Insecticidal resistance and cross-resistance in populations of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in central Europe.

Insecticide bioassays were used to investigate resistance of Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to insecticides with various types of active ingredients. The efficacy baselines of selected insect growth regulators (fenoxycarb), insect growth inhibitors (diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron), organophoshorous insecticides (phosalone), and neonicotinoids (thiacloprid) against the eggs and first and fifth instars of sensitive laboratory strains of codling moth were determined. According to concentration-mortality baseline, 50% lethality concentration values and 90% lethality concentration values were determined for all the tested insecticides. The lethal concentration ratio quantified the relation between the efficacy of selected insecticides against fifth instars found by topical application and against first instars found by diet-treated bioassay. No difference was detected when the efficacy of technical grade diflubenzuron diluted in tetrahydrofuran and diflubenzuron in the formulated product Dimilin 48 SC diluted in water was compared. However, just before the application of insecticide, the integument of larvae must be treated with acetone. Two bioassays were used to monitor the resistance of codling moths collected in 2003-2005 in two apple (Malus spp.) orchards with different intensities of chemical control. Resistance ratios (RRs) to the tested insecticides were determined for both field populations of codling moth. For the population of codling moth from a commercial apple orchard in Velké Bílovice, cross-resistance to fenoxycarb, teflubenzuron, and phosalone was detected after the topical application of insecticides to fifth instars. The population of codling moth from Prague-Ruzyne was slightly resistant to phosalone and teflubenzuron. No resistance to diflubenzuron was detected in either tested population.

Performances of three R-AN-D-N wastewater treatment plants in the Czech Republic.

The evolution of Czech standards requires higher efficiency of nutrient removal from municipal wastewaters. At the beginning of the last decade of 20th century, a new activated sludge configuration called R-AN-D-N process has been described, successfully tested and now largely used at several wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in the Czech republic. The main feature of the R-AN-D-N process is the introduction of a regeneration zone in sludge recycle, which enables to increase sludge age in the system without any substantial increase in WWTP volume. Performances of three Czech large WWTP with R-AN-D-N configuration have been monitored and compared within a period of one and a half years. The results confirmed excellent nutrient removal efficiency for wastewaters with different proportion between sewage and industrial effluents. Two of three monitored WWTP received wastewaters from breweries (Budweiser and Pilsner Urquell). The settleability of activated sludge from all three WWTP was correct, with SVI values usually ranging from 50 to 150 ml/g. Monitoring of sludge composition indicated proliferation of several filamentous bacteria, particularly types 0581, 0092 and M. parvicella. No severe bulking events were observed. Finally, the operational costs expressed in CZK (Czech crown: 1 CZK = [see symbol in text]0.0322) per cubic metre of treated sewage or per capita amounts respectively from 2.24 to 6.52, and from 285 to 342.

Polymerase chain reaction assay for Cydia pomonella granulovirus detection in Cydia pomonella population.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was successfully used to identify Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) in larvae of Cydia pomonella L. (codling moth). PCR with the primers CpGV-2A/CpGV-2B and CpGV-3A/CpGV-3B was found suitable for detection of CpGV. The primers Cp-I/Cp-II and Cp-III/Cp-IV were able to identify the transposable element TCp3.2 in C. pomonella larvae. The presence of CpGV in the larvae from orchards,which had been infected with CpGV was tested during 2 years post infection. (p.i.). CpGV was found in as many as 15% of the surviving larvae 1 year p.i. in one location. The virus was not detected in CpGV-infected orchards 2 years p.i. or in natural C. pomonella populations. This result suggests a poor persistence of CpGV in surviving C. pomonella individuals and its slow spread in a natural host population. One the other hand, the presence of a transposable element, transposon TCp3.2 may correlate with virus redistribution in this insect population.

[An open and controlled study of effectiveness and tolerance of Livostin eyedrops]. / Livostin, ocní kapky--otevrená kontrolovaná studie úcinnosti a tolerance.

The authors present the result of an open controlled trial of the effectiveness of a new antiallergic ophthalmological preparation, Livostin, for local use, a product of Janssen-CILAG. They evaluate the results obtained in 86 patients with symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The preparation was followed up for four weeks, in particular the rate of onset of effect and its duration. Evidence was provided that this preparation is a highly effective local antiallergic drug with a long-term effect.

[Cataract surgery in patients with endogenous uveitis]. / Operace katarakty u pacientu s endogenní uveitidou.

The authors present an account of surgery of complicated cataract in 20 patients with anterior and intermediate uveitis. During a one-year follow-up period they evaluate the difference of postoperative development and visual acuity in extracapsular extraction without or with implantation of an intraocular lens. In 10 patients (5x m. Fuchs, 3x anterior uveitis, 2x intermediate uveitis) they performed only ECCE. In 10 patients with the same diagnosis an intraocular lens was implemented. The authors did not find marked differences between the ECCE operation and ECCE operation with an intraocular lens in patients with uveitis. The visual acuity improved in all 20 patients, a marked inflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber was observed in both groups only during the first days after surgery. The two groups did not differ markedly as regards late complications. From the investigation ensues that implantation of an intraocular lens is well tolerated in patients with anterior and intermediate uveitis assuming a minimum 12-week remission of the disease.

[Endogenous uveitis]. / K problematice endogenní uveitidy.

In a brief historical review of views on inflammatory affections of the uveal tissue the authors focused attention also on distinguished personalities in Czech ophthalmology who worked at the Czech Ophthalmological Clinic and participated in the development of uveology. Based on their own observations, they give an account on of their experience with the diagnosis of endogenous uveitis. Consistent with the world literature, they were able to reveal in a group of 174 patients with endogenous uveitis that the condition was associated with a systemic disease in 30%, in 9% they found an infectious aetiology and the remaining 61% were described as idiopathic endogenous uveitis. From the group of idiopathic uveitis they separated clinical entities diagnosed in 29%.

[Evaluation of the long-term therapeutic effect of bacterial vaccines administered 1960-1968 to patients with recurrent anterior uveitis]. / Zhodnocení dlouhodobého lécebného efektu bakteriálními vakcínami aplikovanými v letech 1960-1968 u pacientu s recidivujícími predními uveitidami.

The authors evaluate after an interval of many years the effectiveness of treatment of relapsing anterior uveitis by streptococcal vaccines administered in the sixties by L. Klenka, I. Hána, M. Koleckárová. The evaluation is based on a survey conducted by means of questionnaires. After 21 years 91% of the respondents do not report relapses. The authors discuss possible reasons why this desensitization treatment is successful.

First generation of a new science: risk assessment in transition.

The greatest challenge facing human populations today is that of extraordinary rapid change. Such a change in the society is illustrated by the increasing public awareness of environmental issues, accompanied by continuously expanding scientific investigations of chemical pollution. Our industrial civilization has developed and introduced into the various environmental media many compounds affecting human health individually and as a society. The science of toxicology is the evaluation of the effects of chemical and physical agents in various biological systems. Most chemical compounds cannot be tested in man due to their possible carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, or other long-term toxic potential. Therefore, carefully designed toxicologic studies in other species, especially mammalian, are conducted to provide biological dose-response data, which can be used to predict human response. Toxicologists have the responsibility of providing accurate scientific dose-response data based on experiments employing, among others, "practical" concentrations of pollutants or toxicants. When the toxic effects are considered, the action of these agents in the atmosphere, water, and other environmental vehicles should be considered. There are always interacting events that co-exist in the environment. Multiple causality as a factor of a disease is well established but frequently overlooked. The various issues in environmental health need to be tied together in order to be understood by scientists who are not intimately familiar with risk assessment procedures as they relate to the implementation of environmental laws. Much effort is needed both in the area of improved risk assessment methodology as well as in the area of toxicologic testing and validation of the theoretical approaches.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of a metal mixture in diet on the toxicokinetics and toxicity of cadmium, mercury and manganese in rats.

The purpose of this work was to determine whether a metal mixture added to diet influences the toxicokinetics and toxicity of some elements. The metal mixture (MM) used in these experiments was ash (slag) from a coal gasification plant. The effect of this mixture (5 percent in diet) on the toxicokinetic and on the acute or subchronic toxicity of Cd, Hg, Mn was determined in rats of different ages. Rats were exposed for five weeks in toxicokinetic and six weeks in acute toxicity experiments. Sucklings were exposed through their mothers, which received the MM in diet over the pregnancy and lactation period. In toxicokinetic studies, half of the animals additionally received Cd, Hg or Mn (100, 50 or 2000 ppm, respectively) in drinking water. In subchronic experiments, six-week-old albino rats of both sexes were given MM in the diet and Cd, Hg or Mn in drinking water for 16 weeks. In toxicokinetic studies, 115mCd, 203Hg or 54Mn were administered orally or intraperitoneally to mothers and pups. Exposure to MM had no effect on the absorption, retention and organ distribution of these elements determined six days after radioisotope administration. In acute toxicity studies, exposure to MM in diet had no effect on LD50 values obtained eight days after oral administration of Cd, Hg or Mn to rats of different ages. In subchronic experiments, the effect of individual metals (Cd, Hg or Mn) was similar in animals with and without simultaneous exposure to the metal mixture (only a slight potentiation of a few health-effect parameters of cadmium was noticed in some animals). It is concluded that oral exposure to MM in the diet had almost no effect on the toxicokinetics and toxicity of Cd, Hg and Mn. This could be explained by the low level or low bioavailability of elements from MM, by the metal-metal interaction within the mixture or by the choice of health effect indicators determined. These results are presented as one of the potential approaches for studying the health effect of a metal mixture as occurring in the environment.

The environmental dynamics of the carbamate insecticide aldicarb in soil and water.

Aldicarb is a soil-applied systemic pesticide the USEPA is now considering banning in the USA. Aldicarb is fairly rapidly oxidized to the sulfoxide, with a half-life of approximately 7 days in some soils, and much more slowly to the sulfone (pH-dependent with half-lives varying from a few minutes at a pH of > 12 to approximately 560 days at a pH of 6.0). Persistence, carry-over and translocation vary with soil and environmental conditions. Drainage aquifers and drinking water wells are known to be susceptible to contamination, levels of approximately 550 ppb have been recorded. Foods are also known to take up the pesticide; levels of 600 ppb have been found in potatoes.

The toxicologic effects of the carbamate insecticide aldicarb in mammals: a review.

Aldicarb, 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde-O-methylcarbamoyloxime, is an oxime carbamate insecticide manufactured by the Union Carbide Corporation and sold under the trade name Temik. It is a soil-applied systemic pesticide used against certain insects, mites, and nematodes, and is applied below the soil surface for absorption by plant roots. It is generally applied to the soil in the form of 5, 10, or 15% granules, and soil moisture is essential for the release of the toxicant. Uptake by plants is rapid. Aldicarb is currently registered for use on cotton, sugar beets, sugar cane (Louisiana only), potatoes, sweet potatoes, peanuts, oranges, pecans (Southeast only), dry beans, soybeans, and ornamental plants. Home and garden use is not permitted. Discovery of aldicarb and its oxidative sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites in well or ground water in Florida, Wisconsin, and New York, and accidental poisonings from ingesting contaminated watermelons and cucumbers in the South and West have spurred interest and concern about this pesticide. The primary mechanism of toxic action of aldicarb is cholinesterase inhibition. However, unlike the relatively irreversible anticholinesterase activity of the organophosphate pesticides, the carbamylation process which produces the anti-AChE action is quickly reversible. Aldicarb is readily absorbed through both the gut and the skin, but is rapidly metabolized and excreted in the urine almost completely within 24 hr. Although it is acutely toxic to humans and laboratory animals, aldicarb is not known to be carcinogenic, teratogenic, conclusively mutagenic, or to produce other long-term adverse health effects. In cases of accidental poisoning, the cholinergic symptoms have generally subsided within 6 hr, with no side effects or complications.

Health and environmental effects profile for pentachloronitrobenzene.

Pure pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) is a colorless crystalline solid (Worthing, 1983). The commercial product may have a light-yellow to cream color with a musty odor (Hartley and Kidd, 1983). It is practically insoluble in a number of organic solvents. The compound is reasonably stable but may undergo hydrolysis in a strong alkaline medium (Hartley and Kidd, 1983). In 1983, Olin Corp., Leland, MS, was the only manufacturer of PCNB in the United States (SRI, 1984; Hartley and Kidd, 1983). No data for U.S. production volume for this chemical are available, but recent production source data (USITC, 1985; SRI, 1985) suggest that this chemical is no longer commercially produced in the United States. The primary usage of PCNB is as a soil fungicide for a wide variety of crops and in seed treatment (Worthing, 1983; Hartley and Kidd, 1983). The fate of PCNB in water has not been comprehensively studied. Only qualitative data regarding fate and transport in water are available. The half-life of PCNB in the water phase was estimated to be 1.8 days. The two processes reported to be most responsible for the rapid decrease in PCNB concentration in water were volatilization and sorption to seston and biota, followed by sedimentation as detritus (Schauerte et al., 1982). Neither biodegradation nor photolysis appears to be a significant process for the loss of PCNB from water (Crosby and Hamadmad, 1971; Schauerte et al., 1982). The BCFs for PCNB in the golden orfe, Leucisens idus melanotus, and in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, were reported to be 950-1130 and 260-590, respectively (Korte et al., 1978; Oliver and Niimi, 1985). It therefore appears that PCNB will moderately bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. Pertinent data regarding the fate and transport of PCNB in air could not be located in the available literature as cited in the Appendix. Based on its physical properties and its behavior in other media, it would appear that PCNB will persist in the atmosphere because no known chemical/photochemical processes significantly degrade this chemical. Precipitation of particulate PCNB, especially of larger particle size and higher particle density, may remove some PCNB from the atmosphere. PCNB is persistent in soils. The two processes that are important in the loss of PCNB from soils are volatilization and biodegradation; biodegradation is more rapid in soils under anaerobic conditions than under aerobic conditions (Ko and Farley, 1969; Casley, 1968; Gile and Gillett, 1979; Cole and Metcalf, 1977).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Monoclonal antibodies against genetically manipulated hepatitis B core antigen.

Four different hybridoma clones secreting anti-HBcAg antibodies were constructed by fusing cells of the mouse myeloma line SP2/0 with lymphocytes from mice immunized with bacterially produced HBcAg. The monoclonal antibodies were immunologically characterized and used for HBcAg detection by ELISA. This monoclonal-antibody-based assay was compared with ELISA based on polyclonal human anti-HBcAg IgG for sensitivity and specificity. The monoclonal antibody reacted specifically both with the bacterially produced HBcAg and HBcAg isolated from human liver, but did not react with HBeAg. The human polyclonal antibody reacted with HBcAg, but also with HBeAg.

Anti-idiotype antibody as a prospective vaccine against hepatitis B.

Rabbit and mouse sera containing anti-idiotype antibodies against a monoclonal and against some polyclonal anti-HBsAg antibodies were prepared. The immunoglobulin fractions of these sera induced the formation of anti-HBsAg antibodies when injected into BALB/c mice. The sera of humans repeatedly immunized with human anti-HBsAg antibodies were shown to contain anti-idiotype antibodies capable of eliciting an anti-HBsAg response in BALB/c mice and Syrian hamsters. Such sera may be a potential source of human anti-idiotype vaccine.

Detection of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using monoclonal antibody and the avidin-biotin system.

A direct ELISA using biotinylated HBsAg and a competitive ELISA using biotinylated monoclonal antibody were developed for the detection of antibodies to HBsAg. Both tests are capable of detecting 0.1 I.U. of anti-HBsAg antibody/ml. The direct ELISA was compared with a SPRIA test for anti-HBsAg antibody in human sera.