Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of moxibustion of some specific acupoints for treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD, qi-distension type). Methods:A total of 50 cases of FD patients were randomly divided i...Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of moxibustion of some specific acupoints for treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD, qi-distension type). Methods:A total of 50 cases of FD patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=26) and medication group (n=24). In treatment group, bird-pecking moxibustion was applied to Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6) and Gongsun (SP 4) 5～6 times in every treatment till the local skin got flush. The treatment was given once daily, continuously for 10 days. In control group, the patients were ordered to take Motilium 10 mg/time, 3 times daily. Following 10 days’ treatment the therapeutic effect was assessed.Results:After treatment, of the 26 cases in treatment group, 11 (42.3%) were cured, 7 (26.92%) had remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 6 (23.07%) had improvement and 2 (7.69%) failed, with a total effective rate of 92.31%. Of the 24 cases in medication group, 9 (37.50%) were cured, 6 (25.00%) experienced remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 6 (25.00%) were improved and 3 (12.50%) failed, with a total effective rate of 87.50%. Comparison between two groups showed that the therapeutic effect of moxibustion was significantly superior to that of medication (P<0.05). In addition, the difference value of the therapeutic effect index (TEI) between post-and pre-treatment in treatment group was also significantly higher than that of medication group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Bird-pecking moxibustion of specific acupoints can effectively improve clinical symptoms of FD patients.展开更多
The study determined the research priorities in Swaziland agricultural sector. Data collection used existing documents on agricultural research prioritizing, Nominal Group Technique and modified Delphi technique, with...The study determined the research priorities in Swaziland agricultural sector. Data collection used existing documents on agricultural research prioritizing, Nominal Group Technique and modified Delphi technique, with analysis of data using content categorization and, group and individual ranking of submissions. Findings showed the agricultural priorities from national policies are tied-up with mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS on food security, reduction of poverty and, sustainable development. The findings also revealed forty-three field crops areas needing research. Seven horticulture areas and eleven livestock sector areas were of high priority. A considerable number of research areas in field crops, horticulture and livestock indicated that the current research system has not adequately addressed research needs, despite efforts made by the private sector, University of Swaziland and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, for Swaziland to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Recommendation was that the identified research priorities should be used as basis for directing the limited resources in conducting agricultural research. The participation of all stakeholders would facilitate efficient use of resources and facilitate collaboration amongst research institutions. The University of Swaziland should develop research priorities aligned with national policies and objectives, to facilitate funding for research by both government and donor agencies.展开更多
ATP Binding Cassette sub-family B member 1 （ABCB1） affects disposition of many drugs and thus affects the pharmacokinetics of drugs and ultimately treatment response. Polymorphisms of ABCB 1 especially ABCB 1 C3435T...ATP Binding Cassette sub-family B member 1 （ABCB1） affects disposition of many drugs and thus affects the pharmacokinetics of drugs and ultimately treatment response. Polymorphisms of ABCB 1 especially ABCB 1 C3435T polymorphism may thus affect pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs and hence CD4 treatment response and other clinical outcomes of HIV patients. Methods： The study design was a historical cohort study and entailed collection of patient data. PureLink genomic DNA extraction mini kit was used for the extraction and purification of genomic DNA. TaqMan drug genotyping assay and protocol was used in the DNA amplification and genotyping. Data analysis was done using STATA software version 10. Results： Study participants with the CT genotype had lower creatinine levels after 6 months on lopinavir-based regimens compared with those with the CC genotype （p = 0.001）. In addition, the study participants with the CT genotype had consistently higher CD4 cell counts compared with those with the CC genotype from the time of ART switch but this was not statistically significant. However, there was no significant association between the ABCB 1 C3435T genotypes and haemoglobin and ALT levels. Conclusion： There was a significant association between ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and creatinine levels 6 months after therapy on lopinavir-based regimens.展开更多
This is a partial history of the literary topos ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂. The Latin phrase means ＂from the perspective of eternity＂. Eternity is the way God sees the universe, not as a succession of moments in tim...This is a partial history of the literary topos ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂. The Latin phrase means ＂from the perspective of eternity＂. Eternity is the way God sees the universe, not as a succession of moments in time from past, to present, to future, but as a simultaneous present which includes the past and future as if they are already and always present. This temporal simultaneity is accompanied by a spatial totality and simultaneity. In both Chaucer and Dante the protagonist ends life＇s wanderings and struggles by being carried up into the heavens and looking back on earth from the point of view of eternity. Their literary source is Maerobius＇ Commentary on the Dream of Scipio and Boethius＇ The Consolation of Philosophy. The vision results in epistemological transformation that provides consolation or ＂contemptus mundi＂, the rejection of earthly concems. The ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ vision is both a revelation of the nature of the universe, time, and the protagonist＇s place in them and a disillusionment that radically changes the protagonist＇s understanding. The work of literature and the reading of it are potentially transformational. For the pagan lover Toilus in Chaucer＇s Troilus and Criseyde the ＂sub specie aeternitatis＂ vision results in religious conversion as well as epistemological transformation. Boethius, whom Chaucer translated, offers an analogue to the vision in the way humans perceive a sphere through their senses and reason. Dante＇s version of the vision in Paradiso xxxiii is the most famous literary example as the protagonist＇s vision merges with the vision of God as an intense ray of light. The conversion and consolation associated with the ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ vision takes cosmic dimension in Dante. A modem example is Jorge Luis Borges＇ parody of Dante in his story ＂The Aleph＂ where a satiric vision takes place not in the heavens but in the basement of the house in Buenos Aires. In Cervantes＇ Don Quixote the ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ trope is present by its deliberate omission, and yet performs the functions of epistemological conversion, transformation, and consolation in Don Quixote＇s death. One brief sleep and Don Quixote passes from dreaming （in Borges＇ sense of the word） a reality from the fantasy of his books of chivalry to a tree reality, similar to the conversion Troilus experiences from the sorrow of love to the pure felicity of heaven. With Don Quixote and the realist novel the ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ vision may seem bound for extinction, at least with its cosmological apparatus of heavenly spheres, but it finds new form in the ending of Gabriel Garcia Marquez＇s One Hundred Years of Solitude. The final reading of Melquiades＇s parchments reveals that the sequential events of the novel exist as if in a simultaneous moment, like God＇s eternity, embracing all time and space in one, before the vision vanishes forever.展开更多
Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the lifespan and quality of life of patients infected with HIV have been significantly improved. But treatment efficacy was compromised eventually by the develop...Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the lifespan and quality of life of patients infected with HIV have been significantly improved. But treatment efficacy was compromised eventually by the development of resistance to antiretroviral drugs, and more new anti-HIV drugs with lower toxicity and higher activity were needed. Based on the experience and lessons learned from the treatment in the developed countries, US FDA suggested that more pharmacodynamical researches should be considered ahead of the clinical trials. To facilitate the anti-HIV drug research and development, we reviewed a few specialized issues that should be focused on drug evaluations in vitro, including: 1) Mechanism of action studies, demonstrating the candidate drug's efficacy to specifically inhibit viral replication or a virus-specific function and confirm the drug target. 2) Drug resistance studies, selecting the drug-resistant variants in vitro and determining the activities inhibiting HIV isolates resistant to approved antiretroviral drugs of the same class. 3) Antiviral activity in vitro in the presence of serum proteins, ascertaining whether an investigational product is significantly bound by serum proteins. 4) Combination activity analysis, evaluating in vitro antiviral activity of an investigational product in two-drug combinations with other drugs approved.展开更多
United Nations Political Declaration 2011 on HIV and AIDS calls to reduce the sexual transmission and the transmission of HIV among people, who inject drugs by 50% by 2015, through different control strategies and pre...United Nations Political Declaration 2011 on HIV and AIDS calls to reduce the sexual transmission and the transmission of HIV among people, who inject drugs by 50% by 2015, through different control strategies and precautionary measures. In this paper, we propose and study a simple SI type model that considers the effect of various precaution- ary measures to control HIV epidemic. We show, unlike conventional epidemic models, that the basic reproduction number which essentially considered as the disease eradica- tion condition is no longer sufficient to eliminate HIV infection. In particular, we show that even when the basic reproduction number is made less than unity, the disease may persist if the initial outbreak is not low. Eradication of disease is however guaranteed if the ensemble control measure exceeds some upper critical value. It is also shown that an epidemic model with mass action incidence may exhibit backward bifurcation and bistability if density-dependent demography is considered. Our theoretical study thus indicates that extra attention should be given in controlling HIV epidemic to achieve the desired result.展开更多
文摘Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of moxibustion of some specific acupoints for treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD, qi-distension type). Methods:A total of 50 cases of FD patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=26) and medication group (n=24). In treatment group, bird-pecking moxibustion was applied to Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6) and Gongsun (SP 4) 5～6 times in every treatment till the local skin got flush. The treatment was given once daily, continuously for 10 days. In control group, the patients were ordered to take Motilium 10 mg/time, 3 times daily. Following 10 days’ treatment the therapeutic effect was assessed.Results:After treatment, of the 26 cases in treatment group, 11 (42.3%) were cured, 7 (26.92%) had remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 6 (23.07%) had improvement and 2 (7.69%) failed, with a total effective rate of 92.31%. Of the 24 cases in medication group, 9 (37.50%) were cured, 6 (25.00%) experienced remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 6 (25.00%) were improved and 3 (12.50%) failed, with a total effective rate of 87.50%. Comparison between two groups showed that the therapeutic effect of moxibustion was significantly superior to that of medication (P<0.05). In addition, the difference value of the therapeutic effect index (TEI) between post-and pre-treatment in treatment group was also significantly higher than that of medication group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Bird-pecking moxibustion of specific acupoints can effectively improve clinical symptoms of FD patients.
文摘The study determined the research priorities in Swaziland agricultural sector. Data collection used existing documents on agricultural research prioritizing, Nominal Group Technique and modified Delphi technique, with analysis of data using content categorization and, group and individual ranking of submissions. Findings showed the agricultural priorities from national policies are tied-up with mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS on food security, reduction of poverty and, sustainable development. The findings also revealed forty-three field crops areas needing research. Seven horticulture areas and eleven livestock sector areas were of high priority. A considerable number of research areas in field crops, horticulture and livestock indicated that the current research system has not adequately addressed research needs, despite efforts made by the private sector, University of Swaziland and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, for Swaziland to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Recommendation was that the identified research priorities should be used as basis for directing the limited resources in conducting agricultural research. The participation of all stakeholders would facilitate efficient use of resources and facilitate collaboration amongst research institutions. The University of Swaziland should develop research priorities aligned with national policies and objectives, to facilitate funding for research by both government and donor agencies.
文摘ATP Binding Cassette sub-family B member 1 （ABCB1） affects disposition of many drugs and thus affects the pharmacokinetics of drugs and ultimately treatment response. Polymorphisms of ABCB 1 especially ABCB 1 C3435T polymorphism may thus affect pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs and hence CD4 treatment response and other clinical outcomes of HIV patients. Methods： The study design was a historical cohort study and entailed collection of patient data. PureLink genomic DNA extraction mini kit was used for the extraction and purification of genomic DNA. TaqMan drug genotyping assay and protocol was used in the DNA amplification and genotyping. Data analysis was done using STATA software version 10. Results： Study participants with the CT genotype had lower creatinine levels after 6 months on lopinavir-based regimens compared with those with the CC genotype （p = 0.001）. In addition, the study participants with the CT genotype had consistently higher CD4 cell counts compared with those with the CC genotype from the time of ART switch but this was not statistically significant. However, there was no significant association between the ABCB 1 C3435T genotypes and haemoglobin and ALT levels. Conclusion： There was a significant association between ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and creatinine levels 6 months after therapy on lopinavir-based regimens.
文摘This is a partial history of the literary topos ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂. The Latin phrase means ＂from the perspective of eternity＂. Eternity is the way God sees the universe, not as a succession of moments in time from past, to present, to future, but as a simultaneous present which includes the past and future as if they are already and always present. This temporal simultaneity is accompanied by a spatial totality and simultaneity. In both Chaucer and Dante the protagonist ends life＇s wanderings and struggles by being carried up into the heavens and looking back on earth from the point of view of eternity. Their literary source is Maerobius＇ Commentary on the Dream of Scipio and Boethius＇ The Consolation of Philosophy. The vision results in epistemological transformation that provides consolation or ＂contemptus mundi＂, the rejection of earthly concems. The ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ vision is both a revelation of the nature of the universe, time, and the protagonist＇s place in them and a disillusionment that radically changes the protagonist＇s understanding. The work of literature and the reading of it are potentially transformational. For the pagan lover Toilus in Chaucer＇s Troilus and Criseyde the ＂sub specie aeternitatis＂ vision results in religious conversion as well as epistemological transformation. Boethius, whom Chaucer translated, offers an analogue to the vision in the way humans perceive a sphere through their senses and reason. Dante＇s version of the vision in Paradiso xxxiii is the most famous literary example as the protagonist＇s vision merges with the vision of God as an intense ray of light. The conversion and consolation associated with the ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ vision takes cosmic dimension in Dante. A modem example is Jorge Luis Borges＇ parody of Dante in his story ＂The Aleph＂ where a satiric vision takes place not in the heavens but in the basement of the house in Buenos Aires. In Cervantes＇ Don Quixote the ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ trope is present by its deliberate omission, and yet performs the functions of epistemological conversion, transformation, and consolation in Don Quixote＇s death. One brief sleep and Don Quixote passes from dreaming （in Borges＇ sense of the word） a reality from the fantasy of his books of chivalry to a tree reality, similar to the conversion Troilus experiences from the sorrow of love to the pure felicity of heaven. With Don Quixote and the realist novel the ＂sub specie aetemitatis＂ vision may seem bound for extinction, at least with its cosmological apparatus of heavenly spheres, but it finds new form in the ending of Gabriel Garcia Marquez＇s One Hundred Years of Solitude. The final reading of Melquiades＇s parchments reveals that the sequential events of the novel exist as if in a simultaneous moment, like God＇s eternity, embracing all time and space in one, before the vision vanishes forever.
基金supported by Major Science and Technology Special Projects (2009 ZX09301)
文摘Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the lifespan and quality of life of patients infected with HIV have been significantly improved. But treatment efficacy was compromised eventually by the development of resistance to antiretroviral drugs, and more new anti-HIV drugs with lower toxicity and higher activity were needed. Based on the experience and lessons learned from the treatment in the developed countries, US FDA suggested that more pharmacodynamical researches should be considered ahead of the clinical trials. To facilitate the anti-HIV drug research and development, we reviewed a few specialized issues that should be focused on drug evaluations in vitro, including: 1) Mechanism of action studies, demonstrating the candidate drug's efficacy to specifically inhibit viral replication or a virus-specific function and confirm the drug target. 2) Drug resistance studies, selecting the drug-resistant variants in vitro and determining the activities inhibiting HIV isolates resistant to approved antiretroviral drugs of the same class. 3) Antiviral activity in vitro in the presence of serum proteins, ascertaining whether an investigational product is significantly bound by serum proteins. 4) Combination activity analysis, evaluating in vitro antiviral activity of an investigational product in two-drug combinations with other drugs approved.
文摘United Nations Political Declaration 2011 on HIV and AIDS calls to reduce the sexual transmission and the transmission of HIV among people, who inject drugs by 50% by 2015, through different control strategies and precautionary measures. In this paper, we propose and study a simple SI type model that considers the effect of various precaution- ary measures to control HIV epidemic. We show, unlike conventional epidemic models, that the basic reproduction number which essentially considered as the disease eradica- tion condition is no longer sufficient to eliminate HIV infection. In particular, we show that even when the basic reproduction number is made less than unity, the disease may persist if the initial outbreak is not low. Eradication of disease is however guaranteed if the ensemble control measure exceeds some upper critical value. It is also shown that an epidemic model with mass action incidence may exhibit backward bifurcation and bistability if density-dependent demography is considered. Our theoretical study thus indicates that extra attention should be given in controlling HIV epidemic to achieve the desired result.
