bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlaboratory evaluation ofHyalella aztecaandChironomus tentansshort-term and long-term sediment toxicity tests
Authors: Norberg-King Teresa J. , Sibley Paul K. , Burton G. Allen , Ingersoll Christopher G. , Kemble Nile E. , Ireland Scott , Mount David R. , Rowland Carolyn D.
Published: September 2006

Methods for assessing the long-term toxicity of sediments to Hyalella azteca and Chironomus tentans can significantly enhance the capacity to assess sublethal effects of contaminated sediments through multiple endpoints. Sublethal tests allow us to begin to understand the relationship between short-term and long-term effects for toxic sediments. We present an interlaboratory evaluation with long-term and 10-d tests using control and contaminated sediments in which we assess whether proposed and existing performance criteria (test acceptability criteria [TAC]) could be achieved. Laboratories became familiar with newly developed, long-term protocols by testing two control sediments in phase 1. In phase 2, the 10-d and long-term tests were examined with several sediments. Laboratories met the TACs, but results varied depending on the test organism, test duration, and endpoints. For the long-term tests in phase 1, 66 to 100% of the laboratories consistently met the TACs for survival, growth, or reproduction using H. azteca, and 70 to 100% of the laboratories met the TACs for survival and growth, emergence, reproduction, and hatchability using C. tentans. In phase 2, fewer laboratories participated in long-term tests: 71 to 88% of the laboratories met the TAC for H. azteca, whereas 50 to 67% met the TAC for C. tentans. In the 10-d tests with H. azteca, and C. tentans, 82 and 88% of the laboratories met the TAC for survival, respectively, and 80% met the TAC for C. tentans growth. For the 10-d and long-term tests, laboratories predicted similar toxicity. Overall, the interlaboratory evaluation showed good precision of the methods, appropriate endpoints were incorporated into the test protocols, and tests effectively predicted the toxicity of sediments.
Toxicity of glyphosate as Glypro® and LI700 to red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) embryos and early hatchlings
Authors: Sparling Donald W. , Matson Cole , Bickham John , Doelling-Brown Paige
Published: September 2006

More than 8.2 billion ha of cropland, gardens, and forests are treated with the herbicide glyphosate each year. Whereas the toxicity of glyphosate and associated adjuvants has been measured in other vertebrates, few, if any, studies have looked at their effects in reptiles. In some instances, management of turtle habitat requires control of successional stages through application of herbicides. Adults and juvenile turtles may be exposed directly, whereas embryos may contact the chemicals through the soil. In the present study, we exposed eggs of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) to single applications of herbicide ranging from 0 to 11,206 ppm wet weight of glyphosate in Glypro® and 0 to 678 ppm of the surfactant, LI700. Hatching success at the highest concentration was significantly lower (73%) than in other treatments (80–100%). At hatch, turtles at the highest concentration weighed less than those at other concentrations. During a 14-d holding period, we observed dose–response relationships in the ability of hatchlings to right themselves when turned on their backs. At the end of the holding period, hatchlings at the highest dose level were still lighter, and somatic indices were lower, than those in other treatments. Genetic damage, as measured by flow cytometry, increased with treatment concentration except for the highest dose. We conclude that because of the high concentrations needed to produce effects and the protection offered by several centimeters of soil or sediment, glyphosate with LI700 poses low levels of risk to red-eared slider embryos under normal field operations with regards to the endpoints measured in the present study. Carelessness in handling glyphosate or failure to follow label directions may produce adverse effects. There also is a risk that the health of turtle embryos may be affected in ways not measured in the present study.
Subacute effects of transgenic Cry1Ab Bacillus thuringiensis corn litter on the isopods Trachelipus rathkii and Armadillidium nasatum
Authors: Clark Bryan W. , Prihoda Kelsey R. , Coats Joel R.
Published: September 2006

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the subacute effects of transgenic Cry1Ab corn leaf material containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein on the terrestrial isopods Trachelipus rathkii and Armadillidium nasatum. Survival and growth were measured for eight weeks in isopods fed leaf material of two Bt11 corn varieties, two Monsanto 810 (Mon810) corn varieties, and the isolines of each. Total lipid and protein content of the organisms was measured to examine effects on energetic reserves. Armadillidium nasatum individuals in all treatments responded similarly. For T. rathkii, no statistically significant effect of Bt was observed, but statistical differences were observed in growth between hybrids. Protein and sugar content of the food were found to be correlated with the differences in growth for T. rathkii. Total protein content was higher in T. rathkii and A. nasatum fed material with higher protein and sugar content. A trend toward less growth in T. rathkii on Bt corn varieties versus their isolines triggered a concentration-response assay with purified Cry1Ab protein. No adverse effects of purified Bt protein were observed. These results indicate that little hazard to T. rathkii and A. nasatum from Bt corn leaf material from these hybrids exists. However, nutritional differences in corn hybrids contributed to differences in isopod growth.
Neuropharmaceuticals in the environment: Mianserin-induced neuroendocrine disruption in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using cDNA microarrays
Authors: van der Ven Karlijn , Keil Dorien , Moens Lotte N. , van Leemput Koen , van Remortel Piet , de Coen Wim M.
Published: September 2006

Because of their environmental occurrence and high biological activity, human pharmaceuticals have received increasing attention from environmental and health agencies. A major bottleneck in their risk assessment is the lack of relevant and specific effect data. We developed an approach using gene expression analysis in quantifying adverse effects of neuroendocrine pharmaceuticals in the environment. We studied effects of mianserin on zebrafish (Danio rerio) gene expression using a brain-specific, custom microarray, with real-time polymerase chain reaction as confirmation. After exposure (0, 25, and 250 μg/L) for 2, 4, and 14 d, RNA was extracted from brain tissue and used for microarray hybridization. In parallel, we investigated the impact of exposure on egg production, fertilization, and hatching. After 2 d of exposure, microarray analysis showed a clear effect of mianserin on important neuroendocrine-related genes (e.g., aromatase and estrogen receptor), indicating that antidepressants can modulate neuroendocrine processes. This initial neuroendocrine effect was followed by a “late gene expression effect” on neuronal plasticity, supporting the current concept regarding the mode of action for antidepressants in mammals. Clear adverse effects on egg viability were seen after 14 d of exposure at the highest concentration tested. Based on the specific molecular impact and the effects on reproduction, we conclude that further investigation of the adverse effects on the brain-liver-gonad axis is needed for a correct ecological risk assessment of antidepressants.
Sorption of p-nitrophenol on two Chinese soils as affected by copper
Authors: Pei Zhi-Guo , Shan Xiao-Quan , Liu Tao , Xie Ya-Ning , Wen Bei , Zhang Shuzhen , Khan Shahamat U.
Published: September 2006

Heavy metals and organic contaminants often coexist in soils. However, very little information is available regarding the effect of metals on the sorption of organic contaminants onto soils and/or of organic contaminants on metal sorption. In the present study, the effect of Cu on the sorption of p-nitrophenol on two Chinese soils was investigated using a batch-equilibration method for three conditions: Copper and p-nitrophenol were sorbed simultaneously, either Cu or p-nitrophenol was sorbed previously, or the soil colloidal phase was removed in part previously. The results suggested that Cu suppressed the sorption of p-nitrophenol on soils, whereas p-nitrophenol had little effect on Cu sorption because of the higher affinity of Cu for soils. Mechanisms of the Cu suppression effect were suggested by the results. First, large hydrated Cu occupy the siloxane surface of soils and prevent nonspecific interaction between p-nitrophenol and soils. Second, the soil colloidal phase is an effective adsorbent of p-nitrophenol; thus, more p-nitrophenol is retained in the aqueous phase. In addition, the aggregation of the colloidal particles may occur, which blocks soil pores, thereby decreasing the sorption of p-nitrophenol on the solid soil phase. Third, x-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that Cu forms inner-sphere complexes with the carboxyl and hydroxyl functional moieties of the soil particles (clayminerals and organic matter). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study indicated that these groups also react with p-nitrophenol through H-bond formation. These results suggested that Cu and p-nitophenol have common sorption sites, at least in the soil organic matter domain, which is partially responsible for the observed overall Cu suppression effect.
Effects of hardness and alkalinity in culture and test waters on reproduction ofCeriodaphnia dubia
Authors: Lasier Peter J. , Winger Parley V. , Hardin Ian R.
Published: September 2006

Ceriodaphnia dubia were cultured in four reconstituted water s with hardness and alkalinity concentrations ranging from soft to the moderately hard water that is required by whole-effluent toxicity (WET) testing methods for culturing test organisms. The effects of these culture formulations alone and in combination with two levels of Cl−,SO2−4, and HCO−3 on reproduction of C. dubia were evaluated with the standard three-brood test. Reproduction was significantly reduced when test waters had lower hardness than culture waters. However, reproduction was not significantly different when animals cultured in low-hardness waters were exposed to moderately hard waters. The hardness of the culture water did not significantly affect the sensitivity of C. dubia to the three anions. Conversely, increased hardness in test waters significantly reduced the toxicities of Cl− and SO2−4, with HCO−3 toxicity following the same pattern. Alkalinity exhibited no consistent effect on Cl− and SO2−4 toxicity. The physiological stress of placing animals cultured in moderately hard water into softer test waters might contribute to marginal failures of otherwise nontoxic effluents. The standard WET protocol should be revised to allow the culture of C. dubia under lower hardness conditions to better represent local surface water chemistries.
Laboratory persistence and fate of fluoxetine in aquatic environments
Authors: Kwon Jeong-Wook , Armbrust Kevin L.
Published: September 2006

The persistence and fate of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been investigated in laboratory-scale experiments, including studies with various aqueous solutions, water/sediment systems, and activated sludge-amended medium. The samples were placed in the dark and/or in a growth chamber fitted with fluorescent lamps simulating the ultraviolet output of sunlight. Over a period of 30 d, fluoxetine was hydrolytically and photolytically stable in all aqueous solutions except synthetic humic water (pH 7), in which the degradation rate was increased by approximately 13-fold in comparison with buffered solutions at the same pH. Fluoxetine rapidly dissipated from the aqueous phase in water/sediment systems, primarily because of distribution to sediments. The dissipation rate from the aqueous phase was similar between light and dark systems, indicating a low contribution of photodegradation to the dissipation of fluoxetine in this system. The potential impact of fluoxetine in aquatic environments would be decreased because of adsorption to sediments. Based on results of ready-biodegradability investigations, fluoxetine would not be expected to rapidly biodegrade in wastewater treatment plants. A photoproduct was detected only in a sample of synthetic humic water and was identified as norfluoxetine formed by demethylation. Results indicate that fluoxetine is relatively recalcitrant to hydrolysis, photolysis, and microbial degradation and that it is rapidly removed from surface waters by adsorption to sediment, where it appears to be persistent.
Changes in juvenile coho salmon electro-olfactogram during and after short-term exposure to current-use pesticides
Authors: Tierney Keith B. , Ross Peter S. , Jarrard Hugh E. , Delaney K.R. , Kennedy Christopher J.
Published: September 2006

For anadromous salmonids, olfaction is a critical sense, enabling return migration. In recent years, several pesticides have been identified that interfere with salmonid olfaction at concentrations in the μg/L range; thus, they may pose a risk to species longe]ity. In the present study, we investigated the acute effects of five agricultural pesticides on juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) olfaction using the electro-olfactogram (EOG), a measure of odorant-evoked field potentials. Electro-olfactogram responses to the odorant L-serine were measured during and following a 30-min exposure of the left olfactory rosette to chlorothalonil, endosulfan, glyphosate acid, iodocarb (IPBC), trifluralin, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. With the relatively insoluble pesticides endosulfan and trifluralin, decreases in EOG amplitude were only apparent at relatively high concentrations (100 and 300 μg/L, respectively) following 20 min of exposure and were absent for chlorothalonil (1 mg/L). With the water-soluble herbicide glyphosate, significant EOG reductions occurred within 10 min of exposure to 1 mg/L and more rapidly with higher concentrations. Recovery of EOG post-glyphosate exposure was concentration-dependent, and complete recovery was not observed with some concentrations at 60 min postexposure. Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid only affected EOG at high concentration (100 mg/L), where it eliminated EOG within 2 min of exposure. With IPBC, EOG was decreased at 25 min of exposure to 1 μg/L; higher concentrations caused decreases to occur more rapidly. Excluding IPBC and glyphosate, all EOG reductions occurred at concentrations greater than the current Canadian water-quality guidelines and reported 96-h lethality values. Our results show that olfactory neurons can be impaired rapidly by some current-use pesticides, even at exposures in the low-μg/L range.
Kinetics of ptaquiloside hydrolysis in aqueous solution
Authors: Ayala-Luis Karina B. , Hansen Pernille B. , Rasmussen Lars H. , Hansen Hans Christian B.
Published: September 2006

Ptaquiloside (PTA) is a well-known toxin produced by the bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn). It is proposed that PTA from bracken stands can leach through soil and sediments into drinking-water reservoirs, thus representing a concern for human health. To predict the persistence of the toxin, a full understanding of the PTA degradation in aqueous environments is important. The kinetics of PTA hydrolysis was examined at 22°C in aqueous buffered solutions (pH 2.88–8.93). The reaction was found to follow first-order kinetics with respect to PTA at all pH and temperature conditions. At pH lower than 4.43 (±0.32), the reaction is acid-mediated, whereas the reaction is base-mediated at pH higher than 6.39 (±0.28). The rate constants for the acidcatalyzed, base-catalyzed, and neutral hydrolysis are 25.70 (±0.96), 4.83 (±0.03) × 104, and 9.49 (±6.02) × 10−4 h−1, respectively. The PTA hydrolysis at pH 4.46 is strongly dependent on temperature, with an activation energy of 74.4 (±2.6) kJ mol−1. Stoichiometric calculations, reaction kinetics, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry strongly indicates the formation of an intermediary compound at pH 5.07 and 6.07 via a mechanism comprising two first-order consecutive reactions. Ptaquiloside has the lowest rate of hydrolysis at slightly acidic pH and low temperatures. Therefore, because PTA is not sorbed in soil, slightly acidic sandy soils in cold climates are most prone to PTA leaching to deeper soil layers and aquifers.
Influences of aging on the bioavailability of sediment-bound Cd and Zn to deposit-feeding sipunculans and soldier crabs
Authors: Zhong Huan , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: September 2006

The radiotracer technique was used to assess the influences of sediment—metal contact time or aging (up to two years) on the bioavailability and geochemical speciation of Cd and Zn in sediments. Bioavailability was quantified by measuring the assimilation efficiency of metals in two deposit-feeding invertebrates (sipunculans and soldier crabs) and the extraction by the sipunculans' gut juices. Sediment aging generally did not significantly affect the Cd speciation in the sediments, Cd assimilation, and Cd extraction. In contrast, sediment aging significantly affected the Zn distribution in different geochemical phases and the Zn bioavailability. With increasing aging, the Zn distributed in the carbonate phase decreased, whereas that in the reducible phase increased. Accordingly, the Zn gut-juice extraction decreased significantly. Two years of aging were not sufficient for Zn to be associated with the organic and residual phases. A significant positive correlation was found between Cd gut-juice extraction and assimilation efficiency. Gut-juice extraction of Cd and Zn generally increased with metal distribution in the exchangeable and carbonate phases but decreased with that in the reducible phase. Our results suggest that different metals are influenced by sediment aging differently and that geochemical speciation analysis is useful in studying the bioavailability of sediment-bound metals. This study may have implications for designing sediment toxicity tests using spiking techniques and for understanding the fates of anthropogenically derived metals in sediments.
Contrasting Pathways of Assimilation
Authors: Dubé Monique G. , Benoy Glenn A. , Wassenaar Leonard I.
Published: September 2006

Fish are commonly used for monitoring the quality of waters receiving pulp mill effluents (PMEs). Isotopic assays of fish tissues have the potential to provide empirical evidence to link an effluent source to exposure. We show in a 45‐d factorial laboratory experiment that different exposure pathways lead to isotopic signatures in fish tissue. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to 10% PME in three ways; direct exposure through addition of PME to aquaria, indirect exposure through invertebrate food consumption (Chironomus tentans cultured in 10% PME), and a combination of both exposure pathways. Of the four stable isotopes measured (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, δ37Cl), δ13C, δ34S, and δ37Cl showed significant differences in exposed animal tissues. δ37Cl of fish muscle tissue showed consistent differences across trophic levels and revealed contrasting pathways of PME exposure. Contrasting δ 37Cl values in C. tentans due to the presence or absence of 10% PME did not translate into δ37Cl differences in fish. Rather, δ37Cl ratios of fish muscle tissue were specifically related to 10% PME exposure in the aquaria (waterborne exposure pathway). Feasible distributions of 37Cl source contributions for observed mixture ratios confirmed that PME accounted for observed differences in δ37Cl among treatments. Direct uptake of chloride ions across gill surfaces is the most likely pathway for assimilation of PME into fish tissues. Considering the variability of PMEs and receiving environments, use of a multi‐isotope approach is recommended for tracing exposure of fish. Use of 37Cl should also be considered in light of its alternative assimilation pathway.
Theoretical Comparison of How Soil Processes Affect Uptake of Metals by Diffusive Gradients in Thinfilms and Plants
Authors: Lehto N. J. , Davison W. , Zhang H. , Tych W.
Published: September 2006

The theoretical basis for using measurements of metal uptake by the technique of diffusive gradients in thinfilms (DGT) to mimic processes in soils that affect uptake of metals by plants is examined. The uptake of metals by plants and DGT were compared conceptually and quantitatively by using the classic Barber model of plant uptake and the DIFS (DGT‐induced fluxes in soils) model of uptake by DGT. For most metals and plants considered, uptake fluxes were similar to those induced by DGT using the most common gel layer thicknesses of 0.2 to 2mm. Consequently DGT perturbs the chemical equilibrium of metals in the soil solution and between soil solution and solid phase, to a similar extent to plants, and therefore induces a similar balance in supply by diffusion and by release from the solid phase. DIFS was used to show that desorption kinetics, which are not considered by the plant uptake model, are likely important for uptake when the capacity of the soil solid phase is large. Model calculations showed that mass flow into a plant root would only contribute appreciably to the total flux of metal under circumstances when the solid phase reservoir of metal was very low. Generally, however, DGT is likely to emulate supply processes from the soil that govern uptake of metal by plants. Exceptions are likely to be found in poorly buffered soils (typically sandy and/or low pH), and at very high concentrations of metals in soil solution, such that the soil solution concentration at the plant root interface is higher than the Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km).
Solute Response to Changing Nutrient Loads in Soil and Walled Ceramic Cup Samplers under Continuous Extraction
Authors: Lentz R. D.
Published: September 2006

This report evaluates a vacuum‐assisted walled percolation sampler preconditioned in soil, and examines the dynamic response of leachate solutes. The 20‐cm walled percolation sampler extracted soil water under continuous tension via a ceramic cup collector embedded in a silica flour layer, whose upper surface interfaced with field soil. In the laboratory, alternating solutions with high and low NO3‐N (232 or 3.6 mg L−1), molybdate‐reactive P (MRP) (1.75 or 0.0 mg L−1), K+ (568 or 3.6 mg L−1), and Br− (9.6 or 0.0 mg L−1) concentrations were delivered directly to the (i) sampler ceramic cup; (ii) silica flour bed surface, or (iii) 12‐mm soil layer placed over the silica flour bed. For alternating input solutions delivered to the silica‐flour bed surface, (i) solute breakthrough (95% equivalency) occurred in 4 pore volumes and was the same for both the high and low concentration input phases of the application, and (ii) concentrations of NO3‐N, Br−, and MRP in cumulative extracted water volumes were within 5% of those in corresponding input volumes. Alternating nutrient loads from high to low levels in the fixed flow rate input waters caused excess MRP (1.6 times that in the high concentration MRP solution) to leach from the calcareous soil. The dynamic character of P transport in K‐fertilized soils deserves further study and may have important environmental implications.
Response of Spinach and Komatsuna to Biogas Effluent Made from Source‐Separated Kitchen Garbage
Authors: Furukawa Yuichiro , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2006

Recycling of kitchen garbage is an urgent task for reducing public spending and environmental burdens by incineration and/or landfill. There is an interesting regional effort in Ogawa, Saitama prefecture, Japan, in which source‐separated kitchen garbage is anaerobically fermented with a biogas plant and the resultant effluent is used as a quick‐release organic fertilizer by surrounding farmers. However, scientific assessments of fertilizer values and risks in the use of the effluent were lacking. Thus, a field experiment was conducted from 2003 to 2004 in Tohoku National Agricultural Research Center to grow spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis L. H. Bailey) for evaluating the fertilizer value of the kitchen garbage effluent (KGE), nitrate, coliform group (CG), Escherichia coli, fecal streptococci (FS), and Vibrio parahaemolyticus concentrations of KGE and in the soil and the plant leaves. A cattle manure effluent (CME) and chemical fertilizers (NPK) were used as controls. Total nitrogen (N) and ammonium N concentrations of the KGE were 1.47 and 1.46 g kg−1, respectively. The bacteria tested were detected in both biogas effluents in the order of 2 to 3 log CFU g−1, but there was little evidence that the biogas effluents increased these bacteria in the soil and the plant leaves. At the rate of 22 g N m−2, yield, total N uptake, apparent N recovery rate, and leaf nitrate ion concentration at harvest of spinach and komatsuna in the KGE plot were mostly comparable to those in the NPK and CME plots. We conclude that the KGE is a quick‐release N fertilizer comparable to chemical fertilizers and does not cause contamination of CG, E. coli, FS, or V. parahaemolyticus in the soil and spinach and komatsuna leaves.
SINGLE, PHYSICALLY ACTIVE, FEMALE: THE EFFECTS OF INFORMATION ABOUT EXERCISE PARTICIPATION AND BODY WEIGHT ON PERCEPTIONS OF YOUNG WOMEN
Authors: Ginis Kathleen A. Martin , Leary Mark R.
Published: September 2006

This experiment examined whether information about a woman's body weight moderates the effects of information about her exercise habits on ratings of her personality and physical appearance. In a 3 (target's exercise status) × 3 (target's body weight) factorial
design, participants (N = 164) read a description of a young woman described as an exerciser, nonexerciser, or control and who was underweight, average weight, or overweight. They then rated her on various personality and physical-attractiveness dimensions. For the personality ratings,
the nonexerciser was rated less favorably than were exerciser and control targets, regardless of her body weight. For the appearance ratings, body weight moderated the effects of exercise habit information such that being underweight countered negative stereotypes associated with being a nonexerciser
and being an exerciser countered negative stereotypes associated with being overweight.
Evaluation of the association between microalbuminuria and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio and systemic disease in dogs
Authors: Whittemore Jacqueline C. , Gill Virginia L. , Jensen Wayne A. , Radecki Steven V. , Lappin Michael R.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To evaluate semiquantitative and quantitative assays for microalbuminuria and determination of the urine albumin-creatinine (UAC) ratio in detection of systemic disease in dogs without overt proteinuria.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—408 dogs.

Procedures—Urine samples that had been obtained from dogs for which a complete medical record was available and in which results of a dipstick test for urine protein were negative were evaluated. Urine protein-creatinine ratios (cutoff values, 0.5 and 0.1), semiquantitative and quantitative microalbuminuria values (cutoff value, 1 mg/dL), and UAC ratios (cutoff values, 100 and 200 mg/g) were determined. Clinical diagnoses rendered within 3 months of enrollment in the study were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity were determined with disease status serving as the standard. Associations with clinical diagnosis, sex, age, BUN and serum creatinine concentrations, blood pressure, results of bacterial culture of urine, temperature, pyuria, hematuria, and bacteriuria were evaluated by use of logistic regression analysis.

Results—48 dogs were healthy, and 360 had at least 1 disease. Significant associations were detected between age, presence of disease, presence of neoplastic disease, BUN and serum creatinine concentrations, and hematuria and results of 1 or both of the microalbuminuria assays.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Microalbuminuria was associated with underlying disease. The sensitivity and specificity of the semiquantitative microalbuminuria test for detection of systemic disease were superior to those of other tests. Microalbuminuria testing in conjunction with other screening procedures may increase diagnosis of subclinical disease, but a prospective study in which the predictive values of screening tests are evaluated, with and without microalbuminuria determination, is needed.
Toggle rod stabilization for treatment of hip joint luxation in dogs: 62 cases (2000–2005)
Authors: Demko Jennifer L. , Sidaway Brian K. , Thieman Kelley M. , Fox Derek B. , Boyle Carolyn R. , McLaughlin Ron M.
Published: September 2006

Objective—To determine outcome of open toggle rod stabilization in dogs with luxation of the hip joint.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—62 dogs.

Procedures—Information on signalment, surgical procedure, and postoperative care was obtained from the medical records. A questionnaire was sent to all owners to solicit follow-up information.

Results—The distribution for time between luxation and surgery was bimodal, with 24 (39%) dogs examined ≤ 2 days after injury and 23 (37%) examined > 7 days after injury. Postoperative complications developed in 16 of the 62 (26%) dogs, with complications developing within 1 week after surgery in 10 of the 16. The most common complication was reluxation, which occurred in 7 dogs. Dogs in which surgery time was < 2 hours were significantly less likely to have a reluxation (2/40 [5%]) than were dogs in which surgery time was ≥ 2 hours (5/22 [23%]). When asked to rate current limb function (0 = no lameness and 5 = non–weightbearing lame) a minimum of 6 months after surgery, 23 of 27 (85%) owners indicated a score of 0 or 1.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study suggest that toggle rod stabilization is an effective treatment for hip joint luxation in dogs. However, complications, particularly reluxation, were common.
Performance of three PCR methods targeting different regions of viral genome for the detection of TTV in Non A-E hepatitis, chronic B and C hepatitis and healthy blood donors
Authors: Ergunay Koray , Sivri Bulent , Karabulut Erdem , Ustacelebi Semsettin , Bayraktar Yusuf
Published: September 2006

TT virus (TTV) was suggested to be the etiologic agent for non A-E hepatitis but this could not yet be proven due to high detection rates not only in hepatitis but also in healthy persons and sensitivity differences of PCR methods employed. The aim of this study was to evaluate TTV DNA positivity in non A-E hepatitis cases, chronic HBV and HCV hepatitis cases and healthy blood donors via PCR systems that target all regions of the viral genome used for viral detection. 23 non A-E hepatitis, 28 chronic HCV, 21 chronic HBV cases and 56 healthy blood donors were included in the study and evaluated by PCR protocols that target 5′-UTR, 3′-UTR and N22 (ORF1) regions. As a result, 3′-UTR and 5′-UTR PCR had comparable detection rates that were higher than N22 PCR. Differences in detection rates among study groups were not statistically significant for any PCR method. Hepatic enzyme levels of the patients were not correlated with the presence of TTV DNA. Detection rate was significantly higher for Non A-E hepatitis group when positivity rates from all methods were combined. These results suggest an alteration of viral genotypes in Non A-E hepatitis which might be associated with pathogenesis.
Concomitant Graves’ disease and primary hyperparathyroidism: clinical implications and preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma by fine needle biopsy
Authors: Thalhammer Michael , Cuk Amra , Pitzl Heinz , Palitzsch Klaus-Dieter
Published: September 2006

A 53-year old female patient, who presented with retrosternal pain, which could be ascribed to reflux oesophagitis and gastritis, furthermore stated recurrent palpitations, sweating and the feeling of uneasiness. In routine laboratory investigation hyperthyroidism and hypercalcaemia were detected. Further testing revealed elevated TSH receptor antibodies and a parathyroid hormone level within the normal range. Scintigraphically a homogeneous, but increased uptake was found. In ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of a nodule parathyroid hormone was verifiable by immunochemical means.

Under thyrostatic treatment with carbimazole the patient became euthyroid, simultaneous a decrease of serum calcium levels could be observed. Parathyroid hormone level remained in normal range. After confirmation of Graves’ disease and adenoma of the parathyroid gland parathyroidectomy in combination with near total resection of the thyroid gland was performed. In conclusions concomitant Graves’ disease and primary hyperparathyroidism is rare, but should be considered in case of persisting hypercalcaemia after the patient became euthyroid again, when parathyroid hormone level is in normal range or elevated. Thus a potentially required second operation can be avoided. By ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration biopsy and immunochemical processing adenomas of parathyroid glands can be localized preoperatively.
Robustness of an Odds‐ratio Test in a Stratified Group Sequential Trial with a Binary Outcome Measure
Authors: Srivastava Deo Kumar , Rai Shesh N. , Pan Jianmin
Published: September 2006

Many clinical trials compare two or more treatment groups by using a binary outcome measure. For example, the goal could be to determine whether the frequency of pain episodes is significantly reduced in the treatment group (arm A) as compared to the control group (arm B). However, for ethical or regulatory reasons, group sequential designs are commonly employed. Then, based on a binomial distribution, the stopping boundaries for the interim analyses are constructed for assessing the difference in the response probabilities between the two groups. This is easily accomplished by using any of the standard procedures, e.g., those discussed by Jennison and Turnbull (2000), and using one of the most commonly used software packages, East (2000). Several factors are known to often affect the primary outcome of interest, but their true distributions are not known in advance. In addition, these factors may cause heterogeneous treatment responses among individuals in a group, and their exact effect size may be unknown. To limit the effect of such factors on the comparison of the two arms, stratified randomization is used in the actual conduct of the trial. Then, a stratified analysis based on the odds ratio proposed in Jennison and Turnbull (2000, pages 251–252) and consistent with the stratified design is undertaken. However, the stopping rules used for the interim analyses are those obtained for determining the differences in response rates in a design that was not stratified. The purpose of this paper is to assess the robustness of such an approach on the performance of the odds ratio test when the underlying distribution and effect size of the factors that influence the outcome may vary. The simulation studies indicate that, in general, the stratified approach offers consistently better results than does the unstratified approach, as long as the difference in the weighted average of the response probabilities across strata between the two groups remains closer to the hypothesized values, irrespective of the differences in the (allocation) distributions and heterogeneous response rate. However, if the response probabilities deviate significantly from the hypothesized values so that the difference in the weighted average is less than the hypothesized value, then the proposed study could be significantly underpowered. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Estimating Treatment Effect Heterogeneity for Binary Outcomes via Dirichlet Multinomial Constraints
Authors: Mascha Edward J. , Albert Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2006

In a randomized two‐group parallel trial the mean causal effect is typically estimated as the difference in means or proportions for patients receiving, say, either treatment (T) or control (C). Treatment effect heterogeneity (TEH), or unit‐treatment interaction, the variability of the causal effect (defined in terms of potential outcomes) across individuals, is often ignored. Since only one of the outcomes, either YT or YC, is observed for each unit in such studies, the TEH is not directly estimable. For convenience, it is often assumed to be minimal or zero. We are particularly interested in the ‘treatment risk’ for binary outcomes, that is, the proportion of individuals who would succeed on C but fail on T. Previous work has shown that the treatment risk can be bounded (Albert, Gadbury and Mascha, 2005), and that the confidence interval width around it can be narrowed using clustered or correlated data (Mascha and Albert, 2006). Without further parameter constraints, treatment risk is unidentifiable. We show, however, that the treatment risk can be directly estimated when the four underlying population counts comprising the joint distribution of the potential outcomes, YT and YC, follow constraints consistent with the Dirichlet multinomial. We propose a test of zero treatment risk and show it to have good size and power. Methods are applied to both a randomized as well as a non‐randomized study. Implications for medical decision‐making at the policy and individual levels are discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanomechanical force measurements of gliadin protein interactions
Authors: Paananen A. , Tappura K. , Tatham A. S. , Fido R. , Shewry P. R. , Miles M. , McMaster T. J.
Published: September 2006

The strength and nature of interactions between monomeric gliadin proteins involving α–α, ω–ω, and α–ω interactions in 0.01M acetic acid, and the effect of urea has been investigated. It was shown by means of nanomechanical force measurements that the stretching events in the separation curve after adhesive phenomena originated from proteins. These stretching events displayed different responses of the α‐ and ω‐gliadins to urea. While 2M urea caused the more globular α‐gliadins to unfold, the β‐turn‐rich ω‐gliadins remained fairly stable even in 8M urea. This suggests different roles for gliadins in the formation of dough; while the ω‐gliadins are still in a compact structure being responsible for the viscous flow, the α‐gliadins have already started to participate in forming the network in dough.© 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 658–667, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Effect of heat‐shock proteins for relieving physiological stress and enhancing the production of penicillin acylase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wu Ming‐Shen , Pan Kao‐Lu , Chou C. Perry
Published: September 2006

High‐level expression of recombinant penicillin acylase (PAC) using the strong trc promoter system in Escherichia coli is frequently limited by the processing and folding of PAC precursors (proPAC) in the periplasm, resulting in physiological stress and inclusion body formation in this compartment. Periplasmic heat‐shock proteins with protease or chaperone activity potentially offer a promise for overcoming this technical hurdle. In this study, the effect of the two genes encoding periplasmic heat‐shock proteins, that is degP and fkpA, on pac overexpression was investigated and manipulation of the two genes to enhance the production of recombinant PAC was demonstrated. Both ΔdegP and ΔfkpA mutants showed defective culture performance primarily due to growth arrest. However, pac expression level was not seriously affected by the mutations, indicating that the two proteins were not directly involved in the pathway for periplasmic processing of proPAC. The growth defect caused by the two mutations (i.e., ΔdegP and ΔfkpA) was complemented by either one of the wild‐type proteins, implying that the function of the two proteins could partially overlap in cells overexpressing pac. The possible role that the two heat‐shock proteins played for suppression of physiological stress caused by pac overexpression is discussed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:956–966. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cover Picture: The Molecular Basis of Self‐Assembly of Dendron–Rod–Coils into One‐Dimensional Nanostructures (Chem. Eur. J. 28/2006)
Authors: Zubarev Eugene R. , Sone Eli D. , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: September 2006

Supramolecular ribbons are formed by the self‐assembly of dendron–rod–coil (DRC) triblock molecules. In their Full Paper on page 7313 ff., S. I. Stupp et al. describe the properties and structural characterization of such molecules. The study provides mechanistic insights and unveils general strategies to create well‐defined one‐dimensional supramolecular objects.
Performance of brush‐type HPLC chiral stationary phases with tertiary amide in the connecting tether
Authors: Forjan Davorka Moslavac , Kontrec Darko , Vinković Vladimir
Published: September 2006

The replacement of the NH hydrogen of the secondary amide‐tethered Pirkle‐concept N‐(3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl)‐L‐leucine derived chiral stationary phase with various π‐basic or aliphatic groups improved the chiral discrimination ability of new chiral stationary phases, based on the leucine‐ or alanine‐derived chiral selector, for the enantiomers of various racemic neutral analytes with amide functional groups. Retention times decreased while separation and resolution factors increased, thus proving the role of π‐donor aromatic unit as an electron‐rich shield in the front of a silica surface. In general, chiral stationary phase (CSP) 5 with the 3,5‐dimethylphenyl unit showed best performance, while CSP 3, with phenyl unit, and CSP 7, with 1‐naphthyl unit in the tertiary amide connecting tether, were less efficient. Chirality, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonlinear chiral interactions in resolutions with benzylamine derivatives
Authors: Pálovics Emese , Fogassy Elemér , Schindler József , Nógrádi Mihály
Published: September 2006

N‐formylphenylalanine was subjected to optical resolution using a chiral agent such as phenylethylamine enantiomer, (R)‐phenylglycine methyl ester, (S)‐N‐benzyl‐2‐aminobutanol, alone or in a mixture with each other or in a mixture with benzylamine. Chirality, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire cervical cancer module
Authors: Greimel Elfriede R. , Kuljanic Vlasic Karin , Waldenstrom Ann‐Charlotte , Duric Vlatka M. , Jensen Pernille T. , Singer Susanne , Chie Weichu , Nordin Andy , Bjelic Radisic Vesna , Wydra Dariusz ,   on behalf of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality‐of‐Life Group
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND

The authors report on the development and validation of a cervical cancer module for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality‐of‐Life (QoL) questionnaire (QLQ), which was designed to assess disease‐specific and treatment‐specific aspects of QoL in patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS

The cervical cancer module (EORTC QLQ‐CX24) was developed in a multicultural, multidisciplinary setting to supplement the EORTC QLQ‐C30 core questionnaire. The QLQ‐C30 and the cervical cancer module were administered to 346 patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Psychometric analyses were performed by using data from 2 independent samples.

RESULTS

The QLQ‐CX24 consists of 3 multiitem scales and 5 single‐item scales. Multitrait scaling analyses revealed high internal consistencies for the subscales with Cronbach α coefficients ranging from .72 to .87 (Symptom Experience, .72; Body Image, .86; Sexual/Vaginal Functioning, .87). Convergent and discriminant validity were fulfilled with scaling errors below 3%. The QLQ‐CX24 was capable of discriminating between clinical subgroups. All items exhibited good compliance with <3% missing values. Most patients completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and the QLQ‐CX24 in <15 minutes (86%), and many did not require any assistance to complete the questionnaires (65%).

CONCLUSIONS

The current psychometric analyses supported the content and construct validity and the reliability of the EORTC QLQ‐CX24 module. This newly developed module is a useful instrument for assessing the QoL of patients who are treated for cervical cancer both in clinical trials and in clinical practice. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Mitral cells in the olfactory bulb of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): Morphology and distribution
Authors: Fuller Cynthia L. , Yettaw Holly K. , Byrd Christine A.
Published: September 2006

The mitral cell is the primary output neuron and central relay in the olfactory bulb of vertebrates. The morphology of these cells has been studied extensively in mammalian systems and to a lesser degree in teleosts. This study uses retrograde tract tracing and other techniques to characterize the morphology and distribution of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb of adult zebrafish, Danio rerio. These output neurons, located primarily in the glomerular layer and superficial internal cell layer, had variable‐shaped somata that ranged in size from 4–18 μm in diameter and 31–96 μm2 in cross‐sectional area. The mitral cells exhibited two main types of morphologies with regard to their dendrites: the unidendritic morphology was a single primary dendrite with one or more tufts, but multidendritic cells with several dendritic projections also were seen. The axons of these cells projected to either the medial or the lateral olfactory tract and, in general, the location of the cell on the medial or lateral side of the bulb was indicative of the tract to which it would project. Further, this study shows that the majority of zebrafish mitral cells likely innervate a single glomerulus rather than multiple glomeruli. This information is contrary to the multiple innervation pattern suggested for all teleost mitral cells. Our findings suggest that mitral cells in zebrafish may be more similar to mammalian mitral cells than previously believed, despite variation in size and structure. This information provides a revised anatomical framework for olfactory processing studies in this key model system. J. Comp. Neurol. 499:218–230, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.