The toxicity and synergistic effects of alkyl-succinate oil on the first nymphal instars of the citrus cottony scale,Pulvinaria aurantii Cock. (Hem.: Coccidae)

The citrus cottony scale, Pulvinaria aurantii Cock. (Hem.: Coccidae) is one of the most important citrus pests in Iran. This study investigated the toxicity and synergistic effects of organophosphorous insecticides (Malathion, Chlorpyrifos, Buprofezin and DG oil) on first nymphal instars of P. aurantii in the laboratory conditions (25?±?1?°C, 75?±?5% RH and 16L:8D photoperiod). The values of LC₅₀ for Malathion, Chlorpyrifos and Buprofezin insecticides on the first nymphal instars were calculated as 76.90, 105.25 and 24.70?ppm, respectively. Also, results indicated that Buprofezin and Pyriproxifen are the most effective insecticides on first nymphal instars of P. aurantii. The values of LC₅₀ for each insecticide without oil and in half dose along with DG oil were equal. This was an indication for synergism role of DG oil combination. The results of this study showed that DG oil not only decreases the consumption of insecticides, but also increases their efficacy.     

Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

While yoga seems to be effective in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, the evidence of efficacy in multiple sclerosis remains unclear. The aim of this review was to systematically assess and meta-analyze the available data on efficacy and safety of yoga in patients with multiple sclerosis. Medline/PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, CAM-Quest, CAMbase, and IndMED were searched through March 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of yoga for patients with multiple sclerosis were included if they assessed health-related quality of life, fatigue, and/or mobility. Mood, cognitive function, and safety were defined as secondary outcome measures. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Seven RCTs with a total of 670 patients were included. Evidence for short-term effects of yoga compared to usual care were found for fatigue (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.52; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = −1.02 to −0.02; p = 0.04; heterogeneity: I² = 60%; Chi² = 7.43; p = 0.06) and mood (SMD = −0.55; 95%CI = −0.96 to −0.13; p = 0.01; heterogeneity: I² = 0%; Chi² = 1.25; p = 0.53), but not for health-related quality of life, muscle function, or cognitive function. The effects on fatigue and mood were not robust against bias. No short-term or longer term effects of yoga compared to exercise were found. Yoga was not associated with serious adverse events. In conclusion, since no methodological sound evidence was found, no recommendation can be made regarding yoga as a routine intervention for patients with multiple sclerosis. Yoga might be considered a treatment option for patients who are not adherent to recommended exercise regimens.     

Postbiotics as potential promising tools for SARS-CoV-2 disease adjuvant therapy

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic defines the global health tension of our time. There are several continuous efforts to find a definitive cure in this regard. According to some adverse effects and problems of customary SARS-CoV-2 disease therapies, bioactive compounds, for example probiotics-derived metabolites (postbiotics) have been accomplishing supreme importance by investigators for adjuvant cures in patients with SARS-CoV-2. Postbiotics inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activity and stimulate the immune system. They also boost the SARS-CoV-2 disease treatment effectiveness and reduce its adverse effects in SARS-CoV-2 illness patients as a result of antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, postbiotics having unique features such as high safety, high shelf life and stability to the gastrointestinal tract can be utilized as hopeful instruments for both adjuvant and inhibition strategies in SARS-CoV-2 patients with no earnest unfavourable adverse effects. The concept of postbiotics and their biocompatible characteristics are comprehensively discussed in the present review while highlighting the bilateral relationship between postbiotic biometabolites and respiratory tract infection with a special look at the potential biological role in the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and reduction of related inflammatory pathways.     

Pyramidal and extrapyramidal dysfunction as a sequela of hypoxic injury: case report

Background  

The clinical and radiological aspects of hypoxic brain injury without ischemia are not well characterized. A spectrum of clinical manifestations have been observed in patients that recover from hypoxic brain injury, including a subset that demonstrate persistent motor system disturbances. Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies have shown abnormalities in basal ganglia, cerebral and cerebellar cortex.     

The tropical white rot fungus, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lentinus squarrosulus</Emphasis> Mont.: lignocellulolytic enzymes activities and sugar release from cornstalks under solid state fermentation

Lentinus squarrosulus Mont., a high temperature tolerant white rot fungus that is found across sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia, is attracting attention due to its rapid mycelia growth and potential for use in food and biodegradation. A solid state fermentation (SSF) experiment with L. squarrosulus (strain MBFBL 201) on cornstalks was conducted. The study evaluated lignocellulolytic enzymes activity, loss of organic matter (LOM), exopolysaccharide content, and the release of water soluble sugars from degraded substrate. The results showed that L. squarrosulus was able to degrade cornstalks significantly, with 58.8% LOM after 30 days of SSF. Maximum lignocellulolytic enzyme activities were obtained on day 6 of cultivation: laccase = 154.5 U/L, MnP = 13 U/L, peroxidase = 27.4 U/L, CMCase = 6.0 U/mL and xylanase = 14.5 U/mL. L. squarrosulus is a good producer of exopolysaccharides (3.0–5.13 mg/mL). Glucose and galactose were the most abundant sugars detected in the substrate during SSF, while fructose, xylose and trehalose, although detected on day zero of the experiment, were absent in treated substrates. The preference for hemicellulose over cellulose, combined with the high temperature tolerance and the very fast growth rate characteristics of L. squarrosulus could make it an ideal candidate for application in industrial pretreatment and biodelignification of lignocellulosic biomass.