Evaluating inputs for organic farming – a new system. Proposals of the ORGANIC INPUTS EVALUATION project

This volume contains proposals for criteria for evaluation of plant protection products, fertilisers and soil conditioners1 to be used in organic agriculture. These ideas were developed in the course of the European Union (EU) Concerted Action project ‘ORGANIC INPUTS EVALUATION’ (QLK5-CT-2002-02565). For more information on this project see the end of this volume or visit the project website www.organicinputs.org. The documents in this volume are proposals elaborated by the project consortium and external experts. They were discussed with a broader audience at a public conference held in Brussels on October 13, 2005, and have been amended accordingly. Our proposals also include a “criteria matrix”, which is in Microsoft Excel format, and therefore stands as a separate file. The criteria matrix is discussed in section 5, but we strongly recommend that you consult the original document. To illustrate the use of the matrix, we have further prepared two case studies, which are also separate Excel files. All of these files are contained on the CD, and can also be downloaded from the project website. Currently, Regulation 2092/91 is under revision. We hope that our ideas can be incorporated into the regulation during this revision! In addition, we strongly encourage national institutions to make use of our proposals at the national level

Predicting fleece weight from the difference in live weight pre- and post-shearing

Radio frequency identification (RFID) and automated weighing platforms facilitate the practicality and ease with which individual live weight (LW) can be recorded. This raises the possibility for the difference in recorded LW of sheep between pre- and post-shearing to provide an estimate of fleece weight (eFW) which, in turn, could allow selection pressure to be applied for improved wool production. The eFW of yearling ewes (n=98), yearling rams (n=274) and mixed-age ewes (n=305) were compared with their recorded fleece weight (FW). Positive linear correlations (P<0.001 for all stock classes) were observed between eFW and FW and also the eFW rank and FW rank. Although some variability between stock classes existed, for all data combined, FW rank was able to account for 42% of the variation in eFW rank. Further, selecting individuals on eFW was able to retain an average of 64% of the selection differential obtained using recorded FW. Overall, these results suggest eFW calculated from the difference in LW between pre- and post-shearing, in combination with RFID and automated weighing platforms, may provide a useful and practical tool to assist with selection for improved wool production in a commercial setting

Psychometric Properties of Parent-Child (0-5 years) Interaction Outcome Measures as Used in Randomized Controlled Trials of Parent Programs: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review sought to identify observational measures of parent-child interactions commonly implemented in parenting program research, and to assess the level of psychometric evidence available for their use with this age group. Two separate searches of the same databases were conducted; firstly, to identify eligible instruments, and secondly to identify studies reporting on the psychometric properties of the identified measures. Five commercial platforms hosting 19 electronic databases were searched from their inception to conducted search dates. Fourteen measures were identified from Search 1; a systematic search of randomized controlled trial evaluations of parenting programs. For Search 2, inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to 1327 retrieved papers that described the development and/or validation of the 14 measures identified in Search 1. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria, resulting in five observational measures for the final review. Data were extracted and synthesized using the COSMIN rating system to describe the methodological quality of each article alongside the overall quality rating of the psychometric property reported for each measure using the Terwee checklist. Measure reliability was categorized into four domains (internal consistency, test-re-test, inter-rater, and intra-rater). Measure validity was categorized into four domains (content, structural, convergent/divergent, and discriminant). Results indicated that the majority of psychometric evidence related to children aged from birth the three with internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and structural validity the most commonly reported properties, although this evidence was often weak. The findings suggest further validation of the included measures is required to establish acceptability for the whole target age group

Psychometric Properties of Parent Outcome Measures Used in RCTs of Antenatal and Early Years Parent Programs: A Systematic Review

Parenting programs are effective in the early intervention and treatment of children’s social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. However, inconsistency in the use of outcome measures limits the comparability of programs and creates challenges for practitioners seeking to monitor progress of families in their care. A systematic review was conducted to identify measures, appraise their psychometric properties and ease of implementation, with the overall objective of recommending a small battery of measures for use by researchers and practitioners. This article provides an overview of the most commonly used measures in experimental evaluations of parenting programs delivered to parents of children up to, and including, the age of 5 years (including antenatal programs). An in-depth appraisal of the psychometric properties and ease of implementation of parent outcome measures is also presented (findings in relation to child and dyadic outcome measures are presented elsewhere). Following a systematic search, 64 measures were identified as being used in three or more of 279 included evaluation studies. Data on the psychometric properties of 18 parent outcome measures were synthesised from 87 development and validation studies. Whilst it was not possible to identify a definitive battery of recommended measures, we are able to recommend specific measures that could be prioritised in further research and development and hold promise for those seeking to monitor the outcomes of parents and children in receipt of parenting programs

Toward homochiral protocells in noncatalytic peptide systems

The activation-polymerization-epimerization-depolymerization (APED) model of Plasson et al. has recently been proposed as a mechanism for the evolution of homochirality on prebiotic Earth. The dynamics of the APED model in two-dimensional spatially-extended systems is investigated for various realistic reaction parameters. It is found that the APED system allows for the formation of isolated homochiral proto-domains surrounded by a racemate. A diffusive slowdown of the APED network such as induced through tidal motion or evaporating pools and lagoons leads to the stabilization of homochiral bounded structures as expected in the first self-assembled protocells.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

Evaluating inputs for organic farming - a new system

This CD contains criteria for the evaluation of plant protection products, fertilizers and soil conditioners to be used in organic agriculture. These ideas were developed in the course of the European Union Concerted Action project «ORGANIC INPUTS EVALUATION» (QLK5-CT-2002-02565). For more information visit the project website www.organicinputs.org. The editors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Commission of the European Communities, under Key Action 5 of the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (QLK5-CT-2002-02565 «ORGANIC INPUTS EVALUATION») and co-funding by the Swiss Federal Office for Education and Science (BBW 02.0113)

A dynamical model of lipoprotein metabolism

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The mTORC1 inhibitor everolimus prevents and treats Eμ-Myc lymphoma by restoring oncogene-induced senescence

MYC deregulation is common in human cancer. IG-MYC translocations that are modeled in EμMyc mice occur in almost all cases of Burkitt lymphoma as well as in other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Deregulated expression of MYC results in increased mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. As tumors with mTORC1 activation are sensitive to mTORC1 inhibition, we used everolimus, a potent and specific mTORC1 inhibitor, to test the requirement for mTORC1 in the initiation and maintenance of EμMyc lymphoma. Everolimus selectively cleared premalignant B cells from the bone marrow and spleen, restored a normal pattern of B-cell differentiation, and strongly protected against lymphoma development. Established EμMyc lymphoma also regressed after everolimus therapy. Therapeutic response correlated with a cellular senescence phenotype and induction of p53 activity. Therefore, mTORC1-dependent evasion of senescence is critical for cellular transformation and tumor maintenance by MYC in B lymphocytes

Temporal development of unfavourable urodynamic parameters during the first year after spinal cord injury

Objectives: To describe the temporal development of and risk factors for the occurrence of unfavourable urodynamic parameters during the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients and methods: This population-based longitudinal study used data from 97 adult patients with a single-event traumatic or ischaemic SCI who underwent video-urodynamic investigation (UDI) at a university SCI centre. The first occurrences of unfavourable urodynamic parameters (detrusor overactivity combined with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia [DO-DSD], maximum storage detrusor pressure ≥40 cmH2 O, bladder compliance <20 mL/cmH2 O, vesico-ureteric reflux [VUR] and any unfavourable parameter [composite outcome]) were evaluated using time-to-event analysis. Results: The majority of the population (87/97 [90%]) had at least one unfavourable urodynamic parameter. Most unfavourable urodynamic parameters were initially identified during the 1- or 3-month UDI, including 92% of the DO-DSD (78/85), 82% of the maximum storage pressure ≥40 cmH2 O (31/38), and 100% of the VUR (seven of seven) observations. No low bladder compliance was observed. The risk of DO-DSD was elevated in patients with thoracic SCI compared to those with lumbar SCI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-4.89). Risk of maximum storage detrusor pressure ≥40 cmH2 O was higher in males than females (aHR 8.33, 95% CI 2.51-27.66), in patients with a cervical SCI compared to those with lumbar SCI (aHR 14.89, 95% CI 3.28-67.55), and in patients with AIS Grade B or C compared to AIS Grade D SCI (aHR 6.17, 95% CI 1.78-21.39). No risk factors were identified for the composite outcome of any unfavourable urodynamic parameter. Conclusions: The first UDI should take place within 3 months after SCI as to facilitate early diagnosis of unfavourable urodynamic parameters and timely treatment. Neuro-urological guidelines and individualised management strategies for patients with SCI may be strengthened by considering sex and SCI characteristics in the scheduling of UDIs. Keywords: #Urology; longitudinal studies; spinal cord injuries; survival analysis; urinary bladder, neurogenic; urinary bladder, overactive; urodynamic

Urodynamics Are Essential to Predict the Risk for Upper Urinary Tract Damage after Acute Spinal Cord Injury

We used clinical parameters to develop a prediction model for the occurrence of urodynamic risk factors for upper urinary tract (UUT) damage during the first year after acute spinal cord injury (SCI). A total of 97 patients underwent urodynamic investigation at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after acute SCI, within the framework of a population-based longitudinal study at a single university SCI center. Candidate predictors included demographic characteristics and neurological and functional statuses 1 month after SCI. Outcomes included urodynamic risk factors for UUT damage: detrusor overactivity combined with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, maximum storage detrusor pressure (pDetmax) ≥ 40 cmH$_{2}$O, bladder compliance < 20 mL/cmH$_{2}$O, and vesicoureteral reflux. Multivariable logistic regression was used for the prediction model development and internal validation, using the area under the receiver operating curve (aROC) to assess model discrimination. Two models showed fair discrimination for pDetmax ≥ 40 cmH$_{2}$O: (i) upper extremity motor score and sex, aROC 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69-0.89), C-statistic 0.78 (95% CI: 0.69-0.87), and (ii) neurological level, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade, and sex, aROC 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68-0.89), C-statistic 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68-0.85). We identified two models that provided fair predictive values for urodynamic risk factors of UUT damage during the first year after SCI. Pending external validation, these models may be useful for clinical trial planning, although less so for individual-level patient management. Therefore, urodynamics remains essential for reliably identifying patients at risk of UUT damage