bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Beginnings: A Comparison of Spouses’ Recollections of Courtship
Authors: Ponzetti James J.
Published: March 2005

Family stories are replete with tales about why spouses married and what occurred. Spouses construct their courtship stories in such a way as to capture the unique quality of their relationship as well as chronicle family beginnings. The purpose of this study is to describe and compare spouses’ recollections concerning the events preceding their marriages and the reasons surrounding their decision to marry. One hundred twenty-four spouses were interviewed. Husbands reported longer courtships and typically made a formal marriage proposal. Wives offered more reasons for marriage in their accounts. Dyadic reasons were reported most often by both spouses for their decisions to marry. The conveyance of courtship stories contributes insight into how spouses wish to recount their relationship history to future generations. Furthermore, the comparison of spousal perspectives leads to greater profundity regarding the construction of a shared account for the decision to marry.
A Short Course in Family Therapy: Translating Research Into Practice
Authors: Williams Robert A.
Published: March 2005

This article outlines a graduate-level, one-time-only family therapy course that prepares counseling trainees to be competent at entry-level family therapy in the United States. The approach outlined addresses the training concerns of programs that significantly emphasize individual-focused paradigms and that have limited time to train counseling trainees in family therapy. The pedagogical model draws from the empirically supported brief strategic family therapy model, family process research, relational psychotherapy, and integrative psychotherapy approaches. This article highlights the importance of preparing trainees to develop a strong understanding of how families function before they delve into family therapy treatment. It also highlights the ease at which empirically supported interventions can be integrated into a family therapy course. Although anecdotes and teaching evaluations indicate that the model fits well for trainees, the model needs to be tested for its long-term utility in clinical settings and it needs to be expanded to couples counseling.
The Non-Violent Relationship Questionnaire (NVRQ)
Authors: Eckstein Daniel , La Grassa Lucy
Published: March 2005

In exploring couples’ non-violent communication (NVC), the authors have developed the “Non-Violent Relationship Questionnaire (NVRQ).” The following eight communication variables are described: non-threatening, respect, honesty, parenting together (if applicable), equal responsibility, economic partners, fairness, and trust. Key components of Rosenberg’s non-violent communication are also presented. The article concludes with an inspirational quote by Arun Gandhi, grandson of India’s legendary M. K. Gandhi.
Solution-Focused Treatment of Migraine Headache
Authors: Guterman Jeffrey T. , Mecias Annie , Ainbinder Debra L.
Published: March 2005

Solution-focused counseling is proposed as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment for migraine headache. A case example illustrates the application of the model to migraine headache. Implications for the theory, practice, and research of solution-focused counseling are considered.
Vascular ossification – calcification in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and calciphylaxis – calcific uremic arteriolopathy: the emerging role of sodium thiosulfate
Authors: Hayden Melvin R , Tyagi Suresh C , Kolb Lisa , Sowers James R , Khanna Ramesh
Published: March 2005

Background

Vascular calcification is associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and end stage renal disease. Each of the above contributes to an accelerated and premature demise primarily due to cardiovascular disease. The above conditions are associated with multiple metabolic toxicities resulting in an increase in reactive oxygen species to the arterial vessel wall, which results in a response to injury wound healing (remodeling). The endothelium seems to be at the very center of these disease processes, acting as the first line of defense against these multiple metabolic toxicities and the first to encounter their damaging effects to the arterial vessel wall.

Results

The pathobiomolecular mechanisms of vascular calcification are presented in order to provide the clinician – researcher a database of knowledge to assist in the clinical management of these high-risk patients and examine newer therapies. Calciphylaxis is associated with medial arteriolar vascular calcification and results in ischemic subcutaneous necrosis with vulnerable skin ulcerations and high mortality. Recently, this clinical syndrome (once thought to be rare) is presenting with increasing frequency. Consequently, newer therapeutic modalities need to be explored. Intravenous sodium thiosulfate is currently used as an antidote for the treatment of cyanide poisioning and prevention of toxicities of cisplatin cancer therapies. It is used as a food and medicinal preservative and topically used as an antifungal medication.

Conclusion

A discussion of sodium thiosulfate's dual role as a potent antioxidant and chelator of calcium is presented in order to better understand its role as an emerging novel therapy for the clinical syndrome of calciphylaxis and its complications.
Determining toxicity of lead and zinc runoff in soils: Salinity effects on metal partitioning and on phytotoxicity
Authors: Stevens Daryl P. , McLaughlin Mike J. , Heinrich Tundi
Published: March 2005

When assessingcationic metal toxicity in soils, metals are often added to soil as the chloride, nitrate, or sulfate salts. In many studies, the effects of these anions are ignored or discounted; rarely are appropriate controls included. This study used five soils varying in pH, clay content, and organic matter to determine whether salinity from counter-ions contributed to or confounded metal phytotoxicity. Varying rates of Pb and Zn were applied to soils with or without a leaching treatment to remove the metal counter-ion (NO3-). Lactuca sattva (lettuce) plants were grown in metal-treated soils, and plant dry weights were used to determine median effective concentrations where there was a 50% reduction in yield (EC50s) on the basis of total metals measured in the soil after harvest. In two of the five soils, leaching increased the EC50s significantly for Zn by 1.4- to 3.7-fold. In three of the five soils, leaching increased the EC50s significantly for Pb by 1.6- to 3.0-fold. The shift in EC50s was not a direct result of toxicity of the nitrate ion but was an indirect effect of the salinity increasing metal concentrations in soil solution and increasing its bioavailability for a given total metal concentration. In addition, calculation of potential salinity changes in toxicological studies from the addition of metals exhibiting strong sorption to soil suggested that if the anion associated with the metal is not leached from the soil, direct salinity responses could also lead to significant overestimation of the EC50 for those metals. These findings question the relevance of the application of single-metal salts to soils as a method of assessing metal phytotoxicity when, in many cases in our environment, Zn and Pb accumulate in soil over a period of time and the associated counter-ions are commonly removed from the soil during the accumulation process (e.g., roof and galvanized tower runoff).
A comparative assessment of azinphosmethyl bioaccumulation and toxicity in two estuarine meiobenthic harpacticoid copepods
Authors: Klosterhaus Susan L. , DiPinto Lisa M. , Chandler G. Thomas
Published: March 2005

Aqueous, pore-water, and whole-sediment bioassays were conducted with meiobenthic copepods with different infaunal lifestyles to assess the acute and chronic toxicity of the organophosphorous pesticide azinphosmethyl (APM) and its bioaccumulation potential in sediments. Biota sediment accumulation factors were an order of magnitude higher for the deeper burrowing Amphiascus tenuiremis (26.6) than the epibenthic Microarthridion littorale (2.2). The female A. tenuiremis APM median lethal concentration (LC50; 3.6 μg/L) was twice the male LC50 (1.8 μg/L), in straight seawater exposures, and nearly 20% higher than males in whole-sediment exposures (540 vs 456 ng/g dry weight). Amphiascus tenuiremis were 17 times more sensitive to sediment-associated APM than M. littorale. In pore-water-only exposures, the adult mixed-sex A. tenuiremis LC50 (5.0 μg/L) was nearly twice the seawater mixed-sex LC50 (2.7 μg/L). Dissolved organic carbon in pore water was five times higher (20 mg/L) than in seawater-only exposures (4 mg/L). Differences in acute toxicity within exposure media were driven by species- and sex-specific differences in lipid content. Amphiascus tenuiremis likely experienced greater exposure to sediment-associated toxicants via longer periods of direct contact with pore water than M. littorale and, therefore, exhibited correspondingly higher bioaccumulation and acute toxicity. Copepod reproduction was significantly reduced (>60%) in 14-d sediment culture exposures at sublethal APM levels, suggesting that chronic field exposure to sediment-associated APM would result in sharp declines in copepod population growth.
Agricultural adjuvants: Acute mortality and effects on population growth rate of Daphnia pulex after chronic exposure
Authors: Stark John D. , Walthall William K.
Published: March 2005

Acute and chronic toxicity of eight agricultural adjuvants (Bond®, Kinetic®, Plyac®, R-l 1®, Silwet L-77®, Sylgard 309®, X-77®, and WaterMaxx®) to Daphnia pulex were evaluated with 48-h acute lethal concentration estimates (LC50) and a 10-d population growth-rate measurement, the instantaneous rate of increase (ri). Based on LC50, the order of toxicity was R-11 > X-77 = Sylgard 309 = Silwet L-77 > Kinetic > Bond > Plyac > WaterMaxx; all LC50 estimates were higher than the expected environmental concentration (EEC) of 0.79 mg/L, indicating that none of these adjuvants should cause high levels of mortality in wild D. pulex populations. Extinction, defined as negative population growth rate, occurred after exposure to 0.9 mg/L R-11, 13 mg/L X-77, 25 mg/L Kinetic, 28 mg/L Silwet, 18 mg/L Sylgard, 450 mg/L Bond, 610 mg/L Plyac, and 1,600 mg/L WaterMaxx. Concentrations that caused extinction were substantially below the acute LC50 for R-11, Kinetic, Plyac, X-77, and Bond. The no-observable-effects concentration (NOEC) and lowest-observable-effects concentration (LOEC) for the number of offspring per surviving female after exposure to R-11 were 0.5 and 0.75 mg/L, respectively. The NOEC and LOEC for population size after exposure to R-11 were 0.25 and 0.5 mg/L, respectively. Both of these values were lower than the EEC, indicating that R-11 does have the potential to cause damage to D. pulex populations after application at recommended field rates. The wide range of concentrations causing extinction makes it difficult to generalize about the potential impacts that agricultural adjuvants might have on aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, additional studies that examine effects on other nontarget organisms and determine residues in aquatic ecosystems may be warranted.
Establishing the impact of acid mine drainage through metal bioaccumulation and taxa richness of benthic insects in a tropical Asian stream (the Philippines)
Authors: David Carlos Primo C.
Published: March 2005

The Boac-Makulapnit River (The Philippines) is contaminated with heavy metals primarily due to acid mine drainage (AMD). Heavy-metal levels in river water, sediment, and algae suggest that Cu is the primary contaminant in this system. Copper concentrations decrease longitudinally, indicating a contamination gradient away from the mine. This is also reflected in the whole-body metal concentration of the caddisfly Hydropsyche, wherein higher Cu levels are observed in upstream stations (677–980 μg/g in 2001). In 2002, AMD formation was observed in a midstream station resulting from the oxidation of mine tailings in floodplains deposited during a 1996 tailings spill event. This consequently increased heavy-metal concentrations locally in environmental media and is likewise perceived to have caused the absence of aquatic insects in the midstream reach. Copper concentrations also increased in Hydropsyche found downstream of the new AMD site during this year. Furthermore, even the lower Cu concentrations in Hydropsyche observed in downstream stations are still at least six times higher than the established regional baseline value (29.9 μg/g), which is calculated from samples from clean tributary streams. These tributary streams also showed higher taxa richness for aquatic insect community in riffle zones. Both biomonitoring tools suggest that the whole length of the river is severely impacted. Rehabilitation projects will be underway next year; therefore, such monitoring programs will truly be beneficial when gauging river habitat recovery.
The effects of metals and food availability on the behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Boyd Windy A. , Cole Russell D. , Anderson Gary L. , Williams Phillip L.
Published: March 2005

Caenorhabditis elegans, a nonparasitic soil nematode, was used to assess the combined effects of metal exposures and food availability on behavior. Movement was monitored using a computer tracking system after exposures to Cu, Pb, or Cd while feeding was measured as a change in optical density (△OD) of bacteria suspensions over the exposure period. After 24-h exposures at high and low bacteria concentrations, movement was decreased in a concentration-dependent fashion by Pb and Cd but feeding reductions were not directly proportional to exposure concentrations. Copper exposure induced concentration-dependent declines in feeding and movement regardless of bacteria concentration. The impact of 24-h metal exposures was apparently reduced by increasing food availability. Therefore, exposures were shortened to 4 h in an attempt to minimize starvation effects on movement. Although nematodes were immobilized following 24 h of food depravation, worms deprived of food during the 4-h exposure continued to feed and move after exposure. A bead-ingestion assay after 4-h exposures was also used as an additional means of assessing the effects of metals on feeding behavior. Ingestion was significantly reduced by all concentrations of metals tested, indicating its sensitivity as a sublethal assay. Feeding (△OD) during exposures exhibited similar trends as ingestion but was slightly less sensitive, while movement was the least sensitive assay of 4-h metal exposures to C. elegans. Assessment of multiple sublethal endpoints allowed for the determination of the separate and interactive effects of metals and food availability on C. elegans behavior.
Constituents within pulp mill effluent deplete retinoid stores in white sucker and bind to rainbow trout retinoic acid receptors and retinoid × receptors
Authors: Alsop Derek , Hewitt Mark , Kohli Mohan , Brown Scott , Van Der Kraak Glen
Published: March 2005

Wild female and male white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) inhabiting an area receiving pulp mill effluent had reduced hepatic levels of retinol, didehydroretinol, retinyl esters, and didehydroretinyl esters, while vitamin E levels were unaffected. This disruption of the retinoid system led us to test methanol and dichloromethane extracts from the effluent of 11 pulp mills from across Canada for their ability to bind to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) retinoic acid receptors (RARs) from the gill and retinoid × receptors (RXRs) from the liver. Concentrated extracts of the final effluent from 6 of the 11 pulp mills were able to displace greater than 25% of the receptor-bound [3H]all-trans retinoic acid (RA) or [3H]9-cis RA from trout RARs and RXRs, respectively. The ability of the extracts to displace retinoic acid did not appear to be linked to the pulping or treatment processes. Moreover, extracts with the greatest activity came from thermomechanical mills, suggesting the compounds may originate from the wood furnish. In addition, extracts prepared from wood furnish (wood chips: white spruce [50%], lodgepole pine [47%], and balsam fir [3%]) from one mill were able to displace [3H]RA from the RARs and RXRs. The 4-hydroxy RA, a metabolite of RA that has been shown to be generated in greater quantities in fish exposed to P450-inducing xenobiotics, was able to displace [3H]all-trans RA from trout RARs as effectively as unlabeled all-trans RA. These results suggest that pulp mill effluent may impact the retinoid system of fish at multiple sites, either by decreasing hepatic retinoid stores or through contributing additional ligands (from the wood furnish) that can bind to RA receptors.
Toxicity of ambient atmospheric particulate matter from the lake Michigan (USA) airshed to aquatic organisms
Authors: Sheesley Rebecca J. , Schauer James J. , Hemming Jocelyn D. , Barman Miel A. , Geis Steven W. , Tortorelli James J.
Published: March 2005

Short-term chronic and acute aquatic bioassays are valuable tools in screening a variety of environmental samples. However, only a limited number of studies have used these methods for testing the toxicity of atmospheric particulate matter samples. Previous studies have shown that compounds known to have adverse biological effects, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are deposited in significant quantities into Lake Michigan (USA); however, these compounds comprise a small portion of the total particulate matter deposition. In the present study, a method is described for using Ceriodaphnia dubia, Selenastrum capricornutum (green algae), and MitoScan™ bioassays to compare the toxicities of reconstituted hard freshwater and methylene chloride extracts of atmospheric particulate matter collected at three locations around the southern shore of Lake Michigan in August 2000. The locations include an urban/industrial site in Milwaukee (WI, USA), an urban-impacted/industrial site in Porter (IN, USA), and a rural site in Bridgman (MI, USA). The bulk chemistry, including organic and elemental carbon, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and chloride, shows regional similarities over the sampling event, but the toxicities vary spatially by site, by extraction solvent, and by bioassay. Thus, the bioassays are sufficiently sensitive to show differences in toxicity among the atmospheric particulate matter extracts and have significantly different responses to the samples to enable an initial comparison of toxicity from the different sites.
Methylmercury production in high arctic wetlands
Authors: Loseto Lisa L. , Siciliano Steven D. , Lean David R. S.
Published: March 2005

Mercury is present at elevated levels in the top predators living in High Arctic ecosystems. Because only methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulates in food chains, the sources need to be identified. In temperate environments, wetlands are considered to be the principal sources of MeHg, with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) thought to be responsible. The present study investigated whether High Arctic wetlands produced MeHg and whether SRB were involved in MeHg formation. Frozen soil was collected from 18 High Arctic wetlands before ground thaw, and when analyzed for MeHg, values were low, averaging 0.065 ng/g. When soils were incubated for 30 and 60 d at typical summer Arctic soil temperatures (4°C and 8°C), MeHg increased up to 100-fold. These laboratory observations were consistent with field measurements of wetland surface water, where MeHg concentrations increased from near detection limits (0.02 ng/L) at the inflow to an average of 1.21 ng/L at the outflow. Both laboratory and field data showed MeHg production in High Arctic wetlands. The prevalence of SRB in soil was low, however, and DNA analysis of the dissimilatory sulfate-reductase gene specific to SRB was positive at only one site. The present study showed that wetlands in the High Arctic can produce MeHg but that SRB may not the dominant mercury methylators.
Surveys of plasma vitellogenin and intersex in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) as measures of endocrine disruption by estrogenic contamination in United Kingdom estuaries: Temporal trends, 1996 to 2001
Authors: Kirby Mark F. , Allen Yvonne T. , Dyer Robert A. , Feist Steve W. , Katsiadaki Ioanna , Matthiessen Peter , Scott Alex P. , Smith Andrew , Stentiford Grant D. , Thain John E. , Thomas Kevin V. , Tolhurst Laura , Waldock Michael J.
Published: March 2005

Plasma vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations and the presence of the ovo-testis (intersex) condition have been recorded in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) captured from several United Kingdom (UK) estuaries since 1996 as part of the endocrine disruption in the Marine Environment (EDMAR) project and earlier programs. It has been confirmed that plasma VTG concentrations in male flounder have remained elevated in several UK estuaries (e.g., Tees, Mersey, and Tyne) throughout the period covered by this study. However, the time-series data indicate that plasma VTG, a measure of environmental estrogen contamination, has decreased in fish captured from several estuaries, especially those of the Tyne and Mersey. Shorter time-series data sets from the Forth and Clyde estuaries also suggest a decrease in estrogen contamination at these sites. Trends associated with specific point sources of estrogenic contamination show site-specific patterns. For instance, plasma VTG levels in male flounder captured near the Howdon sewage treatment outfall (Tyne) have shown a steady decline to near baseline levels in 2001, while the plasma of male fish captured at a site adjacent to the Dabholm Gut discharge in the Tees estuary have shown little evidence of a sustained decline. The occurrence of the intersex condition was detected at a low but consistent prevalence through the study period, with the majority of cases recorded in fish captured from the Tyne and Mersey estuaries. The data set does not allow conclusions to be drawn about any temporal trends associated with this condition. The significance of the findings and possible mitigating influences are discussed in terms of the impacts on wild fish and the role of effluent treatment in reducing these.
Organochlorine contaminants in sea turtles: Correlations between whole blood and fat
Authors: Keller Jennifer M. , Kucklick John R. , Harms Craig A. , McClellan-Green Patricia D.
Published: March 2005

Monitoring toxic organochlorine(OC)compounds is an important aspect in wildlife studies, especially in protected species such as sea turtles. The goal of this study was to determine whether blood OC concentrations can predict those in adipose tissue of sea turtles. Blood offers many benefits for monitoring OCs. It can be collected nondestructively from live turtles and can be sampled repeatedly for continuous monitoring. Organochlorine concentrations in blood may better represent the exposure levels of target tissues, but blood concentrations may fluctuate more than those in fatty tissues following recent dietary exposure or lipid mobilization. Paired fat and blood samples were collected from 44 live, juvenile loggerhead sea turtles and 10 juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle carcasses. Organochlorines were analyzed using gas chromatography with electron capture detection and mass spectrometry. Lipid-normalized OC concentrations measured in the blood significantly correlated to levels found in the fat samples of both species. This result suggests that sea turtle blood is a suitable alternative to fatty tissues for measuring OCs because blood concentrations reasonably represent those observed in the paired fat samples. However, blood OC concentrations calculated on a wet-mass basis were significantly and inversely correlated to lipid content in the fat samples. Therefore, caution should be used when monitoring spatial or temporal trends, as OC levels may increase in the blood following mobilization of fat stores, such as during long migrations, breeding, or disease events.
Dynamics of estrogen biomarker responses in rainbow trout exposed to 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol
Authors: Thomas-Jones Emma , Thorpe Karen , Harrison Nicola , Thomas Gethin , Morris Ceri , Hutchinson Thomas , Woodhead Stuart , Tyler Charles
Published: March 2005

We have investigated the response dynamics of the estrogen-dependent genes vitellogenin (VTG) and the vitelline envelope proteins (VEPs) as well as circulating VTG in immature female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-efhinylestradiol (EE2) for periods of 7 and 14 d. Gene responses were quantified by measurement of messenger RNA (mRNA) in liver extracts using a chemiluminescent hybridization protection assay. Circulating VTG was measured by a homologous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Exposure to both E2 and EE2 induced concentration-dependent increases in all biomarkers. The data presented indicate that VEP genes may be more sensitive to estrogens than the VTG gene. The biomarker lowest-observed-effect concentrations (biomarkerLOEC) in the 14-d study with E2 were 14 ng/L (VTG protein, VTG mRNA, VEPβ, and VEPγ) or 4.8 ng/L (VEPα). The EE2 was 5- to 66-fold more potent depending on the biomarker studied. In the 7-d study, all biomarkers were elevated after 48-h exposure to E2, with biomarkerLOECs of 30 ng/L (VTG protein, VTG mRNA, and VEPγ) or 9.7 ng/L (VEPα and VEPβ). Vitellogenin mRNA was induced up to 1,000-fold above baseline, and this translated into an increase of approximately 50,000-fold in circulating VTG. In conclusion, all biomarkers responded to estrogen exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Investigations on the fate of sulfadiazine in manured soil: Laboratory experiments and test plot studies
Authors: Kreuzig Robert , Höltge Sibylla
Published: March 2005

The fate of 14C-labeled sulfadiazine (SDZ) in manured soil has been investigated in laboratory test systems. In the first approach, stability of 14C-SDZ in liquid bovine manure has been tested. Only 1% of the initially applied radiotracer was mineralized to 14C-carbon dioxide and 82% were transferred to nonextractable residues within a 102-d incubation period. Test slurries with defined aged residues were prepared and, supplementary to standard solutions, applied to silty-clay soil samples. These tests showed the high affinity of 14C-SDZ residues to the soil matrix. In the second approach, basic data on microbial, chemical, and photoinduced degradability in soil were gathered. The data indicated the formation of nonextractable residues as the predominant process in soil, which was accelerated by the test slurry application. In the third approach, laboratory lysimeter tests were conducted to investigate leaching and degradation as simultaneously occurring processes. The 14C-SDZ residues (64%) mainly were retained in the surface layer as nonextractable residues. Although a high mobility in soil was revealed by a soil/water distribution coefficient of 2 L kg−1, percolate contamination amounted to only 3% of the initially applied 14C-SDZ. The tendencies of leaching and degradability in soil also were observed in test plot studies under field conditions.
Pour-on formulation of eprinomectin for cattle: Fecal elimination profile and effects on the development of the dung-inhabiting Diptera Neomyia cornicina (L.) (Muscidae)
Authors: Lumaret Jean-Pierre , Errouissi Faiek , Galtier Pierre , Alvinerie Michel
Published: March 2005

The plasma and fecal concentrations ofeprinomectin weredetermined in cattlefollowing topical administrationat a dose rate of 0.5 mg kg−1. The maximum plasma concentrations of 12.24 ng ml−1 occurred 2 d after administration, and eprinomectin remained detectable in plasma 29 d after administration (0.10 ng ml−1). The maximum dung concentration of 350 ng g−1 was observed 3 d after administration and thereafter for at least 29 d (4 ng g−1). The amount of drug recovered in dung during this period was 20.50% ± 4.31% of the total administered dose. The effects of eprinomectin against the nontarget dung-feeding Diptera Neomyia cornicina was assessed under laboratory conditions. Feces voided by cattle treated with eprinomectin were associated with high larval mortality during the first 12 d after treatment, with null emergence until day 7. The no-observed-effect concentration for N. cornicina was estimated to be close to 7 ± 5 ng g−1.
Assimilation and bioconcentration of Ag and Cd by the marine black bream after waterborne and dietary metal exposure
Authors: Long Aimin , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: March 2005

We determined the aqueous uptake and dietary assimilation of Cd and Ag by the marine black bream Acanthopagrus schlegeli following one to four weeks' exposure (or conditioning) to waterborne or dietary Cd or Ag at different concentrations. The concentrations of metals and metallothioneins (MT) in different tissues also were determined. The viscera contained the highest Ag, Cd, and MT concentrations after metal exposure. After exposure to waterborne metals, the metal and MT concentrations in the gills were higher than those in the remaining tissues (mainly muscles and bones), but this pattern was reversed following exposure to dietary metals. The assimilation efficiencies (AEs) of Cd and Ag ranged from 6 to 24% and 15 to 30%, respectively. The rate constant of uptake from the dissolved phase (ku) of Cd and Ag ranged from 2.2 to 7.5 and 8.0 to 31.7 L kg−1 d−1, respectively. In all the exposure experiments, the ku and AE increased with induced MT concentration and tissue metal concentration. Increasing metal accumulation may have been due to the increased available binding sites following the induction of MT in the fish. Furthermore, the MT induced by either Cd or Ag was not specific, but was able to bind with both metals and enhance bioaccumulation. Exposure to dissolved and dietary metals may increase metal accumulation, which potentially may lead to metal toxicity, although the fish may develop a tolerance to metals due to the apparent induction of MT.
Population genetic structure of a nonmigratory estuarine fish (Fundulus heteroclitus) across a strong gradient of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination
Authors: Roark Shaun A. , Nacci Diane , Coiro Laura , Champlin Denise , Guttman Sheldon I.
Published: March 2005

Populations of the estuarine fish Fundulus heteroclitus indigenous to contaminated sites exhibit heritable resistance to some of the toxic effects of early life-stage exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This evolved tolerance provides evidence of strong selection by PCBs, and it suggests other potential genetic effects of these stressors on resident populations. Environmental contaminants have the potential to affect the genetic structure of populations and to reduce genetic diversity, but species life-history traits, particularly patterns of migration and dispersal, also influence the distribution of genetic variation among populations. Therefore, the present was conducted to determine whether genetic diversity or genetic structure is altered in populations of F. heteroclitus indigenous to 18 sites in Massachusetts (USA) and Rhode Island (USA), representing a steep gradient of sediment PCB contamination and culminating in a Superfund site at New Bedford Harbor (NBH; MA, USA). Allele frequencies at enzymatic loci were used to assess genetic structure and diversity. Selection experiments using a highly toxic PCB congener (3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl) were conducted to determine if genetic patterns at field sites could be associated with contaminant exposures. Although allele frequencies clearly reflected a pattern of isolation by distance, the results indicated neither significant loss of genetic diversity nor alteration of allele frequencies for populations of F. heteroclitus in NBH.
Population genetic structure and tolerance to dioxin-like compounds of a migratory marine fish (Menidia menidia) at polychlorinated biphenyl–contaminated and reference sites
Authors: Roark Shaun A. , Kelble Mary A. , Nacci Diane , Champlin Denise , Coiro Laura , Guttman Sheldon I.
Published: March 2005

The present study was conducted to evaluate evidence of genetic adaptation to local contaminants in populations of the migratory marine fish Menidia menidia residing seasonally in reference sites or an industrial harbor contaminated with dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). For this purpose, we compared DLC sensitivity and genetic patterns of populations sampled from sites both inside and outside New Bedford Harbor (NBH; MA, USA), a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site with extreme polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination. Offspring of M. menidia collected from NBH were significantly less sensitive regarding embryonic exposure to the dioxin-like PCB congener 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) than offspring of M. menidia from a reference site. Analysis of 10 polymorphic enzymatic loci indicated little genetic differentiation among populations in the study area. However, genotype frequencies of juveniles from both NBH and an adjacent site in Massachusetts exhibited significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations at one locus, phosphoglucomutase (PGM*). Genetic analysis of survivors of embryonic laboratory exposure to PCB 126 indicated that genotypes atPGM* were related to survivorship. Although a relationship was identified between DLC tolerance and PGM* genotype, regional mixing of M. menidia populations during migration and absence of multigeneration exposure at contaminated sites may limit localized adaptation.
Tumor prevalence and biomarkers of exposure and response in brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) from the Anacostia River, Washington, DC and Tuckahoe River, Maryland, USA
Authors: Pinkney Alfred E. , Harshbarger John C. , May Eric B. , Reichert William L.
Published: March 2005

We valuated liver and skin tumor prevalence and biomarkers of exposure and response in brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) from three locations in the Anacostia River (Washington, DC, USA), a Chesapeake Bay region of concern. The Tuckahoe River (Maryland, USA) served as a reference. Each river was sampled in fall 2000 and spring 2001. In the Anacostia, prevalence of liver tumors was 50 to 68%, and prevalence of skin tumors was 13 to 23% in large (≥260 mm, age ≥3 years) bullheads. Liver and skin tumor prevalence was 10 to 17% and 0%, respectively, in small (150–225 mm, age 1–2 years) bullheads. Tuckahoe bullhead liver tumor prevalence was 0 to 3% (large) and 0% (small); none had skin tumors. Biliary polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-like fluorescent metabolites and liver DNA adduct concentrations were elevated in large and small Anacostia bullheads. Mean adduct concentrations were 16 to 28 times higher than those in Tuckahoe fish. Chromatograms revealed a diagonal radioactive zone, indicating polycyclic aromatic compound (PAC)-DNA adducts. The biomarker data and the 10 to 17% liver tumor prevalence at ages 1 to 2 suggest that these year classes are likely to have a high prevalence as they reach age 3 and older. This study provides the strongest evidence to date of the role of PAHs in tumor development in Anacostia bullheads.
Test-plot studies on runoff of sulfonamides from manured soils after sprinkler irrigation
Authors: Kreuzig Robert , Höltge Sibylla , Brunotte Joachim , Berenzen Norbert , Wogram Jörn , Schulz Ralf
Published: March 2005

Three test-plot series have been performed to gather information on runoff of sulfonamides from manured arable and grassland after sprinkler irrigation. To prepare test slurries with defined aged residues, liquid bovine manure was fortified with sulfadiazine, sulfadimidine, and sulfamethoxazole and stored short-term. After test-slurry application, the arable land was treated by soil cultivation before irrigation, and the manured grassland was irrigated directly with 50 mm h−1 for 2 h. The runoff suspensions were sampled at 5- to 10-min intervals, separated into aqueous phase and suspended matter and residue analyzed. Higher runoff emissions were found from manured grassland plots. The discharge volumes ranged from 106 to 252 L and the total runoff emissions ranged from 13 to 28% of sulfonamides applied initially. Within the first 20 min of the irrigation period that represented a rainfall of 17 mm, emissions, on average, were 4%. The loads of sulfonamides predominantly occurred in the runoff water. The only emissions via suspended matter, on average, were 0.02%. On arable land, however, the runoff was reduced by soil cultivation. Discharge volumes and sulfonamide emissions were 36 to 128 L and 0.1 to 2.5%, respectively. Despite the high-intensity sprinkler irrigation, major emissions did not occur until a 60-min delay.
Field validation of sediment zinc toxicity
Authors: Burton G. Allen , Nguyen Lien T. H. , Janssen Cvolin , Baudo Renato , McWilliam Ruth , Bossuyt Bart , Beltrami Monica , Green Andrew
Published: March 2005

A fields study was conducted to validateconcentrations of zinc in feshwater sediments that are tolerated by benthic macroinvertebrate communities and to determine whether a relationship exists with the acid volatile sulfide (AVS)–simultaneously extracted metal (SEM) model. In both the lake and riverine systems, one sediment type was high in AVS and one low in AVS, which resulted in zinc-spiked sediments that ranged from low to high SEM to AVS ratios. The colonization trays were sampled seasonally, ranging from 6 to 37 weeks of exposure, and were evaluated using several appropriate benthic indices. Results of the field evaluations at the four test sites confirmed the validity of the AVS-SEM model, predicting benthic macroinvertebrate effects correctly 92% of the time. In sediments where the SEM to AVS ratio or the AVS and organic (OC)–normalized fractions exceeded 8 and 583 μmol/g of OC, toxicity was observed from the zinc-spiked sediments. Conversely, when the SEM to AVS ratio or OC-normalized AVS fractions were less than 2 or 100 μmol/g of OC, no toxicity was observed. In the range of 148 to 154 μmol/g of OC, toxicity varied in two treatments. Total zinc concentrations in sediments showed no relationship to benthic effects. The most impaired benthic community occurred in the high-gradient stream sediments, which had low OC and AVS concentrations and SEM to AVS ratios of 33 and 44 in the spiked sediments. Five to six benthic metrics were depressed at SEM to AVS ratios of 8.32 and 9.73. The no-observed-effect level appeared to be near a SEM to AVS ratio of 2, with slight to no effects between ratios of 2.34 and 2.94. No sites with ratios of less than 2 showed any adverse effects.
Toxicity of heavy metals in soil assessed with various soil microbial and plant growth assays: A comparative study
Authors: Broos Kris , Mertens Jelle , Smolders Erik
Published: March 2005

Elevated metal concentrations in soils can disturb the soil ecosystem; thus, researcherss rive to identify the most sensitive assay for detection of the early signs of toxicity. The purpose of the present study was to compare eight different ecotoxicological endpoints on the same set of metal-contaminated soils that were collected from seven series of soils sampled during field trials. The endpoints are based on three microbial assays (potential nitrification rate [PNR], substrate-induced respiration [SIR], and basal respiration [BR]) and two plant growth tests, one of which included symbiotic N fixation. The overall sensitivity of the endpoints to detect statistically significant adverse effects ranked as follows: PNR > SIR (lag time) > plant yield and N fixation > SIR (respiration after 24 and 48 h) > BR. The lowest adverse effect concentrations were found with the PNR at 7 mg kg−1 of Cd and 107 mg kg−1 of Zn. The variability of these endpoints among different uncontaminated soils was additionally assessed on 14 soil samples. That variability showed a strong correlation with sensitivity scores, illustrating that metal-sensitive endpoints have a large natural variability. We question the ecological relevance of highly sensitive microbial assays, because they tend to have a large natural variability. The identification of toxicity in the field requires endpoints that are highly sensitive and that do not vary greatly among soils (i.e., robust); however, no such endpoint was found in the present study. The endpoints that combined average sensitivity and robustness were SIR (lag time), clover yield, and N fixation in clover.
Aging of triazine amine in soils demonstrated through sorption, desorption, and bioavailability measurements
Authors: Godskesen Berit , Holm Peter E. , Jacobsen Ole S. , Jacobsen Carsten S.
Published: March 2005

The aging of triazine amine in soil was studied during a time course of 119 d by measuring bioavailability in terms of mineralization after inoculation of the triazine amine–degrading bacterium Rhodococcus erythropolis TA57. The bioavailability was measured in four soil samples: A-, B-, and C-horizons from an agricultural soil profile and in a peat soil. The sorption of triazine amine in the soil samples was quantified during the period of aging in terms of sorption distribution coefficients (Kd) and desorption distribution coefficients (Kd,des). Measures of bioavailability and triazine amine concentration in the nonavailable fraction showed effects of aging in the soils that were rich in organic matter. The triazine amine bioavailability declined significantly during the aging period in soils containing greater than 2% organic carbon, whereas the B- and C-horizons showed no signs of aging, in agreement with their low content of organic material. Corresponding to this, desorption decreased significantly in the A-horizon but, surprisingly, not in the peat soil. Analyses by thin-layer chromatography indicated an association of aqueous triazine amine and dissolved organic matter in the peat soil. This gives an explanation for both the significant decrease in bioavailability and the noncorresponding stability of the nonavailable (i.e., nondesorbed) fraction.
Inhibition of microbial metabolism in anaerobic lagoons by selected sulfonamides, tetracyclines, lincomycin, and tylosin tartrate
Authors: Loftin Keith A. , Henny Cynthia , Adams Craig D. , Surampali Rao , Mormile Melanie R.
Published: March 2005

Antibiotics are used to maintain healthy livestock and to promote weight gain in concentrated animal feed operations. Antibiotics rarely are metabolized completely by livestock and, thus, are often present in livestock waste and in waste-treatment lagoons. The introduction of antibiotics into anaerobic lagoons commonly used for swine waste treatment has the potential for negative impacts on lagoon performance, which relies on a consortium of microbes ranging from fermentative microorganisms to methanogens. To address this concern, the effects of eight common veterinary antibiotics on anaerobic activity were studied. Anaerobic microcosms, prepared from freshly collected lagoon slurries, were amended with individual antibiotics at 10 mg/L for the initial screening study and at 1, 5, and 25 mg/L for the dose-response study. Monitored metabolic indicators included hydrogen, methane, and volatile fatty acid concentrations as well as chemical oxygen demand. The selected antibiotics significantly inhibited methane production relative to unamended controls, thus indicating that antibiotics at concentrations commonly found in swine lagoons can negatively impact anaerobic metabolism. Additionally, historical antibiotic usage seems to be a potential factor in affecting methane production. Specifically, less inhibition of methane production was noted in samples taken from the lagoon with a history of multiple-antibiotic use.
Effects of contaminant exposure on reproductive success of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nesting in delaware river and bay, USA
Authors: Toschik Pamela C. , Rattner Barnett A. , McGowan Peter C. , Christman Mary C. , Carter David B. , Hale Robert C. , Matson Cole W. , Ottinger Mary Ann
Published: March 2005

Dspite serious water-quality problemsandpollutant loading andretention, Delaware River and Bay(USA) provide important wildlife habitat. In 2002, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of contaminant exposure and reproduction of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) breeding in Delaware River and Bay. Sample eggs were collected from 39 nests and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury; a subset of 15 eggs was analyzed for perfluorinated compounds and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The fate of each nest was monitored weekly. Concentrations of 10 organochlorine pesticides or metabolites, total PCBs, and several toxic PCB congeners were greater (p < 0.05) in eggs collected between the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C and D Canal) and Trenton (Delaware River and northern Bay) compared to other sites. Concentrations of p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE; 0.785–3.84 μg/g wet wt) and total PCBs (5.50–14.5 μg/g wet wt) in eggs collected between the C and D Canal and Trenton were similar to levels recently found in the Chesapeake Bay. In all study segments, at least one young fledged from 66 to 75% of nests. Productivity for Delaware Inland Bays (reference area) and southern Delaware Bay was 1.17 and 1.42 fledglings/active nest, respectively; north of the C and D Canal, productivity was 1.00 fledgling/active nest, which is marginally adequate to maintain the population. Using these data, a logistic regression model found that contaminant concentrations (p,p′-DDE, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and metabolites, and total PCBs) were predictive of hatching success. Several perfluorinated compounds and PBDEs were detected in eggs at concentrations approaching 1 μg/g wet weight. These findings provide evidence that contaminants continue to be a significant stressor on osprey productivity in the northern Delaware River and Bay.
Use and toxicity of pyrethroid pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA
Authors: Amweg Erin L. , Weston Donald P. , Ureda Nicole M.
Published: March 2005

The use of pyrethroid insecticides is increasing for agriculture, commercial pest control, and residential consumer use. In addition, there is a trend toward the use of newer and more potent compounds. Little is known about the toxicity of sediment-associated pyrethroid residues to aquatic organisms, yet recent work has shown they commonly are found in aquatic sediments in the heavily agricultural Central Valley of California, USA. Minimal data exist on the sensitivity of standard sediment toxicity testing species to pyrethroids, despite two or more decades of agricultural use of these compounds. Sediment concentrations causing acute toxicity and growth impairment to the amphipod Hyalella azteca were determined for six pyrethroids in three sediments, ranging from 1.1 to 6.5% organic carbon (OC). In order of decreasing toxicity of sediment-associated residues, the compounds tested were bifenthrin (average 10-d median lethal concentration [LC50] = 0.18 μg/g OC), lambda-cyhalothrin (0.45 μg/g OC), deltamethrin (0.79 μg/g OC), esfenvalerate (0.89 μg/g OC), cyfluthrin (1.08 μg/g OC), and permethrin (4.87 μg/g OC). In a sediment containing about 1% OC, most pyrethroids, except permethrin, would be acutely toxic to H. azteca at concentrations of 2 to 10 ng/g dry weight, a concentration only slightly above current analytical detection limits. Growth typically was inhibited at concentrations below the LC50; animal biomass on average was 38% below controls when exposed to pyrethroid concentrations roughly one-third to one-half the LC50. Survival data are consistent with current theory that exposure occurs primarily via the interstitial water rather than the particulate phase. A reanalysis of previously reported field data using these toxicity data confirms that the compounds are exceeding concentrations acutely toxic to sensitive species in many agriculture-dominated water bodies.