Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogens are a significant public health problem, and their treatment primarily relies on antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing global development of antibiotic resi...Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogens are a significant public health problem, and their treatment primarily relies on antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing global development of antibiotic resistance necessitates updating diagnostic techniques to ensure higher sensitivity and specificity, especially with advancements in science and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs and antibiotic resistance profiles through urine culture, as well as to identify Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter spp. in urine samples using a molecular approach with multiplex real-time PCR. From May 3 to July 25, 2023, at the Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA) and Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), 209 urine samples collected from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed using both urine culture and multiplex real-time PCR. Among the 209 patients, 52.15% were male and 47.85% female, with an average age of 46.87 ± 21.33 years. Urine cultures revealed an overall UTI prevalence of 23.44%, with a prevalence of 8.13% in men versus 15.31% in women (P = 0.023). The bacterial prevalence rates were as follows: Escherichia coli (12.92%), Klebsiella spp. (7.18%), Enterobacter cloacae (1.44%), Staphylococcus aureus (0.96%), and other bacteria. Klebsiella spp. demonstrated 100% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, while Escherichia coli showed 96.2% and 65.4% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, respectively. PCR analysis of the target bacteria revealed mono-infection prevalence rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.39%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7.79%), and Acinetobacter spp. (7.79%), along with a co-infection prevalence rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae/Acinetobacter spp. (1.30%). This study demonstrated that PCR, with its high sensitivity and specificity, could effectively distinguish Klebsiella pneumoniae from Klebsiella oxytoca and detect Acinetobacter spp. in less than 24 hours—something urine culture alone could not achieve. The relative ease of automating urine PCR testing, combined with its diagnostic accuracy and rapid turnaround time, makes it a valuable addition to modern medical practice for the laboratory diagnosis of UTIs.展开更多
The perceptions of time are influenced by different cultural background. American understanding of time is typical of western countries. This paper introduces and explains American cultural pattern, thus avoiding from...The perceptions of time are influenced by different cultural background. American understanding of time is typical of western countries. This paper introduces and explains American cultural pattern, thus avoiding from happening unpleasant things in the process of cross-cultural communication.展开更多
Informal time system refers to the assumption that cultures make about how time should be used or experienced. In this essay, three related aspects of informal time system are discussed, i.e. monochronic time system v...Informal time system refers to the assumption that cultures make about how time should be used or experienced. In this essay, three related aspects of informal time system are discussed, i.e. monochronic time system vs. polychronic time system, sequence of events and interval between events. Different cultures are compared with respect to the three aspects. The differences in the three aspects and the impacts on intercultural communication have been highlighted in each part.展开更多
Based on the field survey and analysis of representative traditional time-honored shops in Xi'an City,specific measures for protecting their space environment were put forward,and the sustainable preservation and ...Based on the field survey and analysis of representative traditional time-honored shops in Xi'an City,specific measures for protecting their space environment were put forward,and the sustainable preservation and development pattern of such intangible cultural heritages in the future urban development was established.展开更多
目的观察real time PCR在血流感染病原体检测中的敏感性和特异性,并与常规血培养对比,探讨其临床应用价值。方法以该院各临床科室收集的108份脓毒血症患者血液标本进行real time PCR检测,同时进行常规血培养,比较两种方法的特异性和敏...目的观察real time PCR在血流感染病原体检测中的敏感性和特异性,并与常规血培养对比,探讨其临床应用价值。方法以该院各临床科室收集的108份脓毒血症患者血液标本进行real time PCR检测,同时进行常规血培养,比较两种方法的特异性和敏感性。结果 108份标本当中,两种方法检测出12种病原微生物。Real time PCR共检测出阳性标本25份,阴性标本83份。其中与血培养共同阳性标本9份,共同阴性标本78份。两方法的一致性为80.6%。Real time PCR的阴性预测值是0.94,敏感性64%,特异性83%。16例标本real time PCR阳性而血培养阴性,5例标本血培养阳性而real time PCR阴性。同时,有2病标超出real time PCR的检测范围,而血培养阳性。此外,real time PCR无法检测光滑念珠菌。结论 real time PCR虽然能快速检测血液感染中病原微生物,但依然不能完全替代血培养。展开更多
Accurate determination of flushing time is crucial for maintaining sustainable production in fish culture zones （FCZs）, as it represents the physical self-purification capability via tidal exchange with clean water ...Accurate determination of flushing time is crucial for maintaining sustainable production in fish culture zones （FCZs）, as it represents the physical self-purification capability via tidal exchange with clean water in the outer sea. However, owing to the temporal and spatial complexity of the coastal flushing process, existing methods for determining flushing time may not be generally applicable. In this paper, a systematic method for determining the flushing time in FCZs is presented, in which bathymetry, runoff, tidal range and stratification are properly accounted for. We determine the flushing time via numerical tracer experiments, using robust 3D hydrodynamic and mass transport models. For FCZs located in sheltered and land-locked tidal inlets, the system boundary can be naturally defined at the connection with the open sea. For FCZs located in open＇waters, hydrodynamic tracking is first used to assess the extent of tidal excursion and thus delimit the initial boundary between clean water and polluted water. This general method is applied to all designated marine FCZs in Hong Kong for both the dry and wet seasons, including 20 sheltered FCZs （in semi-enclosed waters of Tolo Harbour, Mirs Bay, and Port Shelter） and 6 FCZs in open waters. Our results show that flushing time is the longest in inner Port Shelter （about 40 days in dry season）, and the shortest for the FCZs in open waters （less than one week in dry season）. In addition, the flushing time in dry season is commonly longer than that in wet season： 20%~40% for most well-sheltered FCZs; 2.6-4 times for the others. Our results indicate a positive correlation between the flushing time and distance to open boundary, supporting the view that the flushing time of a FCZ is closely related to its location. This study provides a solid basis for mariculture management such as the determination of carrying capacity of FCZs.展开更多
Freshly harvested paddy rice was randomly obtained from three different farms in “Ofada” town, Ogun State, Nigeria and processed according to the traditional parboiling method. The rice was inoculated singly with cu...Freshly harvested paddy rice was randomly obtained from three different farms in “Ofada” town, Ogun State, Nigeria and processed according to the traditional parboiling method. The rice was inoculated singly with cultures of Lactobacillus amylophilus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae which were isolated from the soak-water. In order to assess the effect of starter cultures on the soaking time of the rice, the pH and titratable acidity were determined at 12 h interval. The chemical composition and the sensory quality of the rice were also determined at the end of the soaking period while uninoculated rice served as control. The chemical composition of the rice as well as the pH and TTA of the soak-water were significantly (p < 0.05) different from the control while the processing time was shortened to 48 h. The rice inoculated with Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisae had the highest protein content and best sensory attributes.展开更多
文摘Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogens are a significant public health problem, and their treatment primarily relies on antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing global development of antibiotic resistance necessitates updating diagnostic techniques to ensure higher sensitivity and specificity, especially with advancements in science and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs and antibiotic resistance profiles through urine culture, as well as to identify Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Acinetobacter spp. in urine samples using a molecular approach with multiplex real-time PCR. From May 3 to July 25, 2023, at the Pietro Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA) and Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), 209 urine samples collected from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed using both urine culture and multiplex real-time PCR. Among the 209 patients, 52.15% were male and 47.85% female, with an average age of 46.87 ± 21.33 years. Urine cultures revealed an overall UTI prevalence of 23.44%, with a prevalence of 8.13% in men versus 15.31% in women (P = 0.023). The bacterial prevalence rates were as follows: Escherichia coli (12.92%), Klebsiella spp. (7.18%), Enterobacter cloacae (1.44%), Staphylococcus aureus (0.96%), and other bacteria. Klebsiella spp. demonstrated 100% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, while Escherichia coli showed 96.2% and 65.4% resistance to Amoxicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid, respectively. PCR analysis of the target bacteria revealed mono-infection prevalence rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.39%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7.79%), and Acinetobacter spp. (7.79%), along with a co-infection prevalence rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae/Acinetobacter spp. (1.30%). This study demonstrated that PCR, with its high sensitivity and specificity, could effectively distinguish Klebsiella pneumoniae from Klebsiella oxytoca and detect Acinetobacter spp. in less than 24 hours—something urine culture alone could not achieve. The relative ease of automating urine PCR testing, combined with its diagnostic accuracy and rapid turnaround time, makes it a valuable addition to modern medical practice for the laboratory diagnosis of UTIs.
文摘The perceptions of time are influenced by different cultural background. American understanding of time is typical of western countries. This paper introduces and explains American cultural pattern, thus avoiding from happening unpleasant things in the process of cross-cultural communication.
文摘Informal time system refers to the assumption that cultures make about how time should be used or experienced. In this essay, three related aspects of informal time system are discussed, i.e. monochronic time system vs. polychronic time system, sequence of events and interval between events. Different cultures are compared with respect to the three aspects. The differences in the three aspects and the impacts on intercultural communication have been highlighted in each part.
文摘Based on the field survey and analysis of representative traditional time-honored shops in Xi'an City,specific measures for protecting their space environment were put forward,and the sustainable preservation and development pattern of such intangible cultural heritages in the future urban development was established.
文摘目的观察real time PCR在血流感染病原体检测中的敏感性和特异性,并与常规血培养对比,探讨其临床应用价值。方法以该院各临床科室收集的108份脓毒血症患者血液标本进行real time PCR检测,同时进行常规血培养,比较两种方法的特异性和敏感性。结果 108份标本当中,两种方法检测出12种病原微生物。Real time PCR共检测出阳性标本25份,阴性标本83份。其中与血培养共同阳性标本9份,共同阴性标本78份。两方法的一致性为80.6%。Real time PCR的阴性预测值是0.94,敏感性64%,特异性83%。16例标本real time PCR阳性而血培养阴性,5例标本血培养阳性而real time PCR阴性。同时,有2病标超出real time PCR的检测范围,而血培养阳性。此外,real time PCR无法检测光滑念珠菌。结论 real time PCR虽然能快速检测血液感染中病原微生物,但依然不能完全替代血培养。
基金supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (Project Waterman)in part by a grant from the University Grants Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR),China (Project No. AoE/P-04/04) to the Area of Excellence in Marine Environment Research and Innovative Technology (MERIT)+1 种基金The support from the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (Grant No. 50925932)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.41001348)
文摘Accurate determination of flushing time is crucial for maintaining sustainable production in fish culture zones （FCZs）, as it represents the physical self-purification capability via tidal exchange with clean water in the outer sea. However, owing to the temporal and spatial complexity of the coastal flushing process, existing methods for determining flushing time may not be generally applicable. In this paper, a systematic method for determining the flushing time in FCZs is presented, in which bathymetry, runoff, tidal range and stratification are properly accounted for. We determine the flushing time via numerical tracer experiments, using robust 3D hydrodynamic and mass transport models. For FCZs located in sheltered and land-locked tidal inlets, the system boundary can be naturally defined at the connection with the open sea. For FCZs located in open＇waters, hydrodynamic tracking is first used to assess the extent of tidal excursion and thus delimit the initial boundary between clean water and polluted water. This general method is applied to all designated marine FCZs in Hong Kong for both the dry and wet seasons, including 20 sheltered FCZs （in semi-enclosed waters of Tolo Harbour, Mirs Bay, and Port Shelter） and 6 FCZs in open waters. Our results show that flushing time is the longest in inner Port Shelter （about 40 days in dry season）, and the shortest for the FCZs in open waters （less than one week in dry season）. In addition, the flushing time in dry season is commonly longer than that in wet season： 20%~40% for most well-sheltered FCZs; 2.6-4 times for the others. Our results indicate a positive correlation between the flushing time and distance to open boundary, supporting the view that the flushing time of a FCZ is closely related to its location. This study provides a solid basis for mariculture management such as the determination of carrying capacity of FCZs.
文摘Freshly harvested paddy rice was randomly obtained from three different farms in “Ofada” town, Ogun State, Nigeria and processed according to the traditional parboiling method. The rice was inoculated singly with cultures of Lactobacillus amylophilus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae which were isolated from the soak-water. In order to assess the effect of starter cultures on the soaking time of the rice, the pH and titratable acidity were determined at 12 h interval. The chemical composition and the sensory quality of the rice were also determined at the end of the soaking period while uninoculated rice served as control. The chemical composition of the rice as well as the pH and TTA of the soak-water were significantly (p < 0.05) different from the control while the processing time was shortened to 48 h. The rice inoculated with Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisae had the highest protein content and best sensory attributes.
