A growing body of literature suggests a relationship between metals and a threatened health status among children, adolescents, and adults. Recently, several investigators have reported a direct link between exposure to metal and diminished affective, behavioral, and cognitive performance of school children. The purpose of the present study was to review and analyze methods and procedures used to understand the relationship between exposure to metals and cognitive, social, and motor functioning of school children.
(1848). XV.—Characters of seven new species of Helix, with amended descriptions of some species previously described, and notes on others requiring remark. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 2, No. 9, pp. 158-164.
Bioavailability is a widely accepted concept based on the implicit knowledge that before an organism may accumulate or show a biological response to a chemical, that element or compound must be available to the organism. While the concept of bioavailability is widely accepted, the processes that control it are poorly understood. This latter situation results from an incomplete understanding of basic processes in aquatic systems, which is further exacerbated by the numerous and sometimes conflicting qualitative definitions of bioavailability used by investigators from different scientific disciplines.
ABSTRACT This article develops and explores a methodology for using qualitative influence diagrams in environmental policy and management to support decision making efforts that minimize risk and increase resiliency. Influence diagrams are representations of the conditional aspects of a problem domain. Their graphical properties are useful for structuring causal knowledge relevant to policy interventions and can be used to enhance inference and inclusivity of multiple viewpoints. Qualitative components of influence diagrams are beneficial tools for identifying and examining the interactions among the critical variables in complex policy development and implementation. Policy interventions on social‐environmental systems can be intuitively diagrammed for representing knowledge of critical relationships among economic, environmental, and social attributes. Examples relevant to coastal resiliency issues in the U.S. Gulf Coast region are developed to illustrate model structures for developing qualitative influence diagrams useful for clarifying important policy intervention issues and enhancing transparency in decision making. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
The mechanism of interaction between chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide, and methyl mercury, an organometal, was assessed utilizing the amphipod, Hyalella azteca. Previous studies have demonstrated that chlorpyrifos and methyl mercury interact additively, with survival as the endpoint. In addition, exposure to chlorpyrifos and methyl mercury increased the accumulation and decreased the elimination of methyl mercury. To elucidate the mechanism responsible for these interactions, biochemical mechanisms indicative of chlorpyrifos and methyl mercury toxicity were assessed in H. azteca. Biochemical endpoints that were evaluated include the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme and indicators of oxidative stress such as glutathione-S-transferase activity, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and glutathione content. Methyl mercury antagonized the effects of chlorpyrifos in vivo on acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Methyl mercury did not induce oxidative damage; however, chlorpyrifos decreased glutathione-S-transferase activity. Additional studies demonstrated that methyl mercury did not affect the in vitro bioactivation of chlorpyrifos or the subsequent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity. Chemical-chemical interactions were examined utilizing chromatographic techniques. Results of thin layer chromatography suggested the formation of a chlorpyrifos-methyl mercury complex. The formation of this complex may result in increased accumulation of methyl mercury, apparent additive toxicity, and protection against chlorpyrifos mediated acetylcholinesterase inhibition.
ABSTRACT Genomics information has great potential to enhance assessment of risks to human health and the environment. Although understanding genomic responses with respect to adverse ecological and human health outcomes is not, as yet, established, it is important to consider the likely future impacts of genomics technologies on risk assessment and decision-making. Four areas are identified as those likely to be influenced by the generation of genomics information within, and the submission of such information to, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA): risk assessment, prioritization of contaminants and contaminated sites, monitoring, and reporting provisions. For each of these risk assessment and regulatory applications, representative activities are presented to illustrate the application. Three major challenges for the USEPA associated with genomics are also identified in the areas of research, technical development, and capacity. The USEPA's initial activities to address these challenges are discussed. The Agency recognizes it must be prepared to use genomics information, and that many scientific, policy, ethical, and legal concerns will need to be addressed. The USEPA also recognizes it is essential to continue to collaborate with other federal agencies, academia, the regulated community, and other stakeholders in order to benefit from ongoing advances in genomics in the wider scientific and regulatory communities.