BACKGROUND Liver cancer poses a significant public health threat.The difference between disease patterns and national policies is crucial to elucidating factors influencing hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)incidence.AIM T...BACKGROUND Liver cancer poses a significant public health threat.The difference between disease patterns and national policies is crucial to elucidating factors influencing hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)incidence.AIM To investigate the secular trend and disease pattern of liver cancer in Taiwan Region of China,Poland,and Belgium.METHODS This population-based cohort study presents the incidence,period,and cohort effects in HCC incidence between 2000 and 2019 in Taiwan Region of China,Poland,and Flanders,Belgium.Data on HCC were obtained from cancer registry data from Taiwan Region of China,Poland,and regional data from Belgium.Age-standardized incidence rates(ASIRs),annual per-centage changes,and age-period-cohort analyses were conducted by sex and period.RESULTS Taiwan’s Region of China ASIR decreased from 2000 to 2019(males:55.17 to 43.42,females:21.91 to 16.20,per 100000).In Poland,ASIR declined from 2000 to 2019(males:3.21 to 2.77,females:1.95 to 1.32,per 100000).However,Flanders experienced an increase in ASIR from 2000 to 2019(males:2.66 to 5.63,females:1.40 to 2.20,per 100000).In Taiwan Region of China,the cohort effect rate ratio increased from 1915 to 1935(males:1.02 to 1.36,females:1.04 to 1.54)and decreased from 1935 to 1989(males:1.36 to 0.22,females:1.54 to 0.20).In Poland,rate ratios consistently decreased(males:1.75 to 0.25,females:3.46 to 0.26).Flanders exhibited an increase in both males(0.14 to 2.52,1915 to 1975)and females(0.53 to 3.66,1915 to 1989).CONCLUSION Taiwan Region of China and Poland’s declining ASIR may be due to effective hepatitis B virus immunization and viral hepatitis therapy.Flanders’persistent increase may be tied to higher HCC risk in high hepatitis C virus risk populations.展开更多
Anthropogenic noise can affect a number of behavioral,physiological,and ecological aspects of animals from major taxonomic groups,raising serious conservation concerns.For example,noise pollution impacts communicative...Anthropogenic noise can affect a number of behavioral,physiological,and ecological aspects of animals from major taxonomic groups,raising serious conservation concerns.For example,noise pollution impacts communicative behavior and perception of signals,movements and distribution,as well as predator–prey interactions,such as hunting success or predator detection and predation risk assessment.We have carried out an experimental playback study,in which we investigated whether exposure to anthropogenic noise(sound of a tractor)distracts free-ranging barn swallows Hirundo rustica from paying attention to an approaching human“predator”(the“cognitive distraction”hypothesis),or whether noise leads to increased responsiveness to this“predator”(the“increased threat”hypothesis).The subjects were male barn swallows attending their breeding territories during the time when the females were incubating.We found that barn swallow males initiated fight at signifcantly greater distances to the approaching human“predator”in the noise treatment than during the quiet control trials.These results suggest that anthropogenic noise causes increased vigilance and reactivity rather than a distraction,enabling birds to avoid the“predator”more quickly.We further discuss the mechanism behind the increased alertness in response to noise and contrast the“increased threat”mechanism,usually tested in previous studies,with an alternative“cognitive sensitization”mechanism.展开更多
AIM: To examine the effects of pancreatic rest, stimulation and rest/stimulation on the natural course of recovery after acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis(AP) was induced in male rats by intr...AIM: To examine the effects of pancreatic rest, stimulation and rest/stimulation on the natural course of recovery after acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis(AP) was induced in male rats by intraductal infusion of 40 μl/100 g body weight of 3% sodium taurocholate. All rats took food ad libitum. At 24 h after induction of AP, rats were divided into four groups: control(AP-C), pancreas rest(AP-R), stimulation(AP-S), and rest/stimulation(AP-R/S). Rats in the AP-C, AP-R and AP-S groups received oral administration of 2 ml/kg body weight saline, cholecystokinin(CCK)-1 receptor antagonist, and endogenous CCK release stimulant, respectively, twice daily for 10 d, while those in the AP-R/S group received twice daily CCK-1 receptor antagonist for the first 5 d followed by twice daily CCK release stimulant for 5 d. Rats without any treatment were used as control group(Control). Biochemical andhistological changes in the pancreas, and secretory function were evaluated on day 12 at 24 h after the last treatment. RESULTS: Feeding ad libitum(AP-C) delayed biochemical, histological and functional recovery from AP. In AP-C rats, bombesin-stimulated pancreatic secretory function and HOMA-β-cell score were significantly lower than those in other groups of rats. In AP-R rats, protein per DNA ratio and pancreatic exocrine secretory function were significantly low compared with those in Control rats. In AP-S and AP-R/S rats, the above parameters recovered to the Control levels. Bombesinstimulated pancreatic exocrine response in AP-R/S rats was higher than in AP-S rats and almost returned to control levels. In the pancreas of AP-C rats, destruction of pancreatic acini, marked infiltration of inflammatory cells, and strong expression of α-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were seen. Pancreatic rest reversed these histological alterations, but not atrophy of pancreatic acini and mild infiltration of inflammatory cells. In AP-S and AP-R/S rats, the pancreas showed almost normal architecture. CONCLUSION: The favorable treatment strategy for AP is to keep the pancreas at rest during an early stage followed by pancreatic stimulation by promoting endogenous CCK release.展开更多
Implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis （IPP） is a well-established definitive solution for erectile dysfunction when conservative treatments fail. Penile implants may shorten the penis. The AMS 700 LGX IPP ...Implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis （IPP） is a well-established definitive solution for erectile dysfunction when conservative treatments fail. Penile implants may shorten the penis. The AMS 700 LGX IPP is in common use but reports on its mechanical reliability, medium-term postsurgical patient satisfaction, and mean penile length preservation are lacking. We investigate the mean penile length, mechanical reliability, and patient satisfaction at 6 and 12 months after implantation of the AMS 700 LGX. This prospective study consecutively enrolled men undergoing first-time IPP implant surgery from February 2009 to April 2012. Stretched flaccid penile length, penile length at 50% and 100% of stiffness （PSO and P100） and International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF） and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction （EDITS） scores, were measured at 6 and 12 months postsurgery. Of 45 patients who underwent AMS 700 LGX implantation （median age 61 years） and completed 6 months＇ follow-up, 36 （80%） completed the study. A significant difference in stretched flaccid penile length was seen between 6 and 12 months （P= 0.033）. P100 was also significantly increased at 6 and 12 months, with a mean 10% increase （1.3 ±0.4 cm） from baseline to 12 months. Differences in mean IIEF scores at 6 and 12 months were significant for the desired domain （P = 0.0001） and for overall satisfaction （P = 0.002）; however, mean EDITS scores at 6 and 12 months were not significantly improved. AMS 700 LGX is a powerful tool for preserving penile length in men undergoing penile prosthesis implantation.展开更多
The present contributions deal with the development and implementation of the direct and adjoint incompressible Navie-Stokes equations in a matrix-free time-stepping context making use of the open-source OpenFOAM~ （o...The present contributions deal with the development and implementation of the direct and adjoint incompressible Navie-Stokes equations in a matrix-free time-stepping context making use of the open-source OpenFOAM~ （open source field operation and manipulation） C ＋ ＋ tool- box. It is shown that a few minor modifications in the source code can enable these multi-purpose computational fluid dynamics （CFD） solvers to carry out global instability analysis of three- dimensional flows of engineering interest, exploiting all additional capabilities of such codes. The strength of this methodology is demonstrated through the analysis of an interesting selection of ooen and wall-bounded flows.展开更多
The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecati...The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. There is no evidence that increasing fluid intake and physical activity can relieve the symptoms of chronic constipation. Patients with normal-transit constipation should increase their fibre intake through their diet or with commercial fibre. Osmotic laxatives may be effective in patients who do not respond to fibre supplements. Stimulant laxatives should be re- served for patients who do not respond to osmotic laxatives. Controlled trials have shown that serotonin- ergic enterokinetic agents, such as prucalopride, and prosecretory agents, such as lubiprostone, are effec- tive in the treatment of patients with chronic constipa- tion. Surgery is sometimes necessary. Total colectomy with ileorectostomy may be considered in patients with slow-transit constipation and inertia coil who are resistant to medical therapy and who do not have defecatory disorders, generalised motility disorders or psychological disorders. Randomised controlled trials have established the efficacy of rehabilitative treat- ment in dys-synergic defecation. Many surgical proce- dures may be used to treat obstructed defecation in patients with acquired anatomical defects, but none is considered to be the gold standard. Surgery should be reserved for selected patients with an impaired quality of life. Obstructed defecation is often associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery with the placement of prostheses is replacing fascial surgery in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, but the efficacy and safety of such procedures have not yet been established.展开更多
AIM： TO explore the prevalence of gallstone disease （GSD） in Taiwan and condition-associated factors related to it. METHODS： We studied a total of 2386 healthy adults （1235 males and 1151 females） voluntarily ad...AIM： TO explore the prevalence of gallstone disease （GSD） in Taiwan and condition-associated factors related to it. METHODS： We studied a total of 2386 healthy adults （1235 males and 1151 females） voluntarily admitted to Cheng Hsin General Hospital for a paid physical check-up between January 2002 and December 2002. Blood samples and ultrasound sonography results were collected. RESULTS： The overall prevalence of GSD among this study-population was 5.3%, including 1.7% （n=40） having a single stone, 2.3% （n = 55） having multiple stones, and 1.3% （n = 31） having cholecystectomy. The prevalence revealed a statistically significant increase with increasing age （P〈 0.0001）. Females exhibited a greater prevalence of multiple stones than did males （3.0% vs 1.7%, P= 0.04）. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the following appeared to be significantly related to the prevalence of GSD： older age （40-49 years vs 〈40 years, OR= 1.63 [95% CI： 0.76-3.48], 50-59 years vs 〈40 years, OR=4.93 [95% CI： 2.43-9.99], 60-69 years vs 〈40 years, OR = 6.82 [95% CI： 3.19-14.60], ≥70 years vs 〈40 years, OR= 10.65 [95% CI： 4.78-23.73]）, higher BMI （≥27 kg/m^2 vs 〈24 kg/m^2, adjusted OR= 1.74 [95% CI： 1.04-2.88]）, and higher FPG （≥ 126 mg/dL vs 〈110 mg/dL, OR= 1.71, 95% CI： 1.01-2.96）. CONCLUSION： Older age （≥50 years）, obesity （BMI ≥ 27 kg/m^2）, and type 2 diabetes （FPG ≥126 mg/dL） are associated with the prevalence of GSD.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate if the guidelines for the appro-priateness of performing colonoscopy by American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (AGSE) and Italian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SIED) yield a good diagnostic...AIM: To evaluate if the guidelines for the appro-priateness of performing colonoscopy by American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (AGSE) and Italian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SIED) yield a good diagnostic efficacy and do not present risks of missing important colonic pathologies in an Italian population sample.METHODS: A total of 1017 consecutive patients (560 men and 457 women; mean age 64.4 ± 16 years) referred to an open-access endoscopy unit for colonoscopy from July 2004 to May 2006 were evaluated according to ASGE and SIED guidelines for appropriateness of performing the procedure. Diagnostic yield was defined as the percentage of relevant colonic pathologies of the total number of colonoscopies performed.RESULTS: About 85.2% patients underwent colono-scopy that was considered appropriate based on at least one ASGE or SIED criterion, while it was considered inappropriate for 14.8% of patients. The diagnostic yield of colonoscopy was significantly higher for appropriate colonoscopies (26.94% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001) than for inappropriate colonoscopies (5.3%). There was no missed colorectal cancer following the ASGE/SIED criteria.CONCLUSION: ASGE/SIED guidelines have shown a good diagnostic yield and the rate of missing relevant colonic pathologies seems very low. Unfortunately, the percentage of inappropriate referrals for colonoscopy in an open-access endoscopy system is still high, despite the number of papers published on the issue and the definition of international guidelines. Further steps are required to update and standardize the guidelines to increase their diffusion and to promote educational programs for general practitioners.展开更多
Chronic constipation is a common and extremely troublesome disorder that significantly reduces the quality of life,and this fact is consistent with the high rate at which health care is sought for this condition.The a...Chronic constipation is a common and extremely troublesome disorder that significantly reduces the quality of life,and this fact is consistent with the high rate at which health care is sought for this condition.The aim of this project was to develop a consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation.The commission presents its results in a "Question-Answer" format,including a set of graded recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature and evidence-based medicine.This section represents the consensus for the diagnosis.The history includes information relating to the onset and duration of symptoms and may reveal secondary causes of constipation.The presence of alarm symptoms and risk factors requires investigation.The physical examination should assess the presence of lesions in the anal and perianal region.The evidence does not support the routine use of blood testing and colonoscopy or barium enema for constipation.Various scoring systems are available to quantify the severity of constipation;the Constipation Severity Instrument for constipation and the obstructed defecation syndrome score for obstructed defecation are the most reliable.The Constipation-Related Quality of Life is an excellent tool for evaluating the patient's quality of life.No single test provides a pathophysiological basis for constipation.Colonic transit and anorectal manometry define the pathophysiologic subtypes.Balloon expulsion is a simple screening test for defecatory disorders,but it does not define the mechanisms.Defecography detects structural abnormalities and assesses functional parameters.Magnetic resonance imaging and/or pelvic floor sonography can further complement defecography by providing information on the movement of the pelvic floor and the organs that it supports.All these investigations are indicated to differentiate between slow transit constipation and obstructed defecation because the treatments differ between these conditions.展开更多
AIM To investigate the association of chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with physical fitness in a Taiwan Residents military male cohort.METHODS We made a cross-sectional examination of this associa...AIM To investigate the association of chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with physical fitness in a Taiwan Residents military male cohort.METHODS We made a cross-sectional examination of this association using 3669 young adult military males according to cardiorespiratory fitness and hospitalization events recorded in the Taiwan Armed Forces study.Cases of chronic hepatitis B(n=121)were defined by personal history and positive detection of hepatitis B surface antigen.Cases of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(n=129)were defined by alanine transaminase level>60 U/L,liver ultrasound finding of steatosis,and absence of viral hepatitis A,B or C infection.All other study participants were defined as unaffected(n=3419).Physical fitness was evaluated by performance in 3000-m run,2-min sit-ups,and 2-min push-ups exercises,with all the procedures standardized by a computerized scoring system.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship.RESULTS Chronic hepatitis B negatively correlated with 2-min push-up numbers(β=-2.49,P=0.019)after adjusting for age,service specialty,body mass index,systolic and diastolic blood pressures,current cigarette smoking,alcohol intake status,serum hemoglobin,and average weekly exercise times.Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was borderline positively correlated with 3000-m running time(β=11.96,P=0.084)and negatively correlated with 2-min sit-up numbers(β=-1.47,P=0.040).CONCLUSION Chronic hepatitis B viral infection and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis affects different physical performances in young adult military males,and future study should determine the underlying mechanism.展开更多
AIM： To assess the incidence of and risk factors for gallstone disease （GSD） among type 2 diabetics in Kinmen, Taiwan. METHODS： A screening program for GSD was performed by two specialists who employed real-time a...AIM： To assess the incidence of and risk factors for gallstone disease （GSD） among type 2 diabetics in Kinmen, Taiwan. METHODS： A screening program for GSD was performed by two specialists who employed real-time abdominal ultrasound to examine the abdominal region after patients had fasted for at least eight hours. Screening, which was conducted in 2001, involved 848 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After exclusion of 63 subjects with prevalent GSD, 377 participants without GSD were invited in 2002 for a second round of screening. A total of 281 （74.5%） subjects were re-examined. RESULTS： Among the 281 type 2 diabetics who had no GSD at the first screening, 10 had developed GSD by 2002. The incidence was 3.56% per year （95%CI： 1.78% per year-6.24% per year）. Using a Cox regression model, age （RR = 1.07, 95% CI： 1.00-1.14）, waist circumference （RR = 1.12, 95% CI： 1.01-1.29）, and ALT （RR = 1.13, 95%CI： 1.01-1.26） appeared to be significantly correlated with development of GSD. CONCLUSION： Older age is a known risk factor for the development of GSD. Our study shows that greater waist circumference and elevated ALT levels are also associated with the development of GSD among type 2 diabetics in Kinmen.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute stress might increase short-term heart rate variability and blood pressure variability(BPV);however,chronic stress would not alter short-term BPV in animal models.AIM To examine the association of psy...BACKGROUND Acute stress might increase short-term heart rate variability and blood pressure variability(BPV);however,chronic stress would not alter short-term BPV in animal models.AIM To examine the association of psychological stress with long-term BPV in young male humans.METHODS We prospectively examined the association of chronic psychological stress with long-term BPV in 1112 healthy military males,averaged 32.2 years from the cardiorespiratory fitness and hospitalization events in armed forces study in Taiwan.Psychological stress was quantitatively evaluated with the Brief Symptom Rating Scale(BSRS-5),from the least symptom of 0 to the most severe of 20,and the five components of anxiety,insomnia,depression,interpersonal sensitivity,and hostility(the severity score in each component from 0 to 4).Longterm BPV was assessed by standard deviation(SD)for systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP),and average real variability(ARV),defined as the average absolute difference between successive measurements of SBP or DBP,across four visits in the study period from 2012 to 2018(2012-14,2014-15,2015-16,and 2016-18).RESULTS The results of multivariable linear regressions showed that there were no correlations of the BSRS-5 score with SDSBP,SDDBP,ARVSBP,and ARVDBP after adjusting for all the covariates[β(SE):-0.022(0.024),-0.023(0.026),-0.001(0.018),and 0.001(0.020),respectively;P>0.05 for all].In addition,there were also no correlations between each component of the BSRS score and the long-term BPV indexes.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that chronic psychological stress might not be associated with long-term BPV in military young male humans.展开更多
AIM: To explore the association of serum insulin, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction with gallstone disease (GSD) in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: We used a community-based study conducted between 1991 and 1993 ...AIM: To explore the association of serum insulin, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction with gallstone disease (GSD) in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: We used a community-based study conducted between 1991 and 1993 in Kinmen, Taiwan to identify type 2 diabetics. A screening program for GSD was performed in 2001 by a panel of specialists who employed real-time ultrasound sonography to examine the abdominal region after the patient had fasted for at least 8 h. Screening was conducted in 2001 on 848 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The HOMA method was used to compare the profile differences for insulin resistance (HOMA IR) and β-cell dysfunction (HOMA β-cell). RESULTS: We studied 440 type 2 diabetics who attended sonography check-ups. After excluding eight insulin-treated diabetics, the prevalence of GSD among the remaining 432 was 13.9% (26/187) among males and 14.7% (36/245) among females. After adjustment for other GSD-associated risk factors in addition to age and obesity, GSD risk increased among females with levels of serum insulin [4th vs 1st quartile odds ratios (OR) = 4.46 (95%CI: 1.71-11.66)] and HOMA IR [4th vs 1st quartile OR = 4.46 (95%CI: 1.71-11.66)]. Better HOMA β-cell function was significantly related to decreased risk of GSD [4th vs 1st quartile OR = 0.16 (95%CI: 0.03-1.70)]. Among males, age and central obesity were the most significant risk factors for GSD. No association of GSD with serum insulin, HOMA IR, and HOMA β-cell was observed among males. CONCLUSION: Serum insulin, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction are risk factors for GSD in females, but not males with type 2 diabetes.展开更多
Background: Q-switched (QS) pigmented lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) successfully treat pigment disorders. Objective: We sought to compare efficacy and side effects of QS alexandrite laser (QSAL) and IPL for fr...Background: Q-switched (QS) pigmented lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) successfully treat pigment disorders. Objective: We sought to compare efficacy and side effects of QS alexandrite laser (QSAL) and IPL for freckle and lentigo treatment in Asians. Methods: In all, 15 patients with freckles and 17 patients with lentigines were treated randomly with one session QSAL in one cheek and two sessions IPL in the other cheek at 4-week intervals. Efficacy was determined using a new pigmentation area and severity index score. Results: All patients experienced improvement (P<.0001). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in one patient with freckles and 8 patients with lentigines after QSAL. No postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred after IPL. Freckles achieved greater improvement after QSAL than IPL (P = .04). In lentigines, the results after IPL were better than QSAL among those with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after QSAL. Limitations: Limitations include a small case number and short follow-up period. Conclusion: QSAL was superior to IPL for freckle treatment. IPL should be used for lentigines in Asian persons.展开更多
Organophosphate is a commonly used pesticide in the agricultural sector.The main action of organophosphate focuses on acetylcholinesterase inhibition,and it therefore contributes to acute cholinergic crisis,intermedia...Organophosphate is a commonly used pesticide in the agricultural sector.The main action of organophosphate focuses on acetylcholinesterase inhibition,and it therefore contributes to acute cholinergic crisis,intermediate syndrome and delayed neurotoxicity.From sporadic case series to epidemiologic studies,organophosphate has been linked to hyperglycemia and the occurrence of newonset diabetes mellitus.Organophosphate-mediated direct damage to pancreatic beta cells,insulin resistance related to systemic inflammation and excessive hepatic gluconeogenesis and polymorphisms of the enzyme governing organophosphate elimination are all possible contributors to the development of newonset diabetes mellitus.To date,a preventive strategy for organophosphatemediated new-onset diabetes mellitus is still lacking.However,lowering reactive oxygen species levels may be a practical method to reduce the risk of developing hyperglycemia.展开更多
Introduccion: Pneumotonometers are handy equipments for testing intraocular pressures (IOP) both for physicians and patients and doesn’t transmit infectious illnesses, but are also known to have a less stabl...Introduccion: Pneumotonometers are handy equipments for testing intraocular pressures (IOP) both for physicians and patients and doesn’t transmit infectious illnesses, but are also known to have a less stable estimation of the IOP values comparing to the conventional Goldmann applanation tonometer. Objective: In this study, we try to define the range of展开更多
Diverse spatio-temporal aspects of avian migration rely on relatively rigid endogenous programs.However,flexibility in migratory behavior may allow effective coping with unpredictable variation in ecological condition...Diverse spatio-temporal aspects of avian migration rely on relatively rigid endogenous programs.However,flexibility in migratory behavior may allow effective coping with unpredictable variation in ecological conditions that can occur during migration.We aimed at characterizing inter-and intraindividual variation of migratory behavior in a forest-dwelling wader species,the Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola,focusing on spatio-temporal consistency across repeated migration episodes.By satellite-tracking birds from their wintering sites along the Italian peninsula to their breeding areas,we disclosed a remarkable variability in migration distances,with some birds flying more than 6,000 km to Central Asian breeding grounds(up to 101°E).Prebreeding migration was faster and of shorter duration than postbreeding migration.Birds moving over longer distances migrated faster during prebreeding migration,and those breeding at northernmost latitudes left their wintering areas earlier.Moreover,birds making longer migrations departed earlier from their breeding sites.Breeding site fidelity was very high,whereas fidelity to wintering areas increased with age.Migration routes were significantly consistent,both among repeated migration episodes and between pre-and postbreeding migration.Prebreeding migration departure date was not significantly repeatable,whereas arrival date to the breeding areas was highly repeatable.Hence,interindividual variation in migratory behavior of woodcocks was mostly explained by the location of the breeding areas,and spatial consistency was relatively large through the entire annual cycle.Flexibility in prebreeding migration departure date may suggest that environmental effects have a larger influence on temporal than on spatial aspects of migratory behavior.展开更多
In the paper, original formal-logical conception of syntactic and semantic： intensional and extensional senses of expressions of any language L is outlined. Syntax and bi-level intensional and extensional semantics o...In the paper, original formal-logical conception of syntactic and semantic： intensional and extensional senses of expressions of any language L is outlined. Syntax and bi-level intensional and extensional semantics of language L are characterized categorically： in the spirit of some Husserl＇s ideas of pure grammar, Le^niewski-Ajukiewicz＇s theory syntactic/semantic categories and in accordance with Frege＇s ontological canons, Bochefiski＇s famous motto--syntax mirrors ontology and some ideas of Suszko： language should be a linguistic scheme of ontological reality and simultaneously a tool of its cognition. In the logical conception of language L, its expressions should satisfy some general conditions of language adequacy. The adequacy ensures their unambiguous syntactic and semantic senses and mutual, syntactic, and semantic compatibility, correspondence guaranteed by the acceptance of a postulate of categorial compatibility syntactic and semantic （extensional and intensional） categories of expressions of L. From this postulate, three principles of compositionality follow： one syntactic and two semantic already known to Frege. They are treated as conditions of homomorphism partial algebra of L into algebraic models of L： syntactic, intensional, and extensional. In the paper, they are applied to some expressions with quantifiers. Language adequacy connected with the logical senses described in the logical conception of language L is, of course, an idealization, but only expressions with high degrees of precision of their senses, after due justification, may become theorems of science.展开更多
AIM: To determine angle closure agreements between gonioscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT), as well as gonioscopy and spectral domain OCT(SD-OCT). A secondary objective was to quantify int...AIM: To determine angle closure agreements between gonioscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT), as well as gonioscopy and spectral domain OCT(SD-OCT). A secondary objective was to quantify inter-observer agreements of AS-OCT and SD-OCT assessments.METHODS: Seventeen consecutive subjects(33 eyes)were recruited from the study hospital’s Glaucoma clinic.Gonioscopy was performed by a glaucomatologist masked to OCT results. OCT images were read independently by 2 other glaucomatologists masked to gonioscopy findings as well as each other’s analyses of OCT images.RESULTS: Totally 84.8% and 45.5% of scleral spurs were visualized in AS-OCT and SD-OCT images respectively(P 【0.01). The agreement for angle closure between AS-OCT and gonioscopy was fair at k =0.31(95% confidence interval, CI: 0.03-0.59) and k =0.35(95%CI: 0.07-0.63) for reader 1 and 2 respectively. The agreement for angle closure between SD-OCT and gonioscopy was fair at k =0.21(95% CI: 0.07-0.49) and slight at k =0.17(95% CI: 0.08-0.42) for reader 1 and 2 respectively. The inter-reader agreement for angle closure in AS-OCT images was moderate at 0.51(95% CI: 0.13-0.88). The inter-reader agreement for angle closure in SD-OCT images was slight at 0.18(95% CI: 0.08-0.45).CONCLUSION: Significant proportion of scleral spurs were not visualised with SD-OCT imaging resulting in weaker inter-reader agreements. Identifying other angle landmarks in SD-OCT images will allow more consistent angle closure assessments. Gonioscopy and OCT imaging do not always agree in angle closure assessments but have their own advantages, and should be used together and not exclusively.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Liver cancer poses a significant public health threat.The difference between disease patterns and national policies is crucial to elucidating factors influencing hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)incidence.AIM To investigate the secular trend and disease pattern of liver cancer in Taiwan Region of China,Poland,and Belgium.METHODS This population-based cohort study presents the incidence,period,and cohort effects in HCC incidence between 2000 and 2019 in Taiwan Region of China,Poland,and Flanders,Belgium.Data on HCC were obtained from cancer registry data from Taiwan Region of China,Poland,and regional data from Belgium.Age-standardized incidence rates(ASIRs),annual per-centage changes,and age-period-cohort analyses were conducted by sex and period.RESULTS Taiwan’s Region of China ASIR decreased from 2000 to 2019(males:55.17 to 43.42,females:21.91 to 16.20,per 100000).In Poland,ASIR declined from 2000 to 2019(males:3.21 to 2.77,females:1.95 to 1.32,per 100000).However,Flanders experienced an increase in ASIR from 2000 to 2019(males:2.66 to 5.63,females:1.40 to 2.20,per 100000).In Taiwan Region of China,the cohort effect rate ratio increased from 1915 to 1935(males:1.02 to 1.36,females:1.04 to 1.54)and decreased from 1935 to 1989(males:1.36 to 0.22,females:1.54 to 0.20).In Poland,rate ratios consistently decreased(males:1.75 to 0.25,females:3.46 to 0.26).Flanders exhibited an increase in both males(0.14 to 2.52,1915 to 1975)and females(0.53 to 3.66,1915 to 1989).CONCLUSION Taiwan Region of China and Poland’s declining ASIR may be due to effective hepatitis B virus immunization and viral hepatitis therapy.Flanders’persistent increase may be tied to higher HCC risk in high hepatitis C virus risk populations.
基金This study was supported by the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyhski University in Warsaw(grant to P.M.).
文摘Anthropogenic noise can affect a number of behavioral,physiological,and ecological aspects of animals from major taxonomic groups,raising serious conservation concerns.For example,noise pollution impacts communicative behavior and perception of signals,movements and distribution,as well as predator–prey interactions,such as hunting success or predator detection and predation risk assessment.We have carried out an experimental playback study,in which we investigated whether exposure to anthropogenic noise(sound of a tractor)distracts free-ranging barn swallows Hirundo rustica from paying attention to an approaching human“predator”(the“cognitive distraction”hypothesis),or whether noise leads to increased responsiveness to this“predator”(the“increased threat”hypothesis).The subjects were male barn swallows attending their breeding territories during the time when the females were incubating.We found that barn swallow males initiated fight at signifcantly greater distances to the approaching human“predator”in the noise treatment than during the quiet control trials.These results suggest that anthropogenic noise causes increased vigilance and reactivity rather than a distraction,enabling birds to avoid the“predator”more quickly.We further discuss the mechanism behind the increased alertness in response to noise and contrast the“increased threat”mechanism,usually tested in previous studies,with an alternative“cognitive sensitization”mechanism.
基金Supported by Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education,Science,Sports and Culture,Japan,No.10470144the Japanese Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare(Intractable Diseases of the Pancreas)
文摘AIM: To examine the effects of pancreatic rest, stimulation and rest/stimulation on the natural course of recovery after acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis(AP) was induced in male rats by intraductal infusion of 40 μl/100 g body weight of 3% sodium taurocholate. All rats took food ad libitum. At 24 h after induction of AP, rats were divided into four groups: control(AP-C), pancreas rest(AP-R), stimulation(AP-S), and rest/stimulation(AP-R/S). Rats in the AP-C, AP-R and AP-S groups received oral administration of 2 ml/kg body weight saline, cholecystokinin(CCK)-1 receptor antagonist, and endogenous CCK release stimulant, respectively, twice daily for 10 d, while those in the AP-R/S group received twice daily CCK-1 receptor antagonist for the first 5 d followed by twice daily CCK release stimulant for 5 d. Rats without any treatment were used as control group(Control). Biochemical andhistological changes in the pancreas, and secretory function were evaluated on day 12 at 24 h after the last treatment. RESULTS: Feeding ad libitum(AP-C) delayed biochemical, histological and functional recovery from AP. In AP-C rats, bombesin-stimulated pancreatic secretory function and HOMA-β-cell score were significantly lower than those in other groups of rats. In AP-R rats, protein per DNA ratio and pancreatic exocrine secretory function were significantly low compared with those in Control rats. In AP-S and AP-R/S rats, the above parameters recovered to the Control levels. Bombesinstimulated pancreatic exocrine response in AP-R/S rats was higher than in AP-S rats and almost returned to control levels. In the pancreas of AP-C rats, destruction of pancreatic acini, marked infiltration of inflammatory cells, and strong expression of α-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were seen. Pancreatic rest reversed these histological alterations, but not atrophy of pancreatic acini and mild infiltration of inflammatory cells. In AP-S and AP-R/S rats, the pancreas showed almost normal architecture. CONCLUSION: The favorable treatment strategy for AP is to keep the pancreas at rest during an early stage followed by pancreatic stimulation by promoting endogenous CCK release.
文摘Implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis （IPP） is a well-established definitive solution for erectile dysfunction when conservative treatments fail. Penile implants may shorten the penis. The AMS 700 LGX IPP is in common use but reports on its mechanical reliability, medium-term postsurgical patient satisfaction, and mean penile length preservation are lacking. We investigate the mean penile length, mechanical reliability, and patient satisfaction at 6 and 12 months after implantation of the AMS 700 LGX. This prospective study consecutively enrolled men undergoing first-time IPP implant surgery from February 2009 to April 2012. Stretched flaccid penile length, penile length at 50% and 100% of stiffness （PSO and P100） and International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF） and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction （EDITS） scores, were measured at 6 and 12 months postsurgery. Of 45 patients who underwent AMS 700 LGX implantation （median age 61 years） and completed 6 months＇ follow-up, 36 （80%） completed the study. A significant difference in stretched flaccid penile length was seen between 6 and 12 months （P= 0.033）. P100 was also significantly increased at 6 and 12 months, with a mean 10% increase （1.3 ±0.4 cm） from baseline to 12 months. Differences in mean IIEF scores at 6 and 12 months were significant for the desired domain （P = 0.0001） and for overall satisfaction （P = 0.002）; however, mean EDITS scores at 6 and 12 months were not significantly improved. AMS 700 LGX is a powerful tool for preserving penile length in men undergoing penile prosthesis implantation.
基金Support of the Marie Curie Grant PIRSES-GA-2009-247651‘‘FP7-PEOPLE-IRSES:ICOMASEF-Instability and Control of Massively Separated Flows”
文摘The present contributions deal with the development and implementation of the direct and adjoint incompressible Navie-Stokes equations in a matrix-free time-stepping context making use of the open-source OpenFOAM~ （open source field operation and manipulation） C ＋ ＋ tool- box. It is shown that a few minor modifications in the source code can enable these multi-purpose computational fluid dynamics （CFD） solvers to carry out global instability analysis of three- dimensional flows of engineering interest, exploiting all additional capabilities of such codes. The strength of this methodology is demonstrated through the analysis of an interesting selection of ooen and wall-bounded flows.
基金Supported by Associazione Italiana Gastroenterologi and Endoscopisti Digestivi Ospedalieri, Via N Colajanni, 4, 00191 Roma, ItalySocietà Italiana di Chirurgia Colo-Rettale, Via Medici, 23, 10143 Torino, Italy
文摘The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. There is no evidence that increasing fluid intake and physical activity can relieve the symptoms of chronic constipation. Patients with normal-transit constipation should increase their fibre intake through their diet or with commercial fibre. Osmotic laxatives may be effective in patients who do not respond to fibre supplements. Stimulant laxatives should be re- served for patients who do not respond to osmotic laxatives. Controlled trials have shown that serotonin- ergic enterokinetic agents, such as prucalopride, and prosecretory agents, such as lubiprostone, are effec- tive in the treatment of patients with chronic constipa- tion. Surgery is sometimes necessary. Total colectomy with ileorectostomy may be considered in patients with slow-transit constipation and inertia coil who are resistant to medical therapy and who do not have defecatory disorders, generalised motility disorders or psychological disorders. Randomised controlled trials have established the efficacy of rehabilitative treat- ment in dys-synergic defecation. Many surgical proce- dures may be used to treat obstructed defecation in patients with acquired anatomical defects, but none is considered to be the gold standard. Surgery should be reserved for selected patients with an impaired quality of life. Obstructed defecation is often associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery with the placement of prostheses is replacing fascial surgery in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, but the efficacy and safety of such procedures have not yet been established.
文摘AIM： TO explore the prevalence of gallstone disease （GSD） in Taiwan and condition-associated factors related to it. METHODS： We studied a total of 2386 healthy adults （1235 males and 1151 females） voluntarily admitted to Cheng Hsin General Hospital for a paid physical check-up between January 2002 and December 2002. Blood samples and ultrasound sonography results were collected. RESULTS： The overall prevalence of GSD among this study-population was 5.3%, including 1.7% （n=40） having a single stone, 2.3% （n = 55） having multiple stones, and 1.3% （n = 31） having cholecystectomy. The prevalence revealed a statistically significant increase with increasing age （P〈 0.0001）. Females exhibited a greater prevalence of multiple stones than did males （3.0% vs 1.7%, P= 0.04）. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the following appeared to be significantly related to the prevalence of GSD： older age （40-49 years vs 〈40 years, OR= 1.63 [95% CI： 0.76-3.48], 50-59 years vs 〈40 years, OR=4.93 [95% CI： 2.43-9.99], 60-69 years vs 〈40 years, OR = 6.82 [95% CI： 3.19-14.60], ≥70 years vs 〈40 years, OR= 10.65 [95% CI： 4.78-23.73]）, higher BMI （≥27 kg/m^2 vs 〈24 kg/m^2, adjusted OR= 1.74 [95% CI： 1.04-2.88]）, and higher FPG （≥ 126 mg/dL vs 〈110 mg/dL, OR= 1.71, 95% CI： 1.01-2.96）. CONCLUSION： Older age （≥50 years）, obesity （BMI ≥ 27 kg/m^2）, and type 2 diabetes （FPG ≥126 mg/dL） are associated with the prevalence of GSD.
文摘AIM: To evaluate if the guidelines for the appro-priateness of performing colonoscopy by American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (AGSE) and Italian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SIED) yield a good diagnostic efficacy and do not present risks of missing important colonic pathologies in an Italian population sample.METHODS: A total of 1017 consecutive patients (560 men and 457 women; mean age 64.4 ± 16 years) referred to an open-access endoscopy unit for colonoscopy from July 2004 to May 2006 were evaluated according to ASGE and SIED guidelines for appropriateness of performing the procedure. Diagnostic yield was defined as the percentage of relevant colonic pathologies of the total number of colonoscopies performed.RESULTS: About 85.2% patients underwent colono-scopy that was considered appropriate based on at least one ASGE or SIED criterion, while it was considered inappropriate for 14.8% of patients. The diagnostic yield of colonoscopy was significantly higher for appropriate colonoscopies (26.94% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001) than for inappropriate colonoscopies (5.3%). There was no missed colorectal cancer following the ASGE/SIED criteria.CONCLUSION: ASGE/SIED guidelines have shown a good diagnostic yield and the rate of missing relevant colonic pathologies seems very low. Unfortunately, the percentage of inappropriate referrals for colonoscopy in an open-access endoscopy system is still high, despite the number of papers published on the issue and the definition of international guidelines. Further steps are required to update and standardize the guidelines to increase their diffusion and to promote educational programs for general practitioners.
基金Supported by Associazione Italiana Gastroenterologi and Endoscopisti Digestivi Ospedalieri via N Colajanni,4-00191 Roma,ItalySocietà Italiana di Chirurgia Colo-Rettale via Medici,23-10143Torino,Italy
文摘Chronic constipation is a common and extremely troublesome disorder that significantly reduces the quality of life,and this fact is consistent with the high rate at which health care is sought for this condition.The aim of this project was to develop a consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation.The commission presents its results in a "Question-Answer" format,including a set of graded recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature and evidence-based medicine.This section represents the consensus for the diagnosis.The history includes information relating to the onset and duration of symptoms and may reveal secondary causes of constipation.The presence of alarm symptoms and risk factors requires investigation.The physical examination should assess the presence of lesions in the anal and perianal region.The evidence does not support the routine use of blood testing and colonoscopy or barium enema for constipation.Various scoring systems are available to quantify the severity of constipation;the Constipation Severity Instrument for constipation and the obstructed defecation syndrome score for obstructed defecation are the most reliable.The Constipation-Related Quality of Life is an excellent tool for evaluating the patient's quality of life.No single test provides a pathophysiological basis for constipation.Colonic transit and anorectal manometry define the pathophysiologic subtypes.Balloon expulsion is a simple screening test for defecatory disorders,but it does not define the mechanisms.Defecography detects structural abnormalities and assesses functional parameters.Magnetic resonance imaging and/or pelvic floor sonography can further complement defecography by providing information on the movement of the pelvic floor and the organs that it supports.All these investigations are indicated to differentiate between slow transit constipation and obstructed defecation because the treatments differ between these conditions.
基金Supported by research grants from the Hualien-Armed Forces General Hospital,No.805-C105-10the Ministry of National Defense-Medical Affairs Bureau,No.MAB-106-124
文摘AIM To investigate the association of chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with physical fitness in a Taiwan Residents military male cohort.METHODS We made a cross-sectional examination of this association using 3669 young adult military males according to cardiorespiratory fitness and hospitalization events recorded in the Taiwan Armed Forces study.Cases of chronic hepatitis B(n=121)were defined by personal history and positive detection of hepatitis B surface antigen.Cases of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(n=129)were defined by alanine transaminase level>60 U/L,liver ultrasound finding of steatosis,and absence of viral hepatitis A,B or C infection.All other study participants were defined as unaffected(n=3419).Physical fitness was evaluated by performance in 3000-m run,2-min sit-ups,and 2-min push-ups exercises,with all the procedures standardized by a computerized scoring system.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship.RESULTS Chronic hepatitis B negatively correlated with 2-min push-up numbers(β=-2.49,P=0.019)after adjusting for age,service specialty,body mass index,systolic and diastolic blood pressures,current cigarette smoking,alcohol intake status,serum hemoglobin,and average weekly exercise times.Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was borderline positively correlated with 3000-m running time(β=11.96,P=0.084)and negatively correlated with 2-min sit-up numbers(β=-1.47,P=0.040).CONCLUSION Chronic hepatitis B viral infection and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis affects different physical performances in young adult military males,and future study should determine the underlying mechanism.
基金Supported by the grants from the Cheng Hsin Rehabilitation Medical Center, No. 93-25
文摘AIM： To assess the incidence of and risk factors for gallstone disease （GSD） among type 2 diabetics in Kinmen, Taiwan. METHODS： A screening program for GSD was performed by two specialists who employed real-time abdominal ultrasound to examine the abdominal region after patients had fasted for at least eight hours. Screening, which was conducted in 2001, involved 848 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After exclusion of 63 subjects with prevalent GSD, 377 participants without GSD were invited in 2002 for a second round of screening. A total of 281 （74.5%） subjects were re-examined. RESULTS： Among the 281 type 2 diabetics who had no GSD at the first screening, 10 had developed GSD by 2002. The incidence was 3.56% per year （95%CI： 1.78% per year-6.24% per year）. Using a Cox regression model, age （RR = 1.07, 95% CI： 1.00-1.14）, waist circumference （RR = 1.12, 95% CI： 1.01-1.29）, and ALT （RR = 1.13, 95%CI： 1.01-1.26） appeared to be significantly correlated with development of GSD. CONCLUSION： Older age is a known risk factor for the development of GSD. Our study shows that greater waist circumference and elevated ALT levels are also associated with the development of GSD among type 2 diabetics in Kinmen.
基金the Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital Grant,No.HAFGH-D-109007.
文摘BACKGROUND Acute stress might increase short-term heart rate variability and blood pressure variability(BPV);however,chronic stress would not alter short-term BPV in animal models.AIM To examine the association of psychological stress with long-term BPV in young male humans.METHODS We prospectively examined the association of chronic psychological stress with long-term BPV in 1112 healthy military males,averaged 32.2 years from the cardiorespiratory fitness and hospitalization events in armed forces study in Taiwan.Psychological stress was quantitatively evaluated with the Brief Symptom Rating Scale(BSRS-5),from the least symptom of 0 to the most severe of 20,and the five components of anxiety,insomnia,depression,interpersonal sensitivity,and hostility(the severity score in each component from 0 to 4).Longterm BPV was assessed by standard deviation(SD)for systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP),and average real variability(ARV),defined as the average absolute difference between successive measurements of SBP or DBP,across four visits in the study period from 2012 to 2018(2012-14,2014-15,2015-16,and 2016-18).RESULTS The results of multivariable linear regressions showed that there were no correlations of the BSRS-5 score with SDSBP,SDDBP,ARVSBP,and ARVDBP after adjusting for all the covariates[β(SE):-0.022(0.024),-0.023(0.026),-0.001(0.018),and 0.001(0.020),respectively;P>0.05 for all].In addition,there were also no correlations between each component of the BSRS score and the long-term BPV indexes.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that chronic psychological stress might not be associated with long-term BPV in military young male humans.
基金Supported by the grants from the National Science Council, Nos.NSC-91-2320-B-010-102 and NSC-92-2320-B-010-102
文摘AIM: To explore the association of serum insulin, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction with gallstone disease (GSD) in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: We used a community-based study conducted between 1991 and 1993 in Kinmen, Taiwan to identify type 2 diabetics. A screening program for GSD was performed in 2001 by a panel of specialists who employed real-time ultrasound sonography to examine the abdominal region after the patient had fasted for at least 8 h. Screening was conducted in 2001 on 848 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The HOMA method was used to compare the profile differences for insulin resistance (HOMA IR) and β-cell dysfunction (HOMA β-cell). RESULTS: We studied 440 type 2 diabetics who attended sonography check-ups. After excluding eight insulin-treated diabetics, the prevalence of GSD among the remaining 432 was 13.9% (26/187) among males and 14.7% (36/245) among females. After adjustment for other GSD-associated risk factors in addition to age and obesity, GSD risk increased among females with levels of serum insulin [4th vs 1st quartile odds ratios (OR) = 4.46 (95%CI: 1.71-11.66)] and HOMA IR [4th vs 1st quartile OR = 4.46 (95%CI: 1.71-11.66)]. Better HOMA β-cell function was significantly related to decreased risk of GSD [4th vs 1st quartile OR = 0.16 (95%CI: 0.03-1.70)]. Among males, age and central obesity were the most significant risk factors for GSD. No association of GSD with serum insulin, HOMA IR, and HOMA β-cell was observed among males. CONCLUSION: Serum insulin, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction are risk factors for GSD in females, but not males with type 2 diabetes.
文摘Background: Q-switched (QS) pigmented lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) successfully treat pigment disorders. Objective: We sought to compare efficacy and side effects of QS alexandrite laser (QSAL) and IPL for freckle and lentigo treatment in Asians. Methods: In all, 15 patients with freckles and 17 patients with lentigines were treated randomly with one session QSAL in one cheek and two sessions IPL in the other cheek at 4-week intervals. Efficacy was determined using a new pigmentation area and severity index score. Results: All patients experienced improvement (P<.0001). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in one patient with freckles and 8 patients with lentigines after QSAL. No postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred after IPL. Freckles achieved greater improvement after QSAL than IPL (P = .04). In lentigines, the results after IPL were better than QSAL among those with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after QSAL. Limitations: Limitations include a small case number and short follow-up period. Conclusion: QSAL was superior to IPL for freckle treatment. IPL should be used for lentigines in Asian persons.
基金Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,Linkou,Taiwan,No.CORPG3K0191 and No.CMRPG3J1051-3.
文摘Organophosphate is a commonly used pesticide in the agricultural sector.The main action of organophosphate focuses on acetylcholinesterase inhibition,and it therefore contributes to acute cholinergic crisis,intermediate syndrome and delayed neurotoxicity.From sporadic case series to epidemiologic studies,organophosphate has been linked to hyperglycemia and the occurrence of newonset diabetes mellitus.Organophosphate-mediated direct damage to pancreatic beta cells,insulin resistance related to systemic inflammation and excessive hepatic gluconeogenesis and polymorphisms of the enzyme governing organophosphate elimination are all possible contributors to the development of newonset diabetes mellitus.To date,a preventive strategy for organophosphatemediated new-onset diabetes mellitus is still lacking.However,lowering reactive oxygen species levels may be a practical method to reduce the risk of developing hyperglycemia.
文摘Introduccion: Pneumotonometers are handy equipments for testing intraocular pressures (IOP) both for physicians and patients and doesn’t transmit infectious illnesses, but are also known to have a less stable estimation of the IOP values comparing to the conventional Goldmann applanation tonometer. Objective: In this study, we try to define the range of
基金They acknowledge support by Parco Nazionale della Majella,Parco Naturale La Mandria,Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei,and Parco Regionale dei Monti PicentiniPartial financial support was provided by Regione Veneto,ATC Salerno 2,ATC Avellino,ATC Benevento,ATC Caserta,ATC Napoli,ATC Macerata 2,ATC Frosinonc 1,ATC Cosenza 1,ATC Vastese,ATC Foggia,ATC Genova,ATC La Spezia,Comprensorio Alpino Torino 4,Provincia di Udine,M.Gemin,local FIDC sections(Roma,Umbria,Lombardia),and Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia.
文摘Diverse spatio-temporal aspects of avian migration rely on relatively rigid endogenous programs.However,flexibility in migratory behavior may allow effective coping with unpredictable variation in ecological conditions that can occur during migration.We aimed at characterizing inter-and intraindividual variation of migratory behavior in a forest-dwelling wader species,the Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola,focusing on spatio-temporal consistency across repeated migration episodes.By satellite-tracking birds from their wintering sites along the Italian peninsula to their breeding areas,we disclosed a remarkable variability in migration distances,with some birds flying more than 6,000 km to Central Asian breeding grounds(up to 101°E).Prebreeding migration was faster and of shorter duration than postbreeding migration.Birds moving over longer distances migrated faster during prebreeding migration,and those breeding at northernmost latitudes left their wintering areas earlier.Moreover,birds making longer migrations departed earlier from their breeding sites.Breeding site fidelity was very high,whereas fidelity to wintering areas increased with age.Migration routes were significantly consistent,both among repeated migration episodes and between pre-and postbreeding migration.Prebreeding migration departure date was not significantly repeatable,whereas arrival date to the breeding areas was highly repeatable.Hence,interindividual variation in migratory behavior of woodcocks was mostly explained by the location of the breeding areas,and spatial consistency was relatively large through the entire annual cycle.Flexibility in prebreeding migration departure date may suggest that environmental effects have a larger influence on temporal than on spatial aspects of migratory behavior.
文摘In the paper, original formal-logical conception of syntactic and semantic： intensional and extensional senses of expressions of any language L is outlined. Syntax and bi-level intensional and extensional semantics of language L are characterized categorically： in the spirit of some Husserl＇s ideas of pure grammar, Le^niewski-Ajukiewicz＇s theory syntactic/semantic categories and in accordance with Frege＇s ontological canons, Bochefiski＇s famous motto--syntax mirrors ontology and some ideas of Suszko： language should be a linguistic scheme of ontological reality and simultaneously a tool of its cognition. In the logical conception of language L, its expressions should satisfy some general conditions of language adequacy. The adequacy ensures their unambiguous syntactic and semantic senses and mutual, syntactic, and semantic compatibility, correspondence guaranteed by the acceptance of a postulate of categorial compatibility syntactic and semantic （extensional and intensional） categories of expressions of L. From this postulate, three principles of compositionality follow： one syntactic and two semantic already known to Frege. They are treated as conditions of homomorphism partial algebra of L into algebraic models of L： syntactic, intensional, and extensional. In the paper, they are applied to some expressions with quantifiers. Language adequacy connected with the logical senses described in the logical conception of language L is, of course, an idealization, but only expressions with high degrees of precision of their senses, after due justification, may become theorems of science.
文摘AIM: To determine angle closure agreements between gonioscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT), as well as gonioscopy and spectral domain OCT(SD-OCT). A secondary objective was to quantify inter-observer agreements of AS-OCT and SD-OCT assessments.METHODS: Seventeen consecutive subjects(33 eyes)were recruited from the study hospital’s Glaucoma clinic.Gonioscopy was performed by a glaucomatologist masked to OCT results. OCT images were read independently by 2 other glaucomatologists masked to gonioscopy findings as well as each other’s analyses of OCT images.RESULTS: Totally 84.8% and 45.5% of scleral spurs were visualized in AS-OCT and SD-OCT images respectively(P 【0.01). The agreement for angle closure between AS-OCT and gonioscopy was fair at k =0.31(95% confidence interval, CI: 0.03-0.59) and k =0.35(95%CI: 0.07-0.63) for reader 1 and 2 respectively. The agreement for angle closure between SD-OCT and gonioscopy was fair at k =0.21(95% CI: 0.07-0.49) and slight at k =0.17(95% CI: 0.08-0.42) for reader 1 and 2 respectively. The inter-reader agreement for angle closure in AS-OCT images was moderate at 0.51(95% CI: 0.13-0.88). The inter-reader agreement for angle closure in SD-OCT images was slight at 0.18(95% CI: 0.08-0.45).CONCLUSION: Significant proportion of scleral spurs were not visualised with SD-OCT imaging resulting in weaker inter-reader agreements. Identifying other angle landmarks in SD-OCT images will allow more consistent angle closure assessments. Gonioscopy and OCT imaging do not always agree in angle closure assessments but have their own advantages, and should be used together and not exclusively.
