bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships of cadmium, mercury, and selenium with nutrient reserves of female lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during winter and spring migration
Authors: Anteau Michael J. , Afton Alan D. , Custer Christine M. , Custer Thomas W. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Trace elements may have important effects on body condition of ducks during spring migration, because individuals are experiencing energetically costly events (e.g., migration, nutrient reserve accumulation, pair formation, feather molt, and ovarian follicle development). We examined relationships among hepatic cadmium, mercury, and selenium concentrations (μg/g dry wt) and nutrient reserves (lipid, protein, and mineral) of female lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during winter and spring migration at four locations within the Mississippi Flyway (LA, IL, and MN, USA, and MB, Canada). Selenium concentrations (range, 3.73–52.29 μg/g dry wt) were positively correlated with lipid reserves (F1,73 = 22.69, p &lt; 0.001, type III partial r2 = 0.24), whereas cadmium was negatively correlated with lipid reserves (F1,73 = 6.92, p = 0.010, type III partial r2 = 0.09). The observed relationship between cadmium and lipid reserves may be cause for concern, because lipid reserves of females declined by 55 g (47%), on average, within the range of observed cadmium concentrations (0.23–7.24 μg/g dry wt), despite the relatively low cadmium concentrations detected. Mean cadmium concentrations were higher in Minnesota (1.23 μg/g dry wt) and Manitoba (1.11 μg/g dry wt) than in Louisiana (0.80 μg/g dry wt) and Illinois (0.69 μg/g dry wt). However, mean cadmium concentrations predict lipid reserves of females to be only 11 g lower, on average, in Minnesota than in Illinois. Previous research documented that lipid reserves were 100 g lower in Minnesota than in Illinois; consequently, cadmium is unlikely to be the sole cause for decreases in lipid reserves of females during late-spring migration.
Linkage of biochemical responses to population-level effects: A case study with vitellogenin in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Miller David H. , Jensen Kathleen M. , Villeneuve Daniel L. , Kahl Michael D. , Makynen Elizabeth A. , Durhan Elizabeth J. , Ankley Gerald T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA challenge in the field of ecotoxicology is the linkage of alterations at molecular and biochemical levels of organization to adverse outcomes in individuals and populations. In the present study, a predictive relationship between plasma vitellogenin (VTG) concentration and fecundity in female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) was derived from 21-d laboratory toxicity tests with five chemicals (17β-trenbolone, 17α-trenbolone, prochloraz, fenarimol, and fadrozole) that inhibit VTG production through different mechanisms. Because VTG is key to egg production in female oviparous animals, changes in the lipoprotein could, theoretically, serve as an indicator of reproductive success. Regression of fecundity versus VTG concentration from the various studies yielded a highly significant linear model (fecundity = −0.042 + 0.95-VTG, p &lt; 0.01, r2 = 0.88). This relationship was integrated into a population model to translate changes in VTG concentrations of female fathead minnows to alterations in population growth. The model predicted relatively profound effects on population size offish experiencing moderate decreases in vitellogenesis. For example, a fathead minnow population at a carrying capacity exposed to a chemical stressor that causes a 25% decrease in VTG concentration in females from baseline values would exhibit a 34.6% projected decrease in size after two years of exposure and reach an equilibrium population size that was only 30.2% of the preexposed population. Overall, the current study provides an example of how changes in a biomarker (VTG concentration) can be quantitatively translated into adverse effects at the individual and population levels.
Benzo[a]pyrene bioavailability from pristine soil and contaminated sediment assessed using two in vitro models
Authors: Vasiluk Luba , Pinto Linda J. , Walji Zahra A. , Tsang Wing Shan , Gobas Frank A.P.C. , Eickhoff Curtis , Moore Margo M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA major route of exposure to hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs), such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), is ingestion. Matrix-bound HOCs may become bioavailable after mobilization by the gastrointestinal fluids followed by sorption to the intestinal epithelium. The purpose of this research was to measure the bioavailability of [14C]-BaP bound to pristine soils or field-contaminated sediment using an in vitro model of gastrointestinal digestion followed by sorption to human enterocytes (Caco-2 cells) or to a surrogate membrane, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) thin film. Although Caco-2 cells had a twofold higher lipid-normalized fugacity capacity than EVA, [14C]-BaP uptake by Caco-2 lipids and EVA thin film demonstrated a linear relationship within the range of BaP concentrations tested. These results suggest that EVA thin film is a good membrane surrogate for passive uptake of BaP. The in vitro system provided enough sensitivity to detect matrix effects on bioavailability; after 5 h, significantly lower concentrations of [14C]-BaP were sorbed into Caco-2 cells from soil containing a higher percentage of organic matter compared to soil with a lower percentage of organic matter. The [14C]-BaP desorption rate from Caco-2 lipids consistently was twofold higher than from EVA thin film for all matrices tested. The more rapid kinetics observed with Caco-2 cells probably were due to the greater surface area available for absorption/desorption in the cells. After 5 h, the uptake of BaP into Caco-2 lipid was similar in live and metabolically inert Caco-2 cells, suggesting that the primary route of BaP uptake is by passive diffusion. Moreover, the driving force for uptake is the fugacity gradient that exists between the gastrointestinal fluid and the membrane.
Calibration of a passive sampling device for time-integrated sampling of hydrophilic herbicides in aquatic environments
Authors: Tran Anh T.K. , Hyne Ross V. , Doble P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo types of solid-phase materials, a styrenedivinylbenzene copolymer sorbent (embedded in a SDB-XC Empore disk) and a styrenedivinylbenzene copolymer sorbent modified with sulfonic acid functional groups (embedded in a SDB-RPS Empore disk), were compared as a receiving phase in a passive sampling device for monitoring polar pesticides. The SDB-XC Empore disk was selected for further evaluation, overlayed with either a polysulfone or a polyethersulfone diffusion membrane. The target herbicides included five nonionized herbicides (simazine, atrazine, diuron, clomazone, and metolachlor) and four phenoxy acid herbicides (dicamba, (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid [2,4-D], (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid [MCPA], and triclopyr) with log octanol/water partition coefficient (log KOW) values of less than three in water. Uptake of these herbicides generally was higher into a device constructed of a SDB-XC Empore disk as a receiving phase covered with a polyethersulfone membrane compared to a similar device covered with a polysulfone membrane. Using the device with a SDB-XC Empore disk covered with a polyethersulfone membrane, linear uptake of simazine, atrazine, diuron, clomazone, and metolachlor was observed for up to 21 d, and daily sampling rates of the herbicides from water in a laboratory flow-through system were determined. The uptake rate of each nonionized herbicide by the Empore disk-based passive sampler was linearly proportional to its concentration in the water, and the sampling rate was independent of the water concentrations over the 21 -d period. Uptake of the phenoxy acid herbicides (2,4-D, MCPA, and triclopyr) obeyed first-order kinetics and rapidly reached equilibrium in the passive sampler after approximately 12 d of exposure. The Empore disk-based passive sampler displayed isotropic kinetics, with a release half-life for triclopyr of approximately 6 d.
Development ofIssoria lathonia(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) on zinc-accumulating and nonaccumulatingViolaspecies (Violaceae)
Authors: Noret Nausicaa , Josens Guy , Escarré José , Lefèbvre Claude , Panichelli Steve , Meerts Pierre 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe larvae of Issoria lathonia L. feed in natural conditions on several Viola spp., among which are the zinc-accumulating Viola calaminaria (Gingins) Lej. and the nonmetal-accumulating Viola tricolor L. To examine how I. lathonia caterpillars cope with the naturally high foliar zinc concentration of V. calaminaria, we compared the growth of caterpillars reared on leaves varying in zinc concentration. Larvae were fed in controlled conditions with V. calaminaria and V. tricolor grown on noncontaminated soil (i.e., two low-Zn diets) and with V. calaminaria grown on zinc-enriched soil (i.e., one high-Zn diet). Larvae had a higher growth rate when fed with noncontaminated V. calaminaria compared to zinc-enriched V. calaminaria, suggesting that zinc slows down larval growth. However, larvae consumed more leaves of zinc-enriched V. calaminaria (+45%; estimated from fecal mass) compared with noncontaminated V. calaminaria, suggesting that zinc accumulation would not be advantageous to plants. Caterpillars reared on high-zinc leaves regulate their internal zinc concentration through excretion of highly metal-concentrated feces. When kinetics of growth on both low-zinc diets were compared, it appeared that larval development was faster on noncontaminated V. calaminaria than on V. tricolor. This suggests that more nutrients or less feeding inhibitors in V. calaminaria account for fastest growth. Developmental rates on V. tricolor and on zinc-enriched V. calaminaria were similar, despite the high leaf zinc concentration of the latter species. Together with the abundance of V. calaminaria on calamine soils, this may explain why the largest populations of I. lathonia develop on V. calaminaria in Belgium.
Post-embryonic development and ultrastructural characteristics of the polycephalic larva of Taenia parva Baer, 1926 (Cyclophyllidea, Taeniidae)
Authors: Świderski Zdzisław , Miquel Jordi , Młocicki Daniel , Georgiev Boyko , Eira Catarina , Grytner-Zięcina Barbara , Feliu Carlos 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPost-embryonic development and fully-formed polycephalic larvae of Taenia parva Baer, 1926 were examined by light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three developmental stages were recognised: (1) an early stage of exogenous budding at the surface of the central vesicle; (2) a stage of polycephalic cyst development accompanied by segmentation of the growing larval strobile and an obvious decrease in the size of the central vesicle; (3) fully-formed larval strobile and invaginated scoleces. In fully-developed encysted polycephalic larvae, there are usually 14–24 segmented larval strobilae, each terminating with an invaginated scolex; larval strobilae arise from a common central vesicle and remain attached posterior to it during the entire development. The number of segments varies between 109 and 120 per larval strobila. The polycephalic larvae examined closely resemble the strobilocercus type of taeniid larvae. The structure of developing and fully-formed larvae was examined by TEM. The tegument, scolex, subtegumental musculature of the strobilar segments, protonephridial system, calcareous corpuscles and medullary parenchyma of larvae exhibit general similarity with the same structures in adults at both LM and TEM levels. The morphogenesis of the larva of T. parva is compared with that of the polycephalic larvae of other Taenia spp. (T. krepkogorski, T. twitchelli and T. endothoracica) and with other asexually-multiplying cestode larvae (mesocestoidids, hymenolepidids and dilepidids).
Preparation of polymer–clay nanocomposites and their properties
Authors: Nguyen Quang T. , Baird Donald G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn overview of the progress in polymer nanocomposites is presented in this paper with an emphasis on the different methods used for preparing polymer‐layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites and the extent to which properties are enhanced. Other related areas that are also discussed include the types of polymers used in PLS nanocomposites preparation, the types of PLS nanocomposites morphologies that are most commonly achieved, the structure and properties of layered silicates, and the most common techniques used for characterizing these nanocomposites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25:270–285, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20079
Large‐scale population genetic analysis for hemoglobinopathies reveals different mutation spectra in Central Greece compared to the rest of the country
Authors: Samara Maria , Chiotoglou Ioanna , Kalamaras Angelos , Likousi Sophia , Chassanidis Christos , Vagena Andromahi , Vagenas Christos , Eftichiadis Eftichios , Vamvakopoulos Nikolaos , Patrinos George P. , Kollia Panagoula 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe have undertaken a large population screening study to identify the molecular basis of hemoglobinopathies in the central Greece region. A total of 845 unrelated β‐thalassemia patients and α‐, β‐, and δβ‐thalassemia carriers have been recruited and screened for mutations in the α‐ and β‐globin gene clusters. The α−MED deletion and the Turkish inversion/deletion are the most frequent genetic rearrangements leading to α‐ and δβ‐thalassemia respectively, contrary to the situation in the rest of the country, while the β −101 (C>T) promoter mutation is surprisingly frequent in the central part of Greece. Our data indicate that determination of mutation frequencies in different regions is vital for accurate provision of genetic services and counseling and for precise estimation of genetic diversity. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and evaluation of a scale to measure perceived self‐efficacy in people with arthritis
Authors: Lorig Kate , Chastain Robert L. , Ung Elaine , Shoor Stanford , Holman Halsted R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThere is evidence that the psychological attribute of perceived self‐efficacy plays a role in mediating health outcomes for persons with chronic arthritis who take the Arthritis Self‐Management Course. An instrument to measure perceived self‐efficacy was developed through consultation with patients and physicians and through study of 4 groups of patients. Tests of construct and concurrent validity and of reliability showed that the instrument met appropriate standards. Health outcomes and self‐efficacy scores improved during the Arthritis Self‐Management Course, and the improvements were correlated.
Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive value of abdominal fat aspiration for the diagnosis of amyloidosis
Authors: Duston Margaret A. , Skinner Martha , Meenan Robert F. , Cohen Alan S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSamples of abdominal fat aspirates from 73 patients were sent to us for staining and interpretation. Ten samples were positive for amyloid. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the procedure based on the findings and the clinical information and other biopsy data about these patients. Using the results from more traditional biopsies as the “gold standard,” sensitivity was 57%, specificity was 100%, and the predictive value was 100% for positive findings in the abdominal fat aspirate. Although the sample size in this study was relatively small, the procedure was found to be a minimally invasive test of high clinical utility.
Urate‐Mediated inflammation in nodal osteoarthritis: Clinical and roentgenographic correlations
Authors: Lally Edward V. , Zimmermann Bernard , Jr. George Ho , Kaplan Stephen R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied 25 patients with crystal‐proven gout or roentgenographic evidence of gouty arthritis, or both, in finger joints involved with nodal osteoarthritis (OA). These patients were elderly (mean age 71.4 years), and 72% of them were receiving diuretic therapy. Roentgenographic findings, in addition to features typical of OA, included soft tissue densities (tophi), with or without calcification, large intraarticular erosions, characteristic nonmarginal cortical erosions, and periarticular osteolysis. We conclude that urate crystals mediate episodes of acute inflammation in certain patients with nodal OA. This association is noted primarily in elderly patients of both sexes, especially in those receiving diuretic therapy.
The beneficial outcomes of the arthritis self‐management course are not adequately explained by behavior change
Authors: Lorig Kate , Seleznick Mitchel , Lubeck Deborah , Ung Elaine , Chastain Robert L. , Holman Halsted R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEvaluation of the Arthritis Self‐Management Course revealed significant positive changes in the practice of behaviors that were taught and in health outcomes. However, utilizing a variety of statistical techniques, we were able to demonstrate only weak associations between changes in behavior and changes in health status. This suggests the need to examine the mechanisms by which health education affects health status.
Eosinophilic fasciitis in a pair of siblings
Authors: Thomson Glen T. D. , MacDougall Brendan , Watson Peter H. , Chalmers Ian M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo siblings, a 38‐year‐old woman and a 33‐year‐old man, developed eosinophilic fasciitis within a period of 6 months. They were found to have identical HLA–A, B, DR, and DQ antigens, raising the possibility of a genetic influence in the development of this disease. No common environmental factors close to the time of onset were identified; however, the possibility of a common, remote environmental factor cannot be discounted.
Liver histology in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving long‐term methotrexate therapy. A Prospective Study with Baseline and Sequential Biopsy Samples
Authors: Kremer Joel M. , Lee Randall G. , Tolman Keith G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwenty‐nine patients with active rheumatoid arthritis receiving long‐term oral weekly methotrexate (MTX) therapy were studied to determine the extent of their hepatic architectural changes. Liver biopsies (n = 101) were performed in all patients before the initiation of MTX therapy, after 2 years, and annually thereafter (mean duration of therapy 53 months). The hepatic histologic grade (5‐point scale) in 25 patients increased (worsened) (mean ± SEM change 0.84 ± 1.02; P = 0.001). Fibrosis, confirmed by trichrome staining, developed in 14 of 27 patients (52%). A history of alcohol consumption prior to starting MTX correlated significantly with subsequent worsening of the liver biopsy grade (r = 0.55, P = 0.0054). Alcohol intake prior to study entry, elevated weight at MTX initiation, and dose and duration of MTX were significantly associated with the development of fibrosis. Elevations in serum aspartate aminotransferase levels at 29–53 months of therapy correlated with the increase in hepatic histologic grade at the 3‐year biopsy (r = 0.50, P = 0.04) and 4‐year biopsy (r = 0.58, P = 0.03). We conclude that long‐term MTX therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients results in a statistically significant worsening in hepatic histologic grade, with common development of mild fibrosis. We do not consider these changes to be clinically significant at present.
Lack of correlation between the steinbrocker staging of hand radiographs and the functional health status of individuals with rheumatoid arthritisx
Authors: Regan‐Smith Martha G. , O'Connor GERALD T. , Kwoh C. Kent , Brown Lin A. , Olmstead Elaine M. , Burnett Joshua B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe evaluated the correlation between destructive changes seen on hand radiographs and disability in 54 patients with definite or classic rheumatoid arthritis. No statistically significant correlation was found between radiographic findings and patient disability as determined by patient and physician assessment or by the patient's score on the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales questionnaire. These findings call into question the appropriateness of using hand radiographs as a determinant of disability or as a criterion for disability insurance benefits.
Tumor necrosis factor in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Maury C. P. J. , Teppo A‐M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn view of recent data demonstrating defective production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF cachectin) in murine autoimmune lupus nephritis, we studied the serum levels of TNF in 22 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), using a specific radioimmuno‐assay. Patients with SLE had either normal or slightly elevated levels of TNF when compared with healthy control subjects. All 5 SLE patients with concomitant infections had elevated levels of TNF; those with systemic bacterial infection had markedly raised levels (median 260 pg/ml normal < 40). These results show that SLE in humans is not associated with a depressed level of circulating TNF, and that in SLE patients with infection, the level of TNF in the circulation increases in a manner similar to that in other subjects.
Pregnancy in women with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Steen Virginia D. , Conte Claudia , Day Nancy , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Medsger Thomas A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe assessed fetal morbidity and mortality in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Women with a history of SSc and a concomitant pregnancy completed a detailed questionnaire about the pregnancy. These 48 subjects were age‐matched and race‐matched to 2 other groups of women (a rheumatoid arthritis group and a control group from the same neighborhood), all of whom had been pregnant at least once. There were no differences in the frequencies of miscarriage or perinatal death in the SSc group compared with the 2 control groups. Preterm births occurred slightly more frequently in both SSc patients and rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with the neighborhood control subjects. There were significantly more small full‐term infants born to women with SSc. Interestingly, the increase in preterm births and small full‐term babies occurred with equal frequency prior to and after the onset of disease. Although close monitoring for premature birth and intrauterine growth retardation is necessary, we conclude that an uneventful, healthy pregnancy is possible for women with SSc. Those with early, rapidly progressive, diffuse skin thickening should avoid becoming pregnant since, intrinsically, they are at higher risk of developing renal crisis.