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The increase in cheese production, sale, and consumption due to the settled lives of societies has led to an increase in cheese‐related diseases. It has become essential to better understand cheese‐borne diseases and to develop control measures. In this study, cheese‐related diseases and precautions taken in the Ottoman Empire from the 19th to the 20th centuries were investigated in Ottoman archival sources. Of these documents, cheese spoilage was detected in 12 and cheese‐related disease in 9. Cheeses that caused diseases or disorders in the relevant period were called spoiled cheese. One document states that a person died of a cheese‐borne illness. Cheese poisoning occurs mainly from unsalted, fresh cheeses. It has been determined that tin‐free copper pots were used in cheese production and sales and covered with herbs such as hemlock during maturation. In the relevant period, microbiological and chemical analyses of cheeses in terms of health were carried out in food control laboratories. Since the mercury chloride solution is used to disinfect animal udders, it has been stated that it contaminates the milk used in cheese production. Authorities have requested a boric acid solution (5% boric acid in hot water) instead of this solution for udder disinfection. In the Ottoman Empire, it was requested to take necessary sanitation and hygiene measures to prevent spoilage and cheese‐related diseases in the production areas or sales places of cheese. Clean and tinned containers should be used in cheese production, storage, and sale, and poisonous herbs should not be used during cheese ripening. It was also essential to analyze them in laboratories at internal and external customs. Knowing the precautions taken in the past to prevent the deterioration of food or the occurrence of diseases has led to modern food safety practices being applied today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemlocks (Pinaceae: Tsuga) are widely distributed in North America and East Asia, forming a reticulate evolutionary structure in East Asia with significant ecological importance. To clarify the chloroplast genome characteristics and phylogenetic relationships among Tsuga species, we analyzed the chloroplast genomes of T. chinensis var. tchekiangensis, T. chinensis, T. diversifolia, T. dumosa, T. forrestii, and T. sieboldii, performing associated phylogenetic analyses. The results reveal that the chloroplast genome lengths among the six Tsuga species vary from 120,520 to 121,010 bp, encompassing about 108 to 112 genes, including 35/32 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. A codon usage analysis highlighted a preference for A/U-ending codons, and all six nucleotide types have A/T bases and a prevalence of mononucleotides. Notably, all Tsuga species exhibit inverted repeat (IR) contractions and possess unique hexanucleotides absent in the other species of Pinaceae, potentially making them more susceptible to gene recombination or rearrangement during evolution. While most variations are observed in non-coding regions, particularly in intergenic fragments, substantial variation sites are also present within the genes. The phylogenetic tree, constructed using chloroplast genomes, substantiates the sister taxa relationship between Tsuga and Nothotsuga. Furthermore, it confirms that T. chinensis var. tchekiangensis exhibits a closer relationship with T. forrestii than with T. chinensis. These findings not only provide partial evidence that T. chinensis may not constitute a monophyletic species but also underscore the necessity of reevaluating the taxonomic status of T. chinensis var. tchekiangensis. In addition, while the RSCU cluster analysis is basically consistent with the phylogenetic analysis, it also highlights a distinct differentiation between Nothotsuga and Tsuga. This study not only provides molecular-level phylogenetic classification evidence of Pinaceous genera via chloroplast genome analyses but also offers compelling evidence for further exploring the relationships and species delimitation among the hemlocks of East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand, is a major forest pest in the eastern United States responsible for killing millions of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière and Carolina hemlock, T. caroliniana Engelmann. The US biological control program for HWA has largely invested in the rearing and release of Laricobius nigrinus Fender and more recently L. osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake. Though the establishment of L. nigrinus has been well-documented in the southern, mid-Atlantic, and coastal portions of the northeastern United States, documentation in interior areas of the northeastern United States is limited. Establishment of L. osakensis in the northeastern United States has not yet been documented. Release locations in the northeastern United States were surveyed for L. nigrinus and L. osakensis establishment to examine the relationship between establishment success and winter temperatures, as winter minimum temperatures likely limit the northern range of introduced Laricobius species. Our results suggest that L. nigrinus establishment is limited by winter minimum temperatures and that the probability of establishment declines as absolute minimum temperature declines. We found L. nigrinus established at sites in Maine, New York, and Pennsylvania, but did not recover any L. nigrinus in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Vermont. Similarly, we found L. osakensis established at sites in New York and Pennsylvania and recovered individuals in Maine, though further sampling is necessary to confirm presence of the F3 generation. We also report the first field observation of reproduction of silver flies, Leucotaraxis argenticollis (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), released predator of HWA, in the eastern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand, threatens hemlock forests throughout eastern North America. Management efforts focus on early detection of HWA to ensure rapid management responses to control and stop the spread of this pest. This study's goal was to identify an affordable, efficient trap to aid with airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling approaches as an early monitoring tool for HWA. We initially compared HWA detection success between a standard sticky trap, commonly used for HWA monitoring, and trap designs potentially compatible with eDNA protocols (i.e. passive trap, funnel trap, and motorized trap). Passive, funnel, and motorized traps' estimated capture success probabilities compared to sticky traps were 0.87, 0.8, and 0.4, respectively. A secondary evaluation of a modified version of the motorized trap further assessed trap performance and determined the number of traps needed in a set area to efficiently detect HWA. By modifying the original motorized trap design, its estimated capture success probability increased to 0.67 compared to a sticky trap. Overall, the cumulative capture success over the 16-week sampling period for the motorized trap was 94% and 99% for the sticky trap. The number of traps did impact capture success, and trap elevation and distance to infested hemlocks influenced the number of adelgids captured per trap. As eDNA-based monitoring approaches continue to become incorporated into invasive species surveying, further refinement with these types of traps can be useful as an additional tool in the manager's toolbox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel flattened bamboo-wood composite cross-laminated timber (CCLT) made from flattened bamboo and hemlock lumber was developed, and its mechanical performance was investigated and quantified in this work. The results demonstrated that the CCLT columns and control hemlock CLT counterparts had nearly equal axial compression strength, but the CCLT yielded a higher compression modulus of elasticity (MOE). Additionally, the CCLT compression behaviors were not significantly affected by the height. Compared with hemlock CLT, the CCLT exhibited a slightly higher flatwise bending MOE and strength in the major strength direction. Furthermore, the MOE and strength of the CCLT under edgewise bending were 17.3% less and 16.2% greater than those under flatwise bending, respectively. The load-carrying capacity of the CCLT was mainly governed by the interfacial failure between the bamboo and wood, in which no rolling shear failure was observed. Those features are unique for the new CCLT for engineered applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dinotefuran, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, is approved for control of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) (Adelges tsugae Annand), an invasive sap-feeding insect that can kill eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis). Dinotefuran is highly water soluble, facilitating more rapid translocation and HWA control than other neonicotinoids, but its persistence is not well-known. Samples of needles and twigs were collected in spring 2021 from 50 hemlocks treated with a dinotefuran basal trunk spray in 2018 or 2019 (131-145 weeks and 85-93 weeks before sampling, respectively). Processed samples were analyzed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)., Results: Dinotefuran residues were 4.6-6.1 times higher in needles than in twigs collected from the same trees. Average (±SE) residues in foliage samples collected from trees treated in 2019 ranged from 0.663 ± 0.243 to 0.564 ± 0.119 mg kg -1 , compared with 0.213 ± 0.033 and 0.225 ± 0.132 mg kg -1 in foliage from trees treated in 2018. Foliage residues from UPLC-MS/MS were consistently lower but strongly related to those from ELISA. Matrix effects appeared to disrupt ELISA analysis of twigs. None of the 25 trees treated in 2019 had live HWA when samples were collected in 2021 while low densities of HWA were observed on 52% of trees treated in 2018., Conclusions: Dinotefuran was recovered from hemlock foliage, and to a lesser extent twigs, >2 years post-treatment. This, along with its relatively rapid translocation, suggests dinotefuran is a viable option for protecting declining or heavily infested hemlocks from HWA. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.)

Among the aphid species, Peachgreen aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Blackbean aphid Aphis fabae (Scop) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are two common pests causing significant damage in fruits, vegetables, and many other cultivated plants. Today, there is a great deal of chemical control against these harmful pests in our country and wide spectrum insecticides are used. Excessive chemicals are used in both pests because they have extreme reproductive ability and develop resistance to insecticides in a short time. For this reason, the negative effects of chemicals become permanent. Organic insecticides of plant origin in combating with aphids have been thought to replace chemical compounds and many studies have been carried out today with different plant extracts against different pests. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of the extract obtained from hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) plant on M. persicae and A. fabae were investigated. Three different concentrations of hemlock extract, 10%, 15% and 20%, were used to determine the biological effect on M. persicae and A. fabae using dipping and spraying methods. In the experiments, 50 adult individuals of M. persicae and A. fabae were used, live and dead individuals were counted at 1, 24, 48 and 72nd hours after the extract was applied. Experiments were established in 5 replications. According to the findings obtained, it was determined that the extract obtained from the hemlock plants had the highest biological effect at 20% extract concentration.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the pore structure for the heartwood, intermediate wood, and sapwood sections in three species of softwood (hinoki, Douglas fir, and hemlock) and to investigate the correlation of gas permeability depending on pore structure. For this study, gas permeability and pore size were measured by capillary flow porometry, and classification of a novel method was performed to determine the type of pores (through pores, blind pores, and closed pores) based on International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Gas permeability, through pore porosity, and pore size increased from heartwood to sapwood. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that through pore porosity, mean pore size, and bulk density were significant factors affecting gas permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed an approach using sticky trap arrays as an early detection tool for populations of first-instar nymphs of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand), a pest of hemlocks (Tsuga spp. [Pinaceae]) in North America. We considered the detection rate of at least one nymph from trapping arrays consisting of one to six sticky panels, where we varied both the surface area of each trap that we assessed and the length of the trapping duration. We also estimated the time needed to set up, service, and assess groups of traps and attempted to relate capture of nymphs on traps to incidence and abundance of A. tsugae in the canopy above the traps. Arrays consisting of two traps provided a detection rate of 75% when 87.5% of the surface area of each trap was assessed, a process that required 38 min per array. The probability of detecting nymphs on traps left in the field for 5–6 d was similar to that for traps left for 12 d. The number of nymphs trapped in an array predicted the probability of finding A. tsugae in the canopy but only when all six traps were fully assessed. To reliably detect incipient A. tsugae infestations, we recommend placing arrays of traps at 1 km intervals along the perimeter of a stand during peak activity of first-instar sistentes nymphs and servicing these arrays every 5–7 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hemlock is a foundation species that supports distinct forest ecosystems. • The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) has decimated hemlock in the eastern US. • HWA continues to spread north and has begun causing hemlock mortality in Nova Scotia. • We provide a decision framework to inform HWA management plans in eastern Canada. • Current lack of HWA control highlights the importance of an ecosystem restoration plan. The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) has decimated hemlock stands across much of the eastern United States, and presents a significant threat to all eastern hemlock in Canada across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, especially since the recent detection of its widespread establishment in southwest Nova Scotia. The spread and rising infestation level and impacts of HWA in this region serve as a warning for forest managers across eastern Canada to develop appropriate management plans and priorities. The HWA decision framework presented here aims to prepare forest managers in eastern Canada for the decisions and challenges that they will face, from prevention, detection, and control, to hemlock ecosystem restoration and management program evaluation. We review the strategies and tactics that are currently available, that are being developed, and that show the most promise to date. Given the nature of HWA, the long-term outlook for eastern hemlock in Canada will likely feature HWA as a component of hemlock ecosystems across much of the region, necessitating a comprehensive, adaptive management program to mitigate its ecosystem consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the article ‘‘Media representation of hemlock woolly adelgid management risks: a case study of sciencecommunication and invasive species control,'' by Leppanen et al. in the September 18, 2018 issue and mentions limitations to media reporting of science. It also mentions the comments made by Salom et al. on this article in terms of scientific communications, methods used in the study, and biological control of insects.

A new vagrant eriophyoid mite species, Setoptus tsugivagusn. sp. Chetverikov (Eriophyoidea, Phytoptidae, Nalepellinae, Nalepellini), is described from the needles of the western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla (Rafinesque) Sargent (Pinaceae) in Vancouver, Canada. The new species can be distinguished from all other members of Setoptus by a distinct pattern of several short longitudinal ridges on the posterior half of the prodorsal shield. Elements of the anal secretory apparatus (ASA) were observed in adults of S. tsugivagusn. sp., suggesting that the ASA is present in both major phylogenetic lineages of Eriophyoidea (Eriophyidae s. l. and Phytoptidae s. l.). Therefore, this structure could be a synapomorphy for all Eriophyoidea. We briefly discuss the function and morphological variety of the ASA in Eriophyoidea. D2 28S rDNA sequences of four nalepelline species were obtained: Boczekella reticulataBagnyuk 1987 (GenBank accession number MK124605), Nalepella tsugifoliaeKeifer 1953 (MK124606), Setoptus piniBoczek, 1964 (MK124607), and S. tsugivagusn. sp. (MK124608). Molecular phylogenetic analyses of D2 28S rDNA sequences of the mites of the subfamily Nalepellinae confirmed monophyly of the tribe Nalepellini and retrieved Setoptus and Nalepella as polyphyletic. Additionally, our data indicate that 28S rDNA sequence KF782472.1, previously reported to be Trisetacus ehmanni Keifer 1963 by Li et al. (2014), belongs to another species of the genus Trisetacus, possibly T. quadrisetus (Thomas), and the sequence KF782471.1, previously reported to be Trisetacus sp., might belong to T. juniperinus (Nalepa). We also discuss the systematics of nalepellines and their host association with conifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to highlight the symptomatology in three Conium maculatum intoxication incidents, one of which was fatal. A number of studies were reviewed in order to update and summarize the relevant literature on the incidence, sociodemographic variables, method of poisoning, pathophysiology, diagnosis, variables associated with survival and fatality, management, and treatment of C. maculatum intoxication as well as the biosynthesis and biological effects of poison hemlock alkaloids. Results show that hemlock poisoning is relatively rare, although incidence varies in different regions, despite its worldwide distribution. Hemlock poisoning is more common in European and especially Mediterranean countries. The majority of the patients are adult males over 38 years of age. The clinical course of hemlock poisoning includes neurotoxicosis, tremor, vomiting, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis/failure, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. The therapeutic management focuses on absorption reduction, close observation for complications, and supportive therapy (especially for respiration). Acute occurrence is severe and life-threatening, but the survival rate is high if treatment is provided promptly. Recovery is rapid, generally taking only a few days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemlock (Conium Maculatum) is a poisonous plant. Ingestion by mistake can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, acute rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure or even death. The treatment is supportive. In this case report, we present a three year-old girl who was brought to an emergency department with respiratory arrest, after ingestion of hemlock. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 5 minutes and then she was transferred to our pediatric intensive care unit as in intubated state. Whole bowel irrigation was suggested by National Poison Counselling Center and 125 ml Golytely was used for bowel irrigation in every 15 minutes via nasogastric tube, until rectal drainage became clear. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange was performed once so as to remove toxic metabolites. Liver and renal function tests were closely monitored. The patient was intubated for 6 days because of aspiration pneumoniae and then extubated. She was discharged on day 10 with no sequelae. This case was reported to emphasize that some plants can be mistaken for commonly used vegetables because they look similar and can cause serious poisoning and can even cause death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hemlock stands within eastern US forests, classical biological control has been one of the main strategies used to manage the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand. Specialist predator species may offer a management solution to help regulate A. tsugae populations. In the Pacific Northwest, a suite of specialist predators has been a focus of research and includes 2 species of silver fly, Leucotaraxis argenticollis (Zetterstedt) and Leucotaraxis piniperda (Malloch) (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae). Leucotaraxis spp. phenology has been documented in the Pacific Northwest, but the phenology of either western Leucotaraxis species is unknown in the eastern United States. This study sought to document the phenology of Le. argenticollis in NY in 2021 and in VA in 2021 and 2022. Nylon mesh cages were applied over eastern hemlock branches infested with A. tsugae to contain Le. argenticollis adults. Biweekly and monthly branch samples were taken in 2021 and 2022, documenting all life stages of A. tsugae and of Le. argenticollis that were observed. In 2021 and 2022, Le. argenticollis adults and eggs were present during the oviposition stage of the 2 generations of A. tsugae. In addition, Le. argenticollis larvae were present when A. tsugae ovisacs had eggs and while A. tsugae nymphs of both generations were present. These observations indicate that Le. argenticollis phenology is well synchronized with A. tsugae in the eastern United States., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The increase in cheese production, sale, and consumption due to the settled lives of societies has led to an increase in cheese-related diseases. It has become essential to better understand cheese-borne diseases and to develop control measures. In this study, cheese-related diseases and precautions taken in the Ottoman Empire from the 19th to the 20th centuries were investigated in Ottoman archival sources. Of these documents, cheese spoilage was detected in 12 and cheese-related disease in 9. Cheeses that caused diseases or disorders in the relevant period were called spoiled cheese. One document states that a person died of a cheese-borne illness. Cheese poisoning occurs mainly from unsalted, fresh cheeses. It has been determined that tin-free copper pots were used in cheese production and sales and covered with herbs such as hemlock during maturation. In the relevant period, microbiological and chemical analyses of cheeses in terms of health were carried out in food control laboratories. Since the mercury chloride solution is used to disinfect animal udders, it has been stated that it contaminates the milk used in cheese production. Authorities have requested a boric acid solution (5% boric acid in hot water) instead of this solution for udder disinfection. In the Ottoman Empire, it was requested to take necessary sanitation and hygiene measures to prevent spoilage and cheese-related diseases in the production areas or sales places of cheese. Clean and tinned containers should be used in cheese production, storage, and sale, and poisonous herbs should not be used during cheese ripening. It was also essential to analyze them in laboratories at internal and external customs. Knowing the precautions taken in the past to prevent the deterioration of food or the occurrence of diseases has led to modern food safety practices being applied today., Competing Interests: All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Highlights • Rhododendron maximum removal was examined over two growing seasons post-treatment. • Cutting the R. maximum subcanopy increased light transmittance and soil temperature. • Removal of R. maximum increased herbaceous-layer diversity and tree seedling density. • Cutting followed by prescribed fire did not provide additional benefits. • A single, low severity fire did not reduce the recalcitrant soil O-horizon. Abstract Forest ecosystems dominated by Tsuga canadensis are undergoing fundamental changes in function and composition from infestations by hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). We proposed that the first step to restoring southern Appalachian riparian forests following T. canadensis mortality would be eliminating the evergreen shrub, Rhododendron maximum. We hypothesized that removing R. maximum would increase light transmittance, soil moisture and temperature; and subsequently, enhance herbaceous-layer diversity and promote tree seedling recruitment and survival. We tested these hypotheses at two locations, (CWT, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory; WOC, White Oak Creek) in the Nantahala Mountain Range of western North Carolina, both with heavy T. canadensis mortality and a dense R. maximum subcanopy. The treatments were designed to remove only soil O-horizon (FF), remove only R. maximum (CR), remove R. maximum and soil O-horizon (CFFR), and untreated, reference (REF). We installed permanent plots across treatments and locations and measured light transmittance (Q i / Q o), soil water content (θ), herbaceous-layer cover and diversity (Shannon's index (H′ cover) and species richness), and tree seedling recruitment. As expected, cutting the R. maximum subcanopy (CR and CFFR) immediately increased Q i / Q o in the spring months across locations, and it was sustained through the first growing season. θ was generally high across plots, averaging 26% during the growing season, and didn't vary over time. By the second growing season (2017) after treatments, herbaceous-layer cover and diversity increased on CR and CFFR. Herbaceous-layer cover was significantly related to Q i / Q o (r 2 = 0.22, p < 0.001) and θ (r 2 = 0.13, p = 0.009), while diversity was only related to Q i / Q o (H′ cover , r 2 = 0.14, p < 0.001; species richness, r 2 = 0.21, p < 0.001). Tree seedling density was related to Q i / Q o (r 2 = 0.10, p = 0.001) and θ (r 2 = 0.26, p < 0.001). Tree seedling density was low before treatment (1.4 ± 0.3 seedlings m−2) and increased by 10-fold in CR and CFFR two growing seasons after treatment. In CR, species with the highest density ranked Betula spp. > Acer rubrum > Quercus coccinea > Liriodendron tulipifera > Q. rubra. In CFFR, tree seedling recruitment ranked Betula spp. > A. rubrum > L. tulipifera. These vegetation responses have important implications for potential recovery of riparian forests following T. canadensis mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum stand density index (SDImax) is an important factor controlling stand dynamics that varies by species and region, but less is understood how it differs within a region for a given species. In this analysis, linear quantile mixed modeling (LQMM) and an extensive network of permanent plots were utilized to examine regional variation in the SDImax of 15 species (7 softwoods and 8 hardwoods) across the complex forests of the Acadian Region in North America. Observed plot-level SDImax was then linked to various stand, plant trait, site, and climatic factors and the spatial patterns throughout the region examined. Results indicated high variability of SDImax for a given species with northern hardwood species like yellow birch ( Betula alleghaniensis Britt.), sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.), and American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) having the lowest values (555 – 627), while softwood species such as northern white cedar ( Thuja occidentalis L.; 1014), eastern hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.; 1026), and white pine ( Pinus strobus L.; 967) had the highest values. Compared to the other stand and site factors examined, climate showed the strongest relationship with SDImax with R 2 ranging from 82 to 98%. Of the climatic variables examined, those representing growing season length and the timing of precipitation were most influential. For the majority of the species examined, reductions in SDImax were forecasted due to changing climatic conditions. Across species, mean SDImax was found to linearly decline with wood specific gravity and increase with leaf longevity, but showed limited relationships with other species-level functional traits. Overall, the analysis highlights the strong variability of SDImax within and between species as well as the important role that climate has on this attribute within a region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The changing soils is a never-ending process moderated by numerous biotic and abiotic factors. Among these factors, trees may play a critical role in forested landscapes by having a large imprint on soil texture and chemical properties. During their evolution, soils can follow convergent or divergent development pathways, leading to a decrease or an increase in soil spatial complexity. We hypothesized that trees can be a strong local factor intensifying, blocking or modifying pedogenetic processes, leading to local changes in soil complexity (convergence, divergence, or polygenesis). These changes are hypothetically controlled by regionally predominating soil formation processes.Methods: To test the main hypothesis, we described the pedomorphological features of soils under tree stumps of fir, beech and hemlock in three soil regions: Haplic Cambisols (Turbacz Reserve, Poland), Entic Podzols (Žofínský Prales Reserve, Czech Republic) and Albic Podzols (Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA). Soil profiles under the stumps, as well as control profiles on sites currently not occupied by trees, were analyzed in the laboratory for 20 physical and chemical properties. In total, we analyzed 116 soil samples. The age of trees and time of tree death were determined using the radiometry (14C), dendrochronology and repeated tree censuses. To process the data, we used multivariate statistics, namely, redundancy analyses (RDAs) and principal component analyses (PCAs). The statistical significance of variables was tested using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and permutation tests. To reach the main aims of the present study, we examined the dataset at three levels of data complexity: 1) soil regions, 2) microsite (i.e., tree stump versus control site), and 3) soil horizon.Results: Living tree roots and empty or infilled root channels were the most important pedogenic factors that affected the dimensions of soil horizons and the moisture in the root zone under tree stumps. Microsites explained almost 6% of the soil variability (p < 0.001, F = 13.99), demonstrating that trees significantly impacted soil chemical properties in the root zone in all regions. In the Albic Podzols soil region, we found evidence of “basket” podzolization. Our results suggest the rapid eluviation of organic matter-sesquioxide complexes under the stump, probably leading to local soil divergence in Albic Podzols. However, soil analyses under the stumps in the Haplic Cambisols soil region suggested local polygenetic changes in soils (e.g., hydromorphic processes). The thickness of the A and B horizons increased, and soil chemistry changed under trees in the Entic Podzol soil region compared to the control profiles.Conclusions: In addition to regional environmental factors that manifest themselves in regional pedogenesis and that have a key role in modifying the influence of trees on the soil, the tree species can specifically modify pedogenic processes under standing trees. Trees may influence rate of pedogenesis (hemlock in Albic Podzol region) or even soil evolutionary pathways (beech in Haplic Cambisol region). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear microsatellite markers were developed for the two Tsuga species native to the Japanese Archipelago, Tsuga diversifolia and T. sieboldii, and a population with genetic affinities to T. diversifolia on Ulleung Island, Korea. Tsuga diversifolia and T. sieboldii are widespread dominant trees of temperate and subalpine forests in Japan but to date no genetic markers have been developed for these species. Fifteen polymorphic loci were developed and characterized, of which 14 are reliably amplified in each taxon. Across both species and the Ulleung Island population, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 26 (average = 13.93) and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.005 to 0.935 (average = 0.535). In addition, all 15 loci were successfully amplified in a single accession of the Chinese species, T. chinensis. These markers will be useful for investigating the species' biogeography, range-wide genetic diversity, conservation genetic issues and potential for hybridisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isolated effects of a single insecticide can be difficult to assess in natural settings because of the presence of numerous pollutants in many watersheds. Imidacloprid use for suppressing hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annand) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), in forests offers a rare opportunity to assess potential impacts on aquatic macroinvertebrates in relatively pristine landscapes. Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities were assessed in 9 streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (southern Appalachian Mountains, USA). The streams flow through hemlock conservation areas where imidacloprid soil drench treatments were applied for hemlock woolly adelgid suppression. Sites were located upstream and downstream of the imidacloprid treatments. Baseline species presence data (pre-imidacloprid treatment) were available from previous sample collections at downstream sites. Downstream and upstream sites did not vary in numerous community measures. Although comparisons of paired upstream and downstream sites showed differences in diversity in 7 streams, higher diversity was found more often in downstream sites. Macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups and life habits were similar between downstream and upstream sites. Downstream and baseline stream samples were similar. While some functional feeding group and life habit species richness categories varied, variations did not indicate poorer quality downstream communities. Imidacloprid treatments applied according to US Environmental Protection Agency federal restrictions did not result in negative effects to aquatic macroinvertebrate communities, which indicates that risks of imidacloprid use in forest settings are low. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3108-3119. © 2017 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two of the most important resources in agriculture are soil and water. The quality of the soil determines the health and output of crops. Biochar has been recognized as being a useful soil amendment due to its perceived benefits of increasing water and nutrient retention. However, limited research has been conducted to compare the characteristics of biochar created from different feedstocks to determine which are the most effective at raising water holding capacity. This study compared the water holding capacity and chemical composition of biochar created from two different materials: eastern hemlock and switchblade grass. Results showed that both the hemlock char and switchblade grass char were able to significantly raise the water holding capacity of loamy sand. The switchblade grass increased the water holding capacity more than the hemlock biochar. For example, at a mixture rate of 10% biochar by weight, switchblade grass increased loamy sand's water holding capacity by 228%, compared with 133% for hemlock. The water holding capacity of the switchblade grass biochar alone was 448.69% of its weight and the hemlock biochar held 268.34% of its weight. These results suggest that switchblade grass may be better suited for improving water retention in sandy soils. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1474-1479, 2017 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a plant that is poisonous for humans and animals. Accidental ingestion of the plant may result in central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, acute rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure and even death. The main treatment of hemlock poisoning is supportive care. The case of a 6-year-old girl who was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of burning sensation in mouth, hypersalivation, tremor in hands and ataxia after ingestion of poison hemlock is presented here with clinical and laboratory features. In this case, we aim to report that accidental ingestion of plants resembling vegetables that are consumed daily can lead to serious complications and even death.

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) (Adelges tsugae), an exotic forest pest, has infested millions of acres of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forest from Georgia to Maine. Hemlock mortality has been linked to a loss in esthetics, declines in trout habitat, and an increase in safety hazards in public forests. Available options to control HWA vary in terms of cost and environmental impact. As infestations occur often on public lands, which are popular recreation destinations, understanding public knowledge of and attitudes toward HWA control options will be important to any successful control program. Household survey results indicate public support for combating HWA, but public awareness of control options and of HWA in general is low. Survey respondents revealed concerns related to increased risk of wildfire, safety, and reduced quality of recreation but were less concerned with property value reduction or loss of trees on private land. Spraying oil and soap on branches and injecting insecticides into tree trunks were preferred to chemical soil treatments or releasing nonnative predatory beetles. Both site- and user group-specific differences in acceptability were observed for alternative control options, suggesting a need for careful selection of control options, depending on site characteristics and user populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species of hemlock (Tsuga spp.)--four from North America and three from Asia--were evaluated in replicated plots in Katonah, New York, United States (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b) as potential replacements for eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), which is gradually being extirpated from landscapes in the eastern United States. by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Trends reported in an earlier study (Weston and Harper 2009) continued but were exaggerated after an additional three years of observation. For example, Chinese hemlock (T. chinensis) continued to show the greatest potential as a replacement for T. canadensis as mortality was very low, overall plant health was exceptional, and tolerance to A. tsugae was robust. Early indicators suggest that T. chinensis may also be readily propagated from hardwood cuttings under appropriate greenhouse conditions. These characteristics suggest that T. chinensis may indeed become a viable replacement for T. canadensis, and a valuable addition to landscapes in the eastern U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skill in optimized lumber drying lies in controlling the rate of evaporation to match the rate at which moisture reaches the surface; the aim is to minimize the moisture gradient without damaging the lumber. Adjustable speed drives have proven themselves as a method for reducing energy consumption by reducing fan speed in the later stages of drying to match the rate of evaporation. Little work has been done to investigate how lower air velocities over the lumber stack during the later stages of drying affects quality of the final product in terms of moisture content distribution, shrinkage, and degrade. This study was undertaken to examine the impact of airflow using an adjustable speed drive on the final quality of 50 x 152.5 mm Pacific Coast Hemlock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Annand), has caused widespread eastern hemlock mortality in the eastern U.S. HWA was first documented in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) in 2002. Once documented, GRSM implemented an aggressive integrated pest management (IPM) program. As a part of this IPM strategy, systemic imidacloprid treatments have been widely used to preserve the Park’s hemlock resources. A retrospective study was conducted in cooperation with GRSM to examine the long-term effectiveness of imidacloprid treatments on different size hemlock trees. Of particular interest is olefin, a metabolite of imidacloprid, which is greater than 15 times more toxic to HWA than imidacloprid. The concentrations of imidacloprid and olefin were assessed in hemlock branchlets four to seven years post-imidacloprid treatment. Samples were collected from three strata of the canopy from each of four size classes (30, 45, 61, and 76 cm DBH). Imidacloprid and olefin were present in all size classes four to seven years after a single imidacloprid treatment. Hemlocks from the 61 and 76 cm size classes exhibited higher imidacloprid and olefin concentrations than the 45 cm hemlocks when larger hemlocks were given high-dose treatments. When all hemlocks were given low-dose treatments, 61 cm hemlocks had lower concentrations of olefin, but no significant differences in imidacloprid concentrations among size classes were detected. Olefin concentrations were higher in high-dose compared to low-dose treatments in 76 cm hemlocks. A significant linear relationship exists between the concentration of imidacloprid and olefin in individual branchlets. A model was developed to optimize the dose of imidacloprid based on the diameter of hemlock trees. Use of this model will result in smaller (<30 cm) and larger (>63 cm) hemlocks receiving lower doses of imidacloprid with expected HWA suppression numerous years after treatment. Information obtained from this study can assist resource managers in developing and modifying HWA suppression programs to maintain low HWA populations while reducing the amount of imidacloprid applied to individual hemlocks. Optimal pesticide applications based on specific hemlock diameters may result in more environmentally and economically sustainable hemlock management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change of microfibril angle (MFA) in wood cell wall was assessed after drying at 60°C and 70°C to a target moisture content (MC) of 8% or 15%. Despite literature contradictions about the effect of drying on MFA, this study showed that drying increased significantly the MFA, possibly as a result of lateral deformation of cellulose microfibrils during water desorption from wood cell walls. Moreover, MFA increased when target MC decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antoine François Boutron-Charlard (1796-1879), a French pharmacist, devoted most of his research efforts, alone or with his colleagues, to the isolation of the active principles present in vegetable and animal matter, among them bitter almonds, mustard, hemlock, coffee, beans of Tonka, tobacco, asparagus, castor oil, tapioca, civet, lactic acid, etc. He also analyzed mineral waters, the waters from the Seine and the Marne and the waters that fed the public fountains of Paris; analyzed the waters of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River, and developed a hydrotitrimetric method for analyzing waters in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen profiles have routinely been prepared by identification by light microscopy (LM). This report presents a pollen profile from the mid-Holocene counted exclusively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) targeting theTsuga canadensis(hemlock) decline at the site and four published profiles counted by LM. While pollen profiles have routinely been counted by LM, counting by SEM provided more detailed pollen images, improved pollen identification, decreased the sample preparation time, and limited the use and disposal of hazardous chemicals. The SEM pollen profile revealed a three phased decline at the Poutwater Pond site. The most recent decline is in agreement with three of the four sites which show the decline occurring between 5700 and 4700 calibrated years before present (calbp). This report is, to our knowledge, the first SEM pollen profile highlighting theT. canadensisdecline in North America and supports previous datings of terminal hemlock decline as reported using LM methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Several regions of the world have recently experienced climate-induced changes in forest composition, highlighting the need to understand the causes, likelihood, and dynamics of abrupt vegetation change. Although few historical examples of climate-induced forest change exist from recent centuries, particularly in humid regions like the northeastern United States, paleoecological records are rich with examples. For example, pollen records from portions of the northeastern United States indicate that eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia) abruptly declined in abundance between 500 and 600 yr BP. Concomitant increases in pine (Pinus spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.) occurred. Hypotheses to explain this change have included cooling during the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA), Native American activity, drought, and/or fires. To better understand spatiotemporal patterns of forest change and assess potential causes and dynamics, we synthesized regional pollen records and developed two high-resolution, coupled records of vegetation, fire, and drought from bogs in Maine. Results of our synthesis reveal >70% of regional pollen sites recorded shifts in forest composition during this time period. Bog records revealed that forest composition changed a few decades after the onset of drought and regional fires, consistent with increased recruitment of pine and oak during post-disturbance succession. Vegetation changes persisted until European settlement. Our data demonstrate that widespread, long-lasting forest changes were triggered by decadal-to-multidecadal drought and associated fires, highlighting the potential for abrupt, long-lasting forest changes in response to transient climate and disturbance events, particularly when such events occur against the backdrop of more gradual temperature change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shifting climate-growth relationships in high-latitude northern hemisphere forests have been demonstrated by numerous tree-ring studies. The possible causes of these shifting climate-growth relationships are numerous and factors often co-vary across space and time, complicating the development of climate reconstructions and the conservation of foundational forest species. Presented here are the results of a study examining the climate response of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) in the mid-latitude Central Appalachian region. Tree core samples were collected within Pipestem Resort State Park, located in southern West Virginia. A composite ring-width chronology was developed for the study area, spanning 145 years from 1868 to 2012 and climate-growth relationships were analyzed for the period 1896-2012. Our results indicate that hemlock growth response to climate has varied over time, particularly in response to an abrupt shift to below average temperatures during the mid-20th century and as a result of hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand) infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this study was to develop a method for the extraction and indirect estimation of the quantity of calcium oxalate (CaOx) in the foliage of trees. Foliar tissue was collected from a single tree of each species (five conifers and five hardwoods) for comparison of extractions in different solvents using 10 replicates per species from the same pool of tissue. For each species, calcium (Ca) and oxalate were extracted sequentially in double deionized water and 2N acetic acid, and finally, five replicate samples were extracted in 5% (0.83N) perchloric acid (PCA) and the other five in 2N hydrochloric acid (HCl); three cycles of freezing and thawing were used for each solvent. Total ions were extracted by microwave digestion. Calcium was quantified with an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer method and oxalate was eluted and quantified using a high performance liquid chromatography method. This experiment was repeated again with two conifer and two hardwood species using four trees per species, and two analytical replicates for each tree. We report here that, regardless of age of individual trees within a species, time of collection or species type, the third extraction in PCA or HCl resulted in near equimolar quantities of Ca and oxalate (r² ≥ 0.99). This method provides an easy estimate of the quantity of CaOx crystals using a small sample of foliar tissue. An additional benefit of PCA is that it precipitates the nucleic acids and proteins, allowing the quantification of several free/soluble metabolites such as amino acids, polyamines, organic acids and inorganic elements all from a single sample extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poison hemlock ( Conium maculatum) is a common plant with a significant toxicity. Data on this toxicity is sparse as there have been few case reports and never a documented poisoning after intravenous injection. Objectives: We present a case of intravenous poison hemlock injection encountered in the emergency department. Case Report: We describe a 30-year-old male who presented to the emergency department after a brief cardiac arrest after injecting poison hemlock. The patient had return of spontaneous circulation in the emergency department but had prolonged muscular weakness and encephalopathy later requiring tracheostomy. Conclusion: Intravenous injection of poison hemlock alkaloids can result in significant toxicity, including cardiopulmonary arrest, prolonged weakness, and encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is a pest of eastern and Carolina hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière and Tsuga caroliniana Engelmann, respectively) in the eastern United States and has already caused catastrophic changes to eastern forests. As one of the significant exotic forest pests, it is imperative that the basic biology of hemlock woolly adelgid be understood for use in novel and improved management techniques. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and enzyme assays were used to elucidate the feeding biology of hemlock woolly adelgid and are discussed in the context of the pest-plant interactions and the implications for host plant resistance. Morphological characters indicate that hemlock woolly adelgids may use labial sensilla and neural canals within the mandibular stylets to guide their stylets through close-range host acceptance processes. Stylet bundle insertion is likely assisted by external sheath material that secures the stylet bundle to the plant surface and mandibular dentitions that may assist entry into or within plant tissues. In addition, results support the theory that extra-oral digestion is likely used by hemlock woolly adelgid, suggested by both a narrow food canal and the presence of four trophically related enzymes (a trypsin-like enzyme, an amylase-like enzyme, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase). The presence of these enzymes also has implications for causing a systemic response in host trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the eastern United States, eastern hemlock Tusga canadensis (L.) Carriere forests are threatened by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, a pest that is causing widespread hemlock mortality. Eastern hemlock is an essential component of forested communities. Adelgid-induced hemlock mortality is causing a shift in forest composition and structure, altering ecosystem function and thereby influencing the arthropod community. Using pitfall traps at three sites, we monitored ground-dwelling arthropods at 30-d intervals in hemlock-dominated and deciduous-dominated forests in central Appalachia over 2 yr. Here, we focus on the ant community (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) collected in the summer months. Ants form a ubiquitous and integral component of the invertebrate community, functioning at various trophic levels as predators, herbivores, and omnivores, and fulfilling important roles in forest ecosystems. We found no difference in overall ant abundance between hemlock-dominated and deciduous-dominated forests but did detect significant differences in the genera Prenolepis between forest types (P < 0.01) and Aphaenogaster across study locations (P¼0.02). Three genera were unique to deciduous forests; one was unique to hemlock forests. Not surprisingly, total formicids and several genera demonstrated temporal differences in abundance, with greater numbers captured in July than in August. As hemlock woolly adelgid-induced mortality of eastern hemlock becomes more pervasive, changes in forest composition and structure are imminent, accompanied by shifts in hemlock associates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleeve cages for enclosing or excluding arthropods are essential components of field studies evaluating trophic interactions. Microclimatic variation in sleeve cages was evaluated to characterize its potential effects on subsequent long-term experiments. Two sleeve cage materials, polyester and nylon, and two cage sizes, 400 and 6000 cm2, were tested on eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière. Temperature and relative humidity inside and outside cages, and the cost and durability of the cage materials, were compared. Long-term effects of the sleeve cages were observed by measuring new growth on T. canadensis branches. The ultimate goal was to identify a material that minimizes bag-induced microclimatic variation. Bagged branches whose microclimates mimic those of surrounding unbagged branches should have minimal effects on plant growth and may prove ideal venues for assessing herbivore and predator behavior under natural conditions. No differences were found in temperature or humidity between caging materials. Small cages had higher average temperatures than large cages, especially in the winter, but this difference was confounded by the fact that small cages were positioned higher in trees than large cages. Differences in plant growth were detected. Eastern hemlock branches enclosed within polyester cages produced fewer new growth tips than uncaged controls. Both polyester and nylon cages reduced the length of new shoot growth relative to uncaged branches. In spite of higher costs, nylon cages were superior to polyester with respect to durability and ease of handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Predicting the migration of vegetation in response to climate change is often done using a climate-driven vegetation model; however, the assumption of full migration (where seeds are not limited by distance or barriers) is a common criticism. Previous efforts to incorporate limitations on seed dispersal have occurred exclusively in bioclimatic envelope models. This paper describes how limitations on seed dispersal were integrated into a physiologically based dynamic vegetation model, LPJ-GUESS. Location An idealized landscape, representative of temperate and boreal forests in North America. Methods LPJ-GUESS already simulates establishment, growth, reproduction and competition. I used a generic seed dispersal kernel to determine the probability of dispersal between grid cells, and a logistic function to determine the spread between patches within a grid cell. Plant functional types were parameterized to represent three temperate tree species, Acer, Pinus and Tsuga, by using published dispersal kernels and life-history measurements. Simulations were run with full and limited migration, and compared with past vegetation migration rates. Results Using the old assumption of full migration, the entire landscape was colonized at the same time (migration rates of 270-380 m year−1). With the new limited dispersal, species colonized the landscape one row at a time, at rates which corresponded well with independent migration estimates based on genetic or pollen reconstructions ( Acer, 141 m year−1; Pinus, 76 m year−1). Tsuga was the only species where simulated migration rates (85 m year−1) were quite a bit slower than historical migration estimates. Main conclusions The new model was able to simulate reasonable migration rates, which is a substantial improvement over previous assumptions of full migration. Migration estimates which include the effects of limitations on dispersal, demography, competition and plant physiology will also improve our understanding of how climate change and various other processes can influence plant range shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is the most important pest of hemlocks in the eastern United States, where it completes three generations a year. We investigated the impact of temperature (8, 12, 16, and 20°C) on the estivation and postaestivation stages of the A. tsugae sistens generation. Temperature significantly impacted development and survival of this generation. The highest mortality occurred at the coolest temperature (8°C). Adelges tsugae developed rapidly as the temperature increased and optimum temperatures for development ranged between 17 and 22°C for the different instars. The estimated lower temperature threshold was 0°C for second instar nymphs and 3 -5°C for the other instars and the preoviposition period. Estivating first-instar sistentes resumed development (as evidenced by segments becoming visible) after 40-100 d at the constant temperatures (fastest at 16°C) then required only 105 degree-days (DD) for 50% of the individuals to molt. Subsequent instars developed rapidly (another 470 DD total to reach adult), and oviposition began at ~623 DD from the time the first instars resumed development. This study provides valuable data required to develop an annual phenology model for A. tsugae which will assist in timing monitoring and control treatments., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2022.)

The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae (Annand)) is a serious invasive pest of hemlock trees in eastern North America. Multiple biological control agents have been the focus of research aimed at pest management and conserving hemlock communities. Three promising A. tsugae specialist predators are the beetle Laricobius nigrinus (Fender) (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) and flies in the genus Leucotaraxis (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), Leucotaraxis argenticollis (Zetterstedt), and Leucotaraxis piniperda (Malloch). However, these flies are vulnerable to parasitism by wasps in the genera Pachyneuron (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Melanips (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae). This study explores parasitoid wasp interactions with these Leucotaraxis species in their native western North American range and potential impacts on the biological control program in the East. Leucotaraxis, La. nigrinus, and parasitoid emergences were observed from adelgid-infested foliage collected from Washington State and British Columbia in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Undescribed species of Pachyneuron and Melanips emerged from puparia as solitary parasitoids. Parasitoid emergence was positively correlated with Leucotaraxis emergence. Percent parasitism increased between February and July, with the months of June and July experiencing higher parasitoid emergence than Leucotaraxis. Differences in emergence patterns suggest that Pachyneuron may be more closely associated with Le. argenticollis as a host, and that Melanips may be associated with Le. piniperda. High parasitism in Leucotaraxis had no effect on La. nigrinus larval abundance, whereas the combined emergence of parasitoids and Leucotaraxis was positively correlated with La. nigrinus. This suggests that there is limited competition among these predators., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

ABSTRACT Introduction: A 28-year-old man presented with acute flaccid paralysis and respiratory failure that persisted for 2 weeks after suicidal ingestion of unknown substances. Methods: Extensive clinical, nerve, laboratory, and neuroimaging testing excluded alternative causes of this neuromuscular syndrome. Prompted by clues provided by family members, liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to investigate for the presence of poison hemlock. Results: Testing of the residue in a jar used for the ingestion of a poisonous concoction confirmed the presence of the nicotinic alkaloid coniine. Analysis of patient serum suggested the presence of conhydrine. Concentrations of amitriptyline and diazepam were also found to be supratherapeutic, but only through the first few days of hospitalization. Conclusions: Herein we describe a case of reversible coma, flaccid quadriparesis, and neuromuscular respiratory failure caused by intentional ingestion of poison hemlock. Muscle Nerve 48:823-827, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]