Fate of fluroxypyr in water

Dissipation of fluroxypyr in North Dakota lake waters was examined in three laboratory studies: photolysis, aerobic metabolism, and anaerobic metabolism. Photolysis was negligible in sterilized water, with and without natural photosensitizers. In 1:10 sediment:water systems, 50% disappearance times of 0.5–2 weeks were observed in the metabolism studies (25°C). Major metabolites (>10%) included the dichloropyridinol and 3-chloropyridinol derivatives, while the 5-chloropyridinol derivative appeared (<7%) in anaerobic systems. The pyridinols disappeared readily in aerobic but more slowly in anaerobic systems. In typical pond and lake waters, fluroxypyr and pyridinols are expected to disappear by the end of the growing season. Devenir de fluroxypyr dans l'eau La dissipation du fluroxypyr dans les eaux de lac dans le Dakota Nord a étéétudiée dans 3 études de laboratoires: photolyse, métabolisme aérobique et métabolisme anaérobique. La photolyse était négligeable dans I'eau stérilisée, avec et sans photosensibilisants naturels. Dans des systémes sédiments/eau de 1/10 des temps de disparition 50% de 0-5-2 semaines ont été observées dans les études de meéabolisme (25°C). Les principaux metabolites (>10%) comprenaient les dérivés dichloropyridinol et 3-chloropyridinol, tandis que le dérivé 5-chloro-pyridinol apparaissait (<7%) dans les systemés anaérobiques. Les pyridinols disparaissent rapidement en aérobie mais lentement dans les systémes anaerobiques. Dans les eaux typiques de mares et d'étangs, le fluroxypyr et les pyridinols sont supposés avoir disparu à la fin de la saison de croissance. Verhalten von Fluroxypyr in Wasser Der Verlust an Rückständen von Fluroxypyr im Wasser aus Seen in North Dakota wurde hinsichtlich der Photolyse sowie des aeroben und anaeroben Metabolismus untersucht. Die Photolyse war in sterilisiertem Wasser mit und ohne natürlichen Photosensitizern vernachlässigbar. Bei den Metabolismusuntersuchungen bei 25°C in l:10-Sediment:Wasser-Systemen lagen die Zeiten für 50%igen Verlust bei 0,5.2 Wochen. Zu den Hauptmetaboliten (>10%) zählten Dichlorpyridinol und 3-Chlor-pyridinol-Derivate, während 5-Chlorpyridinol-Derivate in anaeroben Systemen unter 7% blieben. Die Pyridinole verschwanden rasch in aeroben, aber viel langsamer in anaerobischen Systemen. In solchen Gewässern werden Fluroxypyr und Pyridinole erwartungsgemäß zum Ende einer Vegetationsperiode verschwunden sein.     

Oceanographic influences on the distribution of Baltic cod, Gadus morhua, during spawning in the Bornholm Basin of the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a stratified, semienclosed sea typified by a low-salinity surface layer and a deep saline layer of varying volume, salinity, temperature and oxygen concentration. The relationships between these oceanographic factors and the distribution of Baltic cod are presented, utilizing results from a survey carried out during the 1995 spawning period in the Bornholm Basin, at present the main spawning area of this stock. Cod distribution, abundance and population structure were estimated from hydroacoustic and trawl data and related to hydrographic parameters as well as to bottom depth. In the central basin, cod were aggregated in an intermediate layer about 15 m thick. This area of peak abundance was defined at its upper limit by the halocline and at the lower limit by oxygen content. The majority of individuals caught in the basin centre were in spawning or pre-spawning condition with a high proportion of males to females. On the basin slopes, aggregations of cod were found near the bottom. These individuals were mainly immature and maturing stages with an increasing proportion of females to males with size. Salinity and oxygen conditions were found to be the major factors influencing the vertical and horizontal distribution of adult cod. Abundance of immature cod was also positively related to decreasing bottom depths. The effect of temperature was minor. The observed size- and sex-dependent spawning aggregation patterns, in association with habitat volume and stock size, may influence cod catchability and thereby the assessment and exploitation patterns of this stock.     

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of propofol administered to cats in a novel,aqueous, nano‐droplet formulation or as an oil‐in‐water macroemulsion1

This study evaluated pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic properties of a novel, non‐lipid microemulsion, 1% w/v formulation of propofol to a conventional macroemulsion formulation of propofol (Rapinovet^®) in cats. The study utilized a two‐period crossover design with two treatments and 10 female, intact, purpose bred domestic shorthair cats. Cats were fitted with telemetry transmitters for direct measurement of arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, electrocardiogram (ECG, lead II), and body temperature. At least 7 days separated treatments. Orotracheal intubation was the clinical endpoint utilized to evaluate adequate depth of anesthesia. Blood samples were drawn from jugular vascular access ports before propofol treatment; 3, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 60 min and then 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after administration of propofol into a cephalic vein. Whole blood samples were assayed for propofol concentrations using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method validated for feline blood at a limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL. Pulse rate, ECG, heart rhythm, respiratory rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures, SpO₂, and body temperature were monitored continuously during each anesthetic episode. Time to lateral recumbency, orotracheal intubation, and extubation, time to sternal recumbency during recovery, times to adverse events, and doses of propofol required for induction to anesthesia were documented. Cats required 6.96 ± 0.90 mg propofol/kg from the novel microemulsion formulation of propofol and 7.07 ± 1.55 mg propofol/kg from Rapinovet^® to achieve anesthesia adequate to allow orotracheal intubation (P > 0.05). Areas under the dose‐normalized propofol concentration by time curves (AUC_0‐LOQ) and maximum propofol concentrations (C_max) were equal for the novel microemulsion formulation of propofol and Rapinovet^® (P > 0.05). Effects of anesthesia induction doses on cardiorespiratory values were comparable between treatments, and consistent with known effects of propofol anesthesia. Results provide evidence that the novel microemulsion formulation of propofol and Rapinovet^® macroemulsion produced comparable pharmacodynamic, physiological, and pharmacokinetic responses in cats. The unique composition of the microemulsion formulation, and the presence of an antimicrobial preservative minimize the potential for bacterial contamination and prolong shelf life.     

Percutaneous Cementoplasty in the Palliative, Multimodal Treatment of Primary Bone Tumors of the Distal Aspect of the Radius in Four Dogs

Objective— To (1) evaluate the analgesic effect of percutaneous cementoplasty (PC) in dogs with primary bone tumor (PBT) of the distal aspect of the radius and (2) evaluate the impact on the course of disease by adding PC to a palliative, multimodal treatment protocol in these dogs.
Study Design— Prospective pilot study.
Animals— Dogs (n=4) with PBT of the distal aspect of the radius.
Methods— Tumor lesions were filled percutaneously with polymethylmethacrylate under fluoroscopic guidance. Pamidronate was administered once in a week before PC. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were initiated 2 and 6 weeks after PC, respectively. Force plate analysis was performed immediately before 2, and 6 weeks after PC. Survival time was defined from PC to euthanasia.
Results— Two dogs had a significant increase in peak vertical force 2 weeks after PC ( P =.043) and remained free of lameness for 18 and 20 weeks, respectively. One dog had an acute relapse after an initially lame-free period of 10 days. The remaining dog failed to improve ( P =.686). Three dogs developed at least 2 complications including transient worsening of the lameness after PC, cement leakage, wound infection and suspected thromboembolism in combination with cough and anemia. Median survival was 4.8 months (range, 1–5.7 months).
Conclusions— PC in combination with pamidronate significantly improved lameness in 2 dogs; however, PC is not risk-free. Deep wound infection, intraarticular cement leakage, and venous thrombosis were the main complications.
Clinical Relevance— PC might be a useful addition to established palliative, multimodal treatment protocols in dogs with PBT; however, because of the complications encountered PC warrants further study before routine use can be considered.     

Fate of fluroxypyr in soil

Fluroxypyr-MHE (methylheptyl ester) was applied to small field plots containing Londo sandy loam soil. After 30 days, fluroxypyr had degraded to about 60% of the initial concentration, but was still the main component, while after 120 and 366 days the methoxypyridine metabolite was the main component in the soil. At 30, 120, and 366 days, lettuce, turnips, green beans, soybeans, and wheat were planted and grown with no observed injury. Residues of ¹⁴C in the edible crop fractions were indistinguishable from ¹⁴C in control plants exposed to ¹⁴CO₂, while residues in plant greens and chaff were low (0.1–0.2 mg kg^?1), with little evidence of fluroxypyr and no evidence of metabolite uptake. These results indicate that the methoxypyridine metabolite, if present in the soil, does not harm and is not taken up into the plants.     

Degradation of a sulfonamide herbicide as a function of soil sorption

The degradation of DE-498 (proposed common name flumetsulam) was studied in 21 US soils as a first step in developing a management plan for this new herbicide. Degradation half-lives were shorter in soils that adsorbed the compound less. Adsorption was lower in soils with higher pH and lower organic carbon content. Degradation half-lives were thus influenced by both pH and organic carbon: they were in the range 2–4 weeks in higher pH soils (pH 5 7.0) unless the organic carbon content was above 2.5%, at which half-lives were in the range 1–3 months. In medium pH soils (6.4 pH 6.9) half-lives were 1–2 months, while in lower pH soils (5.9 pH 6.3) they were 1–4 months. The laboratory data were supported by the response of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) planted 1 year after application of flumetsulam to different soils. A quantitative model relating half-life to sorption K_d (r²= 0.85) was coupled with an additional equation relating sorption K_d to the proportion of neutral and anionic forms of the compound at different pH values. The study allows estimates of this herbicide's degradation in soil to be made if its pH and organic carbon content are known. Degradation d'un herbicide sulfonamide en fonction de la capacité d'absorption du sol La dégradation du flumetsulam a étéétudiée dans les sols aux Etats Unis comme premier stade dans le développement d'un plan d'utilisation de ce nouvel herbicide. Les demi-vies de dégradation étaient plus courtes dans les sols qui absorbaient moins le produit. L'absorption était plus faible dans les sols à pH élevé et à faible teneur en carbone organique. Les demi-vies étaient ainsi sous l'influence du pH et du carbone organique: elles étaient de 2 à 4 semaines pour les pH de sols élevés (pH 7) sauf si le carbone organique était au dessus de 2,5%, dans ce cas, les demi-vies etaient de 1 à 3 mois. Dans les sols à pH moyen (6,4 pH 6,9) les demi-vies étaient de 1 à 2 mois, tandis que dans les sols à pH faible (5,9 pH 6,3) elles étaient de 1 à 4 mois. Les résultats de laboratoire ont été confirmés par le comportement de tournesols plantés un an aprfès l'application de flumetsulam dans différents sols. Un modèle reliant la demi-vie au coefficient d'absorption Kd (r²= 0.85) a été couplé avec une équation additionelle reliant le coefficient d'absorption Kd à la proportion de particules neutres et anioniques de la molécule aux différents pH. L'étude permet de faire des estimations de la dégradation de cet herbicide dans le sol dès que le pH et la teneur en carbone organique sont connus. Abbau eines Sulfonamid-Herbizids als Funktion der Bodensorption Der Abbau von Flumetsulam (DE-498) wurde in 21 Böden untersucht, um eine Grundlage zur Produktentwicklung dieses neuen Herbizids zu gewinnen. Die 50%ige Verlustrate (DT₅₀) war in schwächer sorptiven Böden kürzer. Bei hohem pH-Wert und geringem Gehalt an organischer Substanz war die Adsorption schwächer. Die DT₅₀ wurde durch den pH-Wert und den Gehalt organischer Substanz wie folgt beeinflußt: Sie betrug 2 bis 4 Wochen in Böden mit pH >7,0 (wenn der C_org-Gehalt nicht über 2,5% lag; dort dann 1 bis 3 Monate), 1 bis 2 Monate bei 6,4 < pH < 6,9 und 1 bis 4 Monate bei 5,9 < pH < 6,3). Die Ergebnisse der Laboruntersuchungen wurden durch Untersuchungen an Sonnenblumen gestützt. die 1 Jahr nach Applikation von Flumetsulam auf verschiedenen Böden angebaut wurden. Ein quantitatives Modell über das Verhältnis der Verlustrate zum Sorptionskoeffizienten K_d (r²= 0,85) wurde mit einer zusätzhchen Gleichung der Beziehung des Sorptionskoeffizienten K_d zum Verhältnis der neutralen und der anionischen Verbindungen des Wirkstoffs bei verschiedenen pH-Werten verknüpft. Aufgrund der Untersuchungen kann der Abbau dieses Herbizids in Böden bekannten pH-Werts und C_org-Gehalts abgeschätzt werden.     

Soil catalysed hydrolysis of fluroxypyr-methylheptyl ester

Summary. Fluroxypyr-MHE (methylheptyl ester) was hydrolysed to fluroxypyr in soil/water suspensions at rates several thousand times that in distilled, deionized water at similar pH and temperature: the pH 7, 25°C half-life in water was 454days, compared to 2, 5, and 5·5 hours in 1 : 100 soil/water suspensions of a Barnes loam, Catlin silt loam, and Mhoon clay. The catalysed hydrolysis did not occur in decanted, aqueous supernatants of centrifuged Barnes soil suspensions, nor in Barnes soil/water suspensions which had been autoclaved. In soils incubated (26·1°C) at field moist conditions, only 1 to 2% of the fluroxypyr-MHE had not hydrolysed after three days. An extracellular enzyme was suggested as the catalyst.     

The effect of nitrogen in cattle slurry and mineral fertilizers on nitrogen fixation by white clover

The influence of N in slurry or in mineral fertilizers on herbage yield and nitrogen fixation by white clover grown in mixed swards was investigated. Two levels of N in cattle slurry were compared with a range of mineral N fertilization. The percentage of N derived from symbiosis (% Nsym) was measured by the ¹⁵N-isotope dilution method. The measurements were made in spring 1987 in two 4-year-old field trials, and included two out of five harvests.
The % N_sym was approximately 90% without N fertilization. It decreased in response to both mineral N and N in slurry but did not fall below 63%. The sum of two harvests revealed that 51·2 kg N ha⁻¹ were fixed in the absence of N fertilization. With 75 kg mineral N ha⁻¹ or 50 m³ cattle slurry ha⁻¹, the yield of fixed N decreased to 17·2 and 24·9 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. When compared on the basis of the fertilizer effect on dry matter yield and N concentration of perennial ryegrass, the decrease in yield of N fixed due to treatment with cattle slurry was less than that due to mineral N fertilizer. This was owing to the smaller extent of the depression in the proportion of white clover in the sward when the same amount of N was applied in cattle slurry, as compared with mineral fertilizer, although % N_sym responded similarly to both types of N fertilization.     

Weed composition and cover after three years of soil fertility management in the central Brazilian Amazon: Compost, fertilizer, manure and charcoal applications

Soils of the lowland tropics in the central Brazilian Amazon are generally highly leached, acidic and nutrient-poor. Charcoal, combined with other soil amendments, might improve fertility but this, in turn, could lead to increased weed problems for agricultural production. This experiment was conducted to assess weed pressure and species composition on plots receiving various inorganic and organic soil amendments, including charcoal. Additions of inorganic fertilizer, compost and chicken manure resulted in increases in weed ground cover of 40, 22 and 53%, respectively, and increases in species richness of 20, 48, and 63%, respectively. When chicken manure was applied, dominance by a few weed species was reduced, such that different species were more evenly represented. Although charcoal additions alone did not significantly affect weed ground cover or species richness, a synergistic effect occurred when both charcoal and inorganic fertilizers were applied. The percentage ground cover of weeds was 45% within plots receiving inorganic fertilizer, 2% within plots receiving charcoal and 66% within plots receiving both amendments. Improvements in the fertility of nutrient-poor soils of the tropics might increase weed pressure and make the development of effective weed management strategies more critical. These effects on weed populations were observed nearly 2.5 years after the addition of charcoal, chicken manure and compost, and > 1 year after the last application of inorganic fertilizer.     

Fate of fluroxypyr in soil

Batch adsorption K_oc values of fluroxypyr-methylheptyl ester (20000 1kg^?1) and fluroxypyr (74 1kg^?1) indicate increased mobility after hydrolysis of the ester to fluroxypyr. After 1 to 2 weeks incubation time in four soils, desorption K_oc values of fluroxypyr were 100-200 1kg^?1 but increased to 400-700 1kg^?1 after 8 weeks. The increase in desorption K_oc was related to incubation time and not to concentration, and it was interpreted as an entrapment of the fluroxypyr within the soil organic matter. Similar increases in desorption K_oc with incubation time were noticed for pyridinol and methoxypyridine metabolites of fluroxypyr. K_oc values also increased along the metabolic sequence fluroxypyr/pyridinol/methoxypyridine, with maximum K_oc values of 3000-4000 1 kg^?1 for the methoxypyridine metabolite. Hence mobility of the fluroxypyr aromatic ring strongly decreases with increased residence time in the soil.