Using reports of bee mortality in the field to calibrate laboratory-derived pesticide risk indices.

Mounting evidence suggests that pollinators worldwide are experiencing dramatic population declines, and exposure to pesticides is one of the factors that can account for this. By making use of a database containing more than two decades of honey bee (Apis mellifera) hive poisoning incidents from the United Kingdom (Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme [WIIS]) and corresponding pesticide use surveys, we attempted to explain honey bee poisoning incidents in the field using models derived from pesticide use information, laboratory-generated bee toxicity data (defined as a hazard ratio; application rate divided by LD(50)), and physico-chemical properties of the applied pesticides. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between honey bee poisoning incidents in the field and these parameters. In analyzing models with multiple dimensions, we selected the best model by the best subset method, an iterative method based on maximum likelihood estimation, and Akaike's information criterion. Results suggested that the size of the area treated and hazard ratios calculated from application rates and oral or contact toxicity (but the latter especially) can be used to predict the likelihood that honey bee mortality will occur. Model predictions also suggest that some insecticides carry an extreme risk for bees, despite the lack of documented incidents.

An intensive field trial to assess hazards to birds and mammals from the use of methiocarb as a bird repellent on ripening cherries.

: A field trial was carried out in Kent, UK, in 1980, to assess the possible hazards to wildlife of methiocarb used as a spray to protect ripening cherries from damage by birds. A broad range of studies was undertaken on a single site subjected to a series of five applications. Ground deposition was measured by analysis of strips of chromatography paper and petri dishes placed between lines of trees. Airborne drift was measured on targets up to 11 m above the ground, and methiocarb residues were measured in samples of cherries. Birds were captured by intensive mist-netting throughout the trial, and breeding success was monitored in nest boxes and natural nest sites. Livetraps were set to catch small mammals in the orchard on five occasions during the trial. Systematic searches for possible casualties were made, resulting in the discovery of 21 birds found dead or incapacitated. Levels of activity of plasma, liver and brain esterases were measured in samples taken from several species, and liver slices from House Sparrows, Starlings and Thrushes were examined histologically for signs of cell damage. Samples of breast muscle tissue from Starlings and House Sparrows were analysed by GLC for residues of methiocarb and its principal breakdown product, methiocarb sulfoxide. Overall, the trial revealed that many birds and mammals were exposed to methiocarb, but its effects were largely transient and sublethal. Even a heavy repeated programme of spray applications did not cause any serious hazard to wildlife populations.

Chronic monarticular synovitis. Diagnostic and prognostic features.

Data have been analysed from a retrospective review of 151 patients with monarthritis of more than 3 months' duration, usually involving the knee joint. The largest group, 49 patients (32%), had synovitis of unknown cause, 44 (29%) had synovitis probably associated with osteoarthrosis and 13 (9%) were diagnosable at presentation as having rheumatoid arthritis according to American Rheumatism Association (1959) criteria, which include serological and histological findings. There was only one case of tuberculous synovitis. Twelve of the thirteen patients diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis developed involvement in other joints. In most other conditions, however, including synovitis of uknown cause, the prognosis was favourable, with either improvement or complete remission.

Feprazone, a new anti-inflammatory agent. Studies of potency and gastrointestinal tolerance.

Two studies are reported; a double-blind cross-over trial of feprazone 600 mg daily and aspirin 3.6 g daily in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and an uncontrolled open study of gastrointestinal tolerance in twenty rheumatoid arthritis patients with known intolerance to other drugs. The first study showed that feprazone was significantly superior to aspirin in all the parameters tested. In the second study all twenty patients showed an improvement of their gastrointestinal symptoms, nineteen reporting no symptoms at all when taking the new preparation.

Comparison of effects of long-term corticotrophin and corticosteroid treatment on responses of plasma growth hormone, ACTH, and corticosteroid to hypoglycaemia.

The development of the highly sensitive cytochemical bioassay for ACTH has permitted the measurement of plasma ACTH levels during the insulin hypoglycaemia test (I.H.T.) in patients treated with corticosteroids and corticotrophin. The ACTH, corticosteroid, and growth hormone (GH) responses in the I.H.T. were measured in three groups of 12 rheumatoid arthritis patients. One group was receiving long-term corticotrophin treatment, the second was undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment, and the third had never received systemic hormone therapy. The increments in plasma ACTH, corticosteroids, and GH were diminished in the corticosteroid-treated group, as were increments in plasma GH and ACTH in the corticotrophin-treated group; but in this group the corticosteroid increment was normal. Examination of the area under the curve of the ACTH response showed that the total amount of ACTH secreted was normal though the rate of secretion was reduced. In the corticosteroid-treated group both rate and total secretion were diminished.