bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytoextractive potential among mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerakoon Shyama R , Somaratne S
Published: April 2010

Heavy metal pollution in soil and water is a global environmental concern. In Sri Lanka, accumulation of heavy metals in soil, water and plant/animal biomass has been widely reported. Phytoremediation, the use of plants and their associated microbes, is an emerging, low-cost, environmental-friendly approach in the cleanup and prevention of environmental pollution. Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) has been widely used to extract toxic metals from contaminated soils worldwide. Sri Lanka has a genetically diverse mustard collection, but their phytoextarctive potentials are yet to be determined. Present study was conducted to evaluate variation in phytoextractive ability of soil-borne heavy metals by ten different mustard accessions. Heavy metal contents (Mn, Co, Pb and Zn) in 12-week-old mustard plants (whole plant) were estimated during Maha and Yala in 2007-2008 using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Heavy metal content in soils where the plants were grown was also assessed during the two seasons. Soil Mn and Co concentrations were significantly high in Maha than in Yala. Difference in heavy metal concentrations in mustard accessions between the two seasons was not significant. However, significantly high concentrations of Mn were found in accessions 7788, 515 and 8831 (236, 225, 220x102 μg/g). Cobolt (Co) was significantly high in accession 5088 (238x102 μg/g). Lead (Pb) concentrations were significantly high in accessions 8831 (156x102 μg/g) and 5088 (148x102 μg/g) and Zn was significantly high in accession 501 (6413x102 μg/g). The study suggests that screening the entire mustard germplasm in Sri Lanka is worthwhile to identify potential heavy metal accumulators. Key words: heavy metal hyperaccumulation; phytoremediation DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v38i2.1862 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 38 (2): 85-93, 2009
Bottle Design, Plastic
Authors: Mandel Andrea S.
Published: April 2010

Blow molding of plastic bottles became popular soon after World War II. As both plastic material and blow‐molding technology developed, conversion to plastic bottles expanded from household products into health, beauty aids, and food containers. The advantages of plastic are many. They are safer, lighter, easier to handle and to manufacture, and offer versatility in design.

This article covers the requirements and procedures for plastic bottle design. Basic steps are listed and run from defining the bottle requirements to production start‐up. Many of the questions that must be answered before design begins are what will the bottle hold, what will be the product end‐use, and what are the aesthetic and distribution requirements. Options for bottle manufacture are extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, and stretch blow molding. Descriptions, advantages, and disadvantages of each process are given. Filling and packing considerations must be addressed and cover such considerations as bottle stability, labeling and decoration, sealing, and so on. Roll‐ons, plugs, certain closures are considered special design. Colorants and material use, computer design functions, specifications, and testing are all part of the design. Environmental concerns are numerous and include reduction of waste, recycling, reuse, and incineration and conversion to energy.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative anatomy course
Authors: Rizzolo Lawrence J. , Rando William C. , O'Brien Michael K. , Haims Andrew H. , Abrahams James J. , Stewart William B.
Published: April 2010

Starting in 2004, a medical school gross anatomy course faced with a 30% cut in hours went through an extensive redesign, which transformed a traditional dissection course into a course with a clinical focus, learning societies, and extensive on‐line learning support. Built into the redesign process was an extensive and ongoing assessment process, which included student focus groups, faculty development, surveys, and examinations. These assessments were used formatively, to enhance the course from year to year, and summatively, to determine how well the course was meeting the new learning objectives. The assessments from focus groups and faculty development prompted changes in support structures provided to students and the training and preparation of faculty. Survey results showed that, after student satisfaction declined the first year, satisfaction increased steadily through the fourth iteration as the course gained acceptance by students and faculty alike. There was a corresponding increase in the performance of students on course examinations. An additional examination given to students one and a half and three years after their anatomy course ended demonstrated the redesigned course's long‐term effectiveness for retaining anatomical knowledge and applying it to clinical cases. Compared to students who took the original course, students who took the shorter, more clinical course performed as well, or better, on each section of the examination. We attribute these positive results to the innovative course design and to the changes made based on our formative assessment program. Anat Sci Educ, 2010. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
Pulling my gut out—Simple tools for engaging students in gross anatomy lectures
Authors: Chan Lap Ki
Published: April 2010

A lecture is not necessarily a monologue, promoting only passive learning. If appropriate techniques are used, a lecture can stimulate active learning too. One such method is demonstration, which can engage learners' attention and increase the interaction between the lecturer and the learners. This article describes two simple and useful tools for demonstration during gross anatomy lectures. One is an apron for demonstrating midgut rotation and the other is a simple “human” model for demonstrating the relationship between the uterus and the peritoneum. Anat Sci Educ. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
Consequences of stressor-induced changes in species assemblage for biodiversity indicators
Authors: de Vries Pepijn , Smit Mathijs G.D. , van Dalfsen Jan A. , De Laender Frederik , Karman Chris C.
Published: April 2010

Protection of biodiversity is a major objective in environmental management. However, standard protocols for ecological risk assessments use endpoints that are not directly related to biodiversity. In the present study, the changes in five biodiversity indicators, namely, the Hill, Shannon-Wiener, Simpson's diversity index, AZTI's Marine Benthic Index (AMBI), and Benthic Quality Index (BQI), are calculated in case species experience direct chemical effects. This is done for an uncontaminated situation as well as for situations in which the effect concentration of a certain fraction of species (x%) is exceeded, that is, at the hazardous concentration (HCx) of the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) of the considered community. Results indicate that the response of the biodiversity indicators to concentrations spanning the complete concentration range of the SSD is variable. This response depends mainly on the type of indicator, the species assemblage, and the ratio of the slope of the concentration effect curves of the species and the slope of the SSD. At the HC5, a commonly used threshold in environmental risk assessment, biodiversity indicators, are affected at a marginal level (change is less than 5% in 99.6% of the simulated cases). Based on the results, the HC5 level is likely to be a protective threshold for changes in biodiversity in terms of richness and heterogeneity in the vast majority of the simulated cases (99.6%) for chemicals for which direct effects are dominant. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1868–1876. © 2010 SETAC
Mercury contamination of the fish community of a semi-arid and arid river system: Spatial variation and the influence of environmental gradients
Authors: Smith Alexandra , Abuzeineh Alisa A. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Bonner Timothy H. , Nowlin Weston H.
Published: April 2010

Mercury (Hg) contamination of aquatic ecosystems is a global environmental problem. Data are abundant on Hg contamination and factors that affect its bioaccumulation in lake communities, but comparatively little information on riverine ecosystems exists. The present study examines fish Hg concentrations of the Lower Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte drainage, Texas, USA and several of its major tributaries in order to assess whether spatial variation occurs in fish Hg concentrations in the drainage and if patterns of Hg contamination of fish are related to gradients in environmental factors thought to affect Hg concentrations in fish communities. Fish, invertebrates, sediments, and water quality parameters were sampled at 12 sites along the lower Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte drainage multiple times over a one-year period. Spatial variation was significant in fish Hg concentrations when fish were grouped by literature-defined trophic guilds or as stable isotope-defined trophic levels, with highest concentrations found in the Big Bend region of the drainage. Mercury in fish in most trophic guilds and trophic levels were positively related to environmental factors thought to affect Hg in fish, including water column dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and sediment Hg concentrations. It is likely that fish Hg concentrations in the Big Bend region are relatively high because this section of the river has abundant geologic Hg sources and environmental conditions which may make it sensitive to Hg inputs (i.e., high DOC, variable water levels). Results from the present study indicate that Hg contamination of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte has substantial implications for management and protection of native small-bodied obligate riverine fish, many of which are imperiled. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1762–1772. © 2010 SETAC
Influence of selected antibiotics on the response of black fly (Simulium vittatum) larvae to insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis
Authors: Iburg Joseph P. , Gray Elmer W. , Wyatt Roger D. , Noblet Raymond
Published: April 2010

A controlled current toxicity test (CCTT) was developed to evaluate the response of black fly (Simulium vittatum) larvae to insecticidal proteins following exposure to various antibiotics. The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti), produces proteins that are toxic to Nemotoceran Diptera, such as black flies and mosquitoes, when ingested. These insecticidal crystalline proteins (ICPs) are highly efficacious in controlling black flies; however, speculation has arisen regarding the potential for antibiotic contamination of waterways to mitigate the toxicity of these proteins. A series of experiments was conducted with the CCTT in which black fly larvae were exposed to enrofloxacin, tylosin, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim followed by exposure to Bti ICPs. These antibiotics were selected based on their use in agricultural and documented anthropogenic contamination of rivers. Anthropogenic concentrations of a mixture of these four antibiotics did not affect the response of the larvae to Bti ICPs. Subsequent experiments were conducted with antibiotic concentrations 10,000 to 80,000 times higher than those found in contaminated rivers. Exposure of black fly larvae to high levels of enrofloxacin (0.5 mg/L) had no effect upon the susceptibility to Bti ICPs; however, exposure to high levels of tylosin (8 mg/L) resulted in a significant increase in the susceptibility of the larvae to Bti ICPs at 72 h of exposure, but not at 48 h. Exposure of black fly larvae to high concentrations of a mixture of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim resulted in a significant increase in the efficacy of the larvicide after 48 and 72 h of exposure. These results suggest that impairment of the efficacy of Bti ICPs to black fly larvae is not due to antibiotic contamination of the larval environment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1849–1853. © 2010 SETAC
Effects of suspended solids and dissolved organic carbon on nickel toxicity
Authors: Cloran Christina E. , Burton G. Allen , Hammerschmidt Chad R. , Taulbee W. Keith , Custer Kevin W. , Bowman Katlin L.
Published: April 2010

Nickel (Ni) is a common and potentially toxic heavy metal in many fluvial ecosystems. We examined the potentially competitive and complementary roles of suspended sediment and a dissolved organic ligand, humate, in affecting the partitioning and toxicity of Ni to a model organism, Daphnia magna, in both batch and stream-recirculating flume (SRF) tests. Sediments included a fine-grained deposit, montmorillonite, and kaolinite. Survival of D. magna was unaffected by the range of suspended solids used in the present study (8–249 mg/L). However, exposure to suspended solids that were amended with Ni had a deleterious effect on test organism survival, which is attributed to partitioning of Ni into the aqueous phase. At comparable levels of dissolved Ni, survival of D. magna was reduced in tests with Ni-amended suspended solids compared to Ni-only aqueous exposures, suggesting potentiation between these two aquatic contaminants. Addition of humate attenuated toxicity to D. magna in both Ni-only and Ni-amended suspended sediment exposures. These results indicate that organic ligands and suspended solids have important functions in affecting the bioavailability and toxicity of Ni to aquatic organisms and should be incorporated into predictive models to protect ecosystem quality. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1781–1787. © 2010 SETAC
Telemetry-based field studies for assessment of acute and short-term risk to birds from spray applications of chlorpyrifos
Authors: Wolf Christian , Riffel Michael , Weyman Gabe , Douglas Mark , Norman Steve
Published: April 2010

In a program of avian field studies, radiotelemetry was combined with observations, carcass searches, residue analysis, and determination of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity to assess the acute and short-term risk posed by chlorpyrifos to birds. Studies were conducted in field crops (brassicas, Poland) and orchards (pome, Italy; citrus, Spain). In total, 25 individual applications of chlorpyrifos were studied on 13 sites. Before each application, birds were fitted with radio transmitters (with minimum stress to birds). Radiotagged birds were monitored and the avifauna observed before, during and for 7 d following each application. A total of 201 birds representing 19 species were radiotagged. In 80% of individual telemetric monitoring periods, birds remained at the study sites. No radiotagged birds showed any sign of intoxication. These included individuals who spent a major proportion of time within treated areas (some individuals located within treated area on >90% of occasions). A total of 7,238 bird sightings were recorded during constant observation during and immediately after application. An additional 4,017 sightings were recorded in 104 individual surveys during 7 d after each application. Two untagged birds (out of 11,255 bird sightings) exhibited atypical behavior for <1 min and 2 to 3 min, respectively, before flying away. This observation (for 0.02% of bird sightings) may or may not have been treatment related. Ten carcasses were recovered (none radiotagged). Residue analysis and brain AChE activity indicated that none was likely to have died from chlorpyrifos exposure. Radiotracking, supported by more traditional assessment methods, was effective for assessing impacts in the field. This extensive field program supports a conclusion that spray applications of chlorpyrifos present a low risk to birds. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1795–1803. © 2010 SETAC
Potential role of sea spray generation in the atmospheric transport of perfluorocarboxylic acids
Authors: Webster Eva , Ellis David A.
Published: April 2010

The observed environmental concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its conjugate base (PFO) in remote regions such as the Arctic have been primarily ascribed to the atmospheric transport and degradation of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and to direct PFO transport in ocean currents. These mechanisms are each capable of only partially explaining observations. Transport within marine aerosols has been proposed and may explain transport over short distances but will contribute little over longer distances. However, PFO(A) has been shown to have a very short half-life in aqueous aerosols and thus sea spray was proposed as a mechanism for the generation of PFOA in the gas phase from PFO in a water body. Using the observed PFO concentrations in oceans of the Northern Hemisphere and estimated spray generation rates, this mechanism is shown to have the potential for contributing large amounts of PFOA to the atmosphere and may therefore contribute significantly to the concentrations observed in remote locations. Specifically, the rate of PFOA release into the gas phase from oceans in the Northern Hemisphere is calculated to be potentially comparable to global stack emissions to the atmosphere. The subsequent potential for atmospheric degradation of PFOA and its global warming potential are considered. Observed isomeric ratios and predicted atmospheric concentrations due to FTOH degradation are used to elucidate the likely relative importance of transport pathways. It is concluded that gas phase PFOA released from oceans may help to explain observed concentrations in remote regions. The model calculations performed in the present study strongly suggest that oceanic aerosol and gas phase field monitoring is of vital importance to obtain a complete understanding of the global dissemination of PFCAs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1703–1708. © 2010 SETAC
Subcellular distribution of zinc inDaphnia magnaand implication for toxicity
Authors: Wang Wen-Xiong , Guan Rui
Published: April 2010

We examined the subcellular partitioning of zinc (Zn) in Daphnia magna both under acute and chronic exposures. In the acute Zn toxicity tests, the daphnids were exposed to different Zn concentrations for 48 h or to one lethal concentration (1,000 µg/L) for different durations (time to death for up to 47 h). Significant mortality of daphnids was observed when the newly accumulated Zn concentration reached a threshold level of approximately 40 µg/g wet weight (or 320 µg/g dry wt), approximately 3.5 times higher than the background tissue concentration (92 µg/g dry wt). Chronic exposure (14 d) to Zn resulted in nonobservable effect on survivorship and growth at newly accumulated tissue concentration of over 40 µg/g wet weight. With increasing Zn acute exposure, more Zn was partitioned into the cellular debris fraction, indicating that this fraction was presumably the first targeted site of binding for Zn upon entering the animals. The importance of other subcellular fractions either decreased accordingly or remained comparable. We found that the metal-sensitive fraction (Zn distribution in the organelles and heat-denatured proteins) did not predict the acute Zn toxicity in Daphnia. During chronic exposure, however, no major change of the subcellular partitioning of Zn with increasing Zn exposure was documented. Zinc was mainly found in the organelles and heat-stable protein fractions during chronic exposure, suggesting that any subcellular repartitioning occurred primarily during acute exposure. Metallothioneins were induced upon chronic Zn exposure, but its induction evidently lagged behind the Zn accumulation. Our present study showed that the subcellular fractionation approach could not be readily used to predict the acute and chronic toxicities of Zn in Daphnia. A tissue-based Zn accumulation approach with a threshold Zn tissue concentration was better in predicting acute Zn toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1841–1848. © 2010 SETAC
Preexposure to ultraviolet B radiation and 4-tert-octylphenol affects the response ofRana pipienstadpoles to 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine
Authors: Croteau Maxine C. , Duarte-Guterman Paula , Lean David R.S. , Trudeau Vance L.
Published: April 2010

Exposure to multiple environmental stressors is negatively impacting the health of amphibians worldwide. Increased exposure to ultraviolet B radiation (UVBR) and chemical pollutants may affect amphibian populations by disrupting metamorphosis; however, the actual mechanisms by which these stressors affect development remain unknown. Because amphibian metamorphosis is controlled by thyroid hormones (TH), changes in developmental rates by environmental stress suggest a disruption of the thyroid system. Tadpoles were chronically exposed to environmental levels of UVBR (average of 0.15 W/m2) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP; 10 nM), alone and combined, prior to being challenged to exogenous TH triiodothyronine (T3; 5 or 50 nM). This experimental approach was taken to determine whether exposure to these stressors affects the ability of T3 to elicit specific molecular and morphological responses. Exposure to OP increased mRNA levels of thyroid receptors (TRs) alpha and beta, deiodinase type 2 (D2), and corticotropin releasing hormone in the brain and of D2 in the tail of tadpoles. 4-tert-octylphenol also enhanced T3-induced expression of D2 in the brain. The combination of UVBR and OP affected the expression of TR alpha in the brain and the responses of TR alpha and beta genes to T3 in the tail, demonstrating the importance of considering the effects of multiple stressors on amphibians. Tadpoles exposed to UVBR were developmentally delayed and exhibited slowed tail resorption and accelerated hindlimb development following exposure to T3. Together, these findings indicate that UVBR alters the rate of development and TH-dependent morphological changes at metamorphosis, and that exposure to UVBR and/or OP disrupts the expression of genes important for development and the biological action of T3 in peripheral tissues. Our group is the first to demonstrate that environmental levels of UVBR and/or OP can affect the thyroid system of amphibians. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1804–1815. © 2010 SETAC
Improving emissions estimates of home and personal care products ingredients for use in EU risk assessments
Authors: Price Oliver R , Hughes Gregory O , Roche Nicola L , Mason Paul J
Published: April 2010

REACh introduces environmental release categories (ERCs) used to describe chemical emissions to the environment. These ERCs contain a number of default values that are combined with product usage data to estimate environmental exposure concentrations for use in risk assessment. The methodology presented in the present work constitutes a novel approach that allows for the coupling of population density and country-specific usage statistics for a range of home and personal care products. Spatially explicit usage estimates are presented for European Union (EU) hypothetical regions (200 × 200-km grid), as described in EU risk assessment frameworks. Recent sales and population density data are combined to assess the relevance of current default assumptions; that 10% of a product will be used in an EU hypothetical region that is inhabited by 20 million people. It is demonstrated that these assumptions are conservative and their relevance geographically limited. The highest usage estimates for hypothetical regions are located in southern England and a transboundary area in Europe consisting of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. The maximum identified usage of 9 home and personal care product types, in an EU hypothetical region, ranges from 4.3% to 11.4%. The 99.5th percentile values, representative of an EU hypothetical region with a population of 20 million, range from 3.6% to 9.0%, which suggests that the current default parameterization of the ERCs may be overly protective for ingredients used in a number of home and personal care product types. Accordingly, it may be justified to use such an analysis to refine the default values in order to provide more realistic exposure estimates for use in REACh assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:677–684. © 2010 SETAC
Environmental effect assessment for sexual endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Fish testing strategy
Authors: Knacker Thomas , Boettcher Melanie , Frische Tobias , Rufli Hans , Stolzenberg Hans-Christian , Teigeler Matthias , Zok Sabine , Braunbeck Thomas , Schäfers Christoph
Published: April 2010

Current standard testing and assessment tools are not designed to identify specific and biologically highly sensitive modes of action of chemicals, such as endocrine disruption. This information, however, can be important to define the relevant endpoints for an assessment and to characterize thresholds of their sublethal, population-relevant effects. Starting a decade ago, compound-specific risk assessment procedures were amended by specifically addressing endocrine-disrupting properties of substances. In 2002, the Conceptual Framework, agreed upon by OECD's Task Force on Endocrine Disrupters Testing and Assessment, did not propose specific testing strategies, and appropriate testing methods had not yet been developed and approved. In the meantime, the OECD Test Guidelines Programme has undertaken important steps to revise established and to develop new test methods, which can be used to identify and quantify effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. For fish testing of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, the first Test Guidelines have recently been adopted by the OECD and validation of further test systems is under progress. Based on these test systems and the experience gained during their validation procedures, we propose a 3-step fish testing strategy: 1) Weight-of-evidence approach for identifying potential sexual endocrine-disrupting chemicals; even after advanced specification of systematic criteria, this step of establishing initial suspicion will still require expert judgment; 2) in vivo evaluation of sexual endocrine-disrupting activity in fish by applying in vivo fish screening assays; sufficient data are available to diagnose the aromatase-inhibition and estrogen-receptor agonist mechanisms of action by indicative endpoints (biomarkers), whereas the ability of the respective biomarkers in the screening assay to identify the estrogen-receptor antagonists and androgen-receptor agonists and antagonists requires further validation; 3) characterization of sexual endocrine-mediated adverse effects including threshold concentrations; in cases when the most sensitive population-relevant endpoints and the most sensitive time window for exposure are known for the mechanisms of action, the fish full life-cycle or 2-generation test, which are the normal definitive tests, might be abbreviated to, e.g., the fish sexual development test. In the European Union, the measurement of indicative endpoints in the definitive test might be crucial for the authorization procedure under REACH and plant-protection products. The results of the definitive tests can be used in existing schemes of compound-specific environmental risk assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:653–662. © 2010 SETAC
Environmental risk assessment of ivermectin: A case study
Authors: Liebig Markus , Fernandez Álvaro Alonso , Blübaum-Gronau Elke , Boxall Alistair , Brinke Marvin , Carbonell Gregoria , Egeler Philipp , Fenner Kathrin , Fernandez Carlos , Fink Guido , Garric Jeanne , Halling-Sørensen Bent , Knacker Thomas , Krogh Kristine A , Küster Anette , Löffler Dirk , Cots Miguel Ángel Porcel , Pope Louise , Prasse Carsten , Römbke Jörg , Rönnefahrt Ines , Schneider Manuel K. , Schweitzer Natascha , Tarazona José V , Ternes Thomas A , Traunspurger Walter , Wehrhan Anne , Duis Karen
Published: April 2010

The veterinary parasiticide ivermectin was selected as a case study compound within the project ERAPharm (Environmental Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals). Based on experimental data generated within ERAPharm and additional literature data, an environmental risk assessment (ERA) was performed mainly according to international and European guidelines. For the environmental compartments surface water, sediment, and dung, a risk was indicated at all levels of the tiered assessment approach. Only for soil was no risk indicated after the lower tier assessment. However, the use of effects data from additional 2-species and multispecies studies resulted in a risk indication for collembolans. Although previously performed ERAs for ivermectin revealed no concern for the aquatic compartment, and transient effects on dung-insect populations were not considered as relevant, the present ERA clearly demonstrates unacceptable risks for all investigated environmental compartments and hence suggests the necessity of reassessing ivermectin-containing products. Based on this case study, several gaps in the existing guidelines for ERA of pharmaceuticals were shown and improvements have been suggested. The action limit at the start of the ERA, for example, is not protective for substances such as ivermectin when used on intensively reared animals. Furthermore, initial predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of ivermectin in soil were estimated to be lower than refined PECs, indicating that the currently used tiered approach for exposure assessment is not appropriate for substances with potential for accumulation in soil. In addition, guidance is lacking for the assessment of effects at higher tiers of the ERA, e.g., for field studies or a tiered effects assessment in the dung compartment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:567–587. © 2009 SETAC
Effects of asenapine on prefrontalN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor‐mediated transmission: Involvement of dopamine D1 receptors
Authors: Jardemark Kent , Marcus Monica M. , Shahid Mohammed , Svensson Torgny H.
Published: April 2010

Asenapine is a novel psychopharmacologic agent being developed for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Like clozapine, asenapine facilitates cortical dopaminergic andN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated transmission in rats. The facilitation of NMDA‐induced currents in cortical pyramidal cells by clozapine is dependent on dopamine and D1receptor activation. Moreover, previous results show that clozapine prevents and reverses the blockade of NMDA‐induced currents and firing activity in the pyramidal cells by the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP). Here, we investigated the effects of asenapine in these regards using intracellular electrophysiological recording in vitro. Asenapine (5 nM) significantly facilitated NMDA‐induced currents (162 ± 15% of control) in pyramidal cells of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The asenapine‐induced facilitation was blocked by the D1receptor antagonist SCH23390 (1 μM). Furthermore, the PCP‐induced blockade of cortical NMDA‐induced currents was effectively reversed by 5 nM asenapine. Our results demonstrate a clozapine‐like facilitation of cortical NMDA‐induced currents by asenapine that involves prefrontal dopamine and activation of D1receptors. Asenapine and clozapine also share the ability to reverse functional PCP‐induced hypoactivity of cortical NMDA receptors. The ability of asenapine to increase both cortical dopaminergic and NMDA receptor‐mediated glutamatergic transmission suggests that this drug may have an advantageous effect not only on positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, but also on negative and cognitive symptoms. Synapse 64:870–874, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for noncompetitive modulation of substrate‐induced serotonin release
Authors: Rothman Richard B. , Baumann Michael H. , Blough Bruce E. , Jacobson Arthur E. , Rice Kenner C. , Partilla John S.
Published: April 2010

Prior work indicated that serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitors competitively inhibit substrate‐induced [3H]5‐HT release, producing rightward shifts in the substrate‐dose response curve and increasing the EC50 value without altering the Emax. We hypothesized that this finding would not generalize across a number of SERT inhibitors and substrates, and that the functional dissociation constant (Ke) of a given SERT inhibitor would not be the same for all tested substrates. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a well‐characterized [3H]5‐HT release assay that measures the ability of a SERT substrate to release preloaded [3H]5‐HT from rat brain synaptosomes. Dose‐response curves were generated for six substrates (PAL‐287 [naphthylisopropylamine], (+)‐fenfluramine, (+)‐norfenfluramine, mCPP [meta‐chlorophenylpiperazine], (±)‐MDMA, 5‐HT) in the absence and presence of a fixed concentration of three SERT inhibitors (indatraline, BW723C86, EG‐1‐149 [4‐(2‐(benzhydryloxy)ethyl)‐1‐(4‐bromobenzyl)piperidine oxalate]). Consistent with simple competitive inhibition, all SERT inhibitors increased the EC50 value of all substrates. However, in many cases a SERT inhibitor decreased the Emax value as well, indicating that in the presence of the SERT inhibitor the substrate became a partial releaser. Moreover, the Ke values of a given SERT inhibitor differed among the six SERT substrates, indicating that each inhibitor/substrate combination had a unique interaction with the transporter. Viewed collectively, these findings suggest that it may be possible to design SERT inhibitors that differentially regulate SERT function. Synapse 64:862–869, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postnatal and ovariectomic regulation of postsynaptic density protein‐95 in the hippocampus of female Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Zhang Jiqiang , Bian Chen , Deng Qiyue
Published: April 2010

Postsynaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95) is hypothesized to control the excitatory‐to‐inhibitory ratio and plays an important role in the regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, synaptogenesis, and learning and memory. In this report, we used immunoblotting to study the effects of aging and ovariectomy (OVX) on the expression of PSD‐95 in the hippocampus of female rats. The results indicated that postnatal expression of hippocampal PSD‐95 correlated with the fluctuation of circulating female sex hormones such as estrogen. Neonatal PSD‐95 level was very low, but dramatically increased within the first month. The highest expression of PSD‐95 was detected at postnatal day 30 (P30) and significantly decreased by 18 months. In the adult hippocampus, OVX significantly decreased PSD‐95 expression within the first week, but it had recovered to adult levels 2 weeks later. Taken together, we conclude that circulating ovarian hormones may play a crucial role in the regulation of excitatory synapses within the hippocampus. Depletion of ovarian hormones can transiently and dramatically decrease the level of excitatory synapses for a limited time. Synapse 64:875–878, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mixtures of Nonionic Surfactants Made from Renewable Resources with Alkyl Sulfates: Comparison of Headgroups
Authors: Werts Kendall Marie , Grady Brian P.
Published: April 2010

Mixtures of alkyl N‐methyl glucamines with linear alkyl sulfates and alkyl glucopyranosides (glycosides) with linear alkyl sulfates were investigated. Six different nonionic‐anionic pairings chosen based on similar critical micelle concentration (CMC) in order to ensure that the best synergy is observed. Solutions at various concentrations and mixture ratios were tested and evaluated to determine CMC, surface tension at the CMC, surface tension reduction efficiency, and emulsification of decane. The results were evaluated and show synergism in both the alkyl sulfate/alkyl methyl glucamine as well as the alkyl sulfate/alkyl glycoside systems. A much greater interaction was seen between the sulfate headgroup and the methyl glucamine headgroup. The difference between the efficiency of interaction was attributed to the more flexible nature of the glucamine headgroup relative to that of the glycoside headgroup.
Association of dietary patterns with BMI and waist circumference in a low-income neighbourhood in Brazil
Authors: Cunha Diana Barbosa , de Almeida Renan Moritz Varnier Rodrigues , Sichieri Rosely , Pereira Rosangela Alves
Published: April 2010

Traditional analysis of food intake usually fails to show an association between energy and nutrient intake and indicators of obesity. The analysis of food patterns can contribute to the understanding of the association between eating habits and anthropometric indicators. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out on a low-income neighbourhood in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, and 1009 subjects between 20 and 65 years of age completed an FFQ. Dietary patterns were identified by means of factor analysis, and their associations with BMI and waist circumference (WC) were ascertained by applying a linear regression analysis. Three main dietary patterns were identified: a mixed pattern, which included cereals, fish and shrimp, vegetables, roots, fruits, eggs, meat and caffeinated beverages; a Western pattern, which consisted of ‘fast foods’, soft drinks, juices, cakes, cookies, milk and dairy, sweets and snacks; a traditional pattern, which included rice, beans, bread, sugar, fats and salad dressings. After adjusting for age and energy intake, we found that the traditional dietary pattern was inversely associated with BMI (β = − 1·14, P < 0·001) and WC (β = − 14·9, P = 0·002) among females. Additionally, a positive association between the Western pattern and WC (β = 12·8, P = 0·02) was observed for females. A diet based on rice and beans may have a protective role against weight gain in women.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ECONOMIC CRISES AND HEALTH
Authors: WALKER KIRSTY
Published: April 2010

During periods of recession, both historians and policy-makers have tended to revisit the multi-faceted relationship between health and economic crisis. It seems likely that the current economic downturn will trigger a new revival of efforts to gauge its implications for people's health around the world. This review will reflect on aspects of the relationship between health and economic crisis, exploring some of the unanswered questions within the historiography of the Great Depression and health, and suggest new directions that this work might take. Within a broadly transnational framework, I will reassess the diverse historiographies of interwar public health, in order to highlight ways in which the methodologies used could inspire future studies for neglected areas within this field, such as Southeast Asia. In doing so, I will illustrate that the effects of the interwar economic fluctuations on health status remain imprecise and difficult to define, but marked a transitional moment in the history of public health.
Aspects particuliers de l'utilisation de l'emblème de la croix rouge ou du croissant rouge
Authors: Bouvier Antoine
Published: April 2010

Contemporain de la Convention de 1864 — dont il constitue l'une des innovations les plus marquantes — l'emblème de la croix rouge n'a depuis lors cessé de susciter discussions, questions, voire controverses quant à sa nature, ses buts et ses destinataires ainsi qu'aux conditions qui doivent guider son usage.

L'emblème de la croix rouge, comme celui du croissant rouge, a très rapidement acquis un rôle crucial dans l'application et la mise en œuvre des règies du droit international humanitaire (DIH). On peut aujourd'hui affirmer que des pans entiers de l'édifice constitué par le droit des conflits armés dépendent du respect de l'embleme et de ses conditions d'utilisation.
Impartialité et neutralité dans le droit et la pratique humanitaires
Authors: Kalshoven Frits
Published: April 2010

Le 27 juin 1986, la Cour internationale de Justice (CIJ) rendait un arrêt dans l'affaire des activités militaires et paramilitaires au Nicaragua et contre celui-ci. Cette affaire, qui engageait le Nicaragua contre les Etats-Unis d'Amérique, est digne d'attention à divers titres et il en est de même pour l'arrêt qui a été rendu. Je voudrais mettre en exergue deux de ses caractéristiques: l'affaire a trait à une situation de conflit armé et la Croix-Rouge est mentionnée.

S'il est rare que la Cour de La Haye ait à connaître d'une situation réelle de conflit armé, cela est dû au manque d'empressement des Etats à soumettre de telles affaires à sa juridiction. Le fait qu'en l'occurrence la Cour ait pu être saisie du cas résulte davantage d'un accident de procédure que d'une attitude exceptionnellement louable de la part des parties en présence. Comme il paraît improbable que cet exemple soit suivi de beaucoup d'autres, restons-en lâ.
Les conseillers juridiques auprès des forces armées — L'expérience de la Suède
Authors: Thelin Krister
Published: April 2010

En ratifiant les Protocoles additionnels de 1977 aux Conventions de Genève de 1949, la Suède s'est engagée à informer et à instruire les autorités responsables de la politique nationale de «défense totale», leur personnel, ainsi que la population civile, au sujet des règies du droit international.
Les Etats africains et la promotion des principes humanitaires
Authors: Mubiala Mutoy
Published: April 2010

Comme on le sait, la société africaine a une organisation reflétant ses us et coutumes. Le système de pensée africain, étant essentiellement imprégné d'humanisme, a genéré des conceptions et des pratiques qui placent les peuples africains au rang des civilisations humanitaires. L'avenement de la colonisation a plutôt été ressenti comme une mise en veilleuse desdites manifestations, alors que s'installaient des institutions inspirés par les valeurs importées. L'indépendance, tout en donnant aux Etats africains l'occasion de participer aux côtés des nations étrangères, à la construction de la civilisation de l'universel, les a paradoxalement placés en face de nombreux dilemmes aussi bien sur les plans économique, politique et socio-culturel qu'à propos du choix à opérer entre l'adhésion sans faille aux modèles importés, européens en particulier, et le recours radical aux traditions ancestrales. Cependant le domaine humanitaire nous paraît un des rares qui puisse — et devrait — échapper à cette logique des conflits manichéens.
Faire accepter les Protocoles par les États
Authors: Gasser Hans-Peter
Published: April 2010

À l'issue de la Conférence diplomatique sur la réaffirmation et le développement du droit international humanitaire, les représentants des États parties aux Conventions de Genève du 12 août 1949 ont adopté, le 8 juin 1977, deux Protocoles additionnels à ces Conventions. Après une période préparatoire et des negotiations intenses qui ont duré près de dix ans, les nouveaux traités humanitaires ont été acceptés par les plénipotentiaires sans vote ni opposition, malgré des obstacles considérables à surmonter. Même si les solutions trouvées pour des problèmes particulièrement controversés ne pouvaient pas toujours satisfaire tout les intérêts, les diplomates, conseillers juridiques et experts militaires avaient quand même toutes les raisons de regagner leurs capitales respectives avec un sentiment de satisfaction.
Comment réagir face à la nouvelle vulnérabilité du personnel humanitaire? Un délégué du CICR s'exprime
Authors: Comtesse Philippe
Published: April 2010

«Avant d'être technique, la sécurité [du personnel humanitaire sur le terrain] est une question d'ordre politique. Aucune règle, aucune protection ne remplace l'établissement d'un réseau de contacts auprès de toutes les parties afin qu'elles soient toutes convaincues de la neutralité, de l'impartialité et de l'indépendance du CICR. Dans la mesure où les responsables de troupes combattantes ont la perception d'un CICR «partisan », celui-ci devient potentiellement une cible. En revanche, la neutralité—et surtout la perception de cette neutralité par les combattants (…)—sont pour les parties en conflit les meilleures garanties que le CICR ne les menace pas. C'est l'attitude neutre des délégués du CICR qui convainc les combattants que son action humanitaire est sans incidence militaire.» Telle est l'une des bases du concept de sécurité que le Comité international de la Croix-Rouge a élaboré il y a quelque années pour l'appliquer dans son action au cœur des conflits.
La Croix-Rouge dans le monde et en URSS: histoire et perspectives
Authors: Venedictov Dmitry D.
Published: April 2010

L'opinion publique internationale voit s'approcher le 125e anniversaire de la Croix-Rouge internationale, un événement important dans l'évolution du Mouvement international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge.

Au moment de célébrer un anniversaire, nous nous tournons, en règie générale, vers l'histoire afin de mieux comprendre et d'évaluer le présent et prévoir l'avenir. Ceci est particulièrement important, du fait que le Mouvement international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge est une des manifestations les plus significatives de l'humanisme et de la reconnaissance de la vie de la société et de la dignité de l'homme en tant que valeur suprême dans ce monde, ainsi que du désir d'éviter les souffrances humaines ou de les soulager, et de sauvegarder la vie et la santé de l'homme.
Le destin des biens culturels dans les conflits armés: De l'Antiquité à la deuxième guerre mondiale
Authors: Verri Pietro
Published: April 2010

Ce n'est certes pas une tâche facile que de traiter du destin des biens culturels au cours des conflits armés qui se sont succédés depuis l'Antiquité jusqu'à la veille de la deuxième guerre mondiale.

Les documents disponibles permettent, bien sûr, de constater qu'à partir de la seconde moitié du XIXe siècle, des normes positives en droit interne et en droit international ont été mises en place, dans le but de réduire, peu ou prou, plutôt que d'éviter, les dommages divers causés aux biens culturels par les hostilités.
Les Protocoles de Genève de 1977 et le développement du droit international humanitaire
Authors: Wei Su
Published: April 2010

Il y a dix ans, deux Protocoles additionnels aux quatre Conventions de Genève ont été adoptés à Genève: l'un, relatif à la protection des victimes des conflits armés internationaux, l'autre, relatif à la protection des victimes des conflits armés non internationaux. Ceci représentait un pas important dans le développement du droit international humanitaire applicable dans les conflits armés. Le plus préoccupant des problèmes auxquels étaient confrontés dans les années de l'après-guerre, les juristes spécialisés dans le droit international humanitaire se trouvait être la protection des civils dans les situations de conflits armés, cela d'autant plus que cette période était caractérisée par les guerres de libération nationale. Les deux Protocoles ont abouti sur deux points importants: d'une part, les dispositions ont été élaborées dans le but de protéger les civils contre les effets des hostilités — et non plus simplement, comme dans la IVe Convention de Genève de 1949 de les protéger dans les territoires occupés. D'autre part, le champ d'application du droit humanitaire a été considérablement élargi, de sorte qu'un nombre bien plus grand de victimes des conflits armés jouissent de la protection du droit humanitaire. Ceci devrait faciliter le respect et la mise en œuvre du droit humanitaire lors des conflits. Je tenterai, dans ce document, de commenter les succès que représentent les Protocoles, notamment le Protocole I relatif aux conflits armés internationaux.
L'évolution de l'idée de paix dans la pensée d'Henry Dunant
Authors: Durand André
Published: April 2010

C'est à Solferino qu'Henry Dunant est pour la première fois confronté au problème de la guerre. Il en reçoit un choc qui ne s'effacera jamais de sa mémoire et qui décidera de son destin. Animé par un sentiment inné de non-violence, il s'engage alors dans ce long parcours qui lui fera d'abord énoncer les moyens de protéger les victimes de la guerre; puis de limiter les circonstances dans lesquelles elle peut naître; enfin, de l'abolir. Ces trois approches: protection, limitation, abolition, se complètent sans se substituer l'une à l'autre; elles formeront, dans l'esprit d'Henry Dunant, un système cohérent, visant à la fois à réprimer les excès de la guerre, à prévenir son apparition et à déraciner ses causes.