differences in the underlying economic,social,and cultural reasons.The study finds that the two countries are similar in overall trends such as low fertility rates and inverted population structures,but there are significant differences in the timing of the problem’s outbreak,its severity,and specific causes.Japan’s predicament is rooted in its long-term economic stagnation,mature welfare social system,and profound individualization trend;while China’s challenges are closely related to unique family planning policies,rapid socioeconomic changes,and significant urban-rural regional differences,as well as the deep penetration of the declining birthrate phenomenon from urban to rural areas,and the accelerated disintegration of traditional fertility concepts.
文摘In the present paper, a total optimal cost of an inventory model with exponential declining demand and constant deterioration is considered. The time-varying holding cost is a linear function of time. Shortages are not allowed. The items (like food grains, fashion apparels and electronic equipments) have fixed shelf-life which decreases with time during the end of the season. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the model and the sensitivity analysis of various parameters is carried out.
基金The managing director of Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center is highly appreciated for their cooperation in conducting this investigation.
文摘Root activity has an important impact on soil development but we have little knowledge of the interaction of the root zone and soil genetic horizons.The aim of this investigation was to study the interactions between soil chemical characteristics and root zone processes in a declining Persian oak forest(Quercus brantii Lindl.).A randomized complete block design was used to investigate the long-term eff ect of Persian oak on soil horizons,and the chemical and biological properties in two soil zones(under and outside the canopy).Results indicate that the rhizosphere zone had signifi cantly higher total organic carbon(TOC)than outside the canopy soil in the upper soil horizons.In subsurface horizons,water-extractable organic carbon values were signifi cantly higher in rhizosphere than in non-rhizospheric zone.Microbial biomass carbon(MBC)values in the rhizospheric zone decreased from the fi rst to the second horizon.The MBC/TOC ratio indicated signifi-cant diff erences between the rhizosphere and soils outside of the canopy,with the exception of the subsurface horizon.In the subsurface horizon of the rhizosphere,there was greater respiration of organic carbon(ΣCO 2/TOC)than in outside of canopy soil.In addition,root processes infl uenced pH,nitrogen fractions,and availability of phosphorus,potassium,iron,zinc and manganese.Diff erences in soil characteristics between rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric zones were signifi cant in surface horizons due to higher root density than in deeper soil layers.The fi ndings indicate that Persian oak(Quercus brantii Lindl.)roots infl uenced the main soil chemical properties,even in calcareous soils.
文摘A declining rate filter operating through over flow control mode is proposed in this paper with a view to improving the overall performance of declining rate filters. Traditional declining rate filters have in-built self-adjustment of flow rates among the filters assisted with downstream orifice for flow control with limited flexibility for further adjustment. The proposed design allows the control of flow level and flow rates in individual filters, the water level in the over flow distributor tank and offers increased flexibility in responding to changes in filtration variables and optimising the overall performance of the filters. The design set up can also operate as constant rate filter through setting the water level in the distributor tank to the maximum.
文摘A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.
文摘Japan’s investment in China in2015 was$3.2 billion,which was a drop of 25.9%compared with the year before;as for trade,however,Japan was the second destination country for China’s exports,with a volume of$135.7 billion;as for imports,Japan ranked third with a volume of$143 billion.Japanese companies
文摘Background: The application of invasive obstetric procedures has an end point of reducing the Caesarean section rate. The declining rate of use of these procedures is one of the reasons for increasing Caesarean section rates in our environment. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the practice of operative vaginal deliveries among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria and to evaluate the reasons for non-use of these procedures. Methodology: It was a questionnaire based study. The questionnaires were administered to practitioners of Obstetrics in the various centres in Nigeria. Data was collated and analyzed with Epi-Info statistical software version 7.0 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), and conclusions were drawn by means of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 1200 questionnaire were distributed but 1104 were returned and used for analysis. This gave a response rate of 92%. The age distribution of the respondents showed that the 20 - 30 year age group had the least number of respondents 22 (2%) while 41 - 50 age group had the highest number of respondents 486 (4%). The majority of the respondents were males 839 (76%). In terms of duration of practice, 449 (40.7%) of the respondents had more than 6 years duration of practice while 256 (23.2) had practiced for less than 3 years. Tertiary centres had highest number of respondents 71.8%. The distribution of the respondents according to the geopolitical zones in Nigeria are;South-East (57.6%), South-South (19.6%), South West (11.4%), North-West (4.9%), North-East (3.8%), North-Central (2.7%). The practice of these procedures among respondents were: External cephalic version (68.0%), Symphysiotomy (41.7), Forceps delivery (68.8%), Destructive delivery (60.1%), Vaginal breech delivery (85.5%), Vacuum extraction (84.8%). Reasons for the non-use included: Risk of perinatal/maternal morbidity and mortality greater than benefit (25.7%), Lack of equipment (22.4%), Lack of skills (16.6%), Decline by patients (6.5%), Not in the departmental protocol (26.2%), Not evidence based (34.6%), Patient preferred Caesarean section (5.6%), Outdated (32.6%), fear of litigation (32.7%). The mean rate of caesarean section according to rates reported from different centres was 25.2% while the individual centre rates ranged from 2% to as high as 51%. Conclusion: There is a decline in the practice of operative obstetric procedures among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria. There is an urgent need to reverse this trend by increased training and re-training of manpower, provision of necessary equipment, more research to provide supportive evidence of need and inclusion in protocols.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171762 and 32122061)the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province(22JR5RA460)
文摘Background Climate change associated with droughts has led to widespread forest decline.Hydraulic and carbonrelated performances are key physiological processes for the tolerance of trees to environmental changes,yet our current understanding of such physiological performances for forest decline is still limited.Here,we investigated the hydraulic and carbohydrate performances of healthy and declining(canopy dieback)trees in temperate larch(Larix principis-rupprechtii)plantations.Results Relative to healthy trees,the higher native percentage loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity and lower xylem hydraulic conductivity indicated a deterioration of the integrity of the hydraulic system in declining trees.Additionally,the comparable Huber value,intrinsic water-use efficiency,and leaf mass per area between healthy and declining trees suggest a relatively profligate water-use strategy by declining trees.Declining trees had lower nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations in leaves,branches,and twigs but higher soluble sugars concentration in fine roots than conspecific healthy trees.Conclusions Overall,declining trees in larch plantations would be more vulnerable to drought due to the higher risk of hydraulic dysfunction and carbohydrate depletion.
文摘Background:The development and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Greater Mekong Subregion has created impetus for continuing global monitoring of efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies(ACTs). This post analyses is aimed to evaluate changes in early treatment response markers 10 years after the adoption of ACTs as first-line treatments of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Nigeria.Methods: At 14 sentinel sites in six geographical areas of Nigeria, we evaluated treatment responses in 1341 children under 5 years and in additional 360 children under 16 years with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in randomized trials of artemether-lumefantrine versus artesunate-amodiaquine at 5-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2014-2015 and at 2-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2012-2015, respectively after deployment in 2005.Results: Asexual parasite positivity 1 day after treatment initiation (APPD1) rose from 54 to 62% and 2 days after treatment initiation from 5 to 26% in 2009-2010 to 2014-2015(P=0.002 and P<0.0001, respectively).Parasite clearance time increased significantly from 1.6 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-1.64) to 1.9 days (95% C,1.9-2.0) and geometric mean parasite reduction ratio 2 days after treatment initiation decreased significantly from 11 000 to 4700 within the same time period (P< 00001 for each). Enrolment parasitaemia > 75 000 μl^-1, haematocrit > 27% 1 day post-treatment initiatiortreatment with artemether-lumefantrine and enrolment in 2014-2015 independently predicted APPD1. In paralle , Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of recurrent infections by day 28 rose from 8 to 14% (P=0005) and from 9 to 15%(P=0.02) with artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine, respectively. Mean asexual parasitaemia half-life increased significantly from 1.1 h to 1.3h within 2 years (P<0.0001).Conclusions:These data indicate declining parasitological responses through time to the two ACTs may be due to emergence of parasites with reduced susceptibility or decrease in immunity to the infections in these children.
基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,No.2023A1515110543(to XK)National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82471335 and 82171307(to ZL)+3 种基金Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project,No.2023ZD0504803(to ZL)Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou,No.202201020588(to ZL)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2023M744023(to MH)Guangzhou Municipal School(Hospital)Joint Funding(Dengfeng Hospital)Municipal Key Laboratory Construction Project,No.202102010009(to ZL).
文摘Current treatments for cerebral amyloid angiopathy are mainly symptomatic and have limited efficacy,and there is a lack of targeted therapies.Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation improves cognitive and motor function in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,acute ischemic stroke,and Parkinson’s disease.In addition,mesenchymal stem cell therapy modulates the immune system,reduces neuroinflammation,and improves resolution of brain lesions by cells of the macrophage lineage.Cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease share similar pathologic changes involving amyloid-beta deposition,which contributes to the progression of both diseases and exacerbates cognitive deficits through impaired vascular integrity and neuroinflammation.Therefore,we hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cell therapy could also ameliorate the pathological changes seen in cerebral amyloid angiopathy by modulating the immune response.In this study,we show that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have a protective effect in a mouse model of cerebral amyloid angiopathy(Tg-SwDI/B).Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell treatment improved cognitive function,reduced neuroinflammation,and maintained blood-brain barrier integrity in Tg-SwDI/B mice.Mechanistically,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell treatment enhanced the expulsion of damaged mitochondria from neutrophils via migrasomes,in a process known as mitocytosis,thereby preserving mitochondrial quality within the neutrophils.Mitochondrial damage in neutrophils leads to cellular injury,including the generation of reactive oxygen species and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps.Neutrophils activate mitocytosis to promote mitochondrial renewal,which further enhances their own clearance by macrophage lineage cells.Our findings demonstrate that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are a promising therapeutic candidate for cerebral amyloid angiopathy,as they play a significant role in migrasome-dependent mitochondrial quality control in neutrophils.
基金supported by Vetenskapsrådet 2022-00799 and the Ulla and Ingemar Dahlberg Foundation(to PAW).
文摘The majority of our daily activities and routines are highly dependent on vision.What we experience as our vision arises from the detection and encoding of visual signals in the retina,which are then interpreted in the brain.This interpretation has the benefit of providing a level of constancy to what we experience as vision but also limits our ability to perceive subtle decline in our own vision.
基金supported by Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province,No.KYCX25_3785(to JY).
文摘Ischemic stroke has a higher survival rate and is more likely to result in cognitive impairment than hemorrhagic stroke.The primary pathological mechanism underlying cognitive impairment involves dysfunction of neural circuits and damage to specific brain regions.This review aims to investigate the role of the hippocampus in cognitive impairment following a stroke.A review of the literature suggests that the hippocampus is a metabolically active structure that is easily involved in various metabolic states,such as hypoxia and hypoglycaemia.The functional changes in hippocampal cells associated with poststroke cognitive impairment mainly manifest as neuronal apoptosis,impaired synaptic plasticity,and decreased neurogenesis.The primary pathological mechanism of poststroke cognitive impairment involves a complex cascade of reactions,including neuroinflammatory activation,bursts of oxidative stress,and neuronal apoptosis induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.Interventional drugs for cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia include neuroprotective drugs,traditional Chinese medicines and their extracts,and stem cell therapies.Many of these drugs have unique advantages,including the inhibition of neuroinflammation,the prevention of apoptosis,and the promotion of neurogenesis.They hold great potential for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment following cerebral ischemia.However,most current studies are animal experiments,and relatively few clinical studies exist.In future research,emphasis should be placed on interventions for cognitive impairment following cerebral ischemia.These findings offer novel perspectives for the treatment of cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia.Finally,the role of hippocampal cell dysfunction in other diseases associated with cognitive decline is briefly discussed.The aim of this review is to provide researchers with a comprehensive overview of the role of the hippocampus in cognitive impairment and its intervention strategies.
文摘Through collecting,reflecting and summarizing various opinions on the conservation of the old city in South Nanjing,this paper examines the problems that the declining historic quarters are facing amid the urban renewal process.Moreover,in combination with the existing planning practices in the old city in South Nanjing,this paper carries out a discussion on the renewal of the declining historic quarters from the perspective of values,exploration and assessment of historic resources,choice of renewal methods,and support of implementation system.
文摘Astrocytes,a major class of glial cells,have emerged as crucial regulators of synaptic function,neuronal homeostasis,and cognitive processes(Cabral-Miranda et al.,2024).These star-shaped cells not only provide structural and metabolic support to neurons but also actively participate in modulating synaptic transmission,neurovascular coupling,and inflammatory responses in the brain.
基金supported by startup funding from UNMC to Dr.PPpartially by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (AA031444 and P50AA030407-5126,Pilot Core grant) to Dr.SS
文摘The innate immune system of the central nervous system(CNS),long viewed as primarily microgliadriven,is now increasingly recognized to include astrocytes as active participants in neuroimmune signaling.Chronic alcohol exposure trigge rs oxidative stress,glial activation,and sustained inflammation,ultimately contributing to cognitive decline and neuronal injury.
基金NIH NIA1RO1AG061879 and 5PO1AG066591(to LME)FONDAP Program 15150012,ECOS-A NID(ECOS230034)the US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity(USAMRAA)AL2201415(to CH)。
文摘Aging is a universal biological process characterized by the progressive decline in cellular and tissue function,representing the main risk factor for the development of most chronic human diseases.At the cellular level,one hallmark of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells—non-dividing yet metabolically active cells that adopt a unique phenotype,including the senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)(Wang et al.,2024).
基金Shenzhen Science Technology and Innovation Commission,No.JCYJ20220531100811026Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Trauma Treatment,No.LCYSSQ20220823091405012(both to YZ)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program,No.KQTD20240729102249044.
文摘Mounting evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disruption may be linked to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.However,whether this disruption occurs before the appearance of cognitive symptoms and whether it drives disease development remain unclear.Understanding the temporal relationship between circadian rhythm dysregulation and early Alzheimer’s disease pathological changes may open up new avenues for disease prevention and intervention.To determine if circadian rhythm disruption precedes cognitive decline,we conducted high-resolution transcriptome analyses of the hippocampus in a 5-month-old mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and age-matched wild-type control mice at multiple time points over a 24-hour period.While the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease did not exhibit obvious cognitive symptoms at this stage,the expression of circadian-related genes in the hippocampus exhibited extensive abnormalities.In the control group,2109 genes exhibited rhythmic expression characteristics.In the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,a marked proportion of these genes lost their rhythmicity,some genes newly developed rhythmicity,and some maintained rhythmicity but with altered expression patterns.Genes related to neuronal function,including those involved in protein homeostasis regulation,neuroinflammation,and ion homeostasis,showed significant changes in circadian rhythm amplitude and phase,and some completely lost their rhythmicity.These findings point to the following critical early events in Alzheimer’s disease:hippocampal circadian gene disruption occurs before cognitive symptoms emerge,genes related to neuronal function are uniquely susceptible to this early dysregulation,and circadian dysfunction may even precede the pathological changes of Alzheimer’s disease and influence disease onset.This work advances Alzheimer’s disease research by clarifying that circadian disruption is an early pre-symptomatic event,reinforcing the potential of circadian rhythm regulation as a strategy for early intervention of Alzheimer’s disease,and identifying neuronal pathways that may serve as intervention targets.
基金support from the Shenzhen Science and Technology program(grant number 202208183000115)。
文摘Biological aging is a complex physiological process characterized by a decline in tissue function and the loss of cellular capabilities,which increase an individual's risk of various diseases[1].While genetic factors and lifestyle are key influences on biological aging,environmental factors also play a significant role.Given the rapid aging of the global population,elucidating the factors that influence biological aging is crucial for promoting healthy aging.
