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Nontarget impact of spinosad GF-120 bait sprays for control of the Mexican fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Texas citrus.

Bait sprays containing the toxicant spinosad (GF-120) were applied to citrus groves in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where Mexican fruit flies were detected in surveillance traps. The sprays were applied as a supplement to a continuous sterile insect release program. Sterile fly captures were 47-63% lower in the treated groves compared with control groves. Eight of 10 secondary pest populations declined in the test groves subsequent to spray applications, but they also declined in the control groves, suggesting that the decline was a seasonal phenomenon rather than a result of the bait sprays. Citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead), populations increased modestly and citrus blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi (Ashby), populations remained unchanged compared with pretreatment levels. Thus, no outbreaks of secondary pests occurred as a result of the spinosad bait sprays in this instance, as has been reported for malathion bait sprays in citrus. The bait sprays had no detectable effect on populations of specific indicator species of parasitoids (including Aphytis spp. and Comperiella bifasciata Howard), or on numbers of beneficial insects in general, in the treated groves.

Animals↗

Metazoan parasite communities of sentinel bluegill caged in two urbanizing streams, San Antonio, Texas.

Urbanization has deleterious effects on water quality and biota in stream systems. This project used caged bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) to assess metazoan fish parasite communities in 2 urbanizing streams of the upper San Antonio River Basin, Bexar County, Texas. Field studies on Leon and Salado creeks were conducted during late summer in 1999 and 2000. Juvenile bluegill, obtained from a local aquaculturist, were held in cages for 10-22 days at middle and lower watershed sites to expose them to in-stream conditions and to allow parasite communities to establish. After removal from cages, fish were examined for metazoan parasites. In 2000, wild Lepomis spp. also were collected at study sites for parasite assessment. In both years, physical and chemical water properties were monitored at each site. Of the 120 fish examined for parasites, 96.7% were infected by at least 1 organism from among the 11 parasitic taxa observed. For caged fish, both diversity and equitability of parasite communities tended to be lower at the more eutrophic downstream sites; accordingly, parasite diversity and equitability were inversely correlated with nitrate concentrations. Ectoparasites were more prevalent in caged fish and endoparasites were more abundant in wild fish. An Ergasilus sp. copepod and a Posthodiplostomum sp. trematode dominated the ecto- and endoparasite faunas, respectively. This study suggests that assessment of watershed health can benefit from comparative cage studies of parasite community development involving sentinel fish species.

Animals↗

A new genus and species of cyclocoelid from the black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (Recurvirostridae), from Galveston, Texas.

Two black-necked stilts, Himantopus mexicanus (Recurvirostridae), from the Texas Gulf coast, died while in the care of bird rehabilitators and were found to be infected with Neoallopyge americanensis n. gen., n. sp. Neoallopyge n. gen. (Digenea: Cyclocoelidae) differs from Allopyge in having the testes situated some distance from the posterior extremity, 2 uterine loops on each side extensively invading the space posterior to the testes, no intertesticular uterine loops, and it is a parasite of Recurvirostridae in the western hemisphere rather than Gruidae from the Old World. The new species is unlike Allopyge antigones, Allopyge ominosus, and Allopyge undulatus in having the genital pore located anterior to the cecal bifurcation rather than posterior to it, and it is unlike A. ominosus and A. undulatus, where the uterus is entirely intercecal in having the uterine loops extending laterally, reaching the body wall on both sides. The new species further differs from A. antigones, A. ominosus, and Allopyge skrjabini in having larger eggs (148 [140-155] microm by 55 [45-63] microm compared with 95 by 55 microm, 65-80 by 40-46 microm, 119-124 by 55-66 microm, respectively), and it differs from Allopyge adolphi and A. undulatus in having narrower eggs (154 by 75 microm, 144 by 86 microm, respectively).

Air Sacs↗

A new species of Vexillata (Nematoda: Ornithostrongylidae) in Attwater's pocket gopher from Texas.

Vexillata geomyos n. sp. is described as a parasite of Attwater's pocket gopher, Geomys attwateri (Geomyidae), from Welder Wildlife Refuge, Texas. The new species possesses 12 cuticular ridges; based on this character, it can be distinguished from 7 of the 13 species in the genus. From the 6 remaining species, V. geomyos can be differentiated because the dorsal ray in 3 of them (V. armandae, V. dessetae, and V. vexillata) has 2 short branches arising from main trunk, whereas dorsal ray of the new species lacks these branches. In addition, V. geomyos can be distinguished from V. brooksi because its spicules are divided at the tip (whereas in the new species, spicules are whole). The new species differs from V. legallae and V. convoluta in the number and arrangement of cuticular ridges at the posterior region of the body.

Animals↗

Organochlorine pesticides and mercury in cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) from northeastern Texas, USA.

Despite their ecological importance and global decline, snakes remain poorly studied in ecotoxicology. In this study, we examined organochlorine (OC) pesticide and mercury accumulation in cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) living on a contaminated site in northeastern Texas (USA). Mercury and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) were detected in all snakes examined. Other OCs, including p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), methoxychlor, aldrin, and heptachlor, also were detected, but less frequently. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were higher in fat than in liver, while mercury concentrations were highest in liver, followed by kidney and tail clips. One animal contained the highest mercury concentration yet reported for a snake (8,610 ng/g). Mercury concentrations in liver and kidney were higher in males than females, while no intersex differences in p,p'-DDE concentrations were observed. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE in fat were correlated positively with body size in male cottonmouths but not females, suggesting a slower rate of accumulation in females. Body size strongly predicted mercury concentrations in liver, kidney, and tail clips of both sexes. Tail clips were strong predictors of mercury in liver and kidney in males but not females, suggesting possible sex-dependent differences in mercury toxicokinetics. Both long-term field studies and controlled laboratory investigations are needed to adequately assess the response of cottonmouths to chronic contaminant exposure.

Adipose Tissue↗

Triclosan in a north Texas wastewater treatment plant and the influent and effluent of an experimental constructed wetland.

The antimicrobial triclosan was analyzed in unfiltered samples from influent, effluent, and receiving stream and before and after a pilot-scale constructed wetland at a North Texas municipal wastewater treatment plant. Triclosan concentrations were reduced by 97 to 99% by the activated sludge treatment plant. Effluent concentrations were further reduced by passage through the constructed wetland, but receiving stream concentrations were not statistically significantly different from effluent concentrations. Effluent concentrations of triclosan were seasonal with highest concentrations occurring during the summer months. The effluent-dominated receiving stream maximum concentrations during summer months were below reported algal no-observed-effect concentrations based on biomass and growth rate but exceeded concentrations reported to cause shifts in algal community structure.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Biomarkers of exposure and effects of environmental contaminants on swallows nesting along the Rio Grande, Texas, USA.

We collected adult cave swallows (Petrochelidon fulva) and cliff swallows (P. pyrrhonota) during the breeding seasons in 1999 and 2000 from eight locations along the Rio Grande from Brownsville to El Paso (unless otherwise specified, all locations are Texas, USA) and an out-of-basin reference location. Body mass, spleen mass, hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), thyroxine (T4) in plasma, DNA damage measured as the half-peak coefficient of variation of DNA content (HPCV) in blood cells, as well as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in brain were compared with concentrations of organochlorines, metals, and metalloids in carcasses to determine potential effects of contaminants on swallows during the breeding season. Concentrations of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE) were significantly greater in swallows from El Paso than in those from most locations, except for Pharr and Llano Grande. All swallows from these three locations had p,p'-DDE concentrations of 3 microg/g wet weight or greater. Swallows from El Paso either had or shared the highest concentrations of p,p'-DDE, polychlorinated biphenyls, and 13 inorganic elements. Swallows from El Paso exhibited greater spleen mass and HPCV values as well as lower T4 values compared with those from other locations. Thyroxine was a potential biomarker of contaminant exposure in swallows of the Rio Grande, because it was negatively correlated with p,p'-DDE and Se. Spleen mass was positively correlated with selenium and HSI and negatively correlated with body mass, GSI, Mn, and Ni. Overall, the present study suggests that insectivorous birds living in areas of high agricultural and industrial activity along the Rio Grande bioaccumulate environmental contaminants. These contaminants, particularly p,p'-DDE, may be among multiple factors that impact endocrine and hematopoietic function in Rio Grande swallows.

Animals↗

Patterns of reported rape in a tri-ethnic population: Houston, Texas, 1974--1975.

Police records of reported rape, compiled for the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports, in Houston, Texas for 1974 and 1975, were analyzed in relation to ethnicity and age of victim/offender, and time and place of occurrence. Blacks had the highest race-specific rates for both victims and offenders; the majority of all rapes were intraracial. The high-risk age group for both victims and offenders was from 20 to 24 years. Rapes increased slightly during the summer months, peaked during the hours of darkness, and were fairly evenly distributed among the days of the week. The weekend calculated as from 4:00 pm Friday to 8:00 am Monday accounted for 43.6 per cent of all rape occurrences. The majority of rape events involved the use of a lethal weapon and took place in a residence.

Adult↗

Determinants of genocide fear in a rural Texas community: a research note.

Data were collected via a questionnaire administered to females 15-44 years of age and their most significant male partner from a 7% stratified random sample in Waller County, Texas. Analysis revealed that five independent variables combined explained 19% of the variance in race genocide fear (R2 = .19; p less than .01). The most important predictors of genocide fear were sex (Beta = .33; p less than .001) and education (Beta = .14; p less than .01).

Adult↗

St. Louis encephalitis: a comparison of two epidemics in Harris county, Texas.

The frequency and distribution of cases in two epidemics of St. Louis encephalitis in Houston, Texas are compared by age, sex, race, season, duration, geographic area and resources available. The second epidemic was far less severe than the first. The influence of community intervention on the observed differences between the two epidemics is discussed.

Adolescent↗

Measuring effectiveness of service aides in infant immunization surveillance program in North Central Texas.

The Immunization Division of Texas Public Health Region 5 sought to measure the per cent of referrals taking immunization action as a result of service aide contact. From data collected on newborn-nonresponders during a 12-month period, results show that aides may be credited with influencing 44 percent of the referrals reporting subsequent immunization.

Community Health Workers↗

The epidemiology of heat-related deaths, Texas--1950, 1970-79, and 1980.

A study of the deaths during a 1980 heat wave in Texas revealed death rates that were highest in males, the elderly, Blacks and those engaged in heavy labor, the latter two factors perhaps reflecting socioeconomic status. The data suggest that persistent high temperatures were related to death to a greater degree than the temperature peaks reached. Higher heat death rates in earlier years are believed to be attributable to the limited availability of air conditioning in those years.

Black or African American↗

Prevalence of dental mottling in school-aged lifetime residents of 16 Texas communities.

The severity of dental mottling in 2,592 school-aged, lifetime residents of 16 Texas communities was investigated in 1980-81 to identify factors associated with mottling and to construct a prediction model for the prevalence of mottling. The communities were selected to obtain a wide range of levels of fluoride in the drinking water. The children within each of the communities were contacted through their schools and received a dental examination to assess the severity of mottling. Information on demographic, dental health practice, and other candidate predictor variables was obtained from a questionnaire completed by a parent. A number of water quality measurements were also recorded for each community. White and Spanish-surname children had about the same prevalence of mottling while Blacks had a higher prevalence, odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.4, 3.7. Children from homes which had air conditioning had a lower prevalence of mottling (OR = .6, (0.4, 0.8)). The use of fluoride toothpaste or drops and the number of fluoride treatments were almost identical among those who did and did not develop moderate mottling. In addition to fluoride, total dissolved solids and zinc were water quality variables associated with mottling.

Adolescent↗

Workplace homicides of Texas males.

A review of Texas death certificates for 1975-84 identified 779 civilian males whose deaths were homicides that occurred in the workplace. Injuries from firearms caused 81 per cent of the deaths. The overall rate of workplace homicide was 2.1/100,000 male workers/year. Males employed in taxicab service had the highest rate of workplace homicide. 78.2/100,000 male workers/year. Males employed in certain retail trade industries, law enforcement, and the private-security industry also had high rates of workplace homicide. Male workers greater than or equal to 65 years old were at especially high risk, with a workplace-homicide rate 3.5 times that of younger workers. A review of medical examiners' records in five urban counties indicated that 32 per cent of victims who had worked in eating-and-drinking places and 5 per cent of other workers had blood or cerebrospinal-fluid alcohol levels greater than or equal to 0.10 g/dl. These results provide a base for designing effective strategies to prevent workplace homicides.

Adolescent↗

Cancer mortality among Mexican Americans and other whites in Texas, 1969-80.

Cancer mortality in Texas 1969-80 was 25 per cent lower among Mexican American males compared to other Whites; among females, rates were only 4 per cent lower. Reduced mortality was primarily a result of lower rates for cancers of the most common sites: lung, colon, breast and prostate. However, for cancers of the stomach, liver, and gallbladder, Mexican Americans had higher rates than other Whites. Female Mexican Americans were also at a higher mortality risk for cervical cancer. Implications are discussed.

Female↗

Health family trees: a tool for finding and helping young family members of coronary and cancer prone pedigrees in Texas and Utah.

We report on the feasibility and utility of a new approach for identifying the small percentage of families in the general population with strong familial predisposition to early coronary heart disease, strokes, and common familial cancers (breast, colon, lung), using the "Health Family Tree," a medical family history. A total of 24,332 "trees" were completed by parents and students in 37 high schools in 14 urban and rural communities in Texas and Utah during the years 1980-86. Completed "trees" were obtained from 68 per cent of all enrolled students. High-risk families, included 1,796 families with early coronary disease (7.5 per cent of all student families or 3.7 per cent of their parents' families), 870 stroke families (3.6 per cent), and 415 cancer prone families (1.7 per cent). Among these 3,081 high-risk families there were 8,245 family members already reported to have been diagnosed by a physician to have the familial disease of interest and 43,269 high risk unaffected siblings and offspring of these persons. The average cost per identified high-risk unaffected person was under $10. We conclude that the "Health Family Tree" is a feasible and cost-effective way to find high-risk families.

Adolescent↗

HIV seroprevalence among male IVDUs in Houston, Texas.

HIV seroprevalence was 8.4 percent in a sample of 921 heterosexual male intravenous drug users in Houston, Texas who were not in drug treatment at the time of the study. Males who were Black, injected drugs daily, or had a history of syphilis had greater odds of being HIV positive than participants without those characteristics.

Black or African American↗

Child and adolescent drownings in Harris County, Texas, 1983 through 1990.

OBJECTIVES: This study described childhood drowning rates and circumstances in Harris County, a large metropolitan area in Texas, and compared case ascertainment between data sources. METHODS: Drowning rates among Harris County residents newborn through 19 years of age were calculated from death certificate data (1983 through 1989), and local childhood drowning hazards were described on the basis of medical examiner data (1983 through 1990). Cases from both sources were compared to determine sensitivity of sources. RESULTS: The drowning rate among Harris County residents newborn through 19 years of age was 3.8 per 100,000 person-years. The drowning rates among Blacks and Hispanics exceeded that of Whites by 56% and 19%, respectively. The majority of the 196 unintentional drownings occurred in swimming pools. Half of the pool drownings occurred in apartment pools and 33% in private home pools. The medical examiner logbook identified a slightly higher number of drownings than did death certificates. International Classification of Diseases external cause of death codes were of limited use in describing drowning circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood drowning hazards not previously reported were identified, specifically hazards in apartment pools and those among Hispanic children.

Adolescent↗