bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The acute pulmonary toxicity in mice induced by multiwall carbon nanotubes, benzene, and their combination
Authors: Li Yi‐Song , Li Yu‐Feng , Li Qing‐Nuan , Li Jun‐Gang , Li Jing , Huang Qing , Li Wen‐Xin 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized and produced on large scale for their wide application. They have high absorption ability to organic contaminants (such as benzene) and can form CNTs‐benzene combination with benzene. In this article, the acute pulmonary toxicity, induced by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), benzene, and their combination, was studied by administrating the three test materials into mice lungs via intratracheal instillation. The biochemical parameters in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and pathological lesions in lungs were used as endpoints to evaluate the pulmonary toxicity of the three test materials at 3‐day and 7‐day postexposure, respectively. After the mice were intratracheally instilled with MWCNTs, benzene and MWCNTs‐benzene combination at doses of 6.67 mg/kg, 2.67 mg/kg, and 9.34 mg/kg (containing 6.67 mg/kg MWCNTs and 2.67 mg/kg benzene), the total protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF and pathological lesions in lungs were examined. At 3‐day postexposure, MWCNTs induced obvious pulmonary toxicity and benzene only induced slight pulmonary toxicity, whereas their combination induced very severe pulmonary toxicity. At 7‐day postexposure, MWCNTs and benzene did not induce pulmonary toxicity individually, whereas their combination still induced severe pulmonary toxicity. These data indicated that, at the instilled doses in this experiment, the MWCNTs can alone induce acute pulmonary toxicity in mice and the benzene does not induce pulmonary toxicity, but the pulmonary toxicity of MWCNTs is enhanced after they form MWCNTs‐benzene combination with low dose of benzene. The enhanced pulmonary toxicity may be due to the change of MWCNTs aggregation ability after benzene is adsorbed on them. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 409–417, 2010.
Accumulation of microcystins in water and fish tissues: An estimation of risks associated with microcystins in most of the Greek Lakes
Authors: Papadimitriou Theodoti , Kagalou Ifigenia , Bacopoulos Vasilios , Leonardos Ioannis D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractToxin‐producing cyanobacteria in lakes and reservoirs form a threat to humans as well as various forms of aquatic life. This study is an investigation into the occurrence and distribution of Microcystins (MCYST) in 13 Greek Lakes. The distribution of MCYST in water and surface scum and toxin bioaccumulations in the omnivorous fish speciesCarassius gibeliowere surveyed in all lakes. Considerable amounts of MCYST were found in water and scum of all lakes, irrespective of the trophic state, the type of the lake, and the reported dominant cyanobacterial species. Toxin accumulation in six tissues (liver, brain, intestine, kidney, ovary, and muscle) ofC. gibeliowas also analyzed. Even though the target organ for MCYST is the liver, in our study, MCYST were found also in the rest ofC. gibeliotissues in the following order: liver > intestine > kidney > brain > ovaries > muscle. Risk assessments were carried out, taking into account the WHO guidelines and the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for MCYST. Our findings suggest that the amounts of MCYST found in water of Lakes Kastoria, Koronia, Pamvotis, Doirani, Mikri Prespa, Petron, and Zazari, pose adverse health risks. Also, it is likely to be unsafe to consumeC. gibelioin Lakes Koronia, Kastoria, Pamvotis, and Mikri Prespa due to the high concentrations of accumulated MCYST. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 418–427, 2010.
In vivo indirect measurement of cytochrome P450‐associated activities in freshwater gastropod molluscs
Authors: Gagnaire Beatrice , Geffard Olivier , Noury Patrice , Garric Jeanne 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe cytochrome P450 (CYP) system is widely distributed across phyla and plays a key role in the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds. However, most studies on CYP system were developed on vertebrates and among invertebrates, gastropod molluscs are rarely used. In this context, ethoxycoumarin‐O‐deethylase (ECOD), ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD), and pentoxyresorufin‐O‐dealkylase (PROD) activities, which are indirect measurements of CYP system, were characterized in two freshwater gastropod molluscs, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, and Valvata piscinalis, to ascertain their potential interest as biomarkers of exposure to chemicals. Activities were measured using an in vivo non lethal method based on the measurement of formed product (resorufin or hydroxycoumarin). This in vivo assay allowed to measure the three activities in P. antipodarum and two of them (ECOD and PROD) in V. piscinalis. The detection of activities and the optimization of experimental design were carried out first and allowed to measure the selected activities for one individual. The modulation of the detected activities was secondly assessed using a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (Benzo(a)pyrene). Based on this non destructive measurement, effect of BaP exposure could be detected on ECOD and EROD activity in P. antipodarum, as well on PROD activity of V. piscinalis after 96 h of exposure. Such an in vivo assay must be further developed to be valuably used to screen the exposure of gastropod species to CYP inducer chemicals and its consequences in terms of fitness of the organisms and of the population. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 545–553, 2010.
Imaging in gynecological disease (5): clinical and ultrasound characteristics in fibroma and fibrothecoma of the ovary
Authors: Paladini D. , Testa A. , Van Holsbeke C. , Mancari R. , Timmerman D. , Valentin L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the clinical and ultrasound features of fibroma and fibrothecoma of the ovary.MethodsSixty‐eight women with a histological diagnosis of fibroma or fibrothecoma of the ovary who had undergone a preoperative ultrasound examination between 1999 and 2007 were identified from the databases of four ultrasound centers. The tumors were characterized on the basis of ultrasound images, ultrasound reports and research protocols (when applicable) using the terms and definitions of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group. In 51 patients, ultrasound information had been collected prospectively; in the remaining 17 cases it was retrieved retrospectively from ultrasound reports and images. In 44 cases, electronic ultrasound images of good quality were available. These were reviewed by two observers, who described them using pattern recognition.ResultsOf the 68 patients identified, 53 had fibroma and 15 had fibrothecoma. The mean patient age was 54 (range, 17–80) years. Sixty‐three percent (41/65) were postmenopausal and 60% (39/65) had no symptoms. Most (75%; 51/68) fibromas/fibrothecomas were solid tumors and most (75%; 51/68) manifested minimal or moderate blood flow on color Doppler examination. Using pattern recognition, all solid fibromas/fibrothecomas were described as round, oval or slightly lobulated tumors. Most (66%; 29/44) were solid tumors, with regular or slightly irregular internal echogenicity with stripy shadows, and some contained cystic spaces. Others (23%, 10/44) were solid tumors with regular or slightly irregular internal echogenicity without stripy shadows and with or without cystic spaces. Two were solid tumors that were so dense it was difficult to assess their internal echogenicity, two were multilocular solid tumors with large cystic spaces and one was described as being mainly cystic. Half of the women with fibroma/fibrothecoma had fluid in the pouch of Douglas and 16% (11/68) had ascites; CA 125 titers ≥35 U/mL were found in 34% (17/50) of the cases in which CA 125 results were available.ConclusionsMost fibromas and fibrothecomas are round, oval or lobulated solid tumors that cast stripy shadows and are associated with fluid in the pouch of Douglas, and most manifest minimal to moderate vascularization. A fibroma/fibrothecoma with atypical ultrasound appearance may be mistaken for a malignancy, in particular if associated with fluid in the pouch of Douglas or ascites, high color content and raised CA 125 levels. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐herbivore effects of an ant species,Crematogaster difformis, inhabiting myrmecophytic epiphytes in the canopy of a tropical lowland rainforest in Borneo
Authors: Tanaka Hiroshi O. , Inui Yoko , Itioka Takao 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAnts are believed to regulate herbivorous insects in the canopy of tropical rainforests, but few studies have empirically investigated the anti‐herbivore effects of the ants there. We examined the anti‐herbivore effects of the ant speciesCrematogaster difformis, which territorializes a large area of the crown of emergent canopy trees and inhabits the myrmecophytic epiphytes,Lecanopterissp. andPlatyceriumsp., which grow in the crown, by performing an ant‐exclusion experiment in the field. The average proportion of leaf area loss, the proportion of damaged leaves, and the proportion of leaves with ≥50% leaf area loss were all significantly higher on experimentally ant‐excluded branches than on ant‐attended branches at 3 months from the beginning of the ant‐exclusion treatment. These results suggest thatC. difformisregulates not only herbivorous insects that potentially feed on its host epiphytes but also those that could feed on leaves of emergent canopy trees that harbor the epiphytes.
The pathophysiology of restricted repetitive behavior
Authors: Lewis Mark , Kim Soo-Jeong 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRestricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are heterogeneous ranging from stereotypic body movements to rituals to restricted interests. RRBs are most strongly associated with autism but occur in a number of other clinical disorders as well as in typical development. There does not seem to be a category of RRB that is unique or specific to autism and RRB does not seem to be robustly correlated with specific cognitive, sensory or motor abnormalities in autism. Despite its clinical significance, little is known about the pathophysiology of RRB. Both clinical and animal models studies link repetitive behaviors to genetic mutations and a number of specific genetic syndromes have RRBs as part of the clinical phenotype. Genetic risk factors may interact with experiential factors resulting in the extremes in repetitive behavior phenotypic expression that characterize autism. Few studies of individuals with autism have correlated MRI findings and RRBs and no attempt has been made to associate RRB and post-mortem tissue findings. Available clinical and animal models data indicate functional and structural alterations in cortical-basal ganglia circuitry in the expression of RRB, however. Our own studies point to reduced activity of the indirect basal ganglia pathway being associated with high levels of repetitive behavior in an animal model. These findings, if generalizable, suggest specific therapeutic targets. These, and perhaps other, perturbations to cortical basal ganglia circuitry are mediated by specific molecular mechanisms (e.g., altered gene expression) that result in long-term, experience-dependent neuroadaptations that initiate and maintain repetitive behavior. A great deal more research is needed to uncover such mechanisms. Work in areas such as substance abuse, OCD, Tourette syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and dementias promise to provide findings critical for identifying neurobiological mechanisms relevant to RRB in autism. Moreover, basic research in areas such as birdsong, habit formation, and procedural learning may provide additional, much needed clues. Understanding the pathophysioloy of repetitive behavior will be critical to identifying novel therapeutic targets and strategies for individuals with autism.
Setaria cervidual specific phosphatase: characterization and its effect on eosinophil degranulation
Authors: RATHAUR S. , RAI R. , SRIKANTH E. , SRIVASTAVA S. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYSetaria cervi, a bovine filarial parasite contains significant acid phosphatase (AcP) activity in its various life stages. Two forms of AcP were separated from somatic extract of adult female parasite using cation exchange, gel filtration and concavalin affinity chromatography. One form having a molecular mass of 79 kDa was characterized as dual specific protein tyrosine phosphatase (ScDSP) based on substrate specificity and inhibition studies. With various substrates tested, it showed significant activity in the order of phospho-L-tyrosine>pNPP>ADP>phospho-L-serine. Inhibition by orthovanadate, fluoride, molybdate, and zinc ions further confirms protein tyrosine phosphatase nature of the enzyme. Km and Vmax determined with various substrates were found to be 16·66 mM, 25·0 μM/ml/min with pNPP; 20·0 mM, 40·0 μM/ml/min with phospho-L-tyrosine and 27·0 mM, 25·0 μM/ml/min with phospho-L-serine. KIwith pNPP and sodium orthovanadate (IC5033·0 μM) was calculated to be 50·0 mM. Inhibition with pHMB, silver nitrate, DEPC and EDAC suggested the presence of cysteine, histidine and carboxylate residues at its active site. Cross-reactivity withW. bancrofti-infected sera was demonstrated by Western blotting. ScDSP showed elevated levels of IgE in chronic filarial sera using ELISA. Underin vitroconditions, ScDSP resulted in increased effector function of human eosinophils when stimulated by IgG, which showed a further decrease with increasing enzyme concentration. Results presented here suggest thatS. cerviDSP should be further studied to determine its role in pathogenesis and the persistence of filarial parasite.
Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephalainfection inBufo marinus: lung nematodes reduce viability of metamorph cane toads
Authors: KELEHEAR C. , WEBB J. K. , SHINE R. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYCane toads (Bufo marinus) were introduced to Australia in 1935 and have since spread widely over the continent, generating concern regarding ecological impacts on native predators. Most Australian cane toad populations are infected with lung nematodesRhabdias pseudosphaerocephala, a parasite endemic to New World (native-range) cane toad populations; presumably introduced to Australia with its toad host. Considering the high intensities and prevalence reached by this parasite in Australian toad populations, and public ardour for developing a control plan for the invasive host species, the lack of experimental studies on this host-parasite system is surprising. To investigate the extent to which this lungworm influences cane toad viability, we experimentally infected metamorph toads (the smallest and presumably most vulnerable terrestrial phase of the anuran life cycle) with the helminth. Infected toads exhibited reduced survival and growth rates, impaired locomotor performance (both speed and endurance), and reduced prey intake. In summary,R. pseudosphaerocephalacan substantially reduce the viability of metamorph cane toads.
Involvement of the β-adrenergic system in the cardiac chronic form of experimentalTrypanosoma cruziinfection
Authors: LO PRESTI M. S. , RIVAROLA H. W. , FERNÁNDEZ A. R. , ENDERS J. E. , LEVIN G. , FRETES R. , CERBAN F. M. , GARRIDO V. V. , PAGLINI-OLIVA P. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYChanges in the cardiac β-adrenergic system in early stages ofTrypanosoma cruziinfection have been described. Here, we studied an early (135 days post-infection–p.i.) and a late stage (365 days p.i.) of the cardiac chronic form of the experimental infection (Tulahuen or SGO-Z12 strains), determining plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels, β-receptor density, affinity and function, cardiac cAMP concentration and phosphodiesterase activity, cardiac contractility, and the presence of β-receptor autoantibodies. Tulahuen-infected mice presented lower epinephrine and norepinephrine levels; lower β-receptor affinity and density; a diminished norepinephrine response and higher cAMP levels in the early stage, and a basal contractility similar to non-infected controls in the early and augmented in the late stage. The Tulahuen strain induced autoantibodies with weak β-receptor interaction. SGO-Z12-infected mice presented lower norepinephrine levels and epinephrine levels that diminished with the evolution of the infection; lower β-receptor affinity and an increased density; unchanged epinephrine and norepinephrine response in the early and a diminished response in the late stage; higher cAMP levels and unchanged basal contractility. The SGO-Z12 isolate induced β-receptor autoantibodies with strong interaction with the β-receptors. None of the antibodies, however, acted a as β-receptor agonist. The present results demonstrate that this system is seriously compromised in the cardiac chronic stage ofT. cruziinfection.
Past and future: vaccination againstEimeria
Authors: McDONALD V. , SHIRLEY M. W. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYEimeriaspp. are the causative agents of coccidiosis, a major disease affecting many intensively-reared livestock, especially poultry. The chicken is host to 7 species ofEimeriathat develop within intestinal epithelial cells and produce varying degrees of morbidity and mortality. Control of coccidiosis by the poultry industry is dominated by prophylactic chemotherapy but drug resistance is a serious problem. Strongly protective but species-specific immunity can be induced in chickens by infection with any of theEimeriaspp. At the Institute of Animal Health in Houghton, UK in the 1980s we showed that all 7Eimeriaspp. could be stably attenuated by serial passage in chickens of the earliest oocysts produced (i.e. the first parasites to complete their endogenous development) and this process resulted in the depletion of asexual development. Despite being highly attenuated, the precocious lines retained their immunizing capacity. Subsequent work led to the commercial introduction of the first live attenuated vaccine, Paracox®, that has now been in use for 20 years. As much work still remains to be done before the development of recombinant vaccines becomes a reality, it is likely that reliance upon live, attenuated vaccines will increase in years to come.
Evaluation and application of potential schistosome-associated morbidity markers within large-scale mass chemotherapy programmes
Authors: WEBSTER J. P. , KOUKOUNARI A. , LAMBERTON P. H. L. , STOTHARD J. R. , FENWICK A. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYA primary objective of schistosomiasis control programmes is to achieve, and hence also demonstrate, a quantifiable reduction in schistosome-associated morbidity as a consequence of chemotherapeutic intervention. Inherent within such an objective, it is necessary to define and validate direct and indirect indicators of schistosome-related morbidity. However, to define and thereby document such morbidity, and its reduction following treatment, may not be straightforward, particularly for intestinal schistosomiasis-induced morbidity, which is often not apparent in all but the most severe or chronic cases. Within all ‘Schistosomiasis Control Initiative’ activities, across selected sub-Saharan African countries since 2002, a range of standard and novel potential morbidity markers have been monitored and evaluated. Parasitological intensity measures, combined with haemoglobin/anaemia counts and ultrasonography, proved valuable schistosomiasis-related morbidity indicators, being both logistically practical and informative. Additional measures tested, such as albumin excretion profiles, were promising, and are subject to ongoing research, whilst some measures, such as distended stomach/umbilical circumference, anthropometrics and health questionnaires proved less reliable. These results serve to both illustrate the success of current control activities in reducing schistosome-induced morbidity, and to highlight key tools and techniques for continued application within ongoing and future mass drug administration programmes.
Factors affecting Culicoides species composition and abundance in avian nests
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-de la PUENTE J. , MERINO S. , TOMÁS G. , MORENO J. , MORALES J. , LOBATO E. , TALAVERA S. , SARTO i MONTEYS V. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYMechanisms affecting patterns of vector distribution among host individuals may influence the population and evolutionary dynamics of vectors, hosts and the parasites transmitted. We studied the role of different factors affecting the species composition and abundance of Culicoides found in nests of the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). We identified 1531 females and 2 males of 7 different Culicoides species in nests, with C. simulator being the most abundant species, followed by C. kibunensis, C. festivipennis, C. segnis, C. truncorum, C. pictipennis and C. circumscriptus. We conducted a medication×fumigation experiment randomly assigning bird's nests to different treatments, thereby generating groups of medicated and control pairs breeding in fumigated and control nests. Medicated pairs were injected with the anti-malarial drug Primaquine diluted in saline solution while control pairs were injected with saline solution. The fumigation treatment was carried out using insecticide solution or water for fumigated and control nests respectively. Brood size was the main factor associated with the abundance of biting midges probably because more nestlings may produce higher quantities of vector attractants. In addition, birds medicated against haemoparasites breeding in non-fumigated nests supported a higher abundance of C. festivipennis than the rest of the groups. Also, we found that the fumigation treatment reduced the abundance of engorged Culicoides in both medicated and control nests, thus indicating a reduction of feeding success produced by the insecticide. These results represent the first evidence for the role of different factors in affecting the Culicoides infracommunity in wild avian nests.
Exploring the anthelmintic properties of Australian native shrubs with respect to their potential role in livestock grazing systems
Authors: KOTZE A. C. , O'GRADY J. , EMMS J. , TOOVEY A. F. , HUGHES S. , JESSOP P. , BENNELL M. , VERCOE P. E. , REVELL D. K. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYWe measuredin vitroanthelmintic activity in extracts from 85 species of Australian native shrub, with a view to identifying species able to provide a degree of worm control in grazing systems. Approximately 40% of the species showed significant activity in inhibiting development ofHaemonchus contortuslarvae. The most active extracts showed IC50values of 60–300 μg/ml. Pre-incubation with polyvinylpolypyrrolidine removed the activity from some extracts, implicating tannins as the bioactive agent, while in other cases the pre-incubation had no effect, indicating the presence of other anthelmintic compounds. Plant reproductive maturity (onset of flowering or fruiting) was associated with increasing anthelmintic activity in some species. Variability was observed between plants of the same species growing in different environments, while variation between individual plants of the same species within a single field suggests the existence of distinct chemotypes. Significant activity against adultH. contortuswormsin vitrowas also demonstrated in a limited number of extracts tested against this life stage. Our study indicates that there is potential for Australian native shrubs to play an anthelmintic role in grazing systems, and highlights some plant biology factors which will need to be considered in order to maximize any anthelmintic effects.