bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Output Effects of 03 and No2 Exposure in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Drechsler-Parks Deborah M.
Published: September 2013

Eight healthy adults (56-85 yrs) were exposed in an environmental chamber to filtered air (FA), 0.60 ppm NO2, 0.45 ppm 03, and 0.60 ppm NO2 + 0.45 ppm 03 to investigate the effects of NO2 and 03 exposure on cardiac output. The subjects were exposed to each condition for two hours, while they exercised and rested in alternating 20-min periods. Minute ventilation averaged 26-29 l/min among the four exposures. Cardiac output was measured by the noninvasive impedance cardiography method, and was recorded prior to each exposure with the subject at rest, and during the last five minutes of each exercise period. There were no differences in cardiac output at preexposure among the four exposures. The exercise-induced increase in cardiac output with NO2/O 3 exposure was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) than with the FA or 03 alone exposures. Reaction products of inhaled NO 2 are known to cross the lung membranes, probably as a nitrate or nitrite. N02 and 03 are also known to react together to form nitrate and nitrite. We hypothesize that a nitrate or nitrite reaction product of inhaled 03 and NO2 crosses the lung membrane into the general circulation, where it functions as a vasodilator, thereby reducing cardiac output.
Developmental Toxicity Study of Piperonyl Butoxide in CD Rats
Authors: Tanaka Toyohito , Fujitani Tomoko , Takahashi Osamu , Oishi Shinshi , Yoneyama Masako
Published: September 2013

Piperonyl butoxide was administered to pregnant rats by gavage at a level of 0 (control), 630, 1065, and 1800 mg/kg bw on days 11-12 of gestation. The animals were killed on day 20 of gestation. Average maternal body weight gain (gestational days 11-20) was significantly reduced in the 1065 and 1800 mg/kg bw groups. Total resorption rate was significantly increased in the 1800 mg/kg bw group and those effects were significantly dose-related. The average fetal body weight of each sex was significantly reduced in the 1065 and 1800 mg/kg bw groups. External limb deformity (oligodactyly, syndactyly, and polydactyly) was significantly increased in the 1065 and 1800 mg/kg bw groups in a dose- related manner. The dose levels of piperonyl butoxide in the present study produced limb deformities in rats.
The National Exposure Registry: Procedures for Establishing a Registry of Persons Environmentally Exposed To Hazardous Substances
Authors: Burg JeAnne R. , Gist Ginger L.
Published: September 2013

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has, as mandated in Superfund legislation, established the National Exposure Registry (NER). The purpose of the NER is to assess and evaluate the potential relationship between adverse health effects and environmental exposure for an exposed population, particularly the relationship between chronic health effects and long-term, low- level chemical exposures. The NER's primary goal is to facilitate epidemiology research by establishing multiple data bases (subregistries) that contain demographic, environmental, and health information on large populations exposed to selected chemicals. The Registry data mainly serve the purpose of being hypothesis-generating rather than hypothesis-testing. The NER is currently composed of subregistries of: (1) persons exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — a subset of registrants in whom trichloroethylene (TCE) is the primary VOC exposure, but others are present (N = 4,832), a subset in whom benzene is the primary VOC exposure (N = 1,142), and a subset in whom trichloroethane (TCA) and TCE are the highest VOC exposures (N = 3,666); and (2) persons with dioxin exposure (N = 250). Chromium and radioactive substances subregistries are planned.
Comparison of Pulmonary Responses of Asthmatic and Nonasthmatic Subjects Performing Light Exercise While Exposed to a Low Level of Ozone
Authors: Horstman Donald H. , Ball Beth A. , Brown James , Gerrity Timothy , Folinsbee Lawrence J.
Published: September 2013

To determine if asthmatic subjects (ASTH, n = 17) experience greater O3 induced pulmonary decrements than nonasthmatic subjects (NONA, n = 13), both groups were exposed for 7.6 h to both clean air and 0.16 ppm 03. Exposures consisted of seven 50-min periods of light exercise (VE = 14.2 and 15.3 l/min/m2 for ASTH and NONA, respectively), each followed by 10 min rest. A 35-min lunch period followed the third exercise. Following 03 exposure, decrements in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1 divided by forced vital capacity (FVC), corrected for air exposure, for ASTH
Application of Beryllium Antibodies in Risk Assessment and Health Surveillance: Two Case Studies
Authors: Clarke Sara M. , Thurlow Salome M. , Hilmas Duane E.
Published: September 2013

This paper demonstrates that current standards used by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an area free from potential beryllium contamination may be inadequate. Using the Beryllium Antibody Assay, it was shown that workers exposed to former beryllium work areas, thought to be sanitized and to meet OSHA standards, experienced statistically significant rises in blood beryllium antibody titers. This finding raises the question of whether the equipment currently required to protect workers in beryllium-laden environments is sufficient.

The project mission of decommissioning/decontaminating the former nuclear weapons plant at Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS), instituted in 1992, has necessitated development of new technology directed toward safe and responsible cleanup. Challenges have been posed not only by the need to dispose of radioactive and chemical waste, but also by the problem of cleaning up hazardous metals such as the element beryllium.

Beryllium was used extensively in research and the manufacture of nuclear weapons components at Rocky Flats for over 40 years. Since inhalation of this element can induce chronic beryllium disease (Eisenbud and Lisson, 1983), an antibody assay was developed to screen workers for internal exposure to beryllium. Exposure is indicated by a titer of antibodies greater than twostandard deviations above a normal population control (defined as the mean titer of pooled samples from 51 individuals with no known exposure to beryllium) and a p-value of < 0.05.

This paper uescribes two new applications for the assay: risk assessment and health surveillance. Case study 1 involves a team of three workers who cleaned a beryllium plenum and whose beryllium antibody titers provided a quantitative assessment of their exposure. Case study 2 describes the use of the antibody assay to determine the probable manner in which one worker was exposed to beryllium while performing his duties as an architectural engineer.
The Effects of Jp-8 Jet Fuel on Male Sprague-Dawley Rats after a 90-Day Exposure By Oral Gavage
Authors: Mattie David R. , Marit Gary B. , Flemming Carlyle D. , Cooper James R.
Published: September 2013

The U.S. Air Force is converting from JP-4 jet fuel to the less volatile JP-8 jet fuel, which is similar to commercial Jet Fuel A. Our previous 90-day inhalation study with JP-8 vapor, using F-344 rats and C57BL/6 mice, resulted in no treatment-related adverse effects other than α 2-microglobin nephropathy in male rats (Mattie et al., 1991). In the present study, male rats were dosed with neat JP-8 (0, 750, 1500, 3000 mg/kg) daily by gavage for 90 days in an effort to characterize the kidney lesion and assess further any additional adverse effects associated with prolonged oral exposure to this fuel. Results of this study revealed a significant dose-dependent decrease in body weights of rats exposed to JP-8. Male rat-specific α 2-microglobin nephropathy was observed by histopathologic examination. A number of significant changes were also seen in blood and urine that were not dose-dependent. Additional treatment-related effects were a gastritis and a perianal dermatitis. Although there were no histopathological or weight changes in the livers of exposed rats, there was an increase in the liver enzymes AST and ALT. The elevated enzymes did not increase with increasing dose of JP-8.
Reproductive Toxicity Screen of Ammonium Dinitramide Administered in the Drinking Water of Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Kinkead Edwin R. , Wolfe Robin E. , Flemming Carlyle D. , Leahy Harold F. , Caldwell Daniel J. , Miller Clay R. , Marit Gary B.
Published: September 2013

The Department of Defense is currently considering replacing ammonium perchlorate with ammonium dinitramide (ADN), a class 1.1 explosive oxidizer to be used in solid rocket propellant mixtures and explosives. This study was intended to evaluate the potential of ADN to produce alterations in paternal fertility, maternal pregnancy and lactation, and growth and development of offspring. Male and female rats received drinking water containing 0.0, 0.2, 1.0, or 2.0 g ADN/liter throughout the study. Mating occurred following 14 days of treatment. All dams, one-half the males, and representative pups were maintained for a total of 90 days of treatment. No mortality occurred in parental animals during the study. Treatment with ADN resulted in no adverse effects on mating; 92-100% of the animals mated. No treatment-related effects were seen in parental animals clinically or histopathologically. Adverse treatment-related effects were noted in maternal and paternal fertility indices, gestational indices, and live birth indices in both the mid- and high-dose groups. Litter sizes in themid- and high-dose groups were significantly smaller than those of the low-dose and control groups. Mean pup weights showed no statistically significant differences between ADN-treated pups and controls. Gross and histopathological examination of the animals failed to identify the cause for the decrease in litter production in the mid- and high-dose dams. This study indicates that ADN is a reproductive toxicant. The no-observable-effect level (NOEL) is 29 mg/kg/day, the median dose of the low-level female rats.
Developmental Toxicity of Orange B when Given To Rats By Gavage
Authors: Collins T.F.X. , Black T.N. , Rorie J.I. , Sprando R.L. , Ruggles D.I.
Published: September 2013

The pyrazolone dye Orange B was given by gavage to pregnant Osborne- Mendel rats throughout gestation. Dose levels of 0, 15, 30, 100, 200, 400, or 700 mglkg body weight were given daily. On gestation day 20, the females were killed and cesarean sections were performed. Feed consumption and maternal weight gain were not affected. No dose-related changes were seen in maternal clinical findings, implantations, fetal viability, or fetal size (weight and length). No compound-related effects were seen in sternebral development. No dose- related effect was seen in the incidence of skeletal variations in fetuses or in the number of litters containing fetuses with skeletal variations. Skeletal development, as measured by the average number of ossified vertebrae, was similar in all groups. No compound-related effects were seen in soft-tissue development.
Reproductive and Neurobehavioral Effects of Sunset Yellow FCF Administered To Mice in the Diet
Authors: Tanaka Toyohito
Published: September 2013

Selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured in mice given the color additive Sunset Yellow FCF in the diet. The additive was given at levels of 0 (control), 0.1 15, 0.30, and 0.60%, from five weeks of age in the F0 generation to nine weeks of age in the F1 generation. There were few adverse effects on litter size, weight, or sex ratio. Average body weight of offspring during the late lactation period was significantly increased in the low- and middle-dose groups of each sex. In the neurobehavioral parameters, swimming direction was significantly affected in a dose-related manner in male and female offspring during the early lactation period. Also in the early lactation period, surface righting and negative geotaxis were significantly affected in male offspring in the middle-dose group, and swimming head angle was significantly affected in female offspring in a dose-related manner. The dose levels of Sunset Yellow FCF in this study did produce some adverse effects in reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters.
Tissue Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion of 2,4,4'-Trichlorobiphenyl (Cb-28) in the Rat
Authors: Moir David , Viau Andre , Chu IH , Wehler Eva Klasson , Mörck Anna , Bergman Åke
Published: September 2013

The tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion of 14C-labeled 2,4,4' trichlorobiphenyl (CB-28) were studied in the rat. Following intravenous administration, radioactivity was removed from the blood rapidly and distributed to tissues. The time-courses of varying concentrations of CB-28 in tissues and blood were described mathematically using nonlinear regression analysis. The highest concentrations of radioactivity were found in the adipose and skin, which showed distinct uptake phases. High levels were seen at 30 minutes in liver and brain, but quickly declined. Fifty-two percent of the given dose was excreted in feces within 14 days. Intraperitoneal administration to three female rats for five consecutive days provided tissues which were analyzed for metabolites.
Strategic Elements of Atsdr's Great Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program
Authors: Derosa Christopher T. , Johnson Barry L.
Published: September 2013

The goal of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's (ATSDR) Great Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program is to identify at-risk populations and to prevent potential human health effects associated with exposure to chemical contaminants in the Great Lakes basin. While this research effort is mandated by the Great Lakes Critical Programs Act of 1990, it also represents a significant opportunity to define a broader model or strategy for other regional or systems-level studies of potential health effects in at-risk populations.

This article describes the strategy developed by ATSDR for this purpose in the Great Lakes Basin, as well as the program's specific research objectives and current status. It also outlines the projected implications of this research effort for greater comprehension of the potential health effects of exposure to contaminants in the Great Lakes Basin.
Composition-Selective Detection of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) By Oxygen-Chlorine Exchange Reaction in a Tandem Mass Spectrometer (Ms/Ms)
Authors: Lopshire R.F. , Watson J.T. , Enke C.G.
Published: September 2013

The exchange reaction of chlorine by oxygen with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) anions was explored as a method for composition-selective detection of PCB congeners in a gas chromatograph/tandem mass spectrometer (GC/MS/MS) experiment. The odd-electron molecular anions of PCBs react with molecular oxygen introduced into the collision cell of a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer to form a product ion that has 19 mass units less (35Cl-16 O) than the precursor. The even-electron anions which also form in the source do not react when allowed to pass through the precursor analyzer. Multiple reaction monitoring allows the generation of separate chromatograms for each different composition from tetrachloro through nonochloro PCB. Most coelutants are resolved in this way. Response factors for the 12 coplanar congeners that exhibit dioxin-like toxicity relative to octachloronaphthalene vary from 1.6 to 580. Results of the analysis of an Aroclor 1242 sample for the coplanar congeners compare well with previously determined values.
The Ojibwa Health Study: Fish Residue Comparisons for Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron
Authors: Dellinger John A. , Meyers Rebecca M. , Gebhardt Kenneth J. , Hansen Lori K.
Published: September 2013

The Ojibwa Health Study is a descriptive epidemiology study of six Ojibwa reservations in the Upper Great Lakes. Fish consumption habits, contaminant (mercury [Hg], polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], and other organochlorines [OCs]) residues in dietary fish and humans, and chronic disease outcomes currently are being documented. Four hundred and fifty questionnaires and approximately 200 biological samples had been collected as of December 1994. Fish collections from reservations included lake trout, walleye, lake whitefish, and lake herring from Lakes Superior (three sites), Michigan, and Huron. Hg and OC residue analyses have been completed for the fish composite samples. A preliminary examination of the data has revealed regional differences in the contaminant burdens of the fish. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron whitefish composite samples had approximately twice the OC concentrations of LakeSuperior whitefish samples. In general, the whitefish composite samples were far below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any state advisory limits for OC or Hg residues. Lake trout samples contained higher amounts of all residues than did the whitefish samples.
Latent Effects of Pesticides and Toxic Substances On Sexual Differentiation of Rodents
Authors: Gray L. Earl , Kelce William R.
Published: September 2013

In humans and rodents, exposure to hormonally active chemicals during sex differentiation can produce morphological pseudohermaphrodism (Schardein, 1993; Gray, 1992). For example, hormonally active drugs like DES (estrogenic), Danazol (androgenic), and progestins cause urogenital malformations in the reproductive tracts of humans and rodents. The current discussion will present new information on the effects of toxic chemicals and pesticides that act on reproductive development via novel mechanisms, including germ cell toxicity, antiandrogenicity, and Ah-receptor binding. Information will be presented that describes how exposure during critical stages of life to synthetic chemicals present in our environment, such as benzidine- based dyes, antiandrogenic fungicides, 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and PCB congener 169, result in abnormal rodent sex differentiation.

In rodents, perinatal exposure to fetal germ cell toxicants reduced the reproductive potential of female, and permanently reduced sperm production in male progeny. Phenotypic sex differentiation, however, was unaffected by these germ cell toxicants. In contrast, antiandrogenic drugs and fungicides induced profound alterations in phenotypic sex differentiation. Effects such as hypospadias, ectopic testes, vaginal pouches, agenesis of the ventral prostate, and nipple retention in male rats were observed commonly. Although these antiandrogens induced no permanent effects in female progeny, another class of chemicals, the Ah-receptor mediated toxicants, did reduce fertility in both male and female rat offspring. Cauda epididymal sperm numbers were reduced permanently in TCDD-exposed male rat and hamster progeny, and female progeny displayed malformations of the external genitalia. Other toxicants produced dramatic alterations of sex differentiation (uterus unicornis, agenesis of the vas and epididymis, and undescended testes), via mechanisms that have not been characterized yet. Since these adult/pubertal alterations resulted from gestational and/or neonatal exposures, future studies should include a comprehensive assessment of reproductive function after perinatal exposure because the developing animal is extremely sensitive to toxicants during sex differentiation, and many of the effects are difficult to detect until late in life.
Breast-Feeding Exposure of Infants To Environmental Contaminants — a Public Health Risk Assessment Viewpoint: Chlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Chlorinated Dibenzofurans
Authors: Pohl Hana R. , Hibbs Beth F.
Published: September 2013

Exposure of children to chlorinated dibenzodioxins and chlorinated dibenzofurans via breast-feeding has been well-documented in industrialized countries. Recent studies indicate a possible link between development of subtle health effects in children and their exposure to dioxin-like chemicals from maternal milk. Some examples of the effects are lower vitamin K levels, increased thyroxine levels, and mild changes in liver enzymes. The projected daily intakes of chlorinated dibenzodioxins and chlorinated dibenzofurans are compared with minimal risk levels for intermediate duration oral exposure (15-365 days) derived for these chemicals. Public health recommendations for future actions related to infant intake of chlorinated dibenzodioxin- and chlorinated dibenzofuran-contaminated breast milk are also addressed.
Toxicological and Environmental Health Information From the National Library of Medicine
Authors: Fonger George Charles
Published: September 2013

The National Library of Medicine's Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program is the outgrowth of a 1966 document on "Handling of Toxicological Information, " prepared by the Presidents Science Advisory Committee (National Library of Medicine, 1995). The Toxicology and Environmental Health Program is responsible for the creation and deployment of both bibliographic and factual files concerned with toxicology, carcinogenesis, developmental and reproductive effects of chemical substances, toxic chemical releases, and the medical and environmental behavior of chemical substances. The two main computer systems that provide bibliographic and factual data banks are Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET) and ELHILL. A number of the files found in the TOXNET system are built and maintained by other federal agencies such as the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Neurophysiological and Neuropathological Evaluation of Primates Exposed To Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide
Authors: Setzer J.V. , Brightwell W. Stephen , Russo John M. , Johnson Barry L. , Lynch Dennis W. , Madden George , Burg Jeanne R. , Sprinz Helmuth
Published: September 2013

Over 500 000 workers in the United States are exposed to ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. These two solvents are used as chemical intermediates, as well as components in the manufacture of fumigants and food preparation. The neurophysiologic and neuropathologic effects of these two organic oxides were investigated in five groups of 12 primates after exposure to 50 or 100 ppm ethylene oxide, 100 or 300 ppm propylene oxide, or no chemical (sham-exposed). Animals were exposed for 7 h/day, 5 dayslwkfor 24 months. Body weights, electroencephalograms, and motor nerve conduction velocities of the sciatic and ulnar nerves were assessed six times throughout the exposure period. Although the monkeys exposed to 100 ppm ethylene oxide had significantly lower mean weights, nerve conduction velocities did not differ significantly among the groups. Following termination of exposures, ten animals (two from each exposure group) were
Treatment of Organic Water Contaminants in Oil Refinery Effluents Investigated By Using a Simulation Model
Authors: Siljeholm Jørn
Published: September 2013

In this paper the wastewater treatment of organic compounds, particularly the water soluble (polar) compounds in refinery effluents, is simulated by addressing biodegradation, adsorption, and stripping/volatilization. The study examines pollutant data from two refineries in Norway and one in the United States. Previously, little attention has been paid to polar compounds. However, they are present in effluents, sometimes in large amounts, and are difficult to characterize and quantify.

The study shows that many polar compounds, including the recently introduced methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether, are biodegraded by <10% in simulated wastewater treatment. The concentrations of some polymers are barely reduced at all, and some metabolites of nonionic surfactants increase in toxicity along the route of degradation, resulting in an end product of the highest toxicity. The study demonstrates that of the substances entering the treatment systems, the residual of selected polar compounds is 38% of the incoming amount, while oil is reduced to 8%. It can be inferred from the study that polar compounds are contaminants, many of which may pose a pollution problem, and that reduction of polar compounds in effluents should be carried out upstream at the source of pollution, rather than downstream by end-of-pipe treatment.
A Hazard Ranking of Organic Contaminants in Refinery Effluents
Authors: Siljeholm Jørn
Published: September 2013

An environmental hazard ranking model (benchmark ranking model) has been developed and used for the ranking of organic compounds likely to be found in petroleum refinery effluents. The hazardfunction is essentially a multiplication of variables for toxicity (as LC50), octanol-water ratio (Kow), soil adsorption (Koc), solubility (S), and half-life (T1/2). The final score is obtained by taking the logarithm of the hazard and normalizing the values from 1-10. It is a benchmark ranking (BR) approach in the sense that the hazard for chemicals with essentially unknown environmental behaviors may be compared with the hazard for chemicals with well-known behaviors.

In general, debates on water pollution have focused on non-polar (hydrophobic) compounds whereas polar (water soluble) compounds have attracted much less attention and regulation. This study focuses on a number of the polar compounds (methyl-tertiary butyl-ether [MTBE], morpholine, metanolamine and others) since there are indications that some of these may cause environmental damage. While non-polar compounds receive the highest score in the study, the combination of frequently large volumes, low biodegradability, low treatability, and analytical detection problems suggest caution when neglecting polar compounds in waste minimization pursuits and in the assessment of environmental hazard and damage.

The ranking results are compared to those obtained by using three regulatory systems for the screening and classification of chemicals from the USA and Western Europe. Only the environmental dimension, not the human health dimension, is incorporated in the comparisons and final scores. Although there is good agreement, the number of compounds that get a low score (1-3 on the 1-10 scale) are fewer in the BR system than in the other systems, partly due to the weight of degradation as T½ in the function.

The lack of accurate input data, in particular for biodegradation, is a major problem in the ranking. Data for biological oxygen demand (BOD), or from major biodegradation models such as BIODEG and AERUD, give little or no distinction between compounds that biodegrade in four months or forty years.
Protection From Jp-8 Jet Fuel Induced Immunotoxicity By Administration of Aerosolized Substance P
Authors: Harris David T. , Sakiestewa Debbie , Robledo Raymond F , Witter Mark
Published: September 2013

Chronic exposure to jet fuel has been shown to cause human liver dysfunction, emotional dysfunction, abnormal electroencephalograms, shortened attention spans, and decreased sensorimotor speed. The United States Air Force has decided to implement the widespread use of JP-8 jet fuel in its operations, although a thorough understanding of its potential effects upon exposed personnel is unclear. Exposure to potential environmental toxicants such as JP-8 may have significant effects on host physiology. Previous studies in mice have shown that short-term, low concentration JP-8 exposure had significant effects on the immune system; e.g., decreased viable immune cell numbers, decreased immune organ weights, and loss of immune function that persisted for extended periods of time (i.e., up to 4 weeks post-exposure).

Previous studies have shown that JP-8 induced pulmonary dysfunction was associated with a decrease in levels of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) in lung lavage fluids. It was found that administration of aerosolized SP was able to protect exposed animals from such JP-8 induced pulmonary changes. In the current study, aerosolized SP was analyzed for its effects on JP-8 induced immunotoxicity in exposed mice. It was observed that SP administration could protect JP-8 exposed animals from losses of viable immune cell numbers, but not losses in immune organ weights. Further, exposure of animals to SP inhibitors generally increased the immunotoxicity of JP-8 exposure. SP appeared to act on all immune cell populations equally as analyzed by flow cytometry, as no one immune cell population appeared to be preferentially protected by SP. Also, SP administration was capable of protecting JP-8 exposed animals from loss of immune function at all concentrations of JP-8 utilized (250-2500 mg/m3). Significantly, SP only needed to be administered for 15 minutes after JP-8 exposure, and was active at both 1 uM and 1 nM concentrations. Thus, SP administration appears to be a relatively simple and efficient means to reverse the immunotoxicity due to hydrocarbon exposure.
Possible Aluminum Content of Canned Drinks
Authors: Abercrombie David E. , Fowler Richard C.
Published: September 2013

Preliminary analyses by a commercial laboratory demonstrated varying amounts of aluminum in a small sampling of canned drinks, which had been stored at 15-20 degrees C., ranging from <0.1 to 74 ppm depending on the product and storage time. Aluminum foil wrap immersed in several drinks demonstrated varying rates of dissolution from nearly zero to 100% over a 7 months period when stored at an incubator temperature of 32-34 degrees C.

Should aluminum prove to be of significant pathophysiologic consequence, some consideration should be given to all possible sources, including canned drinks which are consumed in copious quantities. When internal protective coatings are complete and remain intact, the cans stored properly and the contents consumed within a reasonable period of time, there appears to be little basis for concern about the ingestion of aluminum from the consumption of the canned drinks tested, as things now stand.
Reactive Airway Disease in Patients with Prolonged Exposure to Industrial Solvents
Authors: Jones Kathleen R. , Brautbar Nachman
Published: September 2013

This study examines the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the workplace on pulmonary function tests. Forty-two patients with a history of industrial exposure to organic solvents and pulmonary symptomatology were studied. Lung function tests were determined utilizing screening spirometry lung volumes, diffusion capacity and methacholine stimulation test. While only 10-15% of the symptomatic patients had abnormal screening spirometry, 42% of the patients had significantly abnormal methacholine stimulation tests. These data show that exposure to volatile organic solvents is associated with bronchial hyperreactivity not commonly detected by screening spirometry and requires methacholine stimulation testing in individuals with unexplained symptomatology and history of exposure to industrial solvents. These findings indicate that the incidence of bronchial hyperreactivity is underestimated in patients with (1) verifiable exposure history to volatile organic compounds known to be pulmonary irritants, (2) pulmonary symptomatology with normal screening spirometry.
Ethotoxicology: an Evolutionary Approach To the Study of Environmental Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Authors: Parmigiani Stefano , Palanza Paola , Vom Saal Frederick S.
Published: September 2013

The focus of most studies in behavioral toxicology has been on effects of chemicals on learning and memory, sensory function, activity, and neuromuscular function. Behavior has also been used as a biomarker of chemical exposure, often without concern for the context in which the behavior was being observed. We have applied the strategies employed in ethological analyses of behavior and developed an alternative, ethotoxicological, approach to the study of effects of endocrine disruptors on behavior. This involves examining whether a behavioral alteration may be pathological from the perspective of the adaptive significance of the behavior under investigation. Pathological changes in behavior lead to reduced social adaptation and impaired responsiveness to environmental demands, with consequences for social structure and population dynamics. It thus follows that the ecological context in which the behavior would normally occur and the function of the behavior are of paramount importance when studying the impact of endocrine disruptors.
Application of Health Information To Hazardous Air Pollutants Modeled in Epa's Cumulative Exposure Project
Authors: Caldwell Jane C. , Woodruff Tracey J. , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Axelrad Daniel A.
Published: September 2013

Relatively little is known about the spectrum of health effects, and the scope and level of ambient air concentrations of those pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act as "hazardous air pollutants. " The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Cumulative Exposure Project uses currently available emissions inventories, from a variety of source types, and an atmospheric dispersion model to provide estimates of ambient concentrations for 148 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in over 60,000 census tracts for the year 1990. This paper uses currently available hazard information for those pollutants and provides a database of potential regulatory threshold concentrations of concern, or "benchmark concentrations, " and a methodology for prioritizing and characterizing the quality of the data. In order to demonstrate application of the database and prioritization scheme to outputs from the Cumulative Exposure Project, comparisons were made with the maximum modeled concentration of each individual hazardous air pollutant across the census tracts. Of the 197 benchmark concentrations for cancer and non-cancer (long- and short-term exposures) effects compiled for the study, approximately one half were exceeded with a predominance of exceedance of cancer benchmarks. While the number of benchmark concentrations available to fully characterize potential health effects of these pollutants was limited (approximately 80 percent of HAPs identified as cancer concerns had benchmark concentrations for cancer and 50 percent of all HAPs had non-cancer benchmark concentrations) and there was greater uncertainty in derivation of maximum modeled air concentrations than other levels, the comparison between the two was a useful approach for providing an indication of public health concern from hazardous air pollutants.
Justifier et préciser l'interprétation des données statistiques
Authors: Siracusa Jacques
Published: September 2013

Justify and Clarify The Interpretation of Statistical Data : Sociological criticism of statistical data is expressed in semantic terms. The problem of classification has been widely recognized in France, but that concerning interpretation, related to contextualism, remains relatively disregarded. Three kinds of solutions are presented. To recognize the contribution of these interpretative strategies also leads to seeing that it is important, but often difficult, to specify the contents of these sociological results.
Tall fescue endophyte effects on tolerance to water-deficit stress
Authors: Nagabhyru Padmaja , Dinkins Randy D , Wood Constance L , Bacon Charles W , Schardl Christopher L
Published: September 2013

Background

The endophytic fungus,Neotyphodium coenophialum, can enhance drought tolerance of its host grass, tall fescue. To investigate endophyte effects on plant responses to acute water deficit stress, we did comprehensive profiling of plant metabolite levels in both shoot and root tissues of genetically identical clone pairs of tall fescue with endophyte (E+) and without endophyte (E-) in response to direct water deficit stress. The E- clones were generated by treating E+ plants with fungicide and selectively propagating single tillers. In time course studies on the E+ and E- clones, water was withheld from 0 to 5 days, during which levels of free sugars, sugar alcohols, and amino acids were determined, as were levels of some major fungal metabolites.

Results

After 2–3 days of withholding water, survival and tillering of re-watered plants was significantly greater for E+ than E- clones. Within two to three days of withholding water, significant endophyte effects on metabolites manifested as higher levels of free glucose, fructose, trehalose, sugar alcohols, proline and glutamic acid in shoots and roots. The fungal metabolites, mannitol and loline alkaloids, also significantly increased with water deficit.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that symbioticN. coenophialumaids in survival and recovery of tall fescue plants from water deficit, and acts in part by inducing rapid accumulation of these compatible solutes soon after imposition of stress.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of Melastoma malabathricum Linn. leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Ahmed Danish , Gupta Pushpraj S , Anwar Firoz , Mujeeb Mohd
Published: September 2013

Background

Melastoma malabathricum (MM) Linn leaves traditionally use in the treatment of diabetic conditions. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract taken from Melastoma malabathricum Linn (Melastomaceae).

Methods

The methanolic leaves extract of MM Linn leaves used for the study. Chemical test of different extract, acute toxicity study and oral glucose test was performed. Diabetes was induced in rat by single intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). The rats were divided into following groups: Group I – normal control, Group II (Vehicle) – diabetic control, Group III (STZ-toxic) – MM I (100 mg/kg, p.o.), Group IV – MM II (250 mg/kg, p.o.), Group V – MM III (500 mg/kg, p.o.), Group VI – glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Bodyweight of each rat in the different groups was recorded daily. Biochemical and antioxidant enzyme parameters were determined on day 28. Histology of different organ (heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas) was performed after sacrificing the rats with euthanasia.

Results

The methanolic extract of MM did not show any acute toxicity up-to the dose of 2000 mg/kg and shown better glucose utilization in oral glucose tolerance test. Orally treatment of different doses of MM leaves extract decreased the level of serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1-6-biphosphate and increased the level of plasma insulin, hexokinase. MM treatment decreased liver malondialdehyde but increased the level of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. In oral glucose tolerance test observed increased utilization of glucose. Streptozotocin induced diabetes groups rat treated with different doses of MM leaves extract and glibenclamide significantly increased the body weight. Histopathology analysis on different organ of STZ (streptozotocin) induced diabetic rat show there regenerative effect on the liver, kidney, heart and pancreas.

Conclusion

The antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic effect of methanolic extract from Melastoma malabathricum Linn suggests a potential therapeutic treatment to antidiabetic conditions.
Simultaneous splicing of multiple DNA fragments in one PCR reaction
Authors: Luo Wei-Gui , Liu Hui-Zhen , Lin Wan-Huang , Kabir Mohammed Humayun , Su Yi
Published: September 2013

Background

Rapid and simultaneous splicing of multiple DNA fragments is frequently required in many recombinant DNA projects. However, former overlap extension PCRs, the most common methods for splicing DNA fragments, are not really simultaneous fusing of multiple DNA fragments.

Results

We performed an optimized method which allowed simultaneous splicing of multiple DNA fragments in one PCR reaction. Shorter outermost primers were prior mixed with other PCR components at the same time. A sequential thermo cycling program was adopted for overlap extension reaction and amplification of spliced DNA. Annealing temperature was relatively higher in the overlap extension reaction stage than in the fused DNA amplification. Finally we successfully harvested target PCR products deriving from fusion of two to seven DNA fragments after 5–10 cycles for overlap extension reaction and then 30 cycles for fused DNA amplification.

Conclusions

Our method provides more rapid, economical and handy approach to accurately splice multiple DNA fragments. We believe that our simultaneous splicing overlap extension PCR can be used to fuse more than seven DNA fragments as long as the DNA polymerase can match.
In situ growth of well-dispersed CdS nanocrystals in semiconducting polymers
Authors: Laera Anna Maria , Resta Vincenzo , Piscopiello Emanuela , Miceli Valerio , Schioppa Monica , Scalone Anna Grazia , Benedetto Francesca Di , Tapfer Leander
Published: September 2013

A straight synthetic route to fabricate hybrid nanocomposite films of well-dispersed CdS nanocrystals (NCs) in poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) is reported. A soluble cadmium complex [Cd(SBz)2]2·MI, obtained by incorporating a Lewis base (1-methylimidazole, MI) on the cadmium bis(benzyl)thiol, is used as starting reagent in an in situ thermolytic process. CdS NCs with spherical shape nucleate and grow well below 200°C in a relatively short time (30 min). Photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements performed on CdS/MEH-PPV nanocomposites show that CdS photoluminescence peaks are totally quenched inside MEH-PPV, if compared to CdS/PMMA nanocomposites, as expected due to overlapping of the polymer absorption and CdS emission spectra. The CdS NCs are well-dispersed in size and homogeneously distributed within MEH-PPV matrix as proved by transmission electron microscopy. Nanocomposites with different precursor/polymer weight ratios were prepared in the range from 1:4 to 4:1. Highly dense materials, without NCs clustering, were obtained for a weight/weight ratio of 2:3 between precursor and polymer, making these nanocomposites particularly suitable for optoelectronic and solar energy conversion applications.
Niacin supplementation increases the number of oxidative type I fibers in skeletal muscle of growing pigs
Authors: Khan Muckta , Ringseis Robert , Mooren Frank-Christoph , Krüger Karsten , Most Erika , Eder Klaus
Published: September 2013

Background

A recent study showed that niacin supplementation counteracts the obesity-induced muscle fiber switching from oxidative type I to glycolytic type II and increases the number of type I fibers in skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats. These effects were likely mediated by the induction of key regulators of fiber transition, PGC-1α and PGC-1β, leading to muscle fiber switching and up-regulation of genes involved in mitochondrial fatty acid import and oxidation, citrate cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial biogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether niacin supplementation causes type II to type I muscle and changes the metabolic phenotype of skeletal muscles in growing pigs.

Results

25 male, 11 wk old crossbred pigs (Danzucht x Pietrain) with an average body weight of 32.8 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) kg were randomly allocated to two groups of 12 (control group) and 13 pigs (niacin group) which were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with 750 mg niacin/kg diet. After 3 wk, the percentage number of type I fibers in three different muscles (M. longissismus dorsi, M. quadriceps femoris, M. gastrocnemius) was greater in the niacin group and the percentage number of type II fibers was lower in the niacin group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of PGC-1β and genes involved in mitochondrial fatty acid catabolism (CACT, FATP1, OCTN2), citrate cycle (SDHA), oxidative phosphorylation (COX4/1, COX6A1), and thermogenesis (UCP3) in M. longissimus dorsi were greater in the niacin group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that niacin supplementation induces type II to type I muscle fiber switching, and thereby an oxidative metabolic phenotype of skeletal muscle in pigs. Given that oxidative muscle types tend to develop dark, firm and dry pork in response to intense physical activity and/or high psychological stress levels preslaughter, a niacin-induced change in the muscle´s fiber type distribution may influence meat quality of pigs.
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral co-infections among HIV-1 infected individuals in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Muriuki Beatrice Mukami , Gicheru Michael Muita , Wachira Dorcas , Nyamache Anthony Kebira , Khamadi Samoel Ashimosi
Published: September 2013

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infections among HIV-1 infected individuals are growing worldwide health problems characterized by lack of effective vaccines, need for expensive treatment, chronicity of morbidity and associated mortality. Their prevalence and distribution patterns continue to vary across geographical locations with high prevalence being detected among high risk populations. To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV-1 infected individuals, blood samples were collected from consenting study subjects visiting comprehensive HIV clinics in Nairobi during the period between October and December 2009.

Methods

Blood samples from volunteers were screened with ELISA tests for detecting HIV, HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies.

Results

In a total of three (300) hundred infected individuals consisting of 129 (43%) males and 171 (57%) females 15.3% (46/300) were HIV-1 co-infected with either HBV or HCV or both, 10.3% (31/300) with HIV-1 and HCV and 6% (18/300) with HIV-1 and HBV infections. However, only three individuals (1%) were coinfected with the three viruses (HIV/HBV/HCV).

Conclusion

Though, low levels of co-infection with all three viruses were reported, there could be higher prevalence rates than reported here especially among high risk populations.
Home treatment in paediatric patients with Hunter syndrome: the first Italian experience
Authors: Ceravolo Ferdinando , Mascaro Italia , Sestito Simona , Pascale Elisa , Lauricella Antonino , Dizione Elio , Concolino Daniela
Published: September 2013

Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type II [MPS II], OMIM309900) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulphatase, resulting in accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, progressive multisystem organ failure, and early death. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with weekly intravenous infusions of idursulfase, a treatment for MPS II and commercially available since 2007, has been shown to improve certain symptoms and signs of the disease. The efficacy and safety data of this enzyme preparation have been widely reported and, after a change to the idursulfase Summary of Product Characteristics in March 2010, home ERT by infusion is now an option for selected patients. Previously reported experiences of home therapy in MPS II have shown increased treatment compliance and an improvement in quality of life for both patients and families. We report the results of the home therapy experience of 3 paediatric patients with MPS II in southern Italy. This pilot experience with home infusion is the first reported from Italy.