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Expression of a nitric oxide degrading enzyme induces a senescence programme in Arabidopsis.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed to act as a factor delaying leaf senescence and fruit maturation in plants. Here we show that expression of a NO degrading dioxygenase (NOD) in Arabidopsis thaliana initiates a senescence-like phenotype, an effect that proved to be more pronounced in older than in younger leaves. This senescence phenotype was preceded by a massive switch in gene expression in which photosynthetic genes were down-regulated, whereas many senescence-associated genes (SAGs) and the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase gene ACS6 involved in ethylene synthesis were up-regulated. External fumigation of NOD plants with NO as well as environmental conditions known to stimulate endogenous NO production attenuated the induced senescence programme. For instance, both high light conditions and nitrate feeding reduced the senescence phenotype and attenuated the down-regulation of photosynthetic genes as well as the up-regulation of SAGs. Treatment of plants with the cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurin (BAP) reduced the down-regulation of photosynthesis, although it had no consistent effect on SAG expression. Metabolic changes during NOD-induced senescence comprehended increases in salicylic acid (SA) levels, accumulation of the phytoalexin camalexin and elevation of leaf gamma-tocopherol contents, all of which occurred during natural senescence in Arabidopsis leaves as well. Moreover, NO fumigation delayed the senescence process induced by darkening individual Arabidopsis Columbia-0 (Col-0) leaves. Our data thus support the notion that NO acts as a negative regulator of leaf senescence.

Arabidopsis↗

Emission of Climate-Relevant Trace Gases and Succession of Microbial Communities during Open-Windrow Composting.

Determination of different indicators of microbial biomass, community structure, and bioactivity by the fumigation extraction method, as well as determination of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and their subfractions and the measurement of trace gases, respectively, provides valuable information about microbial succession in composting processes. The emission rates of carbon dioxide (CO(inf2)), methane (CH(inf4)), and nitrous oxide (N(inf2)O) increased successively during compost maturation: initially in the presence of easily degradable nutrients, during high temperature, and after the temperature had cooled down, respectively. The emission rate patterns of these trace gases corresponded to the concentrations of PLFAs and their particular subfractions. (i) Similar to the CO(inf2) emission rates, microbial biomass estimations by fumigation extraction and by determination of the amount of total PLFAs showed a discontinuous decrease during the composting process, with a slight increase at the end of the observation period. (ii) An increase in ether lipids, indicating the enhanced presence of archaean methanogens, and an elevated CH(inf4) emission were observed at the same time. (iii) The period of enhanced N(inf2)O emission corresponded to the increase in beta and omega hydroxy fatty acids derived from the outer membrane. Additionally, the continuous increase in branched-chain fatty acids suggested an increase in gram-positive bacteria and actinomycetes, and the decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids indicated a decrease in eukaryotic cells during the composting.

Journal Article↗

Comparison of bacterial community structures in the rhizoplane of tomato plants grown in soils suppressive and conducive towards bacterial wilt.

It has been reported that the growth of Ralstonia solanacearum is suppressed at the rhizoplane of tomato plants and that tomato bacterial wilt is suppressed in plants grown in a soil (Mutsumi) in Japan. To evaluate the biological factors contributing to the suppressiveness of the soil in three treated Mutsumi soils (chloroform fumigated soil; autoclaved soil mixed with intact Mutsumi soil; and autoclaved soil mixed with intact, wilt-conducive Yamadai soil) infested with R. solanacearum, we bioassayed soil samples for tomato bacterial wilt. Chloroform fumigation increased the extent of wilt disease. More of the tomato plant samples wilted when mixed with Yamadai soil than when mixed with Mutsumi soil. Consequently, the results indicate that the naturally existing population of microorganisms in Mutsumi soil was significantly able to reduce the severity of bacterial wilt of tomato plants. To characterize the types of bacteria present at the rhizoplane, we isolated rhizoplane bacteria and classified them into 22 groups by comparing their 16S restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns. In Yamadai soil a single group of bacteria was extremely predominant (73.1%), whereas in Mutsumi soil the distribution of the bacterial groups was much more even. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis of strains of dominant groups suggested that gram-negative bacteria close to the beta-proteobacteria were most common at the rhizoplane of the tomato plants. During in vitro assays, rhizoplane bacteria in Mutsumi soil grew more vigorously on pectin, one of the main root exudates of tomato, compared with those in Yamadai soil. Our results imply that it is difficult for the pathogen to dominate in a diversified rhizobacterial community that thrives on pectin.

Bacteria↗

[Chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical hypersensitivity after insecticide exposure].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) are well-defined illnesses that may appear after some toxic exposures. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We report a consecutive series of 26 patients who developed CFS after exposure to insecticide products. It was associated with MCS in a third of cases. RESULTS: Toxic exposure was of labour origin after returning to usual work place after a process of fumigation. In 42% of cases there was no fulfilment of fumigation safety rules. The majority of patients were mean-aged women who developed an acute upper airway inflammatory syndrome, without muscarinic or nicotinic manifestations, followed by digestive syndrome, neurocognitive, fibromyalgic and chronic fatigue manifestations. The course of disease was shorter than 1 year in 5 cases (19%), longer than 1 year in 15(58%), and disabling in 6 cases (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the possible prevention of this toxic exposure, it is very important to carefully follow measures of environment isolation and ventilation after insecticide use in order to avoid the development of these diseases.

Adolescent↗

[Determination of bromide ions in total blood, plasma and urine by ion chromatography with amperometric detection].

A direct injection method is described for the determination of bromide ions in plasma and urine by ion chromatography. After being diluted 10-20 times with eluent, the sample was directly injected into an ion chromatograph equipped with amperometric detection. Calibration curves were obtained in the range of 0.05 to 5 micrograms/ml of bromide ions. The coefficient of variation was calculated to be in the range of 1.3-9.4% for 10 repeated measurements and recovery was over 93%. The correlation between analytical results by the proposed method (Y) and those by a spectrophotometric method (X) of 169 urine samples in fumigators was expressed by the equation Y = 0.952 + 1.012X (correlation coefficient (r): 0.952). On the other hand, the correlation between analytical results by the proposed method (Y) and those by neutron activation analysis (X) of 47 total-blood samples in fumigators was expressed by the equation Y = 1.070 + 0.841 X (correlation coefficient (r): 0.931). The correlation between analytical results by the proposed method (Y) and those by neutron activation analysis (X) of 40 plasma samples in healthy workers was expressed by the equation Y = 0.633 + 0.871 X (correlation coefficient (r): 0.955). The proposed method is much more practical than other methods such as the spectrophotometric method and neutron activation analysis in epidemiological studies, because the proposed method is highly accurate and reproducible over longer periods. The proposed method is useful in biological fluid monitoring of bromide ions.

Bromine↗

Potential for escape of live boll weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) into cottonseed, motes, and cleaned lint at the cotton gin.

Reintroductions of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, into areas of the United States where it has been eradicated or suppressed are very expensive to mitigate. There is concern that a cotton gin in an eradication zone may serve as a site of boll weevil reintroductions when processing cotton harvested in a neighboring infested zone. Similarly, there is a question whether weevil-free areas can safely import gin products, such as cottonseed and baled lint, from infested areas without risking an introduction. Many countries require fumigation of imported U.S. cotton bales to protect against boll weevil introductions, costing the U.S. cotton industry millions of dollars annually. In previously reported experiments, we quantified the potential for boll weevils to survive passage through precleaning machinery in the gin. In this study, we quantified survival potential of boll weevils passing through the gin stand and segregating into the cottonseed, mote, or lint fractions. We also examined boll weevil survival when passed with ginned lint through a lint cleaner. We present a flow chart of experimentally determined survival potentials of boll weevils passing through the various subprocesses of the gin, from which one can calculate the risk of a live boll weevil reaching any point in the process. Our data show that there is virtually no chance of a boll weevil being segregated alive into the cottonseed or of one surviving in the lint to approach the bale press. Therefore, quarantine or fumigation of cottonseed and cotton bales to guard against boll weevil introductions is unnecessary.

Agriculture↗

Mortality of life stages of cowpea weevil (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) exposed to low pressure at different temperatures.

Previous studies have shown that low pressure creates a low oxygen controlled atmosphere that can kill stored-product insects. The current study was conducted to determine the mortality of life stages of the cowpea weevil, Callosbruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), exposed to different low pressures and temperatures for various exposure periods. The adults were the most susceptible life stage to low pressure; 99% mortality was achieved within 0.8 h at 32.5 mmHg, 30 degrees C. The pupae were the most tolerant life stage to low pressure, requiring exposure periods between 28.98 and 153.20 h at temperatures of 20-35 degrees C to achieve 99% mortality. Mortality increased with exposure time and also with increasing temperature in all life stages. Early stage eggs (3 h old) and late stage eggs (48 h old) experienced higher mortality (values for LT99 of 42.331 and 46.652 h, respectively) compared with intermediate aged eggs (24 h old; LT99 of 74.735 h) under the same conditions of low pressure and temperature. Dried beans, including cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (Walp.), are currently protected with fumigants. Application of low pressure as a pest management tool represents a potential nonchemical alternative to fumigants such as methyl bromide and phosphine for controlling the cowpea weevil and related bruchids.

Animals↗

Critical evaluation of five methods for quantifying chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera).

Five methods for estimating the abundance of chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) were tested. To evaluate the methods, feral pigeons (Columba livia) and 2 species of ischnoceran lice were used. The fraction of lice removed by each method was compared, and least squares linear regression was used to determine how well each method predicted total abundance. Total abundance was assessed in most cases using KOH dissolution. The 2 methods involving dead birds (body washing and post-mortem-ruffling) provided better results than 3 methods involving live birds (dust-ruffling, fumigation chambers, and visual examination). Body washing removed the largest fraction of lice (>82%) and was an extremely accurate predictor of total abundance (r2 = 0.99). Post-mortem-ruffling was also an accurate predictor of total abundance (r2 > or = 0.88), even though it removed a smaller proportion of lice (<70%) than body washing. Dust-ruffling and fumigation chambers removed even fewer lice, but were still reasonably accurate predictors of total abundance, except in the case of data sets restricted to birds with relatively few lice. Visual examination, the only method not requiring that lice be removed from the host, was an accurate predictor of louse abundance, except in the case of wing lice on lightly parasitized birds.

Animals↗

Disinfecting poultry production premises.

Hygiene and sanitation play a major role in any effective disease control programme for poultry production premises. One of the important requirements to facilitate hygiene and sanitation is adoption of the 'all-in/all-out' method (i.e. all the birds within a single establishment should be of the same age group), together with the restriction of each enterprise to a single type or species of bird. Poultry premises and buildings should comply with requirements for isolation from the environment and strict observance of principles of hygiene and disease prevention (e.g. restrictions on movement of staff, equipment and vehicles). A poultry site must be prepared methodically for the entry of each new batch (removal of birds, litter and manure; vector and rodent control; dry and wet cleaning; disinfection; fumigation). Attention should be paid to the terminal sanitation of houses and equipment after depopulation (physical and chemical cleaning, pressure washing, disinfection, fumigation). Particular care should be exercised in the performance of sanitary procedures after a disease outbreak. Immediate disposal of dead and diseased birds is an important and effective tool in preventing the dissemination of any disease. Disposal methods include the use of burial pits, tanks, burial in trenches, burning, rendering and composting. Regular visual inspection, together with routine testing by microbiological monitoring methods, is very effective in checking the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection.

Animal Husbandry↗

Predicted 1,3-dichloropropene air concentrations resulting from tree and vine applications in California.

The preplant soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) is effective for nematode control and is expected to further replace methyl bromide (MeBr) as MeBr use is phased out. Acute human exposure to soil fumigants is managed in part by using buffer zones between treated fields and occupied structures. The required buffer zone for 1,3-D in California is 91.4 m (300 ft) for all uses. However, a 30.5-m (100-ft) buffer setback is desired for 1,3-D to be an important replacement for MeBr in the orchard and vineyard markets. The Industrial Source Complex Short-Term model, Version 3 (ISCST3) was used to simulate township-wide long-term average and short-term air concentration distributions of 1,3-D. The Gaussian plume model ISCST3 can be used to assess dispersion of air pollutants and pollutant concentrations on receptors from a variety of sources and in diverse airsheds. Long-term and daily-average air concentrations can be compared with the California permitted chronic or acute toxicity endpoints, respectively, to assess the potential risk for individuals living within the township at the proposed buffer setback. Modifications to ISCST3 were made for specific nonpoint-source agricultural constraints and management practices. Chronic and acute air concentration distributions of 1,3-D with a 30.5-m buffer constraint around treated fields are similar to currently permitted air concentration distributions in California. Refinement of exposure as a function of buffer distance, application rate, and field size is possible due to the resolution of the simulation and external post-processing capabilities. Simulated examples of 1,3-D acute and chronic exposure cumulative distributions are presented.

Agriculture↗

Efficiency of respirator canisters with methyl bromide.

Two kinds of respirator canisters, an organic vapor (OV) canister containing activated carbon and a methyl bromide (MB) canister containing activated carbon impregnated with triethylenediamine were investigated for their filtration efficiency of MB gas under various conditions of MB concentration, humidity and temperature. At lower MB concentrations, the breakthrough time of the OV canister was shorter than that of the MB canister. It also decreased with an increase in temperature, whereas the breakthrough time of the MB canister did not change with temperature. Humidity affected the breakthrough times of the OV canister as much as those of the MB canister. The desorption and the remaining filtration efficiency of MB gas were examined in both canisters which had been used for fumigation in plant quarantine. More than 5 ppm of MB gas leaked from 11 out of 18 used OV canisters, whereas less than 0.1 ppm MB leaked out from each of the used MB canisters. The mean remaining breakthrough time of the used OV canisters was 9.3 min, whereas that of the used MB canisters was 74.4 min. From the present study, it was shown that the gas masks with the OV canisters were not suitable for fumigating with MB gas.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

HEPA/vaccine plan for indoor anthrax remediation.

We developed a mathematical model to compare 2 indoor remediation strategies in the aftermath of an outdoor release of 1.5 kg of anthrax spores in lower Manhattan. The 2 strategies are the fumigation approach used after the 2001 postal anthrax attack and a HEPA/vaccine plan, which relies on HEPA vacuuming, HEPA air cleaners, and vaccination of reoccupants. The HEPA/vaccine approach leads to few anthrax cases among reoccupants if applied to all but the most heavily contaminated buildings, and recovery is much faster than under the decades-long fumigation plan. Only modest environmental sampling is needed. A surge capacity of 10,000 to 20,000 Hazmat workers is required to perform remediation within 6 to 12 months and to avoid permanent mass relocation. Because of the possibility of a campaign of terrorist attacks, serious consideration should be given to allowing or encouraging voluntary self-service cleaning of lightly contaminated rooms by age-appropriate, vaccinated, partially protected (through masks or hoods) reoccupants or owners.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

Hydrogen peroxide as an alternative hatching egg disinfectant.

The present study examined the effectiveness of H2O2 at different concentrations to disinfect broiler hatching eggshell surfaces and to maintain hatching potential. Under pure culture conditions, .50% H2O2 yielded over a 6 log kill in 30 s of three potential eggshell bacterial contaminants. Under higher H2O2 demands, such as occurs on eggshell surfaces, H2O2 concentrations of 5% (vol/vol) were required to disinfect the shell surfaces (approximately 5 log reduction). Hatchability of fertile eggs from a 44-wk-old flock was significantly increased by 2% following spraying 5% H2O2 in comparison to untreated controls. Level of contaminated eggs and "early-dead" embryos were significantly reduced in the H2O2-treated eggs. In comparison with formaldehyde fumigation, no significant difference in hatchability due to H2O2 treatment was detected in eggs from a 30- or 56-wk-old flock. Eggshell permeability, as measured by egg moisture loss in an incubator, was not significantly affected by H2O2 (5%) or formaldehyde fumigation when compared with untreated or water-sprayed control eggs. These results demonstrated that H2O2 compared favorably to formaldehyde as a hatching egg disinfectant without adversely affecting hatching potential. Under some conditions, H2O2 actually improved the hatching potential of fertile broiler eggs compared with hatchability of untreated eggs.

Animals↗

The effects of precocene II on reproduction and development of triatomine bugs (Reduviidae: Triatominae).

Precocene II is a botanically derived chemical that inhibits the production of juvenile hormone (JH) in insects. The effects of this anti-JH compound on molting and growth by Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata and reproduction in R. prolixus were tested and the efficacy of precocene II as a fumigant was assessed. Precocene II induced precocious metamorphosis in both species when applied by either contact exposure or fumigation, and this effect could be prevented by juvenile hormone replacement therapy. The dosage effective in inducing precocious metamorphosis in T. dimidiata was similar to the EC50 previously reported for R. prolixus. The morphology of precocious adultoid T. dimidiata of different instars was similar to Rhodnius adultoids of corresponding instars. However, T. dimidiata was more sensitive than Rhodnius to the molt-inhibiting effects of precocene II. Rhodnius nymphs were fully susceptible to the anti-JH action of precocene when exposed for 24 hours one week before feeding. Precocene II was highly toxic to adult female Rhodnius and treatment of newly emerged females prevented oogenesis.

Animals↗

Disinfection of mung bean seed with gaseous acetic acid.

Mung bean seed inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes (3 to 5 log CFU/g) was exposed to gaseous acetic acid in an aluminum fumigation chamber. Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 were not detected by enrichment of seeds treated with 242 microl of acetic acid per liter of air for 12 h at 45 degrees C. L. monocytogenes was recovered by enrichment from two of 10 25-g seed samples treated in this manner. Fumigation with gaseous acetic acid was also lethal to indigenous bacteria and fungi on mung bean seed. The treatment did not significantly reduce seed germination rates, and no differences in surface microstructure were observed between treated and untreated seed viewed by scanning electron microscopy.

Acetic Acid↗

[Experience in controlling the Salmonella carrier state on a pedigree poultry breeding farm].

Systematic microbiologic control was carried out in the 1972-1975 period on an elite poultry farm whereas from the 23,724 samples studied, taken from objects of the epizootic chain forage-birds-hatchery, 78 cultures of Salmonella organisms of 14 species or 0.32 per cent of the total number of samples were isolated. A trend was observed toward the year-to-year drop in the number of positive findings of Salmonellae, and by the end of 1975 the results were negative. This fact was backed by the investigations in the poultry dressing combines throughout the country that have received the parental forms of birds from the sanated elite poultry farm. Established was vertical (congenital) transmission of Salmonella enteritidis, and using the typhoid-pullorosis test all carrier birds were detected and eliminated. Thus serologically were followed up and eliminated the hidden sources of infection among the flocks on the elite poultry farm. The alimentary mechanism of infection transmission (horizontally with the chain forage-birds was discontinued through the storage of feed mixtures packed in bags (not in bulk). The chain birds-hatchery was interrupted by means of fumigation, the eggs being treated up to the second hour following laying, and then subjected to four subsequent treatment with disinfectants up to hatching. The environment was sanated by three-fold disinfections every sixth day with lysol, formalin or veraform, anf fumigation with formaldehyde vapours, resulting in 100 per cent effectiveness. This was demonstrated many times bacteriologically. The overall observation of hygiene measures contributed to the sanation of the elite farm. The parallel examination of personnel on the farm made by organs of the Hygiene and Epidemiologic Inspection detected a female worker that acted as a carrier of S. enteritidis. Upon her elimination the complex of measures for the study and complete sanation of the farm was considered fulfilled.

Animals↗

Biodecontamination of animal rooms and heat-sensitive equipment with vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

Common methods used to decontaminate and disinfect laboratory animal areas are difficult to standardize, labor-intensive, and potentially hazardous for staff members and the environment. As an alternative to traditional methods, we tested fumigation with vaporized hydrogen peroxide by using the VHP 1000 Biodecontamination System. The design of our air-conditioning system allowed the connection of the generator to any animal room by using the ventilation piping, thus forming a closed circuit. A 3-h cycle consisting of dehumidification, conditioning, sterilization, and aeration was developed and shown to be effective. The biodecontamination process was monitored during five independent trials using chemical and biological (Bacillus stearothermophilus spores) indicators. Contact plates for testing surfaces and room air for environmental bacteria, yeasts, and fungi consistently showed fewer than 10 colony-forming units per 100 cm2 or per 1 liter air. In addition, this method proved successful with heat-sensitive equipment like the blower units of individually ventilated caging systems. Overall, the system was easy to use and very effective in biodecontaminating animal rooms and equipment in a reproducible manner. There were no signs of corrosion or functional damage after more than 10 fumigation cycles. Work load and potential health risk for staff members and the environment was negligible.

Animals↗

Application of DDT, BHC, and cyanogas in the control of plague in India.

A comparison is made of the results obtained in various parts of India since 1945 with DDT, BHC, and Cyanogas in the control of plague.Antiplague campaigns involving the use of Cyanogas (calcium cyanide) have shown this pulicide to be effective in many cases in keeping down the flea index and in restricting the spread of the disease, although Cyanogas fumigation alone will not stop the annual recrudescence of epidemics. Comparative trials in Madras State showed that insufflation of rat-holes and harbourages with 10% DDT dusting-powder was effective in keeping the flea index below 1 in several villages, while repeated Cyanogas fumigation in the town of Coonoor did not greatly reduce the index there. In another series of experiments, the toxic action of both DDT and BHC (Gammexane) was still evident 84-90 days after dusting, but the DDT was the more powerful pulicide. Cyanogas dusting had no effect in reducing the flea index in these experiments.In their conclusions, the authors consider that DDT, despite a number of instances of its failure, is the most valuable pulicide, followed by BHC and Cyanogas, in that order. A successful antiplague operation, however, depends on the methods used, the dosage of pulicide, and the time and intensity of its application. In addition, to eradicate plague in endemic areas, it is, of course, necessary to continue control efforts during the interepidemic periods.

Animals↗