Sublethal Impacts of Novaluron on Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) Adults.

Tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois (Hemiptera: Miridae), has become a primary pest of cotton in the Midsouthern United States. Insect growth regulators such as novaluron are an important part of L. lineolaris management. While novaluron is lethal to nymphs, it does not kill adults, so it has been used when nymphs are the primary stage present. However, cotton yield protection was observed from an application of novaluron when adults were the predominant stage present. To explain this, a series of studies were conducted to examine sublethal impacts of novaluron to L. lineolaris adults. Novaluron ingestion by adults reduced hatch rate and sometimes reduced oviposition rate. Ingestion by either males or females reduced hatch rates, but the reduction was greater from female exposure. Contact exposure of adults with novaluron residues within 1 d of application reduced hatch rate by about 50%, but the impact on oviposition was inconsistent. A field study showed reduced hatch rate from contact exposure to mixed-age natural populations, but the overall net reproductive rate was not reduced. Surface exposure of eggs to novaluron did not reduce hatch rate. Overall, exposure of tarnished plant bug adults to novaluron, regardless of adult age or exposure route, reduced egg viability. However, the impact on oviposition rate and net reproductive rate varied with adult age and exposure route. This understanding of sublethal impacts of novaluron, in addition to lethal impacts on nymphs, should be considered when choosing application times to maximize effects on L. lineolaris populations.

Value of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Seed Treatments in Mid-South Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum [Malvales: Malvaceae]) Production Systems.

Neonicotinoid insecticides are currently one of two classes of chemicals available as a seed treatment for growers to manage early season insect pests of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvales: Malvaceae), and they are used on nearly 100% of cotton hectares in the midsouthern states. An analysis was performed on 100 seed-treatment trials from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee to determine the value of neonicotinoid seed treatments in cotton production systems. The analysis compared seed treated with neonicotinoid insecticides seed treatments plus a fungicide with seed only treated with fungicide. When analyzed by state, cotton yields were significantly greater when neonicotinoid seed treatments were used compared with fungicide-only treatments. Cotton treated with neonicotinoid seed treatments yielded 123, 142, 95, and 104 kg ha-1, higher than fungicide only treatments for Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, respectively. Across all states, neonicotinoid seed treatments provided an additional 115 kg lint ha-1 comparedwith fungicide only treated seed. Average net returns from cotton with a neonicotinoid seed treatment were $1,801 per ha-1 compared with $1,660 per ha-1 for cottonseed treated with fungicide only. Economic returns for cotton with neonicotinoid seed treatments were significantly greater than cottonseed treated with fungicide only in 8 out of 15 yr representing every state. These data show that neonicotinoid seed treatments provide significant yield and economic benefits in Mid-South cotton compared with fungicide only treated seed.

Value of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Seed Treatments in Mid-South Corn (Zea mays) Production Systems.

Neonicotinoid seed treatments are one of several effective control options used in corn, Zea mays L., production in the Mid-South for early season insect pests. An analysis was performed on 91 insecticide seed treatment trials from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee to determine the value of neonicotinoids in corn production systems. The analysis compared neonicotinoid insecticide treated seed plus a fungicide to seed only with the same fungicide. When analyzed by state, corn yields were significantly higher when neonicotinoid seed treatments were used compared to fungicide only treated seed in Louisiana and Mississippi. Corn seed treated with neonicotinoid seed treatments yielded 111, 1,093, 416, and 140 kg/ha, higher than fungicide only treatments for Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, respectively. Across all states, neonicotinoid seed treatments resulted in a 700 kg/ha advantage compared to fungicide only treated corn seed. Net returns for corn treated with neonicotinoid seed treatment were $1,446/ha compared with $1,390/ha for fungicide only treated corn seed across the Mid-South. Economic returns for neonicotinoid seed treated corn were significantly greater than fungicide-only-treated corn seed in 8 out of 14 yr. When analyzed by state, economic returns for neonicotinoid seed treatments were significantly greater than fungicide-only-treated seed in Louisiana. In some areas, dependent on year, neonicotinoid seed treatments provide significant yield and economic benefits in Mid-South corn.

Impact of Lepidoptera (Crambidae, Noctuidae, and Pyralidae) Pests on Corn Containing Pyramided Bt Traits and a Blended Refuge in the Southern United States.

Blended refuge for transgenic plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins has been approved in the northern United States as a resistance management strategy alternative to a structured refuge. A three-year study (2012-2014) was conducted with 54 trials across nine states in the southern United States to evaluate plant injury from lepidopteran pests of corn and yield in a corn hybrid expressing Cry1F × Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa20 (Pioneer Brand Optimum Leptra) planted as a pure stand and in refuge blends of 5, 10, and 20% in both early and late plantings. Injury by corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was generally proportional to the percentage of non-Bt corn within each refuge blend. Across locations, ear injury in plots with 100% Cry1F × Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa20 (Optimum Leptra) corn ranged from no injury to a maximum of 0.42 cm(2) per ear in Mississippi in 2013. Leaf injury ratings in 100% non-Bt plots in early and late planted trials in 2014 were 86- and 70-fold greater than in 100% Cry1F × Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa20 (Optimum Leptra) plots. Plants in plots with blended refuges had significantly greater leaf injury in 2012 (5, 10, and 20% refuge blends), in the early-planted corn in 2013 (10 and 20% only), and in both early- and late-planted corn in 2014 (20% only) as compared with leaf injury in a pure stand of Cry1F × Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa20 (Optimum Leptra) seen during these years. Corn ears in plots with blended refuges also had significantly greater area of kernels injured in 2012 (5, 10, and 20%), in early- and late-planted corn in 2013 (5, 10, and 20%), and in early (10 and 20% only)- and late-planted corn (5, 10, and 20%) in 2014 as compared with ear injury in a pure stand of Cry1F × Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa20 (Optimum Leptra) seen during these years. Infestations of southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), were also significantly reduced by Cry1F × Cry1Ab × Vip3Aa20 (Optimum Leptra). Despite these differences in injury, yield averaged across locations varied among refuge blends only in the late-planted trials in 2013, with greater yields in the 0% refuge blend than in the 20% blend; however, when examining yield separately by location, only two of nine locations had higher yields in the 100% Bt plots than in any of the blended refuge plots. As a complement to studying the contribution of blended refuge to delaying resistance, quantifying injury and yield in a range of refuge blends is a necessary step to provide management information on the range of lepidopteran pests that occur in the southern United States.

Evaluation of Corn Earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) , Economic Injury Levels in Mid-South Reproductive Stage Soybean.

Field experiments were conducted in Starkville and Stoneville, MS; Marianna, AR; Winnsboro, LA; and Jackson, TN, during 2012 and 2014 to evaluate the relationship of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), larval density and yield and the relationship between the percentage of damaged pods and yield in Mid-South soybean systems. Corn earworm moths were infested into field cages at R2 for 5-11 d to achieve a range of larval densities within each plot. Larval density was estimated at 14 d after infestation. Total pods and damaged pods were determined at 19 days after infestation to obtain the percentage of damaged pods. Plots were harvested at the end of each growing season and yield recorded. Data were subjected to regression analysis, and the relationship between larval density and yield and the relationship between the percentage of damaged pods and yield both can be described by a linear relationship. Each increase of one larvae per row-m resulted in a yield loss of 45.4 kg/ha. Similarly, each increase of 1% damaged pods resulted in a yield loss of 29.4 kg/ha. From these data, economic injury levels were developed for a range of crop values and control costs. These data suggest that current corn earworm threshold use in the Mid-South should be reduced.

Value of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Seed Treatments in Mid-South Soybean ( Glycine max ) Production Systems.

Early-season insect management is complex in the Mid-South region of the United States. A complex of multiple pest species generally occurs simultaneously at subthreshold levels in most fields. Neonicotinoids are the only insecticide seed treatment widely used in soybean, Glycine max L., production. An analysis was performed on 170 trials conducted in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee from 2005 to 2014 to determine the impact of neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean. The analysis compared soybean seed treated with a neonicotinoid insecticide and a fungicide with soybean seed only treated with the same fungicide. When analyzed by state, soybean yields were significantly greater in all states when neonicotinoid seed treatments were used compared with fungicide-only treatments. Soybean treated with neonicotinoid treatments yielded 112.0 kg ha -1 , 203.0 kg ha -1 , 165.0 kg ha -1 , and 70.0 kg ha -1 , higher than fungicide-only treatments for Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, respectively. Across all states, neonicotinoid seed treatments yielded 132.0 kg ha -1 more than with fungicide-only treated seed. Net returns from neonicotinoid seed treatment usage were US$1,203 per ha -1 compared with US$1,172 per ha -1 for fungicide-only treated seed across the Mid-South. However, economic returns for neonicotinoid seed treatments were significantly greater than fungicide-only treated seed in 4 out of the 10 yr. When analyzed by state economic returns the neonicotinoid seed treatments were significantly greater than fungicide-only treated seed in Louisiana and Mississippi. These data show that in some areas and years, neonicotinoid seed treatments provide significant economic benefits in Mid-South soybean.

Economic Threshold for Cotton Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Cotton in the Southwestern United States.

Cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a common pest of cotton throughout much of the world. In the United States, insecticide applications targeting cotton aphid in cotton are common in the Mid-South, Texas, and California. Cotton aphid population dynamics data were collected from eight insecticide efficacy trials conducted in Lubbock, TX, over a 4-yr period. Among the field populations in the nontreated plots, the instantaneous rate of population growth averaged 0.56 ± 0.608, and the mean population doubling time was 3.97 ± 2.16 d. For calculating economic injury levels (EIL) and thresholds, control costs were set at US$30.50/ha, market prices were evaluated at US$0.88, US$1.33, US$1.77, and US$2.21 kg-lint, and cotton yield potentials were evaluated at 672, 896, and 1,120 kg-lint/ha. The EIL we calculated ranged from 66 to 272 aphids per leaf, and averaged 137 aphids per leaf. Economic thresholds (ET) were calculated based on lead times of 1, 3, 5, and 7 d before EIL occurs. The mean ET across control cost, market price, and yield potential were 110 ± 48, 70 ± 31, 45 ± 19, and 29 ± 13 aphids per leaf at lead times of 1, 3, 5, and 7 d, respectively. Most curative pest management tactics in cotton are implemented within 3 d of determining need, and the ET at 3 d that we calculated (70 ± 31 aphids per leaf) overlaps the current recommended action threshold in Texas and California of 50 aphids per leaf.

Cotton aphid (Heteroptera: Aphididae) susceptibility to commercial and experimental insecticides in the southern United States.

Cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, has a history of developing resistance to novel insecticides. A program is needed to monitor cotton aphid susceptibility to new insecticides. Concentration-mortality bioassays were conducted from 2008 to 2011 to monitor the susceptibility of cotton aphids from fields across the midsouthern United States to thiamethoxam and sulfoxaflor. Flonicamid was included in 2010 and 2011. Bioassays followed the procedures described by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee for testing neonicotinoids against cotton aphid. Mortality was rated at 48 and 72 h. These bioassays suggest that high levels of resistance to thiamethoxam occur in cotton aphid throughout the midsouthern United States. Resistance ratios ranged from 0.9 to 562.6 at 48 h, and from 0.9 to 29.1 at 72 h. Aphid colonies tested were considered susceptible to flonicamid and sulfoxaflor. The LC50 values ranged from 1.43 to 6.60 ppm for flonicamid. The LC50 values for sulfoxaflor ranged from 1.01 to 5.85 ppm and 0.92-4.13 ppm at 48 and 72 h, respectively. These values represent the baseline variability of the susceptibility of cotton aphid to flonicamid and sulfoxaflor. The moderate level of variability observed combined with the high level of efficacy at low rates and the high reproductive rate of cotton aphid suggests that an effective resistance management plan needs to be devised for these insecticides. Flonicamid and sulfoxaflor should provide effective control of cotton aphid in areas where thiamethoxam resistance occurs. However, these insecticides need to be incorporated into a rotation strategy to preserve their efficacy against cotton aphid.

The mu/kappa agonist nalbuphine attenuates sensitization to the behavioral effects of cocaine.

Sensitization refers to an increase in sensitivity to a drug and is believed to play a role in the etiology of substance use disorders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability of the mixed mu/kappa agonist nalbuphine to modulate sensitization to the locomotor and positive reinforcing effects of cocaine. Rats were habituated to a locomotor activity chamber and treated with saline (1.0 ml/kg, ip), cocaine (10 mg/kg, ip), or cocaine+nalbuphine (10 mg/kg, ip) every day for 10 days. Following locomotor activity testing, rats were implanted with intravenous catheters and cocaine self-administration was examined on fixed ratio (FR) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Rats treated with cocaine exhibited a progressive increase in locomotor activity over the 10-day treatment period, and this effect was significantly reduced in rats treated with cocaine+nalbuphine. In self-administration tests, rats treated with cocaine exhibited significantly higher levels of responding at a threshold dose of cocaine (0.03 mg/kg/infusion) on both FR and PR schedules than rats treated with saline. This increase in responding at a threshold dose of cocaine was blocked completely in rats treated with cocaine+nalbuphine. These data suggest that nalbuphine attenuates the development of sensitization to the behavioral effects of cocaine.

IMES: an implantable myoelectric sensor.

We present updated progress on the design, construction and testing of an upper-extremity prosthesis control system based on implantable myoelectric sensors. The miniature injectable implant consists of a single silicon chip packaged with transmit and receive coils. Preparation for human implantation of the IMES system is underway. As part of this process, critical design improvements in the IMES implant were required. Here we report improved functionality of the IMES implant, hardened protection against electrical malfunction and tissue damage.

Neuro Talk. An interface for multifunctional neural engineering ASICs.

With the availability of modern application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design tools, simulation packages, and low-cost commercial silicon foundry processes, it is becoming increasingly easy for any laboratory, or small company, to develop a custom ASIC. For stimulation, as well as recording, chips that perform specialized functions can be designed, fabricated, and tested within a time period of 2-3 months. In many cases, the desired functionality can only be obtained by using VLSI design methods. Despite this increase in ASIC functionality, as related to neural engineering applications, there exists no common interface protocol for communicating with, and controlling, neural engineering ASICs. This would be analogous to each company that manufactures PC-based systems to have no common method of communication, e.g. USB, GBIB, RS-232, etc. While it might seem elusive, we propose the specification and development of a universal interface protocol for neural engineering ASICs. We have named this interface, NeuroTalk.

Effects of kaolin particle film on oviposition, larval mining, and infestation of cotton by pink bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

We tested effects of kaolin particle film on oviposition, larval mining, and infestation of cotton by pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field. In laboratory choice tests, females laid seven times more eggs on untreated bolls than on bolls treated with kaolin. When neonates were put on bolls in the laboratory, each boll with a treated and untreated half, larvae and mines were found 24 h later on the untreated half but not on the treated half. In oviposition choice tests with whole plants in the greenhouse, females laid four times more eggs on untreated plants than on treated plants and the number of eggs on bolls was five times higher for untreated plants than for treated plants. Kaolin treatments altered the distribution of eggs among plant parts, with untreated bolls receiving a higher percentage than treated bolls, whereas the opposite occurred for petioles. In field tests, treatment with kaolin alone reduced the proportion of bolls infested with pink bollworm, but a mixture of kaolin and the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin was most effective. The results suggest that kaolin particle film may be useful against pink bollworm, particularly in conjunction with other control tactics.

Prospective evaluation of the safety of enoxaparin prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in patients with intracranial hemorrhagic injuries.

BACKGROUND: Patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhagic injuries (IHIs) are at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The safety of early anticoagulation for IHI has not been established. HYPOTHESIS: Enoxaparin can be safely administered to most patients with IHI for VTE prophylaxis. SETTING: Level I trauma center. DESIGN: Prospective, single-cohort, observational study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty (85%) of 177 patients with blunt IHI received enoxaparin beginning approximately 24 hours after hospital admission until discharge. Brain computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed at admission, 24 hours after admission, and at variable intervals thereafter based on clinical course. Patients were excluded for coagulopathy, heparin allergy, expected brain death or discharge within 48 hours, and age younger than 14 years. Complications of enoxaparin prophylaxis were defined as Marshall CT grade progression of IHI, expansion of an existing IHI, or development of a new hemorrhagic lesion on follow-up CT after beginning enoxaparin use. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (23%) had CT progression of IHI. Twenty-eight CT scans (19%) worsened before enoxaparin therapy and 6 (4%) worsened after beginning enoxaparin use. No differences between operative patient (2/24, 8%) and nonoperative patient (4/126, 3%) complications were identified (P =.23). Study group mortality was 7% (10/150). All 6 patients who developed progression of IHI after initiation of enoxaparin therapy survived hospitalization. A deep vein thrombosis was identified in 2 (2%) of 106 patients. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin can be safely used for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients with IHI when started 24 hours after hospital admission or after craniotomy.

Losartan versus valsartan in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension: data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 12-week trial.

BACKGROUND: Losartan, the first of the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to be introduced, has been studied extensively in comparison with other classes of antihypertensive agents. Less research has been conducted on the efficacy and tolerability of losartan compared with that of other ARBs. OBJECTIVE: This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group equivalence study was conducted to compare the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of a once-daily regimen of losartan with that of valsartan. METHODS: Patients > or = 21 years of age with mild to moderate hypertension, defined as a trough sitting diastolic blood pressure (SiDBP) between 95 and 115 mm Hg, were randomized to receive once-daily losartan (50 mg) or valsartan (80 mg) for 12 weeks. At the end of the sixth treatment week, patients in both groups with trough SiDBP > or = 90 mm Hg had their dose doubled for the remainder of the treatment period. Analysis of variance was used to compare treatment groups with respect to change in mean trough SiDBP from baseline to week 12. Within-treatment changes were analyzed using the paired t test. With at least 220 patients per treatment group, the study had 90% power to place a 90% CI on the difference between losartan and valsartan in SiDBP within the equivalence interval of +/- 2.5 mm Hg. RESULTS: A total of 495 patients were randomized, 247 to the losartan group and 248 to the valsartan group: 456 patients completed the study. Adjusted mean change from baseline values for trough SiDBP atthe end of 12 weeks of treatment were significantly different (P < 0.001) from zero in both the losartan group (-9.9 mm Hg) and the valsartan group (-10.1 mm Hg). At week 12, losartan was as effective as valsartan in lowering SiDBP, with a between-group difference of 0.2 mm Hg (90% CI, -1.3 to 1.7; P = 0.827). At week 6, the difference in SiDBP between groups was -1.3 mm Hg (90% CI, -2.7 to 0.0; P = 0.106). A similar pattern of results was obtained at weeks 6 and 12 for sitting systolic blood pressure. The percentage of patients reaching the SiDBP goal at week 6 (46% [112/2411 losartan; 42% [103/245] valsartan) and week 12 (57% [139/243] losartan; 59% [145/245] valsartan) was not significantly different between the treatment groups. Both losartan and valsartan were similarly well tolerated. Over the 12 weeks, the laboratory profiles of the 2 drugs were similar except for serum uric acid levels, which decreased from 6.0 to 5.7 mg/dL in the losartan group and increased from 5.9 to 6.0 mg/dL in the valsartan group (P = 0.001 for between-treatment difference). CONCLUSIONS: At starting and titrated doses, losartan and valsartan are similarly effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Losartan, but not valsartan, was associated with a decrease in serum uric acid levels.

A potentially expanded role for enoxaparin in preventing venous thromboembolism in high risk blunt trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication after trauma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of enoxaparin in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after injury in patients who are at high risk for developing VTE. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective single-cohort observational study was initiated for seriously injured blunt trauma patients admitted to a Level I trauma center during a 7-month period. Patients were eligible for the study if time hospitalized was > or = 72 hours, Injury Severity Score (ISS) was > or = 9, enoxaparin was started within 24 hours after admission, and one or more of the following high risk criteria were met: age > 50 years, ISS > or = 16, presence of a femoral vein catheter, Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) > or = 3 for any body region, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Score < or = 8, presence of major pelvic, femur, or tibia fracture, and presence of direct blunt mechanism venous injury. Patients with closed head injuries and nonoperatively treated solid abdominal organ injuries were also potential participants. The primary outcomes measured were thromboembolic events--either a documented lower extremity DVT by duplex color-flow doppler ultrasonography or a PE documented by rapid infusion CT pulmonary angiography or conventional pulmonary angiography. RESULTS: There were 118 patients enrolled in the study. Two patients (2%) developed DVT, one of which was proximal to the calf (95% confidence interval, 0% to 6%). Two of 12 patients (17%) with splenic injuries who received enoxaparin failed initial nonoperative management. There were no other bleeding complications, and no clinical evidence or documented episodes of PE. One patient died from multiple system organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: Enoxaparin is a practical and effective method for reducing the incidence of VTE in high risk, seriously injured patients. This study supports further investigation into the safety of enoxaparin prophylaxis in patients with closed head injuries and nonoperatively treated solid abdominal organ injuries.

Keys to a successful program.

Drug testing has proven to be an effective safety strategy. With proper planning, implementation, and technical expertise, a company can enjoy the benefits of a drug-free workplace. Should you wish to outsource this responsibility, there are some very good Program Administrators throughout the country, some national in scope and some regional. When recruiting an administrator, make sure it is capable of satisfying your needs. These may include a national collection site network with one fee for all your locations and with appointment scheduling, Medical Review Officers on staff with 24-hour availability, custom or standard policy and procedure manuals, training capabilities, the computing ability to customize your program, and the references to back up what the administrator claims. (Fact: If you don't test for drugs and all other employers in your area do, where do you think the drug users work?)

Functional importance of connective tissue repair during the development of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) involve an unfavorable balance between the destruction and the repair of connective tissue proteins. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional importance of connective tissue repair during experimental aneurysmal degeneration. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 70) underwent transient intraluminal perfusion of the abdominal aorta with porcine pancreatic elastase. In Study I, the aortic diameter was measured before elastase perfusion and at days 0, 2, 7, and 14 (n = 6 rats at each interval). Aortic wall concentrations of desmosine (Des) and hydroxyproline (OHP) were measured at each interval, and the expression of tropoelastin (TE), alpha1(I) procollagen (PC), and lysyl oxidase genes was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In Study II, 22 rats were treated with beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) to block connective tissue repair. In Study III (n = 30), rats were treated with doxycycline, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, beginning 7 days after elastase perfusion. RESULTS: AAAs consistently developed between 7 and 14 days after elastase perfusion. Aortic wall Des concentration decreased markedly during aneurysm development, reaching 3% of normal by day 14 (377 +/- 22 pmol of Des/sample on day 0 vs 9 +/- 1 pmol of Des/sample on day 14; P <.05). Aortic wall OHP decreased to only 68% of normal at the same interval (121 +/- 10 nmol of OHP/sample on day 0 vs 82 +/- 14 nmol of OHP/sample on day 14; P <.05). TE and PC expression was undetectable in healthy aorta, but they both increased by day 7 (P <.05); while TE expression decreased again by day 14, PC continued to rise. Lysyl oxidase expression progressively decreased at all intervals after elastase perfusion. Treatment with beta-aminoproprionitrile resulted in acute aortic dissection in 81% of the rats (50% mortality). These early deaths occurred between days 3 and 6, coinciding with aortic infiltration by proteinase-secreting inflammatory cells. Delayed treatment with doxycycline suppressed the progression of aneurysmal dilatation between days 7 and 21 (P <.05 vs untreated controls). CONCLUSIONS: The development of elastase-induced AAAs is accompanied by an active process of connective tissue repair. While this reparative process is necessary to stabilize the developing aneurysm wall, it is insufficient to prevent aneurysm progression. In contrast, reducing the proteolytic destruction of connective tissue proteins promotes stabilization of the aneurysmal aorta.

Impact of insecticides and surfactant on lettuce physiology and yield.

Insecticides are used extensively on lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., grown in southwestern Arizona because of heavy insect pressure that can potentially reduce lettuce productivity. Multiple sprays are made per season to manage these insects in lettuce. One of the major concerns related to extensive insecticide applications in lettuce is the potential subtle impact of insecticides that may reduce lettuce photosynthesis and yield. We conducted field and greenhouse experiments to examine the impact of multiple insecticides and surfactant spray applications on lettuce photosynthesis and yield. Lettuce was planted in the field in 1998, insecticides and surfactant were applied, and lettuce gas-exchange and dry weights were determined. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot consisting of insecticides as main plot and surfactant as subplot treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Photosynthetic rates of lettuce were significantly reduced by endosulfan, methomyl, acephate, and surfactant at seedling stage 4 h and 2 d after the spray application was made. However, the reduction in lettuce photosynthesis by these insecticides and surfactant was only transient, and lettuce photosynthesis recovered 5 d after the spray application was made. Photosynthetic rates were not altered by zeta-cypermethrin, emamectin benzoate, and spinosad at the seedling stage. Insecticides or surfactant (Kinetic, a nonionic surfactant) did not significantly affect lettuce photosynthesis after rosette formation. In addition, lettuce dry weight was not significantly altered. These studies suggest that lettuce photosynthesis may be susceptible to some insecticides at the seedling stage. Consequently, we found that biorational insecticides, introduced to manage insect pests in lettuce, have no influence on lettuce physiology at the seedling stage, unlike the chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, or carbamates tested in this study. In a greenhouse study, we found that lettuce photosynthesis and yield were not altered by Bacillus thuringiensis application. Our results indicate that B. thuringiensis and the newer insecticides, particularly biorationals, can be used to manage lettuce insect pests without significantly altering lettuce gas-exchange and yield.

The incidence of known diabetics among U.S. Army active duty dental patients.

Diabetes affects an estimated 16 million Americans. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of known diabetes among active duty soldiers by reviewing medications dispensed for diabetes at a large military installation. This study was conducted from July 31, 1997, through August 1, 1998. Fifty-eight (0.18%) members of the total active duty male population of 32,593 had been dispensed diabetes medications, whereas 43 (0.48%) members of the total female active duty population of 8,898 had been dispensed medications for diabetes. Gestational diabetes was the cause for 88.37% of the total active duty females dispensed diabetic medication at Fort Hood, Texas. The female-to-male ratio for diabetes was 2.7:1. Diabetics made up 0.27% of the total population.

The incidence of active duty dental patients taking antihypertensive medications.

Hypertension affects 58 million Americans. Dentists frequently encounter patients who are using one or more antihypertensive medications. This study evaluates the incidence of active duty soldiers dispensed antihypertensive medications at a large military installation. Lisinopril was the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive medication during a 2-month period in 1997 and was followed by hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, propranolol, felodipine, verapamil, atenolol, diltiazem, terazosin, clonidine, nifedipine, and metoprolol. These 12 drugs accounted for 93.46% of all antihypertensive medications dispensed. In this study, the percentage of active duty soldiers dispensed any antihypertensive medication was 1.51% (30 different medications were dispensed); 0.16% of all soldiers younger than age 30 and 1.25% of all soldiers older than age 30 were prescribed 1 of the 12 most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents. Considering the same top-12 antihypertensive agents, the percentage of male soldiers younger than 30 who received a prescription was 0.24% and the percentage of male soldiers older than 30 who received a prescription was 4.3%. The percentage for males older than 40 receiving 1 of the 12 medications listed above was 12.05%. Similarly, the percentages for females were 0.27% for younger than 30, 1.87% for older than 30, and 3.51% for older than 40. Active duty males older than age 30 were more than twice as likely to be prescribed an antihypertensive agent than females in the same age group. Male active duty soldiers older than age 40 were more than 50 times more likely to be prescribed an antihypertensive agent than active duty males younger than 30.