Epidemiological and Prognostic Aspects of Anemia during Heart Failure in Brazzaville (The Republic of the Congo)

To improve the management of patients with heart failure and anemia at the University Hospital of Brazzaville, a cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with heart failure condition (left or global heart failure) was conducted over a period of nine months from January 1 to September 30, 2017. A total of 171 patients were included during the study period. Study participants were divided into two groups: Group A included patients with an additional anemic condition (n = 57) and Group NA patients without anemia (n = 114). Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin rate of < 12 g/dL for men and <11 g/dL for women. All eligible patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology were included in the study. The frequency of anemia was 33.3%, with a mean hemoglobin level of 9.4 ± 1.5 g/dL. Men accounted for 46.9% of cases (n = 79) and women 53.8% (n = 92). The mean age of eligible patients was 57.5 ± 16.5 years. Of these, 46.2% (n = 75) had a secondary educational level and 53.8% (n = 92) had a low socioeconomic status. Heart failure was global in 153 cases (89.5%). Patients were on NYHA III-IV functional class in 112 cases (65.5%), with a statistically significant difference between anemic and non-anemic patients (p = 0.0001). The main underlying heart diseases were dilated cardiomyopathy (75.1%), hypertensive heart disease (10.5%), ischemic heart disease (6.5%), and valvular disease (4.7%). The comparison between the two groups (A and NA) showed a longer hospital length of stay (18.4 ± 8.9 versus 12.9 ± 7.6 days;p = 0.00001) and a higher mortality rate (4 versus 2 deaths). The re-hospitalization rate was more important in group A (n = 4) than in group NA (n = 1). Anemia is a common condition in patients with heart failure. It worsens the clinical features and prognosis.

Social Classes and Cultural Connotations of Yangzhou Home Gardens during the Late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China

During the late Qing Dynasty and the early period of the Republic of China(1870-1930),the social classes in Yangzhou were basically dominated by officials,businessmen,and scholars.In the building number,scale,and functional evolution of their home gardens,these three classes were different,reflecting abundant connotation of characteristic of the time and regional culture,revealing the inheritance path of Yangzhou culture,as well as the richness and diversity of home gardens in Yangzhou during the late Qing Dynasty and the early period of the Republic of China.

Brief History of Xu-style Garden: Private Gardens in Xuzhou during the Republic of China

Through literature review and fi eld investigation,famous private gardens in Xuzhou city and countryside during the Republic of China period were investigated.According to the main uses,the private gardens in this period were divided into 4 types:house garden,library garden,restaurant garden and for-profi t(fl owers,trees and vegetables)garden.In addition,this paper sorted out the owner of each private garden,the construction process,the scale of the garden and the general situation of the garden,and analyzed the idea,site selection,layout,the characteristics of the key private garden elements and style of these gardens.

Would COVID-19 vaccination be mandatory in the Republic of Plato?

The Republic of Plato is a philosophical treatise describing the ideal city-state,a self-sufficient civil entity in the world of Ideas(Forms)that enables both individuals and the society to thrive.Elements of the Republic can be tracedwoka in modern policymaking.Plato’s ethical and political philosophy consists of a standpoint of reflection towards contemporary challenges,one of whom is admittedly COVID-19 vaccination.Few countries have made vaccination obligatory for the whole of the population,while many countries consider making vaccination mandatory for particular high-risk groups and front line workers.In response to the growing debate on the necessity and the ethical integrity of mandatory vaccination against COVID-19,this paper discusses the matter in the context of Plato’s Republic and provides relevant recommendations.

A Brief Reading of the Republic of China Era Journal "Chinese Medicine Pillar Monthly"

As one of the many traditional Chinese medicine journals in the Republic of China(ROC)era,the journal"Chinese Medicine Pillar Monthly"had been published for 11 consecutive years.It has rich content and covers a wide range of topics.It has important reference value for studying the direction of cultural development,political dynamics,and development trends of Chinese and Western medicine during the ROC era,and the journal was intended to spread the classics and clinical experience of traditional Chinese medicine,making it a medical treasure house.This paper mainly introduces the current status of the journal,the date of its inception,and its main content,features and contributions.

A Look into the Republic of Korea’s National Human Rights Commission

The National Human Rights Commission （NHRC） of the Republic of Korea set up in 2001 has playedan important role in improving the constitutional construction and pro- tecting human rights.

What did we learn from preparing for cross-border transmission of Ebola virus disease into a complex humanitarian setting-The Republic of South Sudan?

Background:Following the West Africa Ebola virus disease(EVD)outbreak(2013-2016),WHO developed a preparedness checklist for its member states.This checklist is currently being applied for the first time on a large and systematic scale to prepare for the cross border importation of the ongoing EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo hence the need to document the lessons learnt from this experience.This is more pertinent considering the complex humanitarian context and weak health system under which some of the countries such as the Republic of South Sudan are implementing their EVD preparedness interventions.Main text:We identified four main lessons from the ongoing EVD preparedness efforts in the Republic South Sudan.First,EVD preparedness is possible in complex humanitarian settings such as the Republic of South Sudan by using a longer-term health system strengthening approach.Second,the Republic of South Sudan is at risk of both domestic and cross border transmission of EVD and several other infectious disease outbreaks hence the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to outbreak preparedness in the country.Third,a phased and well-prioritized approach is required for EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings given the costs associated with preparedness and the difficulties in the accurate prediction of outbreaks in such settings.Fourth,EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings is a massive undertaking that requires effective and decentralized coordination.Conclusion:Despite a very challenging context,the Republic of South Sudan made significant progress in its EVD preparedness drive demonstrating that it is possible to rapidly scale up preparedness efforts in complex humanitarian contexts if appropriate and context-specific approaches are used.Further research,systematic reviews and evaluation of the ongoing preparedness efforts are required to ensure comprehensive documentation and application of the lessons learnt for future EVD outbreak preparedness and response efforts.

The Two Urban Planning Efforts of Shantou in the City Hall Era of the Republic of China

This paper discusses Shantou's two urban planning efforts in the City Hall era of the Republic of China, revealing how the two efforts help Shantou to become a modern city by analyzing the planning processes including data collection, planning analysis, functional zoning, road system design, and old city redevelopment. As pioneers of urban planning practice, the city executives and technical experts of Shantou set a goal to build the city into a "perfect region" and "Garden City," aiming to create a precedent for "civil city development." Based on institutional construction and the introduction of European and American urban planning theories and experience, the rebirth of Shantou City with business characteristics had been gradually achieved by modifying and improving its city plans.

Layouts and Aesthetic Characteristics of Buildings in the Period of Republic of China along Zhongshan Road in Nanjing City

Zhongshan Road in Nanjing City was formerly known as "Meridian of the Republic of China", signif icant buildings of the Republic of China were mostly distributed along this modern avenue. The diversifi ed styles and types of these buildings refl ect the historical changes of modern Chinese buildings, and also record history of that age. The buildings are intangible cultural heritages of not only Nanjing, but also China. Study on and protection of these buildings is a process of reviewing modern architectural history of China, and also rethinking the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese cultures. In addition, the research promotes the coordinated development of modern urban construction and social cultures.

Principle, Knowledge, and Personality： Some Reflections on ＂the Good＂ according to Plato

This paper focuses on Plato＇s ＂Form of the Good,＂ or ＂the Good,＂ with an interest in Plato＇s riddle that ＂the Good is the One.＂ Unlike the traditional approach to explaining the Good in the Republic as ＂rational order＂ or a unity of Forms, this ]paper argues that the Good is the unique transcendent principle, like the apex of a hierarchy, but does not encompass the whole structure. According to its Ontological position, its multiple facets （functions） include the Ontological foundation of uniting ＂to be＂ and ＂ought to be,＂ the ultimate source of knowledge, and the Ideal goal of uniting the common good and individual goods. The practical dimension of the Good is highlighted in exploring the lifelong study of the Philosopher-Kings and their political personality. It is also pointed out that ＂sudden enlightenment＂ plays an important role in their path toward the Good. Finally, this paper proposes that the Good should be the a priori beginning of education and the end of the practice of virtues in the community.