Demographic features and visual outcomes of patients presenting to diabetic photo-screening and treated for sight threatening retinopathy in Fiji

AIM：To describe the demographic features and visual outcomes of patients presenting to photo-screening services, and treated for sight threatening retinopathy（STR） in a low resource setting, Fiji.METHODS：A retrospective review of all new patients who presented for diabetic photo-screening at the Diabetic Eye Clinic, Suva in 2010. Fundus images were graded using standardised guidelines. Patient demographics, retinopathy grading and visual acuity data were extracted from the database and analyzed. Patients that received laser therapy and still attending follow up in 2012 were examined for disease progressionRESULTS：Totally 2236 patients were photo-screened, 87%（3870/4472） of images were gradable. STR was observed in 26%（988/3870） with advanced STR（proliferative retinopathy/severe maculopathy） in 10%（385/3870）. Of those with STR, 59% had BCVA ≥6/18, 31% with advanced STR were 〈6/60. Male gender [odds ratio（OR） 1.59; 1.20-2.12], history of hypertension（OR 1.36; 1.03-1.80） and peripheral neuropathy（OR 1.41; 1.01-1.95） were predictive of advanced STR. In 2012, 32%（315/988） attended follow up with 69% exhibiting advanced STR compared with 53% of the same cohort in 2010. Laser photocoagulation was administered to 212 eyes（212/3870, 5%） with retinopathy and maculopathy progression observed in 52% and 33% respectively. BCVA ≥6/18 was noted in 67%（143/212） of treated eyes. Improved glycaemic control（OR 46.52; 1.50-1441.90） amongst those with advanced STR was predictive of eyes that maintained good vision.CONCLUSION：In Fiji, a quarter of new patients presenting to photo-screening have STR with a third of those with advanced STR having already loss vision. Improved glycaemic control and timely treatment of patients with sight threatening complications is important in halting disease progression.

Risk evaluation for diabetic retinopathy in Chinese renalbiopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

AIM:To investigate diabetic retinopathy(DR)prevalence in Chinese renal-biopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with kidney dysfunction,and to further evaluate its relationship with diabetic nephropathy(DN)incidence and the risk factors for DR development in this population.METHODS:A total of 84 renal-biopsied T2DM patients were included.Fundus and imaging examinations were employed for DR diagnosis.Demographic information and clinical measures along with renal histopathology were analyzed for comparisons between the DR and non-DR groups.Risk factors on DR development were analyzed with multiple logistic regression.RESULTS:DR prevalence was 50%in total.The incidences of DN,non-diabetic renal disease(NDRD)and mixed-type pathology were 47.6%,19.0%and 33.3%in the DR group respectively,while 11.9%,83.3%and 4.8%in the non-DR group.Systolic blood pressure,ratio of urinary albumin to creatine ratio,urinary albumin,24-hours urinary protein,the incidence and severity of DN histopathology were found statistically increased in the DR group.Multiple logistic regression analysis showed histopathological DN incidence significantly increased the risk of DR development[odds ratio(OR)=21.664,95%confidential interval(CI)5.588 to 83.991,P<0.001 for DN,and OR=45.475,95%CI 6.949 to 297.611,P<0.001 for mixed-type,respectively,in reference to (NDRD)],wherein DN severity positively correlated.CONCLUSION:Renal histopathological evidence indicates DN incidence and severity increases the risk of DR development in Chinese T2DM patients inexperienced of regular fundus examinations.

Who Is Doing The Threatening? Japanese foreign minister sees China as a threat while China issues its white paper on peaceful development

On entering the new century, Sino-Japanese relations are at their lowest level in the 33 years since the two countries normalized their diplomatic relations in 1972. Bilateral high-level exchanges have been suspended for nearly five years for a variety of reasons.

Overview of priorities,threats,and challenges to biodiversity conservation in the southern Philippines

Human activities have severely impacted on many species and ecosystems.Thus,understanding the local biodiversity situation is crucial for implementing effective biodiversity conservation interventions.Mindanao in the southern Philippines is home to various unique species,particularly in its pristine ecosystems.However,the available biodiversity data for many terrestrial vertebrates and key areas remain incomplete.To address this issue,we synthesized published literature related to biodiversity from 2000 to 2022 in Mindanao.Moreover,this analysis used four key terrestrial vertebrates(amphibians,reptiles,birds,and mammals)in Mindanao as research objects.According to our findings,there was a significant and positive correlation between the number of biodiversity studies and species recorded.In terms of species richness,birds were the most recorded group(n=334 spp.),followed by reptiles(n=108 spp.),mammals(n=70 spp.),and amphibians(n=52 spp.).We also found that the number of endemic and threatened species varies geographically and across taxonomic groups.Yet,we discovered a significant disparity in the information available on biodiversity in different provinces of Mindanao.For example,the western provinces of Mindanao have had no record of biodiversity for more than two decades.Furthermore,we found that the changes in tree cover loss were consistent with biodiversity records,but this correlation is only significant for birds.Finally,we highlighted some critical threats and challenges to biodiversity,including deforestation,agricultural expansion,mining,and their impact on biodiversity conservation in Mindanao.Our findings suggested that biodiversity conservation should focus not only on areas with high levels of biodiversity but also on areas lacking biodiversity information.To do this,we call for strengthening collaboration among various institutions and digitizing and centralizing of information related to biodiversity.By gaining a deeper understanding of biodiversity in Mindanao,we can better and sustainably protect critical ecosystems in this region from the increasing threats posed by human activities.

Orchid diversity and distribution pattern in karst forests in eastern Yunnan Province,China

Global biodiversity loss and mass extinction of species have raised serious global concerns,especially in fragile ecosystems.Karst forest,a well-known fragile ecosystem,is served as a natural laboratory for biogeographical,ecological,evolutionary,and taxonomic research.However,species richness and distribution patterns in karst forests largely remain unclear.Orchidaceae has been regarded as the“flagship”group of plant diversity.In this study,we use Wanfengshan Nature Reserve in southeast Yunnan,China,as a model to determine the conservation status of orchids in the karst forest by conducting systematic field surveys in the past three years from 2019 to 2022.In total,we identified 78 orchid species in 35 genera in Wanfengshan Nature Reserve.The dominant species were Bulbophyllum andersonii,Eria coronaria,Nervilia mackinnonii and Paphiopedilum micranthum.Multiple life forms were also observed,including epiphyte(14.29%),facultative epiphyte(18.18%),lithophyte(23.38%),and terrestrial(44.15%).Orchid species richness showed a bimodal pattern varied with altitude,the higher richness was recorded at 1,500-1,600 and 1,200-1,300 m,while the minimum was below 1,100 m.Each independent hill is rich in orchid species including‘endemic’species.A total of 25(33.8%)orchid species were considered threatened by the Redlist of Chinese Vascular Plants(Qin et al.,2017),including 3 CR species,5 EN species and 17 VU species.We call for more research addressing the mechanisms of ecological adaption,mycorrhizal interactions,and pollination of orchids in karst forests,and effective ways for recovery and conservation of orchids.

Distribution and conservation of near threatened plants in China

Plants classified as Near Threatened(NT) are at high risk of becoming threatened because of anthropogenic interference and climate change.Especially in conservation efforts,such species have however long been overlooked.Here,we obtained 98,419 precise occurrence points for 2442 NT plants in China,and used species richness,species complementarity,and weighted endemism that consider all,endemic and narrow-ranged species in order to identify the diversity hotspots of NT plants.Then we evaluated the conservation effectiveness of current nature reserves for them.Our results indicate that the diversity hotspots of NT plants were mainly confined to southwestern and southern China,and only 35.87% of hotspots and 71.5% of species were protected by nature reserves.Numerous hotspots in southwestern China(e.g.,Sichuan,Yunnan,Guangxi,and Hainan) were identified as conservation gaps.Given that NT plants include large proportions of endemic and narrow-ranged species,they represent an important value in conservation priority.So,more conservation efforts in the future should be tilted towards NT plants.Additionally,when comparing with the recently updated NT list,there are already 87 species raised to threatened categories,while 328 species were lowered to least concern,56 species were now categorized as data deficient,and 119 species considered as uncertain due to changes of scientific names.It is essential to carry out a continuous assessment of species’ threatened categories to realize targeting conservation.

Using non-destructive sampling to evaluate the population genomic status of captive Brown Eared Pheasants

Evaluating the genetic status of threatened species is an essential task in conservation genetics.However,the genetic status of threatened species has been mostly evaluated through techniques that fail to estimate genetic diversity at the whole genomic level.Next generation sequencing can meet this demand,but high quality samples such as blood or muscle tissues are required.However,it is difficult to collect such samples from threatened species because sampling work may impact their health.Therefore,it is essential to design a workflow to evaluate the whole genomic status of threatened species using non-destructive sampling.Even though non-destructive sampling has been used in traditional barcoding technique,the barcoding technique cannot evaluate the whole genomic status.Brown Eared Pheasant(Crossoptilon mantchuricum)is an endangered species,with captive populations maintained in Taiyuan Zoo,China,and Europe.However,the genetic diversity,inbreeding pattern,and mutation load of these two populations are unclear.To uncover the genetic status of these two captive populations,we applied 2b-RAD technology to evaluate the genomic status of these populations using feathers as samples.The feathers could be collected by non-destructive sampling.The results indicate that the Taiyuan Zoo population has a lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding coefficient than the European population.The Taiyuan Zoo population has lethal mutations when homozygous.The current project uses a non-destructive sampling technique to evaluate the whole genomic status of the two captive populations,providing a paradigm for conservation genetics,which will facilitate the development of conservation biology.

Co-Occurring Plant Species of the West African Critically Endangered Aubregrinia taïensis Heine, in Côte d’Ivoire

The Upper Guinea Forest is subject to heavy deforestation. In this context, many endemic and/or rare plant species are threatened with extinction. This is the case of Aubregrinia taïensis (Aubrév. & Pellegr.) Heine, a critically endangered Sapotaceae species, endemic to Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. After 3 years of investigation in and around the Tai National Park (TNP) in the West of Côte d’Ivoire, only one individual of this species was located and no sexual reproductive organs (fruits, seeds) were observed. Woody plant species around this individual were inventoried in order to know the species that can co-occur with Aubregrinia taïensis. For that a plot of 30 m of diameter was established around the individual and all of the woody species of this circle were inventoried. Then, the taxonomic diversity, the chorology of the species, the conservation status and their life-form were recorded. A total of 130 woody plant species belonging to 51 families were collected in the site. The most represented families are Euphorbiaceae (12 spp.), Rubiaceae (10 spp.), Annonaceae (7 spp.), Fabaceae, Moraceae, Malvaceae (6 spp. each) while the most represented genera are Diospyros L. (4 spp.), Cola Schott & Endl. and Vitex L. (3 spp.). Species from the Guineo-Congolese Region (GC) are the most abundant (72%). They are followed by West African endemic species (GCW, 19%). Microphanerophytes (mp) are the most abundant and represent more than 40% of the species. Three vulnerable species were found in this plot: Campylospermum amplectens, Placodiscus boya and Trichoscypha cavalliensis. Thus, the preservation of this forest is more than necessary.

Tropical Climates May Be Suitable for Endangered Desert Tortoise Exhibits, Rescues, Adoptions

Governmental, educational, environmental and other nonprofit organizations have placed efforts on conservation action for the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). While federal and state institutions have focused on the desert tortoise in its native habitat of the southwestern United States, there are other conservation groups whose work has been dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, rescue, placement and adoption of the desert tortoise in civilian homes and neighborhoods as well as sanctuaries, reserves and exhibits. AWAKE Community (AWAKE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to natural wildlife habitats and endangered species, has focused its research on desert tortoises in captivity. The California Turtle and Tortoise Club (CTTC), the official adoption arm of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), has provided instruction on methods of care for desert tortoises raised in captivity including housing, feeding, sexing, health and hibernation for both adults and hatchlings. AWAKE’s research has been aimed at benefiting and supplementing the guidelines provided by CTTC, specifically for coastal climates. AWAKE’s research has also aimed to provide insight to be considered for expanding adoption possibilities to other locations, specifically tropical climates, as adoption needs for desert tortoises have increased. This manuscript presents an analysis of one coastal and one tropical climate that can serve as a basis for: 1) understanding and evaluating climate in both existing and potential habitats for desert tortoise adoptions, rescues and exhibits, 2) providing insight and special instruction for desert tortoise adoptions in coastal communities, and 3) expanding awareness around desert tortoise needs in captivity.

Medication Rules of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treating Threatened Abortion in the Early Stage of Pregnancy with Subchorionic Haematoma Based on Data Mining

Objective:Using data mining technology to explore the rules of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy with sub-chorionic haematoma(SCH).Methods:Literature of TCM in the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy with SCH were retrieved from CNKI,VIP,WANFANG and Pubmed,EMBASE.The literature information database was established to be used for descriptive analysis,association rule analysis and cluster analysis of relevant data.Results:A total of 100 literatures were included,involving 114 Chinese herbs.The efficacy of Chinese herbs were mainly tonic drugs,hemostatic drugs,heat-clearing drugs,dissolving blood stasis and hemostatic drugs.The medicinal properties were mostly mild and warm,and the taste of the drug was mainly sweet,bitter and pungent.The liver meridian,spleen meridian and kidney meridian were frequently used.The commonly used drug pair combination was"Xu duan(Radix dipsaci,续断)-Tusizi(Semen Cuscutae,菟丝子)",and the core combination was"Tusizi-Xu duan-Ejiao(Donkeyhide gelatin,阿胶)-Baizhu(Atractylodes macrocephala,白术)-Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula,党参)".Commonly used drugs for removing blood stasis and hemostasis were with Sanqi(Panax notoginseng,三七),Puhuang(cattail pollen,蒲黄),and Qiancao(Radix Rubiae,茜草).Conclusion:Data mining traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy with SCH clinically commonly used drug efficacy,taste,meridian,commonly used drug pairs,core combination and commonly used blood stasis hemostatic drugs,has important reference significance for the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy combined with SCH.

Therapeutic implications of antioxidant defense in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation initially localized in the pancreas,which may be accompanied with severe complications such as multi-organ failure,gastrointestinal hemorrhage and malnutrition.One in ten severe cases of acute pancreatitis develops systemic inflammatory response syndrome.Despite treatment,acute pancreatitis can be a life-threatening disease as its mortality rate amounts to 5%-10%in general,and up to 35%in cases of severe course.[1]Over the years,the role of oxidative stress

新冠疫情背景下线上教学SWOT分析与对策建议——云南开放大学经济与管理学院线上教学的行与思

2020年春季,新型冠状病毒肺炎席卷全球。在教育部统一部署下,各级各类学校在线教育全面铺开实施。文章以云南开放大学经济与管理学院线上教学为例,通过SWOT分析法,从优势、劣势、机遇、挑战四个方面分别对该教学模式展开分析,并依据分析结果提出优化线上线下“混合式”教学模式,整合开发平台功能丰富教学模式,制定线上教学管理体制和配套政策的对策建议。

Recovery of threatened plant species and their habitats in the biodiversity hotspot of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region

The Southwest Australian Floristic Region(SWAFR) is a global biodiversity hotspot with high plant diversity and endemism and a broad range of threatening processes. An outcome of this is a high proportion of rare and threatened plant species. Ongoing discovery and taxonomic description of new species, many of which are rare, increases the challenges for recovery of threatened species and prioritisation of conservation actions. Current conservation of this diverse flora is based on integrated and scientific evidence-based management. Here we present an overview of current approaches to the conservation of threatened flora in the SWAFR with a focus on active management through recovery and restoration that is integrated with targeted research. Key threats include disease, fragmentation, invasive weeds, altered fire regimes, grazing, altered hydro-ecology and climate change. We highlight the integrated approach to management of threats and recovery of species with four case studies of threatened flora recovery projects that illustrate the breadth of interventions ranging from In situ management to conservation reintroductions and restoration of threatened species habitats. Our review and case studies emphasise that despite the scale of the challenge, a scientific understanding of threats and their impacts enables effective conservation actions to arrest decline and enhance recovery of threatened species and habitats.

Universal Hazards

Global hazards may arise due to sudden changes in some natural cycles.Among them there are global hydrological cycles,humidity and wind cycles and others.The giant and most evident hazard that the globe is faced with is the Global warming which is very rampant in most parts of the globe including some parts of Africa,Antarctic,Asia,Central America,Europe(Russia),North America,Oceania and south America.Global warming is the heating

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANTI-REJECTION EFFECT OF CHINESE DRUGS IN HOMOGRAFTING OF PANCREATIC ISLETS

The incidence of diabetes mellitus hasbeen increasing recently with the chroniccomplications seriously threatening the con-dition of the patients.Investigations both inChina and abroad show pancreatictransplantation to be an ideal therapy forType Ⅰ diabetics.On the basis of successfulculture of human pancreatic cells in ourhospital in January 1990,clinical observa-

TREATMENT OF SERIOUS INFECTIONS WITH CEFTRIAXONE

Introduction Serious, life threatening infections, areusually due to Gram negative aerobic bac-teria. Septicaemia with shock may developunless prompt effective treatment is insti-tuted. Aminoglycosides used to be

British Journal of General Practice 2015年9月目次选登

Maternal health in pregnancy:messages from the 2014 UK Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death妊娠期孕妇保健:2014年英国孕妇死亡机密询问信息New NICE guidance on diagnosing cancer in general practice全科医学癌症诊断新NICE指南Can technology help reduce risk of harm in patients with epilepsy?技术是否能够降低癫痫患者伤害风险Support for mothers and their families after life-threatening illness in pregnancy and childbirth:a qualitative study

WORD NEWS IN BRIEF(August 16-31, 1992)

Erazilians delivered a sharp rebuff on August 16 to President Fernando Collor de Mello, ignoring his plea to wear the national colours as opposition to the corruption charges threatening his government. Collor vigorously denied all the accusations against him. But thousands of demonstrators packed the streets of the country’s two biggest cities, Rio and Sao Paulo, calling for Collor’s impeachment and jailing.

Meditation

With the recent decades of economic growth in China,artists have had to respond to a rapidly changing environment.Surviving stress and anxiety in this environment,all the while resisting external temptations,has created pitfalls for young Chinese artists,threatening to limit their creativity.Artists are trying find novel ways to move forward;yet,in today’s globalized world,it is challenging to be unique.Moreover,it is very difficult for

THE CARDIOTOXICITY OF TRICYCUC ANTIDEPRESSANT OVERDOSE AND EFFECTS OF PHYSOSTIGMINE ON IT

Tricyclic antidepressant overdose(TCAs-OD)is now recognized as one of the most commonforms of acute life threatening self-poisoning,The major features of TCAs-OD includecardiac,neurologic and anticholinergic complications.However,the measures andantidotes recommended for the management of the cardiac complications have unfortunatelybeen based in large part on anecdotal reports and have been toplcs of considerablecontroversy,especially In the use of physostigmine(Phys).The purpose of our experiment isto study the effects of TCAs-OD on the cardio-vascular of rats and the factors that contributeto the lethality of it.The l.v.infusion of AMI in rats under artificial respiration produced deathdue to cardiovascular collapse.it Was characlerized by hypotension,bradycardia,depression of myocardial contractile force and intraventricular conduction delay.Studies onanesthetized spontaneously ventilated rat models given AMI(l.v.infusion)showed that afteran initial hypotensive response,pronounced respiratory depression invariably occurredpreceding critical changes in the heart with the incressing doses,respiration changed fromintercostal to abdominal,reducing both in rate and amplitude prior to amhythmlas and heartblock.The cardiac effects were followed by apnea.Supportive mechanical respirationdramatically reversed the toxic syndrome.Heart action toward normal and blood pressurewas restored.From the recovery and reversible nature of the cardiotoioxic signs,It appearsthat respiratory depression plays an important role in the toxicity of TCAs on the heart.Theeffects of Phys on TCAs-OD was also studied.it was found that Phys potentiates thetoxicity and lethality of two TCAs.AMI and clomipramine in mice.The LD50 of both thesedrugs was reduced 7.4% and 17.3% respectively when administered in conjunction with low,subtoxic dose of Phys(0.15mg/kg).Moreover,the influence of Phys in the treatment ofcardiotoxicity and respiratory amest caused by AMI,has been investigated in order toestablish its possible usefulcess in clinical practics.In experiment on rats.Phys wasineffective against the cardiovasular to further reduction of heart rate.the influence onrespiration was also unpredictable.We suggest that it is doubtful that Phys has any piace inthe routine management of TCAs-OD.