Resumo A bioacumulação de metais pesados tóxicos no corpo humano pode causar efeitos adversos à saúde, cuja gravidade depende de sua dosagem e duração da exposição. Neste estudo, filhotes de duas espécies diferentes de peixes comestíveis, ou seja, Tor putitora (Mahseer) e Ctenopharyngodon idella (carpa-capim), foram expostos a diferentes concentrações de nitrato de chumbo em um ambiente controlado de aquário por três diferentes períodos de duração (14, 28 e 60 dias). A bioacumulação de chumbo em diferentes órgãos, incluindo brânquias, pele, músculos, fígado, intestino e bexiga natatória dos peixes, foi avaliada por espectrometria de absorção atômica. Geralmente, a maior concentração de chumbo foi observada nas brânquias e a menor nos músculos para ambas as espécies em cada dosagem e duração experimental. Na exposição de 14 dias, o padrão relativo de bioacumulação em diferentes órgãos foi observado como brânquia > fígado > pele > intestino > bexiga natatória > músculo para ambas as espécies de peixes. Da mesma forma, o padrão de bioacumulação observado em 28 dias de exposição foi: brânquia > fígado > intestino > pele > bexiga natatória > músculo em ambas as espécies. Já o padrão de exposição de 60 dias foi observado como brânquia > fígado > intestino > bexiga natatória > músculo > pele. Os dados mostram que a carpa-capim armazenou maiores concentrações de chumbo do que a Mahseer, o que pode ser atribuído ao fato de serem onívoras. Além disso, a menor bioacumulação foi registrada nos músculos até o 56º dia de exposição, após o que a concentração aumentou de forma constante nos músculos. O padrão observado destaca a importância da duração da exposição ao chumbo; a exposição crônica pode resultar em sua bioacumulação em concentrações tóxicas nos músculos, o que é particularmente preocupante porque os músculos dos peixes são muito consumidos como alimento em todo o mundo.

Abstract Bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals in the human body can give rise to adverse health effects, the severity of which depends upon their dosage and duration of exposure. In this study, yearlings of two different species of edible fish, i.e., Tor putitora (Mahseer) and Ctenopharyngodon Idella (grass carp), were exposed to different concentrations of lead nitrate in a controlled environment of aquarium for three different lengths of duration (14, 28, and 60 days). The bioaccumulation of lead in different organs, including gills, skin, muscles, liver, intestine, and swim bladder of the fish, was assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Generally, the highest lead concentration was observed in the gills and lowest in the muscles for both species at each experimental dosage and duration. In 14-days exposure, the relative pattern of bioaccumulation in different organs was observed as gill > liver > skin > intestine > swim bladder > muscle for both fish species. Similarly, the pattern of bioaccumulation observed in 28-days exposure was as: gill > liver > intestine > skin > swim bladder > muscle in both species. Whereas, pattern in 60-days exposure was observed as gill > liver > intestine > swim bladder > muscle > skin. The data shows that grass carp had stored higher concentrations of lead than Mahseer, which may be attributed to the fact that they are omnivorous. Furthermore, the lowest bioaccumulation was recorded in the muscles until the 56th day of the exposure, after which the concentration steadily increased in the muscles. The observed pattern highlights the importance of exposure’s duration to lead; chronic exposure could result in its bioaccumulation at toxic concentrations in the muscles, which is particularly of concern because the fish muscles are heavily consumed as food worldwide.

Herein, a polysaccharide-based hydrogel from seeds of Salvia spinosa (SSH) was evaluated as a pH-responsive, superporous, hemocompatible, non-toxic, and sustained release material. The SSH-based tablets showed pH-dependent swelling (pH 7.4 > 6.8 > 4.5 > 1.2) as well as swelling and de-swelling behavior at pH 7.4 and 1.2, respectively. Sustained release of febuxostat was achieved by mimicking the gastrointestinal tract conditions for 14 h and following the zero-order kinetics and super case-II transport mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous nature of SSH even after compression. SSH was found to be hemocompatible with antioxidant properties. Acute toxicity studies ensured the safety of SSH at a maximum dose level of 2.0 g kg-1 body weight of the animals. SSH was also found as non-irritant to the eye. The histopathology of vital organs did not show any lesions or inflammation. Conclusively, SSH can be considered a safe ingredient for oral, dermal, and ophthalmic formulations.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa and the number of physiotherapists working with soccer teams has increased significantly. Despite increased appointments, very little is known regarding the demographic, education and work profiles of these physiotherapists. OBJECTIVE: To determine the profiles of physiotherapists working with soccer teams in South Africa. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used to collect data from physiotherapists employed with soccer teams. Physiotherapists who were employed on a part-time basis and not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and who did not give consent were excluded. A total of 38 physiotherapists working with soccer teams participated in our study. A questionnaire was circulated, and participants were given 4 months to complete and submit it. RESULTS: Results showed that participants had a mean age of 31.35 years and were employed for a mean time of 3.41 years. Most participants were African (89.48%) and worked with amateur soccer teams (52.63%). The education results indicated that 66.67% of participants held bachelor's degrees. Postgraduate- and undergraduate education were used most frequently by participants to guide clinical decision-making. Job satisfaction was satisfactory, but they were not satisfied with their salaries. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to investigate the profiles of physiotherapists working with soccer teams in South Africa. Demographic, education and work profiles for physiotherapists working with soccer teams were compiled, and the lack of information regarding the profiles of these physiotherapists was identified. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Extensive future research is needed to inform and train physiotherapists regarding the management of soccer teams.

Resumo Uma pesquisa foi realizada para avaliar o impacto de vários níveis de nitrogênio e fósforo, juntamente com micróbios benéficos, para aumentar a produtividade da canola. A pesquisa foi realizada no inverno de 2016-17 no Agronomy Research Farm, Universidade de Agricultura do Peshawar. O experimento foi conduzido por planejamento fatorial aleatorizado em blocos. O estudo focou-se em três fatores, incluindo o teor de nitrogênio, N, (60, 120 e 180 kg.ha-1), o teor de fósforo, P, (70, 100 e 130 kg ha-1) e a presença de micróbios benéficos (com BM e sem BM). Para fins de comparação, um tratamento controle sem N, P e BM também foi incluído no estudo. A aplicação de micróbios benéficos aumentou significativamente as vagens das plantas e de sementes, a duração do enchimento das sementes, o peso de 1000 sementes, o rendimento biológico e o rendimento de sementes em comparação com os resultados do controle. O nitrogênio aplicado na taxa de 180 kg ha-1 aumentou as vagens por planta, vagem, duração do enchimento, peso da semente, rendimento biológico e rendimento de sementes. Vagens máximas por planta, vagem, enchimento precoce de sementes, peso maior de semente, rendimento biológico, rendimento de sementes e índice de colheita foram observados em parcelas tratadas com 130 kg.ha-1 de fósforo. Em comparação aos blocos cultivados de controle, os blocos cultivados tratados combinados têm mais vagens por planta e sementes por vagem, maior duração do enchimento das sementes, maior número de sementes mais pesadas e maior rendimento biológico, rendimento de sementes e índice de colheita. Conclui-se que a aplicação de micróbios benéficos junto com N e P nas doses de 180 kg ha-1 e 130 kg ha-1, respectivamente, aumentou a produtividade e atributos de produtividade para a canola.

Abstract A research was conducted to evaluate the impact of various nitrogen and phosphorus levels along with beneficial microbes to enhance canola productivity. The research was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar in winter 2016-2017. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block factorial design. The study was comprised of three factors including nitrogen (60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1), phosphorous (70, 100 and 130 kg ha-1) and beneficial microbes (with and without BM). A control treatment with no N, P and BM was also kept for comparison. Application of beneficial microbes significantly increased pods plant, seed pod, seed filling duration, 1000 seed weight, biological yield and seed yield as compared to control plots. Nitrogen applied at the rate of 180 kg ha-1 increased pods plant-1, seed pod, seed filling duration, seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Maximum pods plant-1, seed pod, early seed filling, heavier seed weight, biological yield, seed yield, and harvest index were observed in plots treated with 130 kg.ha-1 phosphorous. As comparison, the combine treated plots have more pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, seed filling duration, heaviest seeds, biological yield, seed yield and harvest index as compared to control plots. It is concluded that application of beneficial microbes with N and P at the rate of 180 kg ha-1 and 130 kg ha-1, respectively, increased yield and its attributes for canola.

Resumo O porco-espinho de crista indiano (Hystrix indica) é classificado como uma espécie de praga agrícola. Alimenta-se de plantas e colheitas; portanto, é responsável por enormes perdas financeiras em todo o mundo. O estudo atual foi realizado para avaliar a composição da dieta do porco-espinho de crista indiano nos distritos de Bagh, Azad Jammu e Caxemira (AJ&K). Assim, amostras fecais foram coletadas e examinadas em diferentes locais de amostragem. Lâminas de referência do material coletado na área de estudo foram preparadas para identificação dos componentes da dieta em pellets fecais. Um total de 80 amostras fecais foi coletado e processado. As frequências relativas percentuais (P.R.F.) foram calculadas para cada espécie de planta recuperada de pelotas. Os dados revelaram que o porco-espinho indiano consumiu 31 espécies de plantas em sua dieta, entre elas Zea mays (34,31 ± 7,76) foi a espécie mais selecionada, seguida por Rumex obtusifolius (15,32 ± 2,57) e Melia azedarach (12,83 ± 4,79). O estudo revelou que a maior diversidade de (n = 20) espécies de plantas foi consumida no verão, enquanto o mínimo (n = 13) espécies foi utilizado durante o inverno. Entre as partes das plantas, o caule foi muito consumido na primavera (57,2%) em relação à semente no outono (36,7%), enquanto a espiga e a folha foram as partes menos recuperadas da matéria fecal., O índice de diversidade de Berger-Parker mostrou alimentos altamente diversificados (10,92) no verão do ano em comparação com o outono (2,95). Este estudo fornece uma linha de base para a preferência alimentar dessa praga na área de estudo. Com base nas descobertas atuais, uma investigação detalhada sobre avaliação de danos, exploração, uso de habitat e gerenciamento de porco-espinho de crista indiano em AJ&K foi recomendada.

Abstract The Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) is classified as an agricultural pest species. It feeds on plants and crops; hence, it is responsible for massive financial losses worldwide. The current study was conducted to assess the diet composition of Indian Crested Porcupine in District Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K). Thus, fecal samples were collected and examined from different sampling sites. Reference slides of the material collected from the study area were prepared for identification of dietary components in fecal pellets. A total of 80 fecal samples were collected and processed. Percent relative frequencies (P.R.F.) were calculated for each plant species recovered from pellets. Data revealed that Indian Crested Porcupine consumed 31 plant species in its diet, among them Zea mays (34.31±7.76) was the most frequently selected species followed by Rumex obtusifolius (15.32±2.57) and Melia azedarach (12.83±4.79). The study revealed that the greatest diversity of (n=20) plant species were consumed in summer season while minimum (n=13) species were used during winter. Among the parts of plants, stem was highly consumed in spring (57.2%) as compared to seed in fall (36.7%) while spikes and leaf were the least recovered parts from the fecal matter. The Berger-Parker diversity index showed highly diversified food (10.92) in the summer time of the year as compared to the autumn season (2.95). This study provides a baseline for the diet preference of this pest in the study area. Based on current findings, a detailed investigation on damage assessment, exploration, habitat use and management of Indian Crested Porcupine in AJ&K has been recommended.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued an illegitimate fatwa against smoking in mosques because it endangers the health of worshippers and interferes with the comfort of worshippers. This study aims to investigate smoking behaviour in mosques and violations of fatwas from ulama and governor regulations. This study follows a cross-sectional design conducted by interviewing 531 Muslims who have prayed in the mosque for the last 14 days and observed the compliance of the mosque in implementing a smoke-free policy in 315 mosques. Frequency distribution and cross-tabulation were carried out using JASP 16 software using cross-tabulation. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the smoke-free policy for mosques in Medan has been violated many times (57.8%), especially the violation regarding smoking in mosques (32.1%); cigarette butts were still found in the yard of the mosque (44.1%). Violations of the policy of fatwa smoke-free areas occurred in public mosques (61%) and muhammadiyah mosques (46.5%). Smoking behaviour in mosques was seen in the last 2 weeks, namely smoking behaviour carried out by worshippers (57.6%), smoking behaviour carried out by mosque administrators (39.2%), smoking behaviour carried out by community leaders in mosques (19.4%) and smoking behaviour that ulemas carried out in mosques (14.3%). Worshippers must comply with the rules against smoking in mosques because it can endanger the health of other worshippers. Cigarette smoke in the mosque will make other worshippers uncomfortable to worship so that it can damage the solemnity of the congregation to worship in the mosque. CONTRIBUTION: This study is expected to explain smoking behaviour in mosques, violations of smoking behaviour in mosques that violate the ulama's fatwa regarding smoking behaviour in mosques and the governor's regulation on smoking behaviour in mosques.

Indonesia has the biggest Muslim population globally, and one of the Islamic beliefs among people of this nation is tarekat, which is sometimes considered as a heretic. Therefore, this article aims to analyse the meaning of diction tarekat according to the Qur'an and its implications for the Buginese community, one of the oldest ethnicities in Indonesia. This is a conceptual and empirical research with the purposive sampling method used to determine the informants from several tarekat leaders and congregations. Data were collected through documentation, observation and interviews and analysed using Miles and Huberman's qualitative analysis technique. This process consists of data reduction, display and drawing conclusions. The study results showed that, firstly, the word tarekat in the Qur'an indicates the meaning of inner journey and the methods and ways of thinking, acting and behaving. Secondly, to the Buginese community, it implies a spiritual path to a higher level of appreciation towards their God. Thirdly, the meaning of the diction tarekat in the Qur'an has implications for its understanding, which can be seen in the practice of dhikr, spiritual behaviour and the way of life of those implementing these heretics. CONTRIBUTION: This article enriched the religious belief among Muslims, which scholars rarely uncover. Adherents of Islam in Indonesia have a social and political responsibility regarding religious tolerance within and outside other religions. This proves that Muslims contribute to world peace in Middle-East and South-Eastern Asia.

ABSTRACT White-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera Horváth (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is a migratory and serious pest of rice crop worldwide including Pakistan. The current experiment was carried out to assess the antixenosis and antibiosis level of flfteen rice genotypes against S. furcifera under greenhouse conditions. In antixenosis studies, proportion of nymphs and adults settled was recorded in relation to control. Less preferred varieties by nymphs were RPP49 (3.80), N22 (5.60), IR 64 (6.20), IR 72 (6.60), Basmati Pak (6129) (5.40), and Super Basmati (5.00) as compared to TN1 (12.00). Lower number of eggs were laid on RPP49, N22, IR 64, Super Basmati and PKBB 8. Based on feeding marks the genotypes ranked from highest to lowest as RPP49, N22, IR 64, IR 72 and Basmati Pak. In antibiosis tests, RPP49, N22, IR64, IR 72, Super Basmati and Basmati Pak varieties performed well as compared to TN1. Minimum feeding rate (47.8 mm2) was recorded on RPP49 followed by N22, IR 64, IR74, Basmati Pak, Super Basmati, PKBB 8, PK 10684 and PK 10436 as compared to TN1(470.8 mm2). The results revealed that RPP49 emerged as the new resistant source against S. furcifera. Super Basmati, Basmati Pak have shown a moderate level of resistance while PKBB 8, PK 10684 and PK 10436 are new varieties with a moderate level of resistance to S. furcifera which can be used as resistance source in breeding programs against S. furcifera.

RESUMEN La falsa chicharrita del arroz, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) es una plaga migratoria y grave para los cultivos de arroz en todo el mundo, incluso Pakistán. El presente experimento se llevó a cabo para evaluar el nivel de antixenosis y antibiosis de quince genotipos de arroz contra S. furcifera en condiciones de invernadero. En los ensayos de antixenosis, la proporción de ninfas y adultos asentados se registró en relación con el grupo control. Las variedades menos preferidas por las ninfas fueron RPP49 (3.80), N22 (5.60), IR 64 (6.20), IR 72 (6.60), Basmati Pak (6129) (5.40) y Super Basmati (5.00) en comparación con TN1 (12.00). Se depositó un número menor de huevos en RPP49, N22, IR 64, Super Basmati y PKBB 8. Con base en la huella de alimentación, los genotipos ordenados de mayor a menor fueron RPP49, N22, IR 64, IR 72 y Basmati Pak. En ensayos de antibiosis, las variedades RPP49, N22, IR64, IR 72, Super Basmati y Basmati Pak obtuvieron buenos resultados en comparación con TN1. La menor velocidad de alimentación (47.8 mm2) se observó en RPP49, seguida por N22, IR 64, IR74, Basmati Pak, Super Basmati, PKBB 8, PK 10684 y PK 10436, en comparación con TN1 (470.8 mm2). Los resultados revelaron que RPP49 se ha convertido en la nueva fuente de resistencia contra S. furcifera. Super Basmati y Basmati Pak han mostrado un nivel moderado de resistencia, en tanto que PKBB 8, PK 10684 y PK 10436 son nuevas variedades con nivel moderado de resistencia, capaces de ser utilizadas como fuente de resistencia en programas de reproducción contra S. furcifera.

Abstract Background: Thermal weed control is a viable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly emerging alternative to highly challenged and unsustainable chemical weed control. Objective: To find out the most suitable pre-sowing soil solarization durations for effective weed control and soil fertility enhancement in sesame crop. Methods: A field study was conducted during the summer season of 2016 and 2017. Different soil solarization treatments were applied, including 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks before sowing (WBS) of sesame by spreading transparent polythene sheets. Results: The temperatures of solarized soil at 10 cm depth were 8-10 oC more than the control. The soil NPK and organic matter contents were gradually increased with increasing solarization durations. The highest soil nitrogen (0.71%), phosphorus (9.63 ppm), K (166.2 ppm), and organic matter content (1.12%) were observed with the longest soil solarization for 12 WBS. Different solarization durations provided 23 to 64% weed control efficiency and up to a 34% rise in sesame yield. Conclusions: Based on the current findings, soil solarization for 12 WBS by polythene sheets is an effective alternative to the chemical weed control method with additional positive effects on soil fertility and sesame yield.

In this study, we investigate the effects of nitrogen and boron dopants on the properties of phenalene/phenalenyl systems based on the Hückel theory by using the Hueckel Molecular Orbital software. The dopants configurations are graphitic, pyridinic, and pyrrolic. The electronic configuration of bare phenalene confirms the delocalization of π electrons and the radical properties of the molecule, which is in good agreement with the results of previous studies. Dopant types and positions strongly affect the number of π electrons in the system, molecular orbital energy, total energy, average π-electron energy, and gap energy. The molecular energy level degeneracy strongly depends on the rotational symmetry of the system, in the order of graphitic, pyridinic, and pyrrolic. A preserved radical behavior and the number of π electrons are found for the pyridinic dopant type, while closed electronic configuration is observed for graphitic and pyrrolic types. A lower gap energy is typically found for B-doped phenalene compared to that for N-doped phenalene; this opens the possibility for the enhancement of photoluminescence intensity. This study, although qualitative, confirms the effects of dopants on the chemical and physical properties of phenalene/phenalenyl systems.

RESUMO Racional: O bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux (RYGB) tem sido o procedimento bariátrico de escolha para pacientes com refluxo sintomático - e é conhecido por ser eficaz na redução da necessidade de medicação anti-refluxo no pós-operatório. No entanto, um pequeno número de pacientes com RYGB ainda pode desenvolver sintomas de refluxo graves que requerem uma intervenção cirúrgica. Objetivo: Examinar e descrever a população de pacientes que requer procedimento anti-refluxo após RYGB avaliando dados demográficos, características, sintomas e diagnóstico. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários foi realizada em 32 pacientes submetidos a hérnia hiatal e / ou fundoplicatura Nissen após RYGB em 1º de julho de 2014 a 31 de dezembro de 2019. Os pacientes foram identificados por meio do banco de dados MBSAQIP e seus prontuários eletrônicos foram revisados. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (n = 29 - 90,6%). A média de idade foi de 52,8 anos e o índice de massa corporea (IMC) médio de 34,1 kg / m2 na época do procedimento anti-refluxo. Os pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento anti-refluxo em média 7,9 anos após o procedimento do BGYR. A porcentagem média de perda do excesso de IMC durante o tempo entre o BGYR e o procedimento anti-refluxo foi de 63,4%. Conclusões: Pacientes do sexo feminino com perda de peso significativa podem desenvolver sintomas graves de refluxo anos após o BGYR. Sintomas de refluxo após RYGB não devem ser negligenciadas. Acompanhamento cuidadoso e tratamento adequado (incluindo intervenção cirúrgica) são necessários para essa população.

ABSTRACT Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been the choice of bariatric procedure for patients with symptomatic reflux - and is known to be effective in reducing the need for anti-reflux medication postoperatively. However, a small number of RYGB patients can still develop severe reflux symptoms that require a surgical intervention. Aim: To examine and describe the patient population that requires an anti-reflux procedure after RYGB evaluating demographics, characteristics, symptoms and diagnosis Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 32 patients who underwent a hiatal hernia repair and/or Nissen fundoplication after RYGB Jul 1st, 2014 and Dec 31st, 2019. Patients were identified using the MBSAQIP database and their electronic medical records were reviewed. Results: Most patients were female (n=29, 90.6%). The mean age was 52.8 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 34.1 kg/m2 at the time of anti-reflux procedure. Patients underwent the anti-reflux procedure at a mean of 7.9 years after the RYGB procedure. The mean percentage of excess BMI loss during the time between RYGB and anti-reflux procedure was 63.4%. Conclusions: Female patients with a significant weight loss may develop a severe reflux symptoms years after RYGB. Complaints of reflux after RYGB should not be overlooked. Careful follow-up and appropriate treatment (including surgical intervention) is needed for this population.

RESUMO A berinjela é uma cultura hortícola muito valorizada, cultivada em todo o globo e de grande importância econômica na Ásia. No entanto, sua produção está ameaçada por várias doenças foliares ou transmitidas pelo solo, pragas, seca, calor e danos causados por geada. Portanto, esforços são importantes para transferir genes de resistência para a berinjela, provenientes de seus parentes selvagens. No presente estudo, foi realizada hibridização interespecífica e intraespecífica, que incluiu três genótipos cultivados de berinjela (Solanum melongena MEE, Solanum melongena MEP, Solanum melongena MEB) e uma espécie selvagem de Solanum (Solanum incanum INC). Os híbridos F1 foram produzidos por hibridização inter e intraespecífica. Um total de 632 cruzamentos recíprocos inter e intraespecíficos possíveis foram realizados, onde apenas três tiveram sucesso. Os dias mínimos para o florescimento foram observados na MEP parental, e a altura máxima da planta foi medida em MEE×MEB. O comprimento máximo do fruto foi observado na MEB parental. Além disso, o diâmetro do fruto, a largura da folha, o comprimento da folha e a produção de frutos por planta foram encontrados máximos no híbrido MEExINC. Nossos resultados sugerem que esses materiais serão de grande interesse para o melhoramento genético da berinjela; eles podem ter enorme potencial para aumentar a tolerância aos estresses abióticos, como seca e calor, bem como aumentar os valores nutricionais. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo serão úteis para a saúde humana, em última análise, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de uma nova geração de plantas adaptadas ao clima.

ABSTRACT The eggplant is a highly valuable horticultural crop grown all over the world and it is of substantial economic importance in Asia. However, its production is severely threatened by several soil-borne and foliar diseases, insect-pests, drought, heat, and frost damage. Therefore, efforts to transfer useful resistance genes into eggplant from their wild relatives is important. In the present study, interspecific and intraspecific hybridization was carried out, that included three cultivated genotypes of eggplant (Solanum melongena MEE, Solanum melongena MEP, Solanum melongena MEB) and one wild Solanum species (Solanum incanum INC). The F1 hybrids were made by inter and intraspecific hybridization. A total of 632 possible inter and intraspecific reciprocal crosses was performed where only three were successful. The minimum days to flowering were observed in parent MEP, and maximum plant height was measured in MEE×MEB. Maximum fruit length was observed in parent MEB. Furthermore, fruit diameter, leaf width, leaf length, and fruit yield per plant were found maximum in hybrid MEExINC. Our results suggest that these materials will be of great interest for the genetic improvement of eggplant; they may have a tremendous potential to increase tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as to drought and heat, as well as increased nutrient and herbal values. Findings of this study will be helpful for the human health, ultimately contributing to the development of a new generation of plants adapted to climate.

BACKGROUND. Studies from different parts of Nigeria and the world have reported variable patterns of renal diseases in childhood. There is a paucity of data to guide resource allocation in Zamfara, Nigeria, despite the rising incidence of kidney diseases in children in Nigeria, and globally. OBJECTIVES. To determine the prevalence, presentation, pattern, and outcomes of renal diseases among hospitalised children in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. METHODS. A retrospective study was conducted of children aged 1 month to 14 years, who were admitted to the paediatric wards of our hospital over a period of 30 months (October 2013 to March 2016). Relevant information was retrieved from the patients' medical records and data were analysed accordingly. RESULTS. A total of 2 658 children were admitted, of which 3.2% (n=84) had renal diseases; however, only 70 folders were utilised for the study. The male:female ratio was 1.19:1. Fever (63%), reduction in urine volume/frequency (46%), body swelling (43%) and abdominal pain (40%) were the most common symptoms. Hypertension (33%) and heart failure (17%) were common findings. Urinary tract infection (UTI) (34%), acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) (24%) and acute kidney injury (AKI) (20%) were the the most common diagnoses. Most of the children were discharged with good renal function and mortality was low (10%). CONCLUSIONS. The prevalence of renal disease in our setting was low, with males predominating. UTI was the most common cause of renal disease, requiring hospitalisation in Gusau, while congenital anomalies and malignancies were rare. These data could be utilised by researchers and stakeholders in resource-poor settings like ours to plan for preventive nephrology as UTI, AGN and AKI are largely preventable.

RESUMO Racional: Anastomose única em bypass duodenoileal com gastrectomia vertical (SADI-S) foi introduzida na cirurgia bariátrica por Sanchez-Pernaute et al. como um avanço da derivação biliopancreática com switch duodenal. Objetivo: Avaliar o procedimento SADI-S no que diz respeito à perda de peso, resolução de comorbidades e taxa de complicações na população de superobesos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 72 pacientes iniciais que foram submetidos à laparoscopia ou por robô-assistida SADI-S laparoscópica entre 17 de dezembro de 2013 e 29 de Julho de 2015. Resultados: Foram incluídos 48 pacientes do sexo feminino e 21 do masculino com média idade de 42,4±10,0 anos (variação, 22-67). O índice de massa corporal (IMC) no momento do procedimento foi de 58,4±8,3 kg/m2 (42,3-91,8). O tempo médio de permanência hospitalar foi de 4,3±2,6 dias (3-24). A taxa de readmissão em 30 dias foi de 4,3% (n=3), devido à taquicardia (n=1), trombose venosa profunda (n=1), e gastroenterite viral (n=1). A taxa de reoperação em 30 dias foi de 5,8% (n=4) para a perfuração do intestino delgado (n=1), fístula (n=1), deiscência do coto duodenal (n=1), e laparoscopia de diagnóstico (n=1). Percentagem de excesso de perda de peso (% PEP) foi de 28,5±8,8% (13,3-45,0) em três meses (n=28), 41,7±11,1% (19,6-69,6) em seis meses (n=50), e 61,6±12,0% (40,1-91,2) aos 12 meses (n=23) após o procedimento. Um total de 18 pacientes (26,1%) apresentou-se com diabete melito tipo 2, no momento da operação. Desses, nove (50,0%) tiveram seu diabete resolvido, e seis (33,3%) tinham melhorado em 6-12 meses após SADI-S. Conclusões: SADI-S é operação viável com promissora perda de peso e de resolução do diabete melito na população de superobesos.

ABSTRACT Background: Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) was introduced into bariatric surgery by Sanchez-Pernaute et al. as an advancement of the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Aim: To evaluate the SADI-S procedure with regard to weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and complication rate in the super obese population. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on initial 72 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic SADI-S between December 17th, 2013 and July 29th, 2015. Results: A total of 48 female and 21 male patients were included with a mean age of 42.4±10.0 years (range, 22-67). The mean body mass index (BMI) at the time of procedure was 58.4±8.3 kg/m2 (range, 42.3-91.8). Mean length of hospital stay was 4.3±2.6 days (range, 3-24). Thirty-day readmission rate was 4.3% (n=3), due to tachycardia (n=1), deep venous thrombosis (n=1), and viral gastroenteritis (n=1). Thirty-day reoperation rate was 5.8% (n=4) for perforation of the small bowel (n=1), leakage (n=1), duodenal stump leakage (n=1), and diagnostic laparoscopy (n=1). Percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 28.5±8.8 % (range, 13.3-45.0) at three months (n=28), 41.7±11.1 % (range, 19.6-69.6) at six months (n=50), and 61.6±12.0 % (range, 40.1-91.2) at 12 months (n=23) after the procedure. A total of 18 patients (26.1%) presented with type II diabetes mellitus at the time of surgery. Of these patients, 9 (50.0%) had their diabetes resolved, and six (33.3%) had it improved by 6-12 months after SADI-S. Conclusions: SADI-S is a feasible operation with a promising weight loss and diabetes resolution in the super-obese population.