Search

Context: Novel optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties with broad compositional range, non-toxic nature and structural stability make halide-based double perovskites fascinating for flexible optoelectronic devices. In this work, the structural electronic, optical and transport properties of Rb 2 TlSbX 6 (X = Cl, Br, I) were studied using density functional theory for optoelectronic devices. The elastic analysis demonstrates ductile nature, mechanical stability, anisotropic behaviour and feasibility for flexible optoelectronic devices. The band structure study using Tran-Blaha-modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential shows that all studied materials have direct bandgap. In addition, the bandgap of Rb 2 TlSbCl 6 is more appropriate for optoelectronic devices. The small loss and maximum absorption in visible regions make these materials prime candidates for optoelectronic devices. The transport features indicate that all the studied double perovskites reflect p-type semiconducting behaviour as highlighted by positive Seebeck coefficient values. Furthermore, the high power factor values of Rb 2 TlSbX 6 (X = Cl, Br, I) double perovskites make them suitable for thermoelectric device applications at high temperatures. Based on electronic optical and thermoelectric properties Rb 2 TlSbCl 6 is the best candidate for flexible optoelectronic devices., Methods: In this paper, structural optimization of Rb 2 TlSbX 6 (X = Cl, Br, I) double perovskites was conducted utilizing the Wien2k software based on first principle calculations with Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof's generalized-gradient approximation (PBE-sol approximation). The TB-mBJ potential was employed to compute the accurate band gap of studied materials. The thermoelectric properties are evaluated with BoltzTraP code, showing a predominance of P-type charge carriers in all studied perovskites. This methodological strategy verifies the material's remarkable stability and optical properties and offers a solid framework for examining its potential in optoelectronic devices., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of smoke-water obtained from biotics, for example coconut shells, rice husk, and pine cones on banana ripening, and compared with calcium carbide. Bio-chemical composition and remarkable bactericidal effect towards ATCC cultures of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus discovered the biological safety of the smoke-water in all collected smoke-water samples. Further, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was carried out to investigate heavy metals; however, no traces were found in all collected samples. Consequently, it is proposed that heavy metal-free smoke-water obtained from various biotics series might be employed as ultrasafe fruit ripening as compared to calcium carbide (CaC 2 ) that was found with heavy metal traces., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Arts-and-humanities-based interventions are commonly implemented in medical education to promote well-being and mitigate the risk of burnout. However, mechanisms for achieving these effects remain uncertain within graduate medical education. The emerging field of the positive humanities offers a lens to examine whether and how arts-based interventions support well-being in internal medicine interns., Aim: Through program evaluation of this visual art workshop, we used a positive humanities framework to elucidate potential mechanisms by which arts-based curricula support well-being in internal medicine interns., Setting: We launched the re-FRAME workshop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in winter 2020., Participants: Fifty-six PGY-1 trainees from one internal medicine residency program., Program Description: The 3-h re-FRAME workshop consisted of an introductory session on emotional processing followed by two previously described arts-based interventions., Program Evaluation: Participants completed an immediate post-workshop survey (91% response rate) assessing attitudes towards the session. Analysis of open-ended survey data demonstrated 4 categories for supporting well-being among participants: becoming emotionally aware/expressive through art, pausing for reflection, practicing nonjudgmental observation, and normalizing experiences through socialization., Discussion: Our project substantiated proposed mechanisms from the positive humanities for supporting well-being-including reflectiveness, skill acquisition, socialization, and expressiveness-among medical interns., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Society of General Internal Medicine.)

Context: In the present work, the cubic phase of the chalcogenide materials, i.e., A 2 MoSe 4 (A =Li, K) is examined to explore the structural, optoelectronic, magnetic, mechanical, vibrational, and thermodynamic properties. The lattice parameters for Li 2 MoSe 4 are found to be a= 7.62 Å with lattice angles of α=β=γ=90° whereas for K 2 MoSe 4 , a= 8.43 Å, and α=β=γ=90°. These materials are categorized as semiconductors because Li 2 MoSe 4 and K 2 MoSe 4 exhibit direct energy band gap worth 1.32 eV and 1.61 eV, respectively through HSE06 functional. The optical analysis has declared them efficient materials for optoelectronic applications because both materials are found to be effective absorbers of ultraviolet radiations. These materials are noticed to be brittle while possessing anisotropic behavior for various mechanical applications. The vibrational properties are explored to check the thermal stability of the materials. On the basis of thermodynamics and heat capacity response, Li 2 MoSe 4 is more stable than K 2 MoSe 4 . The results of our study lay the groundwork for future research on the physical characteristics of ternary transition metal chalcogenides (TMC)., Methods: These physical properties are explored for the first time while using a first-principles approach based on density functional theory (DFT) in the framework of Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) by Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) functional. However, GGA+U and HSE06 are also employed to improve electronic properties. Kramers-Kronig relations are used to evaluate the dielectric function with a smearing value of 0.5 eV. Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation is used for seeking the elastic response of these materials. The thermodynamic response is sought by harmonic approximation. The density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) approach is used for investigating atomic vibrations., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Issues related to human coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) are a burning topic of research in present times. Due to its easily contagious nature, real experimentation under laboratory conditions requires a high level of biosafety. A powerful algorithm serves as a potential tool for the analysis of these particles. We attempted to simulate the light scattering from coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) model. Different images were modelled using a modified version of a Monte Carlo code. The results indicate that spikes on the viruses exhibit a significant scattering profile and that the presence of spikes during modelling contributes to the distinctiveness of the scattering profiles., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Photocatalysis is considered a useful technique employed for the dye degradation through solar light, visible or UV light irradiation. In this study, TiO 2 , g-C 3 N 4 , and TiO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized and studied for their ability to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) and Reactive Orange 16 (RO-16), when exposed to visible light. The analytical techniques including XRD, TEM, SEM, DRS, BET, XPS, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to explore the characteristics of all the prepared semiconductors. The photocatalytic performance of synthesized materials has been tested against both the selected dyes, and various experimental parameters were studied. The experimental results demonstrate that, in comparison to other fabricated composites, the TiO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 composite with the optimal weight ratio of g-C 3 N 4 (15 wt%) to TiO 2 has shown outstanding degrading efficiency against RhB (89.62%) and RO-16 (97.20%). The degradation experiments were carried out at optimal conditions such as a catalyst load of 0.07 g, a dye concentration of 50 ppm, and a temperature of 50 ℃ at neutral pH in 90 min. In comparison to pure TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4 , the TiO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 , a semiconductor, has shown higher degradation efficiency due to its large surface area and decreased electron-hole recombination. The scavenger study gave an idea about the primary active species ( - OH radicals), responsible for dye degradation. The reusability of TiO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 was also examined in order to assess the composite sustainability., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate burnout and associated risk factors in neurosurgical residents and faculty members. Burnout is an occupational risk of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced perception of personal accomplishment secondary to work stress. It burdens the individual with immense mental stress causing compromised professional performance. Healthcare workers, particularly surgeons, have been documented to be at high risk of developing burnout, considering the stressful routine and serious impact of their profession., Methods: The modified Maslach Burnout Inventory was filled by fellow neurosurgical residents or consultants. The respondents were classified into burnout and non-burnout groups and then analyzed for the associated risk factors. The data were analyzed using SPSS v26., Results: One hundred and thirty-eight neurosurgical healthcare workers, including 62 residents and 76 consultants, responded to the questionnaire. The burnout and non-burnout groups comprised 83 (60%) and 55 (39.9%) respondents. Female gender and few kids were observed as significant risk factors for the development of burnout (p  =  0.013 and p  = 0.006, respectively). Regardless of its year, residency was a risk factor for overall burnout, as well as in each subsection of the Maslach Inventory (p  =  0.002). In consultants, recent qualifications and a high number of weekly calls were also associated with a significant risk of burnout (p =  0.012 and p  =  0 .027, respectively). Marital status and national economic status did not reveal any influence on the status of burnout in neurosurgical healthcare workers., Conclusion: Burnout syndrome is a prevalent and serious, yet overlooked, condition among neurosurgeons. Adequate assessment and steps should be encouraged to ensure physician and patient safety., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Belgian Neurological Society.)

Bioremediation and phytoremediation have demonstrated potential for decontamination of petroleum hydrocarbon-impacted soils. The total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) are known to induce phytotoxicity, reduce water retention in soil, associate hydrophobic nature and contaminants' in situ heterogeneous distribution, limit soil nutrient release and reduce soil aeration and compaction. The ageing of TPHs in contaminated soils further hinders the degradation process. Soil amendments can promote plant growth and enhance the TPH removal from contaminated aged soil. In the present experiment, remediation of TPH-contaminated aged soil was performed by Italian ryegrass, with compost (COM, 5%), biochar (BC, 5%) and immobilized microorganisms' technique (IMT). Results revealed that significantly highest hydrocarbon removal (40%) was noted in mixed amendments (MAA) which contained BC + COM + IMT, followed by COM (36%), compared to vegetative control and other treatments. The higher TPH removal in aged soil corresponds with the stimulated rhizospheric effects, as evidenced by higher root biomass (85-159% increase), and bacterial count compared to NA control. Phyto-stimulants actions of biochar and IMT improved seed germination of Italian ryegrass. The compost co-amendment with other treatments showed improvement in plant physiological status. These results suggested that plant growth and TPH removal from aged, contaminated soils using BC, COM and IMT can improve bioremediation efficiency., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Applications of nanoparticles and plants for efficient restoration of heavy metal-polluted water and soil are an emerging approach and need to be explored. Hydroponic study was performed to find the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in plant growth, antioxidative response, and lead (Pb) accumulation in Persicaria hydropiper. Seedlings were grown in Pb-polluted media amended with 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L -1 ZnO NPs. Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP) was used for Pb analysis in plant tissues. Pb significantly inhibited seedling growth, and ZnO NPs alleviated Pb-induced stress by promoting plant growth, and improved chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Oxidative stress ameliorated in ZnO NPs exposed seedlings through enhanced production of free proline, phenolics, flavonoids, and activation of antioxidative enzymes. Pb accumulation boosted in ZnO NP treatments, and highly significant increase in Pb accumulation in roots (255.60±4.80 mg kg -1 ), stem (124.07±2.84 mg kg -1 ), and leaves (92.00±3.22 mg kg -1 ) was observed in T3 (15 mg L -1 ZnO NPs) for P. hydropiper. Contrarily, ZnO NPs at 20 mg L -1 dose suppressed plant growth, Pb accumulation, secondary metabolites, and antioxidative enzyme activities. Moreover, positive correlation was found in Pb accumulation with free proline and secondary metabolite contents in plant tissues. These results suggest that ZnO NPs at optimum concentration may augment efficacy of plants to remove heavy metal from polluted water through nanophytoremediation., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

The primary purpose of this study was to extract β-conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S) from soybean seed, soybean meals and soybean protein isolate and compare their yield and purity. The previous methods were modified for the extraction and isolation of 7S and 11S globulins. The adjustment mainly included sample to solution ratio of 1:10 (previously 1:15). Comparing the yield of 11S fraction in Tris-HCl and water as extractable solutions, it was almost doubled in soybean seed (16.97% to 32.41%) with purity from 96 to 98% respectively. In case of soybean meal, samples yield increased from 45.46 to 61.86% with purity from 94 to 98%. On contrary, 7S yield was significantly improved in soybean protein isolate sample from 30.33 to 53.81% along with no contamination in its purity while soybean seed and soybean meal samples had less increase in both yield and purity in Tris-HCl and water as extractable solutions. Results of this study will bring new insights into soybean 7S and 11S separation and purification techniques as well as pave the way for their application in food industry.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving global pandemic for which more than a thousand clinical trials have been registered to secure therapeutic effectiveness, expeditiously. Most of these are single-center non-randomized studies rather than multi-center, randomized controlled trials. Single-arm trials have several limitations and may be conducted when spontaneous improvement is not anticipated, small placebo effect exists, and randomization to a placebo is not ethical. In an emergency where saving lives takes precedence, it is ethical to conduct trials with any scientifically proven design, however, safety must not be compromised. A phase II or III trial can be conducted directly in a pandemic with appropriate checkpoints and stopping rules. COVID-19 has two management paradigms- antivirals, or treatment of its complications. Simultaneous assessment of two different treatments can be done using 2 × 2 factorial schema. World Health Organization's SOLIDARITY trial is a classic example of the global research protocol which can evaluate the preferred treatment to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Short of that, a trial design must incorporate the practicality of the intervention used, and an appropriate primary endpoint which should ideally be a clinical outcome. Collaboration between institutions is needed more than ever to successfully execute and accrue in randomized trials., Competing Interests: None of the authors declare any relevant conflicts of interest. SKH has received honoraria from Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, and Mallinckrodt. SKH has received travel grants from Sanofi, Gilead, and Takeda., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Atlantis Press International B.V.)

Background: Cancer epidemiology in Saudi Arabia (SA) differs from that of the USA with respect to types of common malignancies. Hematologic malignancies are among the top five cancers prevalent in SA, including lymphoma and leukemia. Most common malignancies in SA also include breast, thyroid, and colorectal cancer. We sought to evaluate the current trends of these most common cancers in SA., Methods: Electronic search analysis pertaining to Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, breast, colorectal, and thyroid cancer were carried out from two databases: The Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). Data on prevalence and incident frequency were collected. Trends from 2001 to 2014 were calculated and compared between SCR and SEER., Findings: Leukemia is the most common cancer type among males in SA, followed by colorectal cancer. Hodgkin's lymphoma has become the third most common malignancy among Saudi males. Percentage of women's breast cancer and thyroid cancer among total cancer cases have increased by 10.5% and 1.7% respectively from 2001 to 2014, making them the first and second most common cancers in women respectively. Trends of thyroid cancer among males has been stable. Colorectal cancer stands as third most common among Saudi females., Interpretations: There have been significant changes in trends of incidence rate of the most common cancers in SA among both males and females over the past decade. Breast cancer rates have risen at an alarming pace. More epidemiological studies need to be conducted to evaluate etiological factors at environmental, molecular, and genetic levels., Competing Interests: The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Atlantis Press International B.V.)

Introduction: Cells in the tumor microenvironment experience mechanical stresses, such as compression generated by uncontrolled cell growth within a tissue, increased substrate stiffness due to tumor cell extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and leaky angiogenic vessels which involve low fluid shear stress. With our hypothesis that shear stress increases V-H + -ATPase number density in prostate cancer cells via activation of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways, we demonstrated and quantified such a mechanism in prostate cancer cells., Methods: Moderately metastatic DU145 and highly metastatic PC3 prostate cancer cells were subjected to 0.05 dynes cm - 2 wall shear stress for 24 h, followed by immunocytochemistry and fluorescence measurements of β 1 integrin, endosome, lysosome, V-H + -ATPase proton pump, mTORC1, and p-mTORC2 antibodies. Post shear stress migration assays, and the effects of vacuolar proton pump inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 (60 nM, 24 h) as well as shear stress on the ICC fluorescence intensity of the proteins of interest were conducted with DU145 cells., Results: Low fluid shear stress increases the fluorescence intensity of β 1 integrin, endosome, lysosome, V-H + -ATPase, mTORC1, and p-mTORC2 antibodies in PC3 and DU145 cells, and also increased cell migration. However, Bafilomycin A1 decreased fluorescence intensity of all of these proteins in DU145 cells exposed to shear stress, revealing that V-H + -ATPase controls the expression of these proteins., Conclusions: Prostate cancer cell mechanotransduction increases endosomes, lysosomes, and proton pumps-where increases have been associated with enhanced cancer aggressiveness. We also show that the prostate cancer cell's response to force promotes the cancer drivers mTORC1 and mTORC2., (© Biomedical Engineering Society 2020.)

An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effects of thidiazuron (TDZ) growth regulator and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles on radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under lead (Pb) stress. Effects of TDZ and MgO on seed germination, growth, biomass, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant potential, and Pb phytoaccumulation in different plant parts were assessed. Nanoparticles of MgO were synthesized with leaf extract of Sageretia thea (Osbeck) plant. Thidiazuron and MgO nanoparticles were added to growth media in individual and in combinations. Lead (50 mg L -1 ) was added to growth media. Thidiazuron and MgO nanoparticles increased plant growth, phenolic and flavonoid contents, free radical scavenging activity, and lead phytoaccumulation. The increase was highly significant in TDZ and MgO nanoparticle combination treatments (T5, T6). Treatment (T6) showed a sixfold increase in Pb accumulation (1721.73 ± 17.4 μg g -1 dry biomass) as compared to control (274.29 ± 4.23 μg -1 g -1 ). Total phenolic and dry biomass showed significantly positive correlation in leaves (R 2 = 0.73), stem (R 2 = 0.58), and roots (R 2 = 0.72). The correlation of Pb accumulation and phenolic contents was significantly positive in root (R 2 = 0.80), stem (R 2 = 0.92), and leaves (R 2 = 0.69). Flavonoid showed a positive correlation with dry biomass and Pb accumulation. Antioxidant activity was highly increased in leaves followed by stem and root. Findings show that TDZ in combination with MgO nanoparticles can play a significant role in secondary metabolite production and Pb phytoaccumulation.

Inflammation of the brain is one of the most highly researched yet mysterious areas in modern day neurology. The process of inflammation is a normal mechanism of wound healing that can result from acute injuries such as traumas or can be caused by genetic/environmental factors. After the initial insult, the immune system defenses, specifically microglial cells, are activated in order to combat the infection or injury. However, prolonged or chronic inflammation is often deleterious due mainly to accumulation of free reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain FADDIN EN.CITE. Plant-derived natural compounds have the potential to ameliorate the causes and symptoms of neuroinflammation, due to their various anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, without completely muting the immune defenses. Scutellaria is a perennial plant in the mint family that has been used to treat diseases in Asia and Eastern Europe throughout history. This chapter reviews the active components of various Scutellaria species and their mechanisms of action to prevent chronic neurologic disorders involving neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Despite the increasing number of medical articles being published from the Middle East, clinical research is still lagging behind compared to other regions. Enrolling participants into clinical trials presents an important challenge. We wanted to explore the perception, knowledge, and willingness of cancer patients to participate in oncology clinical trials and to recommend strategies to overcome these challenges. A 31-item questionnaire was administered to cancer patients and their family members in an outpatient clinic. Two hundred four patients and family members were enrolled between December 2011 and February 2013. Fifty-eight percent of the participants were aware of clinical trials. Some misconceptions included the following: 22% believed that no clinical trials were conducted in the Arab world, 19% believed that clinical trials in the Arab world were not under any regulatory authority supervision, and 15% believed that local clinical trials are conducted on subjects without their consent. One third of patients assumed that clinical trials are executed on animals instead of humans, and greater than 40% believed that clinical trials are performed for new medications only. Finally, 61% of the survey participants who were aware of clinical trials expressed their willingness to participate in trials. This large cohort survey demonstrated that a relatively significant number of Saudi cancer patients and their families are aware of clinical trials and a similarly high number of participants are willing to participate in clinical trials. This leads us to believe that patients' awareness and perception of clinical trials are not a significant limiting factor in clinical trial recruitment in our region.

A Gram-staining negative, short rod, motile, light brownish-pigmented bacterial strain, designated YIM Y792(T), was isolated from a soil sample taken from Turpan desert in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, north-western China. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain YIM Y792(T) belongs to the genus Delftia. Strain YIM Y792(T) shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Delftia lacustris DSM 21246(T) (93.96 %), Delftia tsuruhatensis NBRC 16741(T) (93.74 %), and Delftia acidovorans NBRC 14950(T) (93.62 %). Growth of the strain YIM Y792(T) was found to occur at 20-45 °C (optimum at 30 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum at pH 7.0), and salinities of 0-3.0 % NaCl (optimum at 1.0 %). The new bacterium exhibits typical chemotaxonomic features of the genus Delftia with ubiqinone-8 (Q-8) as the predominant quinone and C16:0, Summed feature 3, Summed Feature 8 as major fatty acids (>10 %). The polar lipids were found to consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, glycolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain YIM Y792(T) was found to be 70.3 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain YIM Y792(T) and D. lacustris DSM 21246(T), D. tsuruhatensis NBRC16741(T), D. acidovorans NBRC14950(T) were 35.5 ± 2.0, 17.1 ± 1.8, 26.2 ± 2.0 %. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented here, we propose a novel species with the name Delftia desertisoli sp. nov. The type strain is YIM Y792(T) (=KCTC 42377(T) = JCM 30639(T)).

Background: Evidence suggests that consumers potentially put themselves at risk when purchasing medicines on-line. Whilst logos provided by regulators may provide some level of reassurance there may be other indicators which could be used by consumers to identify those websites which may be safely used., Objectives: Identify characteristics of on-line pharmacies which are related to whether websites are regulated or non-regulated and those characteristics which could be used by patients to increase the likelihood of accessing regulated sites., Setting: Online pharmacies which supply diazepam, fluoxetine and simvastatin., Methods: Using piloted search terms via Google and Yahoo search engines, identified websites were screened for regulatory status, adherence to regulatory standards, administrative requirements, clinical assessment requirements and additional details deemed to be of relevance to a user. Characteristics of regulated and non-regulated (defined as those with an absence of a correctly linked regulatory logo) websites were compared to identify differences which could be used to improve patient safety., Main Outcome Measure: Regulatory status, adherence to regulatory standards, quality of information provision, barriers to medicines access., Results: 113 websites sold diazepam, fluoxetine and simvastatin; were identified within the first 100 results. Less than quarter were found to be regulated online pharmacies. 80 websites were willing to sell the medication without a prescription. The unregulated internet pharmacy websites (defined as those with an absence of a correctly linked regulatory logo) were found to adhere more closely to the clinical criteria, were less significantly likely to disclose a contact name and address, telephone number of the pharmacy or demand a prescription prior to sale (P < 0.05, Fisher's Exact)., Conclusions: The three prescription-only medicines which are liable to abuse, have potentially serious interactions and require counselling to ensure patient safety are readily available via the internet. When purchasing medicines via this route UK consumers should be made aware of the importance of regulatory logos and additionally should ensure that the seller can be meaningfully contacted by the contact details provided. The provision of clinical information should not be used alone as an indication of the seller's provenance.

The emphasis on scientific approaches and evidence-based therapy has been a key force in developing and refining existing models of therapy. While this has been unquestioningly invaluable, it has similarly restricted the development and so implementation of those models that do not lend themselves easily to current research methodology, since the lack of evidence-practice research means they are not considered as 'legitimate' therapeutic practice. That the mind and body have an inter-dependent relationship is readily evidenced in numerous religious texts, but the lack of acknowledgement of that relationship in contemporary therapeutic approaches means that patients are not able to benefit from its use in sessions. Ironically, it is current developments in medical research that have discovered the reality around this relationship that have enabled such models to be further explore within an accepted context of evidence-based practice. This paper highlights the relationship between the heart and brain function as evidenced with brief reference to Quranic verses and medical (namely, neurocardiological) research. Further, it raises questions around the implications of this information for therapists working in both physical and mental health. The concept of 'heart talk' is an extension of the term 'heart brain' coined by Dr Armour (Professor of Pharmacology) in 1991 and is suggestive of its use in the world of psychological therapy. It relates to those cognitions which patients suggest come 'from the heart' which though previously dismissed are now suggestive of having some scientific basis and are potentially a legitimate source of information in understanding patients experiences.

Background: Live donor nephrectomy is routinely performed. However, little is known regarding the incision-related outcome. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of incisional hernias (IH) and to assess body image and cosmesis scores after donation., Methods: Questionnaires on IH, body image, and cosmesis were sent to all donors who underwent laparoscopic donor nephrectomy or mini-incision donor nephrectomy between January 2000 and December 2009., Results: In total, 444 replies were received (75 %). Seven donors (1.5 %) had undergone a surgical correction of an IH. Surgical site infection and steroid use appeared to be independent risk factors for the development of an IH (p = 0.001 and 0.021, respectively). Body image and cosmesis scores were excellent. Elderly donors had significantly higher cosmesis scores when compared with young donors (p < 0.001). Donor age of 60 years or higher, correction of an IH, and survival of the recipient appeared to be independent factors associated with a higher score on the cosmesis scale in multivariate analysis., Conclusions: This is the largest study describing the prevalence of IH and cosmetic outcome after donor nephrectomy. The prevalence of IH after live donor nephrectomy is very low, and body image and cosmesis scores are excellent. Consequently, incision-related outcomes pose no barrier to live donor nephrectomy.

Metastatic Crohn's disease is a rare inflammatory process that is non-contiguous from the bowel. It can affect the penis and is variable in presentation and onset in relation to bowel symptoms. It has been treated with oral, topical, systemic, and surgical therapies. We describe our experience with two cases of penile metastatic Crohn's disease and their management in comparison with other cases described in the literature. Both our patients were of the lymphoedematous type and had sexual and voiding dysfunction. They were treated with topical and intra-lesional steroids and circumcision after unsuccessful systemic treatments.

A study was carried out to determine whether digitized radiologic images added valuable information to Internet consultations from a remote Pacific Island. Chuuk State Hospital (Federated States of Micronesia) has limited film screen radiology, minimal ultrasound capability, and no radiologist. Providers initiate Web-based referrals for consultation or patient transfer. Digitized images (via low-cost digital camera or flatbed scanner) were uploaded to a Web site. Images were assessed for impact on referral decisions. A radiologist scored image quality and confidence (scale: 1-7). Of 97 referrals with images that were reviewed, 74 (76%) image sets were abnormal, 20 (20%) were normal, and 3 (4%) were indeterminate. Median scores were 4 for image quality and 5 for diagnostic confidence. In most cases with abnormal radiology (52/74, 70%), images were considered valuable. Radiologic images digitized with a low-cost camera or flatbed scanner provided valuable information for decision making in an Internet-based consultation and referral process from a remote, impoverished Pacific Island jurisdiction, despite relatively low image quality.

The seasonal prevalence of urinary calculus disease from the records of L.T. Municipal General Hospital, Sion, Bombay, which primarily caters services to poor people of Northeast Bombay, especially Dharavi slum area, is reported. The qualitative and quantitative compositions of stones collected from the patients of Dharavi slum area are also described. Interestingly, the prevalence of bladder stones (BSF) was lower than that of upper urinary tract stones (UUTSF) which suggests the possibility of involvement of environmental pollution. As regards total number of stone patients, a sharp fall in male BSF in March and increase in male UUTSF in November were evident. In females the number was maximum in April in both BSF and UUTSF. However, no recognizable pattern of seasonal variation was seen in operated stone patients indicating that metabolically active disease is unrelated to season. Prevalence of bladder stones in children was high and male/female ratio was about 5. All stones were of the mixed type. Infection was not a major contributor of stone growth. Calcium oxalate was the major constituent and ammonium acid urate was present in the majority of stones.

Search is under way to develop reliable tests for the prediction of stone risk. Several indices and ratios on the basis of urinary excretions have been suggested. In the present study the applicability of some risk indices and ratios in slum dwellers of Dharavi area of Bombay was examined. No significant difference was observed in IAP (ionic activity product) and CORI (calcium oxalate risk index) between stone formers (SF) and normal subjects (NS). We have suggested two more adjuncts, PIR (promoter/inhibitor ratio) and COQ (calcium oxalate quotient), and found them to be quite useful in the detection of risk. Pre-existence of risk factor(s) in the majority of the normal population suggests that triggering of stone formation should be a transient phenomenon in this population. No consistent pattern of relationship between various urinary parameters was observed.

The aqueous extract of Euphorbia granulata Forssk., prepared in Hoagland's nutrient solution; and underlying soil significantly inhibited germination and radicle growth of Dichanthium annulatum, Cynodon dactylon, Setaria italica, Pennisetum americanum, Euphorbia pilulifera, Oxalis corniculata and Lactuca sativa invariably in laboratory bioassays. Artificially decomposed E. granulata litter in a nutrient medium significantly reduced germination and fresh and dry weight of the aforementioned test species. The toxins affected germination and growth independently. The local dominance of this weed over its counterparts was primarily due to allelopathy, and it is therefore suggested that its litter must be removed from the fields during weeding.

Sorghum vulgare Pers. a tropical fodder crop significantly reduced the vertical growth and drymass of Sorghum vulgare, Pennisetum americanum, Zea mays and Setaria italica. Aqueous extracts of various plant parts, field soils and decaying mulch significantly reduced germination, radicle growth and water contents of all test species. The toxicity levels were depending upon the plant parts used in the biossay experiments and the sensitivity of the test species. It is suggested that the Sorghum fields be rotated with other crops to maximize the crop productivity.