The entity termed SSS fits within the staging classification of CMA. We propose abandoning the term SSS and recommend universal adoption of the CMA staging system, which uses nomenclature that more accurately portrays the pathophysiology and natural history of this condition.

No abstract

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) has a long history of usage and is currently receiving attention as a source of fiber and alternative medicine. In many cultures, nettle is also eaten as a leafy vegetable. In this study, we focused on nettle yield (edible portion) and processing effects on nutritive and dietary properties. Actively growing shoots were harvested from field plots and leaves separated from stems. Leaf portions (200 g) were washed and processed by blanching (1 min at 96–98°C) or cooking (7 min at 98-99°C) with or without salt (5 g·L−1). Samples were cooled immediately after cooking and kept in frozen storage before analysis. Proximate composition, mineral, amino acid, and vitamin contents were determined, and nutritive value was estimated based on 100 g serving portions in a 2000 calorie diet. Results show that processed nettle can supply 90%–100% of vitamin A (including vitamin A as β-carotene) and is a good source of dietary calcium, iron, and protein. We recommend fresh or processed nettle as a high-protein, low-calorie source of essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins particularly in vegetarian, diabetic, or other specialized diets.

No abstract

Little is known about the sustainability of irrigated oasis agriculture in northern Oman. The objective of this study therefore was to examine which factors allowed agricultural productivity to be apparently maintained during the two millenia of a mountain oasis' existence. Soil moisture and physico-chemical properties were measured in a typical flood-irrigated field sown to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Particle size, organic (C org ) and inorganic carbon content, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil profile were analyzed at 0.15, 0.45 and 1.00 m. Saturated hydraulic conductivity and the soil's apparent bulk density and water potential were determined from undisturbed samples at 0.05, 0.25 and 0.60 m. During irrigation cycles of 6-9 days, volumetric water contents ranged from 30% to 13%. A tracer experiment with potassium bromide revealed that 52-56% of the irrigation water was stored in the upper 0.4 m of the soil. The rest of the water moved further down the profile, thus providing the necessary drainage to avoid the build-up of toxic salt concentrations. Due to differences in pore size, plant-available water in the topsoil amounted to 18.7% compared to 13% and 13.5% at 0.25-and 0.60-m depth, respectively. The aggregate structure in the upper 1.0 m of the profile is likely preserved by concentrations of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) from 379 to 434 mg kg À1 and C org from 157 to 368 mg kg À1 soil. The data indicate that the sustainability of this irrigated landuse system is due to high water quality with low sodium but high CaCO 3 concentration, the elaborate terrace structure and water management which allows adequate drainage. D

No abstract

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) accumulates fermentable sugars in the stem and is increasingly being studied as a potential source of feedstock for bioethanol production. The objective of this study was to evaluate biomass and grain yield in five sweet sorghum cultivars (Dale, M81E, Sugar Drip, Della and Keller) and to determine quality of extractable juice and grain. Randomized complete block experiments were performed in the summer of 2009, 2010, and 2011. Leaf dry weight varied with year and cultivar and averaged 6177 kg·ha −1 . Fresh stem weight ranged from 21 to 54 Mg·ha −1 with a mean across years and cultivars of 32.9 Mg·ha −1 . Variations in stem weight were correlated with extractable juice volumes that ranged from 10 to 24 m 3 ·ha −1 . Juice Brix values fell within a narrow range (14% -19%) across years and cultivars with an average of 15.6%. In all production years, theoretical sugar and ethanol yield were always numerically higher for Keller and M81E. Grain yield was lowest in Keller (90 kg·ha −1 ), but ranged from 400 to 1300 kg·ha −1 in other cultivars with a mean of 584 kg·ha −1 across years. However, Keller had the highest starch content with a lower proportion of resistant starch in the grain. Except for Keller, the cultivars tested are potential sources of both fermentable sugars and grain.

CAL learners demonstrated significantly greater improvement across both subjective and objective outcome measures when compared to the text-based group. Additionally, students favored learning via the CAL modality, which further suggests that CAL is a valuable means of imparting procedural knowledge to novice medical trainees.