The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.

Building the Capacity of Health Professionals in Monitoring and Evaluation in a Public Health Institution: Experience of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire

Background: In the context of the fight against HIV, a lack of skills in monitoring and evaluating the personnel in charge of activities has been identified at the national level. It was the subject of a priority axis of the national plan for monitoring and evaluating the fight against HIV (2006-2010) that was aimed at strengthening the capacities of actors in this area. To increase the critical mass of competent human resources in the short term, the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) of Côte d’Ivoire organized monitoring and evaluation training sessions for healthcare professionals from 2011 to 2016. Methods: A single case study with multiple levels of analysis was carried out, combining a qualitative survey and a literature review. An evaluation was carried out six months after each training session. In addition, the results of the pre- and post-tests and of the daily and final evaluations that accompanied the various training sessions were used to provide further information. The qualitative data collected were analyzed using INVIVO 15 software. Results: Some 89 health professionals (69% men and 31% women) working at the national level (51% at the central level, including 58% in health programs) and in development partner agencies (37%) participated in this capacity building program. Most participants were senior health managers (56%), data managers (23%), and statisticians and computer scientists (10%). Almost all the trainings were financed by 16 technical and financial partners (85%), mainly the MEASURE Evaluation project (27%). Conclusion: M&E training, despite all its imperfections, has made it possible to identify M&E training needs at the national level and to increase the critical mass of national skills and to have some culture in M&E.

Risk Factors for Neonatal Mortality at the Institute of Nutrition and Child Health of the Donka/Guinea-Conakry National Hospital

Introduction: The birth of a baby is a moment of joy and celebration. However, the neonatal period is a very delicate phase of life. Neonatal mortality rates remain high in low-income countries. In Guinea, after 20 years, this rate has fallen from 34.2% in 1998 to 32% in 2018. Objective: To identify the main risk factors for neonatal mortality. Methods: This was an observational, analytical case-control study, lasting 6 months from January 1 to June 30, 2019, conducted at the Institut de Nutrition et de la Santé de l’Enfant (INSE) at Donka National Hospital. Results: We collected 242 cases and 242 controls, i.e. a total of 484 records. 748 patients were registered, with 32.35% deaths. 82.86% of deaths occurred in the early neonatal period. Statistical analysis revealed the main risk factors: prematurity (RQ 7.39 95% CI 3.27 - 16.61 p = 0.0000003), hypothermia (RQ 2.29 95% CI 1.51 - 3.46 p = 0.0001), acute fetal distress (RQ 2.13 95% CI 1.33 - 3.43 p = 0.0016), low birth weight (QR 1.91 95% CI 1.12 - 3.24 p = 0.016), home birth (QR 3.26 95% CI 1.25 - 8.46 p = 0.015). Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is a health problem in the INSE neonatology department. To reduce the mortality rate in this referral facility, it is essential to equip it and provide ongoing training for staff.

In memory of Dr. Azar Andami, an eminent researcher and scholar at the Pasteur Institute of Iran

This paper focuses on the remarkable contributions and achievements of Dr.Azar Andami(1926–1984),a renowned physician and specialist at the Pasteur Institute of Iran.Dr.Andami conducted extensive research on infectious diseases,particularly cholera,utilizing her knowledge in medicine,bacteriology,and laboratory sciences.She played a crucial role in the mass production of the cholera vaccine at the Pasteur Institute of Iran and in controlling the spread of communicable diseases both locally and globally.This paper aims to highlight her remarkable works and accomplishments.

Jump further,leap higher,and consolidate stronger:A brief review of the long-term partnership between Kunming Institute of Zoology(KIZ)and the Chinese University of Hong Kong(CUHK)in bioresources and molecular research

The molecular etiologies of many prevalent diseases stem from genetic variations that arise during evolution and natural selection,as well as from environmental effects.The study of genetic diversity in human populations and analysis of molecular evolution in primates and other animal species can provide important insights regarding the pathogenesis of common diseases in both human and animal populations.

Construction and Quality Assurance of Outstanding Applied Horticultural Talent Training Curriculum System under the Background of New Agricultural Science:A Case Study of Huaiyin Institute of Technology

Huaiyin Institute of Technology is taken as the research object.The content of horticulture curriculum system under the background of new agricultural science is constructed and elaborated,including theoretical curriculum system of"three platforms and seven curriculum groups"and practice system of"two platforms,three levels and four modules".Moreover,the quality assurance strategy of the curriculum system is discussed from three angles of enhancing professional emotion,enhancing professional practice and strengthening innovation ability,to reach the training objective of outstanding applied horticultural talents under the background of new agricultural science.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection in Patients at Pasteur Institute of Dakar in Senegal from 2016 to 2020: Prevalence and Seroprotection Level

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly endemic in Senegal. Vaccination of all children against HBV was introduced in 1999 and included in Expanded Programme on Immunisation in 2005. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and immune status against HBV in patients received at Pasteur Institut in Dakar, Senegal. Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2020, patients aged between 1 and 96 years received laboratory were included in the study. Serum samples were analysed for HBV serology (HBs antigen: HBsAg, HBs antibody: HBsAb and HBc antibody: HBcAb) using ARCHITECT? analyser. Patients with anti-HBs antibody levels (HBsAb ≥ 10 IU/l) were considered seroprotected against HBV. Results: A total of 5629 patients were analysed with a mean age of 39 years and extremes from 1 to 96 years. The most represented age group was 31 - 45 years with 38.4%. HBsAg was present in 520 patients (9.2%) and was signed by sex and age group. Anti-HBc antibodies were found in 52.7% of patients and 1603 (28.48%) had isolated anti-HBs antibodies reflecting proportion of people vaccinated at the time of the study. However, 2143 patients (41.9%) had no seroprotection (HBsAb 10 IU/L) and 640 (12.6%) had strong seroprotection defined as HBsAb > 1000 IU/L. Conclusion: Our results show a significant presence of virus in Senegalese population and low vaccination coverage, especially in adults. Evaluation of HBsAb levels and provision of HBV booster shots should be considered for children in Senegal.

High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy: Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Prognostic Aspects at the Maternity Unit of the Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar (Senegal)

Objectives: To specify the epidemiological and clinical profile of the patients, to determine the methods of management and to evaluate the maternal and perinatal prognosis in the association of arterial hypertension and pregnancy (HTA) at the Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study on the management of the association of hypertension and pregnancy in the maternity ward of the Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar between January 1st, 2019 and on December 31st, 2020. Results: During the study period, we recorded 326 cases of hypertension associated with pregnancy among the 4290 pregnant women, i.e. a frequency of 7.6%. The epidemiological profile of the patients was that of a woman with an average age of 29, nulliparous (48.2%), married (99.1%), at a low socioeconomic level (61.3%) and with a personal history preeclampsia (14.4%). Most patients (83.1%) were evacuated or referred with pre-ec- lampsia as the main reason (40.8%). The average gestational age was 37 weeks of amenorrhea (SA) with extremes of 20 SA 6 days and 41 SA 5 days. Term pregnancies were the most represented (76.7%). Prenatal follow-up (CPN) was carried out in 319 patients (97.8%) with an average number of CPN of 3 and extremes of 1 and 9. Severe diastolic and severe systolic hypertension concerned respectively 19.3% and 16, 9% of patients. One hundred and eighty patients (55.2%) presented with oliguria. Strip albuminuria was performed in 235 patients (72.1%). It found 3 or more crosses in 38.3% of cases. We recorded 53 cases of anemia (16.3%), 16 cases of significant proteinuria (5%), hepatic cytolysis in 22 patients (6.7%), thrombocytopenia in 37 patients (11.3%), and 43 cases of hyperuricaemia (13.2%). Obstetric ultrasound found 36 cases of severe oligohydramnios (11%), 8 twin pregnancies (2.4%) and an umbilical Doppler anomaly in 10 patients (3.1%). Pre-eclampsia was the most common clinical form (70.5%), followed by chronic hypertension (15.1%) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (14.4%). In our study, 32 patients (9.8%) had received resuscitation. The most used anti-hypertensives were alpha methyl-dopa (46.1%) and nicardipine (24.5%). The obstetrical treatment consisted of uterine evacuation which was most often done by caesarean section (63.1%). Maternal complications were dominated by retroplacental hematoma (16.3%) followed by eclampsia (7.4%) and HELLP syndrome (6.7%). We have not recorded any maternal deaths. Prematurity (19.3%) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (16.3%) were the most common perinatal complications. Severe and moderate neonatal asphyxia concerned respectively 14.8% and 14.4% of newborns. The birth weight was on average 2400 grams with extremes of 400 and 4500 grams. Low birth weight accounted for 49.5% of the sample. One hundred and twelve newborns (34.4%) were referred to neonatology most often for neonatal asphyxia (29.2%). We recorded 37 fetal deaths in utero (11.3%) and 10 neonatal deaths (3.1%), representing a perinatal mortality of 168.5 per 1000 live births. During the postnatal follow-up, we noted a normalization of the blood pressure figures in 98.8% of the patients. Contraception was instituted in 150 patients (46.1%). These were most often progestogen implants (32.2%) or intrauterine device (IUD) (11.7%). The choice of delivery route was significantly associated with the clinical form. Indeed, caesarean section was more frequent in case of preeclampsia compared to pregnancy-induced hypertension (p = 0.03). Maternal and perinatal complications such as HELLP syndrome (86.4%), PRH (64.2%), eclampsia (79.2%) and UFID (23.6%) were more frequent in cases severe preeclampsia (p = 0.028, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The association of hypertension and pregnancy is frequent in our practice. Its prognosis is marked by the risk of prematurity, IUGR and maternal complications.

Experimentation of a Forced Convection Solar Dryer for Drying Sweet Potatoes at the Higher Institute of Technology of Mamou-Guinea

This study was carried out at the Mamou Higher Institute of Technology during the period from March 10 to April 15, 2022, with the aim of designing and testing a solar dryer with forced convection by drying potatoes. The dryer was designed using local materials. Its main geometric parameters are: 1) height of the drying chamber (90 cm), 2) length of the drying chamber (50 cm), 3) width of the drying chamber (43 cm), 4) surface of the racks (0.1806 m2), 5) surface of the heat accumulator (0.2537 m2). The experiment focused on the vacuum test of the dryer for two days and that of the drying of the sweet potato for three days from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The average vacuum test temperature values of the three environments are respectively accumulator (43°C), dryer chamber (41°C) and ambient environment (34°C). Four kilograms (4 kg) of boiled sweet potato were dried. The average temperatures in the accumulator and in the drying chamber during the three days of drying are respectively 33°C and 39°C. The final mass of the dried product is 1.2 kg, with a quantity of water extracted of 2 liters or 63% of the initial mass of the product. The average drying rate is 0.074 kg/h. The drying kinetics showed a decreasing rate in the absence of the heating period and the constant rate period.

Macroscopic Congenital Malformations at the Institute of Nutrition and Child Health (INSE)

Introduction: A congenital malformation is defined as a morphological abnormality of an organ or body region resulting from an abnormal developmental process during the formation of the embryo or fetus. Depending on their type, location and size, malformations can cause functional, psychological and aesthetic defects. The aim of this study is to document the frequency of congenital malformations, describe the characteristics of malformed newborns and their biological mothers, and identify the different types of malformations presented by newborns at the INSE. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of clinically visible malformed newborns. It was carried out from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022 at the INSE neonatology unit. Epi info version 3.1 software was used for data entry and analysis. Results: Of a total of 2332 neonates hospitalized during the study period, 81 (3.5%) cases had at least one clinically visible congenital malformation. Nearly 84% had an age ≤ 7 days at the time of admission. The male sex was most concerned (60.5%). Newborns referred by a health facility accounted for 84%. Malformations of the digestive system accounted for 30.9% of cases, followed by those of the limbs (19.8%) and poly malformative syndrome (19.8%). Conclusion: This study shows that congenital malformations exist and are frequent in Guinea. Our results could therefore be the starting point for the future establishment of a national register of congenital malformations.

Diversity and Abundance of Amenity Trees in the Premises of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA),Ibadan,Nigeria

Amenity trees are an essential element of most urban communities,contributing significantly to human well-being and improving environmental quality.Good knowledge of the diversity and abundance of trees in our environment and their importance can help promote conservation,which is essential for sustainability.This study aimed at assessing the diversity and abundance of amenity trees on the premises of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA),Ibadan Nigeria.The institute was divided into working and residential areas.The trees in the study area were identified using a walking and windshield survey.A total population of 2626 trees from 126 species and 42 families were identified on the premises of IITA.The highest tree population of 523 trees was recorded in the Tropical Crescent residential area with 321 trees of Lagerstroemia speciosa being the most frequent species.Across working and residential areas,Elaeis guineensis was the most frequent species accounting for 19.92%of the total tree population.A Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index(H’)of 3.383 and species evenness of 0.43 was obtained from the study area.The high values of diversity indices obtained indicate that IITA premises are rich in diverse tree species both indigenous and exotic hence should be referenced as a good urban landscape.The current management practices can be recommended for other institutions.

Research on the Practice and Development of Teaching Evaluation in Private Colleges and Universities:Taking Xi’an Mingde Institute of Technology as an Example

With the government’s strong support and investment in higher education,private colleges and universities have become an important part of higher education.Teaching evaluation is an important means of monitoring the quality of teaching in colleges and universities and a crucial way to improve teaching quality.This article takes Xi’an Mingde Institute of Technology as an example to explore the practice and development of teaching evaluation in private colleges and universities.

Evaluation of Radon Concentration and the Health Risk in the Offices of the Institute of Science and Technology of the “École Normale Supérieure”, Burkina Faso

The second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking is radon gas. Thus, the determination of indoor radon concentrations in residential buildings and workplaces is an important public health concern. The purpose of this research was to measure the concentration of radon gas in the offices of the Institute of Science and Technology and to evaluate the effective dose in the lungs and the risk of cancer. This study used Corentium’s AIR THINGS digital radon detector to determine the radon concentration in sixteen (16) offices. The digital radon detector air Things of Corentium was placed in each office for a minimum period of one week and the concentration values were recorded every 24 hours. The values recorded in each office were the short-term average and the long-term average during seven days of measurement. The short-term radon concentrations vary between 5.286 Bq/m3 and 192.714 Bq/m3 with an average of 48.01 Bq/m3 and those in the long-term were between 6.143 Bq/m3 and 172.571 Bq/m3 with an average of 52.46 Bq/m3. The measurements in office N°6 and 13 were above the lower limit of 100 Bq/m3 proposed by the WHO. The short-term and long-term effective doses in the lungs for offices N°6 and 13 were above the “normal” background level of 1.1 mSv/year proposed by UNSCEAR-2000. The short-term effective dose in the lungs for office N°6 was above the lower limit of 3 mSv per the ICRP-23 recommendation. The average number of lung cancer cases per year per million people was 15.

On the 2002 U. S. Mid-Term Election Zhang Yanyu and Wang Wenfeng are both assistant research professors at the Division for American Studies in China Institute of Contemporary International Relations

The first mid-term election of the U. S. in the new century took place on November 5, 2002. One third of the senators from the 107th Congress (34 out of 100), all representatives (435), 36 state governors, and numerous local officials and legislators were to be elected or reelected. The resounding victory of the GOP in the congressional elections and the fact that the Democrats only got three more.

Kunming Institute of Precious Metals

Situated in Kunming,Yunnan Province,the institute is a scientific research organiza-tion with a history of fifty years.It is nowaffiliated with the China National NonferrousMetals Industry Corporation.At the beginning of the nineteen sixties,the institute commenced research workin the field of precious metals.It has sincethen developed and extended greatly,andits activities now cover various fields ofprecious metals science and technology,including the comprehensive utilization

Institute of Materials Science at Jilin University——A Brief Overview

The Institute of Materials Science atJilin University(IMSJU),located inChangchun,north east of China,is a majorresearch center in Jilin University which isone of the key universities in China.Its mainactivity is research and development in thefield of materials science and technology,especially concerning the advanced

Luoyang Institute of Refractories Research Ministry of Metallurgical Industry

The Luoyang Institute of Refracto-ries Research(LIRR) under the Ministry ofMetallurgical Industry was founded in1964 and is a center for research and de-velopment on refractories science and te-chnology in People’ s Republic of China. Itis located in Luoyang on the southernbank of the Yellow River in Henan Provin-ce in Central China. The institute has atotal staff of about 700 members, includ-ing 350 scientific and technical person-nel with 57 senior engineers. The founderand first director of the institute wasProfessor ZHONG Xiangchong (H. S. Chong)who had worked at the United Steel Co.,Research and Development Department inSheffield and received his Ph. D. degree atLeeds University, England in 1949. He hand-ed over his directorship at the end of1984 and is now adviser and chief scien-

Discovery and Research of High Tc Superconductor in the Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica

1. Introduction The discovery of possible high T;super-conductivity at 35K in La-Ba-Cu-O systemsparked an intense study on the new classof cupric oxides by a few laboratoriesincluding the joint research group of highT;superconductivity in the Institute ofPhysics, Academia Sinica. A few monthslater we not only confirmed the

Brief Outline of the Metallurgy Department of Kunming Institute of Technology

The metallurgy department of Kunm-ing Institute of Technology,with its empha-sis on nonferrous metallurgy,is one of themajor academic and technical centres underthe China National Nonferrous Metals In-dustry Corporation(CNNC).The province of Yunnan,of whichKunming is the capital city,is very rich withresources of nonferrous metals,such as

The Role and the Function of Japan Institute of Sports Sciences and National Training Center in Japan

Gold Medals in Summer Qlympics Measures A 1) Program to develop junior athletes to top level 2) National Training Center 3) National Coach Academy B 1) Sports medicine and sciences(JISS) 2) Anti-doping 3) To hold international