The endocannabinoid/cannabinoid receptor 2 system protects against cisplatin-induced hearing loss

Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) in the rat cochlea which was induced by cisplatin. In an organ of Corti-derived cell culture model, it was also shown that an agonist of the CB2R protected these cells against cisplatin-induced apoptosis. In the current study, we determined the distribution of CB2R in the mouse and rat cochleae and examined whether these receptors provide protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss. In a knock-in mouse model expressing the CB2R tagged with green fluorescent protein, we show distribution of CB2R in the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, spiral ligament and spiral ganglion cells. A similar distribution of CB2R was observed in the rat cochlea using a polyclonal antibody against CB2R. Trans-tympanic administration of (2-methyl-1-propyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-naphthalenylmethanone (JWH015), a selective agonist of the CB2R, protected against cisplatin-induced hearing loss which was reversed by blockade of this receptor with 6-iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl](4-methoxyphenyl)methanone (AM630), an antagonist of CB2R. JWH015 also reduced the loss of outer hair cells (OHCs) in the organ of Corti, loss of inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses and loss of Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity in the stria vascularis. Administration of AM630 alone produced significant hearing loss (measured by auditory brainstem responses) which was not associated with loss of OHCs, but led to reductions in the levels of IHC ribbon synapses and strial Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity. Furthermore, knock-down of CB2R by trans-tympanic administration of siRNA sensitized the cochlea to cisplatin-induced hearing loss at the low and middle frequencies. Hearing loss induced by cisplatin and AM630 in the rat was associated with increased expression of genes for oxidative stress and inflammatory proteins in the rat cochlea. In vitro studies indicate that JWH015 did not alter cisplatin-induced killing of cancer cells suggesting this agent could be safely used during cisplatin chemotherapy. These data unmask a protective role of the cochlear endocannabinoid/CB2R system which appears tonically active under normal conditions to preserve normal hearing. However, an exogenous agonist is needed to boost the activity of endocannabinoid/CB2R system for protection against a more traumatic cochlear insult, as observed with cisplatin administration.</p

The Use of Commercial Bacterial Soil Inoculant Regime in an Urban Prairie Restoration

For successful grassland restoration, commercial soil inoculants are often recommended to increase establishment success. In spring 2009, a 0.94-ha tract was targeted for restoration at Phil Hardberger Park, a 126-ha park in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. Woody species, mainly Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana Scheele), and Ashe juniper (Juniperus asheiiBuchholz), were removed and the area was divided into 10 subplots measuring 911 m2 on average. In September 2009, over 40,000 plugs of seven native grass species were planted. In addition, native prairie seed mixes, including various grass and forb seeds, were sown into the site at a rate of 11.26 kg/ha. Half of the native grass plants were treated with a soil bacteria inoculant plus additional nutrients (IN) (BioGensis IIITM DS Tainio Technology and Technique Inc.), and half were left as controls (C). Soil samples from the plots were taken in February 2010 and 2011 and analyzed for soil nutrients, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Vegetation data were collected October 2010 and May and October 2011 to assess differences in percent cover between the treatments. The IN treatment resulted in significantly higher percent cover in the second growing season of three native grasses,Eriochloa sericea (Scheele) Munro ex Vasey, Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths, and B. curtipendula (Michx.) Torr; however, no significant differences were found between the IN and C plots for measures of overall native species abundance, soil resources, or the presence of soil microbes. We concluded that commercial soil inoculants may not have been necessary for the successful establishment of a native grassland community

Exploring Community Inclusion in Older Adulthood through the use of Computers and Tablets

The population is aging, and it is predicted by 2050, there will be more individuals over the age of 60 than any other age group. With this in mind, some older adults also experience physical, financial or social constraints, more so than other age groups. In addition, older adults were found to be least likely to engage with computers and tablets, and they are the smallest group using digital social networks. Therefore, in this research project, the issue of social isolation and computer and tablet use was explored amongst older adults experiencing social isolation. Interviews were conducted with six socially isolated older adults, as well as six Therapeutic Recreation practitioners and four volunteer coordinators in order to explore meaningful opportunities for older adults to engage with the community using computers and tablets. The findings suggest that although there are programs and resources currently available to help engage older adults in the community such as online communities and virtual lectures, the biggest barrier that older adults experience is the lack of knowledge with using the device. Participants in this study mentioned that they enjoyed working with younger adults and it is suggested that pairing younger adults to teach older adults how to use computer or tablets devices could compensate for their lack of digital literacy skills. Furthermore, it is recommended that TR practitioners and volunteer coordinators encourage the use of devices in practice and facilitate more digital literacy programs. Programs that can be implemented include online discussion groups, support groups, and educational groups

Business Climate for Resorts in Otter Tail County

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, resorts started popping up among Otter Tail County’s wooded hills and 1,048 crystal clear lakes. Those early resorts are responsible for much of the County’s early infrastructure and economic development. Today, tourism and hospitality remain Otter Tail County’s second largest industry. However, resorts are disappearing. Since 1985, over 50% of Otter Tail County’s resorts have closed. Given the cultural and economic significance of resorts in Otter Tail County, it is important to better understand the implications of their decline. The Center for Small Towns worked with the University of MN Extension and Otter Tail County Tourism and Economic Development to survey and interview resort owners to 1) better understand why resorts are closing, 2) examine the economic impact of the declining resort industry in Otter Tail County, and 3) identify strategies for curbing the decline of resorts and/or mediating the impact of their disappearance.https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/cst/1073/thumbnail.jp

A history of the Grahamstown Teachers’ Training College 1894-1975

In the Cape Colony, and then in South Africa generally, the twentieth century was to see the emergence, growth, and final closure of teacher training colleges. South Africa was one of the few Anglophone countries on the African Continent which, in 2003, did not have a separate and dedicated system of Teacher Education Colleges.1 From the 1920s on, there was a spirited debate over whether primary school teacher training was better achieved in the training college or the university. The publication of the National Education Amendment Act (No 73 of 1969) finally placed all teacher training, primary/elementary and secondary, within University Faculties of Education. The present study investigates the history of the Grahamstown Teacher Training College (GTTC) which was officially recognised in 1894 for the training of young white women. The GTTC was an independent college, founded and owned by an Anglican Religious Community for women, the Community of the Resurrection of Our Lord (CR), but it was also an Aided College of the Cape Education Department. As an Aided College, the GTTC was subject to Government Inspection annually, and the students wrote the official examinations set by the Department of Education. The College was run entirely by women and existed for 81 years. The emphasis in the college was on the practical professional training offered. The focus was on the ‘complete’ education of the student, rather than merely on the content of the curriculum. This study shows that the GTTC more than earned its reputation of being one of the finest training colleges in South Africa and that it was indeed a unique educational development. A feature of particular note was that the college was a trail-blazer, a pioneer in the field of education practices. It was the first college to introduce class music and class singing, the first to employ a physical education teacher, to have a full-time librarian and elocutionist, and it was at the GTTC that the assignment method of study was introduced. All these factors are highlighted in the course of this study

Bioassays for Monitoring Insecticide Resistance

Pest resistance to pesticides is an increasing problem because pesticides are an integral part of high-yielding production agriculture. When few products are labeled for an individual pest within a particular crop system, chemical control options are limited. Therefore, the same product(s) are used repeatedly and continual selection pressure is placed on the target pest. There are both financial and environmental costs associated with the development of resistant populations. The cost of pesticide resistance has been estimated at approximately $ 1.5 billion annually in the United States. This paper will describe protocols, currently used to monitor arthropod (specifically insects) populations for the development of resistance. The adult vial test is used to measure the toxicity to contact insecticides and a modification of this test is used for plant-systemic insecticides. In these bioassays, insects are exposed to technical grade insecticide and responses (mortality) recorded at a specific post-exposure interval. The mortality data are subjected to Log Dose probit analysis to generate estimates of a lethal concentration that provides mortality to 50% (LC50) of the target populations and a series of confidence limits (CL's) as estimates of data variability. When these data are collected for a range of insecticide-susceptible populations, the LC50 can be used as baseline data for future monitoring purposes. After populations have been exposed to products, the results can be compared to a previously determined LC50 using the same methodology

Contamination of the lairage of a pork abattoir with Salmonella species

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. In the lairage of a pork abattoir on different days of the week and to investigate the effect of daily washing routines and disinfection procedures on contamination levels with Salmonella spp. In total, 359 swabs were collected from lairage pen floors at three time points during the course of two slaughter days. All samples were analysed quantitatively