bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Khảo sát hoạt tính kháng oxi hóa và kháng viêm in vitro của cao chiết phần trên mặt đất của cây rau ngổ (Enhydra Fluctuans Lour.)
Authors: Nguyễn Thị Bích Ngọc , Trần Chí Linh , Nguyễn Thị Hồng Hạnh
Published: June 2021

Ở Việt Nam, cây rau ngổ phân bổ rất phổ biến và được nhiều người xem như là một loại thức ăn dân dã. Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu là đánh giá hoạt tính kháng oxi hóa và kháng viêm in vitro, cũng như định tính sơ bộ thành phần hóa học của cao chiết phần trên mặ t đất cây rau ngổ. Hiệu quả kháng oxi hóa của cao ethanol xác định dựa trên khả năng trung hòa gốc tự do DPPH, ABTS•+; năng lự c khử (RP). Khả năng kháng viêm của cao chiết được khảo sát thông qua hoạt động ức chế sự biến tính protein. Kết quả cho thấy, phầ n trên mặ t đấ t cây rau ngổ có khả năng trung hòa gốc tự do DPPH, ABTS•+ và năng lự c khử RP tương ứng với giá trị IC50 lầ n lượ t là 53,36±0,68, 66,36±1,47 và 74,17±2,27 μg/mL. Bên cạ nh đó, cao ethanol của phần trên mặt đất cây rau ngổ có hoạt tính kháng viêm in vitro với giá trị IC50=66,19±3,10 μg/mL. Thành phần hóa học phầ n trên mặ t đấ t cây rau ngổ gồm alkaloid, ﬂ avonoid, steroid, tannin và glycoside. Hà m lượng ﬂ avonoid và polyphenol trong cao chiết phần trên mặt đất cây rau ngổ đã được xác định cho giá trị lần lượt là 16,73±1,37 mg GAE/g và 138,30±1,89 mg QE/g cao chiết. Riêng hợp chất saponin thì không phát hiện ở cây. Điều này cho thấy, phần trên mặt đất cây rau ngổ sẽ có nhiều tiềm năng ứng dụng trong lĩnh vực dược liệu về hợp chất kháng oxi hóa hỗ trợ điều trị các bệnh có nguyên nhân từ stress oxi hóa và viêm.
Enhancing Soil Fertility through Intercropping, Inoculation and Fertilizer
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Arshad , Hussain Nazir , Schmeisky Helge , Rasheed Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of intercropping grass (Panicummaximum) and legumes (Vicia sativa and cowpeas) alone or coupled with inoculation or fertilizer on soilfertility. The study comprised of two field experiments conducted under rain fed conditions for two years(June, 2005 to September, 2007) at National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan. In oneexperiment intercropping (33, 50 and 67%) of grass and legumes alone as well as coupled with seedinoculation were studied while, same set of treatments was combined with fertilizer application at the ratesof 25, 75 and 50 kg/ha (N, P2O5 and K2O) in the second experiment. Total soil N increased by 0.008% dueto symbiotic fixation in addition to plant uptake under best treatment when compared with grass alonewhile, soil organic matter increased by 0.19%. After crop harvest soil N content was determined to behigher in all the treatments of the experiment compared with growing grass alone. Legumes caused rhizobialN fixation that caused an increase in soil N. Similarly, intercropping and inoculation increased this soilcharacteristic that was found to be non-significant in the first crop but later on became significant, especiallywhen intercropping of grass with legumes after seed inoculation was investigated or fertilizer wassupplemented to the crops. Thus, not only grass used the symbiotically fixed N by companion legumesbut also enhanced the soil N content. The effect of fertilizer was not measurable statistically in case of soilorganic matter. This parameter, in general, was not affected significantly when assessed after first cropharvest. Nevertheless, legumes alone or intercropped within grass increased this important soil constituent.Inoculation proved further beneficial in this regard but combination of intercropping (especially 67%)either with seed inoculation or application of fertilizer was found as the best technique for increasing soilorganic matter.
Preparation of Sesame Flour Supplemented High Protein and Energy Food Bars
Authors: Abbas Sabiha , Sharif Mian Kamran , Shah Faiz-ul-Hassan , Ejaz Rebia
Published: June 2021

In this study, defatted sesame flour was mixed in different proportions (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%and given names as T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, respectively) with peanut flour and semolina to develop proteinenriched sesame bars. These bars were analysed for physicochemical properties. Water activity, texture,calorific value, mineral profile, microbial examination and sensory evaluation were done at ambienttemperature for 90 days. Results showed that water activity decreased from T0-T4 with mean values 0.6038-0.4308, respectively. Hardness decreased within treatments from T0-T4 with mean values ranges from966.86 to 211.48 g while, factorability increased from 70.41 to 100.33 mm. Calorific value was alsoincreased with maximum energy value found in T4 (5355.5Kcal/g) and minimum in T0 (3445.9Kcal/g).During storage, mold growth was increased from 3.2758CFU/g (T0) to 3.6008CFU/g (T4). Sensoryevaluation results showed that T2 gave overall best results having moisture content 4.5%, crude protein35.73%, crude fat 0.61%, crude fibre 2.14%, total ash 2.44% and nitrogen free extract (NFE) 46.04.
Comparative Efficacy of Some Quinolones and Doxycycline Against Chronic Infection of Brucella melitensis 16M in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Safi Mazen , Albalaa Bassam , Mahmoud Nermen Haj , Al-Mariri Ayman
Published: June 2021

This study was under taken to observe various treatment methods for brucellosis caused byBrucella melitensis. The effect of therapeutic regimens with ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and levofloxacinalone or in combination with doxycycline was assessed against B. melitensis chronic infection using200 mice. Doxycycline alone or in combination with ciprofloxacin was significantly found to reduce theinfection till 135 days post-infection (p<0.0001). Moreover, doxycycline was more effective than ciprofloxacinand ofloxacin 135 days post-infection (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). However, treatment withquinolone-doxycycline combinations revealed synergistic effects as they were able to reduce the spleniccell forming unit (CFU) from day 45 post-infection. Similarly, doxycycline treatment reduced the spleniccolony forming unit (CFU) from day 90 post-infection. In conclusion, doxycycline seems to be the mosteffective agent against Brucella chronic infection.
Biochemical Characterisation and Dietary Fibre Analysis of Sugar Beet Supplemented Cookies
Authors: Chughtai Muhammad Farhan Jahangir , Pasha Imran , Akhter Sabeen , Sameen Aysha , Manzoor Muhammad Sajid
Published: June 2021

This study was planned to utilize sugar beet powder as a rich source of dietary fibre in cookies.Purposely, five treatments namely T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 with 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% sugar beetpowder addition in wheat flour were chosen to estimate fibre, antioxidant profiling and engineeringproperties of cookies. Results showed an increased content of all above mentioned parameters. With theincrement in sugar beet powder addition in treatments, dietary fibre analysis have shown that total dietaryfibre (TDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and soluble dietary fibre (SDF) have depicted increasing trendwith maximum for T5 for all dietary fibre types. Significant results were obtained for in vitro antioxidantstudies including total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH that showed increasing trend with T1 0.6 mgGAE/g and maximum values for T5 with 2.0 mg GAE/g for TPC and for DPPH with T5 being maximumvalue of 1.7% and minimum for T1 with 1.3%. T5 treatment with 20% sugar beet gave best physicochemicalresults but disturbed sensory properties while T3 with 12% sugar beet powder showed good physicochemicaland sensory characteristics. Therefore, T3 with 12% level is considered as the best source of dietary fibrein bakery products and can be considered as the prospective choice to address metabolic syndromes.
A Comparison of Nutrient and Dietary Compositions of Cereals and Pulses Commonly Consumed in Pakistan
Authors: Yasmeen Ammara , Yaseen Tehseen , Faisal Muhammad , Nazir Saima , Usman Shumaila , Nasreen Zahida , Ali Sakhawat
Published: June 2021

The present study was taken to evaluate the proximate content and dietary fibre compositionof locally available cereal (wheat, maize, oat and barley) and the legumes (mash beans, lentils, mung beansand chickpea). In cereal samples, crude proteins in all cereals were found in the range of 8.75-10.93% butin legumes this range was significantly higher i.e. (19.91-22.06). Crude fibre analysis in cereal samplesshowed values between 1.89-10.6, but in legume samples it ranged between 2.64 to 4.41. Total dietaryfibre was higher in oat and barley 19.0 and 18.34, respectively, whereas total dietary fibre contents inselected legumes ranged between 18.00 (chick pea) to 24.93 (mung bean).
Grass Diversity in the Historical Kalash Valley, District Chitral, Hindukush Range, Pakistan
Authors: Hadi Fazal , Ibrar Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The present study was carried out to enlist the grass flora of Kalash valley, Pakistan theirecological characteristics and ethnobotanical uses. A total of 36 grass species belonging to 29 genera wereidentified. Poa was the dominant genus with 4 (11.11%) species followed by Avena, Bromus, Hordeumand Lolium represented by 2 (5.55%) species each. The remaining genera had one species each. Ecologicalcharacteristics revealed that 23 (63.89%) species were rarely occurring, 9 (25%) were common and 4(11.11%) species were abundantly occurring in the valley. Life form spectra showed that therophytes weredominant with 24 (66.67%) species followed by hemicryptophytes with 8 (22.22%) species, chamaephytes3 (8.33%) and geophytes had one (2.78%) species. Leaf size spectra revealed that 26 (72.22%) specieswere nanophylls, 4 (11.11%) were microphylls and 3 (8.33%) were mesophylls. 27 (75%) species weregrowing on dry places and 9 (25%) were growing on wet soils. Similarly, 33 (91.67%) were fodder species,3 (11.11%) were food species and 2 (5.55%) species were used for thatching purposes in the valley. Thepresent information will be useful for further ecological and biological researches on the grasses in thisdry temperate region of Pakistan.
Biochemical Evaluation of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) With Special Reference to Phenolic Acids
Authors: Jahangir Chughtai Muhammad Farhan , Pasha Imran , Shabbir Muhammad Asim , Haider Muhammad Adnan , Afzal Bahzad , Ahmad Shabbir , Manzoor Muhammad Sajid
Published: June 2021

In current study nutritional constituents of fenugreek seeds Trigonella foenum graecum andantioxidant potential was determined. Rheological aspects of fenugreek supplemented flour were evaluated.Total phenolic contents (TPC) were quantified by using spectrophotometer. TPC content was higher inethanol extract as compared to methanol extract, accounted for 9.11mg GAE/g, and 7.82mg GAE/g,respectively. High pressure liquid chromatography was used to analyze the individual phenolic acids.Chlorogenic acid was found in higher quantity accounted for 167. 9 mg/g and sinapic acid with lowestamount 8.6 mg/g. Composite flours with treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 of fenugreek seed powder with wheatflour were prepared and their rheological properties revealed the T4 with best and healthy results.Physicochemical and sensory analysis of cookies depicted that T1 was best as compared to rest of thetreatments.
Review Probable Ingredients for Trans Free Margarine with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Ajmal Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Batool Maryam , Khan Imran Taj
Published: June 2021

Margarine is widely used as table spread, in cooking and bakery products. Awareness of consumers regarding the intake of omega fatty acids has led the food industry to develop foods which are rich sources of omega fatty acids. Harmful effects of trans on the development of cardiovascular diseases have steered the researchers to find out wide range of trans free options, without compromising on functional and physical properties of fats. Nutritionists recommend margarine for the growing and school going babies, it is usually manufactured from the combination of hard and soft fats, followed by the addition of vitamins A, D and E. However, little is known regarding the supplementation of margarines with omega fatty acids of chia oil. This paper summarizes the physical and chemical characteristics of few ingredients that may be  used  in  the  formulation  of  trans  free  margarine  with  higher  magnitude  of  omega  fatty  acids.
Kinetics of Adsorptive Removal of Drimarene Brilliant Red from Aqueous Solution Using Untreated Agricultural Residues
Authors: Mehmood Ch. Tahir , Arshad Muhammad , Ashfaq Tayyab , Bilal Muhammad , Shafiq Muhammad , Hina Kiran
Published: June 2021

The potential of untreated banana and orange peels, and rice husk was tested for drimarenebrilliant red (DBR) dye removal from aqueous solution. Kinetics was also studied in a batch experiment.Dose of adsorbents varied from 6 to 12 g/L, particle sizes 0.2 and 0.8 mm and contact time 232 h. Highdose and small particle size favoured DBR removal efficiency significantly. The highest adsorption capacitywas shown by rice husk (10 mg/g), then orange peels (9 mg/g) and the lowest by banana peels (4 mg/g).Langmuir isotherm (R2=0.99) and pseudo-second order model (R2=0.99) depicted well the equilibriumand best explained the kinetics for rice husk, respectively. Initial adsorption appeared as pore diffusionin all the cases and film diffusion was controlling the rate, later on. Based upon the analytical data, a simplemodel has been presented that fitted best to describe rice husk adsorption kinetics.
Quantification of Cr(VI)-Thymoquinone Complex Using Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Kishwar Farah , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Perween Rubina , Anwar Anila , Akhtar Nasir
Published: June 2021

Quantitative studies of Cr(VI)- thymoquinone complex have been performed by cyclic voltammetry. For this purpose glassy carbon, platinum and saturated calomel electrodes were used as working, auxiliary and reference electrodes, respectively. The effects of concentrations and metal-ligand ratios on Cr(VI)- thymoquinone complex were investigated. Effect of concentration was found to follow Randles-Sevcik equation. Calibration curve method with linear regression line confirms that cyclic voltammetry can be used for quantification of Cr(VI)-thymoquinone complex for pharmaceutical assay. Complete complex formation seems to occur at metal ligand ratio 1:1. Results indicate quasi-reversible electron transfermechanism. E° and diffusion coefficient of complex at different concentrations and metal ligand ratios were also calculated and found to be 0.244±0.01 V and 3.45´10-5 cm2s-1, respectively. The values of transfer coefficients, a and b, were found to be 0.716±0.02-1.231±0.01 and 0.814±0.01-0.906±0.01, respectively.
Effect of Storage on Physicochemical Characteristics of Some Selected Vegetable Oils
Authors: Karim Zahida , Ikram Farhat , Karim Aneela , Khan Khalid Mohammed
Published: June 2021

The quality of fats and oils is analysed by several physical and chemical parameters that are dependent on the source of oil as well as processing and storage conditions. In the present study, refractive index, peroxide, saponification, and acid values of different branded and unbranded vegetable oils were determined. Storage stability of oil samples were investigated and fastest deterioration was observed when samples were exposed to day light. UV radiations also caused oxidative damage, as indicated by the increased peroxide values for the samples exposed to UV radiations for 0, 5 and 10 min, respectively. Direct sunlight and UV rays are particularly found responsible for the degradation of oil quality.
Drinking Water Quality in Urban Areas of Pakistan: A Case Study of Gujranwala City
Authors: Haydar Sajjad , Nadeem Obaidullah , Hussain Ghulam , Rashid Haroon , Majeed Rashid
Published: June 2021

A study was conducted to evaluate the drinking water quality of Gujranwala city. Samples were collected from 16 locations including: 4 tube wells, 4 overhead reservoirs (OHR) and 8 house connections. Twelve physicochemical and two bacteriological parameters were tested, before and after monsoon and compared with National Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). The results demonstrated that most of the physicochemical parameters, except lead, nickle and chromium were within NSDWQ before and after monsoon. Bacteriological and heavy metal contamination was found before and after the monsoon. Possible reasons of contamination are: no disinfection, old and leaking water pipes, poor drainage duringmonsoon and possible cross connections between water and sewerage lines. It is recommended to practice disinfection, laying of water and sewerage pipes on opposite sides of streets and periodic water quality monitoring.
Ambient Air Quality of Karachi City as Reflected by Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM10) Concentrations
Authors: Hashmi Durdana Rais , Shareef Akhtar
Published: June 2021

The present study examines the variation of ambient aerosol (PM10) concentrations in Karachi, city. Samples were collected from ten different locations, representative of urban background, residential, traffic and industrial areas from 2007 to 2011. At each location, PM10 was measured continuously from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm at local time. The maximum 10 h average particulate matter (PM10) mass concentrations were found at Tibet Centre (440.1mg/m3) and minimum at PCSIR Campus (21.7mg/m3) during 2008. A rising trend during 2008 may be due to the civil works for bridges and extension of roads at different locations in Karachi. The results also suggest that urban traffic and industrial areas appeared to have higher PM10 concentration than residential and background areas.
Effects of Crude Oil Inundated Soils on the Ecosystem  A Case Study
Authors: Onojake Mudiaga Chukunedum , Abrakasa Selegha
Published: June 2021

Crude oil inundated soils were collected from Agbada field after a recorded incidence of oil spillageto ascertain the effects of the oil spill on the soil status. Soil samples were collected from (0-30 cm) depths,using the grid sampling technique. Total petroleum hydrocarbon content (TPH) of the impacted soils rangedfrom 1.81541×103-4.8525040×103 mg/kg. The levels of total organic carbon (%TOC), pH, conductivity,sulphates, nitrates and phosphates were enhanced in impacted soil. The concentration of some trace metalssuch as Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Fe and V were also analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cd rangedfrom 0.2-0.38 mg/kg, Cu ranged from 4.20-5.20 mg/kg, Cr ranged from 18.40-44.40 mg/kg, Pb rangedfrom 1.20-30.40 mg/kg, Ni ranged from 2.40-2.70 mg/kg, Fe ranged from 17581.77-30273.25 mg/kg andV ranged 0.20-0.30 mg/kg. Most of the trace metals were highly enhanced in the impacted soil. Multivariatestatistical analysis was carried out on the dataset to unveil the variation and relationship among them.Results showed that the first three principal components with the eigen values greater than one (>1.0)represent 93.4% of the total variability, suggesting that three principal components effectively describethe disparity in the data set. It was concluded that soils impacted with high hydrocarbon content; ultimatelyaffect its physicochemical characteristics, which in turn impinge on the agricultural potentials of the soil.
Variability in Kernel Oil and Kernel Crude Protein Contents in Sudanese Fruit Accessions of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del.
Authors: Osman-Bashir Nour Ahmed , Elhussein Salah Ahmed-Ali
Published: June 2021

Balanites fruits (Balanites aegyptiaca) as a potential source of steroidal sapogenins, chemicalsin demand by the pharmaceutical industry was studied. This report focuses on two potential fruit productsother than sapogenins, namely, balanites kernel oil (BKO) and kernel total protein. The oil content ofbalanites kernels obtained from thirteen mature-fruit accessions collected from different parts of Sudanwas high, reaching a value above 40% of kernel dry weight in several accessions. Kernel total proteinaveraged 31.2%. Some physicochemical characteristics of the oil and of its component lecithin fractionwere determined. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in BKO, reaching 56.0% of total fatty acids.
Catalytic Reduction of Wood Kikar (Acacia albida) by Acetosolv and Organosolv Pulping with Organic acids
Authors: Shareef Akhtar , Tahir Mohammad , Bhutto Shahid , Khan Nisha
Published: June 2021

Kikar wood (Acacia albida) of particle size 0.315-1.00 mm was subjected to acetosolv andorganosolv pulping catalyzed by strong acid like HCl. The selective condition for pulping is 95%, 0.25%catalyst (HCl) solid/liquor ratio (S/L) 1:12.5 for 180 mins, for acetic acid, 80%, 0.2% catalyst (HCl), S/L1:12.5 for 120 min, for formic acid, 85%, 0.2% catalyst (HCl), S/L 1:12.5 for 180 min for propionic acid,giving residues impurities but the a-cellulose and klason lignin 58.5% and 24.1% in Kikar wood. Theoptimum delignification was achieved by the acetic acid as compared to other organic acids.
The Role of Yarn Counts and Polyester/Cotton Blends in Comfort of Knitted Fabric
Authors: Tusief Muhammad Qamar , Amin Nabeel , Mahmood Nasir , Ramzan Muhammad Babar , Saleem Hafiz Rehan
Published: June 2021

There have been three major concerns regarding the clothing comfort, psychological, sensorialand thermo-physiological comfort. However, there is lack of work on thermo-physiological comfort ofknitted fabric. Hence the present study is conducted to fulfill this gap by analyzing physiological comfortin sense of air permeability, absorbency, vertical wicking and drying time of plain knitted fabric. Clothingcomfort is mainly affected by type of fibres, yarn properties, structure of fabric, finishing treatments, andclothing conditions. In this study the effect of various yarn counts and polyester/cotton blend ratios on thecomfort of knitted fabric has been analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Itis depicted from the results that the selected variables put direct influences on the thermo-physiologicalcomfort of the knitted fabric. The increasing share of polyester in the blend and the fine count for yarnput negative impact on the comfort of the knitted fabric.
Heavy Metal Content of Refined and Bakery Salts Consumed in Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Abrar ul , Ali Sakhawat , Muhsen Salman , Rizwan Muhammad
Published: June 2021

This study involved the investigation of heavy metal contents of 100 refined and an equal numberof bakery refined table salt samples collected from the local markets of Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala,Pakistan. Levels of lead, copper, cadmium and iron were estimated using an atomic absorption spectro-photometer. The results indicated a mean ± SD in µg/g levels in the refined table salt samples for lead(0.85±0.22), copper (1.37±0.25), cadmium (0.41±32) and iron (7.72±2.1). For bakery refined table saltsvalues for same metals ranged 1.61±0.51, 2.07±1.2, 0.71±0.21 and 12.6±5.1, respectively. Obtained resultswere compared with the maximum limits recommendations for human consumption set by CodexAlimentarius Commission.
The association between relative leukocyte telomere length of prostate cancer patients at diagnosis with cancer prognostic parameters
Authors:   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Saengmearnuparp Thiraphat , Lojanapiwat Bannakij ,   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Published: June 2021

Objectives: In this study, relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was investigated as a prognostic marker to evaluate association of LTL at the time of diagnosis and prostate cancer-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, overall survival, with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, pertinent data from 81 patients were collected. Patients underwent prostate cancer (PCa) treatment procedures determined by staging and current recommendation. Blood samples from suspected PCa patients were obtained before the initiation of diagnosis and treatment. LTL was determined by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Relative LTL was compared to the main clinical outcome measures. Prostate cancer-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, overall survival and CRPC were calculated retrospectively, for a mean follow-up period of 30 months. Results: This analysis showed relative LTL was not associated with tumor stage, Gleason score, grade group, metabolic disease, or smoking. However, older age was significantly associated with short LTL (p < 0.001). All main outcomes were not associated with LTL. In contrast, a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) showed a CRPC association with relatively long LTL (p = 0.039). To our knowledge, these results are novel and give further strength to our hypothesis that relative LTL might be used as a prognostic marker in PCa especially in patients who will receive primary ADT. Conclusion: Aging was significantly associated with relatively short LTL. There was no significant association between LTL in PCa patients at diagnosis and cancer-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, or overall survival. However, patients who underwent ADT treatment alone showed CRPC associated with relatively long LTL.
Factors associated with urosepsis following percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors:   Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Loei Hospital, Loei, Thailand, Santanapipatkul Krit
Published: June 2021

Objective: To evaluate factors associated with urosepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: Seventy-six upper tract urinary calculi patients underwent PCNL at Loei Hospital between July 2014 to January 2019, all were enrolled onto the study. The following data were collected: demographics, type and size of stone, intraoperative data, pelvic urine culture and urosepsis complications after the procedure. Association of factors with urosepsis after PNCL were identified using a binary logistic regression model with a bootstrap estimation. Results: Urosepsis complications occurred in 7 patients (9.2%). Mean (SD) of age was 54.4 (10.3) years. Of all patients, 2% with staghorn stone and 22% positive urine culture. Multivariable analysis indicated that staghorn stone (a OR =6.75; 95%CI: 1.59-28.63, p=0.01) and positive pelvic urine culture (a OR =7.51; 95%CI: 1.35-41.77, p=0.02) were associated with urosepsis after PCNL. Conclusion: There was no mortality after PCNL in this study. Staghorn stone and positive pelvic urine culture may be associated with an increased risk of urosepsis complication.
Educação e pobreza: uma construção histórico-social
Authors: De Oliveira Gomes Joanderson
Published: June 2021

O presente artigo trata-se de um recorte do Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso de Especialização em Educação e Políticas Públicas intitulado “Construção histórico-social da pobreza: a escola e sua função social” e tem como finalidade compreender a relação entre educação e pobreza a partir da escola. Para tanto, analisou-se parte da literatura que trata da construção histórico-social da pobreza, assim como também se observou a relação entre pobreza e educação com base em artigos, livros, teses e dissertações que tratam da temática. Discutiu-se, portanto, a função social da escola com a propositura de uma educação emancipatória e transformadora da realidade, uma vez que persiste a existência da pobreza em nosso país, com efeitos diretos na vida de cada sujeito. A pobreza existe e não podemos ignorá-la, assim, é importante refletir sobre a escola que temos e os cidadãos que formamos, a fim de desnaturalizar a problemática e miminizar as desigualdades sociais. Além disso, o momento de escrita deste trabalho converge com o cenário pandêmico ocasionado pela Covid-19, que tem submetido as comunidades às condições de extrema vulnerabilidade social, econômica e de saúde pública. Por fim, a educação é o caminho para a formação do pensamento crítico e o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas que consideram a realidade local.
Quantum simulator design and exploration with open source matrix product state codes
Authors: Carr Lincoln
Published: June 2021

On the way to universal quantum computing, quantum simulators, specialized quantum computers built on a wide variety of experimental architectures, have already been a huge success and are fulfilling Feynman's original 1982 vision of quantum computing. Each such simulator, of which there are over 300 worldwide presently, requires a dedicated experimental platform and costs on the order of several million dollars to build. Such experiments have many interacting parts often requiring a complex rearrangement and months of work in order to perform a specified quantum computation. A widely accessible and easy to use software tool to shortcut design considerations for quantum simulator experimentalists is much needed. We have created such a tool, OpenMPS, downloaded over 4,500 times to date. Our open source software package, a Python wrapper with a Fortran core, is centered around 1D matrix product state (MPS) and matrix product density operator (MPDO) methods, for both closed and open quantum systems, which any experimentalist can download and easily use locally to design and benchmark their quantum simulator architecture of choice. The software elements include (i) prebuilt generalized Ising, Hubbard, and other quantum many-body models, (ii) different time propagation methods for short and long-range interactions, and (iii) supplemental exact diagonalization and quantum trajectory methods. In this talk, I present the capabilities of this code and a range of applications from my own group including exploring new complexity tools for quantum states taken from neuroscience; finding Kibble-Zurek exponents to predict defect formation in quantum quenches with long-range interactions and complex phase diagrams in more advanced Hamiltonians; discovering new features in entangled non-equilibrium quantum dynamics which establish quantum many-body chaos as a separate and open field from classical and quantum chaos; and discovering new regimes of macroscopic quantum tunneling escape with a half-life based on quantum fluctuations. This survey of research outcomes will demonstrate the wide capabilities and potential of OpenMPS in quantum simulator applications.
THE USE OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING AND PEER ASSESSMENT TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILL FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
Authors: Endah Widyastuti Dwi
Published: June 2021

Project Based Learning is a learning method to encourage knowledge building through collaborative learning and usually integrated with real world concerns. Peer Assessment is an effective way to may help learners reflect on their own project work and improve their speaking skill. In addition the peer-assessment is useful as guidance for the students’ projects. This research aimed to find out the impact of project based learning and peer assessment learning to improve students’speaking skill and the benefits of PBL and Peer Assessment. This research was conducted at the seventh grade of SMPN 2 Babelan-Bekasi, from 12 September until 10 October 2017. It involved only one class is the students of VII.1 in SMPN 2 Babelan-Bekasi. This class consists of 30 students with 17 females and 13 males. This  research was a  classroom action research that consist of three cycles. Each cycles has four steps, they are; planning, acting, observing and reflecting. The researcher answered the research questions by using four instruments such as observation, interview, test and questionnaire. The results of this research revealed that first, PBL and Peer Assessment could improve students` speaking skill. Second, talked a lot, they were participating each other, it motivated them to speak more, to be an enthusiasm and to be independent learner. Besides, the number of errors in speaking components was significantly decreased after they were  encouraged to assess by peer. Based on the theories and previous studies, it can be concluded that there were positive effects; the peer assessment which apply in Project Based Learning (PBL) has positive in teaching speaking. Peer assessment helped the students in speaking English and peer corrective about their performance, so it built their motivation in developing of speaking skill.
Comportamento de genótipos de mandioca quanto à podridão seca das raízes
Authors: Bonfim Jr. Mauro Ferreira , Zaia Jeferson Thiago , Moreto Alexsander Luís , Pola Augusto Carlos , Nunes Eduardo da Costa , Peruch Luiz Augusto Martins
Published: June 2021

RESUMO - A podridão seca das raízes é uma das doenças mais destrutivas da mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) podendo ocasionar perdas de produção de 30% à 100%. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar cultivares e clones avançados provenientes do programa de melhoramento genético de mandioca da EPAGRI, quanto à resistência à podridão seca causada por Fusarium solani. Uma suspensão de esporos de isolados de F. solani foi inoculada sobre discos de raízes de 21 genótipos de mandioca na concentração de 1,5 x 107 conídios.mL-1 em quatro experimentos. A severidade da doença foi avaliada por meio da porcentagem da área afetada pelo fungo. As manivas dos genótipos mais promissores nos testes de resistência foram selecionadas para testes com F. solani em casa de vegetação. O genótipo Luna foi o mais resistente dentre os avaliados e apresentou elevados valores de massa fresca de parte aérea e de raízes, tendo potencial para ser utilizado em áreas infestadas por F. solani e/ou como progenitor no melhoramento da cultura. Também os genótipos SC12-5035 e SC 12-5029 apresentaram potencial para uso em programas de manejo integrado da doença.
Análise econômica de dois sistemas de produção de leite no meio oeste catarinense
Authors: Zulpo Alisson Perin , Carvalho Thiago Bernardino de
Published: June 2021

O estudo avaliou a viabilidade econômica de dois sistemas, comparando-os entre si: o sistema compost barn (CB) e o sistema a base de pastos (BP), por meio de simulação, considerando uma superfície agrícola útil idêntica. Os dados foram coletados em Lindóia do Sul (SC), entre setembro de 2018 a maio de 2019, em oito propriedades. Os indicadores elencados na análise foram: valor presente líquido (VPL), taxa interna de retorno (TIR), pay-back e preço de nivelamento (PN). O sistema CB apresentou VPL de - R$ 1.391.486,68, e TIR inconclusiva, enquanto o sistema BP gerou um VPL de R$ 599.516,04, com TIR de 26,8%. A principal variável para essa discrepância foi o preço do litro do leite, em razão de seu significativo impacto no VPL. Concluiu-se que o sistema CB não apresenta viabilidade econômica para o cenário econômico considerado, ao passo que o sistema BP possui menor risco de investimento e demonstra viabilidade mesmo em cenários econômicos depreciados.
Formas alternativas de processamento e comercialização de moluscos bivalves
Authors: Tribuzi Giustino , Ventura de Souza Robson , Matarazzo Suplicy Felipe , Fernando Diniz Petcov Henrry
Published: June 2021

As formas de apresentação final para comercialização dos moluscos produzidos pelas indústrias de Santa Catarina (SC) são bastante limitadas: ostras são usualmente vendidas vivas com as conchas, resfriadas e mantidas em caixas de isopor com gelo; mexilhões são vendidos cozidos e desconchados, resfriados ou congelados e acondicionados em sacos plásticos. O objetivo deste artigo é expor motivos que justificam a busca por técnicas alternativas de processamento e apresentação de moluscos e apresentar soluções tecnológicas para o beneficiamento dos moluscos utilizadas em outros países. As técnicas abordadas são: atmosfera modificada, congelamento individual rápido, pasteurização em temperaturas moderadas, alta pressão hidrostática, cozimento sous-vide, marinação, entre outras.
Levantamento da produção de morangos no Oeste catarinense
Authors: Marchi Thiago , Ferri Dirceu Júnior , Scholz Caroline Möller , Soccol Jeferson João
Published: June 2021

O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar um levantamento de dados sobre a produção de morangos na região Oeste Catarinense, que possibilite o planejamento de ações de assistência técnica no cultivo e de desenvolvimento da cadeia produtiva. O levantamento foi realizado no ano de 2019, através da aplicação de um questionário aos extensionistas da Epagri. Os dados pesquisados foram o número de produtores por munícipio, sistema de cultivo, número de plantas por produtor e as cultivares plantadas. Os resultados demonstram que existem 74 produtores de morango distribuídos em 81% dos municípios da região. O principal sistema de produção adotado é o semi-hidropônico em bancadas elevadas que se encontra presente em 66% das propriedades. Dos 74 produtores, 84% produzem no sistema convencional. Em relação ao número de plantas cultivadas, 50% possuem menos de 2500 plantas e 74% menos de 5000 plantas. Os cultivares predominantes são San Andreas e Albion.
Getting information across the acute medicine and primary care interface – steps in the right direction
Authors:   Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Department of Acute Medicine, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Lasserson Daniel
Published: June 2021

In the acute care pathway, patients often need to move from home to hospital and for the majority, back again. This movement across care interfaces ensures that assessments and interventions are delivered to reduce risk of harm and enhance recovery. However, information needs to move across interfaces too, which enables the clinician taking over care to understand the problem, what has been done and what remains to be done. This is as important for the journey into hospital as it is for the journey home again and is highlighted in the forthcoming NICE guidance on Emergency and Acute Medical Care.
Is the AIM curriculum, for higher specialty training, fit for purpose? – response
Authors:   Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, University of Nottingham UK, Cooper Nicola
Published: June 2021

Sir I read the article, ‘Is the AIM curriculum, for higher specialty training, fit for purpose’ with interest. However, I disagree with the author on a number of points. First, a curriculum is ‘everything that happens in relation to an educational programme’, not a document setting out intentions and expectations.
Shaping the future of Acute Medical training
Authors:   Acute Internal Medicine, London Deanery, Lander Mark
Published: June 2021

Sir, I read with interest the Viewpoint article by Dr Chadwick regarding the future of Acute Internal Medicine (AIM) training, particularly the development of Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) and their potential to promote a greater identity within the specialty training. Dr Chadwick highlights the struggle we face in asserting why our specialty is so vibrant and vital. In my experience, Acute Internal Medicine training suffers from an identity crisis whereby the specialty is seen as being permanently on call, with trainees working more shifts as the Duty Medical Registrar (DMR) than on other specialty training programs, without the variability of outpatient and skill-based training. Indeed, the recent Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) statement regarding quality criteria for GIM/AIM Registrars appears to regard the role of the AIM registrar as that of the DMR rather than a specialist in their own field.
Times are A-Changin’: self-poisoning and ICU admissions in the northern part of the Netherlands
Authors:   Emergency Department, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands, Dobbe Anique , G Zijlstra Jan ,   Department of Critical Care, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands, ter Maaten Jan C ,   Emergency Department, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands, Ligtenberg Jack JM ,   Emergency Department, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
Published: June 2021

Introduction: We noticed that fewer patients with self-poisoning were transferred from the ED to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) than previously. To objectify this, we evaluated ED and ICU admissions in two time periods. Methods: The number of admissions was collected during 1994-1998 and 2010-2014. As a sample survey, full records of patients with an intoxication from January 2010 till December 2010 were studied. Results: From 2010-2014 26 patients/year were admitted from the ED to the ICU; from 1994-1998 51 patients/year (p=0.0001). In 2010, 270 patients presented to our ED; 31 were admitted to the ICU; 1 patient died. Time spent in the ED was 236 min for patients who went home, 290 min for patients who went to a nursing ward and 185 minutes for patients transferred to the ICU. Conclusion: We found indeed fewer ICU admissions in recent years. Changing work routines – a longer observation period in the ED, causing a workload shift from the ICU to the ED, more than changing patient or drug characteristics, may be the cause for this development.
Unscheduled return visits by patients to a german emergency department are a high risk group for initial wrong diagnosis
Authors:   mergency Department University hospital of Jena Am Klinikum, Ludwig Felix , Behringer Wilhelm ,   Emergency Department University hospital of Jena Am Klinikum 1 07747 Jena, Herdtle Steffen ,   Emergency Department University hospital of Jena Am Klinikum, Hohenstein Christian ,   Emergency Medicine Emergency Department University hospital of Jena Am Klinikum 1 07747 Jena
Published: June 2021

The aim was to classify patients who returned unscheduled to an emergency department within 7 days. We categorized the patients’ cases arbitrarily according to the underlying cause of the return. The main causes for returning unscheduled were: “patient related” (24,2%), “illness related” (35,4%), “physician related” (18,3%), “system related” (3,8%) and “other” (21,7%). We also analyzed missed diagnoses, as the literature describes this special patient population as a high risk group. 15,4% of all return cases had a wrong diagnosis. No typical risk constellation/symptom could be found. Vital signs or blood values were within normal limits as well.
Thyroid storm and myxoedema: two reversible causes of acute heart failure
Authors:   Department of Cardiology, Vila Franca de Xira Hospital, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal, Neiva Joana , Fernandes Gonçalo ,   Department of Intensive Medicine, Unidade de Saúde Local de Matosinhos, Matosinhos, Portugal, Carvalho Daniela ,   Department of Intensive Medicine, Unidade de Saúde Local de Matosinhos, Matosinhos, Portugal, Ferreira Bruno ,   Department of Cardiology, Vila Franca de Xira Hospital, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal, Duarte Rita ,   Department of Cardiology, Vila Franca de Xira Hospital, Vila Franca de Xira, Portuga, Araújo Rui ,   Department of Intensive Medicine, Unidade de Saúde Local de Matosinhos, Matosinhos, Portugal
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular signs and symptoms can prevail in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Case 1: 30-year-old female with acute right heart failure as first manifestation of Graves’ disease. It illustrates some of its cardiovascular complications, particularly pulmonary hypertension, tricuspid regurgitation, atrial fibrillation, mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation. Case 2: 83-year-old-man with a severe primary hypothyroidism/ myxoedema crisis presented to emergency department with extreme bradyarrhythmia with hemodynamic impact and heart failure signs, which led to implantation of definitive pacemaker. Thyroid disorders are treatable entities and most cardiovascular changes are reversible. Early diagnosis is mandatory and can avoid severe complications and, eventually, invasive therapeutics interventions. Pulmonary hypertension and acute heart failure, especially in young adults, should be screened for underlying hyperthyroidism.
The Last Laugh – Reversible myeloneuropathy induced by chronic nitrous oxide use
Authors:   University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, Friedlander Gemma , Davies Thomas ,   University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU
Published: June 2021

A previously fit and well 19 year old male presents with a progressive ataxic – sensory neuropathy worsening over 2 – 3 weeks. History and investigations revealed extensive recreational use of nitrous oxide resulting in functional B12 deficiency and consequent subacute combined degeneration of the cord. Abstinence and B12 supplementation resulted in a rapid and full neurological recovery. This case report highlights the importance of considering nitrous oxide abuse in the differential diagnosis of atypical neurological symptoms and signs, and emphasizes the possibility of good clinical outcomes with treatment.
Risk prediction in acute medical care: the potassium story
Authors:   University of Southern Denmark, Fløjstrup M , Brabrand Mikkel ,   Department of Emergency Medicine Odense University Hospital
Published: June 2021

The increased demand for secondary healthcare services has led to overflow in emergency departments and acute medical units throughout the world. And, as all patients therefore cannot be seen at once, most departments have introduced triage by experienced nurses at arrival. Triage is meant to predict time to be seen by a qualified healthcare professional and not – necessarily – to predict outcome.
An overview of lower limb cellulitis in an acute medical ward-a few lessons we can learn
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital Singapore, Tan Si Hua Mabel , Tay Tian En Jason ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Teo Pek Siang Edmund ,   Health Services Research Unit Singapore General Hospital, Fook-Chong Stephanie ,   Health Services Research Unit Singapore General Hospital, Oh Choon Chiat ,   Department of Dermatology, Singapore General Hospital, Balakrishnan Tharmmambal ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital
Published: June 2021

Lower limb cellulitis is a common cause for hospital admissions. In this retrospective study, we assessed the characteristics and outcome of patients admitted in an acute medical unit. The mean duration of treatment was 10.48 days, with 95.5% receiving antibiotics for more than 5 days. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 5.19 days. 12-month readmission rate was higher in patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and previous stroke. Diabetes, CKD, previous stroke, and elevated procalcitonin levels were independently associated with prolonged admission (>3 days).
The Source of the Problem
Authors:   Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Moffitt Peter , Williamson Adam ,   Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Stenhouse Peter ,   Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
Published: June 2021

58-year-old lady presented to the Emergency Department with a two-day history of shortness of breath and confusion, on a background of one week’s history of general malaise, vomiting, fevers and chills. Her past medical history was unremarkable except for a large, benign goitre. Systemic enquiry revealed no symptoms to suggest a focus of infection.
Acute Internal Medicine Trainee Survey 2017
Authors:   University College Hospital, Euston Rd, Fitzrovia, London, NW1 2BU, Khan Tehmeena , Patel Neil ,   Society for Acute Medicine
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Survey to ascertain views of Acute Internal Medicine trainees regarding their training programme. Methods: Online survey circulated to higher specialty trainees (HSTs) via the Society of Acute Medicine (SAM), Training programme Directors (TPDs) and social media platforms. Results: A total of 57 trainees participated in the survey; 43.86% trainees are either ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with their training, 10.53% are ‘quite unhappy’ with their training. Trainees enjoy the variety of workload and the variety of specialist exposure. Discussion: The number of trainees who responded to this years survey was significantly lower than the previous two years. Perhaps this is because trainees feel that there is a lack of change/improvement over time and hence do not feel the need to participate in such a survey.