Temporal dynamics of shallow subtidal meiobenthos from a beach in Tenerife (Canary Islands, northeast Atlantic Ocean)

A shallow subtidal （3 m deep） meiofaunal assemblage in Los Abrigos Bay, Tenerife, Canary Islands was sam- pled during May 2000-April 2001. The main aims were to （1） find temporal variations in meiofaunal assem- blage structure and overall abundance, as well as in the most abundant meiofaunal species throughout the study period, and （2） identify environmental variables （sedimentary composition, organic matter content, and total nitrogen） that better explain meiofaunal assemblage structure during the study year. The most abundant species were the nematodes Siphonolaimus sp. 2 and Catanema sp., which represented 46.2% of the overall meiofaunal abundances and varied significantly throughout the study duration. Overall meio- faunal abundance and the most abundant taxonomic groups （nematodes, copepods, and oligochaetes） showed significant temporal variations during the study period. Nematodes overwhelmingly dominated during the study period, ranging from 78% in May to 97.34% in February. Multivariate analyses showed seasonality in meiofaunal community structure during the study year, with the lowest abundances in May. Keywords： Meiofauna, assemblage structure, subtidal, Canary Islands, Atlantic Ocean

Macrofaunal communities of threatened subtidal maёrl seabeds on Tenerife (Canary Islands, north-east Atlantic Ocean) in summer

This study contributes with the first data on physical and taxonomical structure of macrofaunal assemblages of maerl beds from the Canary Islands. Maerl beds and Cymodocea nodosa meadows of the Canary Islands are considered biodiversity hot-spots in terms of taxonomic and functional biodiversity with a broad geographical and depth ranges. The authors have studied the structure of the macrofaunal assemblages on different habitat types （Cymodocea, Caulerpa, sabellid field, garden eel and maerl beds）. Samples were taken at a range of depths between 14 and 46 m. Correlations were performed among abiotic variables （granulometry, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphates） and the most abundant taxa. Similarity analysis was performed to explore the patchiness of seabeds at a local scale. Significant differences were found in macrofaunal assemblages among seabed types, with highest abundances and lowest biodiversity in sabellid fields, where the sabellid Bispira viola dominated. The polychaetes Aponuphis bilineata and Chone filicauda and the mollusc Turritella brochii were the most abundant taxa on maerl beds. The mosaic of granulometric conditions would explain the associated macroinfaunal community structure and contribute to the creation of diversity on these relatively well preserved seabeds at a local scale.

Soil and Phytosociological Characterisation of Grasslands in the Western Mediterranean

A study was made of grasslands in olive groves with a high frequency of Hordeum leporinum Link, Chrysanthemum coronarium L., Malva neglecta Wallr., Aegilops geniculata Roth and Dasypyrum villosum (L.) Borbas, initially included in the alliance Hordeion leporini Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl., Gajewski, Wraber & Walas 1936 corr. O. Bolós 1962, and sub-alliance Malvenion neglectae Gutte 1966. The study was carried out in the western Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Portugal and northern Morocco). The soil and phytosociological treatment of the samples contributes information for new plant communities. In the study of plant communities, the indices of degree of presence are adapted to those of Van der Maarel. The new alliance Securigero securidacae-Dasypyrion villosi is proposed for the sub-Mediterranean and Euro-Siberian territories, with the new communities Securigero securidacae-Dasypyretum villosi and Convolvulo elegantissimi-Aegilopetum geniculatae. This last community, due to its richness in Aegilops geniculata Roth, could be included in the alliance Taeniathero-Aegilopion geniculatae Rivas-Martínez & Izco 1977;however, the soil and statistical analyses reveal that it should remain part of the alliance Securigero securidacae-Dasypyrion villosi. The soil and floristic study of Hordeion leporini and Malvenion neglectae allows us to describe the new sub-alliance Resedo albae-Chrysanthemenion coronarii, subordinated to Malvion neglectae (Gutte 1966) status novo.

Using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures to gain insight into mechanisms responsible for the neuroprotective effects of meloxicam: a role for gamma aminobutyric and endoplasmic reticulum stress

This perspective aims to put into context the recent article by Landucci et al.(2018)on mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effects of meloxicam on an organotypic hippocampal slice cultures(OHSCs)model.In vitro cell cultures are the main method for studying large quantities of homogeneous cells in an isolated environment.Thus,the use of primary dissociated neuron,astrocyte,oligodendrocyte,microglia,or endothelial cell cultures has become a standard

Food Hygiene and Safety Practices amongst Food Vendors in the Western Area, Sierra Leone

Food safety and hygiene practices require a multisectoral approach including food, water, sanitation, waste management, transport, education, trade, policies and programs that enable safe food preparation, storage and service. Unsafe food can cause illness keeping people from achieving their full potential and death. This was a descriptive study that uses a mixed method approach to derive insights into the characteristics of food vendors related to demography, knowledge, practices, infrastructure, compliance and recommendation for a policymaking framework. Using the Lemeshows’ sample size formula, 473 vendors from formal (restaurants) and informal (cookri-baffa/table top) sites were interviewed and observed. We found from discussions that respondents had a good understanding on how to keep food safe. However, observed practices were poor 93% handled food with their bare hands, 83% did not cover their hair, and 76% did not wear an apron whilst handling, preparing or serving food, 61% did not keep their finger nails clean or short and 57% did not wash their hand before preparing or serving food. Over half (51%) had access to a toilet but 32% reported their use required payment and emphasized their poor condition/inadequate management. Nearly half (47%) of the vending sites did not have a handwashing facility, with soap and water available. Only 7% reported having any authority oversight of food safety. Food safety and hygiene practices in most cookri shops and restaurants was ‘poor’ with very limited surveillance system in place by competent authorities for compliance of food operators. Hand washing, clean surroundings, and covered food were the most common and emphasized practices to mitigate the risks associated with unsafe food.

The influence of reflections from the train body and the ground on the sound radiation from a railway rail

Purpose – The vibration of the rails is a significant source of railway rolling noise, often forming the dominantcomponent of noise in the important frequency region between 400 and 2000 Hz. The purpose of the paper is toinvestigate the influence of the ground profile and the presence of the train body on the sound radiation fromthe rail.Design/methodology/approach – Two-dimensional boundary element calculations are used, in which therail vibration is the source. The ground profile and various different shapes of train body are introduced in themodel, and results are observed in terms of sound power and sound pressure. Comparisons are also made withvibro-acoustic measurements performed with and without a train present.Findings – The sound radiated by the rail in the absence of the train body is strongly attenuated by shieldingdue to the ballast shoulder. When the train body is present, the sound from the vertical rail motion is reflectedback down toward the track where it is partly absorbed by the ballast. Nevertheless, the sound pressure at thetrackside is increased by typically 0–5 dB. For the lateral vibration of the rail, the effects are much smaller. Oncethe sound power is known, the sound pressure with the train present can be approximated reasonably well withsimple line source directivities.Originality/value – Numerical models used to predict the sound radiation from railway rails have generallyneglected the influence of the ground profile and reflections from the underside of the train body on the soundpower and directivity of the rail. These effects are studied in a systematic way including comparisons with measurements.

基于SDGs与乡村振兴战略的农业数字化建设——以福建省泉州市安溪县为例

在新一轮科技革命和产业变革的背景下,如何进行农业现代化,实现农业的可持续发展,已经成为中国式现代化发展中面临的问题的重要问题。2020年年底,联合国“数字千村”倡议启动,旨在通过数字化增加量产,助力SDGs实现。在一定程度上,“数字千村”与乡村振兴战略具有此呼彼应的潜在联系。数字农业作为一种新业态,对农业现代化具有重要意义。文章将乡村振兴与SDGs相结合,阐述数字农业的基本内涵、特征及其作用,并以福建省泉州市安溪县为例展开研究。结果表明,以数字农业为突破口,通过构建完善的农业产业链,打造农业的现代化经营与生产体系,可以有效推动数字化乡村建设,为乡村振兴提供强大动力,同时助力SDGs实现。

热带杂交水稻组合SL-8H

SL-8H是菲律宾西领农业技术公司(SL Agritech Corporation)用三系不育系粤泰A与恢复系9311配组育成的热带杂交水稻组合,具有产量高、米质较优、熟期适宜、适合热带栽培等特点,2004年通过菲律宾国家审定。介绍了其选育过程、特征特性及栽培和制种技术要点。

Numerical modelling of resonance mechanisms in jointed rocks using transfer functions

Resonance effects in parallel jointed rocks subject to stress waves are investigated using transfer functions,derived from signals generated through numerical modelling.Resonance is important for a range of engineering situations as it identifies the frequency of waves which will be favourably transmitted.Two different numerical methods are used for this study,adopting the finite difference method and the combined discrete element-finite difference method.The numerical models are validated by replicating results from previous studies.The two methods are found to behave similarly and show the same resonance effects;one operating at low frequency and the other operating at relatively high frequency.These resonance effects are interpreted in terms of simple physical systems and analytical equations are derived to predict the resonant frequencies of complex rock masses.Low frequency resonance is shown to be generated by a system synonymous with masses between springs,described as spring resonance,with an equal number of resonant frequencies as the number of blocks.High frequency resonance is generated through superposition of multiple reflected waves developing standing waves within intact blocks,described as superposition resonance.While resonance through superposition has previously been identified,resonance based on masses between springs has not been previously identified in jointed rocks.The findings of this study have implications for future analysis of multiple jointed rock masses,showing that a wave travelling through such materials can induce other modes of propagation of waves,i.e.spring resonance.

Fundamentals,recent developments and prospects of lithium and non-lithium electrochemical rechargeable battery systems

The present and future energy requirements of mankind can be fulfilled with sustained research and development efforts by global scientists.The purpose of this review paper is to provide an overview of the fundamentals,recent advancements on Lithium and non-Lithium electrochemical rechargeable battery systems,and their future prospects.The initial part of this review paper is dedicated to the advancement and challenges faced by the conventional rechargeable batteries,such as lead-acid,Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries.The subsequent section of this review focuses on an in-depth analysis of two major categories of rechargeable batteries,namely lithium-based rechargeable battery systems and alternative non-Lithium rechargeable battery systems.The working principle,construction,and a few important research progress on Li-ion,Li-O_(2),Li-CO_(2) and Li-S batteries have been highlighted.The recent progress and challenges of the alternate batteries such as Na-ion,Na-S,Mg-ion,K-ion,Al-ion,Al-air,Zn-ion and Zn-air are also discussed in this review.The large gap between theoretical and practical electrochemical values for the alternate battery system must be filled by adopting a series of design architectures followed by modern instrumentation for developing next-generation batteries in a sustainable and efficient way.

Neuroprotective effects of meloxicam on transient brain ischemia in rats:the two faces of anti-inflammatory treatments

The inflammato ry response plays an important role in neuroprotection and regeneration after ischemic insult.The use of non-ste roidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been a matter of debate as to whether they have beneficial or detrimental effects.In this context,the effects of the anti-inflammatory agent meloxicam have been scarcely documented after stro ke,but its ability to inhibit both cyclooxygenase isoforms(1 and 2) could be a promising strategy to modulate postischemic inflammation.This study analyzed the effect of meloxicam in a transient focal cerebral ischemia model in rats,measuring its neuroprotective effect after 48 hours and 7 days of reperfusion and the effects of the treatment on the glial scar and regenerative events such as the generation of new progenitors in the subventricular zone and axonal sprouting at the edge of the damaged area.We show that meloxicam’s neuroprotective effects remained after 7 days of reperfusion even if its administration was restricted to the two first days after ischemia.Moreover,meloxicam treatment modulated glial scar reactivity,which matched with an increase in axonal sprouting.However,this treatment decreased the formation of neuronal progenitor cells.This study discusses the dual role of anti-inflammatory treatments after stro ke and encourages the careful analysis of both the neuroprotective and the regenerative effects in preclinical studies.

Reviewing perovskite oxide sites influence on electrocatalytic reactions for high energy density devices

Batteries,fuel cells,and supercapacitors are electrochemical devices already on the market and still need a boost in kinetics to match the high energy density demand of applications.Perovskites have attracted the scientific community's attention in the last decade due to their electrocatalytic activity,chemical and structural properties,tunability,low cost,and scalability.Efforts have been made to understand the active sites and the operational mechanisms in perovskite oxides to shape them as an electrocatalyst in advanced energy devices.Understanding the role of perovskites is the key to engineering more controlled and efficient electrocatalysts via chemical synthesis,and there is still much to do.This review highlights the use of perovskites in different energy storage and conversion systems.The A,B,and A&B doping-site effects are analyzed to understand the opportunities and challenges related to this class of materials.In addition,the synthesis methods and the properties related to the doping site are described and summarized.

Environment and Awareness Influencing Food Safety in the Western Area, Sierra Leone

Food safety, nutrition, health and wellbeing are inextricably linked. This study investigated the environmental, awareness and practices amongst both food vendors and consumers in and around Freetown the capital of Sierra Leone. The population of the area has vastly out-grown the infrastructure laid down before and since independence. De-centralization of authority to local councils as recommended post-war has only been partial. The role of local versus central government in the planning and maintenance of water, sanitation and market-infrastructure and related policies was explored. This is a qualitative study that used semi-structured interviews with vendors, consumers and 29 key informants. Amongst an estimated population of 5386 actors in food services a sample size of 309 vendors, consumers in and around the 12 busiest market hubs in Western Area Urban and Rural Districts were sampled. Most of the respondents described “food safety” as “good-to-eat, well taken care-off, and free from germs”. The respondents cited that main causes to unsafe food are poor hygienic practices: 38%, contamination by flies: 28%, uncovered food/ improper handling/poor personal hygiene: 21%, and environmental factors, such as improper refuse disposal: 11%. Respondents expressed that consuming unsafe foods can lead to diarrhoea: 34%, food poisoning: 24%, vomiting: 17%, stomach ache/pain: 16%, or typhoid: 9%. Various measures to improve food safety were cited as hand washing: 60%, cleaning surroundings: 57%, covering food: 56%, washing utensils: 52%, covering hair: 42% and using a face mask: 32%. However almost 76% of food vendors interviewed were trading near gutters, where muddy/dirty water settled, with slippery floors, discarded plastic waste, flies and inadequate water, sanitation, and/or storage facilities. None of the food vendors had had any formal training on food safety. Despite progress recently made in solid and liquid waste management during the “Transform Freetown” agenda much more improvement in infrastructure and behaviour change is required. Similarly, despite improvements in formal market facilities the pattern of informal street trading remains the most prevalent especially for the poor. The link between “safe food” and good health was only partially understood, whilst the widespread application of recommended practices to reduce risks was lacking due in part to inadequate infrastructure. As the importance of food safety becomes better understood by administrators and the public the investments required in infrastructure and social and behavioural change will contribute towards a healthier environment and outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device for chronic low back pain:A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation and non-specific low back pain are common conditions that seriously affect patients’health-related quality of life(HRQoL).Although empirical evidence has demonstrated that novel Thermobalancing therapy and Dr Allen’s Device can relieve chronic low back pain,there have been no randomised controlled trials for these indications.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of Dr Allen’s Device in lumbar disc herniation(LDH)and non-specific low back pain(NSLBP).METHODS A randomised clinical trial was conducted investigating 55 patients with chronic low back pain due to LDH(n=28)or NSLBP(n=27),out of which 15 were randomly assigned to the control group and 40 were assigned to the treatment group.The intervention was treatment with Dr Allen’s Device for 3 mo.Changes in HRQoL were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Questionnaire.RESULTS Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device showed a significant reduction in pain in the treatment group(P<0.001),with no recorded adverse effects.Both pain assessment scales showed a significant improvement in patients’perception of pain indicating improvement in HRQoL.CONCLUSION The out-of-hospital use of Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device for Low Back Treatment relieves chronic low back pain significantly and without adverse effects,improves the level of activity and HRQoL among patients with LDH and NSLBP.This study demonstrates the importance of this safe first-line therapy that can be used for effective at-home management of chronic low back pain.

Risks Factors Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy at the National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) at the National University Hospital Center-Hubert Koutoukou MAGA (CNHU-HKM). Patients and method: this was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. It was carried out over a three-month period from July 10 to October 10, 2019. It concerned all patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and who consulted in the Endocrinology department during the study period. Results: the frequency of diabetic retinopathy was 30.46% (53/174 patients). A female predominance was observed with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.57. The main modifiable risk factors were represented by occupation and those that were not modifiable were represented by the presence of old nephropathy, glycated hemoglobin, age of discovery of diabetes and its length of service. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. The frequency of DR remains high in our study.

拘禁球囊技术在冠状动脉分叉病变中应用的临床疗效观察

目的总结拘禁球囊技术治疗冠状动脉分叉病变的经验,并分析其安全性和疗效。方法选择2014年6月至2016年4月在南京医科大学附属南京医院行冠状动脉造影证实为真性分叉病变的患者50例,按随机数字表法分为两组:拘禁导丝组(25例)和拘禁球囊组(25例),比较两组患者分支夹层或闭塞发生率、置入支架数量、手术时间和造影剂用量等,并对主要不良心血管事件(MACE)、病变血管再狭窄情况进行随访,对其有效性和安全性进行评价。结果拘禁导丝组4例发生分支闭塞或夹层,共置入5枚支架,拘禁球囊组1例发生分支夹层,置入1枚支架,且拘禁导丝组的手术时间和造影剂用量均明显高于拘禁球囊组,差异有统计学意义[(84.5±13.4)min比(53.2±9.8)min,t=2.84,P=0.009;(135.3±12.5)ml比(106.8±11.7)ml,t=8.33,P=0.001]。术后1年,复查冠状动脉造影并行冠状动脉造影定量分析检查,两组主支和边支血管管腔丢失差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05)。随访期间,拘禁球囊组有1例患者因心力衰竭发作入院,拘禁导丝组有1例患者因心绞痛再发入院,并行靶血管血运重建治疗,余无其他MACE事件。结论拘禁球囊技术是一种治疗冠状动脉分叉病变的有效方法,与传统保护导丝比较,拘禁球囊技术能够有效防止重要分支闭塞,且手术时间和曝光时间短、造影剂用量少,是一种安全、可行的方法。

动脉硬化患者动静脉内瘘术不同血管吻合方法的临床效果比较

目的探讨动脉硬化患者动静脉内瘘术不同血管吻合方法的临床效果。方法选取2009年1月至2016年11月在河北省唐山市第二医院因终末期肾病需行动静脉内瘘术维持长期血液透析的存在动脉硬化的患者130例。根据临床状况进而实施的吻合方式不同分为显微镜下间断缝合组(100例)和显微镜下连续缝合组(30例)。所选择动脉血管管腔≥1. 5 mm,静脉直径≥2.0 mm,采用显微镜下间断吻合或连续吻合方式对头静脉-桡动脉行端-侧吻合。术后均随访24个月,分别观察早期血栓形成(3周内)、迟发性血栓形成、吻合口狭窄、窃血综合征等并发症发生情况以及术后2年通畅率。结果随访24个月,2组间术后早期血栓、迟发性血栓、盗血综合征发生率差异无统计学意义(均P>0. 05)。显微镜下间断吻合组术后吻合口狭窄的发生率低于显微镜下连续吻合组[5.0%(5/100)比60.0%(18/30)],差异有统计学意义(P <0. 05)。术后2年显微镜下间断吻合组患者动静脉内瘘通畅率明显高于显微镜下连续吻合组[95. 0%(95/100)比40. 0%(12/30)],差异有统计学意义(P <0. 05)。结论动脉硬化患者行动静脉内瘘术,选择直径≥1. 5 mm的动脉,直径≥2. 0 mm的静脉血管,在显微镜下间断吻合通畅率优于连续吻合,显微镜下间断吻合是自体动-静脉内瘘吻合较好的选择。

中国古代家风建设之道及其现代价值

家庭是社会的细胞,是培育社会主义建设者与创新人才的重要场所和基本阵地。中国古代家风是中华优秀传统文化的一部分,是中华民族的文化血脉,是中华民族的精神家园。在中国古代家风建设当中,积极践行和倡导的孝悌为本的忠孝之道、诚信做人的为人之道、勤俭节约的治家之道、崇德向善的修身之道、砥砺志向的教子之道、公正廉洁的为官之道、谨言慎行的处世之道等,是中国古代家风建设的基本内容和要求。这些优秀的中华民族家风传统,对当今家庭教育子女、纠正家庭教育中的一些偏差和失误,建设和谐家庭、和谐社会有着重要的借鉴意义。

将Sclerostin的中文名词统一为硬骨抑素的建议

2019年4月9日安进/UCB公司宣布美国食品药品监督管理局(Food and Drug Adminisration,FDA)批准Sclerostin单克隆抗体Evenity (Romosozumab)上市,用于治疗绝经后女性伴高骨折风险的骨质疏松症。Evenity成为全球首个获批上市的抗Sclerostin单克隆抗体药物,既能促进骨形成,又能减少骨吸收。该药的上市将对未来骨质疏松症的治疗模式带来深远影响。

全肺静脉异位引流患者术后早期体温变化对心功能的影响

目的探讨全肺静脉异位引流（TAPVC）患者术后早期体温变化对心功能的影响。方法回顾性分析2011年6月至2014年10月于首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院行TAPVC手术矫治的153例患者的临床资料。分析患者术后24 h内体温变化情况，比较不同体温患者心功能情况包括各时点中心静脉压水平、左心房压力及其他心功能情况。结果患者术后6、12、18、24 h体温均高于术后即刻体温，术后6 h达到高峰，之后呈现下降趋势。术后24 h内，有62例（40.5%）出现发热（术后直肠温度≥38.0 ℃），作为发热组；有91例（59.5%）术后直肠温度＜38.0 ℃，作为非发热组。发热组术后即刻、6、12、18、24 h中心静脉压水平与非发热组比较,差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。2组内术后即刻、6、12、18、24 h中心静脉压水平比较，差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。发热组术后即刻、6、12、18、24 h左心房压力高于非发热组［（13±4）mmHg（1 mmHg=0.133 kPa）比（10±4）mmHg、（12±4）mmHg比（10±4）mmHg、（11±4）mmHg比（10±3）mmHg、（12±5）mmHg比（10±4）mmHg、（12±4）mmHg比（10±4）mmHg］，差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）；2组内术后即刻、6、12、18、24 h左心房压力比较，差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。发热组术前和术后左心室内径高于非发热组［18.5（15.2，22.0）mm比16.0（13.3，19.0）mm、21.0（18.8，26.0）mm比19.0（18.0，23.5）mm］，差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。发热组房间隔缺损直径与非发热组比较，差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论TAPVC患者术后24 h体温呈升高趋势，高体温不影响患者的中心静脉压水平，但会提高左心房压力，易使左心室内径增大，对左心功能产生不良影响。