The effect of organic farming on water reusability, sustainable ecosystem, and food toxicity.
Water is a fundamental necessity for people's well-being and the ecosystem's sustainability; however, its toxicity due to agrochemicals usage for food production leads to the deterioration of water quality. The poor water quality diminishes its reusability, thus limiting efficient water usage. Organic farming is one of the best ways that does not only reduce the deterioration of water quality but also decrease food toxicity. In organic farming, the crop is grown with no/less chemical usage. Besides, organic farming maintains biodiversity and reduces the anthropogenic footprint on soil, air, water, wildlife, and especially on the farming communities. Fields that are organically managed continuously for years have fewer pest populations and were attributed to increased biodiversity and abundance of multi-trophic interactions as well as to changes in plant metabolites. Fewer insect pests (pathogen vectors), in turn, would result in fewer crop diseases and increase crop production. This review highlights that organic farming may play a critical role in the reduction of pests and pathogens, which eventually would reduce the need for chemical reagents to protect crops, improving yield quality and water reusability.


Studies on porcine arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase using its monoclonal antibodies.
Monoclonal antibodies were raised against arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase using a partially purified enzyme from porcine leukocytes as an antigen. Immunohistochemical studies indicated a selective localization of 12-lipoxygenase in the cytosol of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Two separate species of antibody (lox-1 and lox-2) recognizing different sites of the enzyme protein were utilized to develop a method to determine the amount of 12-lipoxygenase protein rather than the activity of enzyme. Fab fragment of lox-2 was conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, and the conjugate as a label was bound to 12-lipoxygenase. The complex was precipitated with the aid of the other antibody (lox-1) and protein A, and the peroxidase activity in the precipitate was correlated with the amount of 12-lipoxygenase. The immunoenzymometry of 12-lipoxygenase was more convenient and sensitive than the conventional assay to determine the conversion of [1-14C]arachidonic acid. Furthermore, in several porcine tissues this method allowed quantitation of the enzyme, the activity of which was masked due to the presence of certain endogenous inhibitors. A ubiquitous distribution of 12-lipoxygenase in porcine tissues was demonstrated by application of this method.


OptiCogs: feasibility of a multicomponent intervention to rehabilitate people with cognitive impairment post-stroke.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite the prevalence and associated burden of cognitive impairment post-stroke, there is uncertainty regarding optimal cognitive rehabilitation for people post-stroke. This study aimed to assess whether a multicomponent intervention, called OptiCogs, is feasible, acceptable, and safe for people with cognitive impairment post-stroke. A secondary aim was to explore changes in cognitive function, fatigue, quality of life, physical function, and occupational performance, from pre-intervention to post-intervention. A feasibility study was conducted where people post-stroke with cognitive impairment enrolled in a 6-week multicomponent intervention. The primary outcomes recorded included response rate, recruitment rate, retention rate, adherence to the intervention protocol, adverse events, and acceptability of the intervention to people post-stroke. Secondary outcomes included (i) change in cognitive functioning using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III, (ii) fatigue using the Fatigue Severity scale, (iii) quality of life using the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (iv) physical function using the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system, and (v) patient-reported occupational performance using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials extension reporting guidelines were followed, for pilot and feasibility studies, to standardize the conduct and reporting of this study. The response rate was 10.9%. Nine eligible participants were enrolled during the 4-month recruitment period, with eight participants completing the entire 6-week intervention, as well as the pre- and post-intervention outcome measures. There were no reported adverse events. Participants were satisfied with the intervention and found it acceptable overall. Results of the secondary outcomes were promising for cognitive function (ACE III, pre: 63.3 ± 23.9 to post: 69 ± 24.6), fatigue (FSS, pre: 52.5 ± 7.3 to post: 45.6 ± 7.2), quality of life (SSQoL, pre: 131.0 ± 26.3 to post: 169.9 ± 15.3), physical function (PROMIS-PF, pre: 15.5 ± 6.3 to post: 15.8 ± 5.3), and occupational performance (COPM performance, pre: 9.3 ± 2.3 to post: 22.9 ± 4.2) and COPM satisfaction, pre: 9.9 ± 2.1 to post: 22.7 ± 3.5). Preliminary results suggest low-modest recruitment and high retention rates for the OptiCogs intervention. Changes in cognitive function, fatigue, quality of life, and self-reported occupational performance show improvement from pre- to post-intervention. These potential benefits require further testing in a larger pilot trial. NCT05414539.


The effectiveness of gabapentin and exercises in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the reasons for labor abandonment due to inability and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gabapentin and exercise training in the treatment of CTS and compare their effects. This single-blind clinical trial was conducted on patients referred to the Imam Hossein hospital's electrodiagnostic (EDX) unit. The patients randomly assigned into four groups: using nocturnal splint as an approved treatment in the control group; taking 300-mg gabapentin per night and using nocturnal splint; nerve and tendon gliding exercises and using nocturnal splint; and taking 300-mg gabapentin per night, performing same exercise as group 3 and using nocturnal splint. At baseline, four indicators were assessed in all patients, including the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, visual analogue scale (VAS), pinch and grip strength of the affected hand. One month after the beginning of intervention, participants were reassessed and compared for each of the four indicators. Using nocturnal splint along with exercise and gabapentin significantly improved VAS, pinch and grip strength in moderate CTS compared to control group that only used nocturnal splint. However in mild CTS, grip strength was not significantly higher compared to control group (P=0.048). Results of this study showed that use of splint alone in mild CTS is an appropriate and sufficient treatment; however, in moderate CTS, receiving gabapentin along with exercise and splinting showed better treatment results compared to splinting alone.


A revision of Kerivoula hardwickii and occurrence of K. furva (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China.
Although increased survey efforts using improved capture methods (particularly harp traps) have greatly expanded the quantity of Kerivoula specimens available in China, the understanding of the genus has been long constrained. After the recently published revision of the hardwickii-complex with the description of K. furva and re-evaluation of occurrence of K. titania in Taiwan, the critical overview of the previous data of Chinese Kerivoula (with the exception of K. picta, a strikingly colored and unmistakable species) is imperative. To clarify the taxonomy and distribution of the hardwickii-complex in China, 40 additional specimens collected from South China were studied through detailed morphological comparisons, multivariate statistical methods and phylogenetic inference. Our results evidently classified these specimens as K. furva instead of K. titania or K. hardwickii sensu stricto and together with the critical review of literature data indicate that all previous Chinese records of the two latter species were based on either misidentifications or outdated taxonomy. K. furva have so far been recorded in the Chinese provinces of Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Yunnan and Taiwan, but more field surveys are needed to confirm whether it could be found in other nearby provinces.


[The free gallbladder perforation].
15 cases of free gallbladder-perforation among 3,950 cholezystectomies during the last 15 years are discussed. There was no difference in the sex-distribution. The average age was 67 years. This factor together with delay of the operation because of atypical symptoms and perhaps a toxic agens in the gall are responsible for the high mortality of 26-70 p.c. Nearly always are gallstones and inflammation present. Therefore 2 consequences are made: 1) Acute cholecystitis with signs of diffuse peritonitis: Operation at once, otherwise during the first 3-5 days after preparation. 2) Widened indication for cholecystectomy by gallstone-illness is recommended.


[Molecular mechanisms involved in hormone resistance of prostate cancer].
Prostate cancer has an androgen-dependent growth mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen pathway blockage is the standard therapy for the treatment of prostate cancers at an advanced stage. In spite of an initial sensitivity, prostate cancers become more or less quickly towards androgen-independent. Hormone refractory can be due to amplification of AR gene, AR mutations and the increase in co-activator protein expression or in the 5alpha-reductase activity. These induce an agonist activity with the anti-androgens or others steroid hormones like estrogens on AR and allow AR activation with weak concentrations of androgens. Growth factors and cytokines can induce AR phosphorylation independently of the ligand fixation. In condition of androgenic deprivation, AR remains actively involved in the growth of the cancerous cells prostate. Nevertheless, there are others partial AR-independent pathways as neuroendocrine differentiation. The comprehension of these various mechanisms is the key of the development of more effective therapies on hormono-refractory prostate cancers.


Everest 60 years on: what next?
On 29 May 1953, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hilary stood on the 8,848 m (29,029 ft) summit of Mount Everest, finally demonstrating that humans could overcome the physical and mental challenges required to conquer the world's highest peak. The 60th anniversary of this event is sadly the first with no member of the original expedition alive, since the death of George Lowe on 20 March 2013 at the age of 89 The successful 1953 expedition followed seven British expeditions to the north side of Everest during the 1920s and 30s. Although unsuccessful, these early expeditions achieved impressive altitudes. On several occasions, climbers exceeded 8,000 m (26,246 ft) both with supplemental oxygen (1922, 8,320 m/27,300 ft) and without (1924, 8,570 m/28120 ft; 1938, 8,230 m/27,000 ft).


Lipodystrophy update.
Lipodystrophy is the term given to describe a series of changes in body composition [loss of fat in the legs, arms, or face, breast enlargement, central obesity (sometimes called protease paunch), dorsal fat pads (known as buffalo hump, etc.] as well as changes in laboratory markers associated with how the body processes fats and sugars (e.g. cholesterol and triglyceride changes, also called lipids). Several new findings were recently reported a the 3rd International Workshop on Adverse Drug Reactions and Lipodystrophy in HIV. Although these results may help in making decisions about specific therapies, they offer little information on the cause of lipodystrophy syndromes. However, several studies to be presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in February 2002 may shed more light on the cause and will be reported in the next PI Perspective.


[Diagnostic significance of the demonstration of fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products in the urine].
The concentration of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products in urine (FDPu) was measured in samples obtained from 114 patients and 63 clinically healthy volunteers, once or repeatedly. The FDP titers measured by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) method corresponded to less than 2.6 mug/ml FDP in all samples from healthy controls. Slightly elevated FDP concentrations were found in urine obtained from a few patients with disorders not primarily involving the urinary tract. The clinical importance of these isolated findings remains unclear. Urinary tract infections were not frequently accompanied by elevated FDPu concentrations. In patients with glomerulonephritis FDP excretion correlated somewhat better with severity of the renal affection. A further group of patients showed an unequivocal correlation between FDP excretion in the urine and postoperative complications following renal transplantation. However, the clinical diagnosis of acute rejection crisis was usually established at the same time or even before an increase in FDPu was found. Our results suggest that among diagnostic procedures the measurement of FDPu contributes little specific information for the evaluation of urinary tract disease. FDPu measurements in the immediate postoperative phase following renal transplantation may however be important for prognostic evaluation and, in individual cases, predict transplant rejection. We also attempted to define the FDPu qualitatively by simultaneous measurements using HI and the staphylococcal clumping test (SCT). Immunoelectrophoresis confirmed the well-known fact that the SCT detects only high-molecular FDP; this limits its clinical usefulness, despite its high sensitivity.


[Recent aspects of the suicide problem (author's transl)].
The problem of suicide is linked not only with psychiatric and psychological aspects, but also with sociological, ethical and legal, philosophical and theological problems. Significantly results of suicide research are represented by the psychoanalytic aspects of suicide as a conflict of aggression and narcissistic crisis, as well as by the description of the "presuicidal syndrome" (Ringel) and the structural analysis of the suicidal event. Today, suicidal syndromes are strikingly frequent among adolescents, the aged, drug addicts, dipsomaniacs and alcohol and other addicts in general as well as among psychotic patients. It is often particularly difficult to assess suicidality. Quite frequently the suicidal patient taxes the therapist's resources to a very high degree. Prevention of suicide must be considered as an important psychiatric and social challenge; the goal should be to correct the inner attitude of the person concerned and to influence and change the conditioning factors of the social environment. All preventive measures can be considered meaningful and justified only if they are directed not only at the preservation of life but also at the quality of the life led by the persons considered as suicide risks.


Differential localization of the mRNAs for the pertussis toxin insensitive G-protein alpha sub-units Gq, G11, and Gz in the rat brain, and regulation of their expression after striatal deafferentation.
The corticostriatal pathway is among the largest glutamatergic pathways in the brain, and of particular interest to the study of glutamatergic transmission. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) couple the actions of glutamate to intracellular second messenger systems through G-proteins. The most prominent of the mGluRs present in the target of this pathway, the striatum, is mGluR5. The identity of the G-proteins mediating the actions of mGluR5 are unknown, but the receptor is linked to stimulation of phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and largely resistant to the effects of pertussis toxin, which inhibits some G-proteins. We used in situ hybridization to examine the expression and regulation of three pertussis toxin insensitive G-protein alpha sub-units: Gq, G11, and Gz. We found that these mRNAs are differentially distributed in the rat brain, but all three are expressed by striatal neurons. After glutamatergic deafferentation of the striatum by decortication, there is a modest upregulation of G11 mRNA, while expression of Gq and Gz are unchanged. Following dopaminergic deafferentation, expression of Gq, G11, and Gz are not altered, although expression of the pertussis-sensitive sub-unit Go is increased. Our data suggests that Gz, Gq, and G11 are each expressed by striatal neurons, and therefore may be involved in mediating the actions of mGluR5 in these cells. After decortication G11 is upregulated, but the magnitude of this effect is small, and alone seems insufficient to account for the marked biochemical supersensitivity of glutamate-stimulated PI turnover which is observed.


Creatine supplementation augments skeletal muscle carnosine content in senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8).
The histidine-containing dipeptides (HCD) carnosine and anserine are found in high concentrations in mammalian skeletal muscle. Given its versatile biologic properties, such as antioxidative, antiglycation, and pH buffering capacity, carnosine has been implicated as a protective factor in the aging process. The present study aimed to systematically explore age-related changes in skeletal muscles HCD content in a murine model of accelerated aging. Additionally, we investigated the effect of lifelong creatine supplementation on muscle HCD content and contractile fatiguability. Male senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8) were fed control or creatine-supplemented (2% of food intake) diet from the age of 10 to 60 weeks. At week 10, 25, and 60, tibialis anterior muscles were dissected and analysed for HCD and taurine content by HPLC. Soleus and EDL muscles were tested for in vitro contractile fatigue and recovery. From 10 to 60 weeks of age, muscular carnosine (-45%), taurine (-24%), and total creatine (-42%) concentrations gradually and significantly decreased. At 25 but not at 60 weeks, oral creatine supplementation significantly increased carnosine (+88%) and anserine (+40%) content compared to age-matched control-fed animals. Taurine and total creatine content were not affected by creatine supplementation at any age. Creatine-treated mice showed attenuated muscle fatigue (soleus) and enhanced force recovery (m. extensor digitorum longus [EDL]) compared to controls at 25 weeks, but not at 60 weeks. From the present study, we can conclude that skeletal muscle tissue exhibits a significant decline in HCD content at old age. Oral creatine supplementation is able to transiently but potently increase muscle carnosine and anserine content, which coincides with improved resistance to contractile fatigue.


Eye fixations near corners: evidence for a centre of gravity calculation based on contrast, rather than luminance or curvature.
Subjects scanned line drawings of polygons in order to count the number of corners. The positions their eyes fixated were studied as a function of the size of the angle and whether the apex of the angle was present or absent. The results showed that the eyes tended to land at a position near the centre of gravity of the corner configurations. The observed landing positions were coherent with the hypothesis that the centre of gravity was calculated within an attentional spotlight centered on the apex of the corners, and that the calculation was based not on the total luminance distribution, nor on the distribution of energy in a neurophysiologically motivated curvature detector, but simply on the basis of a contrast detector.


Streptococcus castoreus, an uncommon group A Streptococcus in beavers.
Streptococcus castoreus is a rarely encountered beta-haemolytic group A Streptococcus with high tropism for the beaver as host. Based on 27 field isolates under study, evidence strongly suggests that S. castoreus behaves as an opportunistic pathogen in beavers. Although it belongs to the resident mucosal microbiota, this Streptococcus species is associated with purulent lesions in diseased animals. With few exceptions, isolates proved to be highly similar in a panel of phenotypic (including biochemistry, resistance pattern, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy) and classic molecular (16S rRNA and sodA gene) analyses, and thus did not show any specific pattern according to host species or spatio-temporal origin. Conversely, S. castoreus isolates were differentiated into a multitude of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis 'pulsotypes' that did not seem to reflect true epidemiologic lineages. In contrast, single reactions of genomic fingerprinting using BOX-, (GTG)5- and RAPD-PCRs revealed at least subclusters with respect to host species, geographic origin or year, and confirmed the co-colonization of individuals with more than one isolate. In addition to isolates from free-ranging Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), this study includes S. castoreus from captive North American beavers (Castor canadensis) for the first time.