AIM:To investigate health-related quality of life(HRQoL) and psychological outcomes in 256 adults who had undergone liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:A stratified random sampling method was used in this follow-up mult...AIM:To investigate health-related quality of life(HRQoL) and psychological outcomes in 256 adults who had undergone liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:A stratified random sampling method was used in this follow-up multicenter study to select a representative sample of recipients undergoing either living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) or deceased donor liver transplantation(DDLT).HRQoL was measured by using the Chinese version of Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36(SF-36),and psychological outcomes by using the beck anxiety inventory(BAI) and the self-rating depression scale(SDS).Clinical and demographic data were collected from the records of the Chinese Liver Transplant Registry and via questionnaires.RESULTS:A total of 256 patients were sampled,including 66(25.8%) receiving LDLT and 190(74.2%) undergoing DDLT;15(5.9%) recipients had anxiety and four(1.6%) developed severe depression after the operation.Compared with LDLT recipients,DDLT patients had higher scores in general health(60.33 ± 16.97 vs 66.86 ± 18.42,P = 0.012),role-physical(63.64 ± 42.55 vs 74.47 ± 36.46,P = 0.048),roleemotional(61.11 ± 44.37 vs 78.95 ± 34.31,P = 0.001),social functioning(78.60 ± 22.76 vs 88.16 ± 21.85,P = 0.003),vitality(70.30 ± 15.76 vs 75.95 ± 16.40,P = 0.016),mental health(65.88 ± 12.94 vs 71.85 ± 15.45,P = 0.005),physical component summary scale(PCS,60.07 ± 7.36 vs 62.58 ± 6.88,P = 0.013) and mental component summary scale(MCS,52.65 ± 7.66 vs 55.95 ± 10.14,P = 0.016).Recipients > 45 years old at the time of transplant scored higher in vitality(77.33 ± 15.64 vs 72.52 ± 16.66,P = 0.020),mental health(73.64 ± 15.06 vs 68.00 ± 14.65,P = 0.003) and MCS(56.61 ± 10.00 vs 54.05 ± 9.30,P = 0.037) than those aged ≤ 45 years.MCS was poorer in recipients with than in those without complications(52.92 ± 12.21 vs 56.06 ± 8.16,P = 0.017).Regarding MCS(55.10 ± 9.66 vs 50.0 ± 10.0,P < 0.05) and PCS(61.93 ± 7.08 vs 50.0 ± 10.0,P < 0.05),recipients scored better than the Sichuan general and had improved overall QoL compared to patients with chronic diseases.MCS and PCS significantly correlated with scores of the BAI(P < 0.001) and the SDS(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Age > 45 years at time of transplant,DDLT,full-time working,no complications,anxiety and depression were possible factors influencing postoperative HRQoL in liver recipients.展开更多
This study explores the Chinese public’s perceptions of, and attitudes to, agriculture and food applications of bio-technology; and investigates the effect of socio-demographic factors on attitudes. A questionnaire s...This study explores the Chinese public’s perceptions of, and attitudes to, agriculture and food applications of bio-technology; and investigates the effect of socio-demographic factors on attitudes. A questionnaire survey and interviews were used in an attempt to combine quantitative analysis with qualitative review. The main finding of this study is that the Chinese population has a superficial, optimistic attitude to agricultural biotechnology; and that, in accordance with public attitudes, a cautious policy, with obligatory labelling, should be adopted. The study reveals that education is the factor among socio-demographic variables with the strongest impact on public attitudes. Higher education leads to a more positive evaluation of GM (genetically modified) foods and applications of biotechnology with respect to usefulness, moral acceptability, and suitability for encouragement. In addition, public attitudinal differences depend significantly on area of residence. Compared with their more urban compatriots, members of the public in less developed areas of China have more optimistic attitudes, perceive more benefits, and are more risk tolerant in relation to GM foods and agricultural biotechnology. Finally we obtained a very high rate of “don’t know” answers to our survey questions. This suggests that many people do not have settled attitudes, and correspondingly, that the overall public attitude to agricultural biotechnology and GM foods in China is at present somewhat unstable.展开更多
Objective To retrospectively evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of Mirizzi syndrome (MS). Methods Patients who received elective or emergency cholecystectomies in our center during 23 years were retrospectively e...Objective To retrospectively evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of Mirizzi syndrome (MS). Methods Patients who received elective or emergency cholecystectomies in our center during 23 years were retrospectively evaluated. The data reviewed included demography, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and follow-up.展开更多
The push-pull framework provides a useful approach for examining the tourist motivation. This paper takes the world heritage-Huangshan Mountain as a sample. From the two different aspects of pull and push factors, the...The push-pull framework provides a useful approach for examining the tourist motivation. This paper takes the world heritage-Huangshan Mountain as a sample. From the two different aspects of pull and push factors, the underlying features of visitors′ motives to Huangshan Mountain are analyzed with the help of factor analysis. As a result, five push factors and four pull factors are identified. Further analyses investigate differences in the push and pull factors among different socio-demographic subgroups with one-way ANOVA analysis. The result of the study affords us useful references for development, protection and marketing expansion of mountain resorts.展开更多
AIM: To study the prevalence and risk factors associated with triple infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) in an urban clinic population. METHODS: Re...AIM: To study the prevalence and risk factors associated with triple infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) in an urban clinic population. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 5639 patients followed at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital HIV Clinic (Center for Comprehensive Care) in New York City, USA from January 1999 to May 2007. The following demographic characteristics were analyzed: age, sex, race and HIV risk factors. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of demographic factors on acquisition of these viruses. RESULTS: HIV/HBV, HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV/HCV infections were detected in 252/5639 (4.47%), 1411/5639 (25.02%) and 89/5639 (1.58%) patients, respectively. HIV/HBV co-infections were associated with male gender (OR 1.711; P = 0.005), black race (OR 2.091, P 〈 0.001), men having sex with men (MSM) (OR 1.747, P = 0.001), intravenous drug use (IDU) (OR 0.114, P 〈 0.001), IDU and heterosexual activity (OR 0.247; P = 0.018), or unknown (OR 1.984, P = 0.004).HIV/HCV co-infections were associated with male gender (OR 1.241; P = 0.011), black race (OR 0.788; P = 0.036), MSM (OR 0.565; P 〈 0.001), IDU (OR 8.956; P 〈 0.001), IDU and heterosexual activity (OR 9.106; P 〈 0.001), IDU and MSM (OR 9.179; P 〈 0.001), or transfusion (OR 3.224; P 〈 0.001). HIV/HBV/HCV coinfections were associated with male gender (OR 2.156; P = 0.015), IDU (OR 6.345; P 〈 0.001), IDU and heterosexual activity (OR 9.731; P 〈 0.001), IDU and MSM (OR 9.228; P 〈 0.001), or unknown (OR 4.219; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that coinfection with HBV/HCV/HIV is significantly associated with IDU. These results highlight the need to intensify education and optimal models of integrated care, particularly for populations with IDU, to reduce the risk of viral transmission.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the proficiency level reached in laparoscopic splenectomy using the learning curve method.METHODS:All patients in need of splenectomy for benign causes in whom laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted...AIM:To investigate the proficiency level reached in laparoscopic splenectomy using the learning curve method.METHODS:All patients in need of splenectomy for benign causes in whom laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted by a single surgeon during a time period of 6 years were included in the study (n=33). Besides demographics, operation-related variables and the response to surgery were recorded. The patients were allocated to groups of five, ranked according to the date of the operation. Operation duration, complications, postoperative length of stay, conversion to laparotomy and splenic weight were then compared between these groups.RESULTS: There was a significant difference regarding operation times between the groups (P = 0.001). An improvement was observed after the first 5 cases. The learning curve was flat up to the 25th case. Following the 25th case the operation times decreased still further. There was no difference between the groups regarding the other parameters.CONCLUSION: Unlike the widely accepted "L" shape, the learning curve for laparoscopic splenectomy is a horizontal lazy "S" with two distinct slopes. Privileges may be granted after the first 5 cases. However proficiency seems to require 25 cases.展开更多
This paper attempts to explore a new avenue of urban small-regional population estimation by remote sensing technology, creatively and comprehensively for the first time using a residence count method, area (density) ...This paper attempts to explore a new avenue of urban small-regional population estimation by remote sensing technology, creatively and comprehensively for the first time using a residence count method, area (density) method and model method, incorporating the application experience of American scholars in the light of the state of our country. Firstly, the author proposes theoretical basis for population estimation by remote sensing, on the basis of analysing and evaluating the history and state quo of application of methods of population estimation by remote sensing. Secondly, two original types of mathematical models of population estimation are developed on the basis of remote sensing data, taking Tianjin City as an example. By both of the mathematical models the regional population may be estimated from remote sensing variable values with high accuracy. The number of the independent variables in the latter model is somewhat smaller and the collection of remote sensing data is somewhat easier, but the deviation is a little larger. Finally, some viewpoints on the principled problems about the practical application of remote sensing to population estimation are put forward.展开更多
AIM:To determine which features of history and demographics predict a diagnosis of malignancy or peptic stricture in patients presenting with dysphagia.METHODS:A prospective case-control study of 2000 consecutive refe...AIM:To determine which features of history and demographics predict a diagnosis of malignancy or peptic stricture in patients presenting with dysphagia.METHODS:A prospective case-control study of 2000 consecutive referrals(1031 female,age range:17-103 years) to a rapid access service for dysphagia,based in a teaching hospital within the United Kingdom,over 7 years.The service consists of a nurse-led telephone triage followed by investigation(barium swallow or gastroscopy),if appropriate,within 2 wk.Logistic regression analysis of demographic and clinical variables was performed.This includes age,sex,duration of dysphagia,whether to liquids or solids,and whether there are associated features(reflux,odynophagia,weight loss,regurgitation).We determined odds ratio(OR) for these variables for the diagnoses of malignancy and peptic stricture.We determined the value of the Edinburgh Dysphagia Score(EDS) in predicting cancer in our cohort.Multivariate logistic regression was performed and P < 0.05 considered significant.The local ethics committee confirmed ethics approval was not required(audit).RESULTS:The commonest diagnosis is gastro-esophageal reflux disease(41.3%).Malignancy(11.0%) and peptic stricture(10.0%) were also relatively common.Malignancies were diagnosed by histology(97%) or on radiological criteria,either sequential barium swallows showing progression of disease or unequivocal evidence of malignancy on computed tomography.The majority of malignancies were esophago-gastric in origin but ear,nose and throat tumors,pancreatic cancer and extrinsic compression from lung or mediastinal metastatic cancer were also found.Malignancy was statistically more frequent in older patients(aged >73 years,OR 1.1-3.3,age < 60 years 6.5%,60-73 years 11.2%,> 73 years 11.8%,P < 0.05),males(OR 2.2-4.8,males 14.5%,females 5.6%,P < 0.0005),short duration of dysphagia(≤ 8 wk,OR 4.5-20.7,16.6%,8-26 wk 14.5%,> 26 wk 2.5%,P < 0.0005),progressive symptoms(OR 1.3-2.6:progressive 14.8%,intermittent 9.3%,P < 0.001),with weight loss of ≥ 2 kg(OR 2.5-5.1,weight loss 22.1%,without weight loss 6.4%,P < 0.0005) and without reflux(OR 1.2-2.5,reflux 7.2%,no reflux 15.5%,P < 0.0005).The likelihood of malignancy was greater in those who described true dysphagia(food or drink sticking within 5 s of swallowing than those who did not(15.1%vs 5.2% respectively,P < 0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the EDS were 98.4%,9.3%,11.8% and 98.0% respectively.Three patients with an EDS of 3(high risk EDS ≥ 3.5) had malignancy.Unlike the original validation cohort,there was no difference in likelihood of malignancy based on level of dysphagia(pharyngeal level dysphagia 11.9% vs mid sternal or lower sternal dysphagia 12.4%).Peptic stricture was statistically more frequent in those with longer duration of symptoms(> 6 mo,OR 1.2-2.9,≤ 8 wk 9.8%,8-26 wk 10.6%,> 26 wk 15.7%,P < 0.05) and over 60 s(OR 1.2-3.0,age < 60 years 6.2%,60-73 years 10.2%,> 73 years 10.6%,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Malignancy and peptic stricture are frequent findings in those referred with dysphagia.The predictive value for associated features could help determine need for fast track investigation whilst reducing service pressures.展开更多
This paper presents a brief analysis of the frequency and cumulative distributions of Americans' annual household income. In addition, a thorough discussion of the correlations between average income and some key dem...This paper presents a brief analysis of the frequency and cumulative distributions of Americans' annual household income. In addition, a thorough discussion of the correlations between average income and some key demographic variables are included. The data come from the 2004 Survey of Consumer Finances. Utilizing the Survey a new, extraordinarily close, power law, relationship between current annual household income and accumulated financial assets is demonstrated. Another startling result is that the dependence of mean annual income on portfolio composition has nearly perfect power law dependence too. As money has scale, and power laws do not, this makes no sense.展开更多
Since the 1960s, social integration theorists have considered intermarriage to be an effective tool for promoting social solidarity. However, from a demographic perspective, unequal marriage exchange between groups ca...Since the 1960s, social integration theorists have considered intermarriage to be an effective tool for promoting social solidarity. However, from a demographic perspective, unequal marriage exchange between groups can create social division and conflict. This Chinese study is a contribution to these debates. This paper explores the issue in the context of a rural minority community in Rightqi, Inner Mongolia, taking social statistical methods and anthropological in-depth interview methods to investigate intermarriage between Mongolian and Han. The paper shows that the number of Han males married to Mongolian women is far greater than the number of Mongolian males marrying Han women. Most Hart people live in urban areas, while Mongolians predominantly reside in pastoral areas and there has been a significant trend for girls from the pastoral areas to marry urban males. Since the proportion of males to females in China has been increasing, the competition between men over female partners has intensified, leading to urban males recruiting partners from the countryside. As a result, young men from minorities in the rural areas are finding it increasingly difficult to marry and this generates a lot of social problems.展开更多
The ability to speak two languages in the non-English-speaking countries is a remarkable achievement. There is a good reason to believe that bilingualism is the norm for the majority of people in the world, because 70...The ability to speak two languages in the non-English-speaking countries is a remarkable achievement. There is a good reason to believe that bilingualism is the norm for the majority of people in the world, because 70% of the earth's population are supposed to be bilingual or multilingual. Our purpose of the study was to determine the participants' awareness of using true and false cognate words of L 1 (the first language) & L2 (the second language) in learning English. Three hundred and eighty-five selected people from 3,789 statistical population participated in 2014--2015 at three levels of A.D., B.A., and M.A. of Islamic Azad University as well as teachers of English in English educational institutions in Zanjan (Iran). Each educational level was considered as one category with the total sample calculated by using Kokran Formula, and the amount of each category was determined by using appropriate proportion and randomized categorical sampling method. The participants' age was between from 18 to 52, with a mean age of 29 years. The materials were 45 words of true and false cognate's words from 500 words by doing CVR (content validity ratio) and CVI (content validity index) (Lawshe's table with the index of 88% and 82% respectively) for being reliable and valid. ANOVA (Analysis of variance) was used for studying the effect of educational level on the rate of awareness. In other words, the awareness level has been compared in different educational levels. The results of Dankan test show that: There is no significant difference between the awareness of A.D., B.A., and M.A. levels, but there is a significant difference between the level of awareness of teachers group and the other groups (in true cognate words) and for false cognate words, there is no significant difference between the level of awareness of the four groups in this regard.展开更多
Ecological culture has a low-carbon attribute,which coincides with the concepts of energy conservation and emission reduction in low-carbon tourism.Analyzing the differences in the public perception of the two is of g...Ecological culture has a low-carbon attribute,which coincides with the concepts of energy conservation and emission reduction in low-carbon tourism.Analyzing the differences in the public perception of the two is of great significance for achieving the carbon neutral goal of tourism.Firstly,the views of nature,equality and ecology in ecological culture,as well as the cognition and participation willingness for low-carbon tourism were identified by using the principal component analysis method.Secondly,all samples were divided into four types of ecological culture cognition:sufficient,relatively sufficient,general and poorer,by the K-means clustering method.Thirdly,significant differences in the low-carbon tourism cognition among different types were revealed by using the ANOVA method.Finally,the influences of the main demographic characteristics on the low-carbon tourism cognition were analyzed.This analysis showed that gender,age,education level and income level had significant differences in some aspects of low-carbon tourism cognition and participation willingness,especially education level.On this basis,several corresponding strategies were put forward for managing the cognitive differences of the different types,which could contribute to the realization of the carbon neutral vision of tourism.展开更多
基金Supported by A grant from the National Science and Technology Major Project of China,No.2008ZX10002-025, 2008ZX10002-026
文摘AIM:To investigate health-related quality of life(HRQoL) and psychological outcomes in 256 adults who had undergone liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:A stratified random sampling method was used in this follow-up multicenter study to select a representative sample of recipients undergoing either living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) or deceased donor liver transplantation(DDLT).HRQoL was measured by using the Chinese version of Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36(SF-36),and psychological outcomes by using the beck anxiety inventory(BAI) and the self-rating depression scale(SDS).Clinical and demographic data were collected from the records of the Chinese Liver Transplant Registry and via questionnaires.RESULTS:A total of 256 patients were sampled,including 66(25.8%) receiving LDLT and 190(74.2%) undergoing DDLT;15(5.9%) recipients had anxiety and four(1.6%) developed severe depression after the operation.Compared with LDLT recipients,DDLT patients had higher scores in general health(60.33 ± 16.97 vs 66.86 ± 18.42,P = 0.012),role-physical(63.64 ± 42.55 vs 74.47 ± 36.46,P = 0.048),roleemotional(61.11 ± 44.37 vs 78.95 ± 34.31,P = 0.001),social functioning(78.60 ± 22.76 vs 88.16 ± 21.85,P = 0.003),vitality(70.30 ± 15.76 vs 75.95 ± 16.40,P = 0.016),mental health(65.88 ± 12.94 vs 71.85 ± 15.45,P = 0.005),physical component summary scale(PCS,60.07 ± 7.36 vs 62.58 ± 6.88,P = 0.013) and mental component summary scale(MCS,52.65 ± 7.66 vs 55.95 ± 10.14,P = 0.016).Recipients > 45 years old at the time of transplant scored higher in vitality(77.33 ± 15.64 vs 72.52 ± 16.66,P = 0.020),mental health(73.64 ± 15.06 vs 68.00 ± 14.65,P = 0.003) and MCS(56.61 ± 10.00 vs 54.05 ± 9.30,P = 0.037) than those aged ≤ 45 years.MCS was poorer in recipients with than in those without complications(52.92 ± 12.21 vs 56.06 ± 8.16,P = 0.017).Regarding MCS(55.10 ± 9.66 vs 50.0 ± 10.0,P < 0.05) and PCS(61.93 ± 7.08 vs 50.0 ± 10.0,P < 0.05),recipients scored better than the Sichuan general and had improved overall QoL compared to patients with chronic diseases.MCS and PCS significantly correlated with scores of the BAI(P < 0.001) and the SDS(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Age > 45 years at time of transplant,DDLT,full-time working,no complications,anxiety and depression were possible factors influencing postoperative HRQoL in liver recipients.
基金Project supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark (No.104.p.3.kina.236) and the Natural Science Foundation (No.KYZ110303077) of Zhejiang Province, China
文摘This study explores the Chinese public’s perceptions of, and attitudes to, agriculture and food applications of bio-technology; and investigates the effect of socio-demographic factors on attitudes. A questionnaire survey and interviews were used in an attempt to combine quantitative analysis with qualitative review. The main finding of this study is that the Chinese population has a superficial, optimistic attitude to agricultural biotechnology; and that, in accordance with public attitudes, a cautious policy, with obligatory labelling, should be adopted. The study reveals that education is the factor among socio-demographic variables with the strongest impact on public attitudes. Higher education leads to a more positive evaluation of GM (genetically modified) foods and applications of biotechnology with respect to usefulness, moral acceptability, and suitability for encouragement. In addition, public attitudinal differences depend significantly on area of residence. Compared with their more urban compatriots, members of the public in less developed areas of China have more optimistic attitudes, perceive more benefits, and are more risk tolerant in relation to GM foods and agricultural biotechnology. Finally we obtained a very high rate of “don’t know” answers to our survey questions. This suggests that many people do not have settled attitudes, and correspondingly, that the overall public attitude to agricultural biotechnology and GM foods in China is at present somewhat unstable.
文摘Objective To retrospectively evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of Mirizzi syndrome (MS). Methods Patients who received elective or emergency cholecystectomies in our center during 23 years were retrospectively evaluated. The data reviewed included demography, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and follow-up.
文摘The push-pull framework provides a useful approach for examining the tourist motivation. This paper takes the world heritage-Huangshan Mountain as a sample. From the two different aspects of pull and push factors, the underlying features of visitors′ motives to Huangshan Mountain are analyzed with the help of factor analysis. As a result, five push factors and four pull factors are identified. Further analyses investigate differences in the push and pull factors among different socio-demographic subgroups with one-way ANOVA analysis. The result of the study affords us useful references for development, protection and marketing expansion of mountain resorts.
文摘AIM: To study the prevalence and risk factors associated with triple infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) in an urban clinic population. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 5639 patients followed at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital HIV Clinic (Center for Comprehensive Care) in New York City, USA from January 1999 to May 2007. The following demographic characteristics were analyzed: age, sex, race and HIV risk factors. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of demographic factors on acquisition of these viruses. RESULTS: HIV/HBV, HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV/HCV infections were detected in 252/5639 (4.47%), 1411/5639 (25.02%) and 89/5639 (1.58%) patients, respectively. HIV/HBV co-infections were associated with male gender (OR 1.711; P = 0.005), black race (OR 2.091, P 〈 0.001), men having sex with men (MSM) (OR 1.747, P = 0.001), intravenous drug use (IDU) (OR 0.114, P 〈 0.001), IDU and heterosexual activity (OR 0.247; P = 0.018), or unknown (OR 1.984, P = 0.004).HIV/HCV co-infections were associated with male gender (OR 1.241; P = 0.011), black race (OR 0.788; P = 0.036), MSM (OR 0.565; P 〈 0.001), IDU (OR 8.956; P 〈 0.001), IDU and heterosexual activity (OR 9.106; P 〈 0.001), IDU and MSM (OR 9.179; P 〈 0.001), or transfusion (OR 3.224; P 〈 0.001). HIV/HBV/HCV coinfections were associated with male gender (OR 2.156; P = 0.015), IDU (OR 6.345; P 〈 0.001), IDU and heterosexual activity (OR 9.731; P 〈 0.001), IDU and MSM (OR 9.228; P 〈 0.001), or unknown (OR 4.219; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that coinfection with HBV/HCV/HIV is significantly associated with IDU. These results highlight the need to intensify education and optimal models of integrated care, particularly for populations with IDU, to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
文摘AIM:To investigate the proficiency level reached in laparoscopic splenectomy using the learning curve method.METHODS:All patients in need of splenectomy for benign causes in whom laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted by a single surgeon during a time period of 6 years were included in the study (n=33). Besides demographics, operation-related variables and the response to surgery were recorded. The patients were allocated to groups of five, ranked according to the date of the operation. Operation duration, complications, postoperative length of stay, conversion to laparotomy and splenic weight were then compared between these groups.RESULTS: There was a significant difference regarding operation times between the groups (P = 0.001). An improvement was observed after the first 5 cases. The learning curve was flat up to the 25th case. Following the 25th case the operation times decreased still further. There was no difference between the groups regarding the other parameters.CONCLUSION: Unlike the widely accepted "L" shape, the learning curve for laparoscopic splenectomy is a horizontal lazy "S" with two distinct slopes. Privileges may be granted after the first 5 cases. However proficiency seems to require 25 cases.
文摘This paper attempts to explore a new avenue of urban small-regional population estimation by remote sensing technology, creatively and comprehensively for the first time using a residence count method, area (density) method and model method, incorporating the application experience of American scholars in the light of the state of our country. Firstly, the author proposes theoretical basis for population estimation by remote sensing, on the basis of analysing and evaluating the history and state quo of application of methods of population estimation by remote sensing. Secondly, two original types of mathematical models of population estimation are developed on the basis of remote sensing data, taking Tianjin City as an example. By both of the mathematical models the regional population may be estimated from remote sensing variable values with high accuracy. The number of the independent variables in the latter model is somewhat smaller and the collection of remote sensing data is somewhat easier, but the deviation is a little larger. Finally, some viewpoints on the principled problems about the practical application of remote sensing to population estimation are put forward.
文摘AIM:To determine which features of history and demographics predict a diagnosis of malignancy or peptic stricture in patients presenting with dysphagia.METHODS:A prospective case-control study of 2000 consecutive referrals(1031 female,age range:17-103 years) to a rapid access service for dysphagia,based in a teaching hospital within the United Kingdom,over 7 years.The service consists of a nurse-led telephone triage followed by investigation(barium swallow or gastroscopy),if appropriate,within 2 wk.Logistic regression analysis of demographic and clinical variables was performed.This includes age,sex,duration of dysphagia,whether to liquids or solids,and whether there are associated features(reflux,odynophagia,weight loss,regurgitation).We determined odds ratio(OR) for these variables for the diagnoses of malignancy and peptic stricture.We determined the value of the Edinburgh Dysphagia Score(EDS) in predicting cancer in our cohort.Multivariate logistic regression was performed and P < 0.05 considered significant.The local ethics committee confirmed ethics approval was not required(audit).RESULTS:The commonest diagnosis is gastro-esophageal reflux disease(41.3%).Malignancy(11.0%) and peptic stricture(10.0%) were also relatively common.Malignancies were diagnosed by histology(97%) or on radiological criteria,either sequential barium swallows showing progression of disease or unequivocal evidence of malignancy on computed tomography.The majority of malignancies were esophago-gastric in origin but ear,nose and throat tumors,pancreatic cancer and extrinsic compression from lung or mediastinal metastatic cancer were also found.Malignancy was statistically more frequent in older patients(aged >73 years,OR 1.1-3.3,age < 60 years 6.5%,60-73 years 11.2%,> 73 years 11.8%,P < 0.05),males(OR 2.2-4.8,males 14.5%,females 5.6%,P < 0.0005),short duration of dysphagia(≤ 8 wk,OR 4.5-20.7,16.6%,8-26 wk 14.5%,> 26 wk 2.5%,P < 0.0005),progressive symptoms(OR 1.3-2.6:progressive 14.8%,intermittent 9.3%,P < 0.001),with weight loss of ≥ 2 kg(OR 2.5-5.1,weight loss 22.1%,without weight loss 6.4%,P < 0.0005) and without reflux(OR 1.2-2.5,reflux 7.2%,no reflux 15.5%,P < 0.0005).The likelihood of malignancy was greater in those who described true dysphagia(food or drink sticking within 5 s of swallowing than those who did not(15.1%vs 5.2% respectively,P < 0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the EDS were 98.4%,9.3%,11.8% and 98.0% respectively.Three patients with an EDS of 3(high risk EDS ≥ 3.5) had malignancy.Unlike the original validation cohort,there was no difference in likelihood of malignancy based on level of dysphagia(pharyngeal level dysphagia 11.9% vs mid sternal or lower sternal dysphagia 12.4%).Peptic stricture was statistically more frequent in those with longer duration of symptoms(> 6 mo,OR 1.2-2.9,≤ 8 wk 9.8%,8-26 wk 10.6%,> 26 wk 15.7%,P < 0.05) and over 60 s(OR 1.2-3.0,age < 60 years 6.2%,60-73 years 10.2%,> 73 years 10.6%,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Malignancy and peptic stricture are frequent findings in those referred with dysphagia.The predictive value for associated features could help determine need for fast track investigation whilst reducing service pressures.
文摘This paper presents a brief analysis of the frequency and cumulative distributions of Americans' annual household income. In addition, a thorough discussion of the correlations between average income and some key demographic variables are included. The data come from the 2004 Survey of Consumer Finances. Utilizing the Survey a new, extraordinarily close, power law, relationship between current annual household income and accumulated financial assets is demonstrated. Another startling result is that the dependence of mean annual income on portfolio composition has nearly perfect power law dependence too. As money has scale, and power laws do not, this makes no sense.
文摘Since the 1960s, social integration theorists have considered intermarriage to be an effective tool for promoting social solidarity. However, from a demographic perspective, unequal marriage exchange between groups can create social division and conflict. This Chinese study is a contribution to these debates. This paper explores the issue in the context of a rural minority community in Rightqi, Inner Mongolia, taking social statistical methods and anthropological in-depth interview methods to investigate intermarriage between Mongolian and Han. The paper shows that the number of Han males married to Mongolian women is far greater than the number of Mongolian males marrying Han women. Most Hart people live in urban areas, while Mongolians predominantly reside in pastoral areas and there has been a significant trend for girls from the pastoral areas to marry urban males. Since the proportion of males to females in China has been increasing, the competition between men over female partners has intensified, leading to urban males recruiting partners from the countryside. As a result, young men from minorities in the rural areas are finding it increasingly difficult to marry and this generates a lot of social problems.
文摘The ability to speak two languages in the non-English-speaking countries is a remarkable achievement. There is a good reason to believe that bilingualism is the norm for the majority of people in the world, because 70% of the earth's population are supposed to be bilingual or multilingual. Our purpose of the study was to determine the participants' awareness of using true and false cognate words of L 1 (the first language) & L2 (the second language) in learning English. Three hundred and eighty-five selected people from 3,789 statistical population participated in 2014--2015 at three levels of A.D., B.A., and M.A. of Islamic Azad University as well as teachers of English in English educational institutions in Zanjan (Iran). Each educational level was considered as one category with the total sample calculated by using Kokran Formula, and the amount of each category was determined by using appropriate proportion and randomized categorical sampling method. The participants' age was between from 18 to 52, with a mean age of 29 years. The materials were 45 words of true and false cognate's words from 500 words by doing CVR (content validity ratio) and CVI (content validity index) (Lawshe's table with the index of 88% and 82% respectively) for being reliable and valid. ANOVA (Analysis of variance) was used for studying the effect of educational level on the rate of awareness. In other words, the awareness level has been compared in different educational levels. The results of Dankan test show that: There is no significant difference between the awareness of A.D., B.A., and M.A. levels, but there is a significant difference between the level of awareness of teachers group and the other groups (in true cognate words) and for false cognate words, there is no significant difference between the level of awareness of the four groups in this regard.
基金The Special Research Project on Science and Technology Strategy of Shanxi Province(202104031402065,202104031402061)。
文摘Ecological culture has a low-carbon attribute,which coincides with the concepts of energy conservation and emission reduction in low-carbon tourism.Analyzing the differences in the public perception of the two is of great significance for achieving the carbon neutral goal of tourism.Firstly,the views of nature,equality and ecology in ecological culture,as well as the cognition and participation willingness for low-carbon tourism were identified by using the principal component analysis method.Secondly,all samples were divided into four types of ecological culture cognition:sufficient,relatively sufficient,general and poorer,by the K-means clustering method.Thirdly,significant differences in the low-carbon tourism cognition among different types were revealed by using the ANOVA method.Finally,the influences of the main demographic characteristics on the low-carbon tourism cognition were analyzed.This analysis showed that gender,age,education level and income level had significant differences in some aspects of low-carbon tourism cognition and participation willingness,especially education level.On this basis,several corresponding strategies were put forward for managing the cognitive differences of the different types,which could contribute to the realization of the carbon neutral vision of tourism.