Complete checklist records are essential to understand regional bird diversity and the status of the distribution of birds. The Zhejiang bird checklist was last presented as the Aves Branch of Zhejiang Fauna in 1990. ...Complete checklist records are essential to understand regional bird diversity and the status of the distribution of birds. The Zhejiang bird checklist was last presented as the Aves Branch of Zhejiang Fauna in 1990. Since then, many new records had been added, of which most remain unpublished. We have collected and examined all published and unpublished new records from Zhejiang habitats as well as those from the Aves Branch of Zhejiang Fauna. We have confirmed the evidence of the new records, which includes specimens, photographs, videos, sounds and tissue samples. We changed the Latin names of 131 species and subspecies and 41 Chinese names according to the new taxonomy and nomenclature. We provide an updated Zhejiang bird checklist for a total of 483 species and 24 subspecies, including 70 new species records, of which 47 species are reported for the first. Most of the new records are based on recent photographs taken by bird watchers.展开更多
The limitations of biomedecine to provide effective solutions to certain pandemics has led many people to turn to alternative therapies. These palliative solutions, particularly phytomedecines, are much sought after f...The limitations of biomedecine to provide effective solutions to certain pandemics has led many people to turn to alternative therapies. These palliative solutions, particularly phytomedecines, are much sought after for disease prevention and treatment. The Baka, a group of forest-dwelling people, hold knowledge on how wild plants can be effective in treating many illnesses. However, the greatest challenge for the identification of traditional medicines depends on the veracity of the information provided during ethnobotanic surveys by user populations. The present study describes forest plants used by the Baka and confirmed by them as being employed for traditional medicine. We carried out ethnobotanical surveys between 2019 and 2021 in 221 households within four districts of the Eastern and Southern Region of Cameroon. We used indices of significant use and performance applied to all mentioned species, alongside searches in the literature. The statistical tools used to distinguish the different groups/districts is Pearson’s X2 test. A total of 378 plant species were identified of 270 genera and 85 families. Ethnobotanical indices allowed to identify the most confirmed and efficient plants for several health problems. A pairwise comparison of these indices showed a significant correlation with a p-value < 2.2e-16 and a dissimilarity distance less than 0.5. Some plants selected are widely cited in other regions and/or countries for the same health problems. The presence of active molecules responsible for their biological activity was also proven, justifying their use in traditional medicine. This paper examines the potential to enhance the value of Cameroon’s pharmacopeia by integrating various ethnobotanical indices. It aims to discover new therapeutic molecules and develop improved traditional products from the diverse plant species documented. The findings indicate opportunities to advance both local and global healthcare solutions.展开更多
Anti-thymocyte globulin(ATG)is a pivotal immunosuppressive therapy utilized in the management of T-cell-mediated rejection and steroid-resistant rejection among renal transplant recipients.Commercially available as Th...Anti-thymocyte globulin(ATG)is a pivotal immunosuppressive therapy utilized in the management of T-cell-mediated rejection and steroid-resistant rejection among renal transplant recipients.Commercially available as Thymoglobulin(rabbit-derived,Sanofi,United States),ATG-Fresenius S(rabbit-derived),and ATGAM(equine-derived,Pfizer,United States),these formulations share a common mechanism of action centered on their interaction with cell surface markers of immune cells,imparting immunosuppressive effects.Although the prevailing mechanism predominantly involves T-cell depletion via the complement-mediated pathway,alternate mechanisms have been elucidated.Optimal dosing and treatment duration of ATG have exhibited variance across randomised trials and clinical reports,rendering the establishment of standardized guidelines a challenge.The spectrum of risks associated with ATG administration spans from transient adverse effects such as fever,chills,and skin rash in the acute phase to long-term concerns related to immunosuppression,including susceptibility to infections and malignancies.This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough exploration of the current understanding of ATG,encompassing its mechanism of action,clinical utility in the treatment of acute renal graft rejections,specifically steroid-resistant cases,efficacy in rejection episode reversal,and a synthesis of findings from different eras of maintenance immunosuppression.Additionally,it delves into the adverse effects associated with ATG therapy and its impact on long-term graft function.Furthermore,the review underscores the existing gaps in evidence,particularly in the context of the Banff classification of rejections,and highlights the challenges faced by clinicians when navigating the available literature to strike the optimal balance between the risks and benefits of ATG utilization in renal transplantation.展开更多
This study applies OLS,panel regression and Granger causality test to investigate the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019(Covid-19)outbreak on the global equity markets during the early stage of the pandemic.We fin...This study applies OLS,panel regression and Granger causality test to investigate the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019(Covid-19)outbreak on the global equity markets during the early stage of the pandemic.We find that the Covid-19 outbreak has a significant negative impact on the overall equity index return of the eight economies even at 0.1%significance level.Furthermore,the pandemic has a more significant impact on the European countries than on the East Asian economies.The results have three main implications.Firstly,policy makers should react fast to mitigate the impact of a crisis.Secondly,investors should be aware of an outbreak of disease or other risks and adjust their investments accordingly.Furthermore,the Covid-19 outbreak results in a shift of power from the west to the east.展开更多
To introduce the epidemical, pathological, and clinical characteristics as well as the diagnostic and therapeutical experiences of endomyocardial fibrosis(EMF) in China. [WT5”BX] Data sources.[WT5”BZ]A CMBdisc searc...To introduce the epidemical, pathological, and clinical characteristics as well as the diagnostic and therapeutical experiences of endomyocardial fibrosis(EMF) in China. [WT5”BX] Data sources.[WT5”BZ]A CMBdisc search was done of the Chinese language literature published from January 1983 through June 1997 about EMF and/or restrictive cardiomyopathy. A manual search was then done for other contributions, including abstracts, between January 1965 and June 1997. [WT5”BX] Results. [WT5”BZ]Eighty seven Chinese cases of EMF were collected in this paper. There were 49 men and 38 women, with a mean age of 28±13 years(range, 8 to 68 years). The distribution of the cases is mainly in the south of China. Combined right and left ventricular disease occurs in 48 percent of cases, with pure right ventricular involvement occurring in 42 percent and pure left ventricular involvement in the remaining 10 percent of patients who are examined postmortem. The diagnosis of EMF was confirmed in 21 cases at autopsy, and in 66 cases by echocardiography, angiocardiography, and/or endomyocardial biopsy which showed the characteristic changes. Clinically, right sided disease is the commonest variety. Endocardiectomy and tricuspid(n=7) or mitral(n=1) valves replacement have been performed in 8 patients. There were 2 operative deaths. Six patients had a satisfactory recovery postoperatively and living well in the follow up duration. [WT5”BX] Conclusion.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the long-term safety of a tetravalent dengue vaccine(CYD-TDV)in children in a phase Ⅱ b follow-up study in Thailand.Methods:In the phase Ⅱb study,children aged 4-11 years were randomized(2:1...Objective:To investigate the long-term safety of a tetravalent dengue vaccine(CYD-TDV)in children in a phase Ⅱ b follow-up study in Thailand.Methods:In the phase Ⅱb study,children aged 4-11 years were randomized(2:1)to receive three injections of CYD-TDV or serve as control at 6-month intervals,with 25 months’ active follow-up(active phase).This study was an additional four-year passive surveillance for hospitalized virologically-confirmed dengue(VCD;hospital phase).Cases of hospitalized VCD,severe hospitalized VCD,vaccine-related serious adverse events,and deaths were reported for the total population,with post-hoc analyses by enrollment age(<9 and≥9 years).Results:Of 3 997 participants receiving≥1 injection,80.1% were recruited to the hospital phase[2 131(CYD-TDV);1 072(control)].Eighty-five hospitalized VCD cases were reported in the CYD-TDV group and 46 in the control group during the four-year hospital phase[relative risk(RR):0.93,95% confidence interval(Cl):0.64-1.36].The RR over six years of follow-up was 0.77(95% CI:0.57-1.05).In those aged≥9 years,the cumulative RRs in the active phase,hospital phase,and entire six years were 0.28(95% CI:0.08-0.81),0.51(95% CI:0.25-1.05),and 0.42(95% CI:0.24-0.75),respectively.In the overall population,there were ten severe hospitalized VCD cases in the CYD-TDV group and five in the control group over six years(RR:1.00,95% CI:0.31-3.75).Conclusions:Over six years of follow-up,in children aged ≥9 years,CYD-TDV administration is associated with a reduced risk of hospitalized VCD.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To study the sonographic features and patterns of cystic renal carcinomas. METHODS: Thirteen cases of cystic renal carcinoma confirmed by operation and pathology were examined by ultrasonography, and the cy...OBJECTIVE: To study the sonographic features and patterns of cystic renal carcinomas. METHODS: Thirteen cases of cystic renal carcinoma confirmed by operation and pathology were examined by ultrasonography, and the cystic walls, septa and solid mural nodules were studied. RESULTS: Solid mural nodules of some cases and irregular thickening of the cystic walls and septa were characteristic findings for the ultrasonic diagnosis of cystic renal carcinomas. According to their pathologic mechanisms and sonographic features, cystic renal carcinomas were classified into 3 patterns: unilocular cystic mass, multiloculated cystic mass and cystic-solid mass. CONCLUSIONS: Typical cystic renal carcinomas can be well diagnosed, while atypical cases may be misdiagnosed as benign renal cysts by ultrasonography. Color Doppler ultrasonography and needle aspiration guided by ultrasonography are helpful in the diagnosis of these atypical cases.展开更多
<strong>Background: </strong>The December 2019 Chinese epidemic of Corona Virus Disease [COVID-19], which erupted in Wuhan, South China, was declared a pandemic, by the World Health Organization [WHO], on ...<strong>Background: </strong>The December 2019 Chinese epidemic of Corona Virus Disease [COVID-19], which erupted in Wuhan, South China, was declared a pandemic, by the World Health Organization [WHO], on 12<sup>th</sup> January 2020. The worldwide spread from China was rapid, but Africa was the last port-of-call. Her first diagnosed case was two months after China’s, on 14<sup>th</sup> February, 2020 in Egypt. The morbidity and mortality rates have, however, remained lower in Africa than in the developed world, and analysts believe that it was more of a temporary respite, since Africa’s poor health infrastructure will become her eventual albatross. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Data were collected on COVID-19 and records of the socio-economic capacity of Africa by accessing the relevant previous and current peer-reviewed publications from multiple search engines on internet. The data were, then, collated and comparatively analyzed. <strong>Results: </strong>The available data revealed that Africa had, mostly, the milder forms of COVID-19, and so, morbidity and mortality were low. Her shrinking elderly population and hot climate were believed to be contributory, but lately, as the pandemic spread, the role of these factors was not exactly predictive. Being low on healthcare infrastructure, Africa could tenaciously leverage on the supportive and preventive measures prescribed by WHO, while the world awaited a vaccine. The role of ventilators in the care of critically ill patients, also, came under scrutiny as some workers were questioning the underlying pathology, and advocating a paradigm shift from high-tech positive end expiratory pressure ventilation to plasmapheresis and packed cell transfusion. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Africa faces a huge challenge with COVID-19, but the predicted heavy mortalities may be reduced by some local confounding factors, control of spread and re-focusing of critical care away from the expensive and unavailable ventilators.展开更多
Background: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is a very important tool in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in the new born. Bacterial meningitis is a potent cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal age group, ...Background: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is a very important tool in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in the new born. Bacterial meningitis is a potent cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal age group, with a very high incidence of neurological complications. Aim: To identify the bacterial pathogens isolated from the cerebrospinal fluids of neonates at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and their sensitivity patterns. This will assist the neonatologist in the choice of empirical antibiotic treatment. Study Design: Retrospective, descriptive, cross sectional study. Place and duration of study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2014. Methods: Records of bacterial analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from neonates seen at the special care baby unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with clinical suspicion of meningitis between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2014 were retrieved from the microbiology record book. Data on patients age, sex, appearance of Cerebrospinal fluid, cell count, microscopy/gram stain, culture and antibiotic sensitivity were retrieved from laboratory record books and entered into a Microsoft? excel spread sheet and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: One hundred and thirteen neonates: 70 (61.95%) of these patients were male while 43 (38.05%) were females. Only 1 (0.89%) was positive for culture yielding a growth of Escherichia coli which was sensitive to Imipenem, moderately sensitive to Ampicillin, Gentamicin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillinclavulanic acid. It was resistant to cefotaxime. 112 (99.11%) of the neonates had presumed neonatal meningitis while only 1 (0.89%) had proven neonatal meningitis. Conclusions: There is a low yield of organisms in cerebrospinal fluid of neonates at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.展开更多
Sweetpotato （Ipomoea batatas L. Lain.） ranks fifth among the most important food crops, after rice, wheat, maize and cas- sava, on a fresh-weight basis in developing countries （Scott and Maldonado, 1999）. Sweetpot...Sweetpotato （Ipomoea batatas L. Lain.） ranks fifth among the most important food crops, after rice, wheat, maize and cas- sava, on a fresh-weight basis in developing countries （Scott and Maldonado, 1999）. Sweetpotato cultivars have white, yellow, purple or orange flesh, but only orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivars are the rich sources of β-carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A （Failla et al., 2009）. Accordingly, the orange-fleshed sweetpotato is the main source of 6-carotene for the people in underdeveloped coun- tries in Africa and Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, theβ-caro- tene content in most sweetpotato cultivars is rather low and insufficient in meeting the normal demand of human physi- ology （Liao et al., 2008）. Hence, developing sweetpotato cultivars rich inβ-carotene will be most desirable in crop development.展开更多
Forecasting the COVID‐19 confirmed cases,deaths,and recoveries demands time to know the severity of the novel coronavirus.This research aims to predict all types of COVID‐19 cases(verified people,deaths,and recoveri...Forecasting the COVID‐19 confirmed cases,deaths,and recoveries demands time to know the severity of the novel coronavirus.This research aims to predict all types of COVID‐19 cases(verified people,deaths,and recoveries)from the deadliest 3rd wave data of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Bangladesh.We used the official website of the Directorate General of Health Services as our data source.To identify and predict the upcoming trends of the COVID‐19 situation of Bangladesh,we fit the Auto‐Regressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA)model on the data from Mar.01,2021 to Jul.31,2021.The finding of the ARIMA model(forecast model)reveals that infected,deaths,and recoveries number will have experienced exponential growth in Bangladesh to October 2021.Our model reports that confirmed cases and deaths will escalate by four times,and the recoveries will improve by five times at a later point in October 2021 if the trend of the three scenarios of COVID‐19 from March to July lasts.The prediction of the COVID‐19 scenario for the next three months is very frightening in Bangladesh,so the strategic planner and field‐level personnel need to search for suitable policies and strategies and adopt these for controlling the mass transmission of the virus.展开更多
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31071908)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No.Y5090070)
文摘Complete checklist records are essential to understand regional bird diversity and the status of the distribution of birds. The Zhejiang bird checklist was last presented as the Aves Branch of Zhejiang Fauna in 1990. Since then, many new records had been added, of which most remain unpublished. We have collected and examined all published and unpublished new records from Zhejiang habitats as well as those from the Aves Branch of Zhejiang Fauna. We have confirmed the evidence of the new records, which includes specimens, photographs, videos, sounds and tissue samples. We changed the Latin names of 131 species and subspecies and 41 Chinese names according to the new taxonomy and nomenclature. We provide an updated Zhejiang bird checklist for a total of 483 species and 24 subspecies, including 70 new species records, of which 47 species are reported for the first. Most of the new records are based on recent photographs taken by bird watchers.
文摘The limitations of biomedecine to provide effective solutions to certain pandemics has led many people to turn to alternative therapies. These palliative solutions, particularly phytomedecines, are much sought after for disease prevention and treatment. The Baka, a group of forest-dwelling people, hold knowledge on how wild plants can be effective in treating many illnesses. However, the greatest challenge for the identification of traditional medicines depends on the veracity of the information provided during ethnobotanic surveys by user populations. The present study describes forest plants used by the Baka and confirmed by them as being employed for traditional medicine. We carried out ethnobotanical surveys between 2019 and 2021 in 221 households within four districts of the Eastern and Southern Region of Cameroon. We used indices of significant use and performance applied to all mentioned species, alongside searches in the literature. The statistical tools used to distinguish the different groups/districts is Pearson’s X2 test. A total of 378 plant species were identified of 270 genera and 85 families. Ethnobotanical indices allowed to identify the most confirmed and efficient plants for several health problems. A pairwise comparison of these indices showed a significant correlation with a p-value < 2.2e-16 and a dissimilarity distance less than 0.5. Some plants selected are widely cited in other regions and/or countries for the same health problems. The presence of active molecules responsible for their biological activity was also proven, justifying their use in traditional medicine. This paper examines the potential to enhance the value of Cameroon’s pharmacopeia by integrating various ethnobotanical indices. It aims to discover new therapeutic molecules and develop improved traditional products from the diverse plant species documented. The findings indicate opportunities to advance both local and global healthcare solutions.
文摘Anti-thymocyte globulin(ATG)is a pivotal immunosuppressive therapy utilized in the management of T-cell-mediated rejection and steroid-resistant rejection among renal transplant recipients.Commercially available as Thymoglobulin(rabbit-derived,Sanofi,United States),ATG-Fresenius S(rabbit-derived),and ATGAM(equine-derived,Pfizer,United States),these formulations share a common mechanism of action centered on their interaction with cell surface markers of immune cells,imparting immunosuppressive effects.Although the prevailing mechanism predominantly involves T-cell depletion via the complement-mediated pathway,alternate mechanisms have been elucidated.Optimal dosing and treatment duration of ATG have exhibited variance across randomised trials and clinical reports,rendering the establishment of standardized guidelines a challenge.The spectrum of risks associated with ATG administration spans from transient adverse effects such as fever,chills,and skin rash in the acute phase to long-term concerns related to immunosuppression,including susceptibility to infections and malignancies.This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough exploration of the current understanding of ATG,encompassing its mechanism of action,clinical utility in the treatment of acute renal graft rejections,specifically steroid-resistant cases,efficacy in rejection episode reversal,and a synthesis of findings from different eras of maintenance immunosuppression.Additionally,it delves into the adverse effects associated with ATG therapy and its impact on long-term graft function.Furthermore,the review underscores the existing gaps in evidence,particularly in the context of the Banff classification of rejections,and highlights the challenges faced by clinicians when navigating the available literature to strike the optimal balance between the risks and benefits of ATG utilization in renal transplantation.
文摘This study applies OLS,panel regression and Granger causality test to investigate the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019(Covid-19)outbreak on the global equity markets during the early stage of the pandemic.We find that the Covid-19 outbreak has a significant negative impact on the overall equity index return of the eight economies even at 0.1%significance level.Furthermore,the pandemic has a more significant impact on the European countries than on the East Asian economies.The results have three main implications.Firstly,policy makers should react fast to mitigate the impact of a crisis.Secondly,investors should be aware of an outbreak of disease or other risks and adjust their investments accordingly.Furthermore,the Covid-19 outbreak results in a shift of power from the west to the east.
文摘To introduce the epidemical, pathological, and clinical characteristics as well as the diagnostic and therapeutical experiences of endomyocardial fibrosis(EMF) in China. [WT5”BX] Data sources.[WT5”BZ]A CMBdisc search was done of the Chinese language literature published from January 1983 through June 1997 about EMF and/or restrictive cardiomyopathy. A manual search was then done for other contributions, including abstracts, between January 1965 and June 1997. [WT5”BX] Results. [WT5”BZ]Eighty seven Chinese cases of EMF were collected in this paper. There were 49 men and 38 women, with a mean age of 28±13 years(range, 8 to 68 years). The distribution of the cases is mainly in the south of China. Combined right and left ventricular disease occurs in 48 percent of cases, with pure right ventricular involvement occurring in 42 percent and pure left ventricular involvement in the remaining 10 percent of patients who are examined postmortem. The diagnosis of EMF was confirmed in 21 cases at autopsy, and in 66 cases by echocardiography, angiocardiography, and/or endomyocardial biopsy which showed the characteristic changes. Clinically, right sided disease is the commonest variety. Endocardiectomy and tricuspid(n=7) or mitral(n=1) valves replacement have been performed in 8 patients. There were 2 operative deaths. Six patients had a satisfactory recovery postoperatively and living well in the follow up duration. [WT5”BX] Conclusion.
文摘Objective:To investigate the long-term safety of a tetravalent dengue vaccine(CYD-TDV)in children in a phase Ⅱ b follow-up study in Thailand.Methods:In the phase Ⅱb study,children aged 4-11 years were randomized(2:1)to receive three injections of CYD-TDV or serve as control at 6-month intervals,with 25 months’ active follow-up(active phase).This study was an additional four-year passive surveillance for hospitalized virologically-confirmed dengue(VCD;hospital phase).Cases of hospitalized VCD,severe hospitalized VCD,vaccine-related serious adverse events,and deaths were reported for the total population,with post-hoc analyses by enrollment age(<9 and≥9 years).Results:Of 3 997 participants receiving≥1 injection,80.1% were recruited to the hospital phase[2 131(CYD-TDV);1 072(control)].Eighty-five hospitalized VCD cases were reported in the CYD-TDV group and 46 in the control group during the four-year hospital phase[relative risk(RR):0.93,95% confidence interval(Cl):0.64-1.36].The RR over six years of follow-up was 0.77(95% CI:0.57-1.05).In those aged≥9 years,the cumulative RRs in the active phase,hospital phase,and entire six years were 0.28(95% CI:0.08-0.81),0.51(95% CI:0.25-1.05),and 0.42(95% CI:0.24-0.75),respectively.In the overall population,there were ten severe hospitalized VCD cases in the CYD-TDV group and five in the control group over six years(RR:1.00,95% CI:0.31-3.75).Conclusions:Over six years of follow-up,in children aged ≥9 years,CYD-TDV administration is associated with a reduced risk of hospitalized VCD.
文摘OBJECTIVE: To study the sonographic features and patterns of cystic renal carcinomas. METHODS: Thirteen cases of cystic renal carcinoma confirmed by operation and pathology were examined by ultrasonography, and the cystic walls, septa and solid mural nodules were studied. RESULTS: Solid mural nodules of some cases and irregular thickening of the cystic walls and septa were characteristic findings for the ultrasonic diagnosis of cystic renal carcinomas. According to their pathologic mechanisms and sonographic features, cystic renal carcinomas were classified into 3 patterns: unilocular cystic mass, multiloculated cystic mass and cystic-solid mass. CONCLUSIONS: Typical cystic renal carcinomas can be well diagnosed, while atypical cases may be misdiagnosed as benign renal cysts by ultrasonography. Color Doppler ultrasonography and needle aspiration guided by ultrasonography are helpful in the diagnosis of these atypical cases.
文摘<strong>Background: </strong>The December 2019 Chinese epidemic of Corona Virus Disease [COVID-19], which erupted in Wuhan, South China, was declared a pandemic, by the World Health Organization [WHO], on 12<sup>th</sup> January 2020. The worldwide spread from China was rapid, but Africa was the last port-of-call. Her first diagnosed case was two months after China’s, on 14<sup>th</sup> February, 2020 in Egypt. The morbidity and mortality rates have, however, remained lower in Africa than in the developed world, and analysts believe that it was more of a temporary respite, since Africa’s poor health infrastructure will become her eventual albatross. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Data were collected on COVID-19 and records of the socio-economic capacity of Africa by accessing the relevant previous and current peer-reviewed publications from multiple search engines on internet. The data were, then, collated and comparatively analyzed. <strong>Results: </strong>The available data revealed that Africa had, mostly, the milder forms of COVID-19, and so, morbidity and mortality were low. Her shrinking elderly population and hot climate were believed to be contributory, but lately, as the pandemic spread, the role of these factors was not exactly predictive. Being low on healthcare infrastructure, Africa could tenaciously leverage on the supportive and preventive measures prescribed by WHO, while the world awaited a vaccine. The role of ventilators in the care of critically ill patients, also, came under scrutiny as some workers were questioning the underlying pathology, and advocating a paradigm shift from high-tech positive end expiratory pressure ventilation to plasmapheresis and packed cell transfusion. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Africa faces a huge challenge with COVID-19, but the predicted heavy mortalities may be reduced by some local confounding factors, control of spread and re-focusing of critical care away from the expensive and unavailable ventilators.
文摘Background: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is a very important tool in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in the new born. Bacterial meningitis is a potent cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal age group, with a very high incidence of neurological complications. Aim: To identify the bacterial pathogens isolated from the cerebrospinal fluids of neonates at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and their sensitivity patterns. This will assist the neonatologist in the choice of empirical antibiotic treatment. Study Design: Retrospective, descriptive, cross sectional study. Place and duration of study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2014. Methods: Records of bacterial analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from neonates seen at the special care baby unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with clinical suspicion of meningitis between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2014 were retrieved from the microbiology record book. Data on patients age, sex, appearance of Cerebrospinal fluid, cell count, microscopy/gram stain, culture and antibiotic sensitivity were retrieved from laboratory record books and entered into a Microsoft? excel spread sheet and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: One hundred and thirteen neonates: 70 (61.95%) of these patients were male while 43 (38.05%) were females. Only 1 (0.89%) was positive for culture yielding a growth of Escherichia coli which was sensitive to Imipenem, moderately sensitive to Ampicillin, Gentamicin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillinclavulanic acid. It was resistant to cefotaxime. 112 (99.11%) of the neonates had presumed neonatal meningitis while only 1 (0.89%) had proven neonatal meningitis. Conclusions: There is a low yield of organisms in cerebrospinal fluid of neonates at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
基金supported by the National High-tech R&D Program(863 Program)(Nos.2011AA10A206 and 2012AA101204-3)Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(No.NCET-12-0930)+1 种基金Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.XDJK2013A024)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System (No.CARS-11-C-20)
文摘Sweetpotato （Ipomoea batatas L. Lain.） ranks fifth among the most important food crops, after rice, wheat, maize and cas- sava, on a fresh-weight basis in developing countries （Scott and Maldonado, 1999）. Sweetpotato cultivars have white, yellow, purple or orange flesh, but only orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivars are the rich sources of β-carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A （Failla et al., 2009）. Accordingly, the orange-fleshed sweetpotato is the main source of 6-carotene for the people in underdeveloped coun- tries in Africa and Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, theβ-caro- tene content in most sweetpotato cultivars is rather low and insufficient in meeting the normal demand of human physi- ology （Liao et al., 2008）. Hence, developing sweetpotato cultivars rich inβ-carotene will be most desirable in crop development.
文摘Forecasting the COVID‐19 confirmed cases,deaths,and recoveries demands time to know the severity of the novel coronavirus.This research aims to predict all types of COVID‐19 cases(verified people,deaths,and recoveries)from the deadliest 3rd wave data of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Bangladesh.We used the official website of the Directorate General of Health Services as our data source.To identify and predict the upcoming trends of the COVID‐19 situation of Bangladesh,we fit the Auto‐Regressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA)model on the data from Mar.01,2021 to Jul.31,2021.The finding of the ARIMA model(forecast model)reveals that infected,deaths,and recoveries number will have experienced exponential growth in Bangladesh to October 2021.Our model reports that confirmed cases and deaths will escalate by four times,and the recoveries will improve by five times at a later point in October 2021 if the trend of the three scenarios of COVID‐19 from March to July lasts.The prediction of the COVID‐19 scenario for the next three months is very frightening in Bangladesh,so the strategic planner and field‐level personnel need to search for suitable policies and strategies and adopt these for controlling the mass transmission of the virus.
