bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Comet assay for the assessment of UV genotoxicity in Mediterranean sea urchin eggs
Authors: Nahon Sarah , Charles François , Pruski Audrey M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGametes and embryos of broadcast spawners are exposed to a wide range of chemical and physical stressors which may alone, or in conjunction, have serious consequences on reproductive outcomes. In this study, two Mediterranean echinoid species, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis, were chosen as models to study the genotoxicity of UV radiation (UVR) on the eggs of broadcast‐spawning marine invertebrates. The single cell gel electrophoresis, or Comet assay, was successfully adapted to assess DNA strand breakage in sea urchin eggs. The results demonstrated that the genetic material of sea urchin eggs is susceptible to environmentally realistic UV exposure. The induction of DNA damage in the irradiated unfertilized eggs suggests that the previously described defense mechanisms in sea urchin eggs do not completely protect the egg's DNA against UV toxicity. Taken together, our results suggest that UV‐impairment of the genetic integrity of the eggs might have a role in postfertilization failures and abnormal embryonic development. Although both species were vulnerable to UVR, embryonic development was less dramatically impaired in P.Lividus. This observation supports the postulation that species inhabiting shallower environments possess more efficient mechanisms to overcome UV‐induced DNA alterations. The present demonstration of the utility and sensitivity of the Comet assay to evaluate DNA integrity in eggs from marine invertebrates opens new perspectives for monitoring the long‐term effects of environmental exposure on populations and for the routine screening of substances for genotoxicity in marine systems. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytogenetic damage in female Pakistani agricultural workers exposed to pesticides
Authors: Ali Tayyaba , Bhalli Javed A. , Rana Shahid M. , Khan Qaiser M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBhawalpur is a major cotton‐growing area in Pakistan. Cotton picking in Pakistan is carried out by females and as a result of the intensive use of pesticides during the growing season these females are exposed to pesticide residues in the picking season. In the present study, peripheral blood was obtained from 69 cotton pickers and 69 unexposed females and used to assess the effect of pesticide exposure on genetic damage as well as on hepatic enzymes and serum cholinesterase. The subjects were of similar average age in workers and control groups (37.55 ± 12.75 vs. 37.52 ± 13.47, P > 0.05). Average exposure time of the picker females was 10.26 ± 6.14 years. Subjects from the exposed group did not use any protective measures during their work activities. Levels of serum cholinesterase were lower, and levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were higher in the exposed workers as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The exposed group exhibited significantly increased frequencies of binucleated cells with micronuclei (12.72 ± 3.48 vs. 4.35 ± 2.44, P < 0.001) and total number of micronuclei in binucleated lymphocytes (16.51 ± 4.27 vs. 5.86 ± 3.09, P < 0.001) in comparison with subjects of the control group. The binucleated cells with micronuclei frequency also seemed to increase with age in both the groups, however, the magnitude of increase was greater in exposed group than the control. Results from the present study indicate that occupational exposure to pesticide mixtures results in cytogenetic damage in exposed females. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotoxic effects of p,p′‐DDT (1,1,1‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)ethane) and its metabolites in Zebra mussel (D. polymorpha) by SCGE assay and micronucleus test
Authors: Binelli Andrea , Riva Consuelo , Cogni Daniele , Provini Alfredo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis is the first study to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of p,p′‐DDT (1,1,1‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)ethane) and its metabolites (p,p′‐DDD and p,p′‐DDE) in the sentinel mollusc Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). DNA damage was measured using the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay and the micronucleus test (MN test), which represent two of the more sensitive biomarkers for genotoxicity evaluation. Three different concentrations (0.1, 2, and 10 μg/L) of each compound were administered in water for 168 hr, maintaining mussels at constant laboratory conditions and collecting several specimens every 48 hr for biochemical analyses. At the same time, the bioaccumulation process and the concentration/effect relationship were checked by GC‐MS/MS analyses of mussel soft tissues. The SCGE assay results showed a clear and significant (P < 0.05) relationship between DNA injuries and tested doses for all the homologues throughout the 7‐day exposure period. The final DNA damage due to p,p′‐DDE was almost double that of the other two homologues that showed the same toxicity pattern. The micronucleus frequency analysis confirmed the genotoxicity potential of the three homologues and p,p′‐DDE showed the highest irreversible DNA damage. The capability of Zebra mussels to biotransform the administered compound in the other homologues was demonstrated by multiple regression analyses carried out between the MN frequencies and the concentrations of the different homologues in the mussel soft tissues. A greater genotoxic potential of the p,p′‐DDE with respect to the other two chemicals was revealed. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative tests for stratigraphic cyclicity
Authors: Bailey R. J. , Smith D. G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPeriodic Milankovitch (M‐) orbital forcing provides an explanation for subjectively recognized short‐term repetition of lithofacies‐‘cycles’‐in the stratigraphic record. Tests of this explanation often find no order in the lithofacies and/or no regularity in the recurrence of lithofacies. This does notdisprovethe influence of M‐forcing, but a sedimentary response in terms ofirregularM‐forced ‘cycles’ is indistinguishable from one in which repetition of facies is not M‐forced. Use of such cycles in time calibration is correspondingly suspect. Stricter,dimensionalcyclicity invokes Sander's Rule, which suggests periodicity in sedimentation, for which M‐forcing provides an obvious explanation. Time calibration on the basis of strict cyclicity thus appears more dependable. Objective tests for regular M‐forced stratigraphic cyclicity commonly depend upon spectral analyses. Such tests are not unambiguous. Bilogarithmic thickness/frequency plots derived from objective layer thickness inventories (LTI) provide an alternative. Commonly, such plots show power‐law relationships that preclude dimensional M‐cyclicities. By contrast, a model data series that perfectly encodes the M‐cyclic fluctuations in terrestrial insolation generates a strongly inflected, non‐power‐law LTI plot. Power‐law plots result where the model data series is decimated by random hiatuses, with numbers and durations tuned to M‐cycle frequencies. It seems improbable that natural data series record such tuning. The general absence of strict cyclicity in the M‐frequency range is more likely to reflect the nonlinear response of sedimentary systems to cyclic M‐forcing of insolation. Interestingly, when applied to the classically cyclic lacustrine Triassic sediments of the Newark Basin, USA, the LTI test suggests a decimated record, preserving some evidence of M‐cyclicity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The MRI brain correlates of depressed mood, anhedonia, apathy, and anergia in older adults with and without cognitive impairment or dementia
Authors: Lavretsky Helen , Zheng Ling , Weiner Michael W. , Mungas Dan , Reed Bruce , Kramer Joel H. , Jagust William , Chui Helena , Mack Wendy J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectivesWe examined the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of depressed mood, apathy, anhedonia, and anergia in older adults with and without cognitive impairment or dementia.MethodsThis analysis included 270 community‐dwelling older adults (59% male; 79% Caucasian; mean age 74.4 years) who were recruited into a multi‐center longitudinal observational study of subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD).The distribution of cognitive status included: cognitively intact (38%), cognitively impaired (27%), or demented (35%). All subjects underwent MRI and 41% were classified as having subcortical lacunes. MRI measures included cortical gray and white matter volumes, lacunar volumes in subcortical white and gray matter structures, volume of white matter hyperintensities, and total hippocampal volume. Depressed mood, anhedonia, anergia, and apathy apparent at the time of assessment were assessed using a behavioral assessment Associations between neuropsychiatric symptoms and MRI variables were evaluated using logistic regression.ResultsSubjects with neuropsychiatric symptoms were more likely to be cognitively impaired or demented than those without neuropsychiatric symptoms. In multivariate models controlling for cognitive status, age, gender, and education, higher lacunar volume in white matter was independently associated with the presence of all four neuropsychiatric symptoms.ConclusionsWe report an association between the lacunar volumes in the white matter and depressed mood, anhedonia, apathy, and anergia, thus supporting the role of subcortical ischemic vascular disease in the pathogenesis of late‐life neuropsychiatric disorders. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preeclampsia – More than a pregnancy complication
Authors: Dornhöfer Nadja , Stepan Holger 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPreeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) account for a major part of perinatal and maternal morbidity worldwide and are associated with increased later cardiovascular risk. Both diseases are characterized by a shallow endovascular trophoblast invasion causing a disturbed placental development and are considered as syndromes with numerous vascular, metabolic, immunological and clinical alterations. Their etiology and pathophysiological consequences remain mostly unresolved. Beside others one hypothesis favors oxidative stress as a relevant pathophysiological factor. Oxidative stress as an imbalance between free radicals and the capacity of protective antioxidant systems is thought to be a potent promoter of maternal vascular dysfunction and endothelial damage. As both pregnancy complications furthermore are associated with an increased later cardiovascular risk for mother and child, the pathobiology mediated by oxidative stress may have general and long‐term devastating influence on vascular function.Disturbed trophoblast invasion and placental development cause an abnormal uterine perfusion in mid‐pregnancy, which is easily detectable by abdominal ultrasound and identifies women at risk for the mentioned pregnancy complications antedating their clinical manifestation. We showed that an abnormal uterine perfusion in pregnancy is characterized by a decreased maternal plasma antioxidant capacity. Even though this reduction is not related to the clinical outcome of these high‐risk pregnancies, oxidative stress and uterine perfusion are clearly pathophysiologically connected.In this article, we focus on links between oxidative stress and uterine perfusion and possible implications for the early detection of patients at risk for preeclampsia and IUGR. This might improve our understanding of these relationships, and may become of beneficial impact for the short‐ and long‐term outcome in affected mothers and their children.
Sons of Gwalia: defrauded shareholders' claims in insolvency
Authors: Gengatharen Rasiah 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe recent Australian High Court decision in Sons of Gwalia v Margaretic abolished the rule that defrauded shareholders claims should be subordinated to the claims of general creditors in insolvency. This paper examines the decision, discusses its potential implications and explores whether it should be overruled through legislative amendment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The corporate reorganization regime under China's new enterprise bankruptcy law
Authors: Qi Lijie 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper reviews the background of embarking on the bankruptcy law reform of China, and examines the newly introduced corporate reorganization regime under China's new Enterprise Bankruptcy Law 2006. As a patchwork of the US Chapter 11 and English Administration, China's new regime is a good law on paper with sound intention and perfect logic. But there are still many legal and institutional impediments to the new regime's utilization. For example there is a serious institutional incapacity among the judiciary, as the necessary training and organization of thousands of professionals has not started. Also of concern is the still‐unfinished process of updating and modification of related laws and accounting standards as well as their application and enforcement. Enacting a new bankruptcy law is only the first step. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytochrome c: a non‐invasive biomarker of drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Miller T. J. , Knapton A. , Adeyemo O. , Noory L. , Weaver J. , Hanig J. P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLimitations of existing biomarkers to detect liver injury in experimental animals highlight the need for additional tools to predict human toxicity. The utility of cytochrome c (cyt c) as a biomarker in serum and urine was evaluated in two rodent liver injury models. Adult Sprague–Dawley rats treated with acetaminophen or d‐galactosamine (GalN) showed dose‐ and time‐dependent histomorphological changes and TUNEL staining in liver consistent with hepatocellular necrosis, apoptosis and inflammation up to 72 h. Matching changes in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and cyt c peaked at 24 h for either drug at the highest dose, cyt c falling rapidly at 48 hours with ALT and AST remained high. Intracellular transit of cyt c from mitochondria to the cytoplasm in damaged hepatocytes, and then to peripheral circulation, was observed by immunohistochemistry. Correlation coefficients between cyt c and serum diagnostic tests indicate the liver to be the primary source of cyt c. Urinary analysis for cyt c revealed time‐dependent increase at 6 h, peaking at 24 h in GalN‐treated rats in contrast with irregular patterns of urinary ALT and AST activity. Histological changes detected at 6 h preceded altered ALT, AST and cyt c at 12 and 18 h, respectively, in GalN‐treated rats. These studies demonstrate cyt c to be a useful indicator of hepatic injury in rodents and support its utility as a non‐invasive predictor of drug‐induced hepatotoxicity, when utilized as a potential urinary biomarker. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective activation of NF‐κB and E2F by low concentration of arsenite in U937 human monocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Yamamoto Megumi , Hirano Seishiro , Vogel Christoph F. A. , Cui Xing , Matsumura Fumio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractArsenite has been reported to exert dose‐dependent dual effects: triggering apoptosis at relatively high concentrations, whereas inducing partial differentiation at low concentrations in leukemia cells. However, the relevant molecular mechanisms of its action at low and nonapoptotic concentrations remain to be elucidated. We examined the effect of arsenite on activation of key transcription factors in cultured U937 human monocytes/macrophages. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), protein/DNA array and luciferase reporter assay were used to analyze the effect of arsenite on the functional activities of transcription factors. Protein/DNA array analysis showed that activation of E2F was seen after 6‐h exposure to 1 and 10 μM arsenite. In contrast, activation of NF‐κB took place only at 1 μM arsenite, whereas 10 μM arsenite showed no recognizable effect on this nuclear transcription factor in the protein/DNA array analysis. EMSA using a NF‐κB consensus probe indicates the functional activation of RelB/p50 in the presence of 1 μM arsenite, confirming the above results. Luciferase reporter assay for NF‐κB showed activation of NF‐κB in the presence of 1 μM arsenite. Interleukin (IL)‐8 and B‐cell‐activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) mRNA expression, which have been shown to be regulated through NF‐κB, were activated in the presence of 1 μM arsenite. These results support the hypothesis that the primary action of nonapoptotic concentrations of arsenite in this cell line is activation of NF‐κB, signaling as a decision maker for end results such as inflammation disease or cancer. This finding offers the possibility of providing a logical explanation for the observations made by many scientists that chronic exposure of human populations to low doses of arsenic is significantly correlated to clinical signs of inflammation in many tissues. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:136–146, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20222
Differential effect of ascorbic acid and n‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine on arsenic trioxide‐mediated oxidative stress in human leukemia (HL‐60) Cells
Authors: Yedjou Clement G. , Rogers Christian , Brown Erika , Tchounwou Paul B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractArsenic trioxide (ATO) has been recommended for the treatment of refractory cases of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Recent studies in our laboratory indicated that oxidative stress plays a key role in ATO‐induced cytotoxicity in human leukemia (HL‐60) cells. In the present investigation, we performed the MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion test for cell viability. We also performed the thiobarbituric acid test to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) production in HL‐60 cells coexposed to either ascorbic acid (AA) and ATO or to n‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) and ATO. The results of MTT assay indicated that AA exposure potentiates the cytotoxicity of ATO in HL‐60 cells, as evidenced by a gradual increase in MDA levels with increasing doses of AA. In contrary, the addition of NAC to ATO‐treated HL‐60 cells resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease of MDA production. From these results, we conclude that the addition of the AA to ATO‐treated HL‐60 cells enhances the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas the addition of NAC under the same experimental condition significantly (p < .05) decreases the level of ROS formation. On the basis of these direct in vitro findings, our studies provide evidence that AA may extend the therapeutic spectrum of ATO. The coadministration of NAC with ATO shows a potential specificity for tumor cells, indicating that it may not enhance the clinical outcome associated with ATO monotherapy in vivo. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:85–92, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20223
Gender divergent expression of Nqo1 in Sprague Dawley and August Copenhagen x Irish rats
Authors: Augustine Lisa M. , Fisher Craig D. , Lickteig Andrew J , Aleksunes Lauren M. , Slitt Angela L. , Cherrington Nathan J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the mammalian liver, there is an abundance of enzymes that function to enable the safe and efficient elimination of potentially harmful xenobiotics that are encountered through environmental exposure. A variety of factors, including gender and genetic polymorphisms, contribute to the variation between an individual system's detoxification capacity and thus its ability to protect itself against oxidative stress, cellular damage, cell death, etc. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreducatase 1 (Nqo1) is an antioxidant enzyme that plays a major role in reducing reactive electrophiles, thereby protecting cells from free‐radical damage and oxidative stress. The goal of this study was to determine the gender‐specific expression and inducibility of Nqo1 in the Sprague Dawley (SD) and August Copenhagen x Irish (ACI) rat strains, two strains that are commonly used in drug metabolism and drug‐induced enzyme induction, toxicity, and carcinogenesis studies. Nqo1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels were determined through 96 h in SD and ACI males and females following treatment with known Nqo1 inducers oltipraz and butylated hydroxyanisole. In the SD strain, gender dimorphic expression of Nqo1 was observed with female mRNA, protein, and activity levels being significantly higher than in males. In contrast, there were minimal differences in Nqo1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels between ACI males and females. The gender dimorphic expression of Nqo1 in the SD rats was maintained through the course of induction, with female‐induced levels greater than male‐induced levels indicating that SD females may have a greater capacity to protect against oxidative stress and thus a decreased susceptibility to carcinogens. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:93–100, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20224
Modulatory potential of ellagic acid, a natural plant polyphenol on altered lipid profile and lipid peroxidation status during alcohol‐induced toxicity: A pathohistological study
Authors: Devipriya Nagarajan , Sudheer Adluri Ram , Vishwanathan Periyaswamy , Menon Venugopal Padmanabhan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPolyphenol‐rich dietary foodstuffs, consumed as an integral part of vegetables, fruits, and beverages have attracted attention due to their antioxidant and anticancer properties. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenolic compound widely distributed in fruits and nuts, has been reported to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. Chronic consumption of alcohol potentially results in serious illness including hepatitis, fatty liver, hypertriglyceridemia, and cirrhosis. A little is known about the influence of EA on alcohol toxicity in vivo. Accordingly, in the present study, we have evaluated the protective effects of EA on lipid peroxidation and lipid levels during alcohol‐induced toxicity in experimental rats. Forty female albino Wistar rats, which were weighing between 150–170 g were used for the study. The toxicity was induced by administration of 20% alcohol orally (7.9 g/kg body wt.) for 45 days. Rats were treated with EA at three different doses (30, 60, and 90 mg/kg body wt.) via intragastric intubations together with alcohol. At the end of experimental duration, liver marker enzymes (i.e., aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase), lipid peroxidative indices (i.e., thiobarbituriacid reactive substances and hydroperoxides) in plasma, and lipid levels (i.e., cholesterol, free fatty acids, triglycerides and phospholipids) in tissues were analyzed to evaluate the antiperoxidative and antilipidemic effects of EA. Liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidative indices, and lipid levels, i.e., cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids, were significantly increased whereas phospholipid levels were significantly decreased in the alcohol‐administered group. EA treatment resulted in positive modulation of marker enzymes, peroxidative indices, and lipid levels. EA at the dose of 60 mg/kg body wt. was found to be more effective when compared to the other two doses. Histological changes observed were also inconsistent with the biochemical parameters. Our study suggests that EA exerts beneficial effects at the dosage of 60 mg/kg body wt. against alcohol‐induced damage, and it can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of alcohol‐abuse ailments in the near future. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:101–112, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20226