bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytotoxicity of trace metals in spiked and field-contaminated soils: Linking soil-extractable metals with toxicity
Authors: Hamels Fanny , Malevé Jasmina , Sonnet Philippe , Kleja Dan Berggren , Smolders Erik 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Soil tests have been widely developed to predict trace metal uptake by plants. The prediction of metal toxicity, however, has rarely been tested. The present study was set up to compare 8 established soil tests for diagnosing phytotoxicity in contaminated soils. Nine soils contaminated with Zn or Cu by metal mining, smelting, or processing were collected. Uncontaminated reference soils with similar soil properties were sampled, and series of increasing contamination were created by mixing each with the corresponding soil. In addition, each reference soil was spiked with either ZnCl2 or CuCl2 at several concentrations. Total metal toxicity to barley seedling growth in the field-contaminated soils was up to 30 times lower than that in corresponding spiked soils. Total metal (aqua regia–soluble) toxicity thresholds of 50% effective concentrations (EC50) varied by factors up to 260 (Zn) or 6 (Cu) among soils. For Zn, variations in EC50 thresholds decreased as aqua regia &gt; 0.43 M HNO3 &gt; 0.05 M ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) &gt; 1 M NH4NO3 &gt; cobaltihexamine &gt; diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) &gt; 0.001 M CaCl2, suggesting that the last extraction is the most robust phytotoxicity index for Zn. The EDTA extraction was the most robust for Cu-contaminated soils. The isotopically exchangeable fraction of the total soil metal in the field-contaminated soils markedly explained the lower toxicity compared with spiked soils. The isotope exchange method can be used to translate soil metal limits derived from soils spiked with metal salts to site-specific soil metal limits. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2479–2487. © 2014 SETAC
Depuration of metals by the green-colored oyster Crassostrea sikamea
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Wen-Xiong 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

The accumulation of metals (especially copper) in oysters has led to green-color now being found in Chinese estuaries. In the present study, the authors quantified the depuration of 8 metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in green-colored oysters (Crassostrea sikamea) collected from an estuary that is heavily contaminated by metals as a result of industrial effluent releases. The oysters were depurated under laboratory conditions for 4 mo; the accumulated concentrations and the subcellular distribution of metals were measured at different time intervals. Results showed that the green color of oysters faded to light yellow (nearly normal) after 4 mo of depuration. Depuration of metals could be described by a first-order kinetic process. The calculated overall depuration rate constants of metals were in the range of 0.008 d−1 to 0.024 d−1, with a biological retention half-life of 30 d to 70 d. The depuration rates of green-colored contaminated oysters were significantly higher for Cd, Cu, Cr, and Ni than the rates of oysters from a less contaminated site, whereas the depuration rates of Ag, Co, Pb, and Zn were comparable between the 2 populations. When corrected for the change of oyster tissue weight, the actual efflux rate constants of the metals (0.0708–0.1014 d−1) were much higher than the overall depuration rate constants. Cellular debris and metallothionein-like proteins were the important fractions binding with the metals in the oysters. Significant changes in metal subcellular distribution were observed during the 4-mo depuration for Ag, Cd, Cu, and Zn. Metallothionein-like protein became more important in sequestering the metals during the depuration period, with a concomitant decrease in metals associated with the cellular debris fraction. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2379–2385. © 2014 SETAC
Development of a strontium chronic effects benchmark for aquatic life in freshwater
Authors: McPherson Cathy A. , Lawrence Gary S. , Elphick James R. , Chapman Peter M. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

There are no national water-quality guidelines for strontium for the protection of freshwater aquatic life in North America or elsewhere. Available data on the acute and chronic toxicity of strontium to freshwater aquatic life were compiled and reviewed. Acute toxicity was reported to occur at concentrations ranging from 75 mg/L to 15 000 mg/L. The majority of chronic effects occurred at concentrations above 11 mg/L; however, calculation of a representative benchmark was confounded by results from 4 studies indicating that chronic effects occurred at lower concentrations than all other studies, in 2 cases below background concentrations reported for US and European streams. Two of these studies, including 1 reporting effects below background concentrations, were repeated and found not to be reproducible; chronic effects occurred at considerably higher strontium concentrations than in the original studies. Studies with narrow-mouthed toad and goldfish were not repeated; both studies reported chronic effects below background concentrations, and both studies had been conducted by the authors of 1 of the 2 studies that were repeated and shown to be nonreproducible. Studies by these authors (3 of the 4 confounding studies), conducted over 30 yr ago, lacked detail in reporting of methods and results. It is thus likely that repeating the toad and goldfish studies would also have resulted in a higher strontium effects concentration. A strontium chronic effects benchmark of 10.7 mg/L that incorporates the results of additional testing summarized in the present study is proposed for freshwater environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2472–2478. © 2014 SETAC
Stability of limonene and monitoring of a hydroperoxide in fragranced products
Authors: Kern Susanne , Granier Thierry , Dkhil Hafida , Haupt Tina , Ellis Graham , Natsch Andreas 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTUpon prolonged exposure to air, limonene is prone to oxidation. Hydroperoxides formed upon oxidation are strong skin sensitizers in animal tests and give positive patch tests in human dermatitis patients. However, there is no analytical evidence indicating potential sources from which the public can be exposed to sufficient quantities of limonene hydroperoxide for induction of skin sensitization to occur. It has been proposed that fragranced products might lead to such exposure. Here, we developed analytical methods using mass spectrometry (MS) in combination with gas chromatography (GC)‐MS and liquid chromatography (LC)‐MS to detect limonene‐2‐OOH. GC‐MS has a low sensitivity, whereas LC‐MS was found to be a sensitive method to detect this hydroperoxide. However, selectivity of LC‐MS is low in complex fine fragrances owing to limited separation and unspecific ions. We developed an additional method based on selective reduction of limonene‐2‐OOH to carveol by triphenylphosphine (PPh3). Quantitative carveol formation from the hydroperoxide in the presence of PPh3 could be verified in hydroperoxide‐spiked fragrances. These methods were then applied to stability studies. We found a high stability of limonene in eaux de toilette and the PPh3‐reduction assay gave no indication of hydroperoxide formation in repeatedly opened, half‐empty bottles stored for 9 months. Aged fine fragrances retrieved from consumers contained an average of 1990 µg/g limonene, but only traces of carveol were formed in a minority of the samples in the presence of PPh3. Control samples were spiked with trans‐limonene‐2‐OOH. Quantitative trans‐carveol formation in the presence of PPh3 indicated that the method would detect the hydroperoxide in these consumer products if it was present at higher concentrations. In conclusion, limonene‐2‐OOH may be detected in complex fragrance samples by selective reduction followed by GC‐MS. However, we could not find evidence for significant limonene‐2‐OOH formation in aged fine fragrance samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autotaxin Downregulates LPS‐Induced Microglia Activation and Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines Production
Authors: Awada Rana , Saulnier‐Blache Jean Sébastien , Grès Sandra , Bourdon Emmanuel , Rondeau Philippe , Parimisetty Avinash , Orihuela Ruben , Harry G. Jean , d'Hellencourt Christian Lefebvre 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTInflammation is essential in defense against infection or injury. It is tightly regulated, as over‐response can be detrimental, especially in immune‐privileged organs such as the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia constitutes the major source of inflammatory factors, but are also involved in the regulation of the inflammation and in the reparation. Autotaxin (ATX), a phospholipase D, converts lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) into lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and is upregulated in several CNS injuries. LPA, a pleiotropic immunomodulatory factor, can induce multiple cellular processes including morphological changes, proliferation, death, and survival. We investigated ATX effects on microglia inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), mimicking gram‐negative infection. Murine BV‐2 microglia and stable transfected, overexpressing ATX‐BV‐2 (A +) microglia were treated with LPS. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐10 mRNA and proteins levels were examined by qRT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. Secreted LPA was quantified by a radioenzymatic assay and microglial activation markers (CD11b, CD14, B7.1, and B7.2) were determined by flow cytometry. ATX expression and LPA production were significantly enhanced in LPS treated BV‐2 cells. LPS induction of mRNA and protein level for TNFα and IL‐6 were inhibited in A+ cells, while IL‐10 was increased. CD11b, CD14, and B7.1, and B7.2 expressions were reduced in A+ cells. Our results strongly suggest deactivation of microglia and an IL‐10 inhibitory of ATX with LPS induced microglia activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2123–2132, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Mechanisms Associated With PTHrP‐Induced Proliferation of Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Martín María Julia , Calvo Natalia , de Boland Ana Russo , Gentili Claudia 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTParathyroid Hormone‐related Protein (PTHrP) is normally produced in many tissues and is recognized for its endocrine, paracrine, autocrine and intracrine modes of action. PTHrP is also implicated in different types of cancer and its expression correlates with the severity of colon carcinoma. Using the human colon cell line Caco‐2 we recently obtained evidence that PTHrP, through a paracrine pathway, exerts a protective effect under apoptotic conditions. However, if exogenous PTHrP is able or not to induce the proliferation of these intestinal tumor cells is not known. We found that PTHrP treatment increases the number of live Caco‐2 cells. The hormone induces the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of ERK 1/2, α p38 MAPK, and Akt, without affecting JNK phosphorylation. In addition, PTHrP‐dependent ERK phosphorylation is reverted when PI3K activity was inhibited. Following MAPKs nuclear translocation, the transcription factors ATF‐1 and CREB were activated in a biphasic manner. In addition PTHrP induces the translocation into the nucleus of β‐catenin, protein that plays key role in maintaining the growth and proliferation of colorectal cancer, and increases the amount of both positive cell cycle regulators c‐Myc and Cyclin D. Studies with ERK1/2, α p38 MAPK, and PI3K specific inhibitors showed that PTHrP regulates Caco‐2 cell proliferation via these signaling pathways. In conclusion, the results obtained in this work expand our knowledge on the role of exogenous PTHrP in intestinal tumor cells and identify the signaling pathways that are involved in the mitogenic effect of the hormone on Caco‐2 cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2133–2145, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The accuracy of self‐reported drug ingestion histories in emergency department patients
Authors: Monte Andrew A. , Heard Kennon J. , Hoppe Jason A. , Vasiliou Vasilis , Gonzalez Frank J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInaccuracies in self‐reports may lead to duplication of therapy, failure to appreciate non‐compliance leading to exacerbation of chronic medical conditions, or inaccurate research conclusions. Our objective is to determine the accuracy of self‐reported drug ingestion histories in patients presenting to an urban academic emergency department (ED). We conducted a prospective cohort study in ED patients presenting for pain or nausea. We obtained a structured drug ingestion history including all prescription drugs, over‐the‐counter medication (OTC) drugs, and illicit drugs for the 48 hours prior to ED presentation. We obtained urine comprehensive drug screens (CDS) and determined self‐report/CDS concordance. Fifty‐five patients were enrolled. Self‐reported drug ingestion histories were poor in these patients; only 17 (30.9%) of histories were concordant with the CDS. For the individual drug classes, prescription drug‐CDS was concordant in 32 (58.2%), OTC‐CDS was concordant in 33 (60%), and illicit drug‐CDS was concordant in 45 (81.8%) of subjects. No demographic factors predicted an accurate self‐reported drug history. Sixteen patients had drugs detected by CDS that were unreported by history. Nine of these 16 included an unreported opioid. In conclusion, self‐reported drug ingestion histories are often inaccurate and resources are needed to confirm compliance and ensure unreported drugs are not overlooked.
On the homology of the shoulder girdle in turtles
Authors: Nagashima Hiroshi , Sugahara Fumiaki , Takechi Masaki , Sato Noboru , Kuratani Shigeru 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe shoulder girdle in turtles is encapsulated in the shell and has a triradiate morphology. Due to its unique configuration among amniotes, many theories have been proposed about the skeletal identities of the projections for the past two centuries. Although the dorsal ramus represents the scapular blade, the ventral two rami remain uncertain. In particular, the ventrorostral process has been compared to a clavicle, an acromion, and a procoracoid based on its morphology, its connectivity to the rest of the skeleton and to muscles, as well as with its ossification center, cell lineage, and gene expression. In making these comparisons, the shoulder girdle skeleton of anurans has often been used as a reference. This review traces the history of the debate on the homology of the shoulder girdle in turtles. And based on the integrative aspects of developmental biology, comparative morphology, and paleontology, we suggest acromion and procoracoid identities for the two ventral processes. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 244–254, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ontogenetic development and sexual dimorphism of franciscana dolphin skull: A 3D geometric morphometric approach
Authors: del Castillo Daniela L. , Flores David A. , Cappozzo Humberto L. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work was to study the postnatal ontogenetic development of Pontoporia blainvillei skull, identifying major changes on shape, and relating them to relevant factors in the life history of the species. We analyzed a complete ontogenetic series (73♂, 83♀) with three‐dimensional geometric morphometric techniques. Immature dolphins showed a very well‐developed braincase and a poorly developed rostrum, and the principal postnatal changes affected the rostrum and the temporal fossa, both structures implied functionally to the feeding apparatus, thus suggesting a specialized mode for catch fast prey in P. blainvillei. Osseous elements associated with sound production were already well developed on immature dolphins, suggesting the importance of this apparatus since the beginning of postnatal life. Sexual dimorphism was detected on both shape and size variables. Females were bigger than males, in accordance with previous studies. Shape differences between sexes were found on the posterior part of premaxillaries and external bony nares (P < 0.01), suggesting that this sexual dimorphism is related to differences on vocalization capabilities. J. Morphol. 275:1366–1375, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vineyards in Terraced Landscapes: New Opportunities from Lidar Data
Authors: Tarolli Paolo , Sofia Giulia , Calligaro Simone , Prosdocimi Massimo , Preti Federico , Dalla Fontana Giancarlo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVineyard landscapes are a relevant part of the European culture, and several authors concluded that they are the agricultural practice that causes the highest soil loss. Grape quality depends on the availability of water, and soil erosion is an important parameter dictating the vineyard sustainability; therefore, soil and water conservation measures are often implemented. Among them, the construction of terraces is the most widely used system. However, while favouring agricultural activities, terraces if not properly maintained can lead to local instabilities creating hazards for settlements and cultivations, and for the related economy. Terraced fields are also served by agricultural roads that can have deep effects on water flows triggering surface erosion. The goal of this research is to use lidar elevation data for a hydro‐geomorphological analysis of terraced vineyards. The work is divided in two parts. At first, the Relative Path Impact Index is tested in two vineyards to identify terrace‐induced and road‐induced erosions. Statistical thresholds of the Relative Path Impact Index are then defined to label the most critical areas. On the second step, using the index and the defined thresholds, we simulate different scenarios of soil conservation measures, establishing the optimal solution to reduce erosion. The results highlight the effectiveness of high‐resolution topography in the analysis of surface erosion in terraced vineyards, when the surface water flow is the main factor triggering the instabilities. The proposed analysis can help in scheduling a suitable planning to mitigate the consequences of the anthropogenic alterations induced by the terraces and agricultural roads. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Friction and wear performance of MoDTC‐containing and ester‐containing lubricants over steel surfaces under reciprocating conditions
Authors: Trindade Eduardo Dominguez , Zuleta Durango Alexander , Sinatora Amilton 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLubricant oil can be regarded as a complex mixture of base oils and additives, each one with its specific functions and behaviour. In this paper, the interaction of a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC)‐based additive and combinations of a polyalphaolefin and a synthetic ester is investigated. A reciprocating ball‐on‐disc configuration was used for tribological tests. The effect of MoDTC is seen as a sharp drop in the coefficient of friction. This friction reduction is affected by the base fluid: the effect is more intense and lasts longer when the ester content is decreased. The applied normal force also affects the MoDTC effect, which is not sustainable at higher loads. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective study of the relationship between sense of coherence, depression, anxiety, and quality of life of haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients over time
Authors: Pillay Brindha , Lee Stuart J , Katona Lynda , De Bono Sue , Burney Sue , Avery Sharon 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of patient sense of coherence (SOC) on anxiety and depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) dimensions in the acute phase of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A secondary aim was to determine if SOC measured pre‐transplant was predictive of psychological distress and QoL post‐transplantation, after controlling for physical wellbeing.MethodA series of measures was completed by 60 HSCT patients prior to transplantation. Follow‐up data were collected at 2–3 weeks and 3 months post‐transplantation. Measures administered included the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18, Orientation to Life Questionnaire, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Bone Marrow Transplantation.ResultsWhen compared across the three time points, depression levels, and physical and functional wellbeing were worst at 2–3 weeks post‐transplantation. SOC was positively associated with physical wellbeing prior to HSCT but not after transplantation. Weaker SOC predicted higher levels of depression, and poorer social, emotional, and functional wellbeing at both follow‐up points, after accounting for physical wellbeing.ConclusionsGiven that SOC was related to depression and QoL dimensions post‐transplantation, it may be important for health care professionals to conduct psychosocial assessments to determine patient SOC. This would enable provision of tailored psychological support prior to and following stem cell transplantation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A QM/MM study of the reaction mechanism of (R)‐hydroxynitrile lyases from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtHNL)
Authors: Zhu Wenyou , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Rui 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTHydroxynitrile lyases (HNLs) catalyze the conversion of chiral cyanohydrins to hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and aldehyde or ketone. Hydroxynitrile lyase from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtHNL) is the first R‐selective HNL enzyme containing an α/β‐hydrolases fold. In this article, the catalytic mechanism of AtHNL was theoretically studied by using QM/MM approach based on the recently obtained crystal structure in 2012. Two computational models were constructed, and two possible reaction pathways were considered. In Path A, the calculation results indicate that the proton transfer from the hydroxyl group of cyanohydrin occurs firstly, and then the cleavage of C1‐C2 bond and the rotation of the generated cyanide ion (CN−) follow, afterwards, CN− abstracts a proton from His236 via Ser81. The C1‐C2 bond cleavage and the protonation of CN− correspond to comparable free energy barriers (12.1 vs. 12.2 kcal mol−1), suggesting that both of the two processes contribute a lot to rate‐limiting. In Path B, the deprotonation of the hydroxyl group of cyanohydrin and the cleavage of C1‐C2 bond take place in a concerted manner, which corresponds to the highest free energy barrier of 13.2 kcal mol−1. The free energy barriers of Path A and B are very similar and basically agree well with the experimental value of HbHNL, a similar enzyme of AtHNL. Therefore, both of the two pathways are possible. In the reaction, the catalytic triad (His236, Ser81, and Asp208) acts as the general acid/base, and the generated CN− is stabilized by the hydroxyl group of Ser81 and the main‐chain NH‐groups of Ala13 and Phe82. Proteins 2015; 83:66–77. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.