Ecology of a herbicide transformation: Synergism of two soil fungi

Experiments in nutrient solution and in sterilized soil show that the sequential transformation of N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-propionamide (propanil) to 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene and other complex residues is brought about by the synergistic interaction of two common soil fungi, Penicillium piscarium and Geotrichum candidum. The interaction benefits both organisms as the end products of the transformation sequence allow higher growth yields than either the parent herbicide or its primary cleavage product. The synergism of the two fungi prevails only in the herbicide-induced stress situation.     

Pesticide interaction creates hybrid residue

When applied in combination, the herbicides N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-propionamide (propanil) and N-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-methyl-pentanamide (solan) were transformed in soil to an unexpected residue-asymmetric 3,3',4-trichloro-4'-methylazobenzene. Each herbicide contributed one-half of the asymmetric azobenzene molecule.     

Impaired local deiodination of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in dogs with symmetrical truncal alopecia

Thyroid dysfunction causes certain dermatological alterations in dogs. Insufficient delivery of thyroid hormone to the skin may originate not only from inadequate thyroid function but also from impaired local activation of thyroxine in the target organ. Thyroid parameters and deiodination were investigated in healthy dogs (group C) and in dogs with cutaneous lesions associated with hypothyroidism (group H) or with a low-T₃ syndrome (group LT). The ability of the skin to convert T₄ to T₃ was impaired in both groups H and LT but not in the controls. It is concluded that impaired local deiodination may contribute to skin problems in dogs.Abbreviations bwt body weight - DTT dithiothreitol - PBS phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.5, 0.05 mol/L) - PTU propylthiouracyl - RIA radioimmunoassay - TRH thyrotropin-releasing hormone - TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone     

Molecular cloning of DNA from a bovine herpesvirus 1 strain isolated in Hungary

Molecular cloning of the HindIII fragments of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) strain HB144, isolated from infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Hungary, and of an infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IPV) reference strain (K22) is reported. So far 52% of the IBR viral genome and 28% of the IPV viral genome have been cloned. The analysis of differences between the strains is currently in progress.