Vibration-reduced anxiety-like behavior relies on ameliorating abnormalities of the somatosensory cortex and medial prefrontal cortex

Tibetan singing bowls emit low-frequency sounds and produce perceptible harmonic tones and vibrations through manual tapping.The sounds the singing bowls produce have been shown to enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety.However,the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In this study,we used chronic restraint stress or sleep deprivation to establish mouse models of anxiety that exhibit anxiety-like behaviors.We then supplied treatment with singing bowls in a bottomless cage placed on the top of a cushion.We found that unlike in humans,the combination of harmonic tones and vibrations did not improve anxietylike behaviors in mice,while individual vibration components did.Additionally,the vibration of singing bowls increased the level of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 in the somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex of the mice,decreased the level ofγ-aminobutyric acid A(GABA)receptorα1 subtype,reduced the level of CaMKII in the prefrontal cortex,and increased the number of GABAergic interneurons.At the same time,electrophysiological tests showed that the vibration of singing bowls significantly reduced the abnormal low-frequency gamma oscillation peak frequency in the medial prefrontal cortex caused by stress restraint pressure and sleep deprivation.Results from this study indicate that the vibration of singing bowls can alleviate anxiety-like behaviors by reducing abnormal molecular and electrophysiological events in somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortex.

Medical appraisal of Chinese military aircrew with abnormal results of coronary computed tomographic angiography

BACKGROUND Coronary artery diseases can cause myocardial ischemia and hypoxia,angina pectoris,myocardial infarction,arrhythmia,and even sudden death led to inflight incapacitation of aircrew.As the main cause of grounding due to illness,they severe threats to the health and fighting strength of military aircrew.Early warning in an early and accurate manner and early intervention of diseases possibly resulting in inflight incapacitation are key emphases of aeromedical support in clinic.AIM To figure out the flight factors and clinical characteristics of military aircrew with abnormal results of coronary artery computed tomographic angiography(CTA),thereby rendering theoretical references for clinical aeromedical support of military flying personnel.METHODS The clinical data of 15 flying personnel who received physical examinations in a military medical center from December 2020 to June 2023 and were diagnosed with coronary artery diseases by coronary artery CTA were collected and retrospectively analyzed,and a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on their onset age,aircraft type and clinical data.RESULTS The 15 military flying personnel diagnosed with coronary artery diseases by coronary artery CTA were composed of 9 pilots,1 navigator and 5 air combat service workers.Multi-vessel disease was detected in 9 flying personnel,among which 8(88.9%)were pilots.Flying personnel with multi-vessel disease had higher content of cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B than those with single-vessel disease.CONCLUSION Coronary artery diseases are the major heart disease for the grounding of flying personnel due to illness,which can lead to inflight incapacitation.Coronary artery CTA is conducive to early detection and early intervention treatment of such diseases in clinic.

Anti-voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibody-mediated limbic encephalitis:a case report of a 53-yearold man admitted to intensive care psychiatric unit with psychotic mania

Limbic encephalitis represents a cluster of autoimmune disorders,with inflammation in the medial temporal lobe characterised by subacute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety,affective symptoms,psychosis,short-term memory impairment as well as faciobrachial and grand mal seizures.We aim to present a case of a 53-year-old man with positive anti-voltage-gated potassium channel(VGKC)complex antibodies who initially presented with symptoms of psychotic mania.Six weeks post-psychiatric symptomatology,he presented with neurological symptoms such as faciobrachial jerking and tonic-clonic seizure.The patient had no previous psychiatric history and was initially treated with psychotropic medications.Our experience emphasises the fact that limbic encephalitis is not easy to identify as most patients initially present with psychiatric symptomatology than neurological symptoms.Furthermore,immunological and laboratory testing takes a rather long time to determine the diagnosis.What is more,few psychiatrists consider autoimmune nature of the neuropsychiatric presentation.Therefore,it is important to consider autoimmune encephalitis in patients with new-onset psychosis or mania who also present with neurological symptoms at some stage of their illness.Characteristic indicators of autoimmune encephalitis include neurological symptoms such as facial twitching,seizures,confusion and cognitive decline.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia Pregnancy in a Group of Moroccan Pregnant Women

Background: Pregnancy is typically accompanied by an increase of micronutrient requirements in general and especially iron. This increased need may be an additional risk factor for developing anemia. Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to provide data on the prevalence of anemia of pregnancy in the maternity ward of the regional hospital in the city of Temara, and examine risk factors that may expose women to anemia during pregnancy. Materiel and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of a year was conducted to the hospital Sidi Lahcen in the city of Temara. Sociodemographic and nutritional data were collected through a questionnaire, obstetric and medical histories of women in labor and the results of biological tests were recorded from the patient obstetric file. Results: Among the 849 women surveyed, 690 (82%) had performed a blood count, and among these 117 (16.8%) were found anemic, with the following proportions: 57.6% had mild anemia, 41.5% had moderate anemia and a minority (0.8%) had severe anemia. The pregnant women aged over 35 years were the most exposed to anemia during pregnancy (47%) compared with younger women (p < 0.001). Women who had a history of anemia aside from pregnancy and those who had anemia in earlier pregnancies were more prone to developing anemia in the current pregnancy with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The number of pregnancies, number of previous abortions and place of residence had no influence on the occurrence of anemia of pregnancy. The consumption of fortified flour with iron and vitamins as well as consuming iron rich foods was not a protective factor against the development of anemia of pregnancy. Tea consumption near the meal was not a factor exposing to anemia during pregnancy. Conclusion: Anemia is a public health problem in Morocco. Evidence from our study emphasizes the need to implement educational programs to improve the nutritional knowledge and sensitization of women.

Interaction of Human Genes WT1 and CML28 in Leukemic Cells

The molecular pathogenesis of leukemia is poorly understood. Earlier studies have shown both Wilms＇ tumor 1 suppressor gene （WT1） and CML28 abnormally expressed in malignant diseases of the hematopoietic system and WT1 played an important role in leukemogenesis. However, the rela- tionship between molecular CML28 and WT1 has not been reported. Here we described the use of small interfering RNA （siRNA） against WT1 and CML28 in leukemic cell line K562 to examine the interac- tion between CML28 and WT1. WT1 and CML28 gene expression in transfected K562 cells was de- tected by using RQ-PCR and Western blotting. K562 cells transfected with WTI-siRNA could greatly decrease both mRNA and protein expression levels of WT1 and CML28. In contrast, CML28-siRNA did not exert effect on WT1. Further, subcellular co-localization assay showed that the two proteins could co-localize in the cytoplasm of K562 cells, but WT1/CML28 complexes were not detected by us- ing immunoprecipitation. It was suggested that there exists the relationship between CML28 and WT1. CML28 may be a downstream target molecule of WT1 and regulated by WT1, which will provide im- portant clues for further study on the role of CML28 and WT1 in leukemic cells.

Dual regulatory role for phosphatase and tensin homolog in specification of intestinal endocrine cell subtypes

AIM:To investigate the impact of phosphatase and tensin homolog(Pten) in the specification of intestinal enteroendocrine subpopulations.METHODS:Using the Cre/loxP system,a mouse with conditional intestinal epithelial Pten deficiency was generated.Pten mutant mice and controls were sacrificed and small intestines collected for immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Blood was collected on 16 h fasted mice by cardiac puncture.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure blood circulating ghrelin,somatostatin(SST) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide(GIP) levels.RESULTS:Results show an unexpected dual regulatory role for epithelial Pten signalling in the specification/differentiation of enteroendocrine cell subpopulations in the small intestine.Our data indicate that Pten positively regulates chromogranin A(CgA) expressing subpopulations,including cells expressing secretin,ghrelin,gastrin and cholecystokinin(CCK).In contrast,Pten negatively regulates the enteroendocrine subtype specification of non-expressing CgA cells such as GIP and SST expressing cells.CONCLUSION:The present results demonstrate that Pten signalling favours the enteroendocrine progenitor to specify into cells expressing CgA including those producing CCK,gastrin and ghrelin.

Diffuse invasive signet ring cell carcinoma in total colorectum caused by ulcerative colitis:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Diffuse invasive signet ring cell carcinoma of the colorectum is extremely rare clinically.This type of colorectal cancer has certain clinical,pathological and biological characteristics that are different from ordinary colorectal cancer.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old young woman was admitted to the hospital for nearly 1 wk due to recurrent symptoms of mucopurulent bloody stools and abdominal distension.Preoperative colonoscopy showed a ring-shaped intestinal wall mass 10 cm from the rectum to the anus.Three pieces of tumor tissue were removed for examination.The pathological results showed rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma.The patient underwent laparoscopic exploration under general anesthesia,and then laparoscopic total colorectal resection,ileal pouch–anal anastomosis and ileostomy were performed.The patient was switched to a FOLFOX+cetuximab regimen.After the fifth cycle,the patient was unable to tolerate further treatment due to tumor progression and multiple organ dysfunction,and died at the end of May 2020.Overall survival was 7 mo.CONCLUSION Carcinogenesis of ulcerative colitis is different from sporadic colon cancer,and the overall prognosis is extremely poor.

A model for retention and continuity of care and treatment for opioid dependent injection drug users in the Russian Federation

Health and Development Foundation has worked collaboratively with the Government of the Russian Federation to develop and implement a model program of retention and continuity of care for opioid dependence and HIV infection. The model utilizes the Narcology Detoxification Service, State AIDS Centers, Non Government Organization (NGO) managed narcology treatment and rehabilitation centers, NGO outreach programs and the community. The model program was developed and implemented as a pilot demonstration project to provide essential health services to injection drug users and retain them in care. The interventions developed and implemented comprised HIV Testing and Counseling, HIV/AIDS Narcology Post-Graduate Curriculum, Peer Support Groups (Buffer groups), Narcological Follow-up Phone Monitoring, Women’s Narcological Services and Short Messaging Services for Injection Drug Users. These services and interventions promoted the integration and utilization of HIV/AIDS health services and narcological services to form an evidence-based health service delivery model providing essential services to people who inject drugs and people living with HIV/AIDS in the Russian Federation.

Hemangiopericytoma in the vertebral canal of thoracic segments: report of a rare case

In this paper, we explore the diagnosis and treatment of hemangiopedcytoma （HPC）. A rare case of HPC in the vertebral canal of thoracic segments is reported, and the clinical features as well as treatment approaches of similar cases in the literature are discussed. In the present case, we operatively resected the tumor and performed postoperative radiation therapy, with good treatment results.

Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection among the Boda-Boda Riders in Mbarara Municipality-Uganda

Background: Boda-Boda is a well-known and booming motorcycle taxi that employs youths to earn a living. They transport passengers at a faster rate where other means of transport are inaccessible or would be time consuming. Global statistics show that HIV has continued to be a major global Public Health issue especially among the “Most At-risk Populations” (MAPs) that include commercial transporters and Boda-Boda riders. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and predisposing factors for HIV/AIDS among Boda-Boda riders living in Mbarara Municipality. Specifically, the study determined the prevalence of HIV among the Boda-Boda riders, identified social demographic predisposing factors for HIV and determined knowledge of Boda riders on prevention of HIV. Study setting: Boda-Boda operators in the transport sector are at high risk of HIV infection but the HIV status of the Boda Riders in Mbarara was not known a reason why the study was instituted: Study design: This was an analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised the registered Boda-Boda operators from two divisions of Kakoba and Kakiika in Mbarara municipality. Sample size and sampling methods: Using Morgan’s table (1970), the population of the registered Boda Riders was 15,041;this corresponded to a sample size of 375 respondents by Morgan Table. Systematic sampling procedure was used to get every 3rd registered rider on the list. Data collection: A pre-tested structured tool aided data collection after group pretest counseling. Individual counseling was also done prior to testing and giving results. The laboratory technologists drew blood to determine the sero-status of the respondents. Results were recorded as tested reactive (TRR) or tested non-reactive (TR). Unigold was used as tie breaker to confirm their diagnosis in order to ascertain those who were HIV positive on determine. Data analysis: Analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate using STATA version 13, Statistical significance of the relationship was determined for the p-value (p ≤ 0.05). Significant variables were then considered at multivariate level of analysis. Results: More than half 195 (52%) of the Boda-Boda cyclist had attained primary level of education and 36.5% secondary education. HIV prevalence among Boda-Boda riders was 9.9%. Riders who had never heard of VCT/HCT screening for HIV were three times likely to acquire HIV compared to those who ever heard of VCT/HCT screening (OR = 3.35;95% CI 1.14 9.83;p = 0.027). Those with multiple partners were six times more likely to acquire HIV/AIDS compared to those who buy sex from prostitutes (OR = 6.13;95% CI 1.54 24.38;p = 0.01). The level of awareness of VCT was found high at (94.7%), and the general knowledge about utilization and importance of VCT services was at 80%, however condom use as a preventive measure was found low at 44.3% among the respondent Boda-Boda riders. Conclusion: Boda-Boda riders had high HIV prevalence of 9.9% compared to that of Mbarara district at 6.1% and much higher than 5.7% national HIV prevalence level. The predisposing factors to acquire HIV/AIDS were having multiple sexual partners, not having heard of HIV counseling and testing as well as low and inconsistent condom use at 44.3%. The study recommends health service providers and HIV counselors to intensify awareness and behavior change campaigns on condom use among the Boda-Boda riders as preventive measure against HIV.

Weather and Birth Weight:Different Roles of Maternal and Neonatal GPR61 Promoter Methylation

Objectives It is unclear whether G protein-coupled receptor 61(GPR61)affecting body weight,plays a role in the association between birth weight and weather.This study aimed to assess the effects of prenatal weather and GPR61 on birth weight.Methods A total of 567 mother-newborn pairs were recruited in Houzhai Center Hospital during2011–2012.We detected the maternal and neonatal GPR61 promoter methylation levels,and obtained meteorological and air pollution data.Results A positive association was observed between maternal and neonatal GPR61 methylation levels,and both of them were affected by precipitation,relative humidity(RH)and daily temperature range(DTR).Birth weight was associated negatively with RH and positively with DTR(P<0.05).A significant association was observed between birth weight and neonatal GPR61 methylation.We observed that maternal GPR61 methylation seemed to modify associations between weather and birth weight(P_(interaction)<0.10),while neonatal GPR61 methylation mediated the effects of RH and DTR on birth weight(P<0.05).Conclusions Our findings revealed the significant associations among prenatal weather,GPR61 methylation and birth weight.Maternal GPR61 methylation may modify the susceptibility of birth weight to prenatal weather conditions,while neonatal GPR61 methylation may be a bridge of the effects of prenatal RH and DTR on birth weight.

The Association between Outdoor Ambient Temperature and the Risk of Low Birth Weight: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Rural Henan, China

Low birth weight(LBW)is defined as a birth weight of less than 2,500 g.It has been estimated that 15%–20%of infants(more than 20 million worldwide)were born with LBW,and 95.6%of the overall LBW infants were born in low and middle income countries[1].Not only is LBW a crucial cause of infant mortality and morbidity,it also plays a critical role in adverse health outcomes later in life.Therefore,exploring the factors influencing LBW may have important implications for reducing maternal-child health burden.

Experience and lessons from health impact assessment guiding prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in a copper mine project,northwestern Zambia

Background:To avoid or mitigate potential project-related adverse health effects,the Trident copper project in Kalumbila,northwestern Zambia,commissioned a health impact assessment.HIV was identified a priority health issue based on the local vulnerability to HIV transmission and experience from other mining projects in Africa.Hence,an HIV/AIDS management plan was developed,including community and workplace interventions,with HIV testing and counselling(HTC)being one of the key components.We present trends in HTC data over a 4-year period.Methods:In 13 communities affected by the Trident project,HTC was implemented from 2012 onwards,using rapid diagnostic tests,accompanied by pre-and post-test counselling through trained personnel.In addition,HTC was initiated in the project workforce in 2013,coinciding with the launch of the mine development.HTC uptake and HIV positivity rates were assessed in the study population and linked to demographic factors using regression analysis.Results:In total,11,638 community members and 5564 workers have taken up HTC with an increase over time.The HIV positivity rate in the community was 3.0%in 2012 and 3.4%in 2015,while positivity rate in the workforce was 5.2%in 2013 and 4.3%in 2015.Females showed a significantly higher odds of having a positive test result than males(odds ratio(OR)=1.96,95%confidence interval(CI):1.55-2.50 among women in the community and OR=2.90,95%CI:1.74-4.84 among women in the workforce).HTC users in the 35-49 years age group were most affected by HIV,with an average positivity rate of 6.6%in the community sample and 7.9%in the workforce sample.These study groups had 4.50 and 4.95 higher odds of being positive,respectively,compared to their younger counterparts(15-24 years).Conclusions:While HTC uptake increased five-fold in the community and almost three-fold in the workplace,the HIV positivity rates were insignificantly higher in 2015 compared to 2012.Our data can be used alongside other surveillance data to track HIV transmission in this specific context.Guided by the health impact assessment,the HIV prevention and control programme was readily adapted to the current setting through the identification of socioeconomic and environmental determinants of health.

Poultry gut health and beyond

Intestinal health is critically important for the digestion and absorption of nutrients and thus is a key factor in determining performance.Intestinal health issues are very common in high performing poultry lines due to the high feed intake,which puts pressure on the physiology of the digestive system.Excess nutrients which are not digested and absorbed in the small intestine may trigger dysbiosis,i.e.a shift in the microbiota composition in the intestinal tract.Dysbiosis as well as other stressors elicit an inflammatory response and loss of integrity of the tight junctions between the epithelial cells,leading to gut leakage.In this paper,key factors determining intestinal health and the most important nutritional tools which are available to support intestinal health are reviewed.

Relationship between Children’s Body Mass Index and Parents’ Obesity and Socioeconomic Status: A Multilevel Analysis Applied with Luxembourg Data

Obesity in children is a health crisis because the problem is increasing in most developed countries. This study measures the relationship between body mass index (BMI) of children aged 7 - 12 years residing in Luxembourg and the weight and socioeconomic status of their parents. The data used are from the 2007 Socio-Economic Panel Liewen zu L?tzebuerg/European Union-Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey, which covers a population of approximately 10,000 people. The study sample includes 775 children whose weight and height were recorded to calculate their BMI. The descriptive analysis with the socioeconomic distribution of the children’s BMI and the multilevel logistic regression of the probability to be in overweight or obese were performed. The mean BMI of children was 17.4 kg/m2 for boys and girls. The prevalence of overweight was 21.2% (including 3% who were obese). Weight status, educational level, physical activity, and eating habits of parents were associated with BMI in children. Furthermore, children of foreign nationality had 2.9 times more risk to be overweight or obese than other children of Luxembourg nationality (OR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.38 - 6.10). Children living in household with at least one parent who was obese were 6.51 times more likely to be in overweight or obese compared to those in household with both parents normal (OR = 6.51, 95%CI: 2.48 - 17.08). Overall, nationality and weight status of parents were the main determinants of children’s weight status. Promoting healthy diets and regular physical activity and educating parents on the consequences of overweight and obesity on children’s health in adulthood are effective strategies to control overweight and obesity.

Association between Malnutrition and Cognitive Impairment among Morocco’s Older Adults

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the malnutrition and risk of cognitive impairment among Morocco older adults. Materials and methods: A sample of 237 older adults aged above 60 years were recruited from three nursing homes belonging to three different cities, Rabat, Kenitra and Sidi Kacem City and from one health center in Sidi Kacem City. From them, 172 subjects (56.4% men) were included in our study for their completion. Cognitive functions were assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Nutritional status, depression and physical activity were assessed using respectively: MNA, GDS-15 and GPAQ. The binary logistic regression was performed where the cognitive function was taking as the dependent variable and all other outcomes as independent variables. Results: Our results showed that 69.8% of total simple were classed as having cognitive impairment while only 30.2% were normal. The binary logistic regression assessed showed that the malnutrition (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.34 - 6.85), gender (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.03 - 5.71) and low education (OR = 8.35, 95% CI: 1.32 - 52.83) were risk factors for cognitive impairment, when moderate level of physical activity (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06 - 0.54) was a protective factor compared to the limited level. Conclusions: Our study supported past literature that malnutrition and low level of physical activity were risk factors of cognitive impairment. These indicate that nutritional status monitoring and the practice of regular physical activities can prevent it from leading to Alzheimer’s disease.

Simultaneous Determination of Two Major Triterpenoid Saponins:Celosins Ⅰ and Ⅱ in Celosiae Semen by HPLC-ELSD

Objective To establish an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of celosin Ⅰ and celosin Ⅱ, two major triterpenoids in Celosia Semen and compare the contents of celosin Ⅰ and celosin Ⅱ from different habitats to screen the resources of elite germplasm for further applications. Methods A sensitive and simple high- performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light-scattering detector（HPLC-ELSD） method was developed for the first time for the simultaneous determination of celosin Ⅰ and celosin Ⅱ. Using this method, 21 batches of Celosiae Semen were determined from different habitats in China. Results There was an obvious difference in the contents of celosin Ⅰ and celosin Ⅱ among Celosiae Semen species from various habitats across China. The crude drug from Yongzhou, Hunan province, Zhuhai, Guangdong province, and Nanning, Guangxi province showed the highest contents of all habitats, while Anguo, Hebei province, Haidian, Beijing, and Zhengzhou, Henan province showed the lowest content. The results also showed that geographical location had a great influence on the contents of the two compounds. The batches from lower latitudes were higher in contents of celosin Ⅰ and celosin Ⅱ. Conclusion The sun light may be a key factor influencing the contents of the two saponins, indicating that the environment has a great impact on the quality of Celosiae Semen.

Effect of hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules in diabetic patients with deafness and toxicological assessment in rats

OBJECTIVE:Through experiment on animals and clinical trials to explore the safety and efficacy of hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules on diabetic patients with deafness.METHODS:Total 296 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus(NIDDM)were randomly divided into two groups.A treatment group of 164patients(208 ears)was treated with hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules based onTCM syndrome differentiation.A control group of 132 patients(184ears)was treated with glibenclamide and conventional drug treatment for deafness.The following were observed:hearing,fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2 h postprandial plasma glucose(2hPG),24 h urine glucose(24hUG),improvement of main symptoms,platelet function,and changes in superoxidedismutase(SOD)and lipid peroxide(LPO)levels.In animal studies,Kunming mice,weighing 18-22 g were used.Half of the mice were males and half were females.Wistar rats,weighing 80-120 g were used.Half of the rats were males and half were females.Male Wistar rats,weighing 200-220 g,were also used.Their acute and chronic toxicity was studied.RESULTS:The hearing improvement was 56.7%in the treatment group and 26.6%in the control group.FPG,2hPG,and 24hUG were improved significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.01,respectively)in the treatment group and 2hPG and 24hUG improved significantly in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.05).The improvement in 2hPG and 24hUG in the treatment group was significantly greater than that in the control group P<0.01).There was no significant difference in FPG between the two groups(P<0.05).Main symptoms in the treatment group were significantly more improved than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).In the treatment group,platelet adhesion and aggregation,SOD,and LPO were all significantly improved from before treatment(P<0.05,P<0.01).However,in the control group,except LOP(P<0.05),there were no significant differences from before treatment to after(P<0.05).In animal studies,no obvious acute or long-term toxicity was observed from capsule administration.CONCLUSION:Through experiment on animals and clinical trials,we can found that hypoglycemic anti-deafness capsules could decrease blood glucose and serum triglycerides of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.This herbal capsule is effective for safely treating diabetic patients with deafness.

An Inquiry into the Action of Acupuncture on the Human Body by Means of Pharmacology

The science of traditional acupuncture was the summary of the law of action of acupuncture made by our predecessors in their long term clinical practice, which plays a very important guiding role in clinic. In order to make the charm of this

Rapid assessment of knowledge,attitudes,practices,and risk perception related to the prevention and control of Ebola virus disease in three communities of Sierra Leone

Background:The recent outbreak of the Ebola virus disease(EVD)in Sierra Leone has been characterized by the World Health Organization as one of the most challenging EVD outbreaks to date.The first confirmed case in Sierra Leone was a young woman who was admitted to a government hospital in Kenema following a miscarriage on 24 May 2014.On 5 January 2015,intensified training for an EVD response project was initiated at the medical university of Sierra Leone in Jui.To understand the knowledge,attitudes,practices,and perceived risk of EVD among the public,especially after this training,a rapid assessment was conducted from 10 to 16 March 2015.Methods:Interviews were conducted with 466 participants based on questionnaires that were distributed from 10 to 16 March 2015 by cluster sampling in three adjacent communities,namely Jui,Grafton,and Kossoh Town,in the Western Area Rural District of Sierra Leone.Results:It was found that knowledge about EVD was comprehensive and high.Positive attitude towards prevention was found to be satisfactory.Nearly all participants knew the reporting phone number 117 and had reported some change in behavior since learning about Ebola.More than half(62%)of the participants had a history of travelling to urban areas,which increases the risk of infection.The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that community and occupation were variables associated with perceived risk of EVD.Conclusions:Our study showed that community level social mobilization and community engagement were an effective strategy in the special context.