Transgenic Cotton: From Biotransformation Methods to Agricultural Application.

Transgenic cotton is among the first transgenic plants commercially adopted around the world. Since it was first introduced into the field in the middle of the 1990s, transgenic cotton has been quickly adopted by cotton farmers in many developed and developing countries. Transgenic cotton has offered many important environmental, social, and economic benefits, including reduced usage of pesticides, indirect increase of yield, minimizing environmental pollution, and reducing labor and cost. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method is the major method for obtaining transgenic cotton. However, pollen tube pathway-mediated method is also used, particularly by scientists in China, to breed commercial transgenic cotton. Although transgenic cotton plants with disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and improved fiber quality have been developed in the past decades, insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant cottons are the two dominant cottons in transgenic cotton market.

Occupational hazards and health cost of women cotton pickers in Pakistani Punjab.

BACKGROUND: Farm workers and female cotton pickers are exposed to residual impacts of pesticide use in cotton production, in addition to dust, ultraviolet radiation, etc. Cotton picking causes various health hazards among cotton pickers with varied health cost. A soil bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is incorporated in cotton seed through genetic modification and it has resistance against certain bollworms of cotton. So it is considered that Bt cotton fields have less pesticide exposure compared to non-Bt cotton fields. This study was designed to examine and compare the impacts and health cost of cotton picking among female cotton pickers working in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields. METHODS: The study used the data collected from Vehari district of Pakistani Punjab. Health hazards and associated health cost of the respondents involved in Bt cotton picking were compared with those who harvested non-Bt cotton. Comparative use of the personal protective measures among those respondents was also examined. Health cost function and its determinants were analyzed using ordinary least square method. RESULTS: Findings of the study showed that 61 % cotton pickers from Bt cotton households reported one or more health effects of pesticide during picking season whereas this percentage for non-Bt cotton households was 66 %. Health impacts included skin problems, headache, cough, flu/fever, eye irritation and sleeplessness, however, percentage of these health impacts was comparatively higher among non-Bt cotton households. Health cost from exposure to pesticide use in cotton was US$ 5.74 and 2.91 per season for non-Bt cotton and Bt cotton households, respectively. Education, picking in Bt cotton fields and preventive measures were significantly related with health cost. CONCLUSION: Cotton pickers working in Bt cotton fields are found to have less occupational health hazards compared to those working in non-Bt cotton fields. Thus generating awareness among cotton pickers for adopting precautionary measures during harvesting and the use of Bt cotton seed can result in a decline in the ill-effects of cotton picking.

Atividade antibacteriana in vitro de quatro espécies vegetais em diferentes graduações alcoólicas / In vitro antibacterial activity of four plant species at different alcoholic contents

Neste trabalho foi realizada a caracterização fitoquímica e avaliada a atividade antibacteriana in vitro dos extratos de Ageratum conyzoides L. (mentrasto), Gossypium hirsutum (algodão), Phyllanthus tenellus (quebra pedra), e Polygonum hydropiperoides (erva de bicho) frente à Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli. Para a avaliação da atividade antibacteriana foi utilizado o método de difusão em ágar. Os testes foram realizados com o extrato nas graduações alcoólicas de 0 a 100% (v/v), na proporção de 20% (m/v - massa/extrator). Os testes fitoquímicos constataram a presença de açucares redutores, compostos fenólicos, flavonoides, taninos, triterpenos, e esteróides nas quatro espécies. O crescimento das culturas de S. aureus foi inibido por todos os extratos, com exceção do extrato de Mentrasto. A maior atividade de inibição foi observada pelo extrato de quebra pedra. Entretanto, nenhum dos extratos foi capaz de inibir o crescimento das cepas de E. coli. Os resultados são promissores, visto que três das quatro plantas selecionadas demonstraram possuir substâncias antibacterianas, o que motiva estudos subsequentes para o isolamento e identificação dos princípios ativos responsáveis por essa atividade, com potencial de uso na indústria farmacêutica.

In this study, phytochemical characterization was conducted and the in vitro antibacterial activity of extracts of Ageratum conyzoides L. (whiteweed), Gossypium hirsutum (cotton), Phyllanthus tenellus (shatterstone) and Polygonum hydropiperoides (swamp smartweed) was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. To assess the antibacterial activity, the agar diffusion method was used. Tests were performed with the extract at alcoholic contents from 0 to 100% (v/v), at 20% proportion (m/v - mass/extractor). Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and steroids in all four species. The growth of S. aureus cultures was inhibited by all extracts, except for whiteweed extract. The highest inhibitory activity was observed for shatterstone. However, none of the extracts was capable of inhibiting the growth of E. coli strains. Results are promising since three of the four selected plants showed to have antibacterial substances, which stimulates further studies for the isolation and the identification of active principles responsible for this activity, with potential to be used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Efecto ambiental de agroquímicos y maquinaria agrícola en cultivos transgénicos y convencionales de algodón / Environmental effects of agrochemicals and agricultural machinery in transgenic and conventional crops cotton

La producción de alimentos se basa en el uso de diferentes tecnologías agrícolas, que pueden derivar en conflictos entre medioambiente y agricultura. Es significativo estudiar el impacto ambiental de las nuevas tecnologías aplicadas a la agricultura, la más importante de las cuales es la transgénesis. Este trabajo se realizó en la zona algodonera del municipio del Espinal, departamento del Tolima, para la cosecha de algodón del primer semestre de 2009, usando las metodologías de Brookes y Barfoot (2006) y Kovach y colaboradores (1992). Se estudió el efecto ambiental de la aplicación de agroquímicos y el uso de maquinaria agrícola en cultivos de algodón transgénico y convencional. Se recogió información mediante encuestas en veinte fincas productoras de algodón. El análisis de las encuestas se realizó de forma descriptiva, determinando diferencias de tipo cuantitativo y cualitativo para los predios que utilizan la tecnología convencional o la tecnología transgénicas (doble gen, Bt/RR), para luego realizar una correlación con el “Enviromental Index Quotient” (EIQ). No se encontraron diferencias entre el EIQ de campo de las dos tecnologías, aunque la tecnología transgénica tiene ventajas ambientales en el control de algunas plagas de lepidópteros. En relación con el uso de maquinaria agrícola, se encontró que la tecnología convencional genera menor liberación de CO2, gas de efecto invernadero. La metodología de Brookes y Barfoot puede adaptarse para estudios comparativos de tecnologías agrícolas en países tropicales.

Food production is based on the use of various agricultural technologies, which can lead to conflicts between environment and agriculture. It is important to study the environmental impact of new technologies applied to agriculture, the most important of which is transgenesis. This work was carried out in the cotton belt of the town of Espinal, Tolima Department for the cotton crop in the first half of 2009, through methodologies Brookes & Barfoot (2006) and Kovach et al (1992). We studied the environmental impact of pesticide application and use of agricultural machinery for cultivation of transgenic and conventional cotton. Information was collected through surveys of 20 farms producing cotton. The analysis of the survey was conducted descriptively, by determining differences in quantitative and qualitative for the sites that use conventional technology, and transgenic (Bt gene and double RR / RR), and then make a correlation with the Environmental Index Quotient (EIQ). No differences were found between the fields EIQ the two technologies, although transgenic technology has environmental advantages in the control of some lepidopteran pests. In connection with the use of agricultural machinery, was found to conventional technology generates less release of CO2, greenhouse gas. The Brookes and Barfoot methodology could be adapted in comparative studies of agricultural technologies in tropical countries.

Indomethacin activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ to improve insulin resistance in cotton pellet granuloma model.

Inflammation is involved in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. However, the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs in diabetic therapy remains obscure. In the present study, the possible mechanisms of indomethacin, one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in the improvement of insulin resistance were investigated. Indomethacin treatment significantly decreased cotton pellet implantation induced white blood cell count elevation and immune cells infiltration in epididymal white adipose tissue. Also, cotton pellet implantation induced impaired glucose utilization and insulin resistance were improved by indomethacin. The decrement in phosphoinsulin receptor and phospho-Akt levels induced by cotton pellet implantation was improved by indomethacin as well. Moreover, indomethacin decreased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in epididymal white adipose tissue with a marked reduction of prostaglandin 2 (PGE2) and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels in cotton pellet-implanted mice. Furthermore, pretreatment of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist, GW9662 not only reversed indomethacin-modified COX-2 and iNOS levels but also reversed indomethacin-improved insulin sensitivity determined by homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Taken together, indomethacin might elevate the expression of PPARγ to decrease serum NOx and PGE2 to result in the improvement of insulin resistance.

Efeito do nível de caroço integral de algodão sobre o consumo e digestibilidade aparente da fração fibrosa do feno de braquíaria (Brachiaria decumbens) em ovinos / Effect of increasing level of whole cottonseed on intake and apparent digestibility of fiber fraction of Brachiaria decumbens hay in sheep

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes (0, 12, 24, 35 e 49 por cento) de caroço de algodão ao feno de braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens) sobre o consumo e digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), hemicelulose e celulose em ovinos. Foram usados 25 carneiros sem raça definida, adultos, castrados e alojados em gaiolas metabólicas e distribuídos inteiramente ao acaso entre os tratamentos. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos quanto ao consumo e coeficiente de digestibilidade da FDN. O coeficiente de digestibilidade da FDA foi similar entre os tratamentos exceto no tratamento com inclusão de 49 por cento de caroço de algodão. O coeficiente de digestibilidade da celulose comportou-se de forma semelhante ao da FDA. O coeficiente de digestibilidade da hemicelulose dos tratamentos com caroço de algodão foi maior do que o do tratamento sem caroço de algodão.

Lung function, airway reactivity, and atopy in newly hired female cotton textile workers.

To assess changes in lung function and airway reactivity resulting from exposure to cotton dust, and the role of atopic status in these changes, the authors observed a group of 225 newly hired Chinese textile workers for 1 yr. All workers were female, lifelong nonsmokers, and none of them had been exposed previously to cotton or other occupational dust. Atopic status was determined at baseline. Spirometry, response to methacholine challenge, and total serum immunoglobulin E level were examined at baseline and again after subjects began work in the cotton mills. Obvious cross-shift drops in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1.0), and declines in forced vital capacity and FEV1.0 over 1 yr, were observed. Atopic workers had a significantly greater acute drop in FEV1.0 than did nonatopic workers. Both atopic and nonatopic workers had slightly increased airway reactivity at 1 yr, compared with baseline values. The results suggest that exposure to cotton dust is responsible for acute and longitudinal declines in lung function, as well as for slightly increased airway reactivity. Atopy may interact with cotton dust to accentuate the acute lung function response.

The association between cotton and prevalence of rural childhood asthma.

In the United States, asthma now ranks as the most prevalent chronic disease among children. Within rural cotton-producing regions, a popular belief is that cotton production increases the prevalence of asthma. This case-control study was conducted to determine if the prevalence of asthma is higher in children living in rural cotton-producing countries than in children where cotton production is negligible. No evidence was found to support the belief that cotton production increases the rural childhood prevalence of asthma (P = .12). More importantly, this study did reveal a significantly higher prevalence of asthma among the fifth graders in rural West Texas than the prevalence predicted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (P < .0001).

Respiratory effects of long-term exposure to cotton dust.

Traditionally, the concept of cotton dust-related disease focused on acute airway responses. A possible connection of long-term exposure to cotton dust with chronic obstructive airway disease was not addressed until the past two decades. This review summarizes the latest findings relevant to this topic that were observed from longitudinal cohort studies and discusses the relation between acute airway responses and chronic losses of lung function.

Monocyte CD14 response following endotoxin exposure in cotton spinners and office workers.

BACKGROUND: Monocyte cell surface CD14 acts as the major lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding structure, and as such is of interest in the etiology of LPS induced disease. METHODS: The objective was to assess change in monocyte cell surface CD14 and CD4+ CD25+ lymphocytes in a group of cotton workers exposed to LPS over a working week, and to compare this to changes in office workers. Twenty-five cotton workers and nine office workers were studied. Monocyte CD14 fluorescence was measured by flow cytometry, on samples taken pre-shift on a Monday morning (baseline/pre-exposure), and subsequently after 6 and 72 hr. The majority of cotton workers were exposed to at least 1 EU/m(3) of endotoxin over a working shift, and some highly exposed (between 100 and 400 EU/m(3)). RESULTS: After 6 hr of work in the mill, cotton workers developed a significant upregulation in CD14 in comparison to office workers (P = 0.016), whereas CD14 expression had returned to levels not significantly differing from the office workers at 72 hr after first work exposure (P = 0.426). CONCLUSIONS: We propose that CD14 expression on monocytes may help to determine the mechanism of action of lipopolysaccharide in producing respiratory ill health, and may ultimately play a role in monitoring the health effect associated with LPS exposure in the workplace.

Paget's disease of bone in Lancashire and arsenic pesticide in cotton mill wastewater: a speculative hypothesis.

A 1974 survey of Paget's disease of bone in 31 UK towns identified a cluster of six Lancashire former cotton mill towns with the highest prevalence rates of the disease and noted a link with the cotton industry. The two highest-prevalence towns are situated on estuaries and are jointly the smallest of the six by the size of their former cotton industry. The two lowest-prevalence towns of the six are highest above sea level and jointly the largest by the size of their former cotton industry. This pattern suggests a waterborne agent. A 1993 repeat survey of 10 of the 31 towns identified a general decline in prevalence, greatest in the three cotton towns included from the six in the earlier survey, further suggesting a link to the cotton industry. Cotton mills and bleach/dyeworks produced a large volume of wastewater that was commonly discharged into adjacent waterways. Wastewater contained process chemicals and imported organisms and pesticides carried in cotton bales. The process chemicals and imported organisms could be discounted as a probable factor in Paget's disease; however, pesticides could not be discounted. Lancashire cotton came predominantly from the American cotton belt. From 1917 to 1945, calcium arsenate pesticide was used intensively to combat the boll weevil and was imported to Lancashire in cotton bales. The calcium arsenate era is consistent with the high-prevalence findings in 1974 and the decline in 1993, allowing for time lags. Geochemical arsenate is widespread in the environment and may account for geographic variations in Paget's prevalence, although data are inadequate for correlation studies. Noncytotoxic doses of arsenic affect all the steroid receptors and some signal transduction pathways, which may lead to dysfunctional osteoclast signaling and differentiation. Human cells are more susceptible than animal cells to arsenic, based on studies of nonbone cells. It is speculative that arsenic may be a factor in the abnormal variation in prevalence rates in Lancashire. It is not a general theory of Paget's disease.

Prevalence of byssinosis and respiratory symptoms among cotton mill workers.

BACKGROUND: While the prevalence of byssinosis is decreasing in industrialized countries and persists at high levels in developing countries, this prevalence is remaining constant in Turkey. OBJECTIVE: In order to determine the effects of past cotton dust exposure on the respiratory tract, a total of 223 persons working in a cotton mill were included in this study. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to inquire about respiratory symptoms. Participants underwent several spirometric measurements, which were performed on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the working week. Cotton dust measurements were performed in different divisions of the factory. RESULTS: The most common respiratory symptom was chest tightness (20.3%). The prevalence of byssinosis was 14.2% in cotton-processing workers. Among these cases, 28.6% had symptoms on the 1st day of the week, and 71.4% had symptoms on all days of the week. An acute effect was seen in 53.6% of the workers with byssinosis. Mean respirable dust levels were between 0.095 and 0.413 mg/m(3). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of technological improvements, respirable dust concentrations are still above the permissible limits, and thus the risk of byssinosis remains. Workers in the cotton industry where obsolete technology is used and standardized protection measures are not applied should be followed for byssinosis.

Follow-up study of respiratory health of newly-hired female cotton textile workers.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated adverse effects of exposure to cotton dust on respiratory health, but very limited longitudinal data are available with regard to the early pulmonary response to cotton dust. Moreover, the adverse effects of occupational exposure to cotton dust have been difficult to separate from the confounding effects of smoking. This setting provided a unique opportunity to evaluate early respiratory effects in newly hired and non-smoking female textile workers. METHODS: To identify early pulmonary responses to cotton dust exposure and associated gram-negative bacterial endotoxin, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in 225 newly-hired textile workers were assessed at work initiation, and at three and twelve months later. RESULTS: All the workers were females and nonsmokers, with an average age of 18 years. Symptom incidence at three months was 3.6% for usual cough with phlegm, and 6.7% for usual dry cough. Lung function changes were detectable at one year: FEV1 declined by 70 ml and FVC by 124 ml over the year, and workers reporting respiratory symptoms at three months showed a significantly greater cross-shift drop in FEV1 (- 2.3%) than those without the symptoms (- 0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the occurrence of respiratory symptoms represents the earliest response to cotton dust exposure, followed by lung function changes. Early respiratory symptoms may be a risk factor for subsequent loss of pulmonary function in cotton textile workers.

Filamentous fungi and yeasts on mattresses covered with different encasings.

Besides mites, filamentous fungi and yeasts play an important role as domestic allergens. Among different allergen avoidance strategies the efficacy of synthetic mattress encasings has been demonstrated for the reduction of house dust mites. Whether these synthetic encasings are also able to reduce the growth of fungi on the mattress under domestic conditions has not been assessed so far. To determine if the fungal growth on mattresses can be reduced by the use of synthetic encasings we assessed the fungal colonisation of mattresses covered either by conventional cotton encasings or by polyurethane encasings impermeable to particles > 3 mum. Within a 12-month period dust samples were obtained from the mattresses. Fungal quantities were measured by counting colonies on agar plates incubated at 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The counts of fungi were significantly higher on mattresses with cotton encasings. Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were isolated most frequently. Therefore the application of synthetic encasings with similar properties to the encasings used in this investigation is recommended as part of an allergen avoidance strategy for patients sensitised to fungal allergens.

Commercial cotton nesting material as a predisposing factor for conjunctivitis in athymic nude mice.

Environmental enrichment for rodents is beneficial, but compatibility between the enrichment device and the rodent strain must also be considered. The authors present a case in which the use of a specific form of environmental enrichment--cotton bedding material--proved detrimental to the health of athymic nude mice, increasing the likelihood of conjunctivitis.

Longitudinal changes in pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in cotton textile workers. A 15-yr follow-up study.

To evaluate the chronic effects of exposure to cotton dust, a 15-yr follow-up study in cotton textile workers was performed in Shanghai, China from 1981 to 1996. Testing occurred four times during the 15-yr period. The achieved follow-up rates were 76-88% of the original 447 cotton textile workers, and 70-85% of the original 472 silk textile workers (as a control group). Identical questionnaires, equipment, and methods were used throughout the study. The prevalence of byssinosis increased over time in cotton workers, with 15.3% at the last survey versus 7.6% at the baseline, whereas no byssinosis was found in silk workers. More workers in the cotton group consistently reported symptoms than in the silk group, although symptom reporting varied considerably from survey to survey. Cotton workers had small, but significantly greater, adjusted annual declines in FEV(1) and FVC than did the silk workers. Years worked in cotton mills, high level of exposure to endotoxin, and across-shift drops in FEV(1) were found to be significant determinants for longitudinal change in FEV(1), after controlling for appropriate confounders. Furthermore, there were statistically significant associations between excessive loss of FEV(1) and byssinosis, chest tightness at work, and chronic bronchitis in cotton workers. Workers who consistently (three or four of the surveys) reported byssinosis or chest tightness at work had a significantly greater 15-yr loss of FEV(1). We conclude that long-term exposure to cotton dust is associated with chronic or permanent obstructive impairments. Consistent reporting of respiratory symptoms, including byssinosis and chest tightness at work, is of value to predict the magnitude and severity of chronic impairments in textile workers.

Degradation of the sealing properties of a zinc oxide-calcium sulfate-based temporary filling material by entrapped cotton fibers.

During root canal therapy cotton may be placed in the pulp chamber before placement of a temporary filling. This study evaluated the effect on the sealing of a zinc oxide-calcium sulfate-based temporary filling material when fibers of the internal cotton passed through the filling material and reached the external surface of the temporary filling. Glass tubes were filled with a 3.5 mm thickness of the temporary filling incorporating a bundle of cotton fibers that passed from the inner surface of the restoration to the outer surface. The time for methylene blue stain to penetrate the filling was compared among four groups. Group 1 (large bundles of fibers) had 20 to 40 fibers, group 2 (medium bundles) had 10 to 15 fibers, group 3 (small bundles) had 3 to 5 fibers, and group 4 (negative controls) had no cotton fibers. All samples with cotton fibers leaked within 12 min. None of the negative controls leaked within the 21 -day observation time. These results demonstrate that even a very small amount of cotton trapped between the wall of the tube and the filling material dramatically reduced the sealing quality of the temporary restoration.

Differential diagnosis of byssinosis by blood histamine and pulmonary function test: a review and an appraisal.

A study was conducted on byssinotic (N = 8) and nonbyssinotic (N = 16) mill workers exposed to cotton dust and on controls (N = 15) from a cotton dust-free zone. They were examined for chest tightness and breathlessness during successive days from Mondays to Fridays. In addition to monitoring the workers only on Mondays after shift work, their blood histamine levels and pulmonary function tests such as FEV1, PEFR, and FEF25-75% (PEFR represents airflow of larger airways, FEF25-75% reflects airflow in smaller airways, and FEV1 represents airflow in both central and peripheral airways) were screened, but Monday data were only counted to appraise a contrast between these two parameters. The results showed that the histamine levels were significantly higher in the cotton dust-exposed workers in association with significantly decreased FEV1, PEFR, and FEF25-75%, indicating bronchoconstriction of the central, larger, and peripheral airways. Histamine can cause a severe constriction of the central as well as peripheral airways in cotton dust-exposed workers, enabling a paradoxical effect for a differential diagnosis of byssinosis.

Pulmonary response of mice to aqueous cotton dust extract.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pulmonary response of mice to acute exposure of aqueous cotton dust extract (CDE). DESIGN: CDE was made from a standard cotton mill dust. Under mild anaesthesia, 0.05 ml of CDE was instilled intratracheally in balb/c mice. The same volume of sterile isotonic saline was instilled in controls. After 1, 5 and 10, days animals were given an overdose of pentobarbital by intraperitoneal injection, and the upper thorax was opened to expose the trachea. An incision was made and cannulae was inserted. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was done by instilling, phosphate buffer saline. Total and differential counts were done. The lavage supernatant was assayed for protein. SETTING: The laboratory of Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, USA. ANIMALS: Balb/c mice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Post-exposure acute effects at bronchoalveolar level. RESULTS: Total and differential cell counts in BAL fluid were significantly higher in CDE exposed compared to controls (P < 0.01). The total mean values (expressed as cells x 10(4)) after exposure for days 1, 5 and 10 were 193.4 +/- 8.6, 177.8 +/- 7.7 and 113.5 +/- 6.4 respectively versus controls (41.6 +/- 3.4). Differential counts (cell no. x 10(4)) revealed 124.3 +/- 6.8, 94.2 +/- 7.9, 19.9 +/- 3.5 polymorph neutrophils (PNM) and 67.3 +/- 7.1, 81.6 +/- 9.4, 90.2 +/- 8.6 macrophages (AM) on days 1, 5 and 10 respectively compared to controls 2.8 +/- 2.3 (PMN) and 37.2 +/- 1.1 (AM). Analysis of protein (mg/ml BAL fluid) demonstrated a significant increase on exposure for days 5 and 10 (0.8 +/- 0.05 and 0.9 +/- 0.6 respectively versus controls, 0.09 + 0.01, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acute exposure to CDE causes influx into the air spaces of inflammatory leukocytes accompanied by an increase in lung permeability (evidenced by the presence of protein in BAL fluid). In cotton mill workers, the above factors may contribute to the development of chronic byssinosis by as yet undefined agent(s) in cotton dust.

MR characteristics of muslin-induced optic neuropathy: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Muslin-induced optic neuropathy is a rarely reported but important cause of delayed visual loss after repair of intracranial aneurysms. Most of the previously reported cases were published before the introduction of MR imaging. We describe the clinical features and MR appearance of two cases of delayed visual loss due to "muslinoma," and compare them with the 21 cases reported in the literature.