Assessing Noxious Phytoplankton in Aquaculture Systems Using Bio-Optical Methodologies: A Review

Management practices in aquaculture systems contribute to maximum growth of phytoplankton, often resulting in extensive blooms of noxious cyanobacteria. Because periods of oxygen depletion and “off flavor” events correspond to intense algal growth and metabolic activity, accurate identification of algal dynamics and physiological state is important. Current efforts to assess algal assemblages rely upon microscopic evaluation; however, the incorporation of such evaluation into monitoring programs is limited due to the level of skill and training required, the excessive costs and time required to assess algal heterogeneity within/among aquaculture systems, and the lack of information provided concerning physiological state. The distinct biwptical characteristics of the blooms lend themselves to pigment-based methodologies (pigment and in vivo absorption “signatures”, chlorophyll a fluorescence, multi-spectral remote sensing) which complement microscopic evaluation and can be implemented into large-scale monitoring programs. For example, because the key ingredient for success of such programs is the rapid, reliable, and accurate characterization of algal biomass along variable temporal/spatial scales, remotely-sensed data acquisition most likely will be required. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-derived pigment and in vivo absorption “signatures” can delineate problematic algal phylogenetic groups and physiological states. Further, measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence provide estimates of phytoplankton absorption, quantum efficiency, and potentially production potential and growth rate. As such, they can be used to confirm the systematic significance of remotely-sensed data. It would be highly desirable to integrate an evaluation program using bio-optical methodologies into a geographic information system to allow for integrating, modeling, and predicting parameters of management interest over the scales relevant to aquacultural and water resource management.     

Herbicide antidotes—A review

The history of herbicide antidotes is reviewed, beginning with the exploration of compounds to protect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) against barban in the early 1960s, and the later introduction of naphthalic anhydride (NA, naphthalene-1, 8-dicarboxy-licanhydride) as a seed dressing for protecting maize (Zea mays L.) against EPTC. This compound was largely replaced by Stauffer's R-25788 (N, N-diallyl-2, 2-dichloroacetamide) which has continued to be widely used in conjunction with EPTC and butylate in maize. This compound is highly specific to maize and can thus be applied in admixture with the herbicide, but has not proved of practical value on other crop species. NA on the other hand is less specific and is of potential value on sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and rice (Oryza sativa L.); experimental work continues on these crops. The only other antidote to be marketed so far is cyometrinil as a seed dressing for protecting sorghum against metolachlor and related herbicides. Other compounds are under development. Mode of action and structure-activity relations are discussed, as well as the current and future potential for antidotes in respect of the control of weed species in closely related crops, the increased options for herbicide use in minor crops and the possibility of reduced costs for broad spectrum weed control in major crops.     

Effect of temperature on the toxicity of low concentrations of methyl bromide to diapausing larvae of the warehouse moth Ephestia elutella (Hübner)

The performance of low concentrations of methyl bromide against diapausing larvae of Ephestia elutella at 15 and 25°C was assessed in extended exposure periods. At concentrations of 1.9 mg litre^?1 and below, test batches required higher concentration-time (ct) products for 100% kill at 25°C than at 15°C. The minimum concentration at which the concentration: time relationship still applied was between 1.3 and 1.9 mg litre^?1 at 15°C, whereas at 25°C it was between 2.7 and 4.0 mg litre^?1. For many individuals within each population sample, however, lower concentrations at moderate dosage levels remained lethal. At 25°C, a ct product of about 90 mg litre^?1 h gave between 53 and 77% kill at 6.1, 4.0, 2.7 and 1.9 mg litre^?1. The trends observed suggest that the most tolerant members of the population have an enhanced ability to detoxify methyl bromide at the higher temperature. The implications of the results for the build-up of resistance and for practical control measures are discussed.     

Bone marrow contamination of canine cerebrospinal fluid

Bone marrow cells were identified in cytocentrifuge preparations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained by lumbar punctures from two dogs. CSF analyses were characterized by normal or increased total cell counts, normal or increased total protein concentration and the presence of erythrocytes. Hematopoietic cells present included both erythroid and myeloid precursors and, in one case, an erythroblastic island was seen. Peripheral blood smear examination confirmed that the hematopoietic cells observed were not the result of blood contamination. Neither case was associated with a difficult tap procedure, nor with a specific disease process. Contamination may have resulted from actual marrow penetration or from extramedullary hematopoiesis in the dura mater. Accurate interpretation of CSF cytology requires the consideration of possible bone marrow contamination when hematopoietic cells are observed.     

Adaptation of an automated assay for determination of beta-hydroxybutyrate in dogs using a random access analyzer

An automated method for measuring beta-hydroxybutyrate was adapted to the Ciba-Corning 550 Express trade mark random access analyzer. The assay was based on a kinetic reaction utilizing hydroxybutyrate-dehydrogenase. Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration (mmol/L) was calculated ratiometrically using a 1.0 mmol/l standard. Canine serum, plasma, and urine were used without prior deproteinization and only a 30-microliter sample was required. The method demonstrated good linearity between 0 to 2 mmol/l of beta-hydroxybutyrate. Analytical recovery (accuracy) within these concentrations ranged from 85.8 to 113.3%. Both within-run and day-to-day precision were determined, as was specificity of the assay in the presence of a variety of interfering substances. The automated assay was rapid and economical, with reagent stability maintained for at least 2 weeks at 4 degrees C. This assay can readily be applied toward the assessment of ketoacidosis in dogs, and with further validation, other species.     

Health and urban living

The majority of people now live in urban areas and will do so for the foreseeable future. As a force in the demographic and health transition, urbanization is associated with falling birth and death rates and with the shift in burden of illness from acute childhood infections to chronic, noncommunicable diseases of adults. Urban inhabitants enjoy better health on average than their rural counterparts, but the benefits are usually greater for the rich than for the poor, thus magnifying the differences between them. Subject to better evidence, I suggest that the main obstacles to improving urban health are not technical or even financial, but rather are related to governance and the organization of civil society.