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Lives on earth solely depend on the environment for food, shelter and production of the next generation. Ecologically literate society ensures the sustainability of a healthy environment for future generations. This study aimed at enhancing the ecoliteracy of university students through concept mapping. To achieve that, four research questions and hypotheses were answered and tested respectively. Quasi-experimental design, involving experimental and control groups, was employed. 210 students were selected from four programmes in the two universities in Sokoto State, Nigeria using convenient and random sampling techniques. The ecological knowledge and Thinking Test was used for data collection. The statistical tool used for data analysis was independent t-test. The study found that both concept mapping and lecture methods enhanced students’ ecological knowledge, but concept maps enhanced students' critical thinking more than lecture methods. Thus, the study recommends the use of concept mapping during ecoliteracy training designed to promote ecological critical thinking.

The study evaluated the heamatological and serum biochemical indices of red sokoto goats fed different forms of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and a concentrate diet. The experiment was carried out at the small ruminants unit Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Kashere. Gombe state , Nigeria. Sixteen red sokoto goats (bucks) were allotted into four (4) treatments of four goats each. The goats were fed fresh neem leaves, neem leaves hay, neem leaves meal and neem leaves silage at 300g/goat/day for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively; and concentrate diet at 125g/goat/day for a duration of sixty three (63) days. Water was served ad-libitum. The experimental design was a completely randomized design; data were analyzed using a one way analysis of variance. The significant means were separated using least significant difference contained in SAS 2010 statistical package. The concentrate and the neem leaves were analyzed for their proximate composition using the method of AOAC 2000. Values for all the haematological indices except esinophil were not significantly different, the values for esinophil ranged from 1.07–1.57%. All the serum biochemical values were significantly (P

Seven fungal species (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhizomucor pusillus, Trichophyton equinum and Rhizopus oryzae) were isolated from the tannery effluent collected at a tannery industry located at Challawa industrial estate of Kano State, Nigeria. Aspergillus niger had the highest percentage occurrence frequency of 36% (31) while Trichophyton equinum had the least percentage occurrence frequency of 4% (5). Consequently, Aspergillus niger recorded the highest mean tolerance indices of 1.175, 0.830, 0.580, 0.780 and 0.630 while Rhizomucor pusillus had the least of the tolerance indices of 0.675, 0.375, 0.346, 0.450 and 0.255 for chromium, cadmium, manganese and lead respectively. Accordingly, furthermore the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biomass yield of the seven tested fungi isolates cultured in the presence of the five heavy metals used in this study showed different level of growth pattern. Hence the high resistant potentials and tolerance to the selected heavy metals exhibited by the fungal species isolated in this study is an indication that indigenous fungal floral isolated from tannery effluent if properly harnessed may offer a feasible solution to the serious environmental pollution problems associated with the presence of heavy metals in tannery effluent.

Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in death of millions of people across the world. The impact of the disease on human health and the economic hardship on the affected countries have been severe. The public must routinely practice precautionary measures to control the spread of the disease, as no antiviral treatments are currently available. However, the level of awareness and practice of these preventive measures against Covid-19 infection among pregnant women, which constitute vulnerable groups have not been evaluated in our environment. The aim of the study was to determine the awareness and knowledge of pregnant women on Covid-19, its preventive measures and the practice of those preventive measures. It was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information on sociodemographic characteristics and also their knowledge and practice of Covid-19 preventive measures. All the respondents were aware of Covid-19 infection and the source of information was from Television. All the respondents were aware of the various preventive measures of Covid-19 and the knowledge was good among 98.7% of the respondents. However, only 19.1% had good practice of the preventive measures. Educational status of the respondents was found to have significant association with knowledge of preventive measures (χ2= 9.5, p = 0.014).

The distribution system is the largest segment of the electrical power system and the final stage in delivering electricity to consumers. It experiences power losses which could be technical or non-technical due to its radial configuration and connected components. Technical losses occur as energy dissipation in the form of heat in the system components, which is unavoidable. It affects the efficiency of the system and increases operational costs. Therefore, the reduction is essential for adequate power supply and improvement in utility revenue generation. This study focuses on reducing power losses on 11 kV Taiwo distribution feeder in Ilorin using the Network reconfiguration approach. The feeder was modelled, and its power losses were evaluated based on the Backward Forward Sweep method suitable for the radial network. The reconfigured network was optimised using the Particle Swarm Optimisation technique. The study shows that the values of feeder real power losses before and after reconfiguration are 176.883 kW and 121.972 kW, respectively.Further improvement was, however, achieved when PSO was used for the reconfiguration, as the power loss value stands at 98.465 kW. This is 44.33 % reduction compared to the initial power loss value and 19.273 % after reconfiguration. Furthermore, the values of the reactive power losses before and after reconfiguration are 9.474 kVar and 6.527 kVar, respectively, amounting to a 31.11 % reduction. However, PSO reduces the value to 3.101 kVar, which is 67.27 % of the initial value. Thus, radial distribution network reconfiguration using PSO has proven to be a robust method for reducing power loss in the distribution network.

Despite the fact that disruption of the environment through mining of minerals poses severe radiological hazards, there is a dearth of radiological information from gold mining sites in Nigeria. In this study, state-of- the-art computational tools - RESRAD ONSITE, RESRAD OFFSITE and ERICA were applied to a typical representative artisanal goldmining area for a more comprehensive evaluation of radiological risks associated with artisanal gold mining in Nigeria. The estimated doses received by an offsite receptor is within the radiation basic safety limit, while for onsite receptor it is greater than the basic radiation safety limit. It was observed that onsite dwellers of the artisanal goldmining areas may suffer high cancer burden when compared with the US EPA acceptable levels. For non-human biota, the hazard quotient was greater than unity and the total dose rate per organism was greater than the screening dose rate of 10μGy h

This study sought to find out teachers’ and principals’ knowledge and perception of school-based supervision practices in public secondary schools in Benin metropolis. To achieve this purpose, four research questions were raised. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of the teachers and principals in the Benin metropolis. A sample size of three hundred and sixty-three (363) principals and teachers was used. A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation for the research questions while the Chi-square and independent sample t-test were used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that the teachers and principals were knowledgeable in the art of school-based supervision practices, and there were a lot of problems facing the effective practice of school-based supervision. The findings further revealed that years of experience was a determining factor in the art of carrying out school-based supervision. Therefore, appointing principals with at least ten years of experience and provision of modern facilities for school supervision were recommended.

Resumen Los Productos de Tabaco Calentado (PTC) son nuevos dispositivos de consumo de tabaco que se presentan como un producto de reducción del daño. El más difundido es IQOS de Philip Morris. En el aerosol de IQOS se detectan sustancias tóxicas en menor cantidad y concentración que las detectadas en el humo del cigarrillo convencional, a excepción de algunas. Estas sustancias son capaces de producir enfermedad, con alteración de las células del epitelio bronquial y del endotelio vascular y podría producir nuevos daños, como hepato-toxicidad. La cantidad de nicotina de IQOS es muy similar a los cigarrillos convencionales, por lo que es tan adictivo como el cigarrillo normal. La concentración de sustancias tóxicas emitidas al medio ambiente es menor que las del cigarrillo convencional, pero hay riesgo para la salud de los no fumadores expuestos. La mayoría de las personas usan los PTC como complemento a los cigarrillos convencionales, no como alternativa, transformándose en fumadores duales. IQOS puede crear nuevas generaciones adictas a la nicotina, además de renormalizar el consumo de tabaco en la sociedad. Muchas Sociedades Médicas de Enfermedades Respiratorias en el mundo se han manifestado en contra del uso de los PTC, y han propuesto que deben regirse bajo las mismas políticas regulatorias que se aplican a todos los productos de tabaco, en línea con lo establecido por el Convenio Marco de Control del Tabaco de la OMS.

Background: Dysbiosis in lung cancer has been underexplored. The aim of this study was to define the bacterial and fungal microbiota of the bronchi in central lung cancer and to compare it with that of the oral and intestinal compartments. Methods: Twenty-five patients with central lung cancer and sixteen controls without antimicrobial intake during the previous month were recruited. Bacterial and fungal distribution was determined by massive sequencing of bronchial biopsies and saliva and faecal samples. Complex computational analysis was performed to define the core lung microbiota. Results: Affected and contralateral bronchi of patients have almost identical microbiota dominated by Streptococcus, whereas Pseudomonas was the dominant genera in controls. Oral and pulmonary ecosystems were significantly more similar in patients, probably due to microaspirations. Streptococcal abundance in the bronchi differentiated patients from controls according to a ROC curve analysis (90.9% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, AUC = 0.897). The saliva of patients characteristically showed a greater abundance of Streptococcus, Rothia, Gemella and Lactobacillus. The mycobiome of controls (Candida) was significantly different from that of patients (Malassezia). Cancer patients’ bronchial mycobiome was similar to their saliva, but different from their contralateral bronchi. Conclusions: The central lung cancer microbiome shows high levels of Streptococcus, and differs significantly in its composition from that of control subjects. Changes are not restricted to tumour tissue, and seem to be the consequence of microaspirations from the oral cavity. These findings could be useful in the screening and even diagnosis of this disease.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) in pregnancy is not routinely screened for in Haiti. If done, screening relies on OGTT at 24-28 weeks (w) of gestation. It is unclear whether this is an optimal approach in Haiti. We aimed to evaluate the implications of a universal DM diagnostic testing before 24 w. All consecutive pregnant women aged ≥18 y without known DM attending their first pregnancy visit in 4 prenatal clinics of Port-au-Prince and surroundings were invited to participate. Using a Contour NextR glucometer, eligible subjects underwent: Fasting blood glucose (FBG) test at 1-23 w and ≥36 w, 75g 2-h OGTT at 24-28 w for FBG A total of 945 women (mean age 29.78 ± 5.77 y, parity 2.04 ± 1.29, pre-eclampsia: 3.80%, caesarian section: 18.75%, preterm birth: 7.13%, single or living alone: 10.13%, family history of DM: 10.11%) were studied. Women with first visit at < and ≥24 w were 332 and 613, respectively. Prevalence of DIP and GDM by first screening period was: 7.20% and 13.02% overall, 12.35% and 13.86% at 100 mg/dL at Our findings suggest that universal screening for DM before 24 w of gestation leads to diagnosis of DM in about 20% of pregnant women. A rule in/rule out approach using FBG 100 mg/dL values at Disclosure P. Larco: None. E. Jean Baptiste: None. K. Moise: None. M. Charles Larco: None. B.S. Jerome: None. J.E. von Oettingen: None. R. Charles: None.

Background The disposable bronchoscope is an excellent alternative to face the problem of SARS-CoV-2 and other cross infections, but the bronchoscopist's perception of its quality has not been evaluated. Methods To evaluate the quality of the Ambu-aScope4 disposable bronchoscope, we carried out a cross-sectional study in 21 Spanish pulmonology services. We use a standardized questionnaire completed by the bronchoscopists at the end of each bronchoscopy. The variables were described with absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion depending on their nature. The existence of learning curves was evaluated by CUSUM analysis. Results The most frequent indications in 300 included bronchoscopies was bronchial aspiration in 69.3% and the median duration of these was 9.1 min. The route of entry was nasal in 47.2% and oral in 34.1%. The average score for ease of use, image, and aspiration quality was 80/100. All the planned techniques were performed in 94.9% and the bronchoscopist was satisfied in 96.6% of the bronchoscopies. They highlighted the portability and immediacy of the aScope4TM to start the procedure in 99.3%, the possibility of taking and storing images in 99.3%. The CUSUM analysis showed average scores > 70/100 from the first procedure and from the 9th procedure more than 80% of the scores exceeded the 80/100 score. Conclusions The aScope4 (TM) scored well for ease of use, imaging, and aspiration. We found a learning curve with excellent scores from the 9th procedure. Bronchoscopists highlighted its portability, immediacy of use and the possibility of taking and storing images.

The emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes necessitates a continuous search for newer, effective antimicrobial agents. The crude methanol leaf extract of Vernonia glaberrima was screened for its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms including Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin resistant enterococci, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcusau reus, Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter fetus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Candida tropicalis and Candida stellatoidea using agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. The result of the susceptibility test showed the extract (400μg) inhibited the growth of Methicillin-resistance S. aureus, Vancomycin resistant enterococci, S. aureus, H. pylori, P. fluorescens and C. stellatoidea with mean zone of inhibition range of 18 to 29 mm; the most susceptible organism was S. aureus (29 mm) and the least was the fungus, C. stellatoidea (18 mm). No activity was observed against L. monocytogenes, C. fetus, P. vulgaris and C. tropicalis. Sparfloxacin (5µg/ml) the standard antibacterial drug, had inhibitory activity against all the test organisms except H. pylori, P. flourescens, C. tropicalis and C. stellatoidea while the standard anti-fungal drug, Fluconazole (5µg/ml), showed activity only on the two fungi species, C. tropicalis and C. stellatoidea. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) ranges for the extract were 5 to 20 mg/ml and 10 to 40 mg/ml, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the methanol leaf extract of V. glaberrima contains bioactive principles that have good antibacterial and antifungal activity, validating the antimicrobial use of the plant in traditional medicine. Key words: Vernonia glaberrima, extract, antimicrobial, MIC, MBC, evaluation.

Background: Tobacco use is one of the main preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. This report presents the experience of the smoking cessation team from the National Thorax Institute (Instituto Nacional del Torax-Chile). Patients and Method: A clinical series of patients treated between April 2013 and March 2014, with one-year follow-up was studied. Intervention was based on seven group sessions, with a cognitive behavioral viewpoint and pharmacological treatment (mainly varenicline). Follow-up was done through telephone calls at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Descriptive statistics and X² test were used. Results: Eighty-seven patients were treated, mean age 54 years, 63% women; 79% had a pack year index over 20; 28% had depression and 16% had COPD. 59% received varenicline. Self-reported abstinence for 12 months was 37%. No significant differences between high risk groups were found. Conclusion: The smoking cessation program done at the National Thorax Institute shows that it is feasible to implement this type of programs in the public health system of Chile with results comparable to those internationally published.

In the quest for new energy sources, the research on controlled thermonuclear fusion has been boosted by the start of the construction phase of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). ITER is based on the tokamak magnetic configuration, which is the best performing one in terms of energy confinement. Alternative concepts are however actively researched, which in the long term could be considered for a second generation of reactors. Here, we show results concerning one of these configurations, the reversed-field pinch (RFP). By increasing the plasma current, a spontaneous transition to a helical equilibrium occurs, with a change of magnetic topology. Partially conserved magnetic flux surfaces emerge within residual magnetic chaos, resulting in the onset of a transport barrier. This is a structural change and sheds new light on the potential of the RFP as the basis for a low-magnetic-field ohmic fusion reactor. © 2009 Macmillan Publishers Limited.

Background: The maxillary sinus is characterized by a considerable variation in sizes and shapes and between the right and left sides. Due to easy access to all its walls and surfaces, imaging via computerized tomography (CT) has enhanced the quality and quantity of information obtainable from the assessment of the maxillary sinus. Aim: To determine normal variations in shapes and symmetry of the maxillary sinus using CT. Methods: A total of 130 subjects comprising 79 males and 51 females, between the ages of 20 and 80 years, with normal maxillary sinus CT anatomy, who had head CT scans carried out at the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, over a period of five years, were used for this study. Images were taken with a GE Bright Speed Multidetector Helical CT (GE Healthcare, USA, 2005) Scanner, while films were viewed on the computer monitor. Variations in shapes of the maxillary sinus were identified on axial images and classified based on their resemblance to known shapes of solids. Data were analyzed using Minitab 16.0 statistical package (Minitab inc. USA). Results: Five distinct shapes of the maxillary sinus were identified. These were: irregular in two subjects (0.77%) (right = 1 and left = 1); oval in three subjects (1.15%) (right = 2 and left = 1); quadrangular in three subjects (1.15%) (right = 2 and left = 1); spherical in 61 subjects (23.46%) (right = 30 and left = 31); and triangular 191 (73.46%) (right = 95 and left = 96). Shapes were symmetrical in 85.38% and asymmetrical in 14.62% of subjects. Conclusion: Five normal but distinct shapes of the maxillary sinus were identified, with the predominant shape, being the triangular type, and sinuses of individuals were frequently symmetrical in shape.

En pacientes con EPOC, el consumo de tabaco empeora la función pulmonar y al dejar de fumar disminuye la caída del VEF1 y la mortalidadpor todas las causas. No obstante, hay un alto porcentaje que continúa fumando a pesar de la enfermedad debido al alto grado de dependencia, baja motivación para dejar de fumar y asociación con cuadros depresivos y creencias falsas, lo que dificulta los intentos por dejar de fumar y disminuye el éxito de ellos. El tratamiento de los fumadores se basa en dos pilares: intervención psico-social y tratamiento farmacológico. En pacientes con EPOC la intervención psicosocial debe ser especialmente intensa, empática y orientada a incrementar la motivación y la autoeficacia, utilizándose la Entrevista Motivacional. En farmacoterapia, los medicamentos de primera línea son los sustitutos de nicotina (TSN), bupropión y vareniclina. En los pacientes EPOC la TSN es efectiva, pudiendo combinarse TSN de entregapasiva con otro de entrega activa. El bupropión ha demostrado una buena relación costo-efectividad y la vareniclina, en pacientes con EPOC leve a moderada, ha sido efectiva. En resumen, las terapias para fumadores con EPOC deben ser más intensas, combinando tratamiento farmacológico ypsicosocial y mantenidas en el tiempo.

Electrically active constructs can have a beneficial effect on electroresponsive tissues, such as the brain, heart, and nervous system. Conducting polymers (CPs) are being considered as components of these constructs because of their intrinsic electroactive and flexible nature. However, their clinical application has been largely hampered by their short operational time due to a decrease in their electronic properties. We show that, by immobilizing the dopant in the conductive scaffold, we can prevent its electric deterioration. We grew polyaniline (PANI) doped with phytic acid on the surface of a chitosan film. The strong chelation between phytic acid and chitosan led to a conductive patch with retained electroactivity, low surface resistivity (35.85 ± 9.40 kilohms per square), and oxidized form after 2 weeks of incubation in physiological medium. Ex vivo experiments revealed that the conductive nature of the patch has an immediate effect on the electrophysiology of the heart. Preliminary in vivo experiments showed that the conductive patch does not induce proarrhythmogenic activities in the heart. Our findings set the foundation for the design of electronically stable CP-based scaffolds. This provides a robust conductive system that could be used at the interface with electroresponsive tissue to better understand the interaction and effect of these materials on the electrophysiology of these tissues.

Background and objectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age and comorbidities, smoking and alcohol use on microorganisms in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). MethodsA prospective multicentre study was performed with 4304 patients. We compared microbiological results, bacterial aetiology, smoking, alcohol abuse and comorbidities in three age groups: young adults (65years). ResultsBacterial aetiology was identified in 1522 (35.4%) patients. In seniors, liver disease was independently associated with Gram-negative bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae and Enterobacteriaceae), COPD with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR=2.69 (1.46-4.97)) and Staphylococcus aureus (OR=2.8 (1.24-6.3)) and neurological diseases with S. aureus. In adults, diabetes mellitus (DM) was a risk factor for Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. aureus, and COPD for H. influenzae (OR=3.39 (1.06-10.83)). In young adults, DM was associated with S. aureus. Smoking was a risk factor for Legionella pneumophila regardless of age. Alcohol intake was associated with mixed aetiology and Coxiella burnetii in seniors, and with S. pneumoniae in young adults. ConclusionIt should be considered that the bacterial aetiology may differ according to the patient's age, comorbidities, smoking and alcohol abuse. More extensive microbiological testing is warranted in those with risk factors for infrequent microorganisms. We report patterns of rare causative organisms for community-acquired pneumonia related to comorbidities such as liver disease, COPD, neurological illness diabetes, smoking and alcohol abuse in three age groups: young adults (65years).

Andrographis paniculata Nees. (Acanthaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant widely cultivated in southern Asia, China, and Europe. It is used in the treatment of skin infections in India, China, and Malaysia by folk medicine practitioners.Antifungal activity of the whole plant extracts and isolation of active principles from A. paniculata were investigated.Dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MEOH) extracts of A. paniculata whole plant were screened for their antifungal potential using broth microdilution method in vitro against seven pathogenic fungal species responsible for skin infections. Active principles were detected through bioguided assays and isolated using chromatography techniques. Structures of compounds were elucidated through spectroscopy techniques and comparisons were made with previously reported data for similar compounds.DCM extract revealed lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (100 μg/mL) against Microsporum canis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis, whereas MEOH extract revealed lowest MIC (150 µg/mL) against C. tropicalis and Aspergillus niger. DCM extract showed lowest minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) value (250 µg/mL) against M. canis, C. albicans, C. tropicalis and A. niger, whereas MEOH extract showed lowest MFC (250 µg/mL) against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, M. canis, C. albicans, C. tropicalis and A. niger. Bioassay guided isolation from DCM and MEOH extract afforded 3-O-β-d-glucosyl-14-deoxyandrographiside, 14-deoxyandrographolide, and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide as antifungal compounds. The lowest MIC (50 µg/mL) and MFC (50 µg/mL) was exerted by 14-deoxyandrographolide on M. canis.This is first report on the isolation of antifungal substances through bioassay-guided assay from A. paniculata. Our finding justifies the use of A. paniculata in folk medicines for the treatment of fungal skin infections.

Resumen Se describe la metodología utilizada en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax para el tratamiento del tabaquismo, modalidad grupal. Se realizan 7 sesiones semanales, donde se utilizan los principios de la Entrevista Motivacional. Hay una primera etapa de preparación (3 sesiones), se fija día D y luego 4 sesiones de acompañamiento, manejo del síndrome de privación, prevención de recaídas y mantención de la abstinencia.

RATIONALE: Detection of the C-polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae in urine by an immune-chromatographic test is increasingly used to evaluate patients with community-acquired pneumonia. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of this test in the largest series of cases to date and used logistic regression models to determine predictors of positivity in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study of 4,374 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The urinary antigen test was done in 3,874 cases. Pneumococcal infection was diagnosed in 916 cases (21%); 653 (71%) of these cases were diagnosed exclusively by the urinary antigen test. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 99.7%, respectively. Predictors of urinary antigen positivity were female sex; heart rate>/=125 bpm, systolic blood pressure/=30 mg/dl. With at least six of all these predictors present, the probability of positivity was 52%. With only one factor present, the probability was only 12%. CONCLUSIONS: The urinary antigen test is a method with good sensitivity and excellent specificity in diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia, and its use greatly increased the recognition of community-acquired pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae. With a specificity of 99.7%, this test could be used to direct simplified antibiotic therapy, thereby avoiding excess costs and risk for bacterial resistance that result from broad-spectrum antibiotics. We also identified predictors of positivity that could increase suspicion for pneumococcal infection or avoid the unnecessary use of this test.

Detergent is commonly available as powders or concentrated solutions. Detergent work because they are amphiphilic- partly hydrophilic (polar) and partly hydrophobic (non- polar). Qualitative determination of Surfactant, Sulphur, Phosphorus and Nitrogen (as cyanide) were carried out with Quantitative analysis for Sulphate, Foamabilityand Total alkalinity. All the samples were found to be anionic detergents, Sulphur, Phosphorus were present in all the samples but Nitrogen was not detected. The percentage alkalinity for samples A- E were; 32.40, 72.08, 37.52, 46.60 and 55.50 respectively as carbonate with 4.8, 5.6, 6.9, 4.4 and 1.8 % as Hydroxide. Similarly, heights (cm) of foam formed for samples A-E were 440, 430, 410, 450 and 450. The percentage concentrations of Sulphate were 97.5, 27.5, 43.5, 42.0 and 52.0. Therefore, Sample B is good for hard-water washing, C is good for fabrics, D is good for stain removal and A,E samples are good for utensils and washing machine.

El tabaquismo es una enfermedad crónica adictiva, caracterizada por su tendencia a la recurrencia, en que las recaídas son parte del proceso de dejar de fumar. Se recomienda una evaluación clínica completa de los fumadores, incluyendo la aplicación de algunos tests que permitan evaluar nivel de adicción, motivación y comorbilidad psiquiátrica. El tratamiento actual del tabaquismo tiene dos pilares: intervención psicosocial y terapia farmacológica. las intervenciones actuales, se basan en dos modelos teóricos que intentan comprender los cambios de la conducta de fumar de las personas: las Etapas de Cambio y la Teoría PRIME. la Consejería Breve es una estrategia aprobada internacionalmente por su impacto poblacional en dejar de fumar. la metodología que utiliza se denomina las 5 A: Averiguar, Aconsejar, Acordar, Ayudar y Acompañar. Para los pacientes no motivados al momento de la intervención se utiliza la metodología de las 5 R: Relevancia, Riesgos, Recompensas, Resistencias y Repetición. El enfoque actualmente utilizado en el manejo de los fumadores, es la Entrevista Motivacional, que intenta producir el cambio conductual desde dentro y no imponiéndolo. Sus cuatro herramientas son: expresar empatia, desarrollar las discrepancias, lidiar con las resistencias y mejorar la autoeficacia. Hay consenso en que las estrategias psicosociales útiles son: 1) la entrega de consejos prácticos para resolución de problemas y desarrollo de habilidades para enfrentar situaciones de riesgo; 2) el apoyo intratratamiento, incentivando los intentos por dejar de fumar y trasmitiendo preocupación y apoyo.

The aim of this paper is to analyse the use of anti-TNF drugs in current Italian practice, evaluate clinical responses to treatment, and identify possible predictors of negative response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).DOSE is a non-interventional, prospective study of patients with active RA treated for the first time with anti-TNF agents in 21 Italian hospitals. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, treatments and outcome measures were assessed. Outcome measures used were EULAR response, DAS28 remission and HAQ remission at 12 months. A stepwise logistic regression model was used to study the predictors of non-response.Of 299 RA patients (mean 53.8 ± 12.8 years, 76.1% female), DAS28 was5.1 in 60.5% of patients and HAQ was1 in 65.9%. Etanercept was the most prescribed anti-TNF. DMARDs were used in 77.6% of patients (methotrexate in 59.2%). Significant improvements in clinical and laboratory parameters were observed at 12 months. The proportion of patients classed as non-responders remained high, and varied according to assessment criteria. The main predictors independently and significantly associated with a high risk of non-response were: age and female gender for all outcome criteria; high DAS28 value for disease remission; and HAQ1 for disability remission.In Italian anti-TNF treatment for RA, age, gender, and high values of both disease activity and disability were predictors of non-response to first-line therapy with anti-TNF drugs. Future studies should consider optimal second-line therapies for RA patients who do not achieve remission to their first anti-TNF treatment.

BACKGROUND: Active smoking increases the risk of developing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and invasive pneumococcal disease, although its impact on mortality in pneumococcal CAP outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of current smoking status on pneumococcal CAP mortality. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study in 4,288 hospitalized patients with CAP. The study group consisted of 892 patients with pneumococcal CAP: 204 current smokers (22.8%), 387 nonsmokers (43.4%), and 301 exsmokers (33.7%). RESULTS: Mortality at 30 days was 3.9%: 4.9% in current smokers vs 4.3% in nonsmokers and 2.6% in exsmokers. Current smokers with CAP were younger (51 years vs 74 years), with more alcohol abuse and fewer cardiac, renal, and asthma diseases. Current smokers had lower CURB-65 (confusion, uremia, respiratory rate, BP, age >= 65 years) scores, although 40% had severe sepsis at diagnosis. Current smoking was an independent risk factor (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.8-13.5; P = .001) for 30-day mortality of pneumococcal CAP aft er adjusting for age (OR, 1.06; P = .001), liver disease (OR, 4.5), sepsis (OR, 2.3), antibiotic adherence to guidelines, and first antibiotic dose given, 6 h. The independent risk effect of current smokers remained when compared only with nonsmokers (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.3-12.6; P = .015) or to exsmokers (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.09-4.95; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Current smokers with pneumococcal CAP oft en develop severe sepsis and require hospitalization at a younger age, despite fewer comorbid conditions. Smoking increases the risk of 30-day mortality independently of tobacco-related comorbidity, age, and comorbid conditions. Current smokers should be actively targeted for preventive strategies.

GEOPH. RES. ABSTRACTS

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is actually considered a subgroup of hospital-acquired pneumonia due to the reported high risk of multidrug-resistant pathogens in the USA. Therefore, current American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines suggest a nosocomial antibiotic treatment for HCAP. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence supporting this is contradictory.

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una actualización de los fundamentos teóricos y metodológicos de la consejería y la evidencia sobre su eficacia, relacionándola con la práctica de los equipos de salud y analizando los desafíos futuros. Se describen las bases teóricas, las orientaciones de política del Ministerio de Salud de Chile, las estrategias recomendadas a nivel internacional y los aportes de los participantes de un programa de capacitación realizado por el INTA con 312 profesionales (nutricionistas, kinesiólogos y odontólogos en su mayoría). Se presenta el análisis de las condiciones en la Atención Primaria de Salud para implementar la consejería en alimentación, actividad física y tabaco en forma sistemática. Se discute la necesidad de adoptar medidas para el mejoramiento de la práctica y su contribución a un abordaje preventivo de los graves problemas de sedentarismo, obesidad y tabaquismo en la población chilena.

Initial care has been associated with improved survival of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to investigate patient comorbidities and health status measured by the Charlson index and clinical signs at diagnosis associated with adherence to recommended processes of care in CAP. We studied 3844 patients hospitalized with CAP. The evaluated recommendations were antibiotic adherence to Spanish guidelines, first antibiotic dose 65 (OR, 1.51) and COPD (OR, 1.80) were protective factors. The combination of antibiotic adherence and timing

Biomarkers are useful in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Recently, midregional (MR) proadrenomedullin (proADM) has been shown to be of potential prognostic use. We sought to determine whether this prognostic role depends on the cause of CAP. We conducted a prospective cohort study of immunocompetent patients with CAP. Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and CURB-65 score (confusion (abbreviated mental test score of = 8), urea = 7 mol · L(-1), respiratory rate = 30 breaths · min(-1), blood pressure

Aim of the study The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic potential of the leaves of Tetracera scandens Linn. Merr. (Dilleniaceae) in vivo with regard to prove its efficacy by local herbalists in the treatment of diabetes frailties. Materials and methods Crude aqueous (AQ) and methanol (MEOH) extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. were administered to both normal and alloxan induced diabetic male albino rats (Wistar strain). The blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after oral administration of AQ and MEOH extracts. Results Significant reduction in glucose was observed in fasting blood glucose levels in the treated diabetic rats without causing any hypoglycemic effect compared to normal rats. Both polar extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity at different doses and intervals. The highest anti-hyperglycemic effect (62.5%) was observed by the AQ extract at 0.25 g/kg body weight (b.w.) and MEOH extract (36.5%) at 0.5 g/kg b.w. after 8 h. The significant anti-hyperglycemic activity was found to be comparable with a known oral synthetic hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg b.w. Conclusion This study provides scientific evidence that the leaves of T. scandens L. have anti-diabetic efficacy and justifies its utility by local herbalists. However, more experiments at the clinical levels are required to confirm the utility of this plant by traditional practitioners in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Enmarcado en el objetivo de promover la humanización de la salud en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax, este trabajo se propuso realizar un estudio descriptivo exploratorio de tipo cualitativo con la finalidad de conocer las funciones, percepciones, valores y actitudes del personal de la Unidad Médico Quirúrgico Respiratorio ante los pacientes que viven su proceso de muerte en el hospital. Nos interesaba también, identificar las fortalezas, carencias y necesidades sentidas por el equipo de trabajo en la atención de estos pacientes terminales y en el tratamiento que se realiza con el cuerpo del fallecido. Esta información permitirá implementar medidas que ayuden a dignificar la muerte en esta Unidad. Se realizaron un total de 26 entrevistas semiestructuradas, correspondientes a un 65% de los funcionarios que laboran en esta Unidad. Los participantes califican su trabajo como "bueno" especialmente en el control de síntomas físicos del paciente y atención a la familia. Reconocen sin embargo, que hay otras necesidades, especialmente las psicológicas y espirituales que no se atienden con excelencia, como consecuencia de la escasa preparación recibida para enfrentar y resolver situaciones de alto contenido emocional y establecer una comunicación terapéutica con el paciente.

Background: Smoking is the main risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Aim: To estimate smoking attributable risk and population attributable risk in COPD patients attended in Public Health Services of Santiago. Materials and methods: A case control study matched by sex and age was carried out. Crude and adjusted attributable risks as well as population attributable risk were estimated, controlled by potential confounders and by interaction variables. Results: Mean ages for cases and controls were 68 and 67 years respectively. When compared to the control group, COPD patients had a higher smoking prevalence (at least 100 cigarettes in their life span: 89.7% vs 60.3%; p

The paper focuses on the recent results achieved using at best the technology developed for the RFX-mod real time control system of MHD modes, which provides control features unique in the worldwide fusion experimental program. The paper aims at highlighting the successful technological aspects that have led to the outstanding scientific achievements obtained in the machine recent operation, including a dramatic increase in plasma duration and a significant decrease in magnetic perturbations. RFX-mod addresses the MHD mode control by acting on the magnetic field configuration at the boundary. The approach is not limited to the stabilization of Resistive Wall Modes (RWMs) in RFX-mod, but it also aims at acquiring an experimental knowledge on the MHD mode control that can be relevant for high beta discharges in tokamaks. To the purpose, an ad-hoc field correction coil system has been installed, consisting of 192 saddle coils covering the whole torus surface. The coils are arranged in 48 poloidal arrays, each made up of 4 equispaced coils. Each coil is fed independently. By means of this actuating system, magnetic field poloidal and toroidal harmonic components (m, n) can be generated with m=0, n=0 to 24 and m=1, n=-23 to 24. The control system is based on a modular hardware and software infrastructure, capable to fulfill the tight system requirements in terms of input/output channels (>700/>250), real time data flow (>2 Mbyte/s), computation capability (>1 GFLOP/s), and real time constraints. The control system, which has been extensively and routinely used in the operation of RFX-mod since the commissioning, provides a very powerful environment for interaction with MHD modes and for their control. Two basic control strategies have been developed: the Selective Virtual Shell (SVS) and the Mode Control (MC). The former aims at canceling all modes (Virtual Shell concept) except for selected preset ones (Selectivity concept). The Selectivity concept allows operating without interfering with the vertical equilibrium field (m=1, n=0), allows studying the growth of selected unstable RWMs, and facilitates producing Quasi-Single Helicity plasmas. The MC scheme aims at interacting with single or multiple modes. In this strategy, the regulators act directly on the modes by means of complex gains that can account for mode rotation.

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal para conocer la prevalencia de tabaquismo y actitudes en funcionarios del sector educación. Para esto se distribuyó una encuesta autoaplicada y anónima en 235 establecimientos educacionales del país (132 escuelas, 14 liceos y 87 jardines infantiles). El análisis de 3.270 encuestas mostró una prevalencia de tabaquismo de 36,7%, siendo las mujeres más fumadoras que los hombres (37,3% vs 34,6%). La prevalencia de tabaquismo es mayor entre los 20 y 44 años. Los más fumadores son los paradocentes (57,6%) y administrativos (48,8%); mientras que los menos fumadores son los directivos (22,2%) y profesores (32,6%). Dos tercios de los fumadores son consumidores diarios, con un consumo promedio (± DE) 5,7 ± 4,3 cigarrillos/día. Sólo 0,3% fuma más de 20 cigarrillos/día y 13,5% consume el primer cigarrillo en los primeros 30 minutos luego de despertar. El 74,1% de los funcionarios no permite que se fume en su hogar y el 92,3% está de acuerdo en que se restringa fumar en sus lugares de trabajo. Los datos de esta encuesta sugieren que los funcionarios de educación son menos fumadores que la población general y que los funcionarios de salud, lo que favorece el desarrollo de políticas de ambientes libres del humo de tabaco A descriptive and transversal survey was carried out to know the prevalence of smoking and the attitudes of school teachers and other school workers. An anonymous self administered questionnaire was distributed in 235 educational establishments (132 basic schools, 14 high schools and 87 kindergartens) across the country. The analysis of 3,270 completed questionnaires showed a prevalence of smoking of 36.7%, women smoking more than men (37.3% versus 34.6%). The greatest prevalence was found between 20 and 44 years of age. Teacher auxiliaries and administrative staff showed the highest prevalece (57,6 and 48,6% respectively) while directive staff and teachers showed the lowest (22.2 and 32.6% respectively). Two thirds were daily smokers with an average consumption of 5.7 ± 4.3 (SD) cigarettes per day. Only 0.3% smoked more than 20 cigarettes per per day and 13.5% smoked one cigarette in the first 30 minutes after waking up in the morning. Seventy four percent do not allow smoking in their homes and 92.3% agree to limit smoking in their workplaces. The data from this survey suggest that school workers smoke less than the general population and than health workers. This may favour the development of smoke free environments in schools.