Expansion of the Mexican Rice Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) into Rice and Sugarcane in Louisiana.

The Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an invasive pest of sugarcane, Saccharum spp., rice, Oryza sativa L., and other graminaceous crops in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Traps baited with E. loftini female sex pheromones were used to document establishment and distribution of E. loftini near sugarcane, rice, and noncrop hosts in seven southwest Louisiana parishes from 2009 to 2013. Additional field surveys documented larval infestations in commercial sugarcane and rice. After its initial detection in 2008, no E. loftini were detected in Louisiana in 2009 and only two adults were captured in 2010. Trapping documented range expansion into Cameron, Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis parishes in 2011 and Allen, Acadia, and Vermilion parishes in 2013. During the course of this study, E. loftini expanded its range eastward into Louisiana 120 km from the Texas border (≈22 km/yr). Surveys of larval infestations provided the first record of E. loftini attacking rice and sugarcane in Louisiana. Infestations of E. loftini in rice planted without insecticidal seed treatments in Calcasieu Parish reached damaging levels.

Glass-like phonon scattering from a spontaneous nanostructure in AgSbTe2.

Materials with very low thermal conductivity are of great interest for both thermoelectric and optical phase-change applications. Synthetic nanostructuring is most promising for suppressing thermal conductivity through phonon scattering, but challenges remain in producing bulk samples. In crystalline AgSbTe2 we show that a spontaneously forming nanostructure leads to a suppression of thermal conductivity to a glass-like level. Our mapping of the phonon mean free paths provides a novel bottom-up microscopic account of thermal conductivity and also reveals intrinsic anisotropies associated with the nanostructure. Ground-state degeneracy in AgSbTe2 leads to the natural formation of nanoscale domains with different orderings on the cation sublattice, and correlated atomic displacements, which efficiently scatter phonons. This mechanism is general and suggests a new avenue for the nanoscale engineering of materials to achieve low thermal conductivities for efficient thermoelectric converters and phase-change memory devices.

In situ TEM nanoindentation of nanoparticles.

The deformation behavior of nanoparticles continues to be an exciting area for materials research. Typically, nanoparticles show a conspicuous lack of dislocations, even after significant deformation. Therefore, it has been suggested that dislocations cannot exist or/do not play a role on the deformation of nanoparticles. In situ TEM nanoindentation is a critical tool for addressing this issue because it allows for the deformation to be monitored in real time. In this article, we discuss some of the experimental needs and challenges for performing in situ nanoindentation TEM experiments on nanoparticles. In addition, we show both diffraction contrast and phase contrast in situ TEM nanoindentation experiments on silver nanoparticles with diameters below 50nm. Evidence of the presence of dislocations was observed during deformation, but upon unloading dislocations disappeared.

Movement of Mexican rice borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) through the Texas rice belt.

Pheromone-baited traps were used to monitor the movement of the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), through the Texas rice belt from 2000 to 2005. Based on location of discovery in each county and year, the average rate of spread from 1980 to 2005 was 23 km/yr. From 2000 to 2005, the leading edge of the infestation has moved 16.5 km/yr toward Louisiana. The 1.8-fold increase (99% confidence interval) of the area occupied from 2000 to 2005 in the Texas rice belt indicates an expansion of the distribution of E. loftini. If movement continues to occur at similar rates, E. loftini will reach Louisiana by 2008.

Insect succession and decomposition of wildlife carcasses during fall and winter in Louisiana.

Fourteen fresh animal carcasses were monitored throughout decomposition in a mixed flatwood forest in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, from 5 October to 7 December 1999 (fall) and from 18 January to 30 March 2000 (winter). Species composition and residency patterns of necrophilous insects were documented for four animal species per seasonal experiment: one Louisiana black bear (threatened species), two white-tailed deer, two alligators, and two swine (experimental reference). Results suggested variation in species composition associated with temperature (fall versus winter conditions) and carcass type. In total, 89 species from 39 families and three classes were manually collected from the seven fall carcasses. Ninety-five species from 38 families and three classes were collected at the seven winter carcasses. Overall arthropod diversity was greatest for fall deer and winter swine carrion. Fall alligator carcasses were associated with fewer taxa than the three mammal species during both seasons. The hairy maggot blow fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), was the dominant species of the fall study, impacting developmental rates and overall carrion community structure. The winter study was characterized by prolonged carcass decomposition and reduced insect activity due to fluctuating ambient temperatures.

Spring succession of necrophilous insects on wildlife carcasses in Louisiana.

Seven fresh animal carcasses were monitored throughout decomposition in a mixed flatwood forest in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA from 1 April to 1 July 1999. Succession patterns of necrophilous insects were documented for the following: one Louisiana black bear (threatened species), two white-tailed deer, two alligators, and two swine as the experimental reference. Our results suggest variation in the species composition of necrophilous insects among animal carcass types. A total of 93 arthropod species, from 46 families and three classes, were manually collected from the seven carcasses. Only 19 insect species were collected on all four animal types and were represented by eight families: Coleoptera: Histeridae, Nitidulidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae; Diptera: Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Piophilidae, Sepsidae. Eleven of the 46 families were not collected at either alligator site but were observed at bear, deer, and swine carrion: Coleoptera: Cleridae, Dermestidae, Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae; Diptera: Micropezidae, Sarcophagidae, Syrphidae; Hymenoptera: Apidae; Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae; and Odonata: Libellulidae. Residency and succession patterns of necrophilous insects are presented for each animal type with particular emphasis on selected fly (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Piophilidae, Stratiomyidae) and beetle species (Cleridae, Dermestidae, Histeridae, Nitidulidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae).

The Baylor College of Medicine experience with gold seed implantation.

Advances in imaging technology and implant technique have led to the resurgent interest and practice of brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is a form of radiation treatment in which radioactive sources are placed directly into the tumor; it offers the advantage of maximizing the radiation dose delivered to the tumor while sparing the adjacent normal tissue. Permanent implants have become an important component of radiation delivery. Interstitial gold radioisotope (Au-198) implants for prostate cancer were introduced at Baylor College of Medicine in 1965. The rationale for using Au-198, instead of the two most commonly used radioisotopes, Palladium-103 (Pd-103) and Iodine-125 (I-125), is discussed, and the Baylor implant technique is compared to that used in other centers. Retrospective review divides the patient population into pre-ultrasound versus post-ultrasound eras. Dosimetric calculation and disease control with the Au-198 seed implant for prostatic cancer are reviewed for the two different eras; toxicity is evaluated in the post-ultrasound era only. In the pre-ultrasound era, 510 patients were treated with pelvic lymph node sampling and gold seed insertion of the prostate followed by external beam radiation. In the post-ultrasound era, 54 patients were treated definitively with ultrasound-guided transperineal Au-198 implant followed by external beam irradiation. A small group of 30 patients in the post-ultrasound era were evaluated for the efficacy of Au-198 re-implantation for locally recurrent disease.

Fifteen-year survival and recurrence rates after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine 15-year survival and recurrence rates after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. METHODS: One hundred thirty-six patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated from 1966 to 1974 with interstitial gold seed and external-beam irradiation were evaluated to determine the probability of recurrence and survival > or = 15 years after therapy. All patients were surgically staged with pelvic lymphadenectomy and none received hormonal therapy before relapse. RESULTS: Overall, 60 patients (44%) have never recurred, although 57% (34 of 60) of these same patients have died of causes other than prostate cancer. Local progression developed in 39% of patients and distant metastases in 42%. At 15 years, the probability of dying of prostate cancer was 33%+/-8% (% +/- 2SE) and of all causes was 72%+/-8%. In clinical stage A2 and B, 29%+/-9% of patients died of their cancer within 15 years, compared with 57%+/-21% in stage C1, while only 18%+/-8% with clinical stage A2 and B and negative lymph nodes died of cancer within this period. In contrast, the prostate cancer mortality rate at 15 years was high for patients with positive nodes regardless of the stage of the primary tumor (73% for A2 and B; 71% for C1). Patients with nodal metastases, poorly differentiated tumors, and advanced local disease all had a significantly (P < .0001) increased risk of cancer death. CONCLUSION: The cancer-specific mortality rate for patients with stage A2 and B tumors and negative nodes compares favorably with other series of patients treated with radiation therapy and > or = 15 years' follow-up evaluation. While local progression rates are high and associated with a substantial risk of prostate cancer death, many patients live with the disease and ultimately die of causes other than prostate cancer.

The frequency and morbidity of local tumor recurrence after definitive radiotherapy for stage C prostate cancer.

Radiotherapy is reported to provide good control of locally advanced prostate cancer. However, few long-term studies have assessed the morbidity related to local tumor recurrence in patients treated with radiotherapy alone (without hormonal manipulation). To determine the frequency and severity of morbidity related to local recurrence we reviewed the course of all patients with clinical stage C prostate cancer treated at our institution between 1966 and 1979 with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, radioactive gold seed implantation and external beam irradiation therapy to the prostate. Of the 121 patients 60% died and the 40% still alive at the time of review were followed for a mean of 8.1 years (range 3.3 to 14.8 years). Over-all, 64 patients (53%) had local recurrence, which was defined as a clinical event causing signs or symptoms and was proved by biopsy. On an actuarial basis the risk of local recurrence was 43 +/- 10% (mean +/- 2 standard errors) at 5 years and 74 +/- 11% at 10 years. Any symptomatic episode requiring active intervention or causing morbidity was denoted an adverse event. There were 162 adverse events among the 73 patients (2.2 adverse events per patient): 69% of these were severe (requiring surgical intervention) and 55% were chronic (more than 3 months in duration). The most common cause of an adverse event was bladder outlet obstruction requiring transurethral resection of the prostate (44 patients); 16 patients (13%) became incontinent. Hydronephrosis developed in 24 patients (20%). Local recurrence after definitive radiotherapy for our patients with stage C prostate cancer was common and was associated with serious morbidity, frequently requiring surgical intervention. Radiotherapy alone may not be sufficient to provide long-term local control of stage C prostate cancer.

World Health Organization Consensus Committee recommendations concerning the diagnosis of BPH.

The expert committees, which met in Paris in June 1991 under the patronage of WHO to establish a consensus concerning BPH, adopted the recommendations summarised in this report. Despite certain criticisms which can be made, these recommendations offer the advantage of simplicity and uniformity, thereby constituting a "universal language". This will facilitate comparison of patients and therapeutic results, both in everyday practice and in the course of clinical trials. These recommendations will be periodically re-evaluated in the light of clinical experience and technological progress.

The risk of dying of prostate cancer in patients with clinically localized disease.

From 1966 to 1979, 360 patients with clinical stages A2, B and C1 prostate cancer underwent staging pelvic lymphadenectomy, and completed a course of combined interstitial radioactive gold seeds and external beam radiotherapy. All patients had a normal serum prostatic acid phosphatase level and a bone scan negative for metastases. All patients were followed until death or for a mean of 7.3 years (range 1.2 to 18.25 years) for those alive at analysis. To determine the risk of dying of prostate cancer we reviewed the records of the 142 patients (39%) who died. At analysis 21% of the patients had died of prostate cancer and 17% of other known causes. The cause of death could not be determined in 4 patients (1%). Cardiovascular disease accounted for a fifth of all deaths. The actuarial risk of death of prostate cancer for all patients was 8 +/- 3% (+/- 2 standard errors) at 5 years and 30 +/- 7% at 10 years. The risk of death of all causes was 16 +/- 4% at 5 years and 46 +/- 7% at 10 years. An increased risk of cancer death was associated with established risk factors, including advanced local disease, poorly differentiated histology, pelvic nodal metastases and distant recurrence. We also noted a substantial risk of cancer death in patients who had local tumor recurrence. While previous studies have reported a relatively low incidence of cancer deaths (4 to 17%) in patients initially diagnosed with localized disease, our data suggest that prostate cancer is the major cause of mortality in such patients. Aggressive curative therapy, regardless of treatment modality, should be considered for localized prostate cancer in men with a life expectancy of 10 or more years.

Controlled inversion therapy: an adjunct to the elimination of gravity-dependent fragments following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

The retention of passable stone debris is the primary shortcoming of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Residual stone debris is located almost universally in gravity-dependent caudal calices. Our findings suggest that multiple sessions of controlled inversion therapy could have a beneficial role in the postoperative management of this select group of patients.

The risk of distant metastases after transurethral resection of the prostate versus needle biopsy in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Although transurethral resection of the prostate provides an effective treatment for obstructive voiding symptoms associated with prostate cancer, there is growing concern about the possible role of transurethral resection in the dissemination of this malignancy. To determine the effect of transurethral resection on the rate of development of distant metastasis, we analyzed a large series of patients (379) treated at our institution with definitive radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer that was diagnosed by either needle biopsy or transurethral prostatic resection. In our series the presence of lymph node metastasis was documented by pelvic lymph node dissection in all patients. An initial univariate analysis suggested that patients diagnosed by transurethral resection had distant metastases significantly more rapidly than patients diagnosed by needle biopsy. However, transurethral resection usually was performed because of the presence of obstructive voiding symptoms and such patients were much more likely to have positive lymph node dissections than patients without obstructive voiding symptoms. A proportional hazards regression analysis showed that nodal status and the degree of obstructive voiding symptoms at diagnosis were independent and powerful predictors of the interval to distant metastases, along with stage and grade. The type of initial biopsy (transurethral prostatic resection versus needle biopsy) had no independent prognostic significance in this analysis. Among patients who had substantial obstructive voiding symptoms there was no significant difference in interval to distant metastases between the transurethral prostatic resection and needle biopsy groups. We conclude that the apparent adverse effect of transurethral prostatic resection results from the poor prognosis of tumors causing obstructive voiding symptoms rather than as a direct result of the resection itself.

Prognostic significance of lymph nodal metastases in prostate cancer.

Pelvic lymph node metastases indicate a poor prognosis for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer but the significance of minimal nodal metastases still is debated. We determined the progression and cancer specific survival rates based on the extent of nodal metastases in 511 patients followed for a mean of 8.6 years (range 2.5 to 17.5 years) after bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection and irradiation therapy. The patients were divided into 4 groups based on the extent of nodal metastases: NO--negative nodes (359 patients), N1--a single microscopic positive node (37), N2--multiple microscopic positive nodes (86) and N3--grossly positive or juxtaregional nodes (29). The risks of distant metastases and of dying of prostate cancer were much greater in the 152 patients with positive nodes (N+) than in those with negative nodes (p less than 0.00005). The risk of metastatic disease at 10 years was only 31 +/- 7 per cent for the NO patients compared to 83 +/- 7 per cent for the N+ patients, and the risk of dying of prostate cancer was only 17 +/- 6 per cent at 10 years for the NO group and 57 +/- 11 per cent for the N+ patients. Patients with a single microscopic node (N1) had a pattern of progression and cancer specific mortality rate similar to patients with more extensive nodal metastases and markedly worse than patients with negative nodes. The risk of distant metastases was 80 +/- 15 per cent at 10 years for the N1 group, 84 +/- 11 per cent for the N2 group and 88 +/- 13 per cent for the N3 group, while the risk of dying of prostate cancer at 10 years was 40 +/- 19, 66 +/- 15 and 58 +/- 24 per cent, respectively. The finding of a single pelvic lymph node containing microscopic metastatic disease markedly worsened the prognosis of our patients with prostate cancer. Once prostate cancer is found within the pelvic lymph nodes the patient has systemic disease unlikely to be controlled by pelvic lymph node dissection and radiotherapy.

Development of fibrotic penile lesions secondary to the intracorporeal injection of vasoactive agents.

Fibrotic penile lesions developed in 4 patients who had undergone intracorporeal injection of vasoactive agents. These lesions persisted for at least 3 months, and in some instances they caused pain and curvature of the penis during erection.

The prognostic significance of post-irradiation biopsy results in patients with prostatic cancer.

To evaluate the prognostic significance of post-irradiation biopsy results in patients with prostatic cancer, we reviewed the records of 803 patients who had been treated with pelvic lymph node dissection, radioactive gold seed implantation and external beam irradiation. Of the patients 124 had 1 or more biopsies within 6 to 36 months after completion of radiotherapy when there was no evidence of local or distant recurrence of tumor. Patients were followed for a mean of 64 months (range 14 to 175 months) and received no other therapy before relapse. Over-all, 43 of these patients (35 per cent) had a positive biopsy result. The incidence of positive biopsy results correlated directly with the initial stage of the tumor, ranging from 22 per cent of stage B1N to 50 per cent of stage C1 lesions. However, biopsy results did not correlate with the grade of the tumor. Local recurrence and distant metastases were much more common among patients with a positive biopsy result (p equals 0.0006). Local recurrence developed in 58 per cent of the patients with a positive biopsy by 5 years and in 82 per cent by 10 years. Of those in whom all biopsies were negative only 18 per cent had local recurrence by 5 years and 32 per cent by 10 years. Biopsy results retained their prognostic significance even among the more favorable subset of patients whose pelvic lymph nodes were negative initially and those with a normal prostatic examination at biopsy. These results indicate that a post-irradiation prostate biopsy 6 to 36 months after completion of treatment can be used to determine the efficacy of a particular radiotherapeutic regimen as well as the success or failure of radiotherapy in an individual patient.