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No description available.

Biosecurity practices for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Mptb), the etiologic agent for Johne's disease (JD), are predicated on the fact that fecal-oral is the major route of infection and that Mptb is present in the environment of affected farms. The objectives of these studies were to describe perceived benefits of testnegative Level 4 status in the Voluntary Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program (VBJDCP), describe producer and veterinarian attitudes towards JD relevant biosecurity practices, compare 5 JD control options using a Markov model, determine if tangential flow filtration (TFF) increases the detection sensitivity for Mptb and describe the distribution of environmental predictors for Mptb survival. Twenty-five percent and 39% of beef producers in the VBJDCP reported that they received substantial or marginal benefits (financial and non-financial), respectively, from program participation. Producers suggested increased marketing opportunities to improve the VBJDCP. Producers in a cross-sectional mailed survey of attitudes towards biosecurity practices were more likely than veterinarians to agree that separating JD clinical or suspects from calves or heifers; acquiring replacements or additions from JD low-risk herds, testing for JD every 10 to 14 months and test and culling clinical suspects only were useful for control of JD. A state transition Markov model, with the environment as the source of Mptb, was used to compare 6 alternative control strategies for JD. Management and the probability of Mptb surviving 1 year in the environment were important determinants of the prevalence of subclinical JD on beef farms under the analyzed control strategies. Heterogenous distribution of environmental predictors for Mptb survival was observed in spatial risk maps. In conclusion, although some beef producers experienced gains from participation in the VBJDCP, the perceived program benefits could be improved by increased marketing and education on the advantages of participation. Specific problem areas should be addressed. The length of time Mptb survived in the environment was an important parameter in the Markov chain model. Additionally, due to the heterogenous distribution of environmental predictors, a multiscale approach to sampling and analysis should be useful.

Licenciatavhandling Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, 2009. / Härtill 2 uppsatser.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Questionnaires were sent to 500 orthodontists in all states of the U.S., inquiring about the methods of sterilization used for hand instruments (mirrors, explorers, band pushers, etc.) and hinged instruments (pliers). The practitioners were asked if their sterilization/disinfection methods had been changed recently, and if any changes in methods were due to the risk of disease transmission. Opinions were also solicited regarding the importance of complete sterilization (i.e., destruction of all organisms). An opportunity was provided to rate the effectiveness of the sterilization method in use. Finally, information was requested on any barrier methods used routinely. The most commonly used method for hand and hinged instruments was cold sterilization with a 2% glutaraldehyde solution. This solution was used by 46.5% of the office for hand instruments, and by 33.5% of the offices for hinged instruments. Quaternary ammonium compounds were used by 26.5% of the offices for hand instruments, and by 19.2% for hinged instruments. Wiping with alcohol was used by 30.4% of the offices for hinged instruments. The most common heat sterilization method used was the chemiclave system (11.5% for hand instruments and 9.1% for hinged). Of the offices surveyed, 45.5% had changed their methods within the past two years. Of that group, 66.9% had changed as a result of the increased problem with transmissible diseases. Of the offices that had not changed recently, 64.1% were considering doing so as a result of the disease transmission concern. Complete sterilization was considered very important by 47.5% of respondents, while 41.6% ranked it somewhat important. Of the orthodontists surveyed, 16.1% felt that they achieved an excellent level of asepsis in their offices, followed by 58.7% who rated it good, 23.4% average, and 1.4% poor. Protective eyewear was worn by 52.4 % of those surveyed, while gloves and masks were worn routinely by 21.3% and 21.6% of the practitioners, respectively. On the basis of the literature review, the most effective cold sterilization method (other than ethylene oxide) for the orthodontic office appears to be a 2% glutaraldehyde solution. This technique will not corrode plier joints or the stainless steel surfaces. The best heat sterilization method for the orthodontic office is the chemiclave system, due to its lack of corrosion problems, as well as its relatively rapid cycle time. Ultrasonic cleaning of all instruments prior to sterilization is highly recommended.

Podosphaera aphanis which causes powdery mildew of strawberry is of economic importance in strawberry production in United Kingdom as it affects yield and fruit quality. Silicon has been shown to reduce the severity of a number of plant diseases. In strawberry, the mechanism of suppression against powdery mildew remains uncertain. Therefore, it has been suggested that supplying silicon would help strawberry plants to absorb silicon and improve resistance against the pathogen. The silicon based wetter Omex SW7 was used and three different concentrations of silicon wetter were applied on the leaves of the strawberry plants (foliar application). Each treatment was applied at three different timings. Enhanced level of silicon was quantified by the Autoclave Induced Digestion (AID) method. Whilst the main study has used the variety Elsanta, other varieties have also been used. It was observed that the weekly application (total 5 sprays) of 3 different concentrations of Omex SW7 on leaves showed significantly (P<0.05) higher silicon concentrations compared to application 3 times in weeks 1, 3 and 5 or twice in weeks 1 and 5. Microscopic observations showed that weekly application of standard, high and very high concentrations of Omex SW7 significantly (P<0.05) increased the number and length of leaf hairs on both the upper and lower surfaces of strawberry leaves. The different varieties of strawberry used showed morphological changes in the leaves with regard to the density and length of leaf hairs. Untreated leaves from Rhapsody had no hairs on the upper leaf surface, but a low density of hairs was observed after treatment with the high concentration of Omex SW7. In this study, Omex SW7, a silicon based wetter was applied to the roots of strawberry plants (root application) and silicon accumulation and physical changes in leaves were assessed. Strawberry variety Elsanta was used in this experiment. Results revealed that weekly application (total 5 applications) of 2 different concentrations (standard and high) of Omex SW7 to roots showed significantly (P<0.05) higher silicon concentrations compared to application 3 times in weeks 1, 3 and 5 or twice in weeks 1 and 5. It was found that the weekly application of two different concentrations of Omex SW7 showed significantly higher (P<0.05) leaf hair numbers and significantly (P<0.05) longer leaf hair length on both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves compared to application 3 times in weeks 1, 3 and 5 or twice in weeks 1 and 5. The effect of foliar application of silicon and potassium carbonate to limit P. aphanis infection was examined in a field trial under polythene tunnel at Wisbech. Treatments were arranged in a randomised block design of 3 replicates. There were a total of 18 plots. There were six treatments and all treatments were applied to the strawberry variety Sonata. Results revealed that application of silicon based wetter Omex SW7 onto the leaf surface does result in accumulation of silicon in the leaves. The application of Omex SW7 has stimulated an increase in the number and length of leaf hairs in strawberry plants. Results showed that germinating ascospores and colonies were present in all plots before the trial was sprayed. Treatments with standard and high Omex SW7 significantly (P<0.05) reduced the number of germinating ascospores and colonies in this trial. However, Potassium carbonate alone gave some reduction in the number of colonies and germinating ascospores. Moreover, potassium carbonate mixed with silicon based wetter Omex SW7 significantly (P<0.05) reduced the number of germinating ascospores and colonies.

The hypotheses of this study are that reduction and rational usage of antibiotics reduces development of antibiotic resistance. In Sweden, the trends do not follow this pattern. Despite a decrease in prescriptions of antibiotics, there is an increase in the number of patients infected with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) and ESBL selecting for carbapenem-resistance (ESBLCARBA). This study aims to study factors affecting antibiotic resistance management. An additional aim is to use a multidisciplinary approach for a subject that has mostly been studied with quantitative methods. First, linear regressions investigated any possible significant changes of prescription rates in outpatient care, hospital usage of antibiotic groups and antibiotic resistance. After this, nine interviews were conducted with physicians in outpatient care, hospital care and with representatives from the Swedish Strategic Programme for the Rational Use of Antimicrobial Agents and Surveillance of Resistance (Strama), a network working for Swedish prevention against antibiotics resistance. There was a significant decrease in the number of prescriptions of antibiotics in outpatient care among all Swedish counties and a small, but significant increase of antibiotics used in hospitals. The number of patients infected with multidrug resistant bacteria also show a significant increase. The interviews revealed that health care workers in all counties follow the same guidelines and try to be as specific as possible in choosing antibiotics to hit specific bacteria. The respondents suggested migration and extended travelling as explanations to the growing number of cases of multidrug resistant bacteria. Further, two major factors emerged as important for an efficient antibiotic resistance management; Education/knowledge and Discussion. The results indicate a need for further research on rational usage of antibiotics and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospital care, rather than the reduction through prescriptions. The results indicate that rational usage has a bigger impact than reduction. Using a multidisciplinary approach gave a broader perspective on the issue and future studies should see the possibilities of mixing quantitative and qualitative studies.

This item was digitized as part of the Million Books Project led by Carnegie Mellon University and supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Cornell University coordinated the participation of land-grant and agricultural libraries in providing historical agricultural information for the digitization project; the University of Arizona Libraries, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Office of Arid Lands Studies collaborated in the selection and provision of material for the digitization project. / 1. Soil Fumigant Trials 2. Testing and Treatment and In-Furrow Fungicides

This item was digitized as part of the Million Books Project led by Carnegie Mellon University and supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Cornell University coordinated the participation of land-grant and agricultural libraries in providing historical agricultural information for the digitization project; the University of Arizona Libraries, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Office of Arid Lands Studies collaborated in the selection and provision of material for the digitization project. / 1. Diseases Cause Cotton Losses 2. Physiology Growth Survival and Parasites of Verticillium Wilt 3. Isolation of Biochemical and/or Morphological Characters Related to Tolerance to Verticillium Wilt in the Genus Gossypium 4. Soil Fumigation for Control of Verticillium Wilt 5. Disease Complex Studies 6. Cropping Sequences & Nitrogen Fertilization in Relation to Verticillium Wilt 7. The Effect of Phymatotrichum Root Rot of Cotton on Crop Residues 8. Nature of Resistence to Phymatotrichum omnivorum (Cotton Root Rot) 9. Evaluation of Soil Fumigants for Control of Cotton Root-Knot Nematodes Attacking Irrigated Cotton 10. Nematode Control 11. Deep Placement Fumigation for Root-Knot Nematode Control 12. Seedling Disease Control 13. Southwestern Cotton Rust