ABSTRACT
BackgroundMonitoring the time-varying reproduction number (Rt) of the disease is useful in determining whether there is sustained transmission in a population. In this study, we examined Rt of COVID-19 and compared its transmissibility between different intervention periods in Hangzhou and Shenzhen. MethodsDaily aggregated counts of confirmed imported and local cases between January 1, 2020 and March 13, 2020 were analysed. A likelihood function was constructed to estimate Rt, accounting for imported cases. ResultsAlthough Hangzhou had fewer number of cases than Shenzhen, Shenzhen had higher proportion of imported cases than Hangzhou (83% vs 29%). Since the epidemic of COVID-19 in Shenzhen was dominated by imported cases, Rt was kept below unity through time. On the contrary, Rt was greater than unity in Hangzhou from 16 January to 7 February due to the surge in local cases. Credits to the Wuhan lockdown and outbreak response measures following the local lockdown, Rt decreased steadily and dropped below unity in mid-February. ConclusionThe lockdown measures and local outbreak responses helped reduce the potential of local transmission in Hangzhou and Shenzhen. Meanwhile, cities with similar epidemic trend could have different transmission dynamics given the variation in imported cases.
ABSTRACT
We monitored the transmissibility of 2019 novel coronavirus disease in Zhejiang accounting the transmissions from imported cases. Even though Zhejiang is one of the worst-affected provinces, an interruption of disease transmission (i.e. instantaneous reproduction numbers <1) was observed in early/mid-February after an early social-distancing response to the outbreak.
ABSTRACT
As an oral antidiabetic drugs,metformin has been widely used to treat various diseases such as gestational diabetes mellitus,polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity in pregnant women.Current literature suggests that intrauterine metformin exposure has no significant impact on perinatal outcomes of the offspring,such as neonatal hypoglycemia,neonatal respiratory distress syndrome,premature delivery and others.However,considering the possible transfer of metformin across the placental barrier,intrauterine metformin exposure may potentially influence the development of placenta and the fetus,cell metabolism,and hormone levels.According to the "Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases" theory,the long-term effect of intrauterine metformin exposure on the growth,metabolism,reproductive function and neuropsychological development of offspring reviewed here still need continuous attention.
ABSTRACT
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is an convenient, effective, and safe technique,and is especially useful for the nutritional support of patients who are unable to befedorally. PEG should be carefully arranged based on indications, ethical criteria, and contraindications. Early PEG can remarkably improve the quality of life.