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Objective: Toevaluate the anthelmintic activity of Majoon Sarakhs, a pharmacopoeal Unani formulationonadult earthworm(Eiseniafetida). Methods: Adult earthworms of similar age, size and weight were divided into six groups of 6 each and released in petridishes containing 0.5% CMC in normal saline (control), Albendazole (standard), hydro alcoholic extract (HAEMS), aqueous extract (AEMS), Majoon (MS) and powder (PFMS) of ingredients of MajoonSarakhs in various concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mg/ml). Time for paralysis was noted when no movement was observed. Death was confirmed when the worms neither moved when shaken vigorously nor when dipped in warm water followed by fading away the body colours. Phytochemical analysis and HPLC finger printing were also carried out. Results: All dosage forms of ingredients of MS showed significant anthelmintic (p<0.001) effect in concentration dependent manner when compared to Albendazole. The test formulation paralysed and killed the worms at all concentration, but at higher concentration it took shorter time. The order of activity was HAEMS > AEMS > Albendazole > MS > PFMS at 50mg/ml.At higher dose MS showed better results than Albendazole. Conclusion: on the basis of above results it can be concluded that MS and extracts of its ingredients possess profound anthelmintic activity against tested worms. It validates the claims of Unani physicians that MS is a good anthelmintic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In Unani system of medicine, blood is regarded as mixture of akhlat (humours) i.e. dam (Sanguine), balgham (phlegm), safra (yellow bile) and sawda (black bile). Normal blood consists of "akhlate latifa (plasma)" and "kaseefa (corpuscles)". Normal blood is one in which all humours are in normal proportion in terms of quantity and quality and specific to each individual. It is normal in colour, free from bad odour and moderate in viscosity. Morbid blood develops due to impurities /disease in the blood which ultimately alter its quantity and quality. If we co relate these abnormalities with modern concept then all bleeding disorders and coagulopathy fall under "Riqqate dam" (low viscosity of blood); all the thromboembolic disorders; polycythaemia, leukaemia and anaemia fall under "Ghilzate dam"(hyperviscosity of blood), while septicaemia, bacterial diseases can be correlated with "ufunat" (infections). Methods: The classic and relevant books of Unani and conventional medicine were studied. The databases utilized for obtaining information, are scientific research publications from indexed journals available through Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Results and Conclusion: Blood purifying drugs cause necessary changes and maintain the viscosity of the blood by their moderate heat; cold; dry and wet properties. These drugs are alterative and bring the quality and quantity of blood in equilibrium. Strengthen the defensive mechanism and eliminate toxins via sweat, urine, faeces etc. These drugs are digestive, tonic to stomach and liver and boost the immune system. In the line of the above conceptual framework few experimental models are being suggested i.e. effect of drugs on blood constituents, coagulation parameters, anemia, leukaemia, polycythaemia, thrombocytopenia and infections. This preliminary study may serve as a tool for the screening of blood purifier drugs in various blood disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Hajrul yahood ( Lapis judaicus ) is a mineral drug used in different dosage forms in Unani system of medicine and claimed to be effective in the management of urolithiasis. Aim of the study To explore the role of Hajrul yahood in the management of urolithiasis along with determination of its morphological, ethnomedicinal, physicochemical and pharmacological attributes. Materials and methods A review of literature on Hajrul yahood was undertaken using the bibliographic database viz. Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus. The search was conducted using the terms ‘ Hajrul yahood’ , ‘ Lapis judaicus’ , ‘ Majoon Hajrul yahood’ and ‘ Kushta Hajrul yahood’. Further books, monographs and reports on Lapis judaicus published in Urdu and English were used to compile the information. Results Hajrul yahood as such and as an ingredient in multidrug formulations has been used for the treatment of kidney and bladder stones since ancient times mainly by the practitioners of traditional medicines. Literature of Unani medicine clearly indicated that Hajrul yahood and its different formulations are safe and have antilithiatic effect. Sufficient information in respect of morphological, physicochemical and ethnomedicinal properties of Hajrul yahood are available but very few pharmacological and clinical studies have been conducted. The available reports on Hajrul yahood and its products mainly Cystone® though has shown varying results but on the whole indicated possible antilithiatic effect. The studies conducted so far have been limited by small patient numbers, weak methodology, and poor study design therefore a conclusive result cannot be arrived at. Conclusion Hajrul yahood and its formulations have been claimed by Unani medicine to be useful in the management of urolithiasis. Some of the scientific reports also suggest the possibility of such an effect however further elaborate and comprehensive studies are required to validate such a claim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of ecosystem carbon fluxes is crucial for understanding the feedbacks between the terrestrial biosphere and the atmosphere and for making climate-policy decisions. A statistical model is developed to estimate the gross primary production (GPP) of coniferous forests of northeastern USA using remotely sensed (RS) radiation (land surface temperature and near-infra red albedo) and ecosystem variables (enhanced vegetation index and global vegetation moisture index) acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. This GPP model (called R-GPP-Coni), based only on remotely sensed data, was first calibrated with GPP estimates derived from the eddy covariance flux tower of the Howland forest main tower site and then successfully transferred and validated at three other coniferous sites: the Howland forest west tower site, Duke pine forest and North Carolina loblolly pine site, which demonstrate its transferability to other coniferous ecoregions of northeastern USA. The proposed model captured the seasonal dynamics of the observed 8-day GPP successfully by explaining 84–94% of the observed variations with a root mean squared error (RMSE) ranging from 1.10 to 1.64 g C/m 2 /day over the 4 study sites and outperformed the primary RS-based GPP algorithm of MODIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This note presents experimental measurements on the turbulence characteristics in the transition region from the end of a hydraulic jump to open channel flow in a rectangular channel. An acoustic Doppler velocimeter was used to measure mean velocities, turbulent intensities, Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy for two supercritical Froude numbers. General correlations for the variation of the normalized maximum values of the Reynolds normal stresses as well as the shear stress and the turbulent kinetic energy have been developed, using the present results and those from the literature. The supercritical Froude number was found to be an effective scale in addition to the supercritical approach flow velocity in obtaining the general correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammi majus L. (Aatrilal) a member of the family Apiaceae, is native to Egypt and widely distributed in Europe, the Mediterranean, and West Asia. It has been used for the treatment of various dermatological disorders particularly vitiligo in the Unani system of Medicine for ages. In traditional medicine, fruits are used as an emmenagogue as well as a diuretic, blood purifier and to treat leprosy, urinary and digestive disorders. This paper aims to highlight the medicinal properties of Aatrilal in view of its temperament and phytoconstituents; to signify its potential in the treatment of vitiligo and other ailments as mentioned in Unani system of medicine and also to explore its phytochemistry, pharmacological and clinical studies. Aatrilal was explored in classical Unani literature for its temperament (mizaj), medicinal properties and therapeutic uses. Published works available on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were referred to collect all the available information regarding its phytochemicals and pharmacological studies. All relevant articles up to 2020 were referred including 15 classical Unani books, 15 English books, 72 research, and 3 review papers. The plant's scientific names were validated using 'The Plant List' (www.theplantlist.org). Standard Unani Medical Terminology published by Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine in collaboration with the World Health Organization was used to describe the appropriate Unani terminologies. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants and different indexed journals were consulted for botanical and English names. Aatrilal has been used in traditional medicine for ages. Due to controversies in its identity, it was adulterated and substituted with many drugs. The real identity of Aatrilal is now established as the fruit of A. majus L. Despite having numerous pharmacological activities, it is considered the first-line drug for the treatment of vitiligo. It is a rich source of furanocoumarins (xanthotoxin, also known as 8-methoxypsoralen, bergapten, imperatorin, isopimpinellin) with other compounds viz. flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins, essential oil constituents, etc. It has been reported for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, cytotoxic, and many other activities. Clinical trials have shown the therapeutic potential in vitiligo and other skin disorders. Based on the available literature, it can be concluded that Aatrilal is a drug that has been effectively used in Unani system of medicine for centuries to treat the cases of vitiligo and other dermatological disorders. It has been studied extensively for its phytopharmacological properties. Raw extracts of A. majus form the crux of the main research. Many potentially bioactive compounds are included in the essential oil, but to our knowledge, no detailed studies of its biological activity are yet available. Therefore, our suggestion is to focus future research on essential oil and its ingredients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian summer heat events have become more frequent and severe in recent times. Temperature-duration-frequency (TDF) curves connect the severity of heat episodes of various durations to their frequencies and thus can be an effective tool for analysing the heat extremes. This study examines Australian heat events using data from 82 meteorological stations. TDF curves have been developed under stationary and non-stationary conditions. Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) distribution is considered to estimate extreme temperatures for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years. Three major climate drivers for Australia have been considered as potential covariates along with Time to develop the non-stationary TDF curves. According to the Akaike information criterion, the non-stationary framework for TDF modelling provides a better fit to the data than its stationary equivalent. The findings can be beneficial in offering new information to aid climate adaptation and mitigation at the regional level in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Duqu ( Peucedanum grande C. B. Clarke) has been used by Unani physicians since ancient times in retention of urine, renal and bladder calculi, nephritis and other associated disorders in different dosage forms. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to evaluate the antiurolithiatic activity of Peucedanum grande C. B. Clarke in experimental model. Materials and methods The experiment was carried out in male Sprague Dawley rats divided into 5 groups of 8 animals each. Animals of negative control received 1 ml of 5% Gum acacia throughout the study. Remaining four groups received Ethylene glycol 0.75% and Ammonium chloride 1% by adding in their drinking water for first seven days to induce urolithiasis. From 8th day, positive control received 1 ml of 5% Gum acacia, standard control received Cystone in the dose of 750 mg/kg while test groups A and B were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of test drug in the dose of 56 mg/kg and 97 mg/kg respectively up to 21 days, thereafter the animals were sacrificed. Number of CaOx crystals in urine, levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, urea, urinary calcium and sodium were observed. Kidney homogenate analysis and histopathology were also carried out. Results Test drug reduced number of CaOx crystals in urine (p<0.001); levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, (p<0.001) urea, (p<0.05); urinary calcium (p<0.001) and sodium decreased significantly in standard and test groups. The urine volume increased significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) in both the test groups. Histopathology of kidney showed no CaOx crystal deposition in both the test groups. Conclusion On the basis of above findings, it can be concluded that the test drug possesses significant antiurolithiatic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhoid fever is a major cause of illness in most developing countries, including Bangladesh. In quest of new potential drug against Typhoid fever, the current study was designed to elucidate structural and functional details of S. typhi hypothetical protein (HP) R_27. HP R_27 has the primary amino acid sequences available only. The structural annotation was determined by ProtParam, SOPMA, and CELLO. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of HP R_27 predicted through homology modeling by using Phyre2. The 3D structure then refined and verified by ModRefiner, PROCHECK, ERRAT, QMEAN. The functional annotation was also performed by InterProScan, SMART, Pfam, NCBI-CDD and found Phospholipase D-like and DNA repair activity. Multiple sequence alignment also supported the existence of PLD-like domain and DNA repair protein domain in the selected hypothetical protein sequences. Finally, the cavity of drug binding was also identified to assist further molecular docking study and potent inhibitor identification. This in silico approach can be further utilized in molecular drug design for other clinically significant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High school-based introductory occupational safety education has become common and serves an important role in preparing students for entry into the workforce. However, the practices and perspectives of teachers have received limited attention. We sought to gather empirical data from high schools in South Australia and examine potential predictors of effective safety education. Focus groups and interviews with teachers and school to work advisors were undertaken and a questionnaire survey of teachers conducted. Potential predictors of perceived effective learning were grouped in terms of teacher-, school- and teaching-related characteristics. Of the 156 respondents from 103 schools, 16% had received no formal safety training, 86% felt that the school management was supportive, and 36% felt that their ability to teach the topic effectively was compromised due to other demands of their role. Although general learning guidelines were available, there was variability in the time spent, teaching methods and resources used. In a multivariate model, perceived student engagement was significantly associated with the use of case studies (adjusted odds ratio=2.2). The teaching of occupational safety in high schools would benefit by a standardized yet engaging approach, incorporating case studies. In-service teacher training with more explicit guidance on effective content and delivery is recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Adiantum capillus veneris Linn has been recommended in ancient literature of Unani system of medicine as an important ingredient of many formulations for the treatment of urolithiasis. Its decoction has long been used for the same purpose by several Unani physicians. Aim of study: To investigate the antiurolithiasic effect of the hydro alcoholic extract of Adiantum capillus veneris Linn in male Sprague Dawley rats. Material and methods: The effects of oral administration of hydro alcoholic extract of test drug were studied on calcium oxalate urolithiasis. A total of 48 rats were used for the study. The animals were divided into six groups of eight animals each. Plain control rats were treated with distilled water only, throughout the study period, whereas in other groups nephrolithiasis was induced by providing drinking water containing 0.75% ethylene glycol and 1% ammonium chloride for 7 days. Thereafter, urine was examined for the presence of crystals. Negative control group A rats were sacrificed after 7 days, whereas negative control group B was left untreated up to the end of study. Test groups were treated with 127.6mg/kg and 255.2mg/kg of test drug and standard control with Cystone (750mg/kg) for 21 days. At the end of experiment, number of crystals in urine and levels of calcium, phosphorus, urea and creatinine in serum were observed. Histopathological study of the kidney was done by light microscopy. Results: Urine microscopy showed significant reduction (p<0.001 and p<0.01) in the number of crystals in test groups A and B respectively. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorous, and blood urea were found to be decreased significantly in all the groups. In both the test groups, serum creatinine level was found to be similar as in plain control. The animals treated with test drug showed much improvement in body weight. Histopathology of kidney showed almost normal kidney architecture in treated groups. Conclusion: The above findings indicate the antiurolithic activity of Adiantum capillus veneris Linn, and thus, validate the claims of Unani physicians for its medicinal use in urolithiasis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Writing groups for doctoral students are generally agreed to provide valuable learning spaces for Ph.D. candidates. Here an academic developer and the eight members of a writing group formed in a Discipline of Public Health provide an account of their experiences of collaborating in a multicultural, multidisciplinary thesis writing group. We consider the benefits of belonging to such a group for Ph.D. students who are operating in a research climate in which disciplinary boundaries are blurring and where an increasing number of doctoral projects are interdisciplinary in nature; in which both academic staff and students come from enormously diverse cultural and language backgrounds; and in which teamwork, networking and collaboration are prized but not always proactively facilitated. We argue that doctoral writing groups comprising students from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds can be of significant value for postgraduates who wish to collaborate on their own academic development to improve their research writing and communication skills; at the same time, such collaborative work effectively builds an inclusive, dynamic research community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]