Post-treatment Sampling Research Articles

Field study comparing fecal egg count reduction, weight gain and product safety in stocker cattle treated with either moxidectin or ivermectin with clorsulon

This study was conducted to assess effectiveness, safety and benefit of injectable moxidectin compared to an injectable ivermectin-clorsulon combination. A total 2,022 stocker calves maintained on 11 Arkansas and Missouri cattle farms were randomly and evenly allocated on each farm into either the moxidectin (MXD) or ivermectin-clorsulon (IC) group. No negative controls were utilized in the study. All treatments were administered on a unique day 0 for each farm. Herd sizes ranged from 54 to 544. Naturally infected mixed breed bull, steer or heifer calves, weighing from 241 to 810 lb (110 to 368 kg) on day 0, were used in the study. On days 0, 50 (approx) and 100 (approx), each animal was weighed, and fecal samples were obtained from 20% of the animals (same animals on each sample day) for determination of fecal nematode egg counts and coproculture larvae identification. Both products were easily administered and no adverse effects were noted following administration of either drug. Weight gain from day 0 did not vary significantly between treatment groups at either of the post-treatment sampling dates. In addition, sex by treatment interaction was not significant (P<0.05), as analyzed on those farms that had both male and female cattle in the study population. On day 0, no significant differences were found between treatment groups for strongyle eggs per gram of feces (EPG) counts or coproculture larvae percentages. For days 50 and 100, EPG counts for MXD-treated calves were significantly lower than those for IC-treated calves (P<0.05). Day 0 coproculture data indicated that the primary nematode parasites contributing to the fecal egg counts were Cooperia, Haemonchus and Ostertagia. On days 50 and 100, MXD-treated animal coprocultures yielded higher larvae percentages of Cooperia than did the IC-treated animal coprocultures (P<0.05), as well as significantly lower Ostertagia and Haemonchus larvae percentages. Egg count and coproculture results suggest that both parasiticides were most limited in their ability to control Cooperia, but greater post-treatment egg production by Cooperia, Ostertagia and Haemonchus occurred in calves treated with IC compared to those in the MXD group.

Ionic dialysance and the assessment of Kt/V: the influence of different estimates of V on method agreement

Ionic dialysance was recently introduced as a means to assess Kt/V (K(ID)t/V). With this method, urea distribution volume (V) has to be estimated. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the agreement between equilibrated Kt/V assessed by urea kinetic modelling (eKt/V) with K(ID)t/V taking into account different estimates of V, and to assess the monthly variation in V. Secondly, the mechanisms behind the intra-treatment changes in ionic dialysance and inter-treatment variability of K(ID)t/V were assessed. Sixty-six patients were included. eKt/V was estimated using 30 min post-treatment sampling in the second generation Daugirdas equation. V was assessed by the formulae of Watson and Chertow (V(Watson); V(Chertow)), double-pool urea kinetic modelling (V(UKM)) and by ionic dialysance (V(IOD)) [Diascan; Hospal(R)]. The use of V(UKM) or V(IOD) instead of V(Watson) or V(Chertow) improved the relation between eKt/V and K(ID)t/V (both r = 0.93; P < 0.001 vs r = 0.84 and r = 0.81; P < 0.001). Mean values of eKt/V (1.19 +/- 0.21), K(ID)t/V(UKM) (1.19 +/- 0.30) and K(ID)t/V(IOD) (1.21 +/- 0.25) were comparable. Intra-class correlation coefficient of V(IOD) was 0.87 with a 1-month interval and <0.75 after 2 and 3 months. Intra-class correlation coefficient of V(DP) was 0.79 with a 1-month interval and <0.75 after 2 and 3 months. Inter-treatment variation in K(ID)t/V during six consecutive dialysis sessions was 6.1% +/- 0.6%. Changes in blood flow were the main determinant of variations in K(ID)t/V (P < 0.05). During treatment, ionic dialysance decreased by 12 +/- 13 ml/min (P < 0.001). The decline in blood volume was the major determinant of the intra-dialytic change in ionic dialysance (P < 0.05). The use of V(IOD) and V(UKM) results in better agreement between eKt/V and K(ID)t/V compared with anthropometric formulae. K(ID)t/V was comparable with eKt/V and thus lower than expected for a single-pool method. V(IOD) and V(UKM), should be assessed at least monthly. K(ID)t/V varies widely between consecutive dialysis sessions, mainly due to differences in blood flow. During treatment, ionic dialysance decreases, which is related to the relative decline in blood volume.

Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study of Safety and Tolerability of Intravesical Resiniferatoxin (RTX) in Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Objective: To determine the safety and tolerability of intravesical resiniferatoxin (RTX) in interstitial cystitis (IC) patients. Materials and Methods: IC patients were instilled with 50 cc of test solution containing either placebo, 0.05 μM or 0.10 μM RTX in the bladder. Plasma concentration of RTX and its degradant resiniferonol 9-, 13-, 14-orthophenylacetate was measured. Immediate post-treatment blood sampling and cystoscopy were performed. Symptoms were evaluated before treatment, at 4- and at 12-week follow-ups, using VAS indicator for pain, voiding diary, and O’Leary’s IC symptom/problem indices. Results: Among 22 patients observed (ten in 0.10 μM RTX, eight in 0.05 μM RTX, and four in placebo groups), the most commonly reported adverse event was pain during instillation (80.0%, 87.5%, and 25.0%). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Use of intravesical RTX in IC patients is associated with important tolerability issues but safe at 0.10 μM and 0.05 μM.

Clinical field efficacy and safety of pyrantel pamoate paste (19.13% w/w pyrantel base) against Anoplocephala spp. in naturally infected horses

Clinical field trials were conducted at five geographical locations in the USA (Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Virginia and Idaho) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pyrantel pamoate paste (19.13%, w/w, pyrantel base) administered at the recommended dosage of 13.2 mg pyrantel base/kg (6.0 mg pyrantel base/lb) body weight (b.w.) against tapeworm infections of Anoplocephala spp. in naturally infected horses. Horses at each study site were allocated by restricted randomization based on the cestode status (positive or negative) of pre-treatment fecal egg counts to complete sets of four animals each or incomplete sets of fewer than four animals. Within sets comprising of two to four horses, one animal was randomly allocated to receive placebo vehicle paste and the remaining horse(s) received pyrantel pamoate paste administered orally at a minimum dosage of 13.2 mg pyrantel base/kg b.w. on Test Day (TD) 0. Single animal sets received pyrantel pamoate paste. Fecal samples of horses were collected and examined for equine tapeworm ( Anoplocephala spp.) eggs a minimum of four times (once or thrice between TD −28 and −14, twice between TD −14 and −7, and once on TD 0) prior to treatment on TD 0. Fecal samples of horses that were positive for cestode infection pre-treatment were examined for cestode eggs on TD 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. Cestode-negative pre-treatment horses were not sampled again after treatment. A total of 241 horses (141 mares, 16 stallions and 84 geldings; 6 months–30 yrs of age; 173–646 kg; 13 recognized breeds and various crossbreds) were evaluated. The prevalence of Anoplocephala spp. determined by pre-treatment fecal examination ranged from 38.3% in Idaho to 68.1% in Tennessee with an overall prevalence of 52.3%. Ninety cestode-positive and 88 cestode-negative horses were treated with pyrantel pamoate paste, 36 cestode-positive and 27 cestode-negative horses were treated with placebo vehicle paste. Overall, 178 horses were treated with pyrantel pamoate paste, and 63 horses were treated with placebo paste. Of the 178 horses treated with pyrantel pamoate paste, no drug related, adverse clinical or neurological health events were observed. No doses of pyrantel pamoate paste were refused or lost during dosing. At each post-treatment time sampling interval, significantly fewer cestode eggs ( P < 0.0115) were passed by cestode-positive horses treated with pyrantel pamoate paste compared to cestode-positive horses that received placebo paste. Efficacy of the pyrantel pamoate paste treatment ranged from 92 to 96% from TD 7 to TD 16 with an overall efficacy of 95%. The results of these trials demonstrated that pyrantel pamoate paste (19.13%, w/w, pyrantel base) administered orally at a dosage of 13.2 mg pyrantel base/kg b.w. is highly efficacious (95%) against Anoplocephala spp. and safe for use in horses with no adverse clinical or neurological health events observed under field use conditions.

Effect of valproate on plasma levels of interleukin-6 in healthy male humans

Valproate exerts many biochemical and physiological effects and may have a modulating effect on the immune system. The present study aimed to determine whether there is a treatment effect of valproate on plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-6, in healthy male humans. Plasma levels of IL-6 were measured in 10 healthy male humans before and after 7 days of treatment with 1000 mg per day of valproate (i.e. 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening). All the healthy subjects had no past or current psychiatric disorder. They reported to the outpatient clinic at 09.00 h for baseline sampling. Subsequently, they were commenced on valproate 1000 mg per day for 7 days. They took the last dose of valproate at 22.00 h on the day 7, and post-treatment blood sampling for plasma levels of IL-6 was carried out on day 8. An additional blood sample was also taken from each subject at the same time to measure plasma levels of valproic acid for drug compliance. We found a significant increase in plasma levels of IL-6 after the 7 days of valproate treatment in healthy male subjects. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the changes in plasma IL-6 and blood levels of valproic acid. The findings of this study are consistent with previous studies on subjects with epilepsy, suggesting a modulating effect of valproate on the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in humans. However, studies with a larger number of participants and employing a double-blind, placebo-control group are required to confirm the findings, and also the levels of other cytokines should be measured to generalize the effect to the immune system.

Review Article

Review Article

Effects of repeated prescribed fires on the structure, composition, and regeneration of mixed-oak forests in Ohio

This study quantifies prescribed fire effects at four sites in southern Ohio, from 1995 to 2002. Each site had three treatment units: an unburned control, a unit burned 2× (1996 and 1999), and a unit burned 4× (1996–1999). Vegetation plots were stratified by an integrated moisture index (IMI) into xeric, intermediate, and mesic classes. Prior to treatments, oak ( Quercus spp.) and hickory ( Carya spp.) comprised 74–83% of basal area among sites but shade-tolerant species (e.g., Acer rubrum) were abundant in the midstory and completely dominated the sapling layer. Fires were conducted in March and April. Fire intensity, estimated by temperature-sensitive paints, was highest on the 2× burn units. Fires had little effect on large tree (>25 cm DBH) density and stand basal area. By contrast, the density of small trees (10–25 cm DBH) was reduced by 31% on 2× burn units and by 19% on 4× burn units. “Fire-induced” mortality (i.e., mortality on burn units above that of unburned units) for the most common species of small trees was: A. rubrum = 33%; Quercus alba = 17%; Carya spp. = 13%; Nyssa sylvatica = 10%; Acer saccharum = 4%; Quercus prinus = 2%. Sapling density was reduced by 86% on burn treatments. Despite reduced small tree and sapling densities on burned units, canopy openness, estimated by hemispherical photography, remained low (<6%). In general, the composition of tree regeneration was not substantially altered by fire treatments. On burn units, a significant initial decrease in A. rubrum seedling density and a significant increase in Liriodendron tulipifera from the seed bank did not persist throughout the study. Oak + hickory seedling density was not significantly affected by fire nor was the density of shade-tolerant seedlings. Post-treatment (2002) sampling of large seedlings (>30 cm height) indicated no significant differences in the abundance of oak + hickory nor that of shade-tolerant seedlings among fire treatments. For most vegetation response variables, fire effects tended to be similar among IMI classes. The application of fire alone, without partial harvesting, failed to improve oak regeneration consistently. However, given that two fires reduced stand density, the longer term application of periodic fire, coupled with natural gap dynamics, may still be a feasible management strategy for improving the sustainability of oak forests where harvesting is not permitted or desired.

Prospective, randomized, double-blind study of safety and tolerability of intravesical resiniferatoxin (RTX) in interstitial cystitis (IC)

To determine the safety and tolerability of intravesical resiniferatoxin (RTX) in interstitial cystitis (IC) patients. IC patients were instilled with 50 cc of test solution containing either placebo, 0.05 microM or 0.10 microM RTX in the bladder. Plasma concentration of RTX and its degradant resiniferonol 9-, 13-, 14-orthophenylacetate was measured. Immediate post-treatment blood sampling and cystoscopy were performed. Symptoms were evaluated before treatment, at 4- and at 12-week follow-ups, using VAS indicator for pain, voiding diary, and O'Leary's IC symptom/problem indices. Among 22 patients observed (ten in 0.10 microM RTX, eight in 0.05 microM RTX, and four in placebo groups), the most commonly reported adverse event was pain during instillation (80.0%, 87.5%, and 25.0%). No serious adverse events were reported. Use of intravesical RTX in IC patients is associated with important tolerability issues but safe at 0.10 microM and 0.05 microM.

Comparison of Two Field Sampling Procedures (En Core and Field Methanol Extraction) for Volatile Organic Compounds

In-situ Lasagna technology was recently evaluated at a contaminated site at Offutt Air Force Base. The site was contaminated with low levels (<30 mg/kg) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Originally, researchers planned to use field methanol extraction for both pre- and post-treatment sampling to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology on contaminant reduction. Precharacterization sampling, however, indicated that concentrations of some contaminants of concern were much lower than expected. Because use of methanol increases the detection limit, it was probable that post-treatment concentrations of these target contaminants would be nondetectable if methanol extraction was used. Project management, therefore, decided to use En Core samplers in addition to field methanol extraction during the pretreatment sampling event. The En Core sampling approach, while yielding a lower detection limit, uses discreet samples along the length of a core, whereas the methanol extraction approach samples the entire length of the core. The concern was that discreet samples may bias results if any "hot spots" were present. The two field sampling procedures, En Core and field methanol extraction, were performed side-by-side during the pretreatment phase of the technology evaluation in order to determine if the concern was valid for this site. Results were compared for four contaminants of concern: trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and trans-1,2-dichloroethene. The two procedures produced similar results with respect to both the concentration means and the variances, and no bias was evident. This finding supports project management's decision to use only En Core samplers post-treatment due to low concentrations of target contaminants.

Serum cystatin C in patients with head and neck carcinoma

Background: The balance between proteinases of various classes and their inhibitors was found to be of critical importance for local invasion and metastasizing of tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in the serum cystatin C concentration in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Methods: In the sera of 34 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, the concentration of cysteine proteinase inhibitor cystatin C was determined using ELISA. The serum samples were collected at diagnosis (group A) and 7 to 407 days (median, 59 days) after the therapy (group B). The sera of 30 healthy blood donors served as controls (group C). Results: A significant increase in the median concentration of cystatin C was found in the patients' sera (group A: 573 ng/ml, P<0.0001; group B: 551 ng/ml, P<0.0001) compared to control group C (320 ng/ml), whereas no difference was observed between groups A and B (P>0.05). Cystatin C concentrations in the sera of group A correlated with the site of primary tumor (P=0.035), being higher in the patients with non-laryngeal tumors (658 ng/ml) than in those with larynx primaries (529 ng/ml). There was a significant trend (RS=−0.535, P=0.049) towards lower cystatin C concentrations with an increasing time delay in post-treatment serum sampling (group B), which was observed in the patients with no relapse of the disease and a sampling later than 45 days after the completion of therapy. Conclusions: These results add to the knowledge of the role of cystatin C in invasive behavior of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and suggest its potential role as a tumor marker in this particular type of cancer.

Serum cystatin C in patients with head and neck carcinoma

Background: The balance between proteinases of various classes and their inhibitors was found to be of critical importance for local invasion and metastasizing of tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in the serum cystatin C concentration in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Methods: In the sera of 34 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, the concentration of cysteine proteinase inhibitor cystatin C was determined using ELISA. The serum samples were collected at diagnosis (group A) and 7 to 407 days (median, 59 days) after the therapy (group B). The sera of 30 healthy blood donors served as controls (group C). Results: A significant increase in the median concentration of cystatin C was found in the patients' sera (group A: 573 ng/ml, P<0.0001; group B: 551 ng/ml, P<0.0001) compared to control group C (320 ng/ml), whereas no difference was observed between groups A and B ( P>0.05). Cystatin C concentrations in the sera of group A correlated with the site of primary tumor ( P=0.035), being higher in the patients with non-laryngeal tumors (658 ng/ml) than in those with larynx primaries (529 ng/ml). There was a significant trend ( R S=−0.535, P=0.049) towards lower cystatin C concentrations with an increasing time delay in post-treatment serum sampling (group B), which was observed in the patients with no relapse of the disease and a sampling later than 45 days after the completion of therapy. Conclusions: These results add to the knowledge of the role of cystatin C in invasive behavior of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and suggest its potential role as a tumor marker in this particular type of cancer.

Emerging use of gene expression microarrays in plant physiology

Microarrays have become an important technology for the global analysis of gene expression in humans, animals, plants, and microbes. Implemented in the context of a well-designed experiment, cDNA and oligonucleotide arrays can provide highthroughput, simultaneous analysis of transcript abundance for hundreds, if not thousands, of genes. However, despite widespread acceptance, the use of microarrays as a tool to better understand processes of interest to the plant physiologist is still being explored. To help illustrate current uses of microarrays in the plant sciences, several case studies that we believe demonstrate the emerging application of gene expression arrays in plant physiology were selected from among the many posters and presentations at the 2003 Plant and Animal Genome XI Conference. Based on this survey, microarrays are being used to assess gene expression in plants exposed to the experimental manipulation of air temperature, soil water content and aluminium concentration in the root zone. Analysis often includes characterizing transcript profiles for multiple post-treatment sampling periods and categorizing genes with common patterns of response using hierarchical clustering techniques. In addition, microarrays are also providing insights into developmental changes in gene expression associated with fibre and root elongation in cotton and maize, respectively. Technical and analytical limitations of microarrays are discussed and projects attempting to advance areas of microarray design and data analysis are highlighted. Finally, although much work remains, we conclude that microarrays are a valuable tool for the plant physiologist interested in the characterization and identification of individual genes and gene families with potential application in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

A prospective evaluation of the effect of salpingectomy on endometrial receptivity in cases of women with communicating hydrosalpinges.

We aimed to assess whether salpingectomy in women with communicating hydrosalpinges influenced endometrial receptivity. The inclusion criteria were: women with communicating hydrosalpinges, absence of other confounding infertility factors and aged <40 years. Patients were scheduled for laparoscopy during the putative window of implantation (cycle days 19-21). In patients in whom salpingectomy was decided upon due to the severity of tubal disease (n = 10), an intra-operative endometrial biopsy was performed. Post-treatment endometrial sampling was done between day 19-21 of the fourth consecutive cycle. Pre-treatment and post-treatment samples were assessed by both conventional histologic criteria and alpha(v)beta3 integrin immunostaining, where histological score (HSCORE) was used for quantification. Despite normal histological maturation assessed by conventional criteria, 8/10 hydrosalpinx cases yielded an epithelial HSCORE of <0.7, which was below the accepted threshold. Following salpingectomy, luminal endometrial epithelium demonstrated a significantly increased alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression (Wilcoxon's signed rank test, P = 0.017). Although the mean HSCORE for glandular epithelia improved, it failed to reach statistical significance. Ultrasound visible hydrosalpinges (n = 5) and non-visible cases (n = 5) were also compared. However, neither the pre-treatment integrin expression, nor the postoperative improvement were significantly different between these groups. We conclude that the surgical treatment of communicating hydrosalpinges may improve endometrial receptivity as assessed by alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression. Women with hydrosalpinges may undergo endometrial evaluation by the molecular markers of implantation, such as alpha(v)beta3 integrin. This evaluation may be decisive in determining the optimal management of cases, and may also be used to assess the efficacy of the treatment. The expression of the implantation markers should be correlated with implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in IVF-embryo transfer programs.

Control of Mint Root Borer &amp; Wireworms in Peppermint, 1993

Abstract In 1993, the effect of Steinernema carpocapsae (Biovector) and chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4 E) on MRB larvae and wireworms was evaluated in a center-pivot irrigated field near Royal City, WA, USA (Grant Co). A RCB design was used for treatments replicated 4 times. Plots were 12 ft by 25 ft. Treatments included a split application of nematodes at a rate of 1 billion nematodes/acre followed by a second application at the same rate, a single application of nematodes at a rate of 1 billion/acre and chlorpyrifos at a rate of 2 qt/acre. The last three treatments were made at the second application date. Application dates were 27 Sep 93 and 1 Oct 93. The evaluation involved pre- and post-treatment sampling to determine if the field population exceeded the economic threshold of 2 to 3 MRB larvae/ft2 and evaluate the effect of an entomopathogenic nematode and chlorpyrifos on MRB and wireworm post-treatment sample populations. Pre-treatment sampling for MRB larvae began 13 Sep and continued to 20 Sep 93. In each plot, all rhizomes from a randomly selected 1-ft2 subsample were split, inspected for larvae and the soil to a depth of 3 inches was sieved for MRB larvae and wireworms. The same procedure was used to evaluate MRB larval and wireworm sample populations post-treatment. Treatments were applied using a CO2 backpack sprayer equipped with a 4-nozzle attachment that produced a spray width of 6 ft. Screens were removed from the nozzles and treatments were applied at 25 psi to reduce nematode mortality as they passed through the spray nozzles. The application regime consisted of the following. On 27 Sep 93, 3 gal water was applied with the backpack sprayer to moisten the soil surface immediately before applying nematodes, 3 gal water was used to apply nematodes to the soil surface at a rate of 1 billion/acre, and another 3 gal was applied post-application to water nematodes into the soil. On a per-acre basis, this was approximately 1300 gal of water/acre. On 1 Oct 93, the backpack sprayer was used to apply nematodes (1 billion/acre) and chlorpyrifos at 2 qt/acre with 3 gal water. Another 3 gal was immediately applied to each plot following application of each treatment. One inch of water was then sprinkled on all plots using a center-pivot irrigation sprinkling system to wash the nematodes and water into the soil.

Control of Mint Root Borer in Peppermint, 1995 and 1996

Abstract In 1995, we used two trials to evaluate the effect of Steinernema carpocapsae (Biovector) and chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4 E) on the subsample population of MRB larvae. Eighteen pairwise comparisons were used in each trial to assess the level of control by each treatment. Plots were 12 ft by 30 ft. The application date for nematodes was 8 Sep 95 and 9 Sep 95 for chlorpyrifos. In 1996, a RCB design, replicated 4 times, was used to evaluate MRB larval control with Steinernema riobravis and chlorpyrifos. Each plot was subsampled twice for MRB larvae. Plot size was 12 ft by 600 ft. Treatments were applied on 4 Oct 96. The evaluation involved pre- and post-treatment sampling to determine if the field population exceeded the economic threshold of 2 to 3 larvae/ft2 and evaluate the effect of entomopathogenic nematodes and chlorpyrifos on MRB sample populations. Pre-treatment sampling for MRB larvae began the second week of Aug in both years. In 1995, rhizomes from 18, 1-ft2 subsamples were randomly collected and berlesed to determine the pre-treatment MRB larval sample population in the 35-acre study field. In 1996, 24, 1 ft2 subsamples in the 40-acre study field were similarly assessed. In both years, pre-treatment sample population exceeded the economic threshold though the subsample larval counts varied widely from 0 to 11 /ft2 in 1995 and 1 to 16/ft2 in 1996. Treatments were applied using a 12-ft grain drill modified to spray nematodes or the insecticide into the silt created by the double discs. The packer wheels located behind the spray nozzles sealed the treatments be-low the soil surface. Packing is important because chlorpyrifos volatilizes and photodegrades and nematodes desiccate rapidly if exposed to the sun and hot temperatures that commonly occur in our area. This application method placed the controls where MRB larvae are located, generally no deeper than 1 inch below the soil surface. Controls were injected at 6-inch intervals at 24 psi and 50 gpa. We used a 30-mesh screen and an orifice size of 41 in each spray nozzle to reduce nematode mortality as they passed through the spray nozzle. Trials were located on commercial peppermint farms near Othello, WA (Adams Co.).

Increasing implementation of in situ treatment technologies through field‐scale performance assessments

In situ treatment technologies are important components of subsurface remediation efforts at a wide variety of sites. Too often, however, innovative technologies are not given adequate consideration by consultants, regulators, and site owners due to a lack of conclusive evidence that they will be effective alternatives. Field‐scale demonstrations of the efficacy of in situ remediation technologies are important for effective engineering design. These types of projects provide an increase in the accuracy of conceptual models of the governing processes and can elucidate the practical aspects of full‐scale implementation. Demonstration projects conducted at the field scale have a number of components necessary for complete assessment of treatment performance. Depending somewhat on the technology, these can include: pre‐ and posttreatment sampling, detailed site characterization of stratigraphy and hydrogeology, and comparisons between predictions of engineering models and actual performance.

Anthelmintic treatment and the suppression of egg production in gastro-intestinal nematodes of sheep and cattle: Fact or fallacy?

Evidence for a temporary suppression of egg production in gastro-intestinal nematodes of sheep and cattle following anthelmintic treatment is reviewed and the possible relevance of this phenomenon to the appropriate sampling time in the faecal egg count reduction test is discussed. The results of this review suggest that if such suppressive effects do occur in sheep nematodes, then they are unlikely to be of much practical significance and that little benefit would be derived from extending the post-treatment sampling interval beyond 10 days. For cattle nematodes, however, the issues are less readily obvious but indicate, at least when testing for resistance to persistent anthelmintics, that adoption of a longer post-treatment interval might be advisable.

Population Changes of Spider Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) Following Insecticide Applications in Corn

Applications of 2 insecticides, methyl parathion and permethrin, for the control of 1st- and 2nd-generation European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), in corn, Zea mays (L.), were evaluated in 1992, 1993, and 1994 for their effects on the population densities of twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch, Banks grass mites, Oligonychus pratensis (Banks), and selected mite predators such as predatory mites, lady bird beetles, pirate bugs, predatory thrips, lacewings, and spiders. Results indicated that applications of permethrin during the last week of July or early August were associated with a significant increase in the population of twospotted spider mites. However, no consistent increases in the population of Banks grass mites were observed. Predator populations were generally low throughout the study period, and no significant changes in the population of identified predators were observed between pretreatment and posttreatment sampling.

Winter Foraging Ecology of Moose on Glyphosate-Treated Clearcuts in Maine

The herbicide glyphosate is widely used in northern coniferous forests of the United States and Canada to promote conifer dominance on clearcut sites by suppressing regeneration of deciduous species. We determined effects of glyphosate treatment of regenerating clearcuts on (1) browse availability (total biomass, by species, and proportion with high digestible energy [DE] content), (2) browse use, and (3) diet quality of moose (Alces alces) in winter in Maine during 2 periods: 1-2 and 7-11 years posttreatment. We measured browse availability and use and collected browse samples for nutritional analyses on 12 clearcuts in January-March 1991 before aerial treatment with glyphosate of 6 of these clearcuts in August 1991. We conducted posttreatment sampling of treated and untreated clearcuts during January-March 1992 and 1993. We also sampled 14 clearcuts that had been treated with glyphosate 7-11 years earlier and 5 untreated clearcuts of similar age in January-March 1992 or 1993. Available biomass (kg/ha) of deciduous browse decreased (P = 0.001) 70% on treated clearcuts relative to untreated clearcuts from pretreatment to year 2, but was not affected (P = 0.29) at 7-11 years posttreatment. Available browse from red maple (Acer rubrum) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) appeared to decrease less than pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) in years 1-2 suggesting that species composition on sites may influence the magnitude of effects on total browse availability. The proportion of deciduous browse biomass with a relatively high DE content (1.8 kcal/g) was not affected (P = 0.37) by treatment at 1-2 years, but was greater (P = 0.047) on treated than untreated clearcuts at 7-11 years posttreatment. Biomass and percent of available deciduous browse eaten by moose were not affected (P > 0.1) by glyphosate in years 1-2, but were 4-5 times greater (P 0.1) by treatment in either time period. Initial reductions in browse availability may decrease the suitability of clearcuts for foraging by moose, but this effect would decrease over the next 5-9 years because browse availability decreases naturally on untreated sites. We concluded that glyphosate did not have important effects on diet quality. Heavy browsing in older treated clearcuts suggests that moose may be attracted to these sites, but this behavior was not directly related to browse availability or nutrition. We discuss management options for minimizing effects of glyphosate treatment on moose habitat.

Clonal T-lymphocytes from untreated hairy-cell leukaemia patients enhance the growth of BFU-E.

The anaemia in hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) has been suggested to be mediated in part by T lymphocytes. Consequently, we have investigated the role of T lymphocytes in this disease by cloning pre-treatment HCL T lymphocytes and testing their influence on the in vitro growth of BFU-E from autologous post-treatment and normal donors T-lymphocyte depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC-T). Altogether, 24 CD4+/CD8- and 17 CD4-/CD8+ T-lymphocyte clones from 3 different HCL patients were tested. All were found to enhance the growth of BFU-E, the degree of enhancement being independent of the length of IFN treatment at the time of the post-treatment sampling. Likewise, no difference in the extent of enhancement was seen between CD4+/CD8- and CD4-/CD8+ clones, or whether the clones were tested for modulation of BFU-E from PBMNC-T of autologous or allogeneic origin. Finally, no differences could be observed between different patients in the extent of clonal enhancement. These findings, which are in line with our previous ones in normal donors, indicate that the T-lymphocyte function with regard to regulation of the erythropoiesis is normal in HCL, arguing against a T-lymphocyte mediated suppression of the erythropoiesis in HCL.