Mercury - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

MERCURY A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES J AMES N. P ...

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MERCURY A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES

J AMES N. P ARKER , M.D. AND P HILIP M. P ARKER , P H .D., E DITORS

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ICON Health Publications ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Last digit indicates print number: 10 9 8 7 6 4 5 3 2 1

Publisher, Health Care: Philip Parker, Ph.D. Editor(s): James Parker, M.D., Philip Parker, Ph.D. Publisher's note: The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. As new medical or scientific information becomes available from academic and clinical research, recommended treatments and drug therapies may undergo changes. The authors, editors, and publisher have attempted to make the information in this book up to date and accurate in accord with accepted standards at the time of publication. The authors, editors, and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for consequences from application of the book, and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in regard to the contents of this book. Any practice described in this book should be applied by the reader in accordance with professional standards of care used in regard to the unique circumstances that may apply in each situation. The reader is advised to always check product information (package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage and contraindications before prescribing any drug or pharmacological product. Caution is especially urged when using new or infrequently ordered drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, alternative therapies, complementary therapies and medicines, and integrative medical treatments. Cataloging-in-Publication Data Parker, James N., 1961Parker, Philip M., 1960Mercury: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References / James N. Parker and Philip M. Parker, editors p. cm. Includes bibliographical references, glossary, and index. ISBN: 0-497-11072-5 1. Mercury-Popular works. I. Title.

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Disclaimer This publication is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher, editors, and authors are not engaging in the rendering of medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. References to any entity, product, service, or source of information that may be contained in this publication should not be considered an endorsement, either direct or implied, by the publisher, editors, or authors. ICON Group International, Inc., the editors, and the authors are not responsible for the content of any Web pages or publications referenced in this publication.

Copyright Notice If a physician wishes to copy limited passages from this book for patient use, this right is automatically granted without written permission from ICON Group International, Inc. (ICON Group). However, all of ICON Group publications have copyrights. With exception to the above, copying our publications in whole or in part, for whatever reason, is a violation of copyright laws and can lead to penalties and fines. Should you want to copy tables, graphs, or other materials, please contact us to request permission (E-mail: [email protected]). ICON Group often grants permission for very limited reproduction of our publications for internal use, press releases, and academic research. Such reproduction requires confirmed permission from ICON Group International, Inc. The disclaimer above must accompany all reproductions, in whole or in part, of this book.

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Acknowledgements The collective knowledge generated from academic and applied research summarized in various references has been critical in the creation of this book which is best viewed as a comprehensive compilation and collection of information prepared by various official agencies which produce publications on mercury. Books in this series draw from various agencies and institutions associated with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and in particular, the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (OS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Administration on Aging (AOA), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Healthcare Financing Administration (HCFA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the institutions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Program Support Center (PSC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to these sources, information gathered from the National Library of Medicine, the United States Patent Office, the European Union, and their related organizations has been invaluable in the creation of this book. Some of the work represented was financially supported by the Research and Development Committee at INSEAD. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, special thanks are owed to Tiffany Freeman for her excellent editorial support.

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About the Editors James N. Parker, M.D. Dr. James N. Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Riverside and his M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. In addition to authoring numerous research publications, he has lectured at various academic institutions. Dr. Parker is the medical editor for health books by ICON Health Publications. Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. Philip M. Parker is the Eli Lilly Chair Professor of Innovation, Business and Society at INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France and Singapore). Dr. Parker has also been Professor at the University of California, San Diego and has taught courses at Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and UCLA. Dr. Parker is the associate editor for ICON Health Publications.

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About ICON Health Publications To discover more about ICON Health Publications, simply check with your preferred online booksellers, including Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon.com which currently carry all of our titles. Or, feel free to contact us directly for bulk purchases or institutional discounts: ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Fourth Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Fax: 858-546-4341 Web site: www.icongrouponline.com/health

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Table of Contents FORWARD .......................................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON MERCURY .................................................................................................. 3 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 3 The Combined Health Information Database................................................................................. 3 Federally Funded Research on Mercury ........................................................................................ 4 E-Journals: PubMed Central ....................................................................................................... 60 The National Library of Medicine: PubMed ................................................................................ 73 Academic Periodicals covering Mercury.................................................................................... 116 CHAPTER 2. PATENTS ON MERCURY ............................................................................................ 117 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 117 Patents on Mercury ................................................................................................................... 117 Patent Applications on Mercury ............................................................................................... 120 Keeping Current ........................................................................................................................ 121 CHAPTER 3. BOOKS ON MERCURY ................................................................................................ 123 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 123 Book Summaries: Federal Agencies............................................................................................ 123 Book Summaries: Online Booksellers......................................................................................... 124 Chapters on Mercury ................................................................................................................. 124 CHAPTER 4. RESEARCHING MEDICATIONS .................................................................................. 127 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 127 U.S. Pharmacopeia..................................................................................................................... 127 Commercial Databases ............................................................................................................... 128 Researching Orphan Drugs ....................................................................................................... 128 APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES .......................................................................................... 133 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 133 NIH Guidelines.......................................................................................................................... 133 NIH Databases........................................................................................................................... 135 Other Commercial Databases..................................................................................................... 137 APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES ............................................................................................... 139 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 139 Patient Guideline Sources.......................................................................................................... 139 News Services and Press Releases.............................................................................................. 144 Newsletter Articles .................................................................................................................... 146 Finding Associations.................................................................................................................. 146 APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES ................................................................................ 149 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 149 Preparation................................................................................................................................. 149 Finding a Local Medical Library................................................................................................ 149 Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada ................................................................................. 149 ONLINE GLOSSARIES................................................................................................................ 155 Online Dictionary Directories ................................................................................................... 156 MERCURY DICTIONARY........................................................................................................... 159 INDEX .............................................................................................................................................. 225

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FORWARD In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."1 Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing. Since only the smallest fraction of information dealing with mercury is indexed in search engines, such as www.google.com or others, a non-systematic approach to Internet research can be not only time consuming, but also incomplete. This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to know as much as possible about mercury, using the most advanced research tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. In addition to offering a structured and comprehensive bibliography, the pages that follow will tell you where and how to find reliable information covering virtually all topics related to mercury, from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. Public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research studies are emphasized. Various abstracts are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on mercury. Abundant guidance is given on how to obtain free-of-charge primary research results via the Internet. While this book focuses on the field of medicine, when some sources provide access to non-medical information relating to mercury, these are noted in the text. E-book and electronic versions of this book are fully interactive with each of the Internet sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site indicated). If you are using the hard copy version of this book, you can access a cited Web site by typing the provided Web address directly into your Internet browser. You may find it useful to refer to synonyms or related terms when accessing these Internet databases. NOTE: At the time of publication, the Web addresses were functional. However, some links may fail due to URL address changes, which is a common occurrence on the Internet. For readers unfamiliar with the Internet, detailed instructions are offered on how to access electronic resources. For readers unfamiliar with medical terminology, a comprehensive glossary is provided. For readers without access to Internet resources, a directory of medical libraries, that have or can locate references cited here, is given. We hope these resources will prove useful to the widest possible audience seeking information on mercury. The Editors

1

From the NIH, National Cancer Institute (NCI): http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/ten-things-to-know.

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CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON MERCURY Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on mercury.

The Combined Health Information Database The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and mercury, you will need to use the advanced search options. First, go to http://chid.nih.gov/index.html. From there, select the “Detailed Search” option (or go directly to that page with the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html). The trick in extracting studies is found in the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Journal Article.” At the top of the search form, select the number of records you would like to see (we recommend 100) and check the box to display “whole records.” We recommend that you type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. Consider using the option “anywhere in record” to make your search as broad as possible. If you want to limit the search to only a particular field, such as the title of the journal, then select this option in the “Search in these fields” drop box. The following is what you can expect from this type of search: •

Urate and Calcium Stones: Picking Up a Drop of Mercury With One's Fingers? Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 17(4): 426-430. April 1991. Summary: In this article, the evidence cited to support the suspicion that urinary urate is a predisposing factor in calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation is critically reviewed. Analysis of the relevant literature shows that speculation is based on the clinical impression that CaOx stone-formers appear to excrete more urate than do normal subjects, and that allopurinol reduces the rate of CaOx stone recurrences. The authors review the evidence for two theories that have dominated thinking in this area. The authors conclude that dissolved urate in urine, at normal physiological pH values, directly provokes CaOx crystal nucleation by the phenomenon of salting-out. 1 figure. 35 references. (AA-M).

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Mercury

Alzheimer's Disease, Dental Amalgam and Mercury Source: JADA: Journal of the American Dental Association. 130: 191-199. February 1999. Summary: Mercury (Hg) is a neurotoxin that may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article describes an investigation that evaluated the relationship among AD, Hg levels in the brain, and exposure to dental amalgam. Dental amalgam is generally made up of approximately 50 percent Hg and releases low levels of Hg vapor making it a potential source of Hg for a large segment of the adult population. The authors studied 68 subjects with AD and 33 controls and ascertained dental amalgam status during life and at autopsy. They also determined Hg levels in multiple brain regions at autopsy and developed three dental amalgam index scores to use with the numbers of and surface area of dental amalgam restorations. The data showed no significant association of AD with the number, surface area, or history of dental amalgam restorations. The authors found no statistically significant differences in brain Hg level between subjects with AD and controls and conclude that Hg in dental amalgam restorations does not appear to be a neurotoxic factor in the pathogenesis of AD. This study demonstrated that brain Hg levels are not associated with current or previous dental amalgam history. 1 figure, 5 tables, 58 references (AA-M).

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Determination of Blood Mercury Concentrations in Alzheimer's Patients Source: Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology. 33(3): 243-247. 1995. Summary: This cross sectional study measured blood mercury in patients with diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD) as compared to people without known central nervous system and renal disorders. Researchers put all participants on a diet without any fish or seafood for a period of 3 months. At the end of this period, nursing staff collected 20 mL of blood from each participant for analysis. Blood mercury levels were determined by radiochemical neutron activation analysis, and selenium levels were determined through instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results suggest that blood mercury concentrations detected in subjects with AD were not statistically different than those of control subjects. Ratios of blood mercury to blood selenium also were determined, and no statistical difference was found between these two groups. 1 table, 23 references. (AA-M).

Federally Funded Research on Mercury The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to mercury. These studies are tracked by the Office of Extramural Research at the National Institutes of Health.2 CRISP (Computerized Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions. Search the CRISP Web site at http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/crisp_query.generate_screen. You will have the option to perform targeted searches by various criteria, including geography, date, and topics related to mercury.

2

Healthcare projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Office of Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH).

Studies

5

For most of the studies, the agencies reporting into CRISP provide summaries or abstracts. As opposed to clinical trial research using patients, many federally funded studies use animals or simulated models to explore mercury. The following is typical of the type of information found when searching the CRISP database for mercury: •

Project Title: A NEW APPROACH FOR BIOMEDICAL IMAGING Principal Investigator & Institution: Winefordner, James D.; Chemistry; University of Florida Gainesville, Fl 32611 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-APR-2000; Project End 28-FEB-2005 Summary: (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract): The goal of this research program is to develop an ultranarrowband imaging detector which can be used for in vivo biomedical imaging. The device will be capable of providing real time velocity information in images of arterial blood flow and compositional information via selective Raman imaging. Functioning in the near infrared, it will be capable of obtaining images at tissue depths of up to several cm. The extremely high spectral resolution is achieved by using an atomic vapor as the active sensing element. Laser pumped multi-step resonance ionization provides a near unity quantum efficiency and a large solid angle for optical collection, approaching 2m sr, is possible. When coupled with a microchannel plate amplification stage and a CCD detector, such devices offer unparalleled performance for specialized imaging applications. This research project will develop and optimize resonance ionization image devices using mercury and cesium as active elements. Studies will include the ionization spectroscopy of Hg and Cs, optimization of the detector response function (spectral bandwidth, quantum efficiency, spatial resolution), design and development of functional devices for imaging in biomedical systems and finally, applications to imaging of arterial blood flow in patients with peripheral vascular disease and the Raman imaging of arterial plaque. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: A NOVEL SENSOR FOR TOTAL MERCURY IN FISH TISSUE Principal Investigator & Institution: Sarangapani, Shantha; Innovative Chemical/Environmental Tech Environmental Technologies, Inc Norwood, Ma 02062 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-MAY-2002; Project End 14-NOV-2003 Summary: (Applicant's abstract): There is a current need to monitor food and fish tissue samples for total mercury and other toxic metals, onsite, using portable instruments. Currently the determination of mercury requires complex instrumentation, which is beyond the means of potential users. Moreover, the samples have to be shipped to an accredited lab with typical turnaround times of 10 days or more. The fish tissue sample preparation involves a tedious procedure of hot, concentrated, acid digestion. This Phase I research will examine the feasibility of using screen-printed electrodes with dendrimer-gold nano composite for the "in situ" anodic stripping voltammetric analysis (ASV) of total mercury in fish tissue samples. Alternate methods of sample preparations will be tested. The dendrimeric structure due to its hydrophilicity and density of the molecular arms are expected to prevent the influx of large organic and biomolecules. With the advent of nano scale molecular reservoirs such as the dendrimers, and excellent opportunity exists to test the idea of rapid chemical sensing in a biomimetric manner. The screen-printed electrodes will be fabricated at the New Mexico State University Microfabrication Labs using our proprietary formulations. A thorough characterization of the proposed electrode, using certified fish tissue samples for "proof of the concept" will be carried out. The product from this research would be well suited

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for portable automated commercial instruments such as the MetalyzerTM, SA-5000 or Tracelab TM systems using the current EPA protocols for mercury analysis by stripping methods. The cost of the proposed electrode strips is comparable to the current cost of electrodes. The ASV has remarkably low detection limits and can analyze a variety of toxic metals due to the unique stripping potentials for each metal. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The proposed electrodes strips have a massive potential for use in field tests for agriculture and food industry. Water quality as well as for routine monitoring of industrial waste water treatment facilities to monitor low levels of toxic mercury and other medals. Multianalyte sensing capabilities could be incorporated. The US and European market for the proposed sensors is projected to be close to 400 million dollars by the year 2005. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: ACETYLCYSTEINE: AN ANTIDOTE FOR METHYLMERCURY POISONING Principal Investigator & Institution: Simmons-Willis, Tracey A.; Environmental Medicine; University of Rochester Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-MAR-2003; Project End 29-FEB-2004 Summary: (provided by applicant): Chronic methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and toxicity continues to be of environmental concern. MeHg can cause severe neurological and developmental defects. Removal of MeHg from the body is the only effective remedy. Our recent work has shown that MeHg-L-cysteine is a substrate for the human amino acid transporters, LAT1 and LAT2, facilitating MeHg's rapid distribution in the body (Simmons-Willis et al. Biochem. Journal, in press). Recent work from our laboratory (Ballatori et al. Env. Health Perspectives, 106(5):267-271, 1998) demonstrated that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) added to drinking water of mice greatly increases the excretion of MeHg from the body. The molecular mechanism for this process was recently explored (Koh et al. Mol. Pharmacol., in press). This study indicates that a major renal organic anion transporter, Oat1, plays a significant role in MeHg removal from the kidney. The overall goals of the proposed work are to examine the mechanisms of MeHg elimination and determine the role of NAC as an antidote. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: ACTIVITIES NEPHROTOXIN

OF

BILIVERDIN

REDUCTASE-EFFECT

OF

Principal Investigator & Institution: Maines, Mahin D.; Professor; Biochemistry and Biophysics; University of Rochester Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 06-DEC-1985; Project End 31-AUG-2005 Summary: Biliverdin reductase (BVR) is a unique dual pH/cofactor-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the last step in the heme degradation pathway (i,e reduction of biliverdin to bilirubin). Biliverdin, the substrate for BVR, is generated, with carbon monoxide (CO), in the course of heme degradation by the stress/heat shock family of proteins: heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and HO-2. CO functions as NO. BVR is the ultimate regulator of heme metabolism, in that, biliverdin regulates HO activity in vivo. Biliverdin is also a liver tumor promoter and inhibits human Herpes virus-6 replication and HIV-1 proliferation. Bilirubin is a potent antioxidant; low levels of serum bilirubin are associated with increased risk of coronary artery heart disease and retinopathy of prematurity. We are the only laboratory in the country actively pursuing molecular toxicology research on BVR that, by virtue of being an -SH-dependent enzyme, is a

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7

target for environmental agents and nephrotoxins. We have now discovered that BVR is a kinase and a protein kinase C (PKC)-interacting and -activating protein and translocates into the nucleus in response to nephrotoxins: such as mercury, bromobenzene and bacterial endotoxins (LPS) as well as in cancerous transformation. In addition, in human kidney tumors, ischemic rat brain and kidneys, and in kidneys of rats exposed to nephrotoxins, BVR levels are increased. Also, the ability to produce biliverdin in advanced human prostate tumor cells is increased. PKCs play an important role in the field of cancer research and are key components of cellular response to oxidative stress. Based on the ability of BVR to activate PKC, it is likely that BVR plays a significant role in modulating a multitude of cellular functions including cell growth and differentiation. The Specific Aims of the proposed studies are 1) To further characterize BVR for molecular properties and requirements of kinase and reductase activities. 2) To further investigate BVR/PKC interaction. 3) To characterize BVR interactive proteins in the cells and to identify the proteins that interact with BVR under normal and oxidative stress conditions, such as exposure to nephrotoxic agents and cancer. Also, to explore the nuclear function of BVR in the context of HO-1's response to oxidative stress. 4) To isolate the human BVR gene, characterize its promoter region and analyze its regulation by various toxins and effector agents. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

MERCURY

FREE

RESTORATIVE

ALLOYS

Principal Investigator & Institution: Lashmore, David S.; Synergy Innovations, Inc. Lebanon, Nh 03766 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2003 Summary: (provided by applicant): This application summarizes a new approach to Dental restoration using semi-automatic condensation of a silver containing slurry with new type of impacting Dental instrument. This instrument is unique in that it combines the functions of impact condensation, slurry feeding and waste liquid removal in a single ergonomic handpiece. This instrument employs the available expertise in magnetic design and consists of a solenoid driven impactor whose impact energy and frequency are independently selectable. Some design considerations are presented here. This instrument is unique in that it acts as both repetitive impact condensation device and a waste-solution removal device and will enable, for the first time, a mercury-free silver alloy to be used in commercial Dentistry. The driving forces for this program are the demonstrated superior properties of the pure silver restoration and the need to achieve reproducibly high restoration density independent of the skill of the operator and consistent with patient comfort. An additional obvious benefit of this mercury-free restoration is safety for Dentists and the environment. Using these mercury free alloys, Dentists would no longer need to handle, breath, or dispose of mercury containing waste products. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: AFRICAN HYPERTENSION

AMERICAN

STUDY

OF

KIDNEY

DISEASE

&

Principal Investigator & Institution: Randall, Otelio S.; Professor of Medicine; Medicine; Howard University Washington, Dc 20059 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-1992; Project End 30-JUN-2003

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Mercury

Summary: Hypertension is considered one of the major causes of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the general population, and the number one cause in African Americans. Despite the availability of potent antihypertensive drugs, the number of hypertensive African Americans progressing to ESRD continues to rise. This disproportionately high prevalence of ESRD in African Americans cannot be explained by the higher prevalence of hypertension. Whether this is due to more susceptibility of the kidney of African Americans to hypertensive injury or due to concurrent existence of unidentified renal factors is not known. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that antihypertensive drugs may retard the progression of hypertensive renal disease, but no clinical trial has been conducted to test this hypothesis in African Americans. This proposed multi-center project is designed to study the following: if the pathological lesion in "hypertensive renal disease" is purely a result of persistent hypertension; if one anti-hypertensive drug is better than another in terms of preservation of renal function; and the level of blood pressure suitable for the survival of the kidney. Hypertensive African Americans, 18-70 years of age with no other known disease that can affect the kidney, will be screened for blood pressure qualification, and will undergo glomerular filtration rate (GFR) tests. Those who qualify, based on blood pressure levels and the GFR results will then be randomized in a double-masked fashion to one of the three major antihypertensive classes (converting enzyme inhibitor, calcium channel blocker, or beta blocker) and to one of two pressure levels: mean blood pressure greater than 92 millimeter of mercury (mmHg), or 102 to 107 mmHg. Other antihypertensive drugs will be added to keep the blood pressure at the desired level. The blood pressure of the randomized subjects will then be monitored on a monthly basis and compliance to medication(s) will be checked at the same time. Their renal function will also be tracked with periodic GFR tests throughout the study period, which will last approximately four years. All data will be collected and sent to the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for analyses and interpretation. The goal of the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) full- scale trial is to better understand the physiopathology of hypertensive renal disease in an effort to develop guidelines to prevent the increasing prevalence of ESRD in African Americans. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDY OF KIDNEY DISEASE AND HYPERTENSIO Principal Investigator & Institution: Toto, Robert D.; Professor of Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine; University of Texas Sw Med Ctr/Dallas Dallas, Tx 753909105 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-1992; Project End 30-JUN-2003 Summary: (taken directly from the application) The African-American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) is a multi-center, randomized double-blind controlled trial designed to determine whether long-term lowering of blood pressure to two different levels of mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 92 versus 102-107 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) with a calcium channel blocker, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, or a beta-blocker can prevent deterioration in renal function in African-Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis and chronic renal insufficiency. The full-scale trial will involve 900 adult African-Americans of both sexes with hypertensive nephrosclerosis and a baseline glomerular filtration rate of 25-70 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared. The study is designed to answer two key questions in this study population: 1) can long-term blood pressure control (102-107 mmHg) slow progression of renal disease; and 2) is strict blood pressure control (mean arterial pressure less than (92 mmHg) more effective than usual control (102-107 mmHg)

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9

in preserving renal function? During the pilot study for AASK, the applicant reports that they have recruited and randomized 11 patients over a six and one- half month period. Eight of these patients have undergone successful renal biopsy. They report a 100 percent retention of randomized subjects with no serious adverse events thus far, and that the participants have been 100 percent compliant with protocol procedures and greater than 90 percent compliant with medications and have been able to achieve the blood pressure goal level in 9 out of 11 patients thus far. The team of investigators appears to have worked cooperatively with the data coordinating center and has been able to transmit data in a timely and efficient manner. The investigators report preliminary studies which suggest that the AASK protocol is acceptable and well tolerated by participants, and is feasible for application to the full- scale trial. The trial is unique because for the first time: 1) African- Americans with a single progressive renal disease will be studied in a multi-center trial; 2) the relative efficacy and safety of a calcium channel blocker, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a betablocker for preserving renal function will be assessed; and 3) investigators will obtain an assessment of the best methodologies for recruitment and retention of this population in a long-term clinical trial. The goal of the study is to provide a means by which the incidence of end stage renal disease can be effectively forestalled or prevented altogether in this high-risk population. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: ALTERED GENE EXPRESSION BY MGCL2 IN TARGET ORGANS Principal Investigator & Institution: Mansour, Mahmoud M.; Tuskegee University Tuskegee Institute, Al 36088 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUN-1978; Project End 30-JUN-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): Mercury is a significant contaminant of the environment and poses a serious systemic toxicity risk to humans, animals, and the aquatic food web. Published data indicate that inorganic mercury accumulates and induces strong renal toxicity and adversely affects spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats. Such effects underscore the threat to human health because mercury is ubiquitously present in the environment and is widely used in the industry. Hence, the long-term goal of this project is to understand how environmental exposure to mercury induces toxicity. The specific aim of this application is to determine the effects of mercuric chloride on differential gene expression in the kidney and two male reproductive organs. We hypothesize that the toxicity of mercuric chloride largely results from the loss of control of differential gene expression. This hypothesis is formulated based on published reports which indicated that mercuric chloride induced apoptosis, and transcriptional activation and/or suppression of several genes in the kidney, and based on our initial studies, that mercuric chloride down-regulated estrogen receptor alpha mRNA expression in the efferent ductules, and induced apoptosis in the testis of adult male rats. To test this hypothesis, we will test the effects of oral administration of mercuric chloride on differential expression of genes (repressed versus induced) using differential display PCR and relevant toxicity endpoints. Using micro-array, we will determine the effects of mercuric chloride on unique genes related to phase I and II metabolism, apoptosis, inflammation, DNA damage, cell transport, and oxidative stress in the kidney, efferent ductules, and the testis. Semi-quantitative PCR will be used to determine the effect on steroid hormone receptors (estrogen and androgen) in the efferent ductules and testis. The proposed experiments will identify pathways by which mercuric chloride causes toxicity, and identify molecular

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Mercury

biomarkers for exposure to inorganic mercury. Such approach will be valuable in the identification of new drug targets for treatment of mercuric chloride. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: AUTOANTIGEN CLEAVAGE DURING APOPTOSIS AND NECROSIS Principal Investigator & Institution: Casiano, Carlos A.; Associate Professor; Medicine; Loma Linda University Loma Linda, Ca 92350 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-1998; Project End 31-MAR-2003 Summary: Apoptosis and necrosis are two fundamental cell death pathways that may be the end result of response to physiologic activators, physical trauma, or environmental toxins and chemicals. These modes of cell death are associated with a wide range of human pathological conditions, including systemic autoimmunity, cancer, AIDS, and neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that activation of cysteine proteases of the ICE/CED-3 family is a central mechanism in the execution of apoptosis. Although the mechanisms driving cell necrosis are still obscure, recent studies also point to activation of proteases as a key event in this cell death process. However, the nature of these proteases and their substrates remains largely unknown. Using human antinuclear autoantibodies as probes, we have demonstrated that both apoptosis and necrosis involve the selective, but distinctively different, proteolytic cleavage of a specific set of nuclear protein autoantigens. It is proposed that different proteolytic mechanisms underlie the execution of apoptosis and necrosis, and that dissecting these mechanisms should be helpful for establishing a clear distinction between these cell death processes. The broad, long term objectives of this research is to dissect and differentiate events associated with these mechanisms. Three specific aims are proposed to test our hypothesis. (1) To use a panel of antinuclear autoantibodies where the antigen targets are well characterized nuclear proteins, as probes to define and differentiate patterns of substrate proteolysis associated with Fas-mediated apoptosis and with necrosis induced by the toxic xenobiotic mercury. (2) To characterize proteolytic activities involved in the cleavage of specific autoantigens in both cell death processes. Cell free systems of apoptosis and necrosis will be used in these studies to analyze the inhibition profile of autoantigen cleavage and to determine whether activation of ICE/CED-3 proteases occurs during necrosis. The ability of purified proteases to cleave specific antigens and the identify of specific cleavage sites will be also investigated. (3) To exploit the differences in autoantigen cleavage observed in apoptosis and necrosis for the development of monoclonal antibodies which react specifically with epitopes associated with either apoptotic or necrotic cell death. It is anticipated that these studies should contribute to enhancing our understanding of cell death in molecular terms and establishing additional criteria that would help to differentiate between apoptosis and necrosis. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: CASA PIA STUDY OF DENTAL AMALGAMS IN CHILDREN Principal Investigator & Institution: Derouen, Timothy A.; Professor and Chairman; Dental Public Health Sciences; University of Washington Grant & Contract Services Seattle, Wa 98105 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-1996; Project End 31-JUL-2006 Summary: This proposed project is a competing renewal to the Casa Pia Study of the Health Effects of Dental Amalgams in Children, a cooperative agreement funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research as one component of the

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Children's Amalgam Trial. The University of Washington is the applicant organization with a subcontract to the University of Lisbon, Portugal, as the clinical site. The Study is a randomized clinical trial in which 507 children of ages 8 to 10 at entry with substantial dental treatment needs and who are students of Casa Pia Schools in Lisbon, have been randomized to the use or non-use of mercury amalgams in their dental treatment. The project is currently in the second year of follow-up, with 95% retention thus far in the study. Mercury exposure is measured from urine samples at baseline and follow-up exams at one-year intervals. Four primary endpoints are monitored from baseline at one-year intervals: three neurobehavioral (combined assessments from neurobehavioral tests for attention, memory, and motor/visual motor domains) and one neurological (nerve conduction velocities). Secondary endpoints include two renal (two Glutathione Transferase isozymes specific to renal tubular damage), a clinical neurological exam, porphyrin profiles, urinary albumin levels and the occurrence of sentinel health events. Comparison between the two groups of children for the four primary endpoints are made annually using a combination of Hotelling's T2 test and an extension of the O'Brien test for multiple endpoints adapted for longitudinal data and multiple tests over time. If significant adverse health effects of exposure to dental amalgams (or to the alternative dental material, composites) are detected during the course of the study, the children treated with the harmful material will be re-treated with the other. The purpose of this renewal application is to extend the funding period to cover the seven years of follow-up proposed in the original grant. We intend to continue collecting data in the study po2ulation for the same four endpoints currently in use, with the same methodology as during the initial 3 follow-up years, utilizing the same personnel currently employed. in obtaining the data, with only some minor revisions in the neurobehavioral tests to account for the maturation of the test, population. The introduction of some new secondary endpoints is proposed. This international collaboration has resulted in a study team that has demonstrated its expertise in all relevant areas and its capability to successfully complete this important study and settle the controversy over whether amalgam has even any subtle health effects associated with its use in the most susceptible population, children. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: CERAMIC WHISKER REINFORCEMENT OF DENTAL COMPOSITE RESINS Principal Investigator & Institution: Xu, Huakun; American Dental Association Foundation Chicago, Il 60611 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-SEP-1998; Project End 31-JUL-2004 Summary: Concerns about mercury in dental amalgam have created a need to extend the use of composite resins to posterior applications. However, current composites are not suitable for large stress-bearing applications involving cusps due to excessive wear and fracture. The glass fillers in resins provide only limited reinforcement because of their brittleness and rounded shapes. Preliminary studies with ceramic whiskers having high strength and elongated shapes showed a two-fold increase in composite strength and toughness, and promising results on polishability, water absorption and strength durability, enamel wear and esthetics. The goals of this project are to i) to investigate the whisker reinforcement mechanisms for dental resins; ii) to understand the key microstructural and processing variables that determine reinforcing efficacy; and iii) to develop optimized prototypes. To accomplish these goals, the following studies are proposed: (1) the effects of whisker size and aspect ratio will be evaluated to improve reinforcing efficacy and filler packing; (2) dental silicate fillers will be fused onto the

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Mercury

individual whiskers to minimize whisker entanglement, enhance silanization, and improve retention in matrix by providing rougher whisker surfaces; (3) the effect of whisker content will be systematically investigated on composite mechanical properties and reinforcing mechanisms, translucency, color and depth of cure; (4) the mechanical and physical properties of water-aged composites will be characterized to identify the reinforcing mechanisms and the key microstructural parameters, and this knowledge will be used as feedback to improve microstructural design; (5) three- and two-body enamel against composite wear will be evaluated to understand the effect of whiskers on wear mechanisms and wear rates; and (6) the whisker composite will be veneered with conventional composites and the effect of whisker reinforcement on properties of the final restoration will be evaluated by using Hertzian cyclic fatigue and flexural tests. This project will provide (1) an understanding of the effects of whisker- glass filler hybridization and fusion on composite properties; (2) mechanisms of whisker reinforcement for dental resins; (3) guidelines on microstructural design and processing of whisker-reinforced composite resins; and (4) a basis for the next generation of high performance composite resins for dental restorative and potentially other biomedical applications. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: CEREBELLAR NEUROTOXICITY

GABA-A

AS

TARGETS

OF

MERCURY

Principal Investigator & Institution: Atchison, William D.; Professor; Pharmacology and Toxicology; Michigan State University 301 Administration Bldg East Lansing, Mi 48824 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 27-MAR-2002; Project End 28-FEB-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): Methylmercury (MeHg) is a prominent environmental neurotoxicant which is responsible for several episodes of mass poisoning, and remains an environmental concern today- especially among populations with high dietary intake of fish. Cerebellar-based ataxia is a hallmark sign of MeHg poisoning. The granule cell layers of the cerebellum are particularly sensitive to MeHg especially during development. The primary objective of this project is to understand the basis for this unique sensitivity of cerebellar granule neurons to MeHg. Recent data from our lab suggest that GABAA receptor function is highly sensitive to inhibition by MeHg-particularly in cerebellar granule cells. Inasmuch as these cells express a unique phenotype of GABAA receptor, we propose to investigate the hypothesis that disruption of inhibitory GABAergic transmission at granule neuron synapses is uniquely sensitive to MeHg due to the presence of a unique phenotype of GABAA receptor expressed in these cells. GABAA receptors are heteropentameric membrane proteins consisting of combinations of several distinct subunits. They are responsible for mediating fast inhibitory synaptic transmission in the mammalian CNS by gating entry of Cl-. Typically, GABAA receptors consist of combinations of alpha, beta, gamma, or delta, subunits; multiple isoforms of many of the subunits exist. Subunit composition has been shown to affect pharmacological sensitive of GABAA receptors. Only granule cells contain the a6 subunit which lacks benzodiazapine agonist sensitivity; they frequently also contain the delta subunit. These two subunits also confer sensitive to Zn2+, which is released in cerebellar granule neurons by MeHg, and which inhibits GABAA receptor function. The approach will involve application of whole cell voltage clamp techniques to native cerebellar neurons in culture or in isolated slice to compare the sensitivity of the GABAA receptors to MeHg in granule cells and purkinje cells, which lack the alpha6 and delta subunit. Additionally, heterologous expression of cloned GABAA receptors in HEK 293 cells will be used to examine specifically the role

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that the alpha6 and delta subunit play in sensitivity to MeHg. Specific aims are to determine 1) Does MeHg differentially affect the functional properties of GABAA receptors in granule cells and Purkinje cells? If so, by what mechanism(s)? 2) Are recombinant GABAA receptors containing alpha6 subunits more sensitive to MeHg than those containing alpha1, subunits, and what if any role do other subunits, specifically gamma or delta subunits, play in MeHg-induced effects on GABAA receptors? 3) Are the effects of MeHg on cerebellar synaptic transmission, particularly inhibitory synaptic transmission, altered by knockout or mutation of genes for subunits such as the alpha6 or delta subunit which are unique to cerebellar granule cells? Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: DENTISTRY

CLINICAL

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF

MERCURY

EXPOSURE

IN

Principal Investigator & Institution: Martin, Michael D.; Director; Oral Medicine; University of Washington Grant & Contract Services Seattle, Wa 98105 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1999; Project End 31-AUG-2004 Summary: The proposed Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award would provide Michael D. Martin the opportunity to devote a minimum of 85 percent of his time to preparation toward becoming qualified as an independent clinical researcher. Dr. Martin is a dually trained dentist - epidemiologist on a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Oral Medicine at the University of Washington's School of Dentistry with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Dental Public Health Sciences. Dr. Martin's focus of interest within epidemiology is on the epidemiology of mercury exposures from dental sources. He conducts clinical research that is of practical significance to dentistry/medicine and has theoretical importance to our understanding of the mechanisms-by which elemental mercury exposures affect the human. Prior projects have examined the risk factors for mercury exposure among dentists; the neurobehavioral effects of mercury among dentists; biomarkers for lowlevel mercury exposure; the effects of ethanol on mercury absorption in humans, and the relationship between dental metals (i.e., mercury amalgam) and mucosal disease, among others. He is currently participating in related projects including a large clinical trial of the effects of mercury amalgam in children; a study of the neurobehavioral effects of low-level mercury exposure among dentists; further study of biomarkers for mercury exposure, and in this application proposes a five year-plan which includes both didactic as well as practical clinical research training experiences directed toward his research plan involving continued work in the area of epidemiology of mercury exposure from dental sources and carrying it further forward into the area of autoimmune mucosal diseases and their relationship to dental metals. His primary goal is to achieve sufficient training and experience to become an independent researcher. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: CORE SURVEILLANCE OF OCCUPATIIONAL HEALTH IN NEW YORK Principal Investigator & Institution: Gelberg, Kitty H.; Bureau of Environmental Health 547 River St Troy, Ny 12180 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUL-2001; Project End 30-JUN-2005 Summary: New York, with the assistance of the SENSOR and ABLES programs, has established a structure for occupational disease surveillance and follow-up in New York State. Provisions of the New York State (NYS) Public Health Law mandate the reporting

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of a number of occupational conditions in NYS. Since 1981, the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Occupational Health (BOH) has operated a Heavy Metals Registry for the reporting of cases of lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium poisoning, and an Occupational Lung Disease Registry for the reporting of cases of work related lung disease. Since 1991, BOH has operated a Pesticide Poisoning Registry and receives reports from healthcare providers of suspected pesticide poisonings. While all of these registries are operational, the extent to which there is active surveillance, with aggressive case finding, ascertainment and follow-up, varies. There are a number of reasons for this variability, including differences in how the diseases are diagnosed and the different reporting sources for the various registries. Additional federal resources will permit us to build upon existing reporting laws and infrastructure and expand current surveillance efforts to help us achieve the NIOSH standards for a model core surveillance system for a range of significant occupational conditions. We propose to conduct general surveillance of existing databases available to the Department of Health such as death certificates and hospital discharge data to assist with documenting the magnitude of occupational injuries and illnesses in New York, and to identify trends and industries occupations at elevated risk. Focus will be primarily upon upgrading our Occupational Lung Disease Registry; however, we will also focus more attention on conducting educational outreach for all of our registries. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: CORE--NEUROTOXICOLOGY Principal Investigator & Institution: Cory-Slechta, Deborah; Professor; University of Rochester Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2003 Summary: The basic research goal of the Neurotoxicology Core is to understand the nature of the effects of environmental chemicals on nervous system function, their consequences over the life span, the mechanisms by which these effects are produced, and the risks they pose to human health. A key element in this goal is to understand the contribution of combined effects of genetic predisposition and environmental chemical exposures on neurological dysfunctions, particularly as it relates to neurodegenerative diseases. The research within this Core involves both basic neuroscience research and neurotoxicology and explores the age spectrum from development to aging. The general theme of the Core is that both early and late stages of life represent periods of potentially enhanced vulnerability to neurotoxic effects. Embedded within this theme is the emerging concept that neurological effects of toxic exposures may not manifest themselves until years after exposure, and that toxicants interact in complex ways with the genetic composition of the human to influence the nature and severity of functional outcomes. The Core consists of seven members of which five are continuing members and two are new members, drawn from the Departments of Neurology, Environmental Medicine, and Obstetrics-Gynecology. The members have been chosen on the basis of their productivity, commitment to multidisciplinary neuroscience research, and experience in areas of thematic interest to the Center. In the past funding period, the Core was called the Neurobehavioral Toxicology Research Core to reflect its focus on behavioral toxicology. The present Core, now named the Neurotoxicology Core, has expanded its focus to include a broader spectrum of issues, ranging from mechanisms, genetic predispositions and contributions to human diseases, and human risk assessment, while maintaining strengths in behavioral toxicology. Of particular note are the inclusions of sophisticated molecular biology and neurochemistry into the battery of Core skills. The present proposal continues to advance the traditional strengths in metal

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neurotoxicology, while venturing into several new initiatives as well. A major change is the plan to recruit a new faculty to replace Dr. Cory-Slechta as Core Director. The individual will be selected to further integrate the neurotoxicology and basic neuroscience. Another change is the new initiative into molecular neuroscience and genetic-toxicant interactions, which has been developed through the addition of Drs. Federoff and Gelbard to the Core. This group will focus particularly on toxicant contributions to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. The major thematic areas of the Neurotoxicology Core are the following: 1) Neurochemical mechanism of lead-induced behavioral toxicology (Cory-Slechta). This project examines the neurochemical and neuroanatomical sites through which lead alters neural functions. Work had identified neurotransmitter alterations, neural pathways and behavioral deficits in animal models of lead exposure. 2) Environmental neurotoxicant genetic interaction: murine model (Federoff). This work would test the hypothesis that neurotoxicants interact with yet uncharacterized genetic determinants to produce selective vulnerability. Focusing on the dopamine transporter (DAT), the principal investigator will engineer a population of dopaminergic neurons overexpressing DAT by means of a somatic mosaic approach and directed gene expression to compare the responses of expressing and non-expressing neurons in the same animal. 3) A murine model of genetic and environmental neurotoxicant action (Richfield). This project would look at the role of the alpha-synuclein gene and gene product in Parkinson?s disease using the somatic mosaic approach. Studies will determine whether mice overexpressing alpha-synuclein show an enhanced dopaminerigic vulnerability when exposed to low does of paraquat. 4) Genotype and phenotype of autism spectrum disorders (Rodier). This project will continue the investigator?s work linking injury during early development (as early as neural tube fusion) and specific genes with the development of the autism disorders. Work will continue to examine the valproic acid model of brain injury (which phenocopies some aspects of autism spectrum disorders), and the toxicant involves the HOX family of genes. 5) The role of inflammation and oxidative stress in human immunodeficiency virus type 1- associated neurologic disease (Gelbard). This project has been investigating how HIV type 1 results in neurotoxicity. In the proposed research, the principal investigator would examine the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) and platelet activating factor (PAF) in the pathogenesis of neurotoxicity. Future plans include the development of TNF-overexpressing mice by somatic mosaic methods, and subsequent examination of neuronal death under various challenges. 6) Neurobehavioral and developmental effects of methylmercury exposure (Clarkson). This represents a continuation of the large human study of methylmercury exposure via fish and its consequences on development. This is one of two definitive epidemiological studies of human methylmercury exposure, which will continue and expand during the next funding period. In addition, the project director will continue his involvement in a prospective study of mercury exposure via dental amalgams. 7) Persisting functional consequences of neurotoxicant exposure during early development (Weiss). This work will continue studies of developmental exposure to several classes of toxicants. These will include solvents in addition to ongoing work in metals, endocrine disruptors (e.g., TCDD), and drugs (e.g., cocaine). Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: DEATH IMMUNOTOXICITY

RECEPTOR

SIGNALING

AND

MERCURY

Principal Investigator & Institution: Mccabe, Michael J.; Associate Professor; Environmental Medicine; University of Rochester Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627

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Mercury

Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 03-APR-2003; Project End 31-JAN-2007 Summary: (provided by applicant): Mercury (Hg) toxicity affects numerous organ systems including the immune system. The immunotoxicity of Hg is complex, in that, immunosuppression and immunostimulation occur upon exposure to this metal, and both of these outcomes may have adverse effects on human health. This proposal is constructed around the conceptual framework that Hg is an environmental agent that contributes to the development of autoimmune disease. Animal studies have established a connection between experimental exposure to Hg and lupus-like autoimmune disease. Similarly, case reports demonstrating a correlation between accidental Hg exposure and either the onset or the severity of autoimmune disease symptoms support a link between Hg intoxication and the etiology of human autoimmune disease. From this perspective, Hg is one of the few suspected environmental agents where a link between exposure to the agent and autoimmune disease has been indicated. However, the mechanisms whereby Hg initiates, potentiates, or perpetuates autoimmune responses have not been established. In particular, there is a dearth of information regarding the biochemical/molecular mechanisms involved in Hg-mediated autoimmunity. Accordingly, the long-term goal of our research is to identify biochemical/molecular mechanisms underlying Hg-mediated autoimmune disease. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of Hg2+ interfere with the CD95 apoptotic signaling pathway and also interfere with protein tyrosine mediated signaling. Thus, this proposal focuses on lymphocyte signaling pathways involved in the regulation of CD95-induced apoptosis. Since CD95-mediated apoptosis is involved in the regulation of peripheral tolerance, dysregulation of CD95-signaling by Hg may be one factor (together with other genetic or environmental factors) that contributes to autoimmune disease. The hypothesis guiding this proposal is that Hg2+ disrupts CD95-mediated apoptosis, which contributes to a breakdown in peripheral tolerance to autoantigens leading to the development of autoimmune disease. Using cell lines and human CD4+ lymphoblasts this hypothesis will be tested by determining; 1) the influence of Hg2+ on components of the CD95 apoptotic machinery and 2) the effects of Hg2+ on non-receptor kinase signaling pathways that may interact with and regulate CD95. A third specific aim will employ a mouse model to test whether disruption of CD95-mediated cell death by Hg intoxication in vivo enhances the survival of autoreactive T lymphocytes. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: DENTAL AMALGAMS & NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTION Principal Investigator & Institution: Factor-Litvak, Pam R.; Associate Professor; Columbia University Health Sciences Po Box 49 New York, Ny 10032 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-DEC-2001; Project End 30-NOV-2002 Summary: This abstract is not available. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS OF METHYLMERCURY Principal Investigator & Institution: Burbacher, Thomas M.; Associate Professor; Environmental and Occupational Health Studies; University of Washington Grant & Contract Services Seattle, Wa 98105 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 10-DEC-1986; Project End 31-JAN-2004 Summary: The broad, long-term objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of in utero methylmercury (MeHg) exposure at different stages of the life span of Macaca fascicularis monkeys. Previous studies of Macaca fascicularis

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exposed in utero to MeHg and controls have described effects during infancy, adolescence and adulthood. The primary goal of the initial 2 years of this application is to continue to assess the effects of in utero MeHg exposure on the adult functioning of these same monkeys using operant procedures that are also sensitive to changes in function typically observed in primates during aging. The primary goal of the last 3 years is to provide housing and care for these monkeys to keep the group together for later studies of MeHg and aging effects on performance. The specific aims of the studies proposed in years 1 and 2 of this application are to test the following hypotheses: (1) In utero MeHg exposure results in high-frequency hearing impairment in adult Macaca fascicularis. MeHg exposed monkeys will exhibit elevated hearing thresholds at frequencies of 25,000 Hz and above on a test of pure tone detection, (2) In utero MeHg exposure slows the speed of information processing in adult Macaca fascicularis. MeHg exposed monkeys will exhibit increased reaction times compared to controls on a Choice Reaction Time test as the number of response choices increase, and (3) In utero MeHg exposure results in impaired spatial memory in adult Macaca fascicularis. MeHg exposed monkeys will exhibit significant decreases in % correct responses on an Indirect Delayed Response test that uses irrelevant stimuli to interfere with attention and memory. During years 3-5, the specific aims of the project are to: (1) provide housing and care for these monkeys to keep the group together for further studies after this grant period, and (2) evaluate visuospatial orientation, fine and gross motor coordination, menstrual cyclicity, and the general health status of these monkeys using observational techniques in order to detect gross changes related to MeHg exposure and/or aging. Future studies will be aimed at evaluating the effects of in utero MeHg exposure on the performance of these monkeys at a stage in the life span when impaired functions due to aging are typically observed. Exposure of the fetus to MeHg via maternal consumption of contaminated fish continues to be a major public health concern. The major focus of the public health concern regarding MeHg exposure is the possible immediate and longterm effects of in utero exposure on postnatal growth and function. This study was designed to complete our evaluation of the effects of in utero MeHg exposure on adult primate sensory and N cognitive functioning, while providing baseline data for studies of these monkeys after this grant period, when the monkeys are 19 years of age and over. The proposed studies take full advantage of the history of these monkeys and represents the best possible use of this valuable resource. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: DEVICE FOR RAPID SCREENING OF PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE Principal Investigator & Institution: Davies, Malonne I.; Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. (Basi) 2701 Kent Ave West Lafayette, in 479061389 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1999; Project End 31-MAY-2003 Summary: (Applicant's abstract) The objective of the proposed work is fast, sensitive integrated clinical analyzers for the diagnosis of two metabolism disorders, homocysteinuria and phenylketonuria (PKU). The assays are based on microchip capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. This format has several advantages, including small sample requirements, fast analysis times, and inexpensive manufacture of multiple chips. Electrochemical detectors are ideally suited to microchip CE because they can be easily miniaturized and integrated into the analysis system. Monitoring phenylanlanine concentration in plasma samples of newborns is required by law. The current assay has a relatively high rate of failure (1:70) and requires instrumentation frequently not found in-house, especially in small hospitals. High levels of homocysteine in plasma has been associated with cerebrovascular, peripheral

18

Mercury

vascular, and coronary heart diseases. The assay for homocysteine involves online reduction of the protein-bound homocysteine with tris-(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine, separation by electrophoresis, and electrochemical detection at a gold/mercury electrode. Phenylalanine will be determined in plasma in a similar manner using a copper electrode. The chips will be used with a portable analysis system based on a battery-powered high voltage power supply, miniaturized potentiostat, and integrated data analysis system. The chips we develop will generate a foundation for other clinical assays based on electrochemical detection. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The current trend in clinical analysis is away form large centralized labs and toward point of care testing. Thus, a compact device for performance of assays for homocysteine and other clinically relevant animo acids in the clinic or physician's office has large commercial potential. Recently, the American Heart Association recommended homocysteine screening for patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. This should lead to a large demand for accurate and cost-effective assays for homocysteine similar to the current cholesterol screening assays. The development of a small, fast and reliable assay for phenylalanine in blood will make it possible to test infants quickly and accurately for PKU. The electrochemical based clinical analyzers developed here will provide a format that can be used for the development of a number of other assays for clinically important analytes. What is demonstrated with homocysteine and phenylalanine is just the beginning of a large array of clinical analyzers based on microchip CEEC. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: DIGITAL X-RAY IMAGED BASED ON HGL2 POLYCRYSTALLINE FILMS Principal Investigator & Institution: Iwanczyk, Jan S.; Vice President; Photon Imaging, Inc. 19355 Business Center Dr, Ste 8 Northridge, Ca 91324 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUL-2000; Project End 31-AUG-2003 Summary: The goal of this proposal is to develop a new detector technology for digital x-ray imaging based on HgI2 polycrystalline films coupled to large area flat panel amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistor (TFT)-addressed readout arrays. This novel imaging detector when optimized will provide order of magnitude improvements in sensitivity to x-rays and superior spatial resolution compared to detectors utilizing scintillating phosphors coupled to a-Si:H readout arrays. The increased sensitivity of the detector will allow for a ten-fold reduction in radiation dose to a patient for an equivalent quality image. The enhancement of the spatial resolution will have a direct impact on the quality of the image, which has paramount importance in many medical diagnostic procedures such as mammography. In addition, digital capabilities will allow for convenient film-less image acquisition, retrieval, and storage. Digital image processing, computer-assisted diagnosis, and the ability to provide real time images have distinct advantages in many medical diagnostics. During Phase I of this proposal we developed techniques for highly controlled growth of polycrystalline HgI2 films in terms of their thickness, sizes of the polycrystalline grains, uniformity of layers and good electrical properties. In the Phase II effort we will finalize the HgI2 film development and construct x-ray imaging detectors using initially small commercial flat panel a-Si:H readouts (approximately 2"x2"). Then we will scale up the film growth equipment and construct large area (approximately 14" x 17") x-ray imaging detector. The film growth process will be optimized for low production cost. This new x- ray imager will be characterized and compared with current commercial detectors in terms of spatial resolution, gain, linearity, noise, uniformity, and detective quantum efficiency. The imaging capabilities will be tested in our laboratory and at UCLA School of

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Medicine with the use of slits and phantoms. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: There is a strong interest in application of digital radiographic detectors for medical diagnostic applications, nondestructive evaluation of materials, xray diffraction of biological and other material samples, and astronomical observations. Conservative estimates are that in the medical area alone there are over 600 x-ray images produced per 1000 population per year. The proposed detectors will be highly attractive to this enormous commercial market segment due to the order of magnitude performance improvements that they will offer. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: DISRUPTION OF LYMPHOCYTE SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION BY HG+2 Principal Investigator & Institution: Rosenspire, Allen J.; Scientist; Biological Sciences; Wayne State University 656 W. Kirby Detroit, Mi 48202 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 19-FEB-2002; Project End 30-NOV-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): Mercury is a widespread environmental contaminant whose toxic potential to the nervous and immune systems is well known. Surprisingly little is known about its molecular mechanism of action. While high level exposure is no longer common, large segments of the population currently absorb low (.10 ug/day) levels of mercury as a result of ubiquitous environmental factors, including air, food, water, and dental amalgam. For about 3 percent of the population with no known special risk factors, blood levels of mercury exceed 0.25 uM. 4 percent of the population exceed 0.125 uM mercury in urine, with the highest concentrations reported in individuals with no known special risk factors to be about 1 uM. Preliminary and recently published results from our laboratories support our hypothesis that concentrations of inorganic mercury in the range of 0.1- 1.0 uM may directly impair immune system homeostasis, and contribute to autoimmune disease by interfering with protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTK)mediated signal transduction, implying that substantial numbers of individuals may unknowingly be at risk. In this proposal it is our objective to critically and comprehensively test our hypothesis in several different cell systems relevant to autoimmune disease. In particular, we will test mercury's ability to interfere with antigen receptor mediated and P1K-dependent signal transduction and proliferative control in established T and B cell lines, as well as in freshly isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes. We will also examine the effect that low concentrations of mercury have on antigen receptor mediated apoptosis in lymphocytes. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: EFFECTS RELATED BIOMAKERS OF TOXIC EXPOSURES Principal Investigator & Institution: Checkoway, Harvey L.; Professor; Environmental and Occupational Health Studies; University of Washington Grant & Contract Services Seattle, Wa 98105 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-1987; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: This proposal is for a 5-year competing renewal of the UW Superfund Basic Research Program Project. The theme of this Program Project is that biomarkers measured in accessible tissues are predictive of: a) toxicant exposures; b) early indicators of damage; and/or c) unusual susceptibility to toxic agents that commonly occur at hazardous waste sites. The UW Program Project includes 9 research projects (7 biomedical, 2 bioremediation), an administrative core, a service core dedicated to molecular biology assays, a training core and an outreach core. The research projects can

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Mercury

be divided into four subgroups: 1) laboratory-based development of sensitive biomarkers of adverse effects and disease susceptibility; 2) applications of biomarkers to human populations. 4) biomarker measurements of environmental chemical toxicity in terrestrial and aquatic species and 4) biomarker applications for hazardous waste remediation. Multi-disciplinary cross-project interactions among toxicologists, epidemiologists, molecular biologists and environmental engineers (e.g. measurement of the same biomarkers in various projects to assess a range of effects) have been carefully devised to maximize scientific yield. This project will continue investigations in glutathione biosynthesis biomarker as indicators of oxidative to assess a range of effects) have been carefully devised to maximized scientific yield. This project will continue investigations on glutathione biosynthesis biomarker as indicators of oxidative stress; characterization of novel biomarkers and applications to epidemiologic investigations are newer directions. This project will continue investigations on glutathione biosynthesis biomarker as indicators of oxidative stress; characterization and novel biomarkers and applications to epidemiologic investigations are newer directions. This project will identify genetic polymorphisms of porphyrin synthesis enzymes, and test these as markers of neurobehavioral toxicity in mercury-exposed humans. This project is a new project that will investigate paraoxonase phenotype and genotype inter-relations, with applications to experimental toxicokinetic studies in rats and to an epidemiologic studies of parkinsonism. This project continues to examine epidemiologically the interactions between environmental toxicants and genetic polymorphisms of enzymes involved in xenobiotic activation and detoxification. This project will apply a physiologically-based toxicokinetic model derived from controlled human exposures to organic solvents to characterize determinants of uptake, metabolism, and excretion. This project continues to examine biomarkers of exposure and effect in wildlife residing near or in hazardous waste sites. This project is a continuing study of DNA oxidative damage in fish from polluted and reference water sites. This project will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of genetically- engineered trees for bioremediation of toxic chemicals (e.g., trichloroethylene). This project will involve laboratory and field genetically-engineered trees for bioremediation of toxic chemicals (e.g., trichloroethylene). This project will involve laboratory and field experiments of in situ engineering methods for bioremediation of chlorinated aliphatic toxicants. The Administrative Core, directed by the Program Director, will oversee all major budgetary and personnel aspects of the program project, will coordinate multidisciplinary interactions among research projects and cores, and will assume responsibility for information dissemination and technology transfer. The Program Director will be advised by the Deputy Director, an Internal Executive Committee comprised of research and core directors, and an External Science Advisory Board that includes distinguished environmental scientists from academia and governmental agencies. The Bioanalytical Core will offer genotyping and/or DNA sequencing services to the research projects. The Training Core will ensure that doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in Environmental Health and Civil Engineering receive crossdisciplinary classroom and research experience. The Outreach Core, which is a new intuitive for this Program Project, will be dedicated to the development of instructional materials relevant to hazardous waste contaminant issues, with an emphasis on biomarker applications for toxicity assessment and bioremediation. The principal audiences for outreach will be K-12 school teachers, health and engineering professionals, and interested community residents. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: ENHANCED DENTAL AMALGAM TRAP Principal Investigator & Institution: Turchi, Craig S.; Ada Technologies, Inc. 8100 Shaffer Pky, Ste 130 Littleton, Co 801274124 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-2002; Project End 29-SEP-2004 Summary: (provided by the applicant) Surveys conducted by municipal wastewater treatment plants across the country have concluded that 10 percent to over 70 percent of the mercury reaching the plants comes from dental offices. These findings, combined with increasingly stringent regulations on mercury discharges, have placed pressure on the dental profession to reduce their discharges of mercury-bearing amalgam. The objective of this project is to enhance the performance of sedimentation-type amalgam separators by controlling the water chemistry within the separator. Dental wastewater contains mercury in three general forms: large particles of amalgam, fine particles of amalgam, and dissolved mercury. Simple sedimentation traps can capture the large particles and many of the fine particles. However, colloidal particles and dissolved mercury can still exceed discharge limits. At present, expensive and maintenanceintensive adsorbents are needed to achieve discharge concentrations in the low-ppb range. During Phase I ADA Technologies showed that safe, inexpensive additives could be used within a sedimentation device to minimize the release of dissolved mercury. In Phase II, we intend to document the effective use of optimized versions of these additives at several dental clinics, demonstrating ppb-level mercury concentrations at costs significantly below those for adsorbent-based processes. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: US dentists use some 45 tons of mercury per year for new amalgam fillings. European, Canadian, and some US municipalities limit dental office discharges of mercury. New regulations are pending across North America. Successful completion of this project would yield a low-cost, field-proven amalgam trap, capable of reducing mercury in dental wastewater to the low parts-per-billion range. ADA Technologies will utilize its network of partners and experience in dental waste treatment and equipment manufacturing to bring this enhanced trap rapidly to the marketplace. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON THE EMBRYONIC MTDNA GENOME Principal Investigator & Institution: Knudsen, Thomas B.; Professor; Pathology, Anat/Cell Biology; Thomas Jefferson University Office of Research Administration Philadelphia, Pa 191075587 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-FEB-1998; Project End 31-MAY-2005 Summary: (Applicant's Abstract): The long-term goal is to understand teratogenic mechanisms at the molecular level. Microphthalmia is a low level effect of methylmercury exposure and can be induced in early mouse embryos to reflect clinical disorders seen in exposed children. Gene expression arrays will be used to recognize fundamental biomolecular parameters that describe critical events leading to this malformation. Preliminary studies identified a critical response involving p53 tumor suppressor (Trp53) and peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (Bzrp), leading to the proposed focus on metabolic and regulatory pathways controlling mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome expression. During neurulation, the embryo shifts from an anaerobic (glycolytic) to aerobic (oxidative) metabolism. This diauxic shift requires mtDNA genome expression and, consequently, a tight link between morphogenetic and metabolic differentiation. The investigators hypothesize control by retrograde regulation

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whereby a signal started in the mitochondrion leads to an adaptive response in the nucleus to culminate in mtDNA biogenesis. Four specific aims will begin to trace this pathway at the molecular level. Specific Aim 1, a teratological study, will determine exposure-disease relationships for methylmercury-induced microphthalmia with respect to dose response, genetic susceptibility (Trp53), and therapeutic intervention (Bzrp). Specific Aim 2 will use expression microarrays to profile gene expression for developing eye across the critical period of vulnerability (days 8-10 of gestation). Specific Aim 3 will profile exposure-disease pathways for methylmercury-induced microphthalmia with respect to dose-response, genetic susceptibility, and therapeutic intervention. Specific Aim 4 entails pathway integration to confirm cellular activities as they change over time. At ends we expect to build a searchable transcriptome database for the developing eye and a platform with which to discover the cellular pathways that hypothetically define a temporal sequence in dysmorphogenesis induced with methylmercury and other environmental toxicants. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: AMALGAMS

EVALUATION

OF

MERCURY

RELEASE

FROM

DENTAL

Principal Investigator & Institution: Okabe, Toru; Regents Professor & Chair; Biomaterials Science; Texas A&M University Health Science Ctr College Station, Tx 778433578 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-SEP-2000; Project End 31-AUG-2004 Summary: (adapted from the Investigator's abstract): The primary goal of this application is to determine the mechanism by which changes in the formulation of the alloy reduce mercury (Hg) release from dental amalgam. A series of alloys will be prepared to test specific hypotheses about the effect of palladium (Pd) additions, silver (Ag) and tin (Sn) ratio, and copper (Cu) content. The composition of the pre-trituration alloys and the resulting amalgams will be evaluated by scanning electron microprobe and scanning transmission electron microscopy with micro-diffraction and XEDA to correlate changes in Hg release with microstructure. In addition, amalgams will be prepared from alloys mixed with pure Hg and indium (In)-Hg alloys to further understand the effect of indium on reducing Hg release, and to produce minimal Hgreleasing formulations. The investigators expect to identify commercially viable amalgams with reduced Hg vaporization during setting and after abrasion, and reduced Hg dissolution. The physical properties of these amalgams will be evaluated to verify that they are adequate for clinical use and to further describe the effect of composition on properties. Dynamic dissolution into both neutral saline and acidic solutions, as well as thermal properties, will be assessed to correlate the stability of the amalgams with composition. Finally, Hg release from aged amalgams will be correlated with changes in their microstructure. The primary hypothesis is that Hg release will be minimized when the Ag-Hg matrix phase of amalgam is most effectively stabilized and its surface oxidized and that this is accomplished by maximizing the amount of Sn present in the gamma one matrix. There are four aims: to identify the mechanism by which additions of Pd, changes in the Cu content, and alterations in the Ag and Sn concentrations in dental amalgam alloy affect the vaporization of Hg; to identify the mechanism by which those variables affect the dissolution of Hg from dental amalgam; to verify that the new alloys produce amalgams with acceptable physical properties; and to verify that the amalgams are stable over a two year period. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: EVOLUTION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PLASMIDS Principal Investigator & Institution: Top, Eva M.; University of Idaho Moscow, Id 838443020 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 23-FEB-2002; Project End 31-JAN-2007 Summary: Plasmids play a central role in the spread of resistance among bacterial species thereby decreasing the effectiveness of various chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of infectious diseases. They carry genes that encode essential functions, such as replication, maintenance and transfer, as well as a variety of accessory functions, such as antibiotic resistance determinants. The objective of the proposed research is to obtain a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of plasmid evolution through experimental evolution studies. The specific aims are 1) To assess the tempo and mechanisms of plasmid evolution during vertical transmission in a single host as compared to vertical and horizontal transmission among phylogenetically distinct hosts, in the presence of selective pressure; 2) To characterize and compare the genetic and phenotypic changes that occur during such experimental plasmid evolution; 3) To test the ability of various algorithms to accurately reconstruct the true phylogenies of independently evolved plasmids and specific genes. The broad host range Inc-1beta plasmid pB10, which encodes resistance to four antibiotics and mercury, will be experimentally evolved in replicate cultures of three genetically distinct hosts (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia) as previously described in studies of microbial evolution. Plasmid evolution in one single host will be compared with evolution in alternating hosts, and in each case plasmids evolved for differing periods of time will be characterized. Phenotypic changes will be characterized by examining the effect of the evolved plasmid on host fitness and by assessing differences in the stability and broad host range characteristics of the evolved and ancestral plasmids. Genetic changes that may account for the observed phenotypic differences will be identified by characterizing macroscale and microscale variations in the evolved replicons. Possible correlations between phenotypic changes and genotypic variations will be examined. In addition an experimental plasmid phlogeny will be constructed that has the same topology as described in Project 1 (Experimental Evolution of Viruses), and which will permit us to test the ability of currently available algorithms and those developed in Project 4 to accurately reconstruct the phylogeny of a BHR plasmid that evolves in more than one genetic background. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: FETAL EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS & INFANT OUTCOME Principal Investigator & Institution: Ostrea, Enrique M.; Pediatrics; Wayne State University 656 W. Kirby Detroit, Mi 48202 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2007 Summary: (provided by applicant): The exposure of pregnant women to environmental toxins is of major concern because of their potential harm on the fetus. However, the detection of fetal exposure to environmental toxins still remains a major challenge. We propose that meconium analysis is a promising tool to meet this challenge. Aims: (1) To compare the prevalence and amount of fetal exposure to environmental toxins through the analysis of meconium, cord blood and neonatal hair and to determine the degree of agreement among these three methods, (2) to determine the relationship between the prevalence and amount of maternal exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy, as determined by serial analyses of maternal hair and blood, to the

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prevalence and amount of fetal exposure to environmental toxins as determined by meconium, cord blood and neonatal hair analyses, and (3) to compare adverse immediate (birth weight, length, head circumference, gestational age) and long term (postnatal growth and neurobehavioral development up to 2 yrs from enrollment) outcomes that are associated with antenatal exposure to environmental toxins as determined by maternal blood, maternal hair, meconium, cord blood and neonatal hair analyses. Study design: Pregnant women (n=750) will be recruited, at midgestation, from the Outpatient Clinic of the Bulacan Provincial Hospital, Philippines and their blood and hair will be obtained at the time of recruitment and at delivery. Umbilical cord blood, meconium and neonatal hair will also be obtained. The samples will be analyzed, by atomic absorption spectrometry, for lead, mercury and cadmium and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for the following pesticides and their metabolites: propoxur, transfluthrin, Malathion, DDT, chlorpyrifos, bioallethrin, pretilachlor, lindane, cyfluthrin and cypermethrin. Pertinent maternal and infant data will be obtained after birth. The infants will be subsequently followed up at scheduled intervals for 2 years, to study their physical growth and neurobehavioral development using a battery of tests. Data analysis: The relationship between the presence/amount of environmental toxins in meconium, maternal blood, maternal hair, cord blood or neonatal hair to the immediate and two year outcome in the infants will be studied, while controlling for potential confounders. The presence/amount of environmental toxins in maternal blood, hair, cord blood, meconium and neonatal hair will be also evaluated to determine which substrate (s) provide(s) the best index of exposure for a given toxin. Expected benefits: Meconium analysis may provide a powerful tool to study the prevalence and degree of fetal exposure to environmental toxins and its associated adverse effects. This project can also serve as a model for the study of environmental pollutant problems during pregnancy at a local, national or global level. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: GENERAL CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER-FORSYTH DENTAL INSTIT Principal Investigator & Institution: Flier, Jeffrey S.; Professor; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center St 1005 Boston, Ma 02215 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-DEC-1977; Project End 30-NOV-2004 Summary: (provided by applicant): The BIDMC's GCRC proposes to form a satellite with the Forsyth Dental Institute (FDI), a world class center for clinical investigation of oral disease. This proposal describes a spectrum of investigations involving treatment of periodontal diseases, development of a vaccine for dental caries, testing of mercury amalgam toxicity and investigation of oral cancer. Sixteen projects are described that will be conducted at the Satellite Center that include microbiology, microbial genomics, microbial taxonomy, immunology and toxicology as these studies relate to conditions of oral health and disease and microbial biofilms. The proposed Satellite Center will include a Dental Clinic Core, a Laboratory Core and Biostatistics/Informatics support. Specific areas of investigation in this application include: 1) comparison of conventional and antibacterial_supplemented treatments of periodontal disease; 2) investigation of means to prevent periodontal disease; 3) studies on familial distribution of oral bacteria; 4) studies of oral bacteria as examples of naturally occurring biofilms; 5) studies of oral bacteria that penetrate cells; 6) studies of the ways in which early lesions of periodontal disease are initiated; 7) investigation of the microbiology associated with oral cancer; 8) studies that contribute to the development of a dental caries vaccine; 9) investigation of the potential toxicity of mercury amalgams; and 10) studies of the uncultivable bacteria

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of the oral cavity with planned development of a microbial microarray for oral bacteria identification. In addition to the planned studies as outlined above, a strategy to create bi_directional linkage between parent and satellite GCRC's is described in which a dental facility will be established at the BIDMC GCRC to be staffed by Forsyth personnel. Through this facility, it is envisioned that future studies on the oral health effects of systemic disease, and the converse, effects of systemic disease on oral health will be investigated. It is also stressed that this facility will encourage closer affiliation between the Joslin Diabetes Center (JDC) Satellite and the Forsyth Satellite. It is envisioned that this proposal will expand the research horizon of the FDI and contribute new technology to the research of the parent. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: GENETIC /ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON SLE NEPHRITIS Principal Investigator & Institution: Gilkeson, Gary S.; Professor; Medical University of South Carolina 171 Ashley Ave Charleston, Sc 29425 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-JAN-2003; Project End 31-DEC-2007 Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies and immune complex mediated glomerulonephritis. African- Americans have a three-fold increased incidence of SLE, more frequently develop nephritis, more frequently progress to renal failure and have increased mortality compared to whites. The worse prognosis in African-Americans may represent a generalized predisposition towards renal failure following any renal injury rather than being lupus specific. Environmental exposures such as smoking and exposure to occupational or environmental agents (i.e., lead, mercury, silica) may affect the development and progression of lupus nephritis. Our central hypothesis is that there are specific genetic factors that interact with environmental exposures leading to progressive renal disease in African-Americans with lupus. The Carolina Lupus Study includes 265 SLE patients who were diagnosed between January 1, 1995 and July 31, 1999. This cohort of patients provides an opportunity to examine renal disease and its progression in African- American SLE patients matched with appropriate population based controls. The Gullah population lives on the sea islands of South Carolina. They are unique in their genetic homogeneity with minimal Caucasian admixture (<5%). A large ongoing study of diabetes (Sea Island Project) in this population has established a working framework onto which we propose to piggyback studies of SLE. Using these unique cohorts of patients and controls, we propose the following specific aims to address our hypothesis: 1) Determine the development and progression of renal disease in CLU patients in relation to specific genetic factors. We will assess if genes linked with renal disease in hypertension and diabetes in African-Americans are associated with development and/or progression of renal disease in lupus. 2) Determine the risk of development and progression of lupus nephritis in CLU patients in relation to comorbid conditions (hypertension, diabetes), measures of socioeconomic status and/or modifiable environmental factors that have been associated with other forms of renal disease. 3) Perform pilot studies in the unique genetically homogenous Sea Island African-American Gullah population to assess the presence of lupus multiplex families, the prevalence of the genetic polymorphisms being assayed in Aim 1 and determine the prevalence of ANA positivity compared to control African- American cohorts. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: HEALTH EFFECTS OF DENTAL AMALGAMS IN CHILDREN Principal Investigator & Institution: Mckinlay, Sonja M.; New England Research Institutes, Inc. 9 Galen St Watertown, Ma 02472 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-1996; Project End 31-JUL-2006 Summary: The safety of silver amalgam as a dental restorative material has been controversial since its introduction 150 years ago, but-until recently it has been generally assumed that the exposure to mercury from dental amalgam is limited to the acute placement phase. Some recent studies (mostly observational and primarily of adults) have demonstrated chronic release of mercury vapor from amalgam fillings during chewing and brushing, raising new safety concerns. The randomized trial, Children's Amalgam Trial (CAT) is designed as a comprehensive assessment of the relative safety of silver amalgam, compared to the alternate, mercury-free materials, demonstrating equivalence of cognitive and renal outcomes. Children aged 6-10 at last birthday with no prior dental restoration (to minimize prior mercury exposure) and mixed (primary and permanent) dentition were recruited from two New England communities (rural Main and inner city Boston/Cambridge, Massachusetts) to represent, to the extent feasible, the likely effects in children in the US. Children were chosen for this trial as they are most likely to be amalgam-free at randomization and, given their smaller body mass and developmental stage, more likely to demonstrate adverse effects (if any) of increased body mercury burden. This 5-year competing continuation will enable completion of 6 years of observation of the trial subjects/randomized from August 1997 to September 1999). Current funding, through July 2001, will include two years of observation only. Given the obvious public health significance of the potential long range impact of mercury on cognitive function, the primary endpoint measure is the full scale IQ score of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children: Third Edition (WISC III) and the primary outcome is the estimated change in the score between Baseline and 6 years post randomization, adjusted for the baseline IQ score. Secondary outcomes include more immediately measured safety endpoints that will be monitored annually, including: urine mercury levels; a dip-stick screening test for urinary protein (confirmed by albumin level); and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP). Other endpoints include other aspects of cognitive function from an extensive neuropsychological test battery, while key covariates include a measure of dietary mercury (hair levels) and the dose of amalgam summarized in "surface-years" of exposure. To date, 534 subjects have been randomized (107%) and follow-up through the 12 month visit, although not yet complete, indicates that the initial (12 month) response rate should be at least 92%. Subsequent losses are expected to be negligible (about 2% per year). A non- orthogonal analysis of covariance will test for equivalence on IQ scores between treatments arms similar modeling will be used to address secondary aims. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: HEAVY METAL-INDUCED AUTOIMMUNITY Principal Investigator & Institution: Kono, Dwight H.; Associate Professor; Scripps Research Institute Tpc7 La Jolla, Ca 92037 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAY-1997; Project End 30-APR-2006 Summary: (Applicant's Abstract): Although evidence indicates that environmental factors play a major role in precipitating systemic in genetically susceptible individuals, little is known about the mechanisms involved. Certain heavy metals, such as mercury, are potent environmental immunostimulants that produce a number of immunopathologic sequelae including lymphoproliferation, hypergammaglobulinemia

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and overt systemic autoimmunity. Predisposition to such metal-induced immunopathology has been shown, in mice and other experimental animals, to be influenced by both MHC and non-MHC genes, as well susceptibility to spontaneous lupus. Among the various mouse strains examined thus far, the DBA/2 appears to be the only background that is not susceptible to mercury-induced autoimmunity (HgIA) despite expressing a susceptible H-2 haplotype (H-2d). To define the genetic basis for this trait, two genome-wide scans were conducted in F2 intercrosses of the DBA/2 strain with either the SJL or NZB strains, both of which are susceptible to HgIA. A single major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 1, designated Hmr1, was the only region identified in common in both crosses. The aims of this proposal are to define the role of Hmr1 in heavy metal-induced and spontaneous autoimmunity using reciprocal intervalspecific congenic strains and to dissect the Hmr1 interval by more precisely mapping linked traits. Mapping studies will determine whether Hmr1 represents one or more genetic alterations, examine the relationship of Hmr1 to a previously defined NZB QTL on chromosome I (Lbw7) and reduce the interval containing Hmr1 to less than one centimorgan (cM). Identification and characterization of susceptibility/resistance genes and mechanisms relevant to the immunopathogenesis of mercury induced autoimmunity should provide important insights on the pathogenesis of autoimmunity and may reveal novel targets for intervention. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: HIGH RESOLUTION MAMMOGRAPHY SENSOR Principal Investigator & Institution: Squillante, Michael R.; Vice President of Research; Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. 44 Hunt St Watertown, Ma 02472 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-APR-2003; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: (provided by applicant): Breast carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer in women in the U.S. It is well known that if breast cancer is detected when the tumor is small and axillary nodes are not involved, the survival rate is very high. However, if the cancer has spread with time, the survival rate drops significantly. Early detection of breast tumors is therefore critical to the successful treatment of breast cancer and significant reduction in the breast mammography (ACS, Shapiro, Tabar). X-ray mammography is currently performed using a film-screen system and while it has shown good success in detecting early stage, clinically occult breast cancer (ACS, Kopans), the film-screen detector has limited latitude and dynamic range (Nishikawa.) Its performance is also affected by trade-off between detection efficiency and spatial resolution due to increased light spreading in thicker screens which are more efficient in stopping X-rays. In view of these limitations, we plan to explore a novel digital imaging detector for mammography. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: HIGH SPEED PLANAR ARRAY INFRARED PA-IR SPECTROGRAPH Principal Investigator & Institution: Rabolt, John F.; Materials Science and Engineering; University of Delaware Newark, De 19716 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-AUG-2003; Project End 31-JUL-2005 Summary: (provided by applicant): Recently a new paradigm for doing infrared (IR) spectroscopy was developed in the Principal Investigator's (Pl's) laboratory. PA-IR uses a focal plane array (FPA) detector onto which a beam of light dispersed by a prism or grating is focused. The broad range of frequencies displayed on the pixel array simultaneously make this a multiplex technique without using the complex scanning

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mechanism or computational requirements (for Fourier transformation of the data) used in FT-IR interferometry. Thus the no-moving parts configuration of the PA-IR instrument provides the ruggedness required to make the instrument the size of a "shoebox" and hence portable. In addition the increased sensitivity (100-1000X over single element FT-IR detectors) of the FPA can provide an IR spectrum to be accumulated in as little as 10 microseconds. The only current limitation comes from the frequency range available (3400-2000 cm[-1]) due to the initial availability of only indium-antimonide FPAs during the development of the prototype. This proposal is to design and construct a portable "broad band" PA-IR instrument that works in the more traditional IR "fingerprint" region (2000-800 cm [-1]) now that Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride FPAs are commercially available and show that it has the sensitivity and speed for in vivo disease prediction/diagnosis. If the PA-IR instrument is coupled with an IR fiber optic sampling probe, it should be possible to characterize ocular tissues in the lens. The advantage of this fiber optic PA-IR technique over conventional dynamic light scattering (DLS) systems currently in use for eye diagnostics is that PA-IR will provide a chemical signature of the various components (collagen IV, gamma-crystallin, etc.) present simultaneously in the "real-time" domain potentially allowing both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the components. For example, PA-IR would allow the detection of protein aggregation (dimers, oligomers) and be able to detect changes in the amount of alpha-helical, beta-sheet or disordered conformation in a protein thereby detecting the onset of cataracts at a very early stage before protein particles become large enough to be detected by DLS. Once this "broad Band" PA-IR is shown to have high sensitivity then other applications such as monitoring the presence of airborne bacteria and viruses in hospital environments becomes feasible as well. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: HOUSEHOLD ENVIRONMENTAL RISK REDUCTION IN RURAL CHILDREN Principal Investigator & Institution: Butterfield, Patricia G.; Associate Professor; University of Montana University Hall 202 Missoula, Mt 598124104 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-2002; Project End 31-AUG-2007 Summary: More than seven million families participate in Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and other pediatric public health programs. Providing environmental health information to these families is a common-sense way of integrating risk reduction efforts into existing public health programs. However, the success of such efforts will be predicated on testing interventions that can be easily delivered in home and clinic settings. The proposed study will yield evidence addressing: 1) baseline estimates of rural children's exposure to multiple agents in the home setting, and 2) the effectiveness of a risk reduction intervention delivered by public health nurses. Subjects will include child-parent dyads residing in rural Montana; there is preliminary evidence that exposures to children living in the rural West may differ significantly from those living in other parts of the country. The research involves four phases. In Phase 1, biomonitoring (i.e., children's blood lead, urinary cotinine), household (i.e., analysis of water for total coliforms, E-coli, lead, nitrate/nitrite, arsenic, mercury, and a pesticide and petroleum screen; air monitoring for radon and carbon monoxide), and parents' knowledge / attitude / behavior data will be collected from 50 families. In Phase 2, these data will be reviewed by an expert panel to identify priority agents--there is preliminary evidence that these will include radon, lead, arsenic, and nitrate/nitrite. Phase 3 will focus on finalizing agent-specific and general risk reduction interventions. General risk reduction actions will be based on national pediatric health

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recommendations. During Phase 4, the intervention will be tested with a sample of 150 families using private wells; 75 treatment families will receive the home visit intervention and 75 control families will receive an alternate (addressing a nonenvironmental health topic) intervention. The intervention will be delivered by local public health nurses who are already making home visits to families participating in child health programs for lower-income families. Outcome measures of interest include: 1) estimates of exposure (biomarkers and household monitoring), and 2) parents' knowledge and attitudes toward reduction actions on behalf of their children. The proposed research is consistent with recommendations that communitybased environmental health programs be framed and delivered in a manner that is meaningful to families and high-risk subgroups. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: IL-1 BETA INFLUENCES ON NGF IN NEURAL DEVELOPMENT Principal Investigator & Institution: Jelaso, Anna M.; Environmental Institute; Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, Mi 49008 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-JUN-2003; Project End 30-JUN-2005 Summary: (provided by applicant): An intriguing problem in developmental neurobiology is how cytokines and growth factors interact to shape the differentiation, survival or plasticity of specific neural circuits during development. The cytokine, interleukin-1beta is expressed in the developing nervous system, independent of neuroimmune or neuroendocrine function, indicating that it may play an important role in neural development. However, its role is not yet completely understood. In mammalian glial cells, IL-1beta induces the neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF), through an NF-KB mediated signal transduction mechanism during neural development. My previous work in the developing frog, has shown that IL-1beta and the interleukin-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI) are expressed in identifiable neurons and other neural cell types that comprise functional, sensory motor locomotor circuits. Pilot studies demonstrated that the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1ra) and NGF are co-expressed with IL-1beta and IL-1RI. The work in this proposal tests the idea that IL-1beta regulates NGF expression in developing neural circuits of the frog, Xenopus laevis, through an NF-KB signal transduction mechanism. The proposed work will complete pilot studies defining IL-1ra and NGF protein expression in developing neural circuits. Additional experiments will inhibit neural IL-1beta by microinjection of IL-1ra or by exposure to the environmental contaminant, methyl mercury. The effects of IL-1beta inhibition on IL-1beta, XrelA (NF-KB homolog) and NGF gene expression will be analyzed using real-time PCR. This work will establish a system for understanding how cytokines and neurotrophins interact during neural development to influence the development and/or maintenance of functional neural circuits. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: IMMUNOTOXIC PROPERTIES OF MERCURIC COMPOUNDS Principal Investigator & Institution: Shenker, Bruce J.; Professor and Chair; Pathology; University of Pennsylvania 3451 Walnut Street Philadelphia, Pa 19104 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-FEB-1994; Project End 31-MAR-2004 Summary: (adapted from the Investigator's abstract): Mercury and its congeners are extremely toxic substances which exist as inorganic mercury (Hg++), organic mercury, and mercury vapor (Hg0). Sources of human exposure to mercury include seafood, seeds, foodstuffs, water, and dental amalgam. In previous studies, the Principal

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Investigator has shown that mercury, at low concentrations, kills human lymphoid cells in a manner consistent with apoptosis. The mitochondrion is the target organelle resulting in development of the permeability transition state and oxidative stress. The hypothesis to be tested in these studies is that exposure to mercury may cause health deficits by impairing host defense mechanisms. In addition, perturbed mitochondrial function provides a major cytotoxic pathway for mercurial compounds. In this proposal, the cascade of events responsible for mercury-induced apoptosis in humans will be further defined. The immunotoxic effects of Hg0 will be characterized to determine if it kills human T cells via apoptosis as a consequence of oxidative stress. The study is divided into four specific aims. The first is to determine if mercury-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is due to direct effects of the toxicant on the expression or function of Bcl-2 protein family members of apoptotic regulatory proteins. The second specific aim is to ascertain if mercury- dependent changes in mitochondrial function promote caspase activity and induce T cell apoptosis. It is proposed that activation of the caspase cascade is a result of mercury-induced mitochondrial permeability transition. The third specific aim is to measure the effect of mercury on (a) the expression and activity of the redox sensitivity transcription factors NF-kB and AP-1, and (b) the expression of novel genes associated with oxidative stress. The fourth specific aim is to determine if Hg0-induces T cell apoptosis and learn if cell death is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. It is proposed that exposure to Hg0 leads to rapid T cell apoptosis due to physical characteristics of the uncharged species. The goal of this application is to better understand the pathways responsible for mercury toxicity, as well as health implications associated with exposure to mercury-containing compounds. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: IMMUNOTOXICOLOGIC EFFECTS OF MERCURY ON B CELLS Principal Investigator & Institution: Monestier, Marc; Professor; Microbiology and Immunology; Temple University 406 Usb, 083-45 Philadelphia, Pa 19122 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 18-JUL-2003; Project End 30-APR-2008 Summary: (provided by applicant): Human exposure to various chemical or pollutants is associated with an increased incidence of autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, there are only a few useful animal models to study the mechanisms of chemically induced autoimmunity. In genetically susceptible mice, subtoxic doses of mercury elicit a complex autoimmune syndrome with production of highly specific IgG antinucleolar antibodies and a polyclonal increase in serum IgG1 and IgE. Mercury exposure affects various components of the immune system and, in this proposal; we plan to characterize the effects of mercury on B cells. Our preliminary data lead us to propose the hypothesis that mercury accelerates B cell maturation in the periphery and that mercury triggers secondary immunoglobulin gene rearrangements. In Specific Aim 1, we will assess how mercury influences the development of peripheral B cell subsets. We are particularly interested in determining whether mercury administration results in the upregulation of RAG proteins and in secondary immunoglobulin rearrangements. In Specific Aim 2, we will examine how mercury affects the expression and regulation of an anti-DNA transgene that has been bred onto a mercury susceptible genetic background. In Specific Aim 3, we will generate mice that possess a site directed transgene for an antinucleolar antibody. We will characterize the regulation of these B cells and evaluate their responses to mercury exposure. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: IMMUNOTOXICOLOGY OF A HEAVY METAL Principal Investigator & Institution: Pollard, Kenneth Michael.; Associate Professor; Scripps Research Institute Tpc7 La Jolla, Ca 92037 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-AUG-1996; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: (Applicant's Abstract): Exposure to toxins and chemicals can produce aberrant immune reactions that may include autoimmunity. The observation that eludes explanation is the restriction of the autoantibody response to a single, or a limited number of intracellular antigens the specificity of which appears dependent in part upon the toxin or chemical involved. We have shown that the heavy metal mercury induces a genetically restricted autoantibody response in mice that targets the nucleolar protein fibrillarin. Mercury-induced cell death results in modification of the molecular properties of fibrillarin, however mercury-modified fibrillarin is a poor antigen for HgCI2-induced antifibrillarin autoantibodies. These observations suggest that mercurymodified fibrillarin might be a source of (cryptic) T cell determinants. Immunization studies with bacterial recombinant fibrillarin, modified by mercury, where not successful in eliciting the same spectrum of antifibrillarin antibodies as HgC12treatment. Alternative antigen sources appear more promising, including fragments of fibrillarin produced following cell death associated proteolysis, and eukaryotic cellular material resulting from HgCI2-induced cell death. The investigators propose to continue to examine the immunogenicity of fibrillarin by using eukaryotic expression systems to determine if the nature of the antigen is a limiting factor in autoantibody production. This will be achieved by examination of the fine specificity of anti-fibrillarin antibodies produced by immunization, or HgCI2-treatment. Additional studies will examine the fine specificity of fibrillarin specific T cells, to determine if cryptic epitopes are important in the autoantibody response and whether immunization elicits cryptic epitope specific T cells. The importance of T cell specificity in the anti-fibrillarin autoantibody response will be determined by examining the ability of antigen specific T cells to drive B cells to produce antibody. Analysis of the interaction between fibrillarin, mercury and cells of the lymphoid system may lead to insights into how an imunotoxin renders self-antigen immunogenic. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: INFANT AND CHILD NEUROTOXICITY STUDIES: Principal Investigator & Institution: Cranmer, Joan M.; Associate Professor; Pediatrics; University of Arkansas Med Scis Ltl Rock Little Rock, Ar 72205 Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 01-FEB-2004; Project End 31-JAN-2005 Summary: (provided by applicant) The 21st International Neurotoxicology Conference (NTX XXI) will be held Feb. 10-14, 2004 at the Ala Moana hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. NTX XXI will address the theme Infant and Child Neurotoxicity Studies: Subtle and Long-Term Effects. Studies will focus on methylmercury (MeHg), PCBs, heptachlor, other persistent pollutants and mixtures. The highlight of this conference is that all the major longitudinal children's studies addressing these important pollutants will be presented together for the first time! This will allow a unique opportunity to make significant advances in our understanding of the subtle and latent effects that these chemicals -alone or in combination-may be posing to our children. Justification for Hawaii Venue: Results of two major research efforts involving Hawaiians and others from the Pacific Rim will be presented for the first time at this conference. These two major themes require the meeting to be held on Oahu. The two areas are: (1) The Hawaii Heptachlor Study (20-yr study results) and (2) Persistent Pesticides and the Honolulu-

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Mercury

Hawaii-Asia Aging Cohort. The Hawaii Heptachlor Research and Education Foundation promised Hawaiian citizens that the results of the Heptachlor Children's Study first would be reported to the Hawaiian community. The last day of the conference will be a "Report Back to the Community" in a Public Session devoted to the Hawaii Heptachlor Study 20 years after the initial pollution. Specific Aims: (1) To provide an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary scientific forum for presentation of the major longitudinal children's studies investigating the low-level, long-term effects of MeHg, PCBs, lead, heptachlor, other pesticides and mixtures. (2) To conduct an Open Public Forum/Town Meeting for clinical and basic scientists, clinicians and the citizens of Hawaii who were involved in the 20-year Heptachlor studies. To facilitate communication between the researchers, and the parents & children from Hawaii who were exposed to Heptachlor to discuss the implications of study results. (3) To convene scientists from different sectors to exchange data and theories regarding the etiology, mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of environmentally-induced diseases or disorders of the nervous system in the fetus, infant, child, adolescent, and latent effects in the adult. To provide an established venue and ample time for informal scientific exchange to establish and promote collaborations and networking worldwide. (4) To encourage, mentor and recognize student researchers and young neurotoxicologists by offering predoctoral and post-doctoral awards (cash and plaques, travel scholarships, mentoring and networking opportunities. (5) To organize the keynote presentations, tutorials, invited and free presentations, discussions, demonstrations and interactions to document, major new research advances, facilitate identification of specific research gaps and potential experimental designs to answer questions. (6) To rapidly peer review and disseminate findings to the scientific community. The overall goal will be accomplished by organizing and conducting a five-day widely-advertised and wellorganized conference according to the format of previous conferences in this wellestablished Neurotoxicology Conference series which has proven to be very successful. All presenters are invited to submit original research papers of new data presented and/or summaries of recent findings related to the specific topics in the Program. Papers will be peer-reviewed and rapidly published (less than one year) in Neurotoxicology, an international scientific journal that is widely disseminated, indexed, abstracted and available online. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: INTERMEMBRANE HYDROPEROXIDES

TRANSFER

OF

CHOLESTEROL

Principal Investigator & Institution: Girotti, Albert W.; Professor; Biochemistry; Medical College of Wisconsin Po Box26509 Milwaukee, Wi 532260509 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 05-MAY-2001; Project End 30-APR-2004 Summary: Cholesterol (Ch), the most prominent sterol of mammalian cells, is located predominantly in the plasma membrane, where it comprises 40-45 mol percent of the total lipid. Like other unsaturated lipids, Ch can be oxidized under conditions of cytotoxic oxidative stress. Among the oxidation products, cholesterol hydroperoxides (ChOOHs) are highly important because they can undergo iron-catalyzed 1-electron reduction, thereby triggering chain peroxidation reactions which expand the boundaries of membrane oxidative damage. Alternatively, ChOOHs may undergo glutathionedependent 2-electron reductive detoxification if a selenoperoxidase (SePX) is encountered. Superimposed on these alternate fates (which are under study in the parent project) is the possibility that ChOOHs can move (or be transferred) from one membrane to another, either within or between cells. Little is known about this

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prospect. In this proposal to investigate ChOOH transfer, two hypotheses will be tested: (i) ChOOHs, being more polar than Ch, will translocate relatively rapidly from donor to acceptor membranes, and this can be enhanced by a sterol carrier protein; (ii) ChOOH transfer can be hazardous to an acceptor if its antioxidant capabilities are overwhelmed. The specific aims of the project are to examine: (i) spontaneous intermembrane transfer of ChOOHs (ii) sterol carrier protein-mediated intermembrane transfer of ChOOHs, and (iii) spontaneous vs. protein-facilitated transfer to mammalian cells and its cytotoxic consequences. The studies will involve, liposomal membranes, erythrocyte membranes, aortic endothelial cells, selenium and iron manipulation, and two unique analytical techniques developed during past interactions between the Principal Investigator and Co-investigator: high performance liquid chromatography with mercury cathode electrochemical detection, and high performance thin layer chromatography with radioimaging detection. In addition to strengthening collaborative ties between the host and foreign laboratories, these studies will provide insights into previously unrecognized ways by which cells might be exposed to the prooxidant/cytotoxic effects of ChOOHs. The work is biomedically significant because disorders such as atherogenesis and neurodegeneration are associated with lipid peroxidation, and ChOOH transfer may promote this process. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: LOW COST, ACCURATE, PORTABLE BLOOD LEAD ANALYZER Principal Investigator & Institution: Lewandowski, Jan J.; Director of Res. & Development; Biomec, Inc. 1771 E 30Th St Cleveland, Oh 44114 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUN-2002; Project End 30-MAY-2003 Summary: We will develop a low cost, accurate, portable blood lead analyzer. The device will utilize a unique miniature rotating microsample system, which can be incorporated into a fluidic chip. The electrochemistry of the system is equivalent to the performance of a typical rotating electrode but no moving mechanical parts are required. Anodic Stripping Voltammetry and Potential Stripping Analysis techniques will be evaluated. Based on preliminary data, it is expected that the device will be capable of providing blood lead determinations with the accuracy and sensitivity required by the CDC. Lead poisoning is the most common environmental health problem affecting children. The irreversible neurotoxic effects of childhood blood-lead at low concentrations, that do not cause immediate clinical symptoms, are now well documented. The present lack of inexpensive but accurate blood determination techniques prevents necessary widespread screening programs. Our device will be an order of magnitude cheaper than Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy systems and the blood lead analyses will be so inexpensive that widespread screening will be feasible. The proposed device can be easily adapted for determination of other toxic heavy metals such as mercury or cadmium. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The results of a cost-to-benefit analysis of blood level screening programs was presented in the CDC's report "Costs and benefits of Universal Screening Program for Elevated Lead Levels in 1 year old children". According to this document, the current average cost of blood lead screening is $60 per child. At this price the economic benefits of screening program exceed the costs of screening when the prevalence of the elevated blood level in the child population is 14% or greater. Our estimate is that the proposed device will reduce cost per assay to $10 or less. This will be accomplished by lowering of the direct cost of the assay and reducing the cost of sample withdrawal (finger piercing vs. venipuncture). Additionally the device will not require expensive, highly trained lab personnel to operate it.

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Mercury

Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: LSM SCANDHEAD W META DETECTOR & 405 NM LASER Principal Investigator & Institution: Wandinger-Ness, Angela U.; Associate Professor; Pathology; University of New Mexico Albuquerque Controller's Office Albuquerque, Nm 87131 Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 01-MAR-2004; Project End 28-FEB-2005 Summary: (provided by applicant): New instrumentation and probes offer unparalleled opportunities for molecular imaging. By applying these technologies it is now possible to monitor the proximities of molecules and trace their movements and interactions in real time using multiple fluorophore combinations. At the University of New Mexico, eight NIH-funded investigators mapping brain gene expression or defining membrane trafficking, signal transduction and adhesion mechanisms form a core user group whose research depends heavily on the application of such sophisticated biological imaging technologies. A Center for Spatiotemporal Imaging has been established to develop new algorithms for three-dimensional modeling and image qunatification. Three of the investigators participating in the center and five others constitute major users of a Zeiss LSM 510 and a recently installed BioRad Radiance both located in our Shared Cancer Center Microscopy Facility. In this application we are requesting funds for the purchase of a new Zeiss scanhead equipped with META detector and 405 nm laser to be mounted on an existing Axiovert microscope. The requested insmnnentation is necessary to enable simultaneous imaging of larger numbers of fluorophores including those in the UV range. In addition, several users have secured the photoactivable GFP isoform and demonstrated the utility of this new probe for their experiments. Although the probe can be activated by a mercury lamp, as shown by our proof of principle experiments, a 405 nm laser with AOTF is essential for these applications to take advantage of the spatial and temporal imaging capabilities afforded by this probe. Half of the users routinely conduct FRET experiments and are in need of the META detector's linear spectral unmixing functions to obtain quantitative and spatial information. Close interactions with investigators at Sandia National Laboratories will allow the immediate application of new multivariate curve resolution algorithms for the quantification and analysis of the multispectral data obtained with the META detector. Thus, the user group is uniquely poised to exploit new imaging probes and technologies with the proposed instrumentation. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: MANIPULATION OF THE NOS PATHWAY IN ARTERIAL DISEASE Principal Investigator & Institution: Cooke, John P.; Associate Professor; Medicine; Stanford University Stanford, Ca 94305 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-FEB-2000; Project End 31-JAN-2004 Summary: Under certain conditions, NO synthesis is disturbed, and this may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, and impair angiogenic response. The impairment of the NO synthase pathway may be due in part to an endogenous NOS inhibitor ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine). In patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), ADMA levels are elevated. In these individuals L-arginine enhances NO synthesis and improves limb blood flow. Our proposal is designed to determine if chronic administration of L-arginine will cause a sustained enhancement of limb blood flow, and will reduce symptoms in individuals with PAD. We will also determine if these effects are accompanied by anti- atherogenic and/or pro-angiogenic effects of NO

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biosynthesis. Patients with PAD will be entered into a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the effects of L-arginine upon functional status (treadmill exercise testing; quality of life) and limb blood (by mercury strain gauge plethysmography). We will determine if NO biosynthesis is involved in the effects of L-arginine by: function of duplex ultrasonography of flow-mediated vasodilation. We will assess limb hemodynamics (by Doppler-derived pressures, plethysmography, and by MR perfusion imaging), conduit vessel structure (using magnetic resonance angiography); and evidence of angiogenesis using novel MR algorithms (to include flow-independent imaging, manipulation, manipulation of 3-dimensional data sets, and use of oxygen saturation effects on T2 relaxation time). These studies will determine if prolonged Larginine treatment may have effects upon vascular structure, lesion size and/or angiogenesis. These studies may lead to a novel and cost-effective strategy for treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: MECHANISM OF THIMEROSAL INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY Principal Investigator & Institution: Kiningham, Kinsley K.; Pharmacology; Marshall University Huntington, Wv 25701 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-MAY-2003; Project End 30-APR-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): Mercurials are potent neurotoxins, which localize to both neurons and glia within the central nervous system and elicit a range of deleterious actions. Sodium ethylmercurithiosalicylate (thimerosal) is a widely used ethyl mercury containing preservative used in over-the-counter medications, cleaners and cosmetics. Recent concern has been raised on the use of thimerosal in over 30 vaccines licensed in the United States. With the addition of several important vaccines over the last few years, exposure to mercury has increased among infants, leading some investigators to suggest an association between thimerosal exposure and autism. There is limited toxicological information regarding ethyl mercury; therefore, estimates of health risks from thimerosal exposure have been based on mechanistic studies of methyl mercury, a close chemical relative about which much is known. These estimates may actually underestimate the toxicity of ethyl mercury containing agents. The wide use of thimerosal makes understanding the mechanism(s) of its toxicity a significant human health issue. The overall goal of this project is to investigate the mechanism by which thimerosal causes neuronal cell death. The hypothesis to be tested is that thimerosal results in dose-dependent activation of specific signaling molecules and redox-sensitive transcription factors known to activate pro-death genes in neurons. If this hypothesis is correct then pharmacological intervention should attenuate toxicity as a result of thimerosal exposure. Using a human neuroblastoma cell line, SK-N-SH, this project will test the hypothesis in four specific aims. Aim 1 will identify in a dose-dependent manner the predominant cell death pathway (apoptotic versus necrotic) associated with thimerosal exposure and to determine if it is associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species and caspase-3 dependent. Aim 2 will determine if cell death is mediated through an AP-1-dependent pathway. In addition, this specific aim will establish the role of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase; an enzyme, which phosphorylates and activates AP-1, in thimerosal-mediated neuronal death. Aim 3 will determine if the cell death pathway is mediated through an NFkappaB-dependent mechanism. Aim 4 will determine if thimerosal toxicity can be attenuated by the administration of S-adenosylmethionine, an enzyme which increases endogenous levels of glutathione. This project will generate mechanistic data on thimerosal neurotoxicity and potentially identify specific targets for pharmacological intervention.

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Mercury

Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: MECHANISMS FOR RENAL UPTAKE OF MERCURY Principal Investigator & Institution: Bridges, Christy C.; Basic Medical Sciences; Mercer University Macon Macon, Ga 312070001 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-JUL-2003; Project End 30-JUN-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): Mercury is a significant environmental and occupational health hazard in many countries, including the United States. The primary site of mercury toxicity is the kidney, specifically the pars recta of the proximal tubule. Based on current data, we have formulated the following hypothesis: Inorganic mercury is taken up at the luminal and basolateral plasma membranes of the proximal tubular epithelium as a conjugate of thiol-containing biomolecules and this uptake occurs via known transporters, such as amino acid- and organic anion- transporters, through a mechanism involving molecular mimicry. The luminal uptake of mercuric ions is thought to involve amino acid transporters such as systems b0,+ , B0,+, or system ASC, while the basolateral uptake of mercury is thought to involve the organic anion transporters 1 and 3. To study the role of various transporters in the uptake of mercury, isolated perfused tubules will be used. In order to study the role of individual transporters, Xenopus oocytes will be injected with individual transporter RNA and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney and NRK- 52E cells will be stably transfected with individual amino acid- and organic anion- transport proteins. The role of each carrier in the transport of mercuric ions will be tested using functional biochemical assays. These experiments will also determine the specific species of mercury that is taken up at the plasma membrane. These studies are important in that they will determine the exact mechanisms that participate in the transport of mercury across the plasma membranes of the proximal tubular cells. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: MECHANISMS OF METHYLMERCURY INDUCED NEURONAL TOXICITY Principal Investigator & Institution: Aschner, Michael; Professor; Physiology and Pharmacology; Wake Forest University Health Sciences Winston-Salem, Nc 27157 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-2000; Project End 31-MAR-2004 Summary: (Adapted from the Investigator's Abstract) Methylmercury (MeHg) is a significant environmental contaminant that continues to pose a great risk to human health. Considerable attention in the scientific and health policy fora is focused on the question of whether MeHg intake from a diet high in fish is associated with aberrant CNS function. A number of recent studies (Kjellstrom et al., 1986, 1989; McKeon-Eyssen et al., 1983; Grandjean et al., 1997) suggest that fetal exposure at levels attained by mothers eating fish regularly during pregnancy are associated with neurological deficits in their offspring. Astrocytes play a key role in MeHg-induced excitotoxicity. [1] MeHg preferentially accumulates in astrocytes. [2] MeHg potently and specifically inhibits glutamate uptake in astrocytes. [3] Neuronal function is secondary to disturbances in astrocytes. [4] co-application of nontoxic concentrations of mercury and glutamate leads to the typical appearance of neuronal lesions associated with excitotoxic stimulation. [5] MeHg induces swelling in astrocytes. These observations are fully consistent with MeHg-induced dysregulation of excitatory amino acid homeostasis, and indicate that a glutamate-mediated excitotoxic mechanism is involved. The working hypotheses of the proposal outline a number of critical target sites for MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. In

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Specific Aim 1.0 we will test the hypothesis that activation of the astrocyte-specific enzyme, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and the ensuing hydrolysis and release of arachidonic acid (AA) are mediators of glutamate release upon exposure to MeHg. We will investigate the lipase(s) involved, and determine the relationship between cPLA2 activation, regulatory volume decrease (RVD), and glutamate release. In specific Aim 2.0, we will test the hypothesis that MeHg-induced increased extracellular glutamate concentrations will competitively inhibit cystine transport into astrocytes, leading to diminished supply of cysteine for neuronal glutathione (GSH) synthesis. In Specific Aim 3.0, we will test the hypothesis that modification of cysteine residues by MeHg is associated with altered glutamate transport, and that it is regulated by the chemical redox-state of reactive cysteine residues in the astrocyte-specific glutamate transporters, GLAST and GLT1. The studies will be carried out in rat primary cultures of neurons and astrocytes, as well as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells (where transporters can be over expressed in cells that lack the endogenous glutamate transporter). Our approach will encompass a broad array of methods, including molecular biology, electrophysiology, radiolabel trans-membrane fluxes, and electrical impedance measurements of cell volume. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: MERCURY ASSOCIATED NEUROBEHAVIORAL DEFICIT IN CHILDREN Principal Investigator & Institution: Grandjean, Philippe A.; Professor; Environmental Health; Boston University Medical Campus 715 Albany St, 560 Boston, Ma 02118 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAY-2000; Project End 31-DEC-2002 Summary: Methylmercury is an important contaminant of seafood and freshwater fish worldwide. Although tragic pollution episodes have demonstrated that the fetal brain is particularly susceptible to methylmercury toxicity, the upper limit for safe mercury exposure is unknown. A birth cohort of 1,000 children was formed during 1986 to 87 at the Faroe Islands, where increase exposure to methylmercury is mainly due to consumption of pilot whale meat. The fishing community is unique and highly suitable for population-based studies or prenatal methylmercury neurotoxicity: Average mercury exposures vary more than a 100-fold within the population, and socioeconomic factors and other confounding variables are of only limited concern. Ninety percent of the children from the cohort went through extensive neurobehavioral examinations at age 7 years, and the results showed mild deficits associated with prenatal exposures that were previously thought to be safe. These data will be scrutinized further statistically and neuropsychologically. In addition, to determine the long-term implications and the potential reversibility of mercury-associated deficits, follow-up of the cohort at age 14 years will be carried out. Neurobehavioral performance will be related to several mercury exposure biomarkers that reflect both prenatal and postnatal exposures. Exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) will also be assessed and analyzed for their possible neurobehavioral effects. Advanced statistical methods will be applied to provide documentation that can be used directly in risk assessment. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: METALLOREGULATION BY MERR AND FUR PROTEIN FAMILIES Principal Investigator & Institution: O'halloran, Thomas V.; Professor; Chemistry; Northwestern University 633 Clark Street Evanston, Il 60208 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUL-1987; Project End 28-FEB-2006

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Mercury

Summary: (applicant's description): Metal ion sensory mechanisms are critical for cellular responses to essential and toxic metals alike. Emerging from studies of microbial metalloregulatory systems are general models that serve as starting points for understanding the cell biology of metals in humans. The MerR and Fur families of metalloregulatory proteins control the expression of an array of genes that protect the eubacterial cell from physical and chemical stresses including antibiotic treatments. In a variety of virulent microbes, Fur or a closely related iron-sensor protein controls toxin expression. A general but controversial mechanism for iron-responsive derepression has been proposed but is as of yet unresolved. Mechanistic studies of these mercury and iron sensor proteins are now beginning to provide insights into zinc and copperresponsive metalloregulation. The E. coli ZntR protein, a recently discovered member of the MerR family, is a zinc-specific metalloregulatory protein that controls expression of zinc export machinery. Its counterpart, the Zur protein, is a member of the Fur family that exerts zinc-responsive control over the expression of zinc uptake machinery. Together these genes govern zinc uptake and export, ensuring that cells experience neither zinc starvation nor toxicity. In both cases the mechanisms of transcriptional control or the molecular basis of metal recognition are not yet established. This proposal focuses on energetic and structural aspects of metal recognition and metal-induced conformation changes in the allosteric switching mechanism. MerR controls transcription in an unprecedented manner: metal-protein interactions induce distortions in DNA structure that make the DNA a better template for the transcription machinery. By comparing the positive control mechanism for other family members such as ZntR, a comprehensive test of this DNA distortion mechanism is possible. Positive control mechanisms are poorly understood and yet are of fundamental importance in understanding the molecular basis of genetic regulation. The molecular basis of heavy metal recognition in the ZntR, Zur, and Fur systems will be probed at the biopolymer and coordination chemistry levels. The structure, function, and energetic insights of these new stress-responsive transcription factors will provide a deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms and transition metal cell biology. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: METHYL MERCURY EVALUATION IN DENTAL WASTE WATER Principal Investigator & Institution: Drummond, James L.; Professor; Restorative Dentistry; University of Illinois at Chicago 1737 West Polk Street Chicago, Il 60612 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-AUG-2002; Project End 31-JUL-2004 Summary: (provided by applicant): Quantifiable particulate, soluble and even methylmercury concentrations are detectable in the Dental waste water (DWW) stream during the removal of amalgam from the oral cavity through aspiration with high vacuum suction. These toxic compounds are discharged into the sanitary sewer system and eventually into the environment, to be taken up by microbes, plants and animals and through the food chain to impact on human mercury consumption. The objectives of this project are to quantify the inorganic and organic concentrations in Dental wastewater, to identify the bacteria in biofilms of the discharge environment and to specifically identify the microbial activities involved in oxidation from metallic Hg(O) to ionic Hg(ll). In addition, other objectives are to determine the reverse reduction enzymatic reaction, the methylation of Hg(lI) to monomethyl-mercury, and finally to specify bacteria responsible for mercury metabolism in DWW biofilms. Specific Aim 1: Analyze mercury concentrations both inorganic and organic in DWW. Hypothesis:Amalgam waste loads correlate to methyl-mercury yields. Specific Aim 2: Classify bacterial species in Dental wastewater lines. Hypothesis: Bacterial species in the

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Dental sewage pipe biofilms include those from the oral biofilms (e.g. plaque), but more likely are the normal environmental bacteria found growing in other piped water biofilms, from sources not involved with Dental water units. Specific Aim 3: Identify specific bacterial species involved in mercury conversion. Hypothesis: Element mercury released in DWW is converted to Hg(lI) and then in more limited amounts to methylmercury by specific biofilm bacterial species in the Dental sewage pipes. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: METHYLMERCURY TRANSPORT ACROSS CELL MEMBRANES Principal Investigator & Institution: Ballatori, Nazzareno A.; Associate Professor of Environmental Med; Environmental Medicine; University of Rochester Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1993; Project End 31-AUG-2006 Summary: The overall objective of this laboratory is to identify those factors that underlie human susceptibility to methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning. MeHg is a highly toxic environmental pollutant: clinical and experimental studies demonstrate that exposure to MeHg results in neurologic damage characterized by ataxia, sensory disturbances and changes in mental state. The only way to prevent or ameliorate toxicity once MeHg has been ingested is to accelerate its removal from the body. Our goal is to identify and characterize the mechanisms by which MeHg crosses cell membranes to reach its target sites, or conversely, to be eliminated from the cell. This information is critical both for defining mechanisms of toxicity, and for developing effective biomarkers of exposure and therapeutic strategies. Our previous work provided the first direct demonstration of the mechanism by which MeHg crosses the blood-brain barrier to reach its target tissue, and of the mechanism by which MeHg is transported across the liver cell canalicular membrane into bile, a major route for its excretion. Recent studies have also identified a novel antidote for MeHg, namely N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Our working hypothesis is that NAC enhances urinary MeHg excretion because it leads to the formation of the anionic MeHg-NAC complex, which is a substrate for the renal organic anion transporters. The proposed studies aim to characterize these MeHg transport mechanisms at the molecular and cellular level. Our Specific Aims are: I. Examine the mechanism by which the MeHg-L-cysteine complex is transported on the L-type amino acid transporters LAT1 and LAT2. II. Test whether the MeHg-glutathione complex (MeHg-SG) is a substrate for some members of the MRP family of transporters. III. Evaluate the molecular mechanism by which NAC stimulates renal excretion of MeHg. IV. Test the hypothesis that urinary excretion of MeHg following an NAC oral challenge may be used as a new biomarker of MeHg exposure. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: MOLECULAR IMMUNOTOXICITY

MECHANISMS

OF

MERCURY-INDUCED

Principal Investigator & Institution: Reddy, P Gopal.; Tuskegee University Tuskegee Institute, Al 36088 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUN-1978; Project End 30-JUN-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): The main goal of the proposed project is to further delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in mercury-induced immunotoxicity. Exposure to mercury at low levels may alter immune parameters before it causes any clinically apparent manifestations. Even subtle immune system alterations may indirectly affect ability to resist microbial infections or development of cancers. Previous

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studies have shown that Brown Norway (BN) rats are highly susceptible for the development of autoimmune disease conditions but the molecular mechanisms including the involvement of Th1 and Th2 responses are not fully delineated. In a preliminary study, we have shown predominance of Th2 type responses in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats given oral gavage of mercuric chloride. We propose to develop a comprehensive data base that is needed to clarify the Th1/Th2 cell responses in the development of mercury-induced immunotoxicity. In the proposed project, we will study the effects of methyl-mercury using an in vivo protocol with both BN and SD rats and an in vitro protocol using human peripheral blood lymphocytes. We will study the status of Th1 cytokines, interferon-gamma, Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10. We will employ several different assays including: real-time quantitative RTPCR, ribonuclease protection assay (RPM, ELISA, and ELISPOT. These different assays targeting the Th1/Th2 cell responses are expected to give us detailed information on the expression of the cytokines at the level of both transcription and protein production. It will also give us some information on the status of cells involved in the secretion of these cytokines. We will compare the immune cells of BN and SD rats as well as human cells for activation markers CD25 (Il-2R alpha) and MHC class II antigens, and for various apoptosis markers, FAS, FASL, bcl-x (L), bcl-x (5), bax, bcl-2, and caspases 1, 2, 3. We will compare serum samples of BN and SD rats for immune-mediated disease markers including anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), circulating immune complexes, and Creactive protein. To study whether mercury-induced alterations of the immune responses adversely affect host disease resistance mechanisms, we will experimentally infect the rats with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and study the morbidity and mortality. These in vitro and in vivo data will help us further delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in mercury-induced immunotoxicity which may be useful for planning immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic measures in subjects exposed to mercury. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: NEUROTOXICITY OF METHYLMERCURY ACROSS THE LIFESPAN Principal Investigator & Institution: Newland, M. Christopher.; Professor; Psychology; Auburn University at Auburn Auburn University, Al 36849 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAR-2001; Project End 28-FEB-2006 Summary: (ADAPTED FROM APPLICANT'S ABSTRACT) Fetal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) has long-lasting effects on sensory-motor function, schedulecontrolled behavior, learning (not memory) and sensitivity to certain behaviorally active drugs. Human and animal studies now associate developmental or adult MeHg exposure with age-related declines in certain behavioral functions. Nutritional influences also modify mercury's neurotoxicity, although how these interact through the lifespan is not well understood. This is important both mechanistically and because of concerns that a low RfD for MeHg would decrease consumption of fish, a source of selenium and n-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexanoic acid (DHA). In previous work, rats on a chow diet consuming 40 or 500 mg/kg/day Hg (as MeHg) showed age- and dose-related decrements on high-rate operant behavior, retarded learning, and altered sensitivity to amphetamine and pentobarbital. Proposed studies extend these observations by examining age and diet as modifiers of MeHg's neurobehavioral toxicity. High-rate operant behavior will be examined using a refined procedure (targeted percentile schedule) that maintains high response rates but without lowering reinforcement rates if behavior deteriorates. Concurrent schedule performance in transition, which now can be conducted in single sessions, will be the measure of learning. Fixed-interval (FI) schedule performance will be examined per se and as a

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baseline for drug challenges. Female rats will start one of three diets (modified semipurified, DHA-enriched, Se-enriched) for two weeks, then MeHg exposure (0. 0.5, or 5 ppm in drinking water) for two weeks, then they will be mated. Maternal rats will continue the diets and mercury exposure to 30 months of age, and their behavior examined under a targeted percentile schedule of reinforcement. During this time they will receive selected drug challenges. At death mercury levels in blood and brain, Se (in the Se cohort) and DHA in the DHA cohort) will be examined. Offspring will be maintained on the different diets and used as follows: 1) Hg and Se or FA profile determination PN1; 2) FI schedule performance in transition with drug challenges: 3) Targeted percentile schdule performance, and 4) Concurrent schedule performance in transition with drug challenges. Items 2-4 will be conducted as adults and 3-4 to 30 months of age. At death Hg and either Se or FA profiles will be determined, depending on the cohort. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: NOVEL 199HG NMR METHODS FOR MONITORING PROTEIN FOLDING Principal Investigator & Institution: Bebout, Deborah C.; Chemistry; College of William and Mary Williamsburg, Va 23187 Timing: Fiscal Year 1999; Project Start 01-JUN-1999; Project End 31-MAY-2004 Summary: (Adapted from the applicant's abstract) Abnormalities in protein folding are associated with a growing list of human diseases. Characterization of the origin of these abnormalities at the atomic level is hindered by difficulties in monitoring specific interactions during the folding process. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the few techniques employed for the study of protein folding that can provide information at the atomic level. Because proteins are very rich in NMRactive protons, the resulting proton-based NMR spectra are rarely fully resolvable. The class of proteins that require cofactors for folding provide an opportunity to study the folding process by monitoring the NMR signal of the cofactor. The proposed work will focus on the use of 199Hg as a probe of metalloprotein folding. Two-dimensional {1H199Hg} NMR methods will be developed to highlight the biomolecular interactions during the folding process. These studies will also provide a new tool for investigating the pathology of environmental exposure to mercury and certain other metals. X-ray crystallographic methods will be employed to determine the structures of a diverse library of Hg(II) coordination compounds using synthetic ligand models of protein metal-binding sites. This library will extend our knowledge of biologically relevant structure-spectroscopy relationships for 199Hg chemical shifts and coupling constants between 199Hg and 1H in solution and the solid state. Isostructural complexes of other transition metals with favorable NMR properties will be prepared to initiate a systematic comparison of their relative merits as metallobioprobes. Finally, the Hg(II) coordination chemistry of a variety of potentially metal-coordinating cyclic dipeptides will be examined using X-ray crystallography and NMR as a prelude to the application of these new techniques to metalloproteins. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: NUCLEAR RECEPTOR COACTIVATORS AND BREAST CANCER Principal Investigator & Institution: Zhu, Yijun; Pathology; Northwestern University Office of Sponsored Research Chicago, Il 60611 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-JUN-2000; Project End 31-MAY-2005

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Summary: The investigator is a senior resident in Clinical Pathology Training at Northwestern University Medical School, who will be board-eligible in the spring of year 2000. He will join the Department of Pathology as Assistant Professor, tenureeligible Investigator-Clinician track, beginning April 1, 2000, to develop an independent hypothesis driven basic research program focusing on the role of nuclear receptor coactivators in development, differentiation and neoplastic conversion in breast induced by natural and synthetic ligands of nuclear receptors. Northwestern University provides an excellent environment for research dealing with nuclear receptors, transcription factors, and nuclear receptor coactivators on the responses of genes, cells, tissues, and species to the influence of natural and synthetic agonists and antagonists. Strong programs in molecular mechanisms of xenobiotic mediated transcriptional activation of genes exist with nationally recognized leaders dealing with: peroxisome proliferators (Drs. J. K. Reddy, T. Hashimoto, and M. S. Rao), responses of cells to environmental stress and altered gene products (Dr. R. Morimoto), molecular mechanisms of copper, mercury and other trace metal toxicity and the role of metallochaperones (Dr. T. O'Halloran), transcriptional corepressors and coactivators (thyroid and estrogen receptor action, Dr. L. Jameson; mitochondrial gene regulation, Dr. R. Scarpulla; and coactivators in cell cycle regulation Dr. B. Thimmapaya), and prevention of breast cancer using antiestrogens tamoxifen and raloxifene (Dr. C. Jordan). Some of these individuals also serve as preceptors on the pre- and postdoctoral Molecular Toxicology Training Program (NIEHS) at Northwestern University. The goal of the mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program is to fully train Dr. Yijun Zhu in an integrated and highly interactive atmosphere in the area of molecular mechanisms responsible for gene expression and in exploring the relevance of single and multiple gene defects in the overall phenotypic outcome by developing transgenic and gene knockout mice. The proposed training program will enable the candidate to enhance his scientific foundation of critical thinking and experimentation. He will also acquire the skills necessary to effectively and intensely interface in the clinical pathology laboratories, in a subspecialty diagnostics area in a major academic medical center. The proposed research focuses on the role of PBP, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-binding protein, in breast development and neoplastic conversion. Dr. Zhu cloned PBP, identified it as a nuclear receptor coactivator and found that it is amplified and overexpressed in some human breast cancers. Since a variety of phytoestrogens and environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals possess estrogen receptor activity, exploration of interactions of PBP with estrogen receptor and p53 and the development of transgenic models of overexpression of PBP and the gene disruption model of PBP deficiency will provide fundamental clues as to the role of coactivators in development, differentiation and neoplastic conversion. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: ON-SITE TRACE METALS TEST FOR MEDICAL AND OTHER SAMPLES Principal Investigator & Institution: Dietze, William T.; Tracedetect, Inc. 180 N Canal St Seattle, Wa 98103 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-2000; Project End 31-MAY-2004 Summary: (Applicant's abstract) OC Technologies, LLC (d.b.a. TraceDetect) is dedicated to the development and commercialization of a suite of trace-metal monitors based on a new, patented technology. The work detailed in this proposal will commercialize this technology for point-of-care use in a clinical setting. The goal of this research is to move metals monitoring out of the analytical labs and to the point-of-interest/care. The sensor

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detects metals at trace and ultra-trace levels: the detection limit is in the low parts-perbillion (0.1 micrograms per deciliter) range. Coupled with instantaneous results and superior accuracy, these detection limits will provide with accurate and point-of-care screening for toxic metals in children, adults, and their environment. To support in costeffective screening we will develop reliable and inexpensive disposable sensors and identify simple sample preparation techniques for blood, saliva, soil, and dust. This monitor will measure lead, mercury, and cadmium in biological fluids at parts per billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels. It will also measure these contaminants in water and other aqueous solutions at the same detection levels, making it suitable for many applications, from municipal water and industrial process control to the environmental, analytical, and work place safety markets. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: ORGANOCHLORINES AND METALS IN NEW YORK AND THE HUDSON Principal Investigator & Institution: Landrigan, Philip J.; Professor of Environmental Medicine; Community and Preventive Med; Mount Sinai School of Medicine of Nyu of New York University New York, Ny 10029 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAY-1995; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: (Taken from application) The Mount Sinai Superfund Basic Research Program is a coordinated, interdisciplinary program of research, training, community outreach and public health intervention. The program?s goal is to prevent disease, developmental dysfunction and environmental degradation associated with organochlorines and heavy metals. Biomedical studies in the program focus on neurobiological, endocrine and reproductive outcomes. The geographic focus is the watershed of the lower Hudson River and New York City, a 300-km long, densely populated, heavily industrialized region that is contaminated by a complex mix of organochlorines - PCBs, DDT, chlordane, dieldrin, and dioxins - as well as by heavy metals, especially lead and mercury. EPA has declared the lower Hudson River the nation s longest Superfund site. Research projects in this program will examine: 1) environmental sources, distribution and fate of organochlorines in the lower Hudson River and New York Harbor; 2) inhibition of cell membrane efflux pumps by organochlorines, a possible novel mechanism of estrogenic action; 3) disruption by organochlorines of the Wnt gene pathway in the female reproductive tract, a possible molecular genetic mechanism of developmental toxicity; 4) interactions of organochlorine exposures and genetic polymorphisms in the genesis of Parkinson's Disease; 5) cumulative exposures to organochlorines and heavy metals in urban anglers who eat fish and shellfish from the lower Hudson River and New York Harbor; 6) Environmental sources, distribution and fate of heavy metals; 7) mobilization of stored lead from bone during pregnancy and lactation, a possible risk factor for neurodevelopmental toxicity. The program includes a Community-Based Prevention/Intervention Research Project, "Preventing Fetal Neurotoxicity by Reducing Local Fish Consumption: An Education Intervention among Women in New York City." It contains support cores in Biostatistics and Data Management, Exposure Assessment, Stable Lead Isotope Analysis and Genetic Analysis. The Outreach Core seeks to empower urban communities affected by hazardous wastes through partnerships in environmental education. The multi-tiered Training Core offers a range of programs in environmental education that extends from high school through the graduate level. The Administrative Core integrates the work of the entire program and translates the results

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of research into prevention-centered public policy through coordinating our efforts in communications, technology transfer and government liaison. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: PILOT -- EFFECTS OF MERCURIC CHLORIDE ON MALE REPRODUCTION Principal Investigator & Institution: Atkinson, Alfonza W.; Tuskegee University Tuskegee Institute, Al 36088 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 05-AUG-2003; Project End 31-MAY-2008 Summary: Abstract: Effects of mercuric chloride (MC) on the reproductive performance of two successive generations of rats were evaluated in our laboratory. Significant differences resulting from exposure of the F0 generations to MC were found in implantation efficiency, fertility, live births, day 4 survival indices, litter size, and body weights of F1 pups. Limitations of this study design were its inability to determine which sex, male, female or both, may have contributed most to the reproductive and fertility effects, and the lack of a detailed semen evaluation that is critical in the assessment of the male reproductive system after exposure to environmental toxicants. In order to determine which sex was responsible for adverse effects on reproduction, a crossover mating trial is planned with the control and high dose groups. The long-term goals of the research proposed here are to 1. Test the hypothesis that reduced fertility seen in the F0 generation of the study by Atkinson et al 2001 results from exposure of male rats to MC. 2. Test the hypothesis that MC-induced reduced fertility may have resulted from deficits in epididymal sperm function (number, morphology and motility) and/or lower testosterone. 3. Test the hypothesis that MC-induced decreased testicular weights and serum testosterone levels may have resulted from increased apoptosis in germ and/or somatic cells. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: PILOT -- MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF MERCURY INDUCED IMMUNOTOXICITY Principal Investigator & Institution: Reddy, Gopal; Tuskegee University Tuskegee Institute, Al 36088 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 05-AUG-2003; Project End 31-MAY-2008 Summary: Deleterious effects of environmental toxicants such as mercury affect the poor and minorities first and most dramatically. Mercury levels in the environment have been rising 2-5 fold over the last century and 1.5% per year since 1970. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists mercury as a hazardous air pollutant under Title Ill of the federal Clean Air Act. The main goal of the proposed five year project is to further delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in mercury-induced immunotoxicity. Exposure to mercury even at low levels may cause subtle immune system alterations which may indirectly affect ability to resist microbial infections or development of cancers. Mercury may have a devastating effect on the immune system of the neonatal child, but this aspect has not been well studied. Previous studies have shown that mercury may induce autoimmunity, especially in Brown-Norway (BN) rats or in some cases immunosuppression. In the proposed project, we will study the effects of methylmercury chloride (CH3HgCI) using both BN and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We will also study the effects of CH3HgCI on the neonatal immune system in weanling pups by exposing pregnant and lactating rats of both BN and SD strains. Using DNA microarray technology, we will study the changes in cytokine gene expression in

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lymphoid cells exposed to CH3HgCI in vitro or in vivo as compared to control cells. Based on the results, we will study in-depth, the status of some important Th1 and Th2 cytokines. We will employ both realtime quantitative RT-PCR, ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and ELISA. These different assays targeting the Th1/Th2 cell responses are expected to give us detailed information on the expression of the cytokines at the level of both transcription and protein production. We will study the control and mercuryexposed immune cells of adult and neonatal rats for activation markers, CD25 (IL-2R alpha) and MHC class II antigens and serum samples for antinuclear antibody, Creactive protein and circulating immune complexes. To study whether mercury-induced alterations of the immune responses adversely affect host disease resistance mechanisms in vivo, we will experimentally infect the weanling rats with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and study the morbidity and mortality. Comparison of the data obtained using adult and neonatal BN rats which are susceptible to mercury-induced autoimmune-like disease with that of SD rats and correlation of cytokine profiles with the expression of markers for activation and autoimmune disease as well as resistance to infection, will help us further delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in mercury-induced immunotoxicity. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: POLYAMINE-MODULATED TUMORIGENESIS

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Principal Investigator & Institution: Gilmour, Susan K.; Investigator; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research Wynnewood, Pa 19096 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2007 Summary: (provided by applicant) Omithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key regulatory enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines which are essential for normal cell growth and differentiation. Although ODC overexpression is not sufficient to induce tumors in normal cells, we have demonstrated that elevated levels of ODC and polyamines cooperate with activated Ha-ras to promote epithelial tumor formation and invasion. Due to their cationic nature, polyamines have been suspected to affect overall chromosome conformation, thereby contributing to transcriptional regulation. Recently it has been shown that histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and deacetylase (HDAC) activities intrinsic to some transcriptional control proteins are targeted to various gene promoters causing dynamic remodeling of chromatin and leading to the activation or repression of transcription. Elevated levels of ODC and polyamines alter the expression of a number of genes that are associated with proliferation and differentiation. Significantly, we have found that they also promote changes in histone acetylation which can be reversed with the specific ODC inhibitor, alpha-difluoromethylomithine. The overall goal of this project is to determine how polyamines mediate changes in the chromatin environment, and the consequences for gene expression in the context of epithelial tumorgenesis. Thus, we propose the following specific aims: 1. To establish a link between polyamine induced alterations in histone acetylation and transcriptional activity of impacted genes which are key to malignant transformation of epidermal cells by: a. identifying specific genes that are transcriptionally regulated by polyamines using representative difference analysis (RDA) of transcriptionally competent genomic DNA purified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) or mercury affinity chromatography, and b. verifying altered acetylation of nucleosomes associated with promoters of genes transcriptionally regulated by polyamines in cells or tissue expressing high versus normal levels of ODC. 2. To identify the mechanism(s) by which polyamines modulate the function of HATs and HDACs in the skin. Using reporter

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gene-based strategies, we will: 1) determine the role of HAT/HDAC enzymatic activities in mediating polyamine effects on reporter gene transactivation or repression, and 2) examine the effect of elevated levels of polyamines on the interactions between various protein components of chromatin remodeling complexes that are involved in targeting HATs and HDACs to specific gene promoters. We will also begin to characterize/identify the HAT(s) responsible for the aberrantly high HAT activity observed in tumors from ODC/Ras double transgenic mice. 3.To elucidate the individual mechanism(s) by which polyamines modulate the remodeling of chromatin at promoters of specific genes that are differentially acetylated and whose expression is correspondingly altered in response to ODC overexpression. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: PORTABLE ARSENIC MONITOR FOR DRINKING WATER Principal Investigator & Institution: Cepak, Veronica M.; Eltron Research, Inc. 4600 Nautilus Ct S Boulder, Co 803013241 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-SEP-2003; Project End 28-FEB-2005 Summary: (provided by applicant): This proposal describes a program to develop a small, portable, low-power electrochemical monitor to detect dissolved arsenic in drinking water. A non-toxic, renewable, microfabricated sensor chip integrated into a compact rnicrofluidic flow system is proposed and will be designed to detect both arsenate and arsenite in water based on a sensitive voltammetric method. This method will allow analysis of arsenic without significant dilution or reduction in the sensitivity of the detected analyte. The flow-cell sensor will use non-mercury microelectrodes which will enhance the sensitivity and limit of detection compared to conventional sized electrodes of millimeter dimensions. The device will also use a simple pump and valve system for both electrolyte and analyte introduction into the sensor and simple, proven electrochemical instrumentation for arsenic detection. Electrochemical detection of arsenic in aqueous samples is cost-effective and will find use for in situ monitoring of drinking water and surface waters. Our proposed monitor will eliminate the need to collect samples in the field for subsequent analysis and will be more sensitive than currently available colorimetric field kits. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: PRENATAL AND NEONATAL BIOLOGIC MARKERS FOR AUTISM Principal Investigator & Institution: Croen, Lisa A.; Kaiser Foundation Research Institute 1800 Harrison St, 16Th Fl Oakland, Ca 946123433 Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 01-APR-2004; Project End 31-MAR-2007 Summary: (provided by applicant): Autism is a serious behaviorally defined disorder whose prevalence appears to be increasing dramatically. In response to Program Announcement PA-01-051, we propose a nested case control study to evaluate the association between the risk of autism and several biologic markers with the potential to impact neurodevelopment that can be measured in archived maternal sera specimens collected in early pregnancy and neonatal blood specimens collected in the first few days of life. The study population will be drawn from the cohort of women who were pregnant in Orange county, California, who participated in the state-mandated prenatal expanded alpha-fetoprotein screening program (XAFP), and who delivered a live born infant between July 2000 - September 2001. Three groups of children born to women in the cohort will be identified. Cases (n=100) will be children enrolled in the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) with a diagnosis of autism with or without mental

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retardation (MR). One set of controls will be children with MR but not autism (n=100), also identified from RCOC. The second set of controls will be general population controls (n=100), randomly sampled from the population of live births in Orange and surrounding counties, frequency matched to the cases on birth year, county of residence at birth, and gender. Verification of autism and MR diagnoses will be based on thorough abstraction of diagnostic and clinical information contained in the RCOC medical records followed by expert clinical review. Maternal early pregnancy blood specimens will be obtained from the Project Baby's Breath maternal XAFP specimen bank. This unique resource will allow us to conduct a retrospective nested case-control study using prospectively collected biologic specimens from a time period critical to fetal neurodevelopment. Several analytes that are known or suspected to play a key role in early brain development will be examined, including antibodies to viral infections, cytokines, autoantibodies to neural tissue and thyroid peroxidase, free thyroxine, TSH, testosterone, estradiol, selected neuropeptides and neurotrophins, and selected metals. We will also incorporate results from routine neonatal screening, and demographic and perinatal data routinely recorded on the birth certificate. Results from this study will provide direction for future investigations of prenatal and neonatal specimens already archived in California and investigations of specimen banks now being created in Norway and other countries. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: PRENATAL PCB EXPOSURE AND ACUTE STRESS REACTIVITY Principal Investigator & Institution: Gump, Brooks B.; Assistant Professor; Psychology; College at Oswego Oswego, Ny 13126 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-2000; Project End 31-AUG-2004 Summary: This application proposes to test the hypothesis that young children (10 years of age) with gestational exposure to the environmental toxicants found in Lake Ontario fish (e.g., PCBs, mercury, cadmium) will exhibit exaggerated responses to acute stress. Preliminary evidence suggests that a) newborns with highest gestational exposure to contaminants found in Lake Ontario fish have significantly poorer habituation recoveries and appear to overreact to stimulation, and b) at 6 months, 4 years, and 6 years of age these children show emotional dysregulation. Emotional dysregulation is frequently associated with corresponding increases in cardiovascular and cortisol reactivity to acute stress, however, psychophysiological reactivity has not yet been investigated in humans with gestational exposure to environmental toxicants. Determining the effects of these environmental toxicants on psychophysiological reactivity to acute stress is important given evidence that a) heightened or prolonged cardiovascular reactivity is associated with pathophysiological processes (e.g., vascular changes, lipid mobilization), and b) heightened cortisol reactivity is associated with psychopathological processes (e.g., social withdrawal, anxiety). The proposed study examines reactivity to acute stress in children currently participating in the Oswego Newborn and Infant Development Project, an ongoing longitudinal study of 224 children born to women interviewed between 1991 and 1994. Extensive data currently exists for these children, including background sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., socioeconomic status, maternal health behaviors) and gestational toxicant exposure levels determined by maternal dietary recall and cord blood levels. The proposed laboratory protocol will provide a) assessment of emotional, cardiovascular, and cortisol reactivity to mildly stressful events, and b) assessment of a number of psychosocial variables (e.g., anxiety, depression). Important features of this proposed study include a) the participation of children currently involved in a longitudinal study and, therefore,

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no new recruitment, b) an assessment of a full range of possible consequences of gestational exposure to environmental toxicants, including emotional, cardiovascular, and cortisol reactivity, and c) the ability to relate these emotional and psychophysiological outcomes to the large set of existing data for these children (e.g., cognitive functioning). Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: PRENATAL PCB EXPOSURE AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT Principal Investigator & Institution: Stewart, Paul W.; Psychology; College at Oswego Oswego, Ny 13126 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1999; Project End 31-AUG-2004 Summary: The current project investigates the effects of prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) n cognitive development in school-age children. The Oswego Newborn and Infant Development Project tracks the development of 224 children born to women who did or did not consume Great Lakes fish during pregnancy. An established database of umbilical cord levels of PCBs, DDE, Mirex, HCB, lead, EP and hair mercury are on file for every child in the project. In addition, an extensive database of demographic, substance use, and labor/delivery variables containing well over 100 potentially confounding or mediating variables is interleaved with the cord blood database. These data, combined with extremely low project attrition over the past 6 years, provides the opportunity to assess the impact of PCBs and related contaminants on cognitive development. Recent data from the Oswego Newborn and Infant Development Project indicates that prenatal exposure to PCBs impairs cognitive functioning in children as early as 1 and 3 years of age. The project will now track their progress into the early school-age years. This will be accomplished through the use of domain-specific and global cognitive assessment batteries including the Sternberg test of cognitive processing efficiency, The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III), and the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery. In addition, behavioral functions shown to be repeatedly affected by PCBs and lead in animal models, specifically fixed-interval performance, will be assessed in the children. All outcome measures will be related to the cord blood database of PCBs, lead, DDE, HCB, Mirex, and mercury levels. Further, analysis of tissue-banked Placenta indicate that the PCB concentration exceeds cord-blood levels by 3-4 orders of magnitude. Analysis of the placenta will dramatically enhance exposure assessment through the virtual absence of any placenta PCB data below the detection limit. Control of over 100 potentially confounding variables will be assessed in a multivariate model. The current project will provide critically needed answers to questions surrounding the putative effects of low level PCB exposure on cognitive and behavioral development, and whether the effects of PCBs and related contaminants on standard psychometric batteries translate into functional deficits in school-related performance. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: PROXIMITRY SURGICAL PROBE Principal Investigator & Institution: Devito, Raymond P.; Constellation Technology Corporation 7887 Bryan Diary Rd, Ste 100 Largo, Fl 33777 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2004 Summary: (provided by applicant): An intraoperative surgical probe using a mercuric iodide radiation detector is proposed. The probe will have the ability to simultaneously measure the 140 keV gamma-ray emission and the 18 keV x-ray emission from Tc-99m.

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Good energy resolution is necessary for the lower energy x-rays to separate them from the potentially large scatter background. Comparison of the measured strength of the xray and gamma ray transitions provides a sensitive indicator of the depth in soft tissue of the radioactive source. This adds to the capability of surgical probes by providing a third dimension of position sensitivity. Current state-of-the art probes do not provide accurate, if any source depth information. The surgeon can use this depth information to more accurately locate margins and metastases. An experimental evaluation of the detectors is proposed, leading to specification of how to configure detectors for this application and verification that the method is feasible. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: RED CELL AQUAPORIN-1 WATER TRANSPORT PROTEIN Principal Investigator & Institution: Agre, Peter C.; Professor; Biological Chemistry; Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St Baltimore, Md 21218 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-1985; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: The human red cell membrane is the model upon which our general understanding of plasma membranes is based. Several membrane transport proteins have first been identified in red cells, and during previous years of this project, a 28kDa protein was discovered, purified, cloned, expressed and functionally defined in Dr. Agre's laboratory. Now designated AQP1, this protein is the first recognized membrane water transport molecule. While multiple homologous aquaporins are now becoming recognized in other tissues, physical studies of human red cell AQP1 are revealing its structure at subnanometer resolution and are providing advanced insight into the biophysical transport function of the molecule. Here Dr. Agre proposes studies to establish the molecular structure of AQP1 at near-atomic resolution and to define the behavior of AQP1 in membranes. Aim I. Structure and function of purified AQP1 protein. High resolution cryoelectron microscopic analysis of membrane crystals containing red cell AQP1 will be undertaken to elucidate the 3D structure of AQP1 at better than 3 resolution. Yeast and other heterologous systems will be developed to express mutagenized AQP1 molecules with specific epitopes for affinity-purifications, metal binding, definition of the aqueous pore, identification of the sites of ion repulsion and assembly of individual subunits into tetramers. Functional analysis of mutagenized forms of AQP1 will be determined by direct measurement of the water permeability of AQP1 proteins in yeast microsomal vesicles and in reconstituted proteoliposomes. Aim II. AQP1 protein in cell membranes. The Colton blood group antigens result from a polymorphism in the first extracellular loop of the AQP1 protein. Using fluorescently labeled-anti-Co, Dr. Agre plans to characterize the surface equilibrium distributions of AQP1 on normal red cells by immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitations, and flow sorting. Kinetic distributions of AQP1 in red cell membranes will be undertaken with anti-Co by measurement of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Similar studies will be performed on enzymatically modified red cells and red cells from patients with sickle cell anemia and other congenital hemolytic states. These abnormal red cells and AQP1 deficient red cells will also be examined for membrane water permeabilities. To fully define the molecular determinants of the Co antigen, nonerythroid cells will be studied for Co expression by transfection with mutagenized forms of AQP1. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: RENAL TRANSPORT OF ORGANIC CHELATORS OF HEAVY METALS Principal Investigator & Institution: Wright, Stephen H.; Professor; Physiology; University of Arizona P O Box 3308 Tucson, Az 857223308 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-FEB-2001; Project End 31-JAN-2005 Summary: (Adapted from the Applicant's Abstract): The long term goal of the proposed program of research is to understand the cellular mechanisms associated with the entrance and exit from renal cells of organic conjugates and chelates of heavy metals. Because these complexes carry a net negative charge, it has been assumed that the classical 'renal organic anion secretory pathway' plays a central role in the renal elimination of these compounds. While this may be true, there is no direct evidence that uptake or elimination of metal-containing complexes involves this process. Indeed, the cellular basis for clearance of anionic metal chelates from intoxicated cells is unknown. The mechanism by which the kidney secretes organic anions (OAs) has, in fact, received considerable attention, and a cellular model of OA secretion, for which paminohippurate (PAH) is considered the prototypic substrate, has been widely accepted. New evidence, however, suggests that renal OA secretion involves several distinct transporters with overlapping selectivity. Consequently, the overarching goal of the this study, i.e., establishing the mechanism of renal transport of anionic metal complexes, must be placed into the following context: the several, distinct mechanisms involved in renal transport of organic anions (OAs) have only recently begun to be identified, and the relative role played by each in renal secretion is largely unknown. We outline here, in two Specific Aims, experiments that examine characteristics of individual OA transporters, and their integrated behavior when working in concert with multiple processes in native renal tubules. We focus on several transporters: OAT1 (renal organic anion transporter); OAT-K2 (a renal homologue of the organic anion transporting polypeptide); and Mrp2 (the apical membrane homologue of the family of multidrug resistance-associated transport proteins). These transporters were selected because current evidence on their substrate specificity and their distribution within renal proximal tubules suggests that they can interact with anionic chelators and/or their heavy metal chelates. In Aim 1, we will determine, using heterologous expression systems, the extent to which these OA transporters interact with a common set of test substrates and inhibitors (including the anionic chelator 2,3-dimercapto-lpropanesulfonate [DMSP] and its mercury and arsenic-containing chelates). The information obtained in these experiments will be applied in Aim 2, which will examine the integrated behavior of these processes in (i) a model cell culture system containing selected combinations of these processes; and (ii) intact proximal tubules in which OA secretion is the product of a suite of transporters working in the physiological contex of the intact cell. The studies with intact tubules will include direct tests of the hypothesis that DMPS-metal chelates are exported from renal cells through interaction with Mrp2 and OAT-K2. The proposed studies will result in a new, general model of the cellular strategy for secretion of a diverse array of xenobiotic OAs, and a more specific understanding of the action of heavy metal chelators on renal cells. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: SOUTH BRONX EJ PARTNERSHIP AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN EH Principal Investigator & Institution: Strelnick, a H.; Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, Ny) Bronx, Ny 104672490 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-2002; Project End 31-AUG-2007

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Summary: (provided by applicant) The mission of the South Bronx Environmental Justice Partnership (SBEJP) is to improve the health of the people who live and work in the South Bronx, beginning with children and pregnant women, and expanding to include other adults. SBEJP is a partnership between the Montefiore Medical Center (MMC), Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM), and South Bronx Clean Air Coalition (SBCAC). The SBEJP Advisory Board will include representatives of other community organizations. In this proposal, the SBEJP proposes to explore the most appropriate methods for addressing the social, ethical, and legal challenges arising from non-therapeutic, epidemiological research on the prevalence of elevated mercury levels in urine of children living in the South Bronx and its possible sources. The specific aims of the SBEJP are as follows: 1) To assess the South Bronx community's level of knowledge regarding the health impacts of environmental mercury and its sources in the local environment. 2) To develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and programs that enhance the South Bronx's community awareness of the ethical issues and challenges related to conducting environmental health research on mercury. 3) To develop a community-driven educational intervention to reduce childhood exposure to mercury in the South Bronx for both community residents and health professionals informed by on-going dialogue with its community and spiritual leaders, clergy, bioethicists, and scientific and clinical experts. 4) Establish an on-going and long-term dialogue between SBEJP environmental health scientists, clinicians, bioethicists, community members, clergy, and spiritual leaders on ethical issues related to environmental health research on the ritual use of elemental mercury as a case study or model. Formal evaluation will be conducted of all specific activities, including formative, process, and outcome evaluations, and will be the responsibility of the principal investigator. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS OF METALLOPROTEIN METAL SITES Principal Investigator & Institution: Penner-Hahn, James E.; Professor; Chemistry; University of Michigan at Ann Arbor 3003 South State, Room 1040 Ann Arbor, Mi 481091274 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-1987; Project End 30-NOV-2004 Summary: (Adapted from applicant's abstract) The long term objective of this proposal is to characterize in detail the structural and functional properties of Zn(II) in biological systems. Zinc is the most common metal found in metalloproteins and is the only metal that is known to be required for every major class of enzyme catalysis. Hundreds of zinc proteins have been isolated and thousands of potential zinc binding sites have been identified in protein sequences. Imbalances in the levels of Zn, or errors in its transport or regulation can have profound health consequence. Despite its importance, there is relatively little information available about biological Zn(II) sites due to the difficulty of studying this spectroscopically "silent" metal. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, one of the few methods able to provide structural information for non-crystalline materials, will be used to determine their structures. Three major, inter-related objectives are proposed: X-ray absorption spectroscopy will be used to characterize the Zn binding sites in a series of important proteins, with particular emphasis on a novel class of Zn-alkyl transfer enzymes. -Detailed comparisons will be made of the metal binding sites in a series of structurally defined peptides. The objective of this second set of experiments is to determine the relative importance of metal stereochemical preference and protein structure in defining the structure of a metal binding site. For this work, structures will

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be compared for a series of spectroscopically silent d10 metal ions (Cu(I), (Ag(I), Cd(II), Hg(II)) and metalloids As(III). -X-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray microprobe imaging, microprobe spectroscopy, and x-ray microtomography will be used to characterize the role(s) of Zn in embryo development in zebra fish and Xenopus laevis. Spatially and temporally-resolved spectroscopy will be used to determine the Zn speciation in developing embryos. Coupled capillary-electrophoresis/x-ray fluorescence will be used to resolve and characterize Zn containing proteins. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: STRUCTURE/FUNCTION OF MEMBRANE PROTEIN CHANNELS Principal Investigator & Institution: Mitra, Alok K.; Scripps Research Institute Tpc7 La Jolla, Ca 92037 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAY-1995; Project End 31-JUL-2002 Summary: The objective of this proposal is to understand structural details in the bilayer that relate to transport properties of membrane protein channels. Specifically, we wish to understand the structure/function relationships for the mammalian water channels AQP1 and AQP4 and the pore-forming anthrax toxin protective antigen by highresolution electron crystallography. Our specific aims are listed below. AIM I. Examine at the structural level the inhibition of water transport in AQP1 by mercurial compounds. We will apply electron diffraction to quantitate in 3-dimensions structural changes in AQP1 upon mercurial binding. This will allow us to understand AQP1 function based on its modulation by the pharmacological inhibitor. AIM II. Examine the structural/functional roles of residues involved in the selective water transport in AQP1. We will examine the functional roles of polar and charged amino acids in the putative membrane-spanning region of AQP1 using a combined functional and structural approach. Amino-acid substitutions that lead to altered function without structural perturbation will allow us to identify residues critical for water transport. AIM III. Structural studies on the AQP4 water channel. The AQP4 water channel expressed primarily in brain elicits highest osmotic water permeability. We will crystallize AQP4 in the lipid bilayer and use it as a model to understand and identify at the structural level factors responsible for diversity in solute transport mediated by aquaporins. AIM IV. Structural studies on anthrax toxin protective antigen. The structure of the soluble and membrane-integrated complex of protective antigen (PA63) heptamers with and without bound lethal factor (LF) will be studied using single particle image analysis and conical-tilt reconstructions. This will allow us to understand the binding of LF and test the proposed porin-like model for the membrane-embedded domain of PA63. The selective expression of AQP1 and homologous water channels believed to be involved in fluid absorption and/or secretion makes them an important pharmacological target. The pore-forming anthrax toxin has been shown to have a potential for delivery of macromolecules across the bilayer. Thus structural studies on these systems will potentially have impact on structure-based drug design. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: STUDY OF PREVALENT NEUROTOXICANTS IN CHILDREN Principal Investigator & Institution: Lanphear, Bruce P.; Professor; Children's Hospital Med Ctr (Cincinnati) 3333 Burnet Ave Cincinnati, Oh 452293039 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-2001; Project End 29-SEP-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant) Exposure to numerous environmental agents, including lead, mercury, PCBs, and environmental tobacco smoke, has been linked with

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adverse neurobehavioral effects. Still, the ideal biomarker fof measuring in utero exposure to specific toxicants has not been established and the adverse effects of many potential neurotoxicants have not been rigorously tested. Fetal exposure is typically measured with self-reported surveys, maternal blood and urine, or cord blood. In contrast, meconium as a biomarker is a non-invasive method to simultaneously test for cumulative exposures to numerous toxicants. But it is unclear whether conventional biomarkers or meconium levels are more predictive of the adverse effects linked with specific toxicants. For lead exposure, emerging data indicate that our efforts should emphasize primary prevention, but the efficacy of lead hazard controls are uncertain, especially for children with low blood lead concentrations. The investigators propose to conduct a cohort study of 400 children, followed from less than 16 weeks gestation to 36 months if age, to examine the effect of low-level exposures to prevalent neurotoxicants. Endpoints include behavioral problems, such as conduct disorder and features consistent with ADHD, cognitive deficits, and hearing loss. The investigators will also conduct a nested, randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of lead hazard controls on the development of adverse neurobehavioral effects. They will test the following hypotheses: 1) Children in the Lead Reduction Group will have blood lead levels that are 2.7 ug/dL (30%) or lower, significantly higher cognitive scores, less hearing loss, and fewer behavioral problems than one Control group at 36 months of age. 2) Fetal and postnatal exposures to pesticides, ETS and lead (at blood levels below 10 ug/dL) are associated with adverse neurobehavioral effects, growth delay and hearing loss in early childhood. 3) Fetal exposures, as measured by survey (ETS), maternal and cord blood (lead, methyl mercury, pesticides and ETS), and urine (pesticides), are less predictive of the adverse effects of toxicants on cognition, behavioral problems and hearing, compared with the same toxicants in meconium. This project, in combination with the research described in Project 2, will test the efficacy of an intervention for the primary prevention of lead toxicity, as measured by lead concentration and neurobehavioral functioning at 36 months of age, serve as a model to evaluate the adverse effects of exposures to multiple prevalent toxicants among fetuses and children test meconium levels as a biomarker of fetal exposure to numerous toxicants, and provide exposure and risk assessment data for residential pesticides. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: SUPERFUND TOXIC SUBSTANCES--EXPOSURE AND DISEASE Principal Investigator & Institution: Kelsey, Karl T.; Professor; Environmental Health; Harvard University (Sch of Public Hlth) Public Health Campus Boston, Ma 02115 Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 01-APR-1992; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: Our theme is the understanding and assessment of risk to human health from exposure to hazardous substances. We approach this theme from the perspective of an interdisciplinary team that integrates exposure assessment, biologic pathogenesis, and epidemiologic studies. Our biomedical studies revolve around three classes of illness: reproductive health, cardio-respiratory health, and cancer. Our non-biomedical studies relate to health of the ecosystem and to factors that affect aquatic organisms. These studies encompass specific exposures to metals and to organo-chlorine compounds. Reproductive health is being evaluated in relation to environmental exposure to lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related compounds; cardio-respiratory health is being evaluated in relation to occupational exposure to fuel oil ash, which contains a high level of vanadium and other metals; the occurrence of cancer and its precursors are being evaluated in relation to arsenic in drinking water supplies; the health of the ecosystem, specifically of aquatic organisms, is being evaluated in relation

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to the presence of metals, PCBs, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Our general goal is to evaluate the relation between chemicals in the environment and their relation to human ill health. Our objectives include the following: - to assess the use of calcium supplements to minimize the adverse effects of lead on the fetus - to assess uncertainties in development effects in children related to multiple environmental exposure to metals and organic compounds - to evaluate the effects of in utero exposure to ambient levels of PCBs on growth and development of the child and on female reproductive health. - to evaluate the cardiac and respiratory effects of fuel-ash oil on the human lung and to determine the mechanism through which vanadium and other metallic components of fuel-ash adversely effect the heart and the lung - to evaluate the nature of the association between arsenic and skin and skin bladder cancers and their precursors and to assess the epigenetic mechanisms through which arsenic may affect human health - to evaluate the effects of these and related chemicals on the aquatic ecosystem so that a comprehensive approach can be developed to assess the health of the ecosystem - to develop an approach for exposure assessment and health evaluation in the community that will enable enlightened interaction between scientists and the community. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: SYNTHESIS OF NUCLEIC ACID AND NUCLEOTIDE METAL COMPLEXES Principal Investigator & Institution: Marzilli, Luigi G.; Professor and Chairman; Chemistry; Louisiana State Univ A&M Col Baton Rouge Office of Sponsored Programs Baton Rouge, La 70803 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1980; Project End 30-JUN-2004 Summary: (verbatim from applicant's abstract) My aim is to define the fundamental chemical principles of metal interactions with nucleic acids and nucleotides. Recently we have made observations that greatly alter important concepts about cisplatin-DNA adducts with guanines cross-linked by an N7-Pt-N7 motif. This valuable anticancer therapeutic agent, used clinically for treating cancers with growing incidence, is predicted to have continued importance well into the future. In the generally accepted hypothesis, interaction of proteins (including enzymes) with the distorted PtDNA initiates the stream of biological events causing cancer cell death. The large number of proteins found to interact with the lesion has created a lack of consensus on the biological mechanism that plagues this crucial field. Also, the world-wide effort to find a superior drug has failed, despite the testing of over 3,000 analogues differing in the carrier ligands. I hypothesize that both serious biomedical problems result from an inadequate understanding of the cisplatin adduct chemistry; this chemistry is intractable because the drug's simplicity affords few handles for elucidating the chemistry. I also hypothesize that very large and rapid dynamic motions centered at the Pt of DNA GN7Pt-GN7 cross-link lesions occur but have not been appreciated fully by investigators. We test these hypotheses through a deliberate unique retro-modeling strategy using isomerically pure complexes with carrier ligands designed to provide the needed handles and to decrease adduct motion. We have slowed the dynamic processes by a billion-fold, thereby uncovering numerous novel N7-Pt-N7 cross-link properties undetectable by traditional approaches to Pt drug chemistry. Many of these properties could not have been foreseen, and they raise hypotheses about the PtDNA chemistry that might bestow on cisplatin its remarkable activity. I propose to advance this retromodeling chemistry to test several new hypotheses relating to DNA duplex adducts, including (a) the existence and possible importance of single-stranded regions and novel lesion conformers, (b) the formation of cross-links, and (c) the influence of carrier ligand

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NH groups on structure and dynamics. Our approach will yield a new class of synthetic cisplatin analogs acting as biosensors; these biosensors will bear an identifiable imprint of adduct conformation in DNA polymers and have advantages in spectroscopic studies. Also, we will construct stable less fluxional Pt-oligonucleotide duplexes, which will be available as tools for probing biological mechanisms. Our unprecedented findings have significance beyond the field of anticancer drugs since we are identifying novel nucleic acid structures and the spectroscopic signatures such unusual structures possess. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: THE ROLE OF METALS IN OSTEOARTHRITIS Principal Investigator & Institution: Jordan, Joanne M.; Associate Professor; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Aob 104 Airport Drive Cb#1350 Chapel Hill, Nc 27599 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-JAN-2003; Project End 31-DEC-2007 Summary: Symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip is common, the leading cause of disability and diminished quality of life among those 65 years of age and older, and responsible for a large proportion of the costs associated with joint replacement surgery and other direct and indirect health costs(I-10). As the population in the United States ages, this problem can only be expected to increase(9). Despite the high personal and societal costs of knee and hip OA, few modifiable risk factors for its occurrence or progression have been identified (11; 12). Heavy metals are ubiquitous, and exposure through drinking water, contaminated food, pesticides, and other means, is widespread in our society(13-18). This proposal introduces chronic metal exposures as novel, potentially modifiable risk factors for thc incidence and progression of knee and hip OA and its consequences. The study population is the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, an ongoing longitudinal study of OA in African-Americans and Caucasians in a rural county of North Carolina. The research plan adds the collection of additional biological specimens, namely whole blood and toenails, to the already funded examinations of the cohort to establish a resource for current and future examinations of multiple metals in OA and OA-related outcomes. Whole blood will be analyzed for lead at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and toenails will be analyzed for mercury and selenium by instrtmaental neutron activation analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor Center. Multiple logistic regression will be used to test associations between these metals and incidence and progression of radiographic knee and hip OA, knee and hip symptoms, and disability. By dovetailing this proposal with the funded cohort, costs are minimized, and efficiency and utility maximized. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: THERMALLY INDUCED CHANGES IN DENTAL PORCELAIN EXPANSION Principal Investigator & Institution: Mackert, Rodway J.; Professor; Oral Surgery; Medical College of Georgia 1120 15Th St Augusta, Ga 30912 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1986; Project End 31-JUL-2004 Summary: Despite the weight of scientific evidence, as well as assurances from international health advisory groups, that mercury release from dental amalgam poses no health threat to the general population (Mackert and Berglund, 1997a, b), a number of countries have already placed restrictions on the use of dental amalgam. There is, therefore, a need to perfect biocompatible dental materials such as ceramics so that they can serve as amalgam substitutes in the event of further restriction, or an outright ban,

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on dental amalgam. The research proposed in this application is directed toward developing stronger, less abrasive, and more thermally stable dental ceramics for use in porcelain-fused-to- metal (PFM) and all-ceramic restorations. Ceramics have many desirable properties that make them useful for dental restorations - translucency, chemical durability, and biocompatibility. However, two major problems arise in their use as replacements for tooth structure lost to disease or trauma: their potential for brittle fracture and their capacity to cause abrasive wear of opposing tooth structure (Rosenblum and Schulman, 1997). When porcelains are fused to metal or to a highstrength ceramic core as a means of obviating their shortcomings in the area of strength, the potential for a third problem is introduced - porcelain thermal expansion instability and the resulting thermal incompatibility between the porcelain and the metal or ceramic core. Five specific aims are proposed: 1. To develop firing schedules for various porcelain metal systems to minimize the thermally induced changes in leucite content that lead to thermal expansion changes; 2. To continue modification of porcelains to render them more resistant to thermal expansion changes; 3. To develop a leucitereinforced machinable ceramic that can be strengthened via heat treatment following machining in the CEREC 2 CAD/CIM machine; 4. To develop experimental porcelain with a leucite particle size of less than 4 um as a means of minimizing microcracking, increasing strength, and reducing wear of opposing enamel; and 5. To evaluate the release of Al, Si, and other elements from the experimental ceramics to be developed in the proposed research, compare these release value to those of existing ceramics, and relate them to dietary and other sources of intake of these elements. New ceramic formulations and combinations of nucleating agents will be investigated to reduce the leucite particle size as means to effect these physical properties improvements. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: TOXIC METAL COMPLEXATION BY DE NOVO DESIGNED PEPTIDES Principal Investigator & Institution: Pecoraro, Vincent L.; Professor; Chemistry; University of Michigan at Ann Arbor 3003 South State, Room 1040 Ann Arbor, Mi 481091274 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 09-JUN-2003; Project End 31-MAR-2008 Summary: (provided by applicant): Heavy metal poisoning by elements such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic is a significant human health problem. Understanding the interaction of heavy metals with proteins is essential for defining the mechanism of toxicity, developing ways to minimize human exposure and to provide therapeutic regimens for removal of toxic ions. Our goals are (1) to develop peptide systems that provide a groundwork for the understanding of metalloregulatory proteins and metallochaperones, (2) to develop peptidic systems that can efficiently and selectively sequester heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions, and (3) to understand the thermodynamics and kinetics of metal binding to these designed peptides. To achieve these goals we will use a de novo peptide system based on the three-stranded coiled coil peptide aggregate motif that encapsulates with high affinity single heavy metal ions and provides spectroscopic models of mercury, cadmium and arsenic binding sites in biological systems. We will generate high resolution structures of this peptide system in the presence and absence of these heavy metals, elucidate the kinetic and thermodynamic mechanisms of heavy metal encapsulation, and expand the array of characterized systems to transition metal ions Fe(II), Cu(I), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II). We will also extend the original design to include single chain peptides that encapsulate heavy metals and coiled coils that provide different coordination environments than the

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original design and those that encapsulate more than one heavy metal ion. These studies will expand the foundation of knowledge that has been laid by the scientific community investigating metallopeptide design, metalloregulatory proteins and heavy metal detoxification. These objectives will develop insight into the interplay between metal coordination and apopeptide structure in defining the overall metallopeptide fold, an important aspect of metallopeptide design. Also, development of highly efficient and specific heavy metal sequestering peptides could, ultimately, provide a viable and biodegradable means of removing heavy metals from contaminated water. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: TOXIC METALS IN THE NORTHEAST: FROM BIOLOGICAL TO ENVIRO Principal Investigator & Institution: Hamilton, Joshua W.; Associate Professor; Pharmacology and Toxicology; Dartmouth College 11 Rope Ferry Rd. #6210 Hanover, Nh 03755 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-MAY-1995; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: The overall goal of the Dartmouth SBRP Program Project, Toxic Metals in the Northeast: From Biological to Environmental Implications, is to determine the impact of toxic metals found at Superfund sites, at other waste sites, and in the environment on adverse effects on human health and the environment. Eight of the twenty-two agents on the ATSDR priority list. Over 60% of all Superfund sites contain significant toxic metal contamination, and more than 70% of these contain arsenic, which is the top ATSDR agent of concern. The distinct and program-wide focus of this research program is on toxic metals, and particularly on arsenic, which is being examined in all their goals and scientific focus, including chromium, nickel, cadmium, mercury, cobalt and lead. This program consists of five biomedical projects (Projects 1-5), two non-biomedical projects (Projects 6, 7), and three program support cores (Molecular Biology, Trace Metals Analysis and Biostatistics), plus an Administrative core, Training laboratory investigations on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxic metal actions in humans and include Project 1 (arsenic-induced vascular disease), Project 2 (arsenic- and chromium- induced cancer), Project 3 (arsenic effects on xenobiotic metabolism) and Project 5 (interactions of toxic metals with cellular proteins). The second includes Project 4 (human epidemiology of arsenic and skin and bladder cancer), Project 6 (sources, fate and third area involves development and implementation of molecular biomarkers of toxic metal exposure and health elucidate the sub-set of genes, mRNAs and proteins whose expression is specifically modified by toxic metal mechanistic laboratory studies and in the ecology and epidemiology projects. The multi- disciplinary nature of this program, combined with its unique program- wide focus on arsenic and other toxic metals, is designed to create and foster an environment for truly inter-disciplinary yet focused research, training and outreach. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Project Title: TOXICITY POPULATION

OF

METHYL

MERCURY

IN

A

FISH

EATING

Principal Investigator & Institution: Clarkson, Thomas W.; Associate Professor; Environmental Medicine; University of Rochester Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 21-JUL-2000; Project End 30-JUN-2005

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Summary: Methyl mercury is considered to be a developmental neurotoxicant. However, contrary to expected findings, a longitudinal study in the Seychelles has revealed a positive association between increasing mercury levels, measured in maternal hair prenatally and in infant hair, and enhanced child development. Given that fish consumption the Seychelles is high, and that fish intakes correlate with hair mercury levels, we hypothesize that certain micronutrients in fish may be (a) beneficial the child development and (b) protective against the neurotoxic effects of methyl mercury. We propose to test this hypothesis in a new study of 250 mother-infant pairs recruited in the Seychelles during the first trimester and followed longitudinally until the infants reach 29 months of age using the most sensitive developmental endpoints available. The four likely micronutrients, based on their levels in fish and their documented roles in brain development and prioritized in terms of biological plausibility, are the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids principally docosahexaenoic acid, iodine, iron and the amino acid taurine. Also, selenium may play a role as a modifier of the toxic action of methyl mercury and, as such, will be included with mercury as an independent variable. Mercury in maternal and infant hair will continue to be used as our primary measure of prenatal and post natal exposures. In addition to direct measures of mercury, micronutrient status and selenium levels in biological samples from mother and infant, a diet survey including fish consumption will be made at selected pre- and postnatal stages of this study. These data will allow us to characterize metabolic interrelationship between fish intake and levels of mercury and micronutrients that should further test the plausibility of our hypothesis. This proposed study should break new scientific grounds on the interrelationship between nutrition and toxicology. Specifically, we expect that data emanating from the project to indicate that nutritional variables must be taken into account in any evaluation of the neurotoxicity of methyl mercury when fish is the principal source of human exposure to mercury. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: TOXICOGENOMICS OF LEAD, MERCURY, AND CADMIUM Principal Investigator & Institution: Ruden, Douglas M.; Environmental Health Sciences; University of Alabama at Birmingham Uab Station Birmingham, Al 35294 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 15-MAR-2002; Project End 31-JAN-2004 Summary: Human activity has resulted in the environmental distribution of many toxic substances, among them the heavy metals that are spread throughout our biosphere. In addition to acute toxic effects in the humans exposed to heavy metals there are more insidious effects of chronic exposure on the development of all organisms. The resulting altered developmental processes produce in human children symptoms such as hyperactivity, changes in sensory function, and changes in cognitive abilities (IQ). Drosophila is a promising model organism to study the effects of heavy metal exposure during development because of (1) the sophisticated understanding of its genetics, and the ease of manipulating its genome; (2) availability of behavioral and morphological assays sensitive to small doses of toxins. Both human and Drosophila cells are thought to induce expression of protective genes upon exposure to certain toxicants. The hypothesis of this proposal is that over-expressing some of the "protective genes" induced by heavy metals will make flies resistant to the behavioral and developmental alterations caused by heavy metal exposure, and conversely, that knocking out some of these genes might make flies more sensitive to heavy metal exposure. To test this hypothesis, Aim 1 is to expose the larvae to environmentally relevant doses of lead, mercury, and cadmium, and to provide data on their effects on cognition, locomotion

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and synaptic function. Aim 2 is to perform DNA microarray analysis heavy metalexposed larvae (exposure will be to NOAEL, LOAEL, and LD50, as determined in the Aim 1, and determine what subsets of genes are most affected, either positively or negatively. Aim 3 is to upregulate, by conditional overexpression, or down regulate, by using existing mutations, the genes with the most significant changes in expression and to determine the effects of the test chemicals on cognition, locomotion, and synaptic function of these genetically altered flies. Results of these studies will identify candidates for the most important genes that are altered during heavy metal exposure in humans, and could well lead to bioassays or treatments for heavy metal exposure at or below NOAEL and LOAEL values. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: TRANSPORT AND TOXICITY OF MERCURY IN THE NEPHRON Principal Investigator & Institution: Zalups, Rudolfs K.; Professor; Basic Medical Sciences; Mercer University Macon Macon, Ga 312070001 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUN-1993; Project End 31-MAY-2007 Summary: (provided by applicant): Mercury is a group IIB transition metal that is a significant environmental and occupational contaminant and hazard in the United States (and other countries). One of the primary target sites where mercuric ions accumulate and induce significant toxic effects is in the kidney. Within the kidneys, mercuric ions accumulate mainly along the three segments of the proximal tubule, although distal segments of the nephron have not been excluded as secondary targets where mercuric ions may be handled. Inorganic mercury appears to be taken up along the three segments of the proximal tubule in a heterogeneous manner. Moreover, at least two distinct sets of mechanisms are involved in the uptake of mercury along the proximal tubule. One of these sets of mechanisms is localized on the luminal membrane and the other is localized on the basolateral membrane. Based on the research we have carried out to date, we have come up with the following central hypothesis: Mercuric conjugates of biologically relevant endogenous thiol-containing molecules (or their metabolites), are 1) the primary transportable species of inorganic mercury in the kidneys, and 2) are taken up by proximal tubular epithelial cells at both the luminal and basolateral membranes by known transporters of other molecules, such as those involved in the transport of amino acids and organic anions, presumably through mechanisms involving molecular homology or "mimicry' One technology we will use to test this hypothesis will include the in vitro stable transfection of a distal-tubular, renalepithelial, cell-line with the genetic code(s) for specific luminal and basolateral transporters presumed to be involved in the transport of mercury. Expression of a transporter in a cell that normally does contain it will permit us to determine if there is a gain of function. More specifically, we will be able to document if transport (and inhibition of transport) of specific mercuric conjugates occurs. The other technology we propose to use is the isolated perfused tubule, which is the only in vitro technique that allows one to access, perfuse, and bathe virtually any intact segment of the nephron to study the characteristics of particular transport systems under biophysical conditions similar to those found in vivo. With these techniques, we will be able to provide the most detailed and comprehensive assessment, to date, of the mechanisms involved in the uptake of inorganic mercuric ions along pars recta segments of the proximal tubule, which are the segments of the nephron most vulnerable to the nephrotoxic effects of mercury Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

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Mercury

Project Title: X RAY ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY OF METALLOENZYMES Principal Investigator & Institution: Scott, Robert A.; Professor and Head; Chemistry; University of Georgia 617 Boyd, Gsrc Athens, Ga 306027411 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-1989; Project End 30-NOV-2002 Summary: X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) will be used, as a component of multidisciplinary biochemical and biophysical structure/function studies, to provide high-resolution local structural information about metal sites in a number of metallobiochemical systems. Proposed studies focus on the unique contribution to be made by XAS in studying "spectroscopically difficult" metals, including Zn, Cd, Hg, As, Sb. Many of the proposed experiments involve the role of metals in the important biological processes of transcription and its metalloregulation, heavy metal toxicity and resistance, and metal homeostasis. In particular, presumptive metal-binding motifs in basal eucaryal and archaeal transcription factors will be examined for metal binding, specificity, and requirement. The initial target for this effort is TFIIB. Other experiments will characterize the metal-binding residues and coordination environments of the metalloregulatory proteins MerR, ArsR, ArsD, and CadC. The correlation of metal coordination changes and allosteric regulation associated with protein conformational changes will be studied. Site-directed mutagenesis designed to alter the specificity for metal inducers, creating a Cd(II)-sensitive ArsR, for example, will require XAS for metal site characterization. Biophysical characterization of metal-binding affinity and specificity of MerP, a prototypical example of a widely distributed ca. 40-residue sequence motif containing a GmtCxxC sequence (Met2 and Thr3 are nearly conserved) will be carried out. The occurrence of variants of this "heavy metal associated" (HMA) motif in a family of CPx-type ATPases, all of which are involved in heavy metal efflux or homeostasis for mercury, cadmium, and copper (at least), makes a characterization of their specificity particularly attractive. Six copies of these HMA motifs occur near the Ntermini of the products of the MNK and WND genes, which have been associated with the copper-based Menkes and Wilson's diseases, respectively. The use of directed evolution to develop the MerP HMA motif into a specific recognition domain for any given metal ion will require XAS to characterize the metal coordination. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

E-Journals: PubMed Central3 PubMed Central (PMC) is a digital archive of life sciences journal literature developed and managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).4 Access to this growing archive of e-journals is free and unrestricted.5 To search, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Pmc, and type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the search box. This search gives you access to fulltext articles. The following is a sample of items found for mercury in the PubMed Central database:

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Adapted from the National Library of Medicine: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/about/intro.html.

With PubMed Central, NCBI is taking the lead in preservation and maintenance of open access to electronic literature, just as NLM has done for decades with printed biomedical literature. PubMed Central aims to become a world-class library of the digital age. 5 The value of PubMed Central, in addition to its role as an archive, lies in the availability of data from diverse sources stored in a common format in a single repository. Many journals already have online publishing operations, and there is a growing tendency to publish material online only, to the exclusion of print.

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A mercury-thiol affinity system for rapid generation of overlapping labeled DNA fragments for DNA sequencing. by Hartley JL, Chen KK, Donelson JE.; 1982 Jul 10; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=320774

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A new mercury-penicillin V derivative as a probe for ultrastructural localization of penicillin-binding proteins in Escherichia coli. by Paul TR, Halligan NG, Blaszczak LC, Parr TR Jr, Beveridge TJ.; 1992 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=206265

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Algal blooms reduce the uptake of toxic methylmercury in freshwater food webs. by Pickhardt PC, Folt CL, Chen CY, Klaue B, Blum JD.; 2002 Apr 2; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=123663

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Antimicrobial and mercury resistance in aerobic gram-negative bacilli in fecal flora among persons with and without dental amalgam fillings. by Osterblad M, Leistevuo J, Leistevuo T, Jarvinen H, Pyy L, Tenovuo J, Huovinen P.; 1995 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=162972

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Aspects of Bioavailability of Mercury for Methylation in Pure Cultures of Desulfobulbus propionicus (1pr3). by Benoit JM, Gilmour CC, Mason RP.; 2001 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=92513

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Association of mercury resistance with antibiotic resistance in the gram-negative fecal bacteria of primates. by Wireman J, Liebert CA, Smith T, Summers AO.; 1997 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=168768

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Bacterial Oxidation of Mercury Metal Vapor, Hg(0). by Smith T, Pitts K, McGarvey JA, Summers AO.; 1998 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=106150

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Biodegradation of Phenylmercuric Acetate by Mercury-Resistant Bacteria. by Nelson JD, Blair W, Brinckman FE, Colwell RR, Iverson WP.; 1973 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=379783

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Biotoxicity of mercury as influenced by mercury(II) speciation. by Farrell RE, Germida JJ, Huang PM.; 1990 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=184891

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Cadmium- and mercury-resistant Bacillus strains from a salt marsh and from Boston Harbor. by Mahler I, Levinson HS, Wang Y, Halvorson HO.; 1986 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=239224

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Carbon Flow in Mercury Biomethylation by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. by Berman M, Chase T Jr, Bartha R.; 1990 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=183328

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Cell-free mercury volatilization activity from three marine caulobacter strains. by Ji GY, Salzberg SP, Silver S.; 1989 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=184146

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Cell-Free Mercury(II)-Reducing Activity in a Plasmid-Bearing Strain of Escherichia coli. by Summers AO, Sugarman LI.; 1974 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=245595

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Characteristics and Relationships of Mercury-Resistant Mutants and Methionine Auxotrophs of Yeast. by Singh A, Sherman F.; 1974 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=246839

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Characterization of a new vacuolar membrane aquaporin sensitive to mercury at a unique site. by Daniels MJ, Chaumont F, Mirkov TE, Chrispeels MJ.; 1996 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=161122

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Characterization of the OCT plasmid encoding alkane oxidation and mercury resistance in Pseudomonas putida. by Harder PA, Kunz DA.; 1986 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=214470

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Chemical composition of Earth, Venus, and Mercury. by Morgan JW, Anders E.; 1980 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=350422

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City bans medical devices that contain mercury. by Sibbald B.; 2003 Jan 7; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=139331

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Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of chromosomal mercury resistance genes from a Bacillus sp. by Wang Y, Mahler I, Levinson HS, Halvorson HO.; 1987 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=213867

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Cloning and expression of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans mercury ion resistance genes in Escherichia coli. by Shiratori T, Inoue C, Sugawara K, Kusano T, Kitagawa Y.; 1989 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=210071

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Cloning and Sequence Analysis of the Mercury Resistance Operon of Streptomyces sp. Strain CHR28 Reveals a Novel Putative Second Regulatory Gene. by Ravel J, DiRuggiero J, Robb FT, Hill RT.; 2000 Apr 15; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=111291

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Cobalamin-mediated mercury methylation by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans LS. by Choi SC, Bartha R.; 1993 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=202093

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Degradation of Methylmercury by Bacteria Isolated from Environmental Samples. by Spangler WJ, Spigarelli JL, Rose JM, Flippin RS, Miller HH.; 1973 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=380848

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Deletions in the r-determinant mer region of plasmid R100-1 selected for loss of mercury hypersensitivy. by Foster TJ, Nakahara H.; 1979 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=216811

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Detoxification of mercury, cadmium, and lead in Klebsiella aerogenes NCTC 418 growing in continuous culture. by Aiking H, Govers H, van 't Riet J.; 1985 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=238736

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Development of Bacterium-Based Heavy Metal Biosorbents: Enhanced Uptake of Cadmium and Mercury by Escherichia coli Expressing a Metal Binding Motif. by Pazirandeh M, Wells BM, Ryan RL.; 1998 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=106604

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Distribution of DNA Sequences Encoding Narrow- and Broad-Spectrum Mercury Resistance. by Rochelle PA, Wetherbee MK, Olson BH.; 1991 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=183436

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Do recent data from the Seychelles Islands alter the conclusions of the NRC Report on the toxicological effects of methylmercury? by Stern AH, Jacobson JL, Ryan L, Burke TA.; 2004; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=365028

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Effect of Salinity on Mercury-Methylating Activity of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Estuarine Sediments. by Compeau GC, Bartha R.; 1987 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=203648

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Effects of acidification on mercury methylation, demethylation, and volatilization in sediments from an acid-susceptible lake. by Steffan RJ, Korthals ET, Winfrey MR.; 1988 Aug; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=202793

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Effects of chemical speciation in growth media on the toxicity of mercury(II). by Farrell RE, Germida JJ, Huang PM.; 1993 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=182111

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Effects of Cinnabar on Pyrite Oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Cinnabar Mobilization by a Mercury-Resistant Strain. by Baldi F, Olson GJ.; 1987 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=203754

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Effects of dissolved organic carbon and salinity on bioavailability of mercury. by Barkay T, Gillman M, Turner RR.; 1997 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=168746

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Effects of FP2 and a mercury resistance plasmid from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA103 on exoenzyme production. by Johnson J, Warren RL, Branstrom AA.; 1991 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=269912

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Effects of Glucose Concentrations on Cadmium, Copper, Mercury, and Zinc Toxicity to a Klebsiella sp. by Brynhildsen L, Lundgren BV, Allard B, Rosswall T.; 1988 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=202729

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Effects of Hg2+, CH3-Hg+, and Temperature on the Expression of Mercury Resistance Genes in Environmental Bacteria. by Tsai YL, Olson BH.; 1990 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=184940

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Effects of mercuric chloride on growth and morphology of selected strains of mercury-resistant bacteria. by Vaituzis Z, Nelson JD Jr, Wan LW, Colwell RR.; 1975 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=186958

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Enhanced Mercury Biosorption by Bacterial Cells with Surface-Displayed MerR. by Bae W, Wu CH, Kostal J, Mulchandani A, Chen W.; 2003 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=161548

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Enzymatic catalysis of mercury methylation by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans LS. by Choi SC, Chase T Jr, Bartha R.; 1994 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=201479

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Estimation of health effects of prenatal methylmercury exposure using structural equation models. by Budtz-Jorgensen E, Keiding N, Grandjean P, Weihe P.; 2002; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=149391

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Evidence for a staphylococcal-like mercury resistance gene in Enterococcus faecalis. by Zscheck KK, Murray BE.; 1990 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=171805

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Evolution of complex resistance transposons from an ancestral mercury transposon. by Tanaka M, Yamamoto T, Sawai T.; 1983 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=221794

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Ferrous Iron-Dependent Volatilization of Mercury by the Plasma Membrane of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. by Iwahori K, Takeuchi F, Kamimura K, Sugio T.; 2000 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=92226

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Formation of methyl mercury by bacteria. by Hamdy MK, Noyes OR.; 1975 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=187198

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Genetic Engineering of Escherichia coli for Enhanced Uptake and Bioaccumulation of Mercury. by Bae W, Mehra RK, Mulchandani A, Chen W.; 2001 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=93311

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High-frequency chromosome transfer in Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides promoted by broad-host-range plasmid RP1 carrying mercury transposon Tn501. by Pemberton JM, Bowen AR.; 1981 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=216014

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Homologous metalloregulatory proteins from both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria control transcription of mercury resistance operons. by Helmann JD, Wang Y, Mahler I, Walsh CT.; 1989 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=209576

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Hydraulic Conductance and Mercury-Sensitive Water Transport for Roots of Opuntia acanthocarpa in Relation to Soil Drying and Rewetting. by Martre P, North GB, Nobel PS.; 2001 May 1; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=102309

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Influence of Cadmium and Mercury on Activities of Ligninolytic Enzymes and Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Pleurotus ostreatus in Soil. by Baldrian P, in der Wiesche C, Gabriel J, Nerud F, Zadrazil F.; 2000 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=110561

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Influence of salts and temperature on the transfer of mercury resistance from a marine pseudomonad to Escherichia coli. by Gauthier MJ, Cauvin F, Breittmayer JP.; 1985 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=238569

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Intracellular inducer Hg2+ concentration is rate determining for the expression of the mercury-resistance operon in cells. by Yu H, Chu L, Misra TK.; 1996 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=178000

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Laboratory Study of Chemical Speciation of Mercury in Lake Sediment and Water under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions. by Regnell O, Tunlid A.; 1991 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=182796

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Linkage of Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenate and Drug Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. by Nakahara H, Ishikawa T, Sarai Y, Kondo I, Kozukue H, Silver S.; 1977 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=170800

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Localization of penicillin-binding proteins to the splitting system of Staphylococcus aureus septa by using a mercury-penicillin V derivative. by Paul TR, Venter A, Blaszczak LC, Parr TR Jr, Labischinski H, Beveridge TJ.; 1995 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=177077

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Low level methylmercury exposure affects neuropsychological function in adults. by Yokoo EM, Valente JG, Grattan L, Schmidt SL, Platt I, Silbergeld EK.; 2003; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=165591

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Measurement of Mercury Methylation in Lake Water and Sediment Samples. by Furutani A, Rudd JW.; 1980 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=291658

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Mechanism of mercury(II) reductase and influence of ligation on the reduction of mercury(II) by a water soluble 1,5-dihydroflavin. by Gopinath E, Kaaret TW, Bruice TC.; 1989 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=287060

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Mechanisms of microbial resistance and detoxification of mercury and organomercury compounds: physiological, biochemical, and genetic analyses. by Robinson JB, Tuovinen OH.; 1984 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=373215

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Mercuric reductase activity and evidence of broad-spectrum mercury resistance among clinical isolates of rapidly growing mycobacteria. by Steingrube VA, Wallace RJ Jr, Steele LC, Pang YJ.; 1991 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=245113

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Mercuric reductase enzyme from a mercury-volatilizing strain of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. by Olson GJ, Porter FD, Rubinstein J, Silver S.; 1982 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=220400

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Mercury and Cadmium Resistances Mediated by the Penicillinase Plasmid in Staphylococcus aureus. by Kondo I, Ishikawa T, Nakahara H.; 1974 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=246517

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Mercury and Organomercurial Resistances Determined by Plasmids in Pseudomonas. by Clark DL, Weiss AA, Silver S.; 1977 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=221844

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Mercury and Organomercurial Resistances Determined by Plasmids in Staphylococcus aureus. by Weiss AA, Murphy SD, Silver S.; 1977 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=221845

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Mercury in seafood. by Sehmer J.; 2002 Jul 23; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=117079

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Mercury Methylation and Demethylation in Anoxic Lake Sediments and by Strictly Anaerobic Bacteria. by Pak KR, Bartha R.; 1998 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=106359

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Mercury Methylation by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132 in the Presence of Polysulfides. by Jay JA, Murray KJ, Gilmour CC, Mason RP, Morel FM, Roberts AL, Hemond HF.; 2002 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=129902

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Mercury methylation by fish intestinal contents. by Rudd JW, Furutani A, Turner MA.; 1980 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=291659

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Mercury Methylation by Interspecies Hydrogen and Acetate Transfer between Sulfidogens and Methanogens. by Pak KR, Bartha R.; 1998 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=106268

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Mercury Methylation Independent of the Acetyl-Coenzyme A Pathway in SulfateReducing Bacteria. by Ekstrom EB, Morel FM, Benoit JM.; 2003 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=194973

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Mercury operon regulation by the merR gene of the organomercurial resistance system of plasmid pDU1358. by Nucifora G, Chu L, Silver S, Misra TK.; 1989 Aug; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=210196

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Mercury released from dental "silver" fillings provokes an increase in mercury- and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in oral and intestinal floras of primates. by Summers AO, Wireman J, Vimy MJ, Lorscheider FL, Marshall B, Levy SB, Bennett S, Billard L.; 1993 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=187773

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Mercury Resistance Determinants Related to Tn21, Tn1696, and Tn5053 in Enterobacteria from the Preantibiotic Era. by Essa AM, Julian DJ, Kidd SP, Brown NL, Hobman JL.; 2003 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=149298

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Mercury Resistance in a Plasmid-Bearing Strain of Escherichia coli. by Summers AO, Silver S.; 1972 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=251553

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Mercury Resistance in Bacillus cereus RC607: Transcriptional Organization and Two New Open Reading Frames. by Gupta A, Phung LT, Chakravarty L, Silver S.; 1999 Nov 15; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=94184

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Mercury Resistance Is Encoded by Transferable Giant Linear Plasmids in Two Chesapeake Bay Streptomyces Strains. by Ravel J, Schrempf H, Hill RT.; 1998 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=106736

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Mercury selection of allozymes in marine organisms: Prediction and verification in nature. by Nevo E, Ben-Shlomo R, Lavie B.; 1984 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=344806

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Mercury(II) binding to s4U in E.coli tRNAVal. by Sunshine HR, Lippard SJ.; 1974 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=343368

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Mercury-induced transitions between right-handed and putative left-handed forms of poly[d(A-T).d(A-T)] and poly[d(G-C).d(G-C)]. by Gruenwedel DW, Cruikshank MK.; 1989 Nov 25; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=335115

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Mercury-Resistant Bacteria and Petroleum Degradation. by Walker JD, Colwell RR.; 1974 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=380012

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Metabolic Pathways Leading to Mercury Methylation in Desulfovibrio desulfuricans LS. by Choi SC, Chase T Jr, Bartha R.; 1994 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=201938

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Methods for Measuring Specific Rates of Mercury Methylation and Degradation and Their Use in Determining Factors Controlling Net Rates of Mercury Methylation. by Ramlal PS, Rudd JW, Hecky RE.; 1986 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=238825

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Methylation and demethylation of mercury under controlled redox, pH and salinity conditions. by Compeau G, Bartha R.; 1984 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=241710

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Methylmercury Decomposition in Sediments and Bacterial Cultures: Involvement of Methanogens and Sulfate Reducers in Oxidative Demethylation. by Oremland RS, Culbertson CW, Winfrey MR.; 1991 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=182673

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Methylmercury exposure: fishing for answers. by Weir E.; 2001 Jul 24; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=81308

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Methylmercury Resistance in Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Strains in Relation to Methylmercury Degradation. by Baldi F, Pepi M, Filippelli M.; 1993 Aug; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=182309

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Molecular analysis of mercury-resistant Bacillus isolates from sediment of Minamata Bay, Japan. by Nakamura K, Silver S.; 1994 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=202026

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Nucleotide sequence of a chromosomal mercury resistance determinant from a Bacillus sp. with broad-spectrum mercury resistance. by Wang Y, Moore M, Levinson HS, Silver S, Walsh C, Mahler I.; 1989 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=209558

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Nucleotide sequences at the ends of the mercury resistance transposon, Tn501. by Brown NL, Choi CL, Grinsted J, Richmond MH, Whitehead PR.; 1980 May 10; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=324048

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Ordering of the flagellar genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by insertions of mercury transposon Tn501. by Tsuda M, Iino T.; 1983 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=221725

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Organomercurial-volatilizing bacteria in the mercury-polluted sediment of Minamata Bay, Japan. by Nakamura K, Sakamoto M, Uchiyama H, Yagi O.; 1990 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=183330

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Phenotypic and genotypic adaptation of aerobic heterotrophic sediment bacterial communities to mercury stress. by Barkay T, Olson BH.; 1986 Aug; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=203542

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Phylogeny of mercury resistance (mer) operons of gram-negative bacteria isolated from the fecal flora of primates. by Liebert CA, Wireman J, Smith T, Summers AO.; 1997 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=168397

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Phytoremediation of methylmercury pollution: merB expression in Arabidopsis thaliana confers resistance to organomercurials. by Bizily SP, Rugh CL, Summers AO, Meagher RB.; 1999 Jun 8; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=21997

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Pink ladies: mercury poisoning in twin girls. by Weinstein M, Bernstein S.; 2003 Jan 21; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=140434

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Plasmid-controlled mercury biotransformation by Clostridium cochlearium T-2. by Pan-Hou HS, Hosono M, Imura N.; 1980 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=291712

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Preparation of a DNA gene probe for detection of mercury resistance genes in gramnegative bacterial communities. by Barkay T, Fouts DL, Olson BH.; 1985 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=373572

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Properties of lambda transducing bacteriophages carrying R100 plasmid DNA: mercury resistance genes. by Dempsey WB, McIntire SA, Willetts N, Schottel J, Kinscherf TG, Silver S, Shannon WA Jr.; 1978 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=218544

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Pseudomonas putida Strains Which Constitutively Overexpress Mercury Resistance for Biodetoxification of Organomercurial Pollutants. by Horn JM, Brunke M, Deckwer WD, Timmis KN.; 1994 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=201314

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Purification and properties of a second enzyme catalyzing the splitting of carbonmercury linkages from mercury-resistant Pseudomonas K-62. by Tezuka T, Tonomura K.; 1978 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=224790

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Reduction of Mercury to the Elemental State by a Yeast. by Brunker RL, Bott TL.; 1974 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=380168

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Regulation of the Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pI258 mercury resistance operon. by Chu L, Mukhopadhyay D, Yu H, Kim KS, Misra TK.; 1992 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=207386

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Removal of Mercury from Chloralkali Electrolysis Wastewater by a MercuryResistant Pseudomonas putida Strain. by von Canstein H, Li Y, Timmis KN, Deckwer WD, Wagner-Dobler I.; 1999 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=91717

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Renal Handling of Phosphorus in Oliguric and Nonoliguric Mercury-Induced Acute Renal Failure in Rats. by Popovtzer MM, Massry SG, Villamil M, Kleeman CR.; 1971 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=292177

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Resistance to Mercury and Antimicrobial Agents in Streptococcus mutans Isolates from Human Subjects in Relation to Exposure to Dental Amalgam Fillings. by Leistevuo J, Jarvinen H, Osterblad M, Leistevuo T, Huovinen P, Tenovuo J.; 2000 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=89706

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Resistance to mercury and to cadmium in chromosomally resistant Staphylococcus aureus. by Witte W, Green L, Misra TK, Silver S.; 1986 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=180463

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RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei of lactating mammary cells in presence of unmodified and mercury-labeled CTP. by Ganguly R, Banerjee MR.; 1978 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=342762

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Role of bacteria in bioaccumulation of mercury in the oyster Crassostrea virginica. by Sayler GS, Nelson JD Jr, Colwell RR.; 1975 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=187121

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Role of plasmids in mercury transformation by bacteria isolated from the aquatic environment. by Olson BH, Barkay T, Colwell RR.; 1979 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=243520

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Roles of the Tn21 merT, merP, and merC gene products in mercury resistance and mercury binding. by Hamlett NV, Landale EC, Davis BH, Summers AO.; 1992 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=207586

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Seasonal and Spatial Variations in Mercury Methylation and Demethylation in an Oligotrophic Lake. by Korthals ET, Winfrey MR.; 1987 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=204120

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Sediment Microbial Community Structure and Mercury Methylation in MercuryPolluted Clear Lake, California. by Macalady JL, Mack EE, Nelson DC, Scow KM.; 2000 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=92011

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Self-assembly of a metal-ion-bound monolayer of trigonal connectors on mercury: An electrochemical Langmuir trough. by Varaksa N, Pospisil L, Magnera TF, Michl J.; 2002 Apr 16; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=122713

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Self-Transmissible Mercury Resistance Plasmids with Gene-Mobilizing Capacity in Soil Bacterial Populations: Influence of Wheat Roots and Mercury Addition. by Smit E, Wolters A, van Elsas JD.; 1998 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=106131

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Sequencing Bands of Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis Fingerprints for Characterization and Microscale Distribution of Soil Bacterium Populations Responding to Mercury Spiking. by Ranjard L, Brothier E, Nazaret S.; 2000 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=92465

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Simple Method for Introducing Elemental Mercury into Biological Growth Systems. by Holm HW, Cox MF.; 1974 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=380100

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Simplified X-ray film method for detection of bacterial volatilization of mercury chloride by Escherichia coli. by Nakamura K, Nakahara H.; 1988 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=204390

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Spatially Oscillating Activity and Microbial Succession of Mercury-Reducing Biofilms in a Technical-Scale Bioremediation System. by von Canstein H, Li Y, Leonhauser J, Haase E, Felske A, Deckwer WD, Wagner-Dobler I.; 2002 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=123881

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Species Diversity Improves the Efficiency of Mercury-Reducing Biofilms under Changing Environmental Conditions. by von Canstein H, Kelly S, Li Y, Wagner-Dobler I.; 2002 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=123942

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Structure and Species Composition of Mercury-Reducing Biofilms. by Wagner-Dobler I, Lunsdorf H, Lubbehusen T, von Canstein HF, Li Y.; 2000 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=92343

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Subcellular Targeting of Methylmercury Lyase Enhances Its Specific Activity for Organic Mercury Detoxification in Plants. by Bizily SP, Kim T, Kandasamy MK, Meagher RB.; 2003 Feb 1; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=166823

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Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Methylate Mercury at Variable Rates in Pure Culture and in Marine Sediments. by King JK, Kostka JE, Frischer ME, Saunders FM.; 2000 Jun; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=110551

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The effects of mercury-substitution on the hybridisation characteristics of nucleic acids. by Brown TD, Balmain A.; 1979 Dec 20; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=342389

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The genetic organization and evolution of the broad host range mercury resistance plasmid pSB102 isolated from a microbial population residing in the rhizosphere of alfalfa. by Schneiker S, Keller M, Droge M, Lanka E, Puhler A, Selbitschka W.; 2001 Dec 15; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=97592

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THE MANGANESE MERCURY STAR [pi]1 BOOTIS. by Montgomery JW, Aller LH.; 1969 Aug; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=223423

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The merG Gene Product Is Involved in Phenylmercury Resistance in Pseudomonas Strain K-62. by Kiyono M, Pan-Hou H.; 1999 Feb 1; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=93436

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The plasma membrane of Arabidopsis thaliana contains a mercury-insensitive aquaporin that is a homolog of the tonoplast water channel protein TIP. by Daniels MJ, Mirkov TE, Chrispeels MJ.; 1994 Dec; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=159670

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The Role of "Leakage" of Tubular Fluid in Anuria Due to Mercury Poisoning. by Bank N, Mutz BF, Aynedjian HS.; 1967 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=297072

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Transcellular Water Transport in Lung Alveolar Epithelium Through MercurySensitive Water Channels. by Folkesson HG, Matthay MA, Hasegawa H, Kheradmand F, Verkman AS.; 1994 May 24; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=43911

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Transcriptional analysis of the Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pI258 mercury resistance determinant. by Skinner JS, Ribot E, Laddaga RA.; 1991 Aug; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=208219

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Transfer and Occurrence of Large Mercury Resistance Plasmids in River Epilithon. by Bale MJ, Fry JC, Day MJ.; 1988 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=202582

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Transformation of elemental mercury by bacteria. by Holm HW, Cox MF.; 1975 Apr; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=187012

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Transformation of mercuric chloride and methylmercury by the rumen microflora. by Kozak S, Forsberg CW.; 1979 Oct; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=243551

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Transformations of inorganic mercury by Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. by Yannai S, Berdicevsky I, Duek L.; 1991 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=182692

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Volatilization of Mercuric Chloride by Mercury-Resistant Plasmid-Bearing Strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. by Summers AO, Lewis E.; 1973 Feb; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=285330

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Water Stress Inhibits Hydraulic Conductance and Leaf Growth in Rice Seedlings but Not the Transport of Water via Mercury-Sensitive Water Channels in the Root. by Lu Z, Neumann PM.; 1999 May 1; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=59246

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The National Library of Medicine: PubMed One of the quickest and most comprehensive ways to find academic studies in both English and other languages is to use PubMed, maintained by the National Library of Medicine.6 The advantage of PubMed over previously mentioned sources is that it covers a greater number of domestic and foreign references. It is also free to use. If the publisher has a Web site that offers full text of its journals, PubMed will provide links to that site, as well as to sites offering other related data. User registration, a subscription fee, or some other type of fee may be required to access the full text of articles in some journals. To generate your own bibliography of studies dealing with mercury, simply go to the PubMed Web site at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for mercury (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): •

A basin-specific aquatic food web biomagnification model for estimation of mercury target levels. Author(s): Hope B. Source: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry / Setac. 2003 October; 22(10): 2525-37. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14552019

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A case of lichen planus caused by mercury allergy. Author(s): Kato Y, Hayakawa R, Shiraki R, Ozeki K. Source: The British Journal of Dermatology. 2003 June; 148(6): 1268-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12828762

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A compartmental model for the kinetics of mercury vapor in humans. Author(s): Jonsson F, Sandborgh-Englund G, Johanson G. Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 1999 March 1; 155(2): 161-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10053170

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A contribution to the establishment of reference values for total mercury levels in hair and fish in amazonia. Author(s): Santos EC, Camara VM, Jesus IM, Brabo ES, Loureiro EC, Mascarenhas AF, Fayal KF, Sa Filho GC, Sagica FE, Lima MO, Higuchi H, Silveira IM. Source: Environmental Research. 2002 September; 90(1): 6-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12359185

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PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The PubMed database was developed in conjunction with publishers of biomedical literature as a search tool for accessing literature citations and linking to full-text journal articles at Web sites of participating publishers. Publishers that participate in PubMed supply NLM with their citations electronically prior to or at the time of publication.

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A diet rich in fish. High-end consumers face more mercury risks. Author(s): Hood E. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003 April; 111(4): A233. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12718314

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A low-cost thermochromic thermometer to replace glass and mercury thermometers. Author(s): Bell E, Bell H, Socrates C, Morley D, Barsby K, Boon G. Source: Trop Doct. 2002 July; 32(3): 168-71. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12139163

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A multidisciplinary clinical study of patients suffering from illness associated with release of mercury from dental restorations. Medical and odontological aspects. Author(s): Furhoff AK, Tomson Y, Ilie M, Bagedahl-Strindlund M, Larsson KS, Sandborgh-Englund G, Torstenson B, Wretlind K. Source: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. 1998 December; 16(4): 247-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9932320

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A new cutaneous sign of mercury poisoning. Author(s): Dantzig PI. Source: Annals of Internal Medicine. 2003 July 1; 139(1): 78-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12834329

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A new cutaneous sign of mercury poisoning? Author(s): Dantzig PI. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2003 December; 49(6): 110911. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14639393

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A patient with postoperative mercury contamination of the peritoneum. Author(s): Haas NS, Shih R, Gochfeld M. Source: Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology. 2003; 41(2): 175-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12733856

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A review of mercury in Lake Victoria, East Africa: implications for human and ecosystem health. Author(s): Campbell L, Dixon DG, Hecky RE. Source: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part B, Critical Reviews. 2003 July-August; 6(4): 325-56. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12775518

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A review of the ADA mercury hygiene recommendations. Author(s): Davis MW; American Dental Association. Source: Dent Today. 2003 January; 22(1): 86-91. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12616896

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Accuracy of aneroid sphygmomanometer blood pressure recording compared with digital and mercury measurements in Brazil. Author(s): Gill G, Ala L, Gurgel R, Cuevas L. Source: Trop Doct. 2004 January; 34(1): 26-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14959969

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Adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of cefepime at the mercury electrode in human urine and cerebrospinal fluid, and differential pulse polarographic determination in serum. Author(s): Palacios FJ, Mochon MC, Sanchez JC, Carranza JH. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2003 September; 92(9): 1854-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12950003

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Alzheimer's disease, dental amalgam and mercury. Author(s): Saxe SR, Wekstein MW, Kryscio RJ, Henry RG, Cornett CR, Snowdon DA, Grant FT, Schmitt FA, Donegan SJ, Wekstein DR, Ehmann WD, Markesbery WR. Source: The Journal of the American Dental Association. 1999 February; 130(2): 191-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10036842

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American Society for Circumpolar Health. Comparison of mercury in selected subsistence foods from western Alaska. Author(s): Rothschild RF. Source: Int J Circumpolar Health. 2003 December; 62(4): 448. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14964773

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Apolipoprotein E genotyping as a potential biomarker for mercury neurotoxicity. Author(s): Godfrey ME, Wojcik DP, Krone CA. Source: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : Jad. 2003 June; 5(3): 189-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12897404

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Application of a latent variable model for a multicenter study on early effects due to mercury exposure. Author(s): Lucchini R, Calza S, Camerino D, Carta P, Decarli A, Parrinello G, Soleo L, Zefferino R, Alessio L. Source: Neurotoxicology. 2003 August; 24(4-5): 605-16. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12900073

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Application of ferric sludge to immobilize leachable mercury in soils and concrete. Author(s): Zhuang JM, Walsh T, Lam T, Boulter D. Source: Environmental Technology. 2003 November; 24(11): 1445-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14733397

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Assessment of mercury exposure and malaria in a Brazilian Amazon riverine community. Author(s): Crompton P, Ventura AM, de Souza JM, Santos E, Strickland GT, Silbergeld E. Source: Environmental Research. 2002 October; 90(2): 69-75. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12483796

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Ban or regulate? Costs of dental occupational safety from mercury. Author(s): Eid F, Harakeh S. Source: Journal of Health Care Finance. 2003 Winter; 30(2): 65-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14977038

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Banned in Boston. Medical mercury is on the way out. Author(s): Perry PA. Source: Materials Management in Health Care. 2001 March; 10(3): 15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11299940

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Battlefield: mercury--the element, not the planet. Author(s): Anderson CF. Source: Tex Dent J. 2000 December; 117(12): 8-9. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11858076

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Becoming a mercury free facility: a priority to be achieved by the year 2000. Author(s): Shaner H. Source: Prof Dev Ser (Chic Ill). 1997 November; : 1-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10569812

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Biological mercury measurements before and after administration of a chelator (DMPS) and subjective symptoms allegedly due to amalgam. Author(s): Schuurs A, Exterkate R, ten Cate JM, ten Cate B. Source: European Journal of Oral Sciences. 2000 December; 108(6): 511-22. Erratum In: Eur J Oral Sci 2001 October; 109(5): 368. Ten Cate B [corrected to Ten Cate Jm]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11153926

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Biological monitoring and exposure to mercury. Author(s): Mason HJ, Hindell P, Williams NR. Source: Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England). 2001 February; 51(1): 2-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11235823

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Biological monitoring of environmental and occupational exposure to mercury. Author(s): Langworth S, Elinder CG, Gothe CJ, Vesterberg O. Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. 1991; 63(3): 161-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1917065

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Biomonitoring of mercury in the Kastela Bay using transplanted mussels. Author(s): Odzak N, Zvonaric T, Gaspic ZK, Horvat M, Baric A. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2000 October 16; 261(1-3): 61-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11036977

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Block of sodium channels by divalent mercury: role of specific cysteinyl residues in the P-loop region. Author(s): Hisatome I, Kurata Y, Sasaki N, Morisaki T, Morisaki H, Tanaka Y, Urashima T, Yatsuhashi T, Tsuboi M, Kitamura F, Miake J, Takeda S, Taniguchi S, Ogino K, Igawa O, Yoshida A, Sato R, Makita N, Shigemasa C. Source: Biophysical Journal. 2000 September; 79(3): 1336-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10968996

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Blood levels of total and organic mercury in residents of the upper St. Lawrence River basin, Quebec: association with age, gender, and fish consumption. Author(s): Mahaffey KR, Mergler D. Source: Environmental Research. 1998 May; 77(2): 104-14. Erratum In: Environ Res 1998 November; 79(2): 156. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9600803

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Blood mercury and auditory neuro-sensory responses in children and adults in the Nambija gold mining area of Ecuador. Author(s): Counter SA, Buchanan LH, Laurell G, Ortega F. Source: Neurotoxicology. 1998 April; 19(2): 185-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9553955

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Blood mercury concentrations in the population of Rabat area, Morocco. Author(s): Khassouani CD, Soulaymani R, Jana M, Mauras Y, Allain P. Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2001 April; 66(4): 43942. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11443304

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Blood mercury following DMPS administration to subjects with and without dental amalgam. Author(s): Vamnes JS, Eide R, Isrenn R, Hol PJ, Gjerdet NR. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2003 June 1; 308(1-3): 63-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12738201

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Blood mercury levels and fish consumption in Louisiana. Author(s): Bellanger TM, Caesar EM, Trachtman L. Source: J La State Med Soc. 2000 February; 152(2): 64-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10745634

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Blood mercury levels in US children and women of childbearing age, 1999-2000. Author(s): Schober SE, Sinks TH, Jones RL, Bolger PM, McDowell M, Osterloh J, Garrett ES, Canady RA, Dillon CF, Sun Y, Joseph CB, Mahaffey KR. Source: Jama : the Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003 April 2; 289(13): 1667-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12672735

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Blood mercury levels of dental students and dentists at a dental school. Author(s): Tezel H, Ertas OS, Erakin C, Kayali A. Source: British Dental Journal. 2001 October 27; 191(8): 449-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11720018

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Blood mercury levels with amalgam retroseals: a longitudinal study. Author(s): Skoner JR, Wallace JA, Fochtman F, Moore PA, Zullo T, Hoffman D. Source: Journal of Endodontics. 1996 March; 22(3): 140-1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8618096

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Blood pressure monitoring with home monitors versus mercury sphygmomanometer. Author(s): Rotch AL, Dean JO, Kendrach MG, Wright SG, Woolley TW. Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2001 July-August; 35(7-8): 817-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11485126

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Broadsheet number 48: Mercury, cadmium and arsenic: toxicology and laboratory investigation. Author(s): Campbell BG. Source: Pathology. 1999 February; 31(1): 17-22. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10212916

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Broken glass mercury thermometer: a difficult airway foreign body. Author(s): Moxham JP, Lee PK. Source: Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. 2002 October; 127(4): 339-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12402014

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Can environmental purchasing reduce mercury in U.S. health care? Author(s): Eagan PD, Kaiser B. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2002 September; 110(9): 847-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12204816

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Cases of mercury exposure, bioavailability, and absorption. Author(s): Gochfeld M. Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2003 September; 56(1): 174-9. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12915150

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Change in the iso-enzyme profiles of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosoaminidase in workers exposed to mercury. Author(s): Mandic L, Radmila M, Jelena A, Dubravka D. Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health. 2002 June; 18(5): 207-14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14653309

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Chronic mercury intoxication simulating pheochromocytoma: effect of captopril on urinary mercury excretion. Author(s): Kosan C, Topaloglu AK, Ozkan B. Source: Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society. 2001 August; 43(4): 429-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11472594

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Chronic psychological effects of exposure to mercury vapour among chlorine-alkali plant workers. Author(s): Pranjic N, Sinanovic O, Jakubovic R. Source: Med Lav. 2003 November-December; 94(6): 531-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14768245

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City bans medical devices that contain mercury. Author(s): Sibbald B. Source: Cmaj : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L'association Medicale Canadienne. 2003 January 7; 168(1): 78. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12515799

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Color discrimination impairment in workers exposed to mercury vapor. Author(s): Urban P, Gobba F, Nerudova J, Lukas E, Cabelkova Z, Cikrt M. Source: Neurotoxicology. 2003 August; 24(4-5): 711-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12900084

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Combining food frequency and survey data to quantify long-term dietary exposure: a methyl mercury case study. Author(s): Tran NL, Barraj L, Smith K, Javier A, Burke TA. Source: Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis. 2004 February; 24(1): 19-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15027997

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Commentary: Mercury, PCB, and now eicosapentaenoic acid: still another reason why pregnant women should be concerned about eating seafood? Author(s): Olsen SF. Source: International Journal of Epidemiology. 2001 December; 30(6): 1279-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11821328

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Comparison of rectal temperature measured by digital vs. mercury glass thermometer in infants under two months old. Author(s): Jones HL, Kleber CB, Eckert GJ, Mahon BE. Source: Clinical Pediatrics. 2003 May; 42(4): 357-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12800731

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Comparison of the oscillometric blood pressure monitor (BPM-100(Beta) ) with the auscultatory mercury sphygmomanometer. Author(s): Mattu GS, Perry TL Jr, Wright JM. Source: Blood Pressure Monitoring. 2001 June; 6(3): 153-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11518839

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Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in common foods and estimated daily intake by children, adolescents, adults, and seniors of Catalonia, Spain. Author(s): Llobet JM, Falco G, Casas C, Teixido A, Domingo JL. Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2003 January 29; 51(3): 838-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12537467

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Concentrations of major elements and mercury in unstimulated human saliva. Author(s): Monaci F, Bargagli E, Bravi F, Rottoli P. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 2002 December; 89(3): 193-203. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12462743

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Concern over mercury pollution in India. Author(s): Sharma DC. Source: Lancet. 2003 September 27; 362(9389): 1050. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14526779

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Concerns continue over mercury and autism. Author(s): Blaxill MF. Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2004 January; 26(1): 91; Reply 91-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14700719

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Contact orofacial granulomatosis caused by delayed hypersensitivity to gold and mercury. Author(s): Lazarov A, Kidron D, Tulchinsky Z, Minkow B. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2003 December; 49(6): 111720. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14639396

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Contamination of the environment by the current disposal methods of mercurycontaining lamps in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Author(s): Raposo C, Roeser HM. Source: Waste Management (New York, N.Y.). 2001; 21(7): 661-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11530922

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Content and bioconcentration of mercury in mushrooms from northern Poland. Author(s): Falandysz J, Gucia M, Brzostowski A, Kawano M, Bielawski L, Frankowska A, Wyrzykowska B. Source: Food Additives and Contaminants. 2003 March; 20(3): 247-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12623649

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Correlation between mercury and selenium concentrations in Indian hair from Rondjnia State, Amazon region, Brazil. Author(s): Soares D, Sarkis J, Muller R, Brabo E, Santos E. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2002 March 15; 287(1-2): 155-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11883757

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Current hair mercury levels in Japanese: survey in five districts. Author(s): Yasutake A, Matsumoto M, Yamaguchi M, Hachiya N. Source: The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2003 March; 199(3): 161-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12703660

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Danger: mercury is hazardous to our health. Author(s): Ilardi D. Source: School Nurse News. 2003 September; 20(4): 24-6. Review. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14552261

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Decline in fish consumption among pregnant women after a national mercury advisory. Author(s): Oken E, Kleinman KP, Berland WE, Simon SR, Rich-Edwards JW, Gillman MW. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2003 August; 102(2): 346-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12907111

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Deliberate, repeated self-administration of metallic mercury injection: case report and review of the literature. Author(s): Givica-Perez A, Santana-Montesdeoca JM, Diaz-Sanchez M, MartinezLagares FJ, Castaneda WR. Source: European Radiology. 2001; 11(8): 1351-4. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11519542

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Demise of the mercury sphygmomanometer and the dawning of a new era in blood pressure measurement. Author(s): O'Brien E. Source: Blood Pressure Monitoring. 2003 February; 8(1): 19-21. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12604931

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Dental mercury hygiene recommendations. Author(s): ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Source: The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2003 November; 134(11): 14989. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14664270

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Depression, insomnia, and memory loss in a patient with chronic intoxication by inorganic mercury. Author(s): Cordeiro Q Jr, de Araujo Medrado Faria M, Fraguas R Jr. Source: The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2003 Fall; 15(4): 457-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14627777

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Detection of mercury and other undetermined materials in skin biopsies of endemic pemphigus foliaceus. Author(s): Abreu Velez AM, Warfvinge G, Herrera WL, Abreu Velez CE, Montoya M F, Hardy DM, Bollag WB, Hashimoto K. Source: The American Journal of Dermatopathology. 2003 October; 25(5): 384-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14501287

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Determination of mercury in blood, urine and saliva for the biological monitoring of an exposure from amalgam fillings in a group with self-reported adverse health effects. Author(s): Zimmer H, Ludwig H, Bader M, Bailer J, Eickholz P, Staehle HJ, Triebig G. Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2002 April; 205(3): 205-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12040918

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Determination of methyl mercury in dental-unit wastewater. Author(s): Stone ME, Cohen ME, Liang L, Pang P. Source: Dental Materials : Official Publication of the Academy of Dental Materials. 2003 November; 19(7): 675-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12901994

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Determination of total mercury and methylmercury in human hair by graphitefurnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry using 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1sulfonate as a complexing agent. Author(s): Chen WY, Wang YC, Kuo MS. Source: Anal Sci. 2002 March; 18(3): 255-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11918181

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Determination of total mercury in foods of plant origin in Poland by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. Author(s): Jedrzejczak R. Source: Food Additives and Contaminants. 2002 October; 19(10): 996-1002. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12443563

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Determination of total urinary mercury by on-line sample microwave digestion followed by flow injection cold vapour inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or atomic absorption spectrometry. Author(s): Bettinelli M, Spezia S, Ronchi A, Minoia C. Source: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : Rcm. 2002; 16(15): 1432-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12125019

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Development of an in vitro blood-brain barrier model-cytotoxicity of mercury and aluminum. Author(s): Toimela T, Maenpaa H, Mannerstrom M, Tahti H. Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2004 February 15; 195(1): 73-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14962507

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Dietary intake of arsenic, mercury and selenium by children from a German North Sea island using duplicate portion sampling. Author(s): Wilhelm M, Wittsiepe J, Schrey P, Lajoie-Junge L, Busch V. Source: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology : Organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (Gms). 2003; 17(2): 123-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14531641

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Different transport mechanisms for cadmium and mercury in Caco-2 cells: inhibition of Cd uptake by Hg without evidence for reciprocal effects. Author(s): Aduayom I, Campbell PG, Denizeau F, Jumarie C. Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2003 May 15; 189(1): 56-67. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12758060

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Differential mercury volatilization by tobacco organs expressing a modified bacterial merA gene. Author(s): He YK, Sun JG, Feng XZ, Czako M, Marton L. Source: Cell Research. 2001 September; 11(3): 231-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11642409

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Direct measurement of the mercury content of exhaled air: a new approach for determination of the mercury dose received. Author(s): Pogarev SE, Ryzhov V, Mashyanov N, Sholupov S, Zharskaya V. Source: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2002 November; 374(6): 1039-44. Epub 2002 October 12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12458416

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Disputed diagnoses hamper claims of mercury poisoning. Author(s): Cyranoski D. Source: Nature. 2001 November 8; 414(6860): 138. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11700515

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Does changing from mercury to electronic blood pressure measurement influence recorded blood pressure? An observational study. Author(s): McManus RJ, Mant J, Hull MR, Hobbs FD. Source: The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 2003 December; 53(497): 953-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14960220

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Does elemental mercury exist in the workplace? Author(s): Potter WE. Source: Health Physics. 2002 August; 83(8 Suppl): S30-1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12132725

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Eating tropical fruit reduces mercury exposure from fish consumption in the Brazilian Amazon. Author(s): Passos CJ, Mergler D, Gaspar E, Morais S, Lucotte M, Larribe F, Davidson R, de Grosbois S. Source: Environmental Research. 2003 October; 93(2): 123-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12963396

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EEG photic driving in workers exposed to mercury vapors. Author(s): Urban P, Nerudova J, Cabelkova Z, Krajca V, Lukas E, Cikrt M. Source: Neurotoxicology. 2003 January; 24(1): 23-33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12564379

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Effect of arsenic and mercury speciation on inhibition of respiration rate in activated sludge systems. Author(s): Stasinakis AS, Thomaidis NS, Giannes AS, Lekkas TD. Source: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2003; 10(3): 177-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12846379

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Effect of deep-frying fish on risk from mercury. Author(s): Burger J, Dixon C, Boring CS, Gochfeld M. Source: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 2003 May 9; 66(9): 81728. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12746129

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Effect of restoration of children's teeth with mercury amalgam on the prevalence of mercury- and antibiotic-resistant oral bacteria. Author(s): Pike R, Lucas V, Petrie A, Roberts G, Stapleton P, Rowbury R, Richards H, Mullany P, Wilson M. Source: Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.). 2003 Spring; 9(1): 93-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12705688

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Effects of metallic mercury on the perimenstrual symptoms and menstrual outcomes of exposed workers. Author(s): Yang JM, Chen QY, Jiang XZ. Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2002 November; 42(5): 403-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12382253

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Electronic versus mercury sphygmomanometers. Author(s): Sharvill J. Source: The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 2004 February; 54(499): 137-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15046060

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Electronic versus mercury sphygmomanometers. Author(s): Morrison CL. Source: The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 2004 February; 54(499): 136-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15046059

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Electronic versus mercury sphygmomanometers. Author(s): McAll G. Source: The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 2004 February; 54(499): 136. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15046058

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Elemental mercury in the appendix: an unusual complication of a Mexican-American folk remedy. Author(s): McKinney PE. Source: Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology. 1999; 37(1): 103-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10078167

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Elemental mercury poisoning in occupational and residential settings. Author(s): Risher JF, Nickle RA, Amler SN. Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2003 August; 206(45): 371-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12971692

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Elemental mercury-induced subcutaneous granuloma. A case report and review of the literature. Author(s): Kayias EH, Drosos GI, Hapsas D, Anagnostopoulou GA. Source: Acta Orthop Belg. 2003 June; 69(3): 280-4. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12879712

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Eliminating mercury in health care facilities. Author(s): Gilmore-Hall A. Source: The American Journal of Nursing. 2003 July; 103(7): 120. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12865651

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Environment. Uncertain science underlies new mercury standards. Author(s): Stokstad E. Source: Science. 2004 January 2; 303(5654): 34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14704409

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Environmental exposure to mercury and its toxicopathologic implications for public health. Author(s): Tchounwou PB, Ayensu WK, Ninashvili N, Sutton D. Source: Environmental Toxicology. 2003 June; 18(3): 149-75. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12740802

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Estimation of daily mercury intake from seafood in Japanese women: Akita crosssectional study. Author(s): Iwasaki Y, Sakamoto M, Nakai K, Oka T, Dakeishi M, Iwata T, Satoh H, Murata K. Source: The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2003 June; 200(2): 67-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12962403

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Evaluation of mercury in urine as an indicator of exposure to low levels of mercury vapor. Author(s): Tsuji JS, Williams PR, Edwards MR, Allamneni KP, Kelsh MA, Paustenbach DJ, Sheehan PJ. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003 April; 111(4): 623-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12676626

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Evaluation of the amalgamation reaction of experimental Ag-Sn-Cu alloys containing Pd using a mercury plating technique. Author(s): Koike M, Ferracane JL, Fujii H, Okabe T. Source: Dent Mater J. 2003 September; 22(3): 280-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14628723

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Exposure or absorption and the crucial question of limits for mercury. Author(s): Jones DW. Source: Journal (Canadian Dental Association). 1999 January; 65(1): 42-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9973766

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Exposure to mercury in the urban population of Rio Branco City, state of Acre, Brazil. Author(s): de Oliveira Santos EC, de Jesus IM, Brabo ES, de M Camara V, Loureiro EC, Mascarenhas AF, de F Faial K, da Silva AP, da Silva RU, Luiz RR, Higuchi H. Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2002 September; 69(3): 314-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12177749

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Facial injury by mercury from a broken thermometer. Author(s): Yotsuyanagi T, Yokoi K, Sawada Y. Source: The Journal of Trauma. 1996 May; 40(5): 847-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8614096

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Factors affecting internal mercury burdens among eastern German children. Author(s): Trepka MJ, Heinrich J, Krause C, Schulz C, Wjst M, Popescu M, Wichmann HE. Source: Archives of Environmental Health. 1997 March-April; 52(2): 134-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9124874

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Factors contributing to mercury exposure in dentists. Author(s): Martin MD, Naleway C, Chou HN. Source: The Journal of the American Dental Association. 1995 November; 126(11): 150211. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7499647

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Factors influencing total mercury levels among Lebanese dentists. Author(s): Harakeh S, Sabra N, Kassak K, Doughan B. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2002 October 7; 297(1-3): 153-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12389787

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Facts on mercury and fish consumption. Author(s): Wooltorton E. Source: Cmaj : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L'association Medicale Canadienne. 2002 October 15; 167(8): 897. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12406950

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Familial mercury intoxication presenting with cardiovascular abnormalities and acrodynia. Author(s): Laurans M, Brouard J, Arion A, Kauffmann D, Duhamel JF. Source: Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). 2001 May; 90(5): 593-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11430728

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Family poisoned by mercury vapor inhalation. Author(s): Solis MT, Yuen E, Cortez PS, Goebel PJ. Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2000 September; 18(5): 599-602. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10999577

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FDA warns on mercury in tuna. Author(s): Stephenson J. Source: Jama : the Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004 January 14; 291(2): 171. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14722130

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Fish are central in the diet of Amazonian riparians: should we worry about their mercury concentrations? Author(s): Dorea JG. Source: Environmental Research. 2003 July; 92(3): 232-44. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12804520

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Fish consumption and exposure to persistent organochlorine compounds, mercury, selenium and methylamines among Swedish fishermen. Author(s): Svensson BG, Nilsson A, Jonsson E, Schutz A, Akesson B, Hagmar L. Source: Scand J Work Environ Health. 1995 April; 21(2): 96-105. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7618064

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Fish consumption, fish lore, and mercury pollution--risk communication for the Madeira River people. Author(s): Boischio AA, Henshel D. Source: Environmental Research. 2000 October; 84(2): 108-26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11068924

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Fish contamination and human exposure to mercury in the Tapajos River Basin, Para State, Amazon, Brazil: a screening approach. Author(s): Bidone ED, Castilhos ZC, Cid de Souza TM, Lacerda LD. Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 1997 August; 59(2): 194-201. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9211688

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Fish eating and variations in selenium and mercury levels in plasma and erythrocytes in free-living healthy Japanese men. Author(s): Karita K, Suzuki T. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 2002 Winter; 90(1-3): 71-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12666827

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Fish mercury concentration in the Alto Pantanal, Brazil: influence of season and water parameters. Author(s): Hylander LD, Pinto FN, Guimaraes JR, Meili M, Oliveira LJ, de Castro e Silva E. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2000 October 16; 261(1-3): 9-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11036973

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Five years of follow-up after elemental mercury self-poisoning. Author(s): Deschamps F, Strady C, Deslee G, Menciere-Faroy B, Deschamps S. Source: The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology : Official Publication of the National Association of Medical Examiners. 2002 June; 23(2): 170-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12040263

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Floor of mouth injury by mercury from a broken thermometer. Author(s): Shimoyama T, Kaneko T, Horie N. Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery : Official Journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 1998 January; 56(1): 96-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9437990

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Folk use of elemental mercury: a potential hazard for children? Author(s): Ozuah PO. Source: Journal of the National Medical Association. 2001 September; 93(9): 320-2. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11560286

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Forest fire indicators and mercury deposition in an intense land use change region in the Brazilian Amazon (Alta Floresta, MT). Author(s): Cordeiro RC, Turcq B, Ribeiro MG, Lacerda LD, Capitaneo J, da Silva AO, Sifeddine A, Turcq PM. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2002 July 3; 293(1-3): 247-56. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12109477

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Fractional mercury levels in Brazilian gold refiners and miners. Author(s): Aks SE, Erickson T, Branches FJ, Naleway C, Chou HN, Levy P, Hryhorczuk D. Source: Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology. 1995; 33(1): 1-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7837306

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From mercury to malaria to penicillin: the history of the treatment of syphilis at the Mayo Clinic--1916-1955. Author(s): Sartin JS, Perry HO. Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1995 February; 32(2 Pt 1): 255-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7829712

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Genetic characterisation of resistance to metal ions in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: elimination of resistance to cadmium, mercury and tetracycline with loss of methicillin resistance. Author(s): Poston SM, Li Saw Hee FL. Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology. 1991 April; 34(4): 193-201. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2020016

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Genotoxic activity of methyl mercury chloride and dimethyl mercury in human lymphocytes. Author(s): Betti C, Davini T, Barale R. Source: Mutation Research. 1992 April; 281(4): 255-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1373219

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Genotoxic effects of mercury on in vitro cultures of human cells. Author(s): Bahia Mde O, De Amorim MI, Burbano RR, Vincent S, Dubeau H. Source: Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias. 1999; 71(3 Pt 1): 437-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10530333

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Genotoxicity of mercury compounds. A review. Author(s): De Flora S, Bennicelli C, Bagnasco M. Source: Mutation Research. 1994 February; 317(1): 57-79. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7507573

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Geographical variation in urinary mercury concentrations among populations living in highland and lowland Bolivia. Author(s): Watanabe C, Imai H, Kashiwazaki H. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 1994 May 16; 145(3): 267-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8023133

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Global warming. If the mercury soars, so may health hazards. Author(s): Stone R. Source: Science. 1995 February 17; 267(5200): 957-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7863337

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Goal for new millennium: mercury-free health facilities. Author(s): Shaner H. Source: Health Facilities Management. 1998 April; 11(4): 42, 44-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10178581

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Gold dermatitis due to ear piercing: correlations between gold and mercury hypersensitivities. Author(s): Osawa J, Kitamura K, Ikezawa Z, Hariya T, Nakajima H. Source: Contact Dermatitis. 1994 August; 31(2): 89-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7750274

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Gold mining as a source of mercury exposure in the Brazilian Amazon. Author(s): Malm O. Source: Environmental Research. 1998 May; 77(2): 73-8. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9600798

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Gold-mining activities and mercury contamination of native amerindian communities in French Guiana: key role of fish in dietary uptake. Author(s): Frery N, Maury-Brachet R, Maillot E, Deheeger M, de Merona B, Boudou A. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2001 May; 109(5): 449-56. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11401755

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Hair mercury speciation as a function of gender, age, and body mass index in inhabitants of the Negro River basin, Amazon, Brazil. Author(s): Barbosa AC, Jardim W, Dorea JG, Fosberg B, Souza J. Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2001 April; 40(3): 439-44. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11443378

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Has conventional sphygmomanometry ended with the banning of mercury? Author(s): O'Brien E. Source: Blood Pressure Monitoring. 2002 February; 7(1): 37-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12040241

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Health and neuropsychological functioning of dentists exposed to mercury. Author(s): Ritchie KA, Gilmour WH, Macdonald EB, Burke FJ, McGowan DA, Dale IM, Hammersley R, Hamilton RM, Binnie V, Collington D. Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2002 May; 59(5): 287-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11983843

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Health consequences of an intravenous injection of metallic mercury. Author(s): Winker R, Schaffer AW, Konnaris C, Barth A, Giovanoli P, Osterode W, Rudiger HW, Wolf C. Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. 2002 October; 75(8): 581-6. Epub 2002 July 06. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12373321

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Health effects of long-term mercury exposure among chloralkali plant workers. Author(s): Frumkin H, Letz R, Williams PL, Gerr F, Pierce M, Sanders A, Elon L, Manning CC, Woods JS, Hertzberg VS, Mueller P, Taylor BB. Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2001 January; 39(1): 1-18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11148011

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Heavy metal fish. New warnings about mercury tell seafood buyers to beware. Author(s): Shute N. Source: U.S. News & World Report. 2003 March 17; 134(8): 42-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12645307

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Heavy metal. Mercury is dropping off the charts--but not fast enough. Author(s): Quayle C. Source: Health Facilities Management. 2000 February; 13(2): 50, 52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11067518

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Heavy metal. Weighing the mercury-free options. Author(s): Greene J. Source: Materials Management in Health Care. 2002 December; 11(12): 14-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12506805

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Heterogeneity in sources of exposure variability among groups of workers exposed to inorganic mercury. Author(s): Symanski E, Sallsten G, Chan W, Barregard L. Source: The Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 2001 November; 45(8): 677-87. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11718663

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Highlights of FDA food safety efforts: fruit juice, mercury in fish. Author(s): Formanek R Jr. Source: Fda Consumer. 2001 March-April; 35(2): 15-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11444243

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HLA-association in patients with intolerance to mercury and other metals in dental materials. Author(s): Prochazkova J, Bartova J, Ivaskova E, Kupkova L, Sterzl I, Stejskal VD. Source: Disease Markers. 2000; 16(3-4): 135-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11381194

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Horizontal and vertical variabilities of mercury concentration and speciation in sediments of the Gdansk Basin, Southern Baltic Sea. Author(s): Beldowski J, Pempkowiak J. Source: Chemosphere. 2003 July; 52(3): 645-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12738302

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How should a fever mercury thermometer be disposed of ? A survey of those likely to be asked. Author(s): DiCarlo M, Ruck B, Marcus S. Source: Pediatrics. 2002 May; 109(5): E71-1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11986477

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HPLC with simultaneous UV and reductive electrochemical detection at the hanging mercury drop electrode: a highly sensitive and selective tool for the determination of benzodiazepines in forensic samples. Author(s): Wilhelm M, Battista HJ, Obendorf D. Source: Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 2001 May-June; 25(4): 250-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11386638

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Human exposure to mercury in San Jorge river basin, Colombia (South America). Author(s): Olivero J, Johnson B, Arguello E. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2002 April 22; 289(1-3): 41-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12049405

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Human health significance of organochlorine and mercury contaminants in Japanese whale meat. Author(s): Simmonds MP, Haraguchi K, Endo T, Cipriano F, Palumbi SR, Troisi GM. Source: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 2002 September 13; 65(17): 1211-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12167206

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Human mercury toxicity and ice angler fish consumption: are people eating enough to cause health problems? Author(s): Flaherty CM, Sass GG, Stiles KE. Source: Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis. 2003 June; 23(3): 497-504. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12836842

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Human milk mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) levels in Vienna. Author(s): Gundacker C, Pietschnig B, Wittmann KJ, Lischka A. Source: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2000; 478: 387-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11065095

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Human variability in mercury toxicokinetics and steady state biomarker ratios. Author(s): Bartell SM, Ponce RA, Sanga RN, Faustman EM. Source: Environmental Research. 2000 October; 84(2): 127-32. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11068925

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Hypertensive urgencies: treating the mercury? Author(s): Gallagher EJ. Source: Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2003 April; 41(4): 530-1. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12658253

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Iatrogenic exposure to mercury after hepatitis B vaccination in preterm infants. Author(s): Stajich GV, Lopez GP, Harry SW, Sexson WR. Source: The Journal of Pediatrics. 2000 May; 136(5): 679-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10802503

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Iatrogenic neonatal mercury poisoning from Mercurochrome treatment of a large omphalocele. Author(s): Mullins ME, Horowitz BZ. Source: Clinical Pediatrics. 1999 February; 38(2): 111-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10047945

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Images in clinical medicine. Elemental mercury embolism to the lung. Author(s): Gutierrez F, Leon L. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. 2000 June 15; 342(24): 1791. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10853002

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Immunological disorders in men exposed to metallic mercury vapour. A review. Author(s): Moszczynski P. Source: Cent Eur J Public Health. 1999 February; 7(1): 10-4. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10084014

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Impact of contrast sensitivity performance on visually presented neurobehavioral tests in mercury-exposed children. Author(s): Grandjean P, White RF, Sullivan K, Debes F, Murata K, Otto DA, Weihe P. Source: Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 2001 March-April; 23(2): 141-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11348831

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Impact of human variability on the biological monitoring of exposure to toluene, phenol, lead, and mercury: II. Compartmental based toxicokinetic modelling. Author(s): Pierrehumbert G, Droz PO, Tardif R, Charest-Tardif G, Truchon G. Source: Toxicology Letters. 2002 August 5; 134(1-3): 165-75. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12191875

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Improving the in vivo X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurement of renal mercury. Author(s): O'Meara JM, Borjesson J, Chettle DR. Source: Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine. 2000 October-November; 53(4-5): 639-46. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11003501

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In praise of mercury sphygmomanometers. Appropriate sphygmomanometer should be selected. Author(s): Murray A. Source: Bmj (Clinical Research Ed.). 2001 May 19; 322(7296): 1248-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11388187

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In praise of mercury sphygmomanometers. Electronic readings of blood pressure seem to be higher than readings obtained with mercury sphygmomanometers. Author(s): Ireland J. Source: Bmj (Clinical Research Ed.). 2001 May 19; 322(7296): 1249. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11388188

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In vitro activation of cord blood mononuclear cells and cytokine production in a remote coastal population exposed to organochlorines and methyl mercury. Author(s): Bilrha H, Roy R, Moreau B, Belles-Isles M, Dewailly E, Ayotte P. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003 December; 111(16): 1952-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14644672

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Infertility, blood mercury concentrations and dietary seafood consumption: a casecontrol study. Author(s): Choy CM, Lam CW, Cheung LT, Briton-Jones CM, Cheung LP, Haines CJ. Source: Bjog : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2002 October; 109(10): 1121-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12387464

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Influence of illegal gold mining on mercury levels in fish of north Sulawesi's Minahasa Peninsula, (Indonesia). Author(s): Kambey JL, Farrell AP, Bendell-Young LI. Source: Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987). 2001; 114(3): 299-302. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11584628

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Influence of liquid films on mercury vapor loss from dental amalgam. Author(s): Mahler DB, Adey JD, Simms LE, Marek M. Source: Dental Materials : Official Publication of the Academy of Dental Materials. 2002 July; 18(5): 407-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12175580

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Influence of prenatal mercury exposure upon scholastic and psychological test performance: benchmark analysis of a New Zealand cohort. Author(s): Crump KS, Kjellstrom T, Shipp AM, Silvers A, Stewart A. Source: Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis. 1998 December; 18(6): 701-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9972579

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Inhibition of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of human granulocytes by low doses of inorganic mercury. Author(s): al-Hashimi AH, Mohammad FH, al-Krawi EA. Source: East Mediterr Health J. 2000 March-May; 6(2-3): 425-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11556033

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Inorganic mercury and methylmercury in placentas of Swedish women. Author(s): Ask K, Akesson A, Berglund M, Vahter M. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2002 May; 110(5): 523-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12003757

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Inorganic mercury attenuates CD95-mediated apoptosis by interfering with formation of the death inducing signaling complex. Author(s): McCabe MJ Jr, Whitekus MJ, Hyun J, Eckles KG, McCollum G, Rosenspire AJ. Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2003 July 15; 190(2): 146-56. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12878044

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Interaction of metals and thiols in cell damage and glutathione distribution: potentiation of mercury toxicity by dithiothreitol. Author(s): Hultberg B, Andersson A, Isaksson A. Source: Toxicology. 2001 January 2; 156(2-3): 93-100. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11164611

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Intoxication with 100 grams of mercury: a case report and importance of supportive therapy. Author(s): Satar S, Toprak N, Gokel Y, Sebe A. Source: European Journal of Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine. 2001 September; 8(3): 245-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11587474

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Intravenous mercury injection and ingestion: clinical manifestations and management. Author(s): McFee RB, Caraccio TR. Source: Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology. 2001; 39(7): 733-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11778672

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Kinetics of mercury in blood and urine after brief occupational exposure. Author(s): Barregard L, Sallsten G, Schutz A, Attewell R, Skerfving S, Jarvholm B. Source: Archives of Environmental Health. 1992 May-June; 47(3): 176-84. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1596100

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Lack of reproducibility in pregnancy of Korotkoff phase IV as measured by mercury sphygmomanometry. Author(s): Shennan A, Gupta M, Halligan A, Taylor DJ, de Swiet M. Source: Lancet. 1996 January 20; 347(8995): 139-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8544546

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Launching mercury-reduction efforts. Author(s): Minda J. Source: Health Progress (Saint Louis, Mo.). 2003 November-December; 84(6): 37-8, 53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14628691

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Lead and mercury in breast milk. Author(s): Gundacker C, Pietschnig B, Wittmann KJ, Lischka A, Salzer H, Hohenauer L, Schuster E. Source: Pediatrics. 2002 November; 110(5): 873-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12415023

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Lead and mercury mutagenesis: type of mutation dependent upon metal concentration. Author(s): Ariza ME, Williams MV. Source: Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology. 1999; 13(2): 107-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9890195

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Lead, cadmium, and mercury dietary intake in Croatia. Author(s): Blanusa M, Juresa D. Source: Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2001 June; 52(2): 229-37. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11370308

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Lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury levels in maternal and fetal cord blood. Author(s): Soong YK, Tseng R, Liu C, Lin PW. Source: J Formos Med Assoc. 1991 January; 90(1): 59-65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1679111

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Lead, cadmium, mercury and selenium intake by Greenlanders from local marine food. Author(s): Johansen P, Pars T, Bjerregaard P. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2000 January 17; 245(1-3): 187-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10682366

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Lead, mercury, and organochlorine compound levels in cord blood in Quebec, Canada. Author(s): Rhainds M, Levallois P, Dewailly E, Ayotte P. Source: Archives of Environmental Health. 1999 January-February; 54(1): 40-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10025415

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Lessons to be learned: a case study approach. An unusual case of alveolar deposition from swallowing metallic mercury in an attempt at self-poisoning. Author(s): Southgate HJ, Ward A, Taylor A, Carr P. Source: J R Soc Health. 1998 October; 118(5): 305-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10076692

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Levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in human brain tumors. Author(s): Al-Saleh I, Shinwari N. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 2001 March; 79(3): 197-203. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11354345

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Levels of selenium and antioxidative enzymes following occupational exposure to inorganic mercury. Author(s): Barregard L, Thomassen Y, Schutz A, Marklund SL. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 1990 December 1; 99(1-2): 37-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2270469

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Limiting infant exposure to thimerosal in vaccines and other sources of mercury. Author(s): Halsey NA. Source: Jama : the Journal of the American Medical Association. 1999 November 10; 282(18): 1763-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10568650

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Linear regression models of methyl mercury exposure during prenatal and early postnatal life among riverside people along the upper Madeira river, Amazon. Author(s): Boischio AA, Henshel DS. Source: Environmental Research. 2000 June; 83(2): 150-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10856188

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Lipoic acid increases glutathione production and enhances the effect of mercury in human cell lines. Author(s): Hultberg B, Andersson A, Isaksson A. Source: Toxicology. 2002 June 14; 175(1-3): 103-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12049840

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Longitudinal hair mercury concentration in riverside mothers along the Upper Madeira river (Brazil). Author(s): Boischio AA, Cernichiari E. Source: Environmental Research. 1998 May; 77(2): 79-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9600799

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Longitudinal study of methylmercury and inorganic mercury in blood and urine of pregnant and lactating women, as well as in umbilical cord blood. Author(s): Vahter M, Akesson A, Lind B, Bjors U, Schutz A, Berglund M. Source: Environmental Research. 2000 October; 84(2): 186-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11068932

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Long-term toxicity of intravenous mercury injection. Author(s): dell'Omo M, Muzi G, Bernard A, Lauwerys RR, Abbritti G. Source: Lancet. 1996 July 6; 348(9019): 64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8691958

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Low concentrations of inorganic mercury inhibit Ras activation during T cell receptor-mediated signal transduction. Author(s): Mattingly RR, Felczak A, Chen CC, McCabe MJ Jr, Rosenspire AJ. Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2001 November 1; 176(3): 162-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11714248

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Low level mercury exposure in dentists--the tip of the iceberg. Author(s): Sarantos SR. Source: J N J Dent Assoc. 2003 Winter; 74(1): 25-7. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12723230

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Luminescence facilitated detection of bioavailable mercury in natural waters. Author(s): Barkay T, Turner RR, Rasmussen LD, Kelly CA, Rudd JW. Source: Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.). 1998; 102: 231-46. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9680624

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Maternal mercury transfer. Author(s): Dorea JG, Barbosa AC. Source: Environmental Research. 2003 October; 93(2): 113-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12963394

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Mercury and dentistry. Author(s): Kostyniak PJ. Source: Alpha Omegan. 2003 December; 96(4): 53-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14983731

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Mercury contamination in the red meat of whales and dolphins marketed for human consumption in Japan. Author(s): Endo T, Hotta Y, Haraguchi K, Sakata M. Source: Environmental Science & Technology. 2003 June 15; 37(12): 2681-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12854705

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Mercury exchange at the air-water-soil interface: an overview of methods. Author(s): Fang F, Wang Q, Liu R. Source: Scientificworldjournal. 2002 June 12; 2: 1597-602. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12806145

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Mercury generation potential from dental waste amalgam. Author(s): Drummond JL, Cailas MD, Croke K. Source: Journal of Dentistry. 2003 September; 31(7): 493-501. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12927461

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Mercury hazards from gold mining to humans, plants, and animals. Author(s): Eisler R. Source: Rev Environ Contam Toxicol. 2004; 181: 139-98. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14738199

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Mercury in fish and its effect on health: German methods of assessment. Author(s): Schweinsberg F. Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2003 June; 206(3): 241-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12872535

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Mercury in fish from three rift valley lakes (Turkana, Naivasha and Baringo), Kenya, East Africa. Author(s): Campbell LM, Osano O, Hecky RE, Dixon DG. Source: Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987). 2003; 125(2): 281-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12810322

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Mercury in hair and in fish consumed by Riparian women of the Rio Negro, Amazon, Brazil. Author(s): Dorea J, Barbosa AC, Ferrari I, de Souza JR. Source: International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2003 September; 13(3): 239-48. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12909555

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Mercury in hair--but from where? Author(s): Nielsen JB, Grandjean P. Source: Lancet. 1999 February 6; 353(9151): 502. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9989752

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Mercury in Japan's whale meat. Author(s): Tibbetts J. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003 November; 111(14): A752. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14594643

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Mercury in wild mushrooms and underlying soil substrate from Koszalin, Northcentral Poland. Author(s): Falandysz J, Jedrusiak A, Lipka K, Kannan K, Kawano M, Gucia M, Brzostowski A, Dadej M. Source: Chemosphere. 2004 January; 54(4): 461-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14581048

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Mercury poisoning: prevalence, knowledge and frequency of gold panning and doing retort among alluvial gold panners in Chiweshe and Tafuna communal lands in Zimbabwe. Author(s): Matchaba-Hove RB, Siziya S, Rusakaniko S, Kadenhe RM, Dumbu S, Chirenda J. Source: Cent Afr J Med. 2001 November-December; 47(11-12): 251-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12808777

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Mercury pollution in India. Author(s): Rajgopal T. Source: Lancet. 2003 November 29; 362(9398): 1856-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14654334

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Mercury spill control & cleanup. Author(s): Ceaser MA. Source: Occup Health Saf. 2003 July; 72(7): 94-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12929219

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Mercury toxicity due to the smelting of placer gold recovered by mercury amalgam. Author(s): Donoghue AM. Source: Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England). 1998 September; 48(6): 413-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10024739

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Micronuclei in lymphocyte subsets in relation to plasma mercury, dental amalgam and acrylate-containing tooth fillings. Author(s): Herrstrom P, Bratt I, Holmen A, Hogstedt B. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2003 June 20; 309(1-3): 253-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12798108

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More on mercury content in fish. Author(s): Ekino S, Ninomiya T, Susa M. Source: Science. 2004 February 6; 303(5659): 763-6; Author Reply 763-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14768074

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More on mercury content in fish. Author(s): Hudson RJ, Shade CW. Source: Science. 2004 February 6; 303(5659): 763-6; Author Reply 763-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14768073

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More on mercury content in fish. Author(s): Stern AH. Source: Science. 2004 February 6; 303(5659): 763-6; Author Reply 763-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14764851

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Nephrotic syndrome in two members of a family with mercury poisoning. Author(s): Meeks A, Keith PR, Tanner MS. Source: J Trace Elem Electrolytes Health Dis. 1990 December; 4(4): 237-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2136288

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Neurobehavioral effects of acute exposure to inorganic mercury vapor. Author(s): Haut MW, Morrow LA, Pool D, Callahan TS, Haut JS, Franzen MD. Source: Applied Neuropsychology. 1999; 6(4): 193-200. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10635433

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Neurological and electrophysiological examinations on three groups of workers with different levels of exposure to mercury vapors. Author(s): Urban P, Lukas E, Nerudova J, Cabelkova Z, Cikrt M. Source: European Journal of Neurology : the Official Journal of the European Federation of Neurological Societies. 1999 September; 6(5): 571-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10457390

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Neurophysiological anomalies in brainstem responses of mercury-exposed children of Andean gold miners. Author(s): Counter SA. Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine / American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2003 January; 45(1): 87-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12553183

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Neuropsychological and stress evaluation of a residential mercury exposure. Author(s): Fiedler N, Udasin I, Gochfeld M, Buckler G, Kelly-McNeil K, Kipen H. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 1999 May; 107(5): 343-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10210689

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Neuropsychological effects associated with exposure to mercury vapor among former chloralkali workers. Author(s): Mathiesen T, Ellingsen DG, Kjuus H. Source: Scand J Work Environ Health. 1999 August; 25(4): 342-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10505660

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Neuropsychological effects of low mercury exposure in dental staff in Erzurum, Turkey. Author(s): Aydin N, Karaoglanoglu S, Yigit A, Keles MS, Kirpinar I, Seven N. Source: Int Dent J. 2003 April; 53(2): 85-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12731695

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Neuropsychological effects of low mercury vapor exposure in chloralkali workers. Author(s): Ellingsen DG, Bast-Pettersen R, Efskind J, Thomassen Y. Source: Neurotoxicology. 2001 April; 22(2): 249-58. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11405256

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Newly enacted legislation addresses proper disposal of elemental mercury. Author(s): Rossi MS. Source: The New York State Dental Journal. 2003 December; 69(10): 8-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14974186

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Nummular lichenoid dermatitis from mercury dental amalgam. Author(s): Pigatto PD, Guzzi G, Persichini P. Source: Contact Dermatitis. 2002 June; 46(6): 355-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12190626

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Nutritional factors may modify the toxic action of methyl mercury in fish-eating populations. Author(s): Clarkson TW, Strain JJ. Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 2003 May; 133(5 Suppl 1): 1539S-43S. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12730461

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Occupational and environmental toxicology of mercury and its compounds. Author(s): Satoh H. Source: Ind Health. 2000 April; 38(2): 153-64. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10812838

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Occupational exposure to airborne mercury during gold mining operations near El Callao, Venezuela. Author(s): Drake PL, Rojas M, Reh CM, Mueller CA, Jenkins FM. Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. 2001 April; 74(3): 206-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11355295

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Occupational exposure to inorganic mercury vapour and reproductive outcomes. Author(s): Sheikh K. Source: Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England). 1998 April; 48(3): 207-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9659733

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Occupational exposure to manganese, copper, lead, iron, mercury and zinc and the risk of Parkinson's disease. Author(s): Gorell JM, Johnson CC, Rybicki BA, Peterson EL, Kortsha GX, Brown GG, Richardson RJ. Source: Neurotoxicology. 1999 April-June; 20(2-3): 239-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10385887

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Oral bacteria resistant to mercury and to antibiotics are present in children with no previous exposure to amalgam restorative materials. Author(s): Ready D, Qureshi F, Bedi R, Mullany P, Wilson M. Source: Fems Microbiology Letters. 2003 June 6; 223(1): 107-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12799008

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Oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) and mercury in amalgam fillings. Author(s): Wong L, Freeman S. Source: Contact Dermatitis. 2003 February; 48(2): 74-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12694209

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Oral lichenoid lesions caused by allergy to mercury in amalgam fillings. Author(s): Kalimo K. Source: Contact Dermatitis. 1996 July; 35(1): 69. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8896978

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Organic mercury compounds: human exposure and its relevance to public health. Author(s): Risher JF, Murray HE, Prince GR. Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health. 2002 April; 18(3): 109-60. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12974562

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Organic mercury levels among the Yanomama of the Brazilian Amazon Basin. Author(s): Sing KA, Hryhorczuk D, Saffirio G, Sinks T, Paschal DC, Sorensen J, Chen EH. Source: Ambio. 2003 November; 32(7): 434-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14703900

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Organochlorines, lead, and mercury in Akwesasne Mohawk youth. Author(s): Schell LM, Hubicki LA, DeCaprio AP, Gallo MV, Ravenscroft J, Tarbell A, Jacobs A, David D, Worswick P; Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003 June; 111(7): 954-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12782498

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PCBs, mercury, and organochlorine concentrations in lake trout, walleye, and whitefish from selected tribal fisheries in the Upper Great Lakes region. Author(s): Gerstenberger SL, Dellinger JA. Source: Environmental Toxicology. 2002 December; 17(6): 513-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12448018

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Percutaneous penetration of inorganic mercury from soil: an in vitro study. Author(s): Sartorelli P, Montomoli L, Sisinni AG, Barabesi L, Bussani R, Cherubini Di Simplicio F. Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2003 December; 71(6): 1091-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14756275

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Photodegradation of 17alpha-ethynylestradiol in aqueous solution exposed to a highpressure mercury lamp (250 W). Author(s): Liu XL, Wu F, Deng NS. Source: Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987). 2003; 126(3): 393-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12963302

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Pink ladies: mercury poisoning in twin girls. Author(s): Weinstein M, Bernstein S. Source: Cmaj : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L'association Medicale Canadienne. 2003 January 21; 168(2): 201. Erratum In: Cmaj. 2003 February 18; 168(4): 400. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12538551

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Placental to fetal transfer of mercury and fetotoxicity. Author(s): Yoshida M. Source: The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. 2002 February; 196(2): 79-88. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12498319

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Predominant anthropogenic sources and rates of atmospheric mercury accumulation in southern Ontario recorded by peat cores from three bogs: comparison with natural “background” values (past 8000 years). Author(s): Givelet N, Roos-Barraclough F, Shotyk W. Source: Journal of Environmental Monitoring : Jem. 2003 December; 5(6): 935-49. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14710936

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Preliminary study on total mercury in the common prepared subsistence foods of a rural Alaskan village. Author(s): Rothschild RF, Duffy LK. Source: Alaska Med. 2002 October-December; 44(4): 89-93, 103. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12650086

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Prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of mercury-resistant oral bacteria from children with and without mercury amalgam fillings. Author(s): Pike R, Lucas V, Stapleton P, Gilthorpe MS, Roberts G, Rowbury R, Richards H, Mullany P, Wilson M. Source: The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2002 May; 49(5): 777-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12003971

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Protecting the public from mercury exposure: success through microexchange events. Author(s): Shoemaker PA, Ghaemghami J. Source: American Journal of Public Health. 2003 December; 93(12): 1997-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14652320

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Public health consequences of mercury spills: Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system, 1993-1998. Author(s): Zeitz P, Orr MF, Kaye WE. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2002 February; 110(2): 129-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11836139

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Quantitative analysis of rapid pointing movements in Cree subjects exposed to mercury and in subjects with neurological deficits. Author(s): Beuter A, de Geoffroy A, Edwards R. Source: Environmental Research. 1999 January; 80(1): 50-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9931227

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Rapid communication: acute exposure to mercury from dental amalgam does not affect the levels of C-reactive protein or interleukin-6 in peripheral blood. Author(s): Sandborgh-Englund G, af Geijersstam E, Loftenius A. Source: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 2003 March 28; 66(6): 495-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12712592

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Reference intervals of cadmium, lead, and mercury in blood, urine, hair, and nails among residents in Mansoura city, Nile delta, Egypt. Author(s): Mortada WI, Sobh MA, el-Defrawy MM, Farahat SE. Source: Environmental Research. 2002 October; 90(2): 104-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12483800

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Relationship between mercury concentration in blood, cognitive performance, and blood pressure, in an elderly urban population. Author(s): Johansson N, Basun H, Winblad B, Nordberg M. Source: Biometals : an International Journal on the Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine. 2002 June; 15(2): 189-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12046928

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Relationship between semen parameters and mercury concentrations in blood and in seminal fluid from subfertile males in Hong Kong. Author(s): Choy CM, Yeung QS, Briton-Jones CM, Cheung CK, Lam CW, Haines CJ. Source: Fertility and Sterility. 2002 August; 78(2): 426-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12137888

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Release of mercury from dental amalgam and its influence on salivary antioxidant activity. Author(s): Pizzichini M, Fonzi M, Sugherini L, Fonzi L, Gasparoni A, Comporti M, Pompella A. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2002 February 4; 284(1-3): 19-25. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11846163

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Release of mercury from dental amalgam and its influence on salivary antioxidant activity. Author(s): Pizzichini M, Fonzi M, Sugherini L, Fonzi L, Comporti M, Gasparoni A, Pompella A. Source: Bull Group Int Rech Sci Stomatol Odontol. 2000 May-December; 42(2-3): 94-100. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11799733

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Report on the levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in imported rice grain samples. Author(s): Al-Saleh I, Shinwari N. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 2001 October; 83(1): 91-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11694006

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Results of multiyear international interlaboratory comparison program for mercury in human hair. Author(s): Gill US, Schwartz HM, Bigras L. Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2002 November; 43(4): 466-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12399918

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Review: mercury in waste incineration. Author(s): van Veizen D, Langenkamp H, Herb G. Source: Waste Management & Research : the Journal of the International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association, Iswa. 2002 December; 20(6): 556-68. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12549668

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Role of reactive oxygen species and glutathione in inorganic mercury-induced injury in human glioma cells. Author(s): Lee YW, Ha MS, Kim YK. Source: Neurochemical Research. 2001 November; 26(11): 1187-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11874199

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Scientific comment on the German human biological monitoring values (HBM values) for mercury. Author(s): Drasch G, Bose-O'Reilly S, Maydl S, Roider G. Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2002 October; 205(6): 509-12. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12455274

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Selenium protection against mercury-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition in cultured K-562 cells. Author(s): Frisk P, Wester K, Yaqob A, Lindh U. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 2003 May; 92(2): 105-14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12746570

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Selenoprotein P in subjects exposed to mercury and other stress situations such as physical load or metal chelation treatment. Author(s): Falnoga I, Kobal AB, Stibilj V, Horvat M. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 2002 October; 89(1): 25-33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12413048

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Sources and variations of mercury in tuna. Author(s): Kraepiel AM, Keller K, Chin HB, Malcolm EG, Morel FM. Source: Environmental Science & Technology. 2003 December 15; 37(24): 5551-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14717163

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Square-wave adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric determination of antiinflammatory indomethacin drug in tablets and human serum at a mercury electrode. Author(s): El-Hefnawy GB, El-Hallag IS, Ghoneim EM, Ghoneim MM. Source: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2003 May; 376(2): 220-5. Epub 2003 April 08. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12682707

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Sub-clinical neurobehavioral abnormalities associated with low level of mercury exposure through fish consumption. Author(s): Carta P, Flore C, Alinovi R, Ibba A, Tocco MG, Aru G, Carta R, Girei E, Mutti A, Lucchini R, Randaccio FS. Source: Neurotoxicology. 2003 August; 24(4-5): 617-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12900074

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Subcutaneous injection of metallic mercury. Author(s): Soo YO, Wong CH, Griffith JF, Chan TY. Source: Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2003 June; 22(6): 345-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12856958

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Subcutaneous metallic mercury injection of the hand. Author(s): Ellabban MG, Ali R, Hart NB. Source: British Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2003 January; 56(1): 47-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12706151

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Survey of total mercury and methylmercury levels in edible fish from the Adriatic Sea. Author(s): Storelli MM, Giacominelli-Stuffler R, Storelli A, D'Addabbo R, Palermo C, Marcotrigiano GO. Source: Food Additives and Contaminants. 2003 December; 20(12): 1114-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14726274

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Survey of total mercury in total diet food composites and an estimation of the dietary intake of mercury by adults and children from two Canadian cities, 1998-2000. Author(s): Dabeka RW, McKenzie AD, Bradley P. Source: Food Additives and Contaminants. 2003 July; 20(7): 629-38. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12888388

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Th2-type immunopathological manifestations induced by mercury chloride or gold salts in the rat: signal transduction pathways, cellular mechanisms and genetic control. Author(s): Fournie GJ, Saoudi A, Druet P, Pelletier L. Source: Autoimmunity Reviews. 2002 August; 1(4): 205-12. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12848997

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The chemical form of mercury in fish. Author(s): Harris HH, Pickering IJ, George GN. Source: Science. 2003 August 29; 301(5637): 1203. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12947190

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The inhibition of mercury absorption by dietary ethanol in humans: cross-sectional and case-control studies. Author(s): Martin MD, Naleway C. Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2004 February; 61(2): E8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14739392

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The role of mercury in pustulosis palmaris et plantaris. Author(s): Dantzig P. Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine / American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2003 May; 45(5): 468-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12762071

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The toxicology of mercury. Author(s): Wendroff AP. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. 2004 February 26; 350(9): 945-7; Author Reply 945-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14988939

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The toxicology of mercury. Author(s): Ross DA. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. 2004 February 26; 350(9): 945-7; Author Reply 945-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14988938

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The toxicology of mercury. Author(s): Koral SM. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. 2004 February 26; 350(9): 945-7; Author Reply 945-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14988937

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The toxicology of mercury. Author(s): Block LS. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. 2004 February 26; 350(9): 945-7; Author Reply 945-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14985496

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The toxicology of mercury. Author(s): Patterson B, Ryan J, Dickey JH. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. 2004 February 26; 350(9): 945-7; Author Reply 945-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14988940

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The toxicology of mercury--current exposures and clinical manifestations. Author(s): Clarkson TW, Magos L, Myers GJ. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. 2003 October 30; 349(18): 1731-7. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14585942

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Uncertainty analysis methods for comparing predictive models and biomarkers: A case study of dietary methyl mercury exposure. Author(s): Ponce RA, Bartell SM, Kavanagh TJ, Woods JS, Griffith WC, Lee RC, Takaro TK, Faustman EM. Source: Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology : Rtp. 1998 October; 28(2): 96-105. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9927559

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UNEP takes first steps to control worldwide mercury releases. United Nations Environmental Programme. Author(s): Burke M. Source: Environmental Science & Technology. 2002 December 1; 36(23): 441A-442A. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12523393

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Untreated abandoned mercury mining works in a scenic area of Asturias (Spain). Author(s): Loredo J, Pereira A, Ordonez A. Source: Environment International. 2003 July; 29(4): 481-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12705946

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Updated toxicological profile for mercury. Author(s): Risher JF, De Rosa CT, Jones DE, Murray HE. Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health. 1999 August; 15(5): 480-2. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10487359

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Urinary markers of workers chronically exposed to mercury vapor. Author(s): Abdennour C, Khelili K, Boulakoud MS, Nezzal A, Boubsil S, Slimani S. Source: Environmental Research. 2002 July; 89(3): 245-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12176008

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Urinary mercury excretion following amalgam filling in children. Author(s): Khordi-Mood M, Sarraf-Shirazi AR, Balali-Mood M. Source: Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology. 2001; 39(7): 701-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11778667

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Urinary mercury levels in patients with autoantibodies to U3-RNP (fibrillarin). Author(s): Arnett FC, Fritzler MJ, Ahn C, Holian A. Source: The Journal of Rheumatology. 2000 February; 27(2): 405-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10685806

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Urine mercury in micromercurialism: bimodal distribution and diagnostic implications. Author(s): Ely JT, Fudenberg HH, Muirhead RJ, LaMarche MG, Krone CA, Buscher D, Stern EA. Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 1999 November; 63(5): 553-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10541672

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Use of inductively coupled plasma-emission spectroscopy and mercury vapor analyses to evaluate elemental release from a high-copper dental amalgam: a pilot study. Author(s): Cohen BI, Penugonda B. Source: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 2001 April; 85(4): 409-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11319540

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Usefulness of biomarkers of exposure to inorganic mercury, lead, or cadmium in controlling occupational and environmental risks of nephrotoxicity. Author(s): Roels HA, Hoet P, Lison D. Source: Renal Failure. 1999 May-July; 21(3-4): 251-62. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10416202

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Vacuuming a mercury-contaminated dental office may be hazardous to your health. Author(s): Votaw AL, Zey J. Source: Dental Assistant (Chicago, Ill. : 1994). 1991 January-February; 60(1): 27-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1860523

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Validation and calibration of mercury intake through self-referred fish consumption in riverine populations in Pantanal Mato-grossense, Brazil. Author(s): Yokoo EM, Valente JG, Sichieri R, Silva EC. Source: Environmental Research. 2001 May; 86(1): 88-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11386746

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Validity of spot urine samples as a surrogate measure of 24-hour porphyrin excretion rates. Evaluation of diurnal variations in porphyrin, mercury, and creatinine concentrations among subjects with very low occupational mercury exposure. Author(s): Woods JS, Martin MD, Leroux BG. Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine / American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 1998 December; 40(12): 1090-101. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9871886

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Variability in airborne and biological measures of exposure to mercury in the chloralkali industry: implications for epidemiologic studies. Author(s): Symanski E, Sallsten G, Barregard L. Source: Environmental Health Perspectives. 2000 June; 108(6): 569-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10856033

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Varying mercury exposure with varying food source in a James Bay Cree community. Author(s): Girard M, Noel F, Dumont C. Source: Arctic Med Res. 1996 April; 55(2): 69-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8754601

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Visual functions in 6-year-old children in relation to lead and mercury levels. Author(s): Altmann L, Sveinsson K, Kramer U, Weishoff-Houben M, Turfeld M, Winneke G, Wiegand H. Source: Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 1998 January-February; 20(1): 9-17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9511165

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Voltammetric behaviour of immunoglobulin G at stationary mercury electrodes. Author(s): Emons H, Werner G, Heineman WR. Source: The Analyst. 1990 April; 115(4): 405-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2363518

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What every nurse should know about mercury. Author(s): Tillman K. Source: Home Healthcare Nurse. 2002 May; 20(5): 319-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12045699

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What will replace the mercury sphygmomanometer? Author(s): Pickering TG. Source: Blood Pressure Monitoring. 2003 February; 8(1): 23-5. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12604932

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When the mercury soars. Author(s): Elliott F. Source: Occup Health Saf. 2001 July; 70(7): 94-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11484563

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Whole blood mercury concentrations in sub-fertile men in Hong Kong. Author(s): Leung TY, Choy CM, Yim SF, Lam CW, Haines CJ. Source: The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2001 February; 41(1): 75-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11284652

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Why the concern over mercury in wastewater? Author(s): Kratzer SJ. Source: J Mich Dent Assoc. 2003 February; 85(2): 42-4. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12640764

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Wide use of skin-lightening soap may cause mercury poisoning in Kenya. Author(s): Harada M, Nakachi S, Tasaka K, Sakashita S, Muta K, Yanagida K, Doi R, Kizaki T, Ohno H. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2001 March 26; 269(1-3): 183-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11305339

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Will the millimetre of mercury be replaced by the kilopascal? Author(s): Colquitt PJ. Source: Journal of Hypertension. 1999 February; 17(2): 305-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10067802

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Will the millimetre of mercury be replaced by the kilopascal? Author(s): Omvik P. Source: Journal of Hypertension. 1998 July; 16(7): 1055-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9794749

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Will the millimetre of mercury be replaced by the kilopascal? Author(s): O'Brien E. Source: Journal of Hypertension. 1998 March; 16(3): 259-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9557917

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Wrist blood pressure-measuring devices: a comparative study of accuracy with a standard auscultatory method using a mercury manometer. Author(s): Altunkan S, Yildiz S, Azer S. Source: Blood Pressure Monitoring. 2002 October; 7(5): 281-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12409888

Academic Periodicals covering Mercury Numerous periodicals are currently indexed within the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database that are known to publish articles relating to mercury. To find the latest studies published, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed, type the name of the periodical into the search box, and click “Go.” If you want complete details about the historical contents of a journal, visit the following Web site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi. Here, type in the name of the journal or its abbreviation, and you will receive an index of published articles. At http://locatorplus.gov/, you can retrieve more indexing information on medical periodicals (e.g. the name of the publisher). Select the button “Search LOCATORplus.” Then type in the name of the journal and select the advanced search option “Journal Title Search.”

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CHAPTER 2. PATENTS ON MERCURY Overview Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.7 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention will become commercially available within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is or will be commercially available. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee for further information. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical patents that use the generic term “mercury” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on mercury, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography.

Patents on Mercury By performing a patent search focusing on mercury, you can obtain information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, figures, diagrams, etc.). We

7Adapted

from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.

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will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on mercury: •

Calibration scheme for continuous monitoring of mercury emissions from stationary sources by plasma emission spectrometry Inventor(s): Seltzer; Michael D. (Ridgecrest, CA) Assignee(s): The United States of America AS Represented by the Secretary of the Navy (washington, Dc) Patent Number: 6,690,462 Date filed: December 5, 2001 Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a calibration method, system and apparatus for a multimetals continuous emissions monitor system (hereinafter "multimetals CEMS"). More specifically, this invention relates to a calibration scheme for continuous monitoring of mercury emissions from stationary sources by plasma emission spectrometry. A source of mercury vapor, preferably a mercury permeation tube, entrains mercury vapor into a constant flow of carrier air. The carrier air mixes with a constant flow of diluent air in an aerosol mixer. The mixer is operably coupled to the analyzer. A gaseous mixture having a calibration mercury concentration flows from the mixer into the analyzer at a constant rate. A graph having coordinates of analyzer signal intensity and mercury concentration is used to plot the calibration scheme. A first signal intensity generated by the analyzer in response to the calibration mercury concentration is used for the first plot on the graph. A second signal intensity generated by the analyzer in response to a blank having zero mercury concentration is used as the second plot on the graph. A linear relationship between the analyzer signal intensity and the mercury concentration on the graph is established from the first plot and the second plot. The slope intercept and slope are used to create a mathematical relationship between the analyzer signal intensity and the mercury concentration. This enables the analyzer to be calibrated by inserting a known mercury concentration into the analyzer and adjusting the signal intensity to conform to the signal intensity calculated from the graph or mathematical relationship. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a calibration scheme for a multimetals continuous emissions monitor system (hereinafter "multimetals CEMS"). More specifically, this invention relates to a calibration scheme for continuous monitoring of mercury emissions from stationary sources by plasma emission spectrometry. Almost exclusively, analyzers or continuous emission monitors for gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, etc., are calibrated using commercially-available gas mixtures that contain precise, certified amounts of the pollutant species in question These mixtures are readily prepared by commercial vendors and then certified by suitable analytical methods. The certification is most often "traceable" to reference standards provided by the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (formerly the National Bureau of Standards). The continuous monitoring of hazardous air pollutant metals is an emerging technology that presents a number of unique technological challenges. Unlike the gaseous air pollutant described above, there are no sources for "standard" gas mixtures containing "known" amounts of metal pollutants. Metal elements exist primarily in the solid phase except at extremely high temperatures and therefore do not lend themselves to mixture and containment in the gaseous state. The one exception is mercury, which can exist as both a liquid and gas at room temperature. There have been some efforts in the commercial arena to prepare gaseous mixtures of mercury vapor (contained in cylinders) potentially useful in

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applications similar to that described in the present invention disclosure. However, those devices are most directly applicable for calibrating batch-sampling mercury analyzers exclusively dedicated to the detection of mercury. Batch-sampling mercury analyzers do not continuously measure mercury in sample gas. Rather, batch-sampling mercury analyzers accumulate a mercury sample over a period of time before measuring the sample. These calibrating batch-sampling mercury analyzers use analytical methodologies that are distinctly different from those employed by the multimetals CEMS. Thus far, the developers of this product have been able to certify the contents of the gas cylinder in terms of mercury concentration, but at present, are unable to provide certification of the mercury concentration of the delivered gas stream. For the specific multimetals CEMS described above, a calibration method has been developed in which dry aerosols of known metal composition and concentration can be generated and used in lieu of unavailable gaseous calibration mixtures. This calibration method is briefly summarized here, but for a more detailed discussion please see Seltzer, M. D. and Meyer, G. A. Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Continuous Emissions Monitor for Hazardous Air Pollutant Metals Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 31, (1997), pp. 2665-2672, which is incorporated herein by reference. Aqueous solutions containing known amounts of dissolved metal salts, primarily metal nitrates, are delivered at a fixed rate of 1.5 mL/min into a COTS device known as an ultrasonic nebulizer. The ultrasonic nebulizer creates a fine, liquid aerosol from these solutions that is entrained by a carrier gas flow of 1.1 L/min through a desolvation system. The desolvation system consists of a heater that raises the temperature of the liquid aerosol carrier air mixture to 140.degree. C. that effectively evaporates the liquid water and produces water vapor. Following evaporation of the water from the liquid aerosol droplets, the dissolved metal salt component of each aerosol droplet coalesces into a solid metal salt particle. The metal salt particulate/water vapor/carrier air stream then passes through a thermoelectric cooler that reduces the temperature of the mixture to 4.degree. C. and effectively condenses and removes the water vapor component. Exiting the ultrasonic nebulizer device is a carrier air stream containing suspended metal salt particles. Through systematic characterization of the ultrasonic nebulizer's efficiency, the output of the nebulizer, in terms of micrograms of metal per minute, is precisely known. Therefore, the process described above is extremely useful for calibration of the multi metal CEMS. The validity of the calibration scheme has been established through rigorous performance testing in which the accuracy of the multimetals CEMS was verified in comparison to an EPA-approved test method, as described in Seltzer, M. D. Performance Testing of a Multimetals Continuous Emissions Monitor, Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, Vol. 50 (2000), pp. 1010-1016, which is incorporated herein by reference. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06690462__ •

Simulative electronic blood pressure meter Inventor(s): Hung; George (1F, No. 151, Sec. 3 Pei-Shen Rd., Shen-Keng Hsiang, Taipei County, TW) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,699,196 Date filed: May 31, 2001 Abstract: Simulative electronic blood pressure meter in which by means of internal program, a central processor/controller converts and outputs the sensed blood pressure

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signal to a liquid crystal display to show a column-type indication simulating the mercury column of a traditional blood pressure meter. A digital counting circuit is combined, whereby when simulating the mercury column, an auxiliary display of digital change is provided for the user to easily know the value. The central processor/controller cooperates with a sound emitting unit which synchronously emits a sound simulating the sensed pulse from the start to the end. The volume of the emitted sound is varied with the strength of the pulse. The electronic blood pressure meter is used in a state like the mercury column-type blood pressure meter for a user to more accurately and lively judge the measured value. Excerpt(s): The present invention is related to a simulative electronic blood pressure meter which displays a column-type indication on a liquid crystal display to simulate the going up and down of the mercury column of a traditional blood pressure meter. A sound emitting unit is combined to synchronously emit a sound simulating the sensed pulse for a user to more accurately and lively judge the measured value. Various kinds of electronic blood pressure meters have been developed. However, the conventional mercury column-type blood pressure meters are still widely used by doctors and nurses. This is because that the data measured by the electronic blood pressure meters often have errors due to various kinds of factors. Moreover, the electronic blood pressure meters can only show the measured value at the end of the measurement and fail to lively and accurately continuously indicate the value of the measured blood pressure during the entire measurement. Therefore, a user can hardly truly judge the measured value. It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a simulative electronic blood pressure meter which is able to display a column-type indication simulating the mercury column of a traditional blood pressure meter. A digital counting circuit is combined, whereby when simulating the mercury column, the digital change is also shown. The central processor/controller cooperates with a sound emitting unit which synchronously emits a sound simulating the sensed pulse. The volume of the emitted sound is varied with the strength of the pulse. The electronic blood pressure meter is used in a state like the mercury column-type blood pressure meter for a user to more accurately and lively judge the value of the blood pressure. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06699196__

Patent Applications on Mercury As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.8 Applications are patent requests which have yet to be granted. (The process to achieve a patent can take several years.) The following patent applications have been filed since December 2000 relating to mercury: •

Pocket sphygmomanometer Inventor(s): Oh, Man S.; (Old Westbury, NY) Correspondence: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen; 1180 Avenue OF The Americas; New York; NY; 100368403 Patent Application Number: 20040044289 Date filed: September 4, 2002

8

This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.

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Abstract: A sphygmomanometer with an air reservoir connected above a tube for a mercury column and a selectively openable and closeable valve to the air reservoir. With the valve open, first blood pressure measurements can be made by pressure rising in the mercury reservoir. With the valve closed, the air above the mercury column resists rise in the mercury column but also permits higher pressure measurements using the same mercury column. One scale at the mercury tube measures the pressure with the valve open and another scale at the tube measures the pressure with the valve closed. The measurements with the valve closed are calibrated by appropriately altering the volume of the air reservoir depending upon altitude at barometric pressure. The sphygmomanometer can be used to perform a mercury drop test for determining the altitude at which the sphygmomanometer is located. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a mercury sphygmomanometer that is compact, easy to manufacture, and safe from mercury spillage. A mercury sphygmomanometer is one of several blood pressure-measuring devices currently available. Other measuring devices include aneroid pressure measuring manometers and electronic manometers. Aneroid and electronic manometers tend to be smaller in size, lighter in weight, and more compact than mercury sphygmomanometers, but their accuracy is always in doubt. For most assured accuracy the standard among different blood pressure measuring devices is the mercury sphygmomanometer. The mercury sphygmomanometer measures arterial blood pressure and indicates its measurement by the height of a mercury column. The conventional mercury sphygmomanometer uses a transparent rigid plastic or glass tube through which a mercury column rises and falls during blood pressure measurement. In a typical mercury sphygmomanometer, the mercury tube is tall enough to allow the mercury column to reach a maximum height of 300 mm. Thus, the height of the mercury tube establishes the minimum height or length of the mercury sphygmomanometer when the device is stored or carried. In order to obviate the size limitation of the conventional mercury sphygmomanometer and to allow a compact size for easy portability and storage, three approaches have been taken. One approach is to use a flexible tube for the mercury column, which could be folded during storage for compactness, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,603,210. Another approach is to provide an articulation or a hinge located part way along the tube and to fold and unfold the mercury tube at the articulation or hinge for storage and usage of the device, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,093,199 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,077,365. In another approach using a hinge mechanism, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,474,853, the mercury column used for blood pressure reading is a single tube. But this device requires a third tube to act as a mercury reservoir which is placed between a tube for the mercury column used for blood pressure readings and another tube connected to the air inflation cuff. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Keeping Current In order to stay informed about patents and patent applications dealing with mercury, you can access the U.S. Patent Office archive via the Internet at the following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. You will see two broad options: (1) Issued Patent, and (2) Published Applications. To see a list of issued patents, perform the following steps: Under “Issued Patents,” click “Quick Search.” Then, type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the “Term 1” box. After clicking on the search button, scroll down to see the various patents which have been granted to date on mercury.

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You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning mercury. Simply go back to http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Select “Quick Search” under “Published Applications.” Then proceed with the steps listed above.

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CHAPTER 3. BOOKS ON MERCURY Overview This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to mercury. In addition to online booksellers such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com, excellent sources for book titles on mercury include the Combined Health Information Database and the National Library of Medicine. Your local medical library also may have these titles available for loan.

Book Summaries: Federal Agencies The Combined Health Information Database collects various book abstracts from a variety of healthcare institutions and federal agencies. To access these summaries, go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. You will need to use the “Detailed Search” option. To find book summaries, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer. For the format option, select “Monograph/Book.” Now type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database which is updated every three months. The following is a typical result when searching for books on mercury: •

Self - Treatment for AIDS; Oxygen Therapies, etc Contact: Aurora Books, PO Box 5852, Denver, CO, 80217. Summary: In this monograph, Persons with AIDS (PWA's), or those who are infected with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are presented with the full spectrum of alternative therapies and self-care strategies for treating Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The monograph is based on the premise that HIV may lead to infection if a person's immune system is weakened and unable to resist poisonous pathological microorganisms. Testimonials from PWA's, research reports, studies, and articles describe oxygen therapies, tests for Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes, food or chemical hypersensitivity, fungal hypersensitivity, immuno-nutritional profiles, safe water and nutrition strategies, chemicals, allergies, detoxification centers, colon health, parasites, acidophilus, electromagnetic health hazards and healing, silver (mercury) fillings, and stress management. Although the therapies, remedies, and treatments are deemed valid, the monograph recommends that they be incoporated

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with other avenues of healing. These include colon cleansing; bathing to release toxins; stress reduction; elimination of smoking, drinking, drug use, or poor nutrition; avoidance of low-energy people; maintenance of peace, forgiveness, positive thought, music, laughter, and joy; massage, osteopathic, acupuncture, chiropractic, and dental treatments; exercise; and avoidance of TV, computers, and other machines which emit low-level radiation. These measures may bring the body back into alignment and homeostatis. The patient is encouraged to engage a holistic-health practitioner to help raise the body's resistance level. Because oxygen starvation is the single greatest cause of disease, full oxygenation plays a critical role in the immune system. •

Dentistry, dental practice, and the community. (5th ed.) Source: Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Company. 1999. 384 pp. Contact: Available from W. B. Saunders Company, 625 Walnut Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Telephone: (215) 238-7800 or (800) 545- 2522. $39.95 plus shipping and handling. Summary: This book provides a comprehensive analysis of dentistry's social and professional role. It is divided into five sections. The first section is about dentistry and the community and includes chapters on the dental professions, the public served by dentists, professional ethics, dental public health, and the promotion of oral health. Section II is about dental practice and includes chapters on infection control and mercury safety, the structure of dental practice, financing dental care, dental personnel, dental care in Canada, and dental literature. Section III deals with methods of oral epidemiology and begins with chapter on research designs. It also includes separate chapters on measuring the following: oral disease, dental caries, periodontal diseases, dental fluorosis, and other oral conditions. Section IV covers the distribution of oral diseases and conditions with chapters about tooth loss, dental caries, periodontal diseases, dental fluorosis, and oral cancer and other oral conditions. Section V is about prevention of oral diseases in public health. It includes chapters on fluoride, fluoridation of drinking water, other uses of fluoride, fissure sealants, diet and plaque control, prevention of periodontal diseases, and tobacco and oral cancer.

Book Summaries: Online Booksellers Commercial Internet-based booksellers, such as Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com, offer summaries which have been supplied by each title’s publisher. Some summaries also include customer reviews. Your local bookseller may have access to in-house and commercial databases that index all published books (e.g. Books in Print). IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the link below, you may discover non-medical books that use the generic term “mercury” (or a synonym) in their titles. •

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/externalsearch?tag=icongroupinterna&keyword=mercury&mode=books

Chapters on Mercury In order to find chapters that specifically relate to mercury, an excellent source of abstracts is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to book chapters and mercury using the “Detailed Search” option. Go to the following hyperlink:

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http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find book chapters, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Book Chapter.” Type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. The following is a typical result when searching for book chapters on mercury: •

Neurological Disorders Source: in Scully, C. and Cawson, R.A. Medical Problems in Dentistry. 4th ed. Woburn, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann. 1998. p. 336-373. Contact: Available from Butterworth-Heinemann. 225 Wildwood Avenue, Woburn, MA 01801-2041. (800) 366-2665 or (781) 904-2500. Fax (800) 446-6520 or (781) 933-6333. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.bh.com. PRICE: $110.00. ISBN: 0723610568. Summary: Dental staff should be able to recognize abnormalities involving the cranial nerves, especially the trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, vagal and hypoglossal nerves. This chapter on neurologic disorders is from a text that covers the general medical and surgical conditions relevant to the oral health care sciences. Topics include congenital neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy (CP), neural tube defects (spina bifida), syringomyelia, Huntington's chorea, and Friedreich's ataxia; acquired neurological disorders, including the examination and lesions of the cranial nerves, facial sensory loss (facial pain is covered in a separate chapter), facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, trigeminal motor neuropathy, abnormal facial movements (dystonias, dyskinesias, facial tics, Tourette syndrome), multiple cranial nerve palsies, blindness and visual impairment, deafness and hearing impairment, Meniere's disease, autonomic dysfunction, epilepsy, syncope (fainting), raised intracranial pressure, hypoxic encephalopathy, infections of the nervous system (including HIV and syphilis), cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome (infective or idiopathic polyneuritis), motor neurone disease, mercury intoxication, tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), myasthenia gravis, patients with respiratory paralysis, and peripheral neuropathies. For each condition, the authors discuss general aspects, diagnosis and management issues, dental aspects, and patient care strategies. The chapter includes a summary of the points covered. 1 appendix. 4 figures. 15 tables. 52 references.

•

Dental Fillings Source: in Sutton, A.L. Dental Care and Oral Health Sourcebook. 2nd ed. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics. 2003. p. 185-208. Contact: Available from Omnigraphics. 615 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226. (313) 961-1340. Fax: (313) 961-1383. E-mail: [email protected]. www.omnigraphics.com. PRICE: $78.00; plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 780806344. Summary: This chapter on dental fillings is from a book that provides information about dental care and oral health at all stages of life. The chapter includes five sections: how dental restoration materials compare; tooth-colored fillings; all about amalgam fillings; a consumer update on dental amalgams; and myths versus facts about dental amalgam. The author notes that some people have expressed concern about amalgam because of its alleged mercury content. Although mercury itself is classified as a toxic material, the mercury in amalgam is chemically bound to other metals to make it stable and therefore safe for use in dental applications. One lengthy table offers a comparison of indirect restorative materials, including amalgams, composites, glass ionomers, resin ionomers,

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all porcelain (ceramic), porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys (high noble), and base metal alloys (non noble). 27 references. •

Ototoxicity Source: in Mencher, G.T.; Gerber, S.E.; McCombe, A. Audiology and Auditory Dysfunction. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon. 1997. p. 166-177. Contact: Available from Allyn and Bacon. 160 Gould Street, Needham Heights, MA 02194-2310. (800) 278-3525; Fax (617) 455-7024; E-mail: [email protected]; http://www.abacon.com. PRICE: $46.95 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0205161014. Summary: This chapter on ototoxicity is from an audiology textbook on auditory dysfunction. Ototoxicity is defined as the partial or total reduction of cochleovestibular function as a result of chemical interaction with drugs (commonly therapeutic agents) or other toxic substances or procedures. There are seven groups of substances and chemicals that are known to affect hearing and or the vestibular system: antibiotics, loop diuretics, analgesics and antipyretics, antimalarial agents, antineoplastic or chemotherapeutic agents, miscellaneous drugs (antiheparinizing agents, anticonvulsive drugs, beta-blocking agents), and chemicals and general toxins (mercury, lead, alcohol, etc.). This chapter discusses pathology, each of these drugs and chemicals and how they affect hearing, and the indications for use of known ototoxic drugs for therapy (usually in a life-saving situation). The author stresses that when it is necessary for a physician to prescribe a life-saving drug whose use could lead to a severe hearing impairment, it is important that the patient have some form of monitoring. Hearing impairments arising from ototoxicity are variable in severity but are frequently characterized by tinnitus and recruitment. 3 figures. 1 table.

•

Restorative Dentistry for the Primary Dentition Source: in Pinkham, J.R., et al., eds. Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy Through Adolescence. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. 1999. p. 309-340. Contact: Available from W.B. Saunders Company. Book Orders Fulfillment Department, Harcourt Health Sciences, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63146-9988. (800) 545-2522. Website: www.wbsaunders.com. PRICE: $69.00 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 0721682383. Summary: This chapter on restorative dentistry for the primary dentition is from a textbook on pediatric dentistry. The author outlines some of the current thought in this area, noting that the clinician can stay with the proven, successful restorative materials of the past, such as amalgam and stainless steel, or move to newer but not yet fully proven restorative materials that offer advantages such as bonding to tooth structure, fluoride release, improved esthetics, reduction of mercury exposure, and conservation of tooth structure. The author provides information on both the new and the old restorative techniques. Topics include instrumentation; anatomic considerations of the primary teeth; use of the rubber dam in pediatric restorative dentistry; restoration of primary molars, including Class I and Class II amalgam restorations, problems with amalgam restorations, resin materials in primary molars, and use of stainless steel crowns; restoration of primary incisors and canines, including Class III resin restorations, Class V restorations for incisors and canines, and full coronal coverage of incisors; and prosthetic replacement of primary anterior teeth. 25 figures. 2 tables. 41 references.

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CHAPTER 4. RESEARCHING MEDICATIONS Overview While a number of hard copy or CD-ROM resources are available for researching medications, a more flexible method is to use Internet-based databases. Broadly speaking, there are two sources of information on approved medications: public sources and private sources. We will emphasize free-to-use public sources.

U.S. Pharmacopeia Because of historical investments by various organizations and the emergence of the Internet, it has become rather simple to learn about the medications recommended for mercury. One such source is the United States Pharmacopeia. In 1820, eleven physicians met in Washington, D.C. to establish the first compendium of standard drugs for the United States. They called this compendium the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Today, the USP is a nonprofit organization consisting of 800 volunteer scientists, eleven elected officials, and 400 representatives of state associations and colleges of medicine and pharmacy. The USP is located in Rockville, Maryland, and its home page is located at http://www.usp.org/. The USP currently provides standards for over 3,700 medications. The resulting USP DI Advice for the Patient can be accessed through the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. The database is partially derived from lists of federally approved medications in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Drug Approvals database, located at http://www.fda.gov/cder/da/da.htm. While the FDA database is rather large and difficult to navigate, the Phamacopeia is both user-friendly and free to use. It covers more than 9,000 prescription and over-the-counter medications. To access this database, simply type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html. To view examples of a given medication (brand names, category, description, preparation, proper use, precautions, side effects, etc.), simply follow the hyperlinks indicated within the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

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Commercial Databases In addition to the medications listed in the USP above, a number of commercial sites are available by subscription to physicians and their institutions. Or, you may be able to access these sources from your local medical library.

Mosby’s Drug Consult Mosby’s Drug Consult database (also available on CD-ROM and book format) covers 45,000 drug products including generics and international brands. It provides prescribing information, drug interactions, and patient information. Subscription information is available at the following hyperlink: http://www.mosbysdrugconsult.com/.

PDRhealth The PDRhealth database is a free-to-use, drug information search engine that has been written for the public in layman’s terms. It contains FDA-approved drug information adapted from the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) database. PDRhealth can be searched by brand name, generic name, or indication. It features multiple drug interactions reports. Search PDRhealth at http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/index.html. Other Web Sites Drugs.com (www.drugs.com) reproduces the information in the Pharmacopeia as well as commercial information. You may also want to consider the Web site of the Medical Letter, Inc. (http://www.medletter.com/) which allows users to download articles on various drugs and therapeutics for a nominal fee.

Researching Orphan Drugs Although the list of orphan drugs is revised on a daily basis, you can quickly research orphan drugs that might be applicable to mercury by using the database managed by the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD), at http://www.rarediseases.org/. Scroll down the page, and on the left toolbar, click on “Orphan Drug Designation Database.” On this page (http://www.rarediseases.org/search/noddsearch.html), type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.” When you receive your results, note that not all of the drugs may be relevant, as some may have been withdrawn from orphan status. Write down or print out the name of each drug and the relevant contact information. From there, visit the Pharmacopeia Web site and type the name of each orphan drug into the search box at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html. You may need to contact the sponsor or NORD for further information. NORD conducts “early access programs for investigational new drugs (IND) under the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) approval ‘Treatment INDs’ programs which allow for a limited number of individuals to receive investigational drugs before FDA marketing approval.” If the orphan product about which you are seeking information is approved for

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marketing, information on side effects can be found on the product’s label. If the product is not approved, you may need to contact the sponsor. The following is a list of orphan drugs currently listed in the NORD Orphan Drug Designation Database for mercury: •

Succimer (trade name: Chemet) http://www.rarediseases.org/nord/search/nodd_full?code=174

If you have any questions about a medical treatment, the FDA may have an office near you. Look for their number in the blue pages of the phone book. You can also contact the FDA through its toll-free number, 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332), or on the World Wide Web at www.fda.gov.

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APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES Overview In this chapter, we focus on databases and Internet-based guidelines and information resources created or written for a professional audience.

NIH Guidelines Commonly referred to as “clinical” or “professional” guidelines, the National Institutes of Health publish physician guidelines for the most common diseases. Publications are available at the following by relevant Institute9: •

Office of the Director (OD); guidelines consolidated across agencies available at http://www.nih.gov/health/consumer/conkey.htm

•

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); fact sheets available at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/facts/

•

National Library of Medicine (NLM); extensive encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.) with guidelines: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html

•

National Cancer Institute (NCI); guidelines available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/list.aspx?viewid=5f35036e-5497-4d86-8c2c714a9f7c8d25

•

National Eye Institute (NEI); guidelines available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/order/index.htm

•

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); guidelines available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/index.htm

•

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI); research available at http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10000375

•

National Institute on Aging (NIA); guidelines available at http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/

9

These publications are typically written by one or more of the various NIH Institutes.

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•

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA); guidelines available at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/publications.htm

•

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); guidelines available at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/

•

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); fact sheets and guidelines available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/index.htm

•

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); guidelines available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm

•

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); fact sheets and guidelines at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/

•

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); guidelines available at http://www.nidr.nih.gov/health/

•

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); guidelines available at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/health.htm

•

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); guidelines available at http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugAbuse.html

•

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); environmental health information available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/facts.htm

•

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); guidelines available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/practitioners/index.cfm

•

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); neurological disorder information pages available at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm

•

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR); publications on selected illnesses at http://www.nih.gov/ninr/news-info/publications.html

•

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; general information at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/becon/becon_info.htm

•

Center for Information Technology (CIT); referrals to other agencies based on keyword searches available at http://kb.nih.gov/www_query_main.asp

•

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); health information available at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/

•

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR); various information directories available at http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/publications.asp

•

Office of Rare Diseases; various fact sheets available at http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/html/resources/rep_pubs.html

•

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; various fact sheets on infectious diseases available at http://www.cdc.gov/publications.htm

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NIH Databases In addition to the various Institutes of Health that publish professional guidelines, the NIH has designed a number of databases for professionals.10 Physician-oriented resources provide a wide variety of information related to the biomedical and health sciences, both past and present. The format of these resources varies. Searchable databases, bibliographic citations, full-text articles (when available), archival collections, and images are all available. The following are referenced by the National Library of Medicine:11 •

Bioethics: Access to published literature on the ethical, legal, and public policy issues surrounding healthcare and biomedical research. This information is provided in conjunction with the Kennedy Institute of Ethics located at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_bioethics.html

•

HIV/AIDS Resources: Describes various links and databases dedicated to HIV/AIDS research: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/aidsinfs.html

•

NLM Online Exhibitions: Describes “Exhibitions in the History of Medicine”: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/exhibition.html. Additional resources for historical scholarship in medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/hmd.html

•

Biotechnology Information: Access to public databases. The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

•

Population Information: The National Library of Medicine provides access to worldwide coverage of population, family planning, and related health issues, including family planning technology and programs, fertility, and population law and policy: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_population.html

•

Cancer Information: Access to cancer-oriented databases: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_cancer.html

•

Profiles in Science: Offering the archival collections of prominent twentieth-century biomedical scientists to the public through modern digital technology: http://www.profiles.nlm.nih.gov/

•

Chemical Information: Provides links to various chemical databases and references: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Chem/ChemMain.html

•

Clinical Alerts: Reports the release of findings from the NIH-funded clinical trials where such release could significantly affect morbidity and mortality: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/alerts/clinical_alerts.html

•

Space Life Sciences: Provides links and information to space-based research (including NASA): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_space.html

•

MEDLINE: Bibliographic database covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the healthcare system, and the pre-clinical sciences: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_medline.html

10

Remember, for the general public, the National Library of Medicine recommends the databases referenced in MEDLINEplus (http://medlineplus.gov/ or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/databases.html). 11 See http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases.html.

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•

Toxicology and Environmental Health Information (TOXNET): Databases covering toxicology and environmental health: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Tox/ToxMain.html

•

Visible Human Interface: Anatomically detailed, three-dimensional representations of normal male and female human bodies: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/visible/visible_human.html

The NLM Gateway12 The NLM (National Library of Medicine) Gateway is a Web-based system that lets users search simultaneously in multiple retrieval systems at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). It allows users of NLM services to initiate searches from one Web interface, providing one-stop searching for many of NLM’s information resources or databases.13 To use the NLM Gateway, simply go to the search site at http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd. Type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the search box and click “Search.” The results will be presented in a tabular form, indicating the number of references in each database category. Results Summary Category Journal Articles Books / Periodicals / Audio Visual Consumer Health Meeting Abstracts Other Collections Total

Items Found 42487 624 60 12 565 43748

HSTAT14 HSTAT is a free, Web-based resource that provides access to full-text documents used in healthcare decision-making.15 These documents include clinical practice guidelines, quickreference guides for clinicians, consumer health brochures, evidence reports and technology assessments from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as AHRQ’s Put Prevention Into Practice.16 Simply search by “mercury” (or synonyms) at the following Web site: http://text.nlm.nih.gov.

12

Adapted from NLM: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd?Overview.x.

13

The NLM Gateway is currently being developed by the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 14 Adapted from HSTAT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hstat.html. 15 16

The HSTAT URL is http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/.

Other important documents in HSTAT include: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference Reports and Technology Assessment Reports; the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS) resource documents; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS); the Public Health Service (PHS) Preventive Services Task Force's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services; the independent, nonfederal Task Force on Community Services’ Guide to Community Preventive Services; and the Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) health technology evaluations.

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Coffee Break: Tutorials for Biologists17 Coffee Break is a general healthcare site that takes a scientific view of the news and covers recent breakthroughs in biology that may one day assist physicians in developing treatments. Here you will find a collection of short reports on recent biological discoveries. Each report incorporates interactive tutorials that demonstrate how bioinformatics tools are used as a part of the research process. Currently, all Coffee Breaks are written by NCBI staff.18 Each report is about 400 words and is usually based on a discovery reported in one or more articles from recently published, peer-reviewed literature.19 This site has new articles every few weeks, so it can be considered an online magazine of sorts. It is intended for general background information. You can access the Coffee Break Web site at the following hyperlink: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/.

Other Commercial Databases In addition to resources maintained by official agencies, other databases exist that are commercial ventures addressing medical professionals. Here are some examples that may interest you: •

CliniWeb International: Index and table of contents to selected clinical information on the Internet; see http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/.

•

Medical World Search: Searches full text from thousands of selected medical sites on the Internet; see http://www.mwsearch.com/.

17 Adapted 18

from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/Archive/FAQ.html.

The figure that accompanies each article is frequently supplied by an expert external to NCBI, in which case the source of the figure is cited. The result is an interactive tutorial that tells a biological story. 19 After a brief introduction that sets the work described into a broader context, the report focuses on how a molecular understanding can provide explanations of observed biology and lead to therapies for diseases. Each vignette is accompanied by a figure and hypertext links that lead to a series of pages that interactively show how NCBI tools and resources are used in the research process.

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APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES Overview Official agencies, as well as federally funded institutions supported by national grants, frequently publish a variety of guidelines written with the patient in mind. These are typically called “Fact Sheets” or “Guidelines.” They can take the form of a brochure, information kit, pamphlet, or flyer. Often they are only a few pages in length. Since new guidelines on mercury can appear at any moment and be published by a number of sources, the best approach to finding guidelines is to systematically scan the Internet-based services that post them.

Patient Guideline Sources The remainder of this chapter directs you to sources which either publish or can help you find additional guidelines on topics related to mercury. Due to space limitations, these sources are listed in a concise manner. Do not hesitate to consult the following sources by either using the Internet hyperlink provided, or, in cases where the contact information is provided, contacting the publisher or author directly. The National Institutes of Health The NIH gateway to patients is located at http://health.nih.gov/. From this site, you can search across various sources and institutes, a number of which are summarized below. Topic Pages: MEDLINEplus The National Library of Medicine has created a vast and patient-oriented healthcare information portal called MEDLINEplus. Within this Internet-based system are “health topic pages” which list links to available materials relevant to mercury. To access this system, log on to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html. From there you can either search using the alphabetical index or browse by broad topic areas. Recently, MEDLINEplus listed the following when searched for “mercury”:

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Birth Defects http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthdefects.html Childhood Immunization http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childhoodimmunization.html Food Safety http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/foodsafety.html

Within the health topic page dedicated to mercury, the following was listed: •

General/Overviews Mercury Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html Mercury Source: Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/mercury/index.html Mercury in the Environment Source: U.S. Geological Survey http://www.usgs.gov/themes/factsheet/146-00/ Public Health Statement for Mercury Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs46.html Tox Town Source: National Library of Medicine http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/ TOXNET Databases Source: National Library of Medicine http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/

•

Specific Conditions/Aspects Consumer Update: Dental Amalgams Source: Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html Dental Fillings Options: Frequently Asked Questions Source: American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings_faq.asp Fish Oil Supplements: Do They Contain Mercury? Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=AN00797 Frequently Asked Questions About Mercury Fever Thermometers Source: Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/bnsdocs/hg/thermfaq.html

Patient Resources

Institute of Medicine Report on Thimerosal-Containing Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Questions and Answers Source: National Immunization Program http://www.cdc.gov/nip/news/iom-thim10-1-01.htm

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and

Mercury & Thimerosal Source: National Immunization Program http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/thimerosal/faqs-mercury.htm Mercury in Buildings Source: Purdue University, Agricultural and Bioengineering Dept. http://danpatch.ecn.purdue.edu/%7Eepados/mercbuild/src/title.htm Mercury in Flu Shots? Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=AN00680 Mercury in Schools Source: University of Wisconsin-Extension, Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center http://www.mercuryinschools.uwex.edu/ Mercury Vapors are Hazardous Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5057.html National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Mercury Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/dwh/c-ioc/mercury.html Revised Consumer Advisory on Methylmercury in Fish Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01038.html What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish Source: Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/%7Edms/admehg3.html Working with Mercury Source: Dept. of Labor http://www.msha.gov/illness_prevention/healthtopics/HHICM05.HTM •

Children What You Need to Know about Mercury Source: Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/oerrpage/superfund/kids/sup_fact/mercury1.htm

•

Latest News Revised Consumer Advisory on Methylmercury in Fish Source: 03/19/2004, Environmental Protection Agency, Food Administration http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01038.html

and

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Organizations Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/ Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water http://www.epa.gov/watrhome/ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

•

Pictures/Diagrams National Mercury Map Source: Environmental Protection Agency http://www.mercuryinschools.uwex.edu/regions_map.htm

•

Prevention/Screening Consumption Advice: What You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish (Backgrounder) Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/factsheet.html Guide to Healthy Eating of the Fish You Catch Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/30cwafish.pdf Mercury in the Environment: Do You Work With Any of These Items That May Contain Mercury? Source: Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/p2/mercpam.html

•

Research Research on Thimerosal Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/thimerosal.htm

You may also choose to use the search utility provided by MEDLINEplus at the following Web address: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. Simply type a keyword into the search box and click “Search.” This utility is similar to the NIH search utility, with the exception that it only includes materials that are linked within the MEDLINEplus system (mostly patient-oriented information). It also has the disadvantage of generating unstructured results. We recommend, therefore, that you use this method only if you have a very targeted search. The Combined Health Information Database (CHID) CHID Online is a reference tool that maintains a database directory of thousands of journal articles and patient education guidelines on mercury. CHID offers summaries that describe

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the guidelines available, including contact information and pricing. CHID’s general Web site is http://chid.nih.gov/. To search this database, go to http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. In particular, you can use the advanced search options to look up pamphlets, reports, brochures, and information kits. The following was recently posted in this archive: •

Effects and Side Effects of Dental Restorative Materials Source: Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). 1991. 20 p. Contact: Available from National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse (NOHIC). 1 NOHIC Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3500. (301) 402-7364. Fax (301) 907-8830. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov. PRICE: Single copy free. Summary: This brochure reports on a conference convened to evaluate and compare data on the effectiveness and side effects of currently used dental restorative materials; the conference was held in Bethesda, Maryland in August 1991. Five aspects of dental restorative materials were considered: the needs and benefits of tooth restorations; the incidence and severity of side effects associated with tooth restorative materials; whether or not materials for tooth restorations contribute to systemic disease and reactions; the benefit/risk ratios of different restorative materials, including silver amalgams with mercury; and future directions for research on materials for tooth restoration. The brochure concludes with the recommendations of the conference panel and listings of the panel members, presenters, and planning committee.

•

Dental Health Fact Sheet: Dental Amalgam Source: Madison, WI: Wisconsin Division of Health, Bureau of Public Health. 1992. 2 p. Contact: Available from Wisconsin Division of Health. Oral Health Consultant, Bureau of Public Health, 1414 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703. (608) 266-5152; Fax (608) 267-3824. PRICE: Single copy free. Reproduction permitted. Summary: This dental health fact sheet provides up-to-date information on the use of dental amalgams. Topics covered include the use of metals, including mercury, in dental amalgams; the safety of dental amalgams; the benefits of using dental amalgams; stories of people being cured from illness when amalgam fillings are removed; and allergic reactions to amalgam fillings.

•

Tips to protect children from environmental risks Source: Washington, DC: Office of Children's Health Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. [2002]. 1 p. Contact: Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Children's Health Protection, Room 2512 Ariel Rios North, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Mail Code 1107A, Washington, DC 20004. Telephone: (202) 564-2188 / fax: (202) 564-2733 / Web site: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/homepage. Available from the Web site at no charge. Summary: This fact sheet provides tips for parents and caregivers on how to help children breathe easier; prevent lead poisoning, avoid pesticides and toxic chemicals, prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, avoid contaminated fish and polluted water, safeguard against high levels of radon, prevent overexposure to the sun, and avoid mercury.

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The NIH Search Utility The NIH search utility allows you to search for documents on over 100 selected Web sites that comprise the NIH-WEB-SPACE. Each of these servers is “crawled” and indexed on an ongoing basis. Your search will produce a list of various documents, all of which will relate in some way to mercury. The drawbacks of this approach are that the information is not organized by theme and that the references are often a mix of information for professionals and patients. Nevertheless, a large number of the listed Web sites provide useful background information. We can only recommend this route, therefore, for relatively rare or specific disorders, or when using highly targeted searches. To use the NIH search utility, visit the following Web page: http://search.nih.gov/index.html. Additional Web Sources A number of Web sites are available to the public that often link to government sites. These can also point you in the direction of essential information. The following is a representative sample: •

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=168&layer=&from=subcats

•

Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/specific.htm

•

Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Med Help International: http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/A.html

•

Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/

•

WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/health_topics

News Services and Press Releases One of the simplest ways of tracking press releases on mercury is to search the news wires. In the following sample of sources, we will briefly describe how to access each service. These services only post recent news intended for public viewing. PR Newswire To access the PR Newswire archive, simply go to http://www.prnewswire.com/. Select your country. Type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the search box. You will automatically receive information on relevant news releases posted within the last 30 days. Reuters Health The Reuters’ Medical News and Health eLine databases can be very useful in exploring news archives relating to mercury. While some of the listed articles are free to view, others are available for purchase for a nominal fee. To access this archive, go to http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html and search by “mercury” (or synonyms).

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The NIH Within MEDLINEplus, the NIH has made an agreement with the New York Times Syndicate, the AP News Service, and Reuters to deliver news that can be browsed by the public. Search news releases at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_a.html. MEDLINEplus allows you to browse across an alphabetical index. Or you can search by date at the following Web page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html. Often, news items are indexed by MEDLINEplus within its search engine. Business Wire Business Wire is similar to PR Newswire. To access this archive, simply go to http://www.businesswire.com/. You can scan the news by industry category or company name. Market Wire Market Wire is more focused on technology than the other wires. To browse the latest press releases by topic, such as alternative medicine, biotechnology, fitness, healthcare, legal, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, access Market Wire’s Medical/Health channel at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_index?channel=MedicalHealth. Or simply go to Market Wire’s home page at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/home, type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click on “Search News.” As this service is technology oriented, you may wish to use it when searching for press releases covering diagnostic procedures or tests. Search Engines Medical news is also available in the news sections of commercial Internet search engines. See the health news page at Yahoo (http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/News_and_Media/), or you can use this Web site’s general news search page at http://news.yahoo.com/. Type in “mercury” (or synonyms). If you know the name of a company that is relevant to mercury, you can go to any stock trading Web site (such as http://www.etrade.com/) and search for the company name there. News items across various news sources are reported on indicated hyperlinks. Google offers a similar service at http://news.google.com/. BBC Covering news from a more European perspective, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) allows the public free access to their news archive located at http://www.bbc.co.uk/. Search by “mercury” (or synonyms).

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Newsletter Articles Use the Combined Health Information Database, and limit your search criteria to “newsletter articles.” Again, you will need to use the “Detailed Search” option. Go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. Go to the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language that you prefer. For the format option, select “Newsletter Article.” Type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database as it is updated every three months. The following is a typical result when searching for newsletter articles on mercury: •

News on Trace Metal Studies Source: ADC Update. [Newsletter] Spring 1991. [p. 3]. Contact: Available from University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Center. 101 Sanders Brown Building, Lexington, KY 40536-0230. (606) 233-6040. PRICE: Free. Summary: This newsletter article discusses the ongoing investigation concerning the significance and involvement of trace metals in the Alzheimer's disease process. The Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC) of Sanders-Brown Center on Aging is at the forefront of this research. Much effort in recent years has been focused on the presence of aluminum in the Alzheimer's disease brain. Scientists at the ADC have been unable to find a significant elevation of aluminum in the brains they have studied, unlike researchers at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center ADC. The findings may reflect environmental differences. While the investigators found no significant changes in the level of aluminum, they have seen a remarkable increase in the level of mercury and bromine and a decrease in selenium. The significance of these changes is still being investigated.

Finding Associations There are several Internet directories that provide lists of medical associations with information on or resources relating to mercury. By consulting all of associations listed in this chapter, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient associations concerned with mercury. The National Health Information Center (NHIC) The National Health Information Center (NHIC) offers a free referral service to help people find organizations that provide information about mercury. For more information, see the NHIC’s Web site at http://www.health.gov/NHIC/ or contact an information specialist by calling 1-800-336-4797. Directory of Health Organizations The Directory of Health Organizations, provided by the National Library of Medicine Specialized Information Services, is a comprehensive source of information on associations. The Directory of Health Organizations database can be accessed via the Internet at

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http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/Dir/DirMain.html. It is composed of two parts: DIRLINE and Health Hotlines. The DIRLINE database comprises some 10,000 records of organizations, research centers, and government institutes and associations that primarily focus on health and biomedicine. To access DIRLINE directly, go to the following Web site: http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/. Simply type in “mercury” (or a synonym), and you will receive information on all relevant organizations listed in the database. Health Hotlines directs you to toll-free numbers to over 300 organizations. You can access this database directly at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/hotlines/. On this page, you are given the option to search by keyword or by browsing the subject list. When you have received your search results, click on the name of the organization for its description and contact information. The Combined Health Information Database Another comprehensive source of information on healthcare associations is the Combined Health Information Database. Using the “Detailed Search” option, you will need to limit your search to “Organizations” and “mercury”. Type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find associations, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” For publication date, select “All Years.” Then, select your preferred language and the format option “Organization Resource Sheet.” Type “mercury” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database since it is updated every three months. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. has prepared a Web site that provides, at no charge, lists of associations organized by health topic. You can access this database at the following Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/orgsearch.html. Type “mercury” (or a synonym) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.”

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APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES Overview In this Appendix, we show you how to quickly find a medical library in your area.

Preparation Your local public library and medical libraries have interlibrary loan programs with the National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the largest medical collections in the world. According to the NLM, most of the literature in the general and historical collections of the National Library of Medicine is available on interlibrary loan to any library. If you would like to access NLM medical literature, then visit a library in your area that can request the publications for you.20

Finding a Local Medical Library The quickest method to locate medical libraries is to use the Internet-based directory published by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). This network includes 4626 members and affiliates that provide many services to librarians, health professionals, and the public. To find a library in your area, simply visit http://nnlm.gov/members/adv.html or call 1-800-338-7657.

Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada In addition to the NN/LM, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists a number of libraries with reference facilities that are open to the public. The following is the NLM’s list and includes hyperlinks to each library’s Web site. These Web pages can provide information on hours of operation and other restrictions. The list below is a small sample of

20

Adapted from the NLM: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/interlibrary.html.

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libraries recommended by the National Library of Medicine (sorted alphabetically by name of the U.S. state or Canadian province where the library is located)21: •

Alabama: Health InfoNet of Jefferson County (Jefferson County Library Cooperative, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences), http://www.uab.edu/infonet/

•

Alabama: Richard M. Scrushy Library (American Sports Medicine Institute)

•

Arizona: Samaritan Regional Medical Center: The Learning Center (Samaritan Health System, Phoenix, Arizona), http://www.samaritan.edu/library/bannerlibs.htm

•

California: Kris Kelly Health Information Center (St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt), http://www.humboldt1.com/~kkhic/index.html

•

California: Community Health Library of Los Gatos, http://www.healthlib.org/orgresources.html

•

California: Consumer Health Program and Services (CHIPS) (County of Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Library) - Carson, CA, http://www.colapublib.org/services/chips.html

•

California: Gateway Health Library (Sutter Gould Medical Foundation)

•

California: Health Library (Stanford University Medical Center), http://wwwmed.stanford.edu/healthlibrary/

•

California: Patient Education Resource Center - Health Information and Resources (University of California, San Francisco), http://sfghdean.ucsf.edu/barnett/PERC/default.asp

•

California: Redwood Health Library (Petaluma Health Care District), http://www.phcd.org/rdwdlib.html

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California: Los Gatos PlaneTree Health Library, http://planetreesanjose.org/

•

California: Sutter Resource Library (Sutter Hospitals Foundation, Sacramento), http://suttermedicalcenter.org/library/

•

California: Health Sciences Libraries (University of California, Davis), http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/healthsci/

•

California: ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center (ValleyCare Health System, Pleasanton), http://gaelnet.stmarysca.edu/other.libs/gbal/east/vchl.html

•

California: Washington Community Health Resource Library (Fremont), http://www.healthlibrary.org/

•

Colorado: William V. Gervasini Memorial Library (Exempla Healthcare), http://www.saintjosephdenver.org/yourhealth/libraries/

•

Connecticut: Hartford Hospital Health Science Libraries (Hartford Hospital), http://www.harthosp.org/library/

•

Connecticut: Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information Center (University of Connecticut Health Center, Lyman Maynard Stowe Library), http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet/

21

Abstracted from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html.

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•

Connecticut: Waterbury Hospital Health Center Library (Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury), http://www.waterburyhospital.com/library/consumer.shtml

•

Delaware: Consumer Health Library (Christiana Care Health System, Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute, Wilmington), http://www.christianacare.org/health_guide/health_guide_pmri_health_info.cfm

•

Delaware: Lewis B. Flinn Library (Delaware Academy of Medicine, Wilmington), http://www.delamed.org/chls.html

•

Georgia: Family Resource Library (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta), http://cmc.mcg.edu/kids_families/fam_resources/fam_res_lib/frl.htm

•

Georgia: Health Resource Center (Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon), http://www.mccg.org/hrc/hrchome.asp

•

Hawaii: Hawaii Medical Library: Consumer Health Information Service (Hawaii Medical Library, Honolulu), http://hml.org/CHIS/

•

Idaho: DeArmond Consumer Health Library (Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene), http://www.nicon.org/DeArmond/index.htm

•

Illinois: Health Learning Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), http://www.nmh.org/health_info/hlc.html

•

Illinois: Medical Library (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria), http://www.osfsaintfrancis.org/general/library/

•

Kentucky: Medical Library - Services for Patients, Families, Students & the Public (Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington), http://www.centralbap.com/education/community/library.cfm

•

Kentucky: University of Kentucky - Health Information Library (Chandler Medical Center, Lexington), http://www.mc.uky.edu/PatientEd/

•

Louisiana: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation Library (Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans), http://www.ochsner.org/library/

•

Louisiana: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical LibraryShreveport, http://lib-sh.lsuhsc.edu/

•

Maine: Franklin Memorial Hospital Medical Library (Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington), http://www.fchn.org/fmh/lib.htm

•

Maine: Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library (Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston), http://www.cmmc.org/library/library.html

•

Maine: Hadley Parrot Health Science Library (Eastern Maine Healthcare, Bangor), http://www.emh.org/hll/hpl/guide.htm

•

Maine: Maine Medical Center Library (Maine Medical Center, Portland), http://www.mmc.org/library/

•

Maine: Parkview Hospital (Brunswick), http://www.parkviewhospital.org/

•

Maine: Southern Maine Medical Center Health Sciences Library (Southern Maine Medical Center, Biddeford), http://www.smmc.org/services/service.php3?choice=10

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Maine: Stephens Memorial Hospital’s Health Information Library (Western Maine Health, Norway), http://www.wmhcc.org/Library/

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Manitoba, Canada: Consumer & Patient Health Information Service (University of Manitoba Libraries), http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/health/reference/chis.html

•

Manitoba, Canada: J.W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg), http://www.deerlodge.mb.ca/crane_library/about.asp

•

Maryland: Health Information Center at the Wheaton Regional Library (Montgomery County, Dept. of Public Libraries, Wheaton Regional Library), http://www.mont.lib.md.us/healthinfo/hic.asp

•

Massachusetts: Baystate Medical Center Library (Baystate Health System), http://www.baystatehealth.com/1024/

•

Massachusetts: Boston University Medical Center Alumni Medical Library (Boston University Medical Center), http://med-libwww.bu.edu/library/lib.html

•

Massachusetts: Lowell General Hospital Health Sciences Library (Lowell General Hospital, Lowell), http://www.lowellgeneral.org/library/HomePageLinks/WWW.htm

•

Massachusetts: Paul E. Woodard Health Sciences Library (New England Baptist Hospital, Boston), http://www.nebh.org/health_lib.asp

•

Massachusetts: St. Luke’s Hospital Health Sciences Library (St. Luke’s Hospital, Southcoast Health System, New Bedford), http://www.southcoast.org/library/

•

Massachusetts: Treadwell Library Consumer Health Reference Center (Massachusetts General Hospital), http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/library/chrcindex.html

•

Massachusetts: UMass HealthNet (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester), http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/

•

Michigan: Botsford General Hospital Library - Consumer Health (Botsford General Hospital, Library & Internet Services), http://www.botsfordlibrary.org/consumer.htm

•

Michigan: Helen DeRoy Medical Library (Providence Hospital and Medical Centers), http://www.providence-hospital.org/library/

•

Michigan: Marquette General Hospital - Consumer Health Library (Marquette General Hospital, Health Information Center), http://www.mgh.org/center.html

•

Michigan: Patient Education Resouce Center - University of Michigan Cancer Center (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor), http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/learn/leares.htm

•

Michigan: Sladen Library & Center for Health Information Resources - Consumer Health Information (Detroit), http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=39330

•

Montana: Center for Health Information (St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Missoula)

•

National: Consumer Health Library Directory (Medical Library Association, Consumer and Patient Health Information Section), http://caphis.mlanet.org/directory/index.html

•

National: National Network of Libraries of Medicine (National Library of Medicine) provides library services for health professionals in the United States who do not have access to a medical library, http://nnlm.gov/

•

National: NN/LM List of Libraries Serving the Public (National Network of Libraries of Medicine), http://nnlm.gov/members/

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Nevada: Health Science Library, West Charleston Library (Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Las Vegas), http://www.lvccld.org/special_collections/medical/index.htm

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New Hampshire: Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries (Dartmouth College Library, Hanover), http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/conshealth.htmld/

•

New Jersey: Consumer Health Library (Rahway Hospital, Rahway), http://www.rahwayhospital.com/library.htm

•

New Jersey: Dr. Walter Phillips Health Sciences Library (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.englewoodhospital.com/links/index.htm

•

New Jersey: Meland Foundation (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/9360/

•

New York: Choices in Health Information (New York Public Library) - NLM Consumer Pilot Project participant, http://www.nypl.org/branch/health/links.html

•

New York: Health Information Center (Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse), http://www.upstate.edu/library/hic/

•

New York: Health Sciences Library (Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park), http://www.lij.edu/library/library.html

•

New York: ViaHealth Medical Library (Rochester General Hospital), http://www.nyam.org/library/

•

Ohio: Consumer Health Library (Akron General Medical Center, Medical & Consumer Health Library), http://www.akrongeneral.org/hwlibrary.htm

•

Oklahoma: The Health Information Center at Saint Francis Hospital (Saint Francis Health System, Tulsa), http://www.sfh-tulsa.com/services/healthinfo.asp

•

Oregon: Planetree Health Resource Center (Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles), http://www.mcmc.net/phrc/

•

Pennsylvania: Community Health Information Library (Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey), http://www.hmc.psu.edu/commhealth/

•

Pennsylvania: Community Health Resource Library (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville), http://www.geisinger.edu/education/commlib.shtml

•

Pennsylvania: HealthInfo Library (Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton), http://www.mth.org/healthwellness.html

•

Pennsylvania: Hopwood Library (University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System, Pittsburgh), http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/chi/hopwood/index_html

•

Pennsylvania: Koop Community Health Information Center (College of Physicians of Philadelphia), http://www.collphyphil.org/kooppg1.shtml

•

Pennsylvania: Learning Resources Center - Medical Library (Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport), http://www.shscares.org/services/lrc/index.asp

•

Pennsylvania: Medical Library (UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh), http://www.upmc.edu/passavant/library.htm

•

Quebec, Canada: Medical Library (Montreal General Hospital), http://www.mghlib.mcgill.ca/

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South Dakota: Rapid City Regional Hospital Medical Library (Rapid City Regional Hospital), http://www.rcrh.org/Services/Library/Default.asp

•

Texas: Houston HealthWays (Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library), http://hhw.library.tmc.edu/

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Washington: Community Health Library (Kittitas Valley Community Hospital), http://www.kvch.com/

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Washington: Southwest Washington Medical Center Library (Southwest Washington Medical Center, Vancouver), http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/body.cfm?id=72

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ONLINE GLOSSARIES The Internet provides access to a number of free-to-use medical dictionaries. The National Library of Medicine has compiled the following list of online dictionaries: •

ADAM Medical Encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.), comprehensive medical reference: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html

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MedicineNet.com Medical Dictionary (MedicineNet, Inc.): http://www.medterms.com/Script/Main/hp.asp

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Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (Inteli-Health, Inc.): http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/

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Multilingual Glossary of Technical and Popular Medical Terms in Eight European Languages (European Commission) - Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~rvdstich/eugloss/welcome.html

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On-line Medical Dictionary (CancerWEB): http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/

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Rare Diseases Terms (Office of Rare Diseases): http://ord.aspensys.com/asp/diseases/diseases.asp

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Technology Glossary (National Library of Medicine) - Health Care Technology: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nichsr/ta101/ta10108.htm

Beyond these, MEDLINEplus contains a very patient-friendly encyclopedia covering every aspect of medicine (licensed from A.D.A.M., Inc.). The ADAM Medical Encyclopedia can be accessed at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html. ADAM is also available on commercial Web sites such as drkoop.com (http://www.drkoop.com/) and Web MD (http://my.webmd.com/adam/asset/adam_disease_articles/a_to_z/a). The NIH suggests the following Web sites in the ADAM Medical Encyclopedia when searching for information on mercury: •

Basic Guidelines for Mercury Mercury Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002476.htm Mercury pigments Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002904.htm

•

Signs & Symptoms for Mercury Abdominal pain Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003120.htm Abnormal taste Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003050.htm Decreased urine output Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003147.htm

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Diarrhea Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003126.htm Difficulty breathing Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003075.htm Emesis Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003117.htm Metallic taste Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003050.htm Mouth sores Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003059.htm Swelling Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003103.htm Thirst Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003085.htm Vomiting Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003117.htm •

Diagnostics and Tests for Mercury Gastric lavage Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003882.htm

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Background Topics for Mercury Mercuric oxide Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002475.htm Mercury Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002476.htm Respiratory Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002290.htm Shock Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000039.htm

Online Dictionary Directories The following are additional online directories compiled by the National Library of Medicine, including a number of specialized medical dictionaries: •

Medical Dictionaries: Medical & Biological (World Health Organization): http://www.who.int/hlt/virtuallibrary/English/diction.htm#Medical

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•

MEL-Michigan Electronic Library List of Online Health and Medical Dictionaries (Michigan Electronic Library): http://mel.lib.mi.us/health/health-dictionaries.html

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Patient Education: Glossaries (DMOZ Open Directory Project): http://dmoz.org/Health/Education/Patient_Education/Glossaries/

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Web of Online Dictionaries (Bucknell University): http://www.yourdictionary.com/diction5.html#medicine

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MERCURY DICTIONARY The definitions below are derived from official public sources, including the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and the European Union [EU]. 3-dimensional: 3-D. A graphic display of depth, width, and height. Three-dimensional radiation therapy uses computers to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor. This allows doctors to give the highest possible dose of radiation to the tumor, while sparing the normal tissue as much as possible. [NIH] Abdomen: That portion of the body that lies between the thorax and the pelvis. [NIH] Abdominal: Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. [NIH] Aberrant: Wandering or deviating from the usual or normal course. [EU] Abrasion: 1. The wearing away of a substance or structure (such as the skin or the teeth) through some unusual or abnormal mechanical process. 2. An area of body surface denuded of skin or mucous membrane by some unusual or abnormal mechanical process. [EU] Acantholysis: Separation of the prickle cells of the stratum spinosum of the epidermis, resulting in atrophy of the prickle cell layer. It is seen in diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris (see pemphigus) and keratosis follicularis. [NIH] Acceptor: A substance which, while normally not oxidized by oxygen or reduced by hydrogen, can be oxidized or reduced in presence of a substance which is itself undergoing oxidation or reduction. [NIH] Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine in vertebrates is the major transmitter at neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, parasympathetic effector junctions, a subset of sympathetic effector junctions, and at many sites in the central nervous system. It is generally not used as an administered drug because it is broken down very rapidly by cholinesterases, but it is useful in some ophthalmological applications. [NIH] Acetylcysteine: The N-acetyl derivative of cysteine. It is used as a mucolytic agent to reduce the viscosity of mucous secretions. It has also been shown to have antiviral effects in patients with HIV due to inhibition of viral stimulation by reactive oxygen intermediates. [NIH] Acoustic: Having to do with sound or hearing. [NIH] Acrodynia: A condition occurring in infants, marked by swollen, bluish red hands and feet and disordered digestion, followed by multiple arthritis and muscular weakness. [NIH] Acrylonitrile: A highly poisonous compound used widely in the manufacture of plastics, adhesives and synthetic rubber. [NIH] Acute renal: A condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working. In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function. [NIH] Adaptability: Ability to develop some form of tolerance to conditions extremely different from those under which a living organism evolved. [NIH] Adaptation: 1. The adjustment of an organism to its environment, or the process by which it enhances such fitness. 2. The normal ability of the eye to adjust itself to variations in the intensity of light; the adjustment to such variations. 3. The decline in the frequency of firing of a neuron, particularly of a receptor, under conditions of constant stimulation. 4. In dentistry, (a) the proper fitting of a denture, (b) the degree of proximity and interlocking of

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restorative material to a tooth preparation, (c) the exact adjustment of bands to teeth. 5. In microbiology, the adjustment of bacterial physiology to a new environment. [EU] Adduct: Complex formed when a carcinogen combines with DNA or a protein. [NIH] Adipose Tissue: Connective tissue composed of fat cells lodged in the meshes of areolar tissue. [NIH] Adjustment: The dynamic process wherein the thoughts, feelings, behavior, and biophysiological mechanisms of the individual continually change to adjust to the environment. [NIH] Adolescence: The period of life beginning with the appearance of secondary sex characteristics and terminating with the cessation of somatic growth. The years usually referred to as adolescence lie between 13 and 18 years of age. [NIH] Adrenal Cortex: The outer layer of the adrenal gland. It secretes mineralocorticoids, androgens, and glucocorticoids. [NIH] Adrenergic: Activated by, characteristic of, or secreting epinephrine or substances with similar activity; the term is applied to those nerve fibres that liberate norepinephrine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes, i.e., the sympathetic fibres. [EU] Adsorptive: It captures volatile compounds by binding them to agents such as activated carbon or adsorptive resins. [NIH] Adverse Effect: An unwanted side effect of treatment. [NIH] Aerobic: In biochemistry, reactions that need oxygen to happen or happen when oxygen is present. [NIH] Aerosol: A solution of a drug which can be atomized into a fine mist for inhalation therapy. [EU]

Afferent: Concerned with the transmission of neural impulse toward the central part of the nervous system. [NIH] Affinity: 1. Inherent likeness or relationship. 2. A special attraction for a specific element, organ, or structure. 3. Chemical affinity; the force that binds atoms in molecules; the tendency of substances to combine by chemical reaction. 4. The strength of noncovalent chemical binding between two substances as measured by the dissociation constant of the complex. 5. In immunology, a thermodynamic expression of the strength of interaction between a single antigen-binding site and a single antigenic determinant (and thus of the stereochemical compatibility between them), most accurately applied to interactions among simple, uniform antigenic determinants such as haptens. Expressed as the association constant (K litres mole -1), which, owing to the heterogeneity of affinities in a population of antibody molecules of a given specificity, actually represents an average value (mean intrinsic association constant). 6. The reciprocal of the dissociation constant. [EU] Affinity Chromatography: In affinity chromatography, a ligand attached to a column binds specifically to the molecule to be purified. [NIH] Agar: A complex sulfated polymer of galactose units, extracted from Gelidium cartilagineum, Gracilaria confervoides, and related red algae. It is used as a gel in the preparation of solid culture media for microorganisms, as a bulk laxative, in making emulsions, and as a supporting medium for immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. [NIH]

Agonist: In anatomy, a prime mover. In pharmacology, a drug that has affinity for and stimulates physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring substances. [EU] Airway: A device for securing unobstructed passage of air into and out of the lungs during

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general anesthesia. [NIH] Albumin: 1. Any protein that is soluble in water and moderately concentrated salt solutions and is coagulable by heat. 2. Serum albumin; the major plasma protein (approximately 60 per cent of the total), which is responsible for much of the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure and serves as a transport protein carrying large organic anions, such as fatty acids, bilirubin, and many drugs, and also carrying certain hormones, such as cortisol and thyroxine, when their specific binding globulins are saturated. Albumin is synthesized in the liver. Low serum levels occur in protein malnutrition, active inflammation and serious hepatic and renal disease. [EU] Alfalfa: A deep-rooted European leguminous plant (Medicago sativa) widely grown for hay and forage. [NIH] Algorithms: A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task. [NIH] Alkaline: Having the reactions of an alkali. [EU] Alkaloid: A member of a large group of chemicals that are made by plants and have nitrogen in them. Some alkaloids have been shown to work against cancer. [NIH] Allo: A female hormone. [NIH] Allopurinol: A xanthine oxidase inhibitor that decreases uric acid production. [NIH] Alloys: A mixture of metallic elements or compounds with other metallic or metalloid elements in varying proportions. [NIH] Alpha Particles: Positively charged particles composed of two protons and two neutrons, i.e., helium nuclei, emitted during disintegration of very heavy isotopes; a beam of alpha particles or an alpha ray has very strong ionizing power, but weak penetrability. [NIH] Alpha-fetoprotein: AFP. A protein normally produced by a developing fetus. AFP levels are usually undetectable in the blood of healthy nonpregnant adults. An elevated level of AFP suggests the presence of either a primary liver cancer or germ cell tumor. [NIH] Alternative medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used instead of standard treatments. Alternative medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Aluminum: A metallic element that has the atomic number 13, atomic symbol Al, and atomic weight 26.98. [NIH] Alveoli: Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles in the lungs. [NIH] Amalgamation: The formation of an amalgam. [NIH] Amino acid: Any organic compound containing an amino (-NH2 and a carboxyl (- COOH) group. The 20 a-amino acids listed in the accompanying table are the amino acids from which proteins are synthesized by formation of peptide bonds during ribosomal translation of messenger RNA; all except glycine, which is not optically active, have the L configuration. Other amino acids occurring in proteins, such as hydroxyproline in collagen, are formed by posttranslational enzymatic modification of amino acids residues in polypeptide chains. There are also several important amino acids, such as the neurotransmitter y-aminobutyric acid, that have no relation to proteins. Abbreviated AA. [EU] Amino Acid Sequence: The order of amino acids as they occur in a polypeptide chain. This is referred to as the primary structure of proteins. It is of fundamental importance in determining protein conformation. [NIH]

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Amniotic Fluid: Amniotic cavity fluid which is produced by the amnion and fetal lungs and kidneys. [NIH] Amphetamine: A powerful central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic. Amphetamine has multiple mechanisms of action including blocking uptake of adrenergics and dopamine, stimulation of release of monamines, and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. Amphetamine is also a drug of abuse and a psychotomimetic. The l- and the d,l-forms are included here. The l-form has less central nervous system activity but stronger cardiovascular effects. The d-form is dextroamphetamine. [NIH] Amplification: The production of additional copies of a chromosomal DNA sequence, found as either intrachromosomal or extrachromosomal DNA. [NIH] Anaerobic: 1. Lacking molecular oxygen. 2. Growing, living, or occurring in the absence of molecular oxygen; pertaining to an anaerobe. [EU] Anal: Having to do with the anus, which is the posterior opening of the large bowel. [NIH] Analgesics: Compounds capable of relieving pain without the loss of consciousness or without producing anesthesia. [NIH] Analogous: Resembling or similar in some respects, as in function or appearance, but not in origin or development;. [EU] Analytes: A component of a test sample the presence of which has to be demonstrated. The term "analyte" includes where appropriate formed from the analyte during the analyses. [NIH]

Anatomical: Pertaining to anatomy, or to the structure of the organism. [EU] Anemia: A reduction in the number of circulating erythrocytes or in the quantity of hemoglobin. [NIH] Anesthesia: A state characterized by loss of feeling or sensation. This depression of nerve function is usually the result of pharmacologic action and is induced to allow performance of surgery or other painful procedures. [NIH] Aneurysm: A sac formed by the dilatation of the wall of an artery, a vein, or the heart. [NIH] Angiogenesis: Blood vessel formation. Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of blood vessels from surrounding tissue to a solid tumor. This is caused by the release of chemicals by the tumor. [NIH] Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor: A drug used to decrease pressure inside blood vessels. [NIH] Animal model: An animal with a disease either the same as or like a disease in humans. Animal models are used to study the development and progression of diseases and to test new treatments before they are given to humans. Animals with transplanted human cancers or other tissues are called xenograft models. [NIH] Anionic: Pertaining to or containing an anion. [EU] Anions: Negatively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the anode or positive pole during electrolysis. [NIH] Anode: Electrode held at a positive potential with respect to a cathode. [NIH] Anomalies: Birth defects; abnormalities. [NIH] Anthrax: An acute bacterial infection caused by ingestion of bacillus organisms. Carnivores may become infected from ingestion of infected carcasses. It is transmitted to humans by contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The most common form in humans is cutaneous anthrax. [NIH]

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Anthropogenic: Of human origin or influence. [NIH] Antibacterial: A substance that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or reproduction. [EU] Antibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. [NIH]

Antibodies: Immunoglobulin molecules having a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of which they interact only with the antigen that induced their synthesis in cells of the lymphoid series (especially plasma cells), or with an antigen closely related to it. [NIH] Antibody: A type of protein made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen. [NIH] Anticoagulant: A drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called a blood thinner. [NIH] Anticonvulsant: An agent that prevents or relieves convulsions. [EU] Antidepressant: A drug used to treat depression. [NIH] Antidote: A remedy for counteracting a poison. [EU] Antigen: Any substance which is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with specific antibody or specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may be soluble substances, such as toxins and foreign proteins, or particulate, such as bacteria and tissue cells; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide molecule known as the antigenic determinant (q.v.) combines with antibody or a specific receptor on a lymphocyte. Abbreviated Ag. [EU] Antihypertensive: An agent that reduces high blood pressure. [EU] Anti-infective: An agent that so acts. [EU] Anti-inflammatory: Having to do with reducing inflammation. [NIH] Antineoplastic: Inhibiting or preventing the development of neoplasms, checking the maturation and proliferation of malignant cells. [EU] Antioxidant: A substance that prevents damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that often contain oxygen. They are produced when molecules are split to give products that have unpaired electrons. This process is called oxidation. [NIH] Antiseptic: A substance that inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms without necessarily killing them. [EU] Antiviral: Destroying viruses or suppressing their replication. [EU] Anus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. [NIH] Anxiety: Persistent feeling of dread, apprehension, and impending disaster. [NIH] Apoptosis: One of the two mechanisms by which cell death occurs (the other being the pathological process of necrosis). Apoptosis is the mechanism responsible for the physiological deletion of cells and appears to be intrinsically programmed. It is characterized by distinctive morphologic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm, chromatin cleavage at regularly spaced sites, and the endonucleolytic cleavage of genomic DNA (DNA fragmentation) at internucleosomal sites. This mode of cell death serves as a balance to mitosis in regulating the size of animal tissues and in mediating pathologic processes associated with tumor growth. [NIH]

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Aquaporins: Membrane proteins which facilitate the passage of water. They are members of the family of membrane channel proteins which includes the lens major intrinsic protein and bacterial glycerol transporters. [NIH] Aqueous: Having to do with water. [NIH] Arachidonic Acid: An unsaturated, essential fatty acid. It is found in animal and human fat as well as in the liver, brain, and glandular organs, and is a constituent of animal phosphatides. It is formed by the synthesis from dietary linoleic acid and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. [NIH] Archaea: One of the three domains of life (the others being bacteria and Eucarya), formerly called Archaebacteria under the taxon Bacteria, but now considered separate and distinct. They are characterized by: 1) the presence of characteristic tRNAs and ribosomal RNAs; 2) the absence of peptidoglycan cell walls; 3) the presence of ether-linked lipids built from branched-chain subunits; and 4) their occurrence in unusual habitats. While archaea resemble bacteria in morphology and genomic organization, they resemble eukarya in their method of genomic replication. The domain contains at least three kingdoms: crenarchaeota, euryarchaeota, and korarchaeota. [NIH] Arginine: An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form. [NIH] Aromatic: Having a spicy odour. [EU] Arterial: Pertaining to an artery or to the arteries. [EU] Arteries: The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. [NIH] Arterioles: The smallest divisions of the arteries located between the muscular arteries and the capillaries. [NIH] Artery: Vessel-carrying blood from the heart to various parts of the body. [NIH] Articular: Of or pertaining to a joint. [EU] Articulation: The relationship of two bodies by means of a moveable joint. [NIH] Aspiration: The act of inhaling. [NIH] Assay: Determination of the amount of a particular constituent of a mixture, or of the biological or pharmacological potency of a drug. [EU] Astringents: Agents, usually topical, that cause the contraction of tissues for the control of bleeding or secretions. [NIH] Astrocytes: The largest and most numerous neuroglial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytes (from "star" cells) are irregularly shaped with many long processes, including those with "end feet" which form the glial (limiting) membrane and directly and indirectly contribute to the blood brain barrier. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical environment, and "reactive astrocytes" (along with microglia) respond to injury. Astrocytes have high- affinity transmitter uptake systems, voltage-dependent and transmitter-gated ion channels, and can release transmitter, but their role in signaling (as in many other functions) is not well understood. [NIH] Ataxia: Impairment of the ability to perform smoothly coordinated voluntary movements. This condition may affect the limbs, trunk, eyes, pharnyx, larnyx, and other structures. Ataxia may result from impaired sensory or motor function. Sensory ataxia may result from posterior column injury or peripheral nerve diseases. Motor ataxia may be associated with cerebellar diseases; cerebral cortex diseases; thalamic diseases; basal ganglia diseases; injury to the red nucleus; and other conditions. [NIH] Atrophy: Decrease in the size of a cell, tissue, organ, or multiple organs, associated with a variety of pathological conditions such as abnormal cellular changes, ischemia, malnutrition,

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or hormonal changes. [NIH] Audiology: The study of hearing and hearing impairment. [NIH] Auditory: Pertaining to the sense of hearing. [EU] Autacoids: A chemically diverse group of substances produced by various tissues in the body that cause slow contraction of smooth muscle; they have other intense but varied pharmacologic activities. [NIH] Autoantibodies: Antibodies that react with self-antigens (autoantigens) of the organism that produced them. [NIH] Autoantigens: Endogenous tissue constituents that have the ability to interact with autoantibodies and cause an immune response. [NIH] Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign and directs an immune response against them. [NIH] Autoimmunity: Process whereby the immune system reacts against the body's own tissues. Autoimmunity may produce or be caused by autoimmune diseases. [NIH] Autonomic: Self-controlling; functionally independent. [EU] Autopsy: Postmortem examination of the body. [NIH] Axillary: Pertaining to the armpit area, including the lymph nodes that are located there. [NIH]

Bacillus: A genus of Bacillaceae that are spore-forming, rod-shaped cells. Most species are saprophytic soil forms with only a few species being pathogenic. [NIH] Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms which generally possess rigid cell walls, multiply by cell division, and exhibit three principal forms: round or coccal, rodlike or bacillary, and spiral or spirochetal. [NIH] Bacterial Physiology: Physiological processes and activities of bacteria. [NIH] Bactericidal: Substance lethal to bacteria; substance capable of killing bacteria. [NIH] Bacteriophage: A virus whose host is a bacterial cell; A virus that exclusively infects bacteria. It generally has a protein coat surrounding the genome (DNA or RNA). One of the coliphages most extensively studied is the lambda phage, which is also one of the most important. [NIH] Bacterium: Microscopic organism which may have a spherical, rod-like, or spiral unicellular or non-cellular body. Bacteria usually reproduce through asexual processes. [NIH] Basal Ganglia: Large subcortical nuclear masses derived from the telencephalon and located in the basal regions of the cerebral hemispheres. [NIH] Basal Ganglia Diseases: Diseases of the basal ganglia including the putamen; globus pallidus; claustrum; amygdala; and caudate nucleus. Dyskinesias (most notably involuntary movements and alterations of the rate of movement) represent the primary clinical manifestations of these disorders. Common etiologies include cerebrovascular disease; neurodegenerative diseases; and craniocerebral trauma. [NIH] Base: In chemistry, the nonacid part of a salt; a substance that combines with acids to form salts; a substance that dissociates to give hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions; a substance whose molecule or ion can combine with a proton (hydrogen ion); a substance capable of donating a pair of electrons (to an acid) for the formation of a coordinate covalent bond. [EU] Base Sequence: The sequence of purines and pyrimidines in nucleic acids and polynucleotides. It is also called nucleotide or nucleoside sequence. [NIH] Basophils: Granular leukocytes characterized by a relatively pale-staining, lobate nucleus

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and cytoplasm containing coarse dark-staining granules of variable size and stainable by basic dyes. [NIH] Benzene: Toxic, volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon biproduct of coal distillation. It is used as an industrial solvent in paints, varnishes, lacquer thinners, gasoline, etc. Benzene causes central nervous system damage acutely and bone marrow damage chronically and is carcinogenic. It was formerly used as parasiticide. [NIH] Benzodiazepines: A two-ring heterocyclic compound consisting of a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring. Permitted is any degree of hydrogenation, any substituents and any Hisomer. [NIH] Beta blocker: A drug used to slow the heart rate and reduce pressure inside blood vessels. It also can regulate heart rhythm. [NIH] Beta-sheet: Two or more parallel or anti-parallel strands are arranged in rows. [NIH] Bifida: A defect in development of the vertebral column in which there is a central deficiency of the vertebral lamina. [NIH] Bile: An emulsifying agent produced in the liver and secreted into the duodenum. Its composition includes bile acids and salts, cholesterol, and electrolytes. It aids digestion of fats in the duodenum. [NIH] Bile Acids: Acids made by the liver that work with bile to break down fats. [NIH] Bile Acids and Salts: Steroid acids and salts. The primary bile acids are derived from cholesterol in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. The secondary bile acids are further modified by bacteria in the intestine. They play an important role in the digestion and absorption of fat. They have also been used pharmacologically, especially in the treatment of gallstones. [NIH] Bile Pigments: Pigments that give a characteristic color to bile including: bilirubin, biliverdine, and bilicyanin. [NIH] Bilirubin: A bile pigment that is a degradation product of heme. [NIH] Binding Sites: The reactive parts of a macromolecule that directly participate in its specific combination with another molecule. [NIH] Bioassays: Determination of the relative effective strength of a substance (as a vitamin, hormone, or drug) by comparing its effect on a test organism with that of a standard preparation. [NIH] Bioavailability: The degree to which a drug or other substance becomes available to the target tissue after administration. [EU] Bioavailable: The ability of a drug or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body. Orally bioavailable means that a drug or other substance that is taken by mouth can be absorbed and used by the body. [NIH] Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry; characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. [EU] Biofilms: Films of bacteria or other microbial organisms, usually embedded in extracellular polymers such as implanted medical devices, which adhere to surfaces submerged in, or subjected to, aquatic environments (From Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed). Biofilms consist of multilayers of microbial cells glued together to form microbial communities which are highly resistant to both phagocytes and antibiotics. [NIH] Biogenesis: The origin of life. It includes studies of the potential basis for life in organic compounds but excludes studies of the development of altered forms of life through

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mutation and natural selection, which is evolution. [NIH] Biological response modifier: BRM. A substance that stimulates the body's response to infection and disease. [NIH] Biological therapy: Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also known as immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy. [NIH] Biomarkers: Substances sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and that may suggest the presence of some types of cancer. Biomarkers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast cancer), CEA (ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, and GI tract cancers), and PSA (prostate cancer). Also called tumor markers. [NIH] Biomolecular: A scientific field at the interface between advanced computing and biotechnology. [NIH] Biopsy: Removal and pathologic examination of specimens in the form of small pieces of tissue from the living body. [NIH] Biotechnology: Body of knowledge related to the use of organisms, cells or cell-derived constituents for the purpose of developing products which are technically, scientifically and clinically useful. Alteration of biologic function at the molecular level (i.e., genetic engineering) is a central focus; laboratory methods used include transfection and cloning technologies, sequence and structure analysis algorithms, computer databases, and gene and protein structure function analysis and prediction. [NIH] Biotransformation: The chemical alteration of an exogenous substance by or in a biological system. The alteration may inactivate the compound or it may result in the production of an active metabolite of an inactive parent compound. The alteration may be either nonsynthetic (oxidation-reduction, hydrolysis) or synthetic (glucuronide formation, sulfate conjugation, acetylation, methylation). This also includes metabolic detoxication and clearance. [NIH] Bladder: The organ that stores urine. [NIH] Blastocyst: The mammalian embryo in the post-morula stage in which a fluid-filled cavity, enclosed primarily by trophoblast, contains an inner cell mass which becomes the embryonic disc. [NIH] Blister: Visible accumulations of fluid within or beneath the epidermis. [NIH] Blood Coagulation: The process of the interaction of blood coagulation factors that results in an insoluble fibrin clot. [NIH] Blood pressure: The pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber. Unless there is reference to another location, such as the pulmonary artery or one of the heart chambers, it refers to the pressure in the systemic arteries, as measured, for example, in the forearm. [NIH] Blood vessel: A tube in the body through which blood circulates. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. [NIH] Blood-Brain Barrier: Specialized non-fenestrated tightly-joined endothelial cells (tight junctions) that form a transport barrier for certain substances between the cerebral capillaries and the brain tissue. [NIH] Body Burden: The total amount of a chemical, metal or radioactive substance present at any time after absorption in the body of man or animal. [NIH] Body Fluids: Liquid components of living organisms. [NIH]

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Body Mass Index: One of the anthropometric measures of body mass; it has the highest correlation with skinfold thickness or body density. [NIH] Bone Marrow: The soft tissue filling the cavities of bones. Bone marrow exists in two types, yellow and red. Yellow marrow is found in the large cavities of large bones and consists mostly of fat cells and a few primitive blood cells. Red marrow is a hematopoietic tissue and is the site of production of erythrocytes and granular leukocytes. Bone marrow is made up of a framework of connective tissue containing branching fibers with the frame being filled with marrow cells. [NIH] Bone scan: A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner. [NIH] Bowel: The long tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. There is both a small and a large bowel. Also called the intestine. [NIH] Brain Stem: The part of the brain that connects the cerebral hemispheres with the spinal cord. It consists of the mesencephalon, pons, and medulla oblongata. [NIH] Branch: Most commonly used for branches of nerves, but applied also to other structures. [NIH]

Breakdown: A physical, metal, or nervous collapse. [NIH] Broad-spectrum: Effective against a wide range of microorganisms; said of an antibiotic. [EU] Bromine: A halogen with the atomic symbol Br, atomic number 36, and atomic weight 79.904. It is a volatile reddish-brown liquid that gives off suffocating vapors, is corrosive to the skin, and may cause severe gastroenteritis if ingested. [NIH] Bronchoconstriction: Diminution of the caliber of a bronchus physiologically or as a result of pharmacological intervention. [NIH] Buccal: Pertaining to or directed toward the cheek. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the buccal surface of a tooth. [EU] Cadmium: An element with atomic symbol Cd, atomic number 48, and atomic weight 114. It is a metal and ingestion will lead to cadmium poisoning. [NIH] Cadmium Compounds: Inorganic compounds that contain cadmium as an integral part of the molecule. [NIH] Cadmium Poisoning: Poisoning occurring after exposure to cadmium compounds or fumes. It may cause gastrointestinal syndromes, anemia, or pneumonitis. [NIH] Calcium: A basic element found in nearly all organized tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. [NIH] Calcium channel blocker: A drug used to relax the blood vessel and heart muscle, causing pressure inside blood vessels to drop. It also can regulate heart rhythm. [NIH] Calcium Oxalate: The calcium salt of oxalic acid, occurring in the urine as crystals and in certain calculi. [NIH] Calculi: An abnormal concretion occurring mostly in the urinary and biliary tracts, usually composed of mineral salts. Also called stones. [NIH] Calibration: Determination, by measurement or comparison with a standard, of the correct value of each scale reading on a meter or other measuring instrument; or determination of

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the settings of a control device that correspond to particular values of voltage, current, frequency, or other output. [NIH] Capillary: Any one of the minute vessels that connect the arterioles and venules, forming a network in nearly all parts of the body. Their walls act as semipermeable membranes for the interchange of various substances, including fluids, between the blood and tissue fluid; called also vas capillare. [EU] Capsules: Hard or soft soluble containers used for the oral administration of medicine. [NIH] Captopril: A potent and specific inhibitor of peptidyl-dipeptidase A. It blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor and important regulator of arterial blood pressure. Captopril acts to suppress the renin-angiotensin system and inhibits pressure responses to exogenous angiotensin. [NIH] Carbohydrates: The largest class of organic compounds, including starches, glycogens, cellulose, gums, and simple sugars. Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of Cn(H2O)n. [NIH] Carbon Dioxide: A colorless, odorless gas that can be formed by the body and is necessary for the respiration cycle of plants and animals. [NIH] Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Toxic asphyxiation due to the displacement of oxygen from oxyhemoglobin by carbon monoxide. [NIH] Carcinogen: Any substance that causes cancer. [NIH] Carcinogenic: Producing carcinoma. [EU] Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. [NIH]

Cardiac: Having to do with the heart. [NIH] Cardiotoxicity: Toxicity that affects the heart. [NIH] Cardiovascular: Having to do with the heart and blood vessels. [NIH] Cardiovascular Abnormalities: Congenital structural abnormalities of the cardiovascular system. [NIH] Cardiovascular disease: Any abnormal condition characterized by dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels. CVD includes atherosclerosis (especially coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), and hypertension (high blood pressure). [NIH] Cardiovascular System: The heart and the blood vessels by which blood is pumped and circulated through the body. [NIH] Case report: A detailed report of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. Case reports also contain some demographic information about the patient (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin). [NIH] Case series: A group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individual patients. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after treatment. [NIH] Case-Control Studies: Studies which start with the identification of persons with a disease of interest and a control (comparison, referent) group without the disease. The relationship of an attribute to the disease is examined by comparing diseased and non-diseased persons with regard to the frequency or levels of the attribute in each group. [NIH] Caspase: Enzyme released by the cell at a crucial stage in apoptosis in order to shred all

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cellular proteins. [NIH] Cataracts: In medicine, an opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye obstructing partially or totally its transmission of light. [NIH] Catecholamine: A group of chemical substances manufactured by the adrenal medulla and secreted during physiological stress. [NIH] Cathode: An electrode, usually an incandescent filament of tungsten, which emits electrons in an X-ray tube. [NIH] Cations: Postively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the cathode or negative pole during electrolysis. [NIH] Caudal: Denoting a position more toward the cauda, or tail, than some specified point of reference; same as inferior, in human anatomy. [EU] Caulobacter: A genus of gram-negative, aerobic, rod- or vibroid-shaped or fusiform bacteria that commonly produce a stalk. They are found in fresh water and soil and divide by binary transverse fission. [NIH] Causal: Pertaining to a cause; directed against a cause. [EU] Cause of Death: Factors which produce cessation of all vital bodily functions. They can be analyzed from an epidemiologic viewpoint. [NIH] Cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells. [NIH] Cell Death: The termination of the cell's ability to carry out vital functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, responsiveness, and adaptability. [NIH] Cell Differentiation: Progressive restriction of the developmental potential and increasing specialization of function which takes place during the development of the embryo and leads to the formation of specialized cells, tissues, and organs. [NIH] Cell Division: The fission of a cell. [NIH] Cell membrane: Cell membrane = plasma membrane. The structure enveloping a cell, enclosing the cytoplasm, and forming a selective permeability barrier; it consists of lipids, proteins, and some carbohydrates, the lipids thought to form a bilayer in which integral proteins are embedded to varying degrees. [EU] Cell proliferation: An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division. [NIH] Cell Respiration: The metabolic process of all living cells (animal and plant) in which oxygen is used to provide a source of energy for the cell. [NIH] Cell Survival: The span of viability of a cell characterized by the capacity to perform certain functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, some form of responsiveness, and adaptability. [NIH] Cellulose: A polysaccharide with glucose units linked as in cellobiose. It is the chief constituent of plant fibers, cotton being the purest natural form of the substance. As a raw material, it forms the basis for many derivatives used in chromatography, ion exchange materials, explosives manufacturing, and pharmaceutical preparations. [NIH] Central Nervous System: The main information-processing organs of the nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. [NIH] Centrifugation: A method of separating organelles or large molecules that relies upon differential sedimentation through a preformed density gradient under the influence of a gravitational field generated in a centrifuge. [NIH]

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Cerebellar: Pertaining to the cerebellum. [EU] Cerebellum: Part of the metencephalon that lies in the posterior cranial fossa behind the brain stem. It is concerned with the coordination of movement. [NIH] Cerebral: Of or pertaining of the cerebrum or the brain. [EU] Cerebral Angiography: Radiography of the vascular system of the brain after injection of a contrast medium. [NIH] Cerebral Cortex: The thin layer of gray matter on the surface of the cerebral hemisphere that develops from the telencephalon and folds into gyri. It reaches its highest development in man and is responsible for intellectual faculties and higher mental functions. [NIH] Cerebral Palsy: Refers to a motor disability caused by a brain dysfunction. [NIH] Cerebrospinal: Pertaining to the brain and spinal cord. [EU] Cerebrospinal fluid: CSF. The fluid flowing around the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the ventricles in the brain. [NIH] Cerebrovascular: Pertaining to the blood vessels of the cerebrum, or brain. [EU] Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebrum controls muscle functions of the body and also controls speech, emotions, reading, writing, and learning. [NIH] Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina. [NIH] Cesium: A member of the alkali metals. It has an atomic symbol Cs, atomic number 50, and atomic weight 132.91. Cesium has many industrial applications, including the construction of atomic clocks based on its atomic vibrational frequency. [NIH] Chelation: Combination with a metal in complexes in which the metal is part of a ring. [EU] Chemotherapeutic agent: A drug used to treat cancer. [NIH] Child Development: The continuous sequential physiological and psychological maturing of the child from birth up to but not including adolescence. It includes healthy responses to situations, but does not include growth in stature or size (= growth). [NIH] Chin: The anatomical frontal portion of the mandible, also known as the mentum, that contains the line of fusion of the two separate halves of the mandible (symphysis menti). This line of fusion divides inferiorly to enclose a triangular area called the mental protuberance. On each side, inferior to the second premolar tooth, is the mental foramen for the passage of blood vessels and a nerve. [NIH] Chiropractic: A system of treating bodily disorders by manipulation of the spine and other parts, based on the belief that the cause is the abnormal functioning of a nerve. [NIH] Chlorine: A greenish-yellow, diatomic gas that is a member of the halogen family of elements. It has the atomic symbol Cl, atomic number 17, and atomic weight 70.906. It is a powerful irritant that can cause fatal pulmonary edema. Chlorine is used in manufacturing, as a reagent in synthetic chemistry, for water purification, and in the production of chlorinated lime, which is used in fabric bleaching. [NIH] Chlorine Compounds: Inorganic compounds that contain chlorine as an integral part of the molecule. [NIH] Chlorpyrifos: An organothiophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor that is used as an insecticide and as an acaricide. [NIH] Cholesterol: The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. [NIH]

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Chorea: Involuntary, forcible, rapid, jerky movements that may be subtle or become confluent, markedly altering normal patterns of movement. Hypotonia and pendular reflexes are often associated. Conditions which feature recurrent or persistent episodes of chorea as a primary manifestation of disease are referred to as choreatic disorders. Chorea is also a frequent manifestation of basal ganglia diseases. [NIH] Chromatin: The material of chromosomes. It is a complex of DNA, histones, and nonhistone proteins (chromosomal proteins, non-histone) found within the nucleus of a cell. [NIH] Chromium: A trace element that plays a role in glucose metabolism. It has the atomic symbol Cr, atomic number 24, and atomic weight 52. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP85-002,1985), chromium and some of its compounds have been listed as known carcinogens. [NIH] Chromosomal: Pertaining to chromosomes. [EU] Chromosome: Part of a cell that contains genetic information. Except for sperm and eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes. [NIH] Chronic: A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time. [NIH] Chronic renal: Slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years, often resulting in end-stage renal disease. People with end-stage renal disease need dialysis or transplantation to replace the work of the kidneys. [NIH] Circulatory system: The system that contains the heart and the blood vessels and moves blood throughout the body. This system helps tissues get enough oxygen and nutrients, and it helps them get rid of waste products. The lymph system, which connects with the blood system, is often considered part of the circulatory system. [NIH] Cisplatin: An inorganic and water-soluble platinum complex. After undergoing hydrolysis, it reacts with DNA to produce both intra and interstrand crosslinks. These crosslinks appear to impair replication and transcription of DNA. The cytotoxicity of cisplatin correlates with cellular arrest in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. [NIH] Clamp: A u-shaped steel rod used with a pin or wire for skeletal traction in the treatment of certain fractures. [NIH] Cleave: A double-stranded cut in DNA with a restriction endonuclease. [NIH] Clinical Medicine: The study and practice of medicine by direct examination of the patient. [NIH]

Clinical study: A research study in which patients receive treatment in a clinic or other medical facility. Reports of clinical studies can contain results for single patients (case reports) or many patients (case series or clinical trials). [NIH] Clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. [NIH] Cloning: The production of a number of genetically identical individuals; in genetic engineering, a process for the efficient replication of a great number of identical DNA molecules. [NIH] Coal: A natural fuel formed by partial decomposition of vegetable matter under certain environmental conditions. [NIH] Cobalt: A trace element that is a component of vitamin B12. It has the atomic symbol Co, atomic number 27, and atomic weight 58.93. It is used in nuclear weapons, alloys, and pigments. Deficiency in animals leads to anemia; its excess in humans can lead to erythrocytosis. [NIH]

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Coca: Any of several South American shrubs of the Erythroxylon genus (and family) that yield cocaine; the leaves are chewed with alum for CNS stimulation. [NIH] Cocaine: An alkaloid ester extracted from the leaves of plants including coca. It is a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and is clinically used for that purpose, particularly in the eye, ear, nose, and throat. It also has powerful central nervous system effects similar to the amphetamines and is a drug of abuse. Cocaine, like amphetamines, acts by multiple mechanisms on brain catecholaminergic neurons; the mechanism of its reinforcing effects is thought to involve inhibition of dopamine uptake. [NIH] Cochlear: Of or pertaining to the cochlea. [EU] Cochlear Diseases: Diseases of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear that is concerned with hearing. [NIH] Codon: A set of three nucleotides in a protein coding sequence that specifies individual amino acids or a termination signal (codon, terminator). Most codons are universal, but some organisms do not produce the transfer RNAs (RNA, transfer) complementary to all codons. These codons are referred to as unassigned codons (codons, nonsense). [NIH] Cofactor: A substance, microorganism or environmental factor that activates or enhances the action of another entity such as a disease-causing agent. [NIH] Cognition: Intellectual or mental process whereby an organism becomes aware of or obtains knowledge. [NIH] Cognitive restructuring: A method of identifying and replacing fear-promoting, irrational beliefs with more realistic and functional ones. [NIH] Cohort Studies: Studies in which subsets of a defined population are identified. These groups may or may not be exposed to factors hypothesized to influence the probability of the occurrence of a particular disease or other outcome. Cohorts are defined populations which, as a whole, are followed in an attempt to determine distinguishing subgroup characteristics. [NIH] Collagen: A polypeptide substance comprising about one third of the total protein in mammalian organisms. It is the main constituent of skin, connective tissue, and the organic substance of bones and teeth. Different forms of collagen are produced in the body but all consist of three alpha-polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix. Collagen is differentiated from other fibrous proteins, such as elastin, by the content of proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine; by the absence of tryptophan; and particularly by the high content of polar groups which are responsible for its swelling properties. [NIH] Collapse: 1. A state of extreme prostration and depression, with failure of circulation. 2. Abnormal falling in of the walls of any part of organ. [EU] Colloidal: Of the nature of a colloid. [EU] Colon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus. [NIH] Compliance: Distensibility measure of a chamber such as the lungs (lung compliance) or bladder. Compliance is expressed as a change in volume per unit change in pressure. [NIH] Composite Resins: Synthetic resins, containing an inert filler, that are widely used in dentistry. [NIH] Computational Biology: A field of biology concerned with the development of techniques for the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make biological discoveries or predictions. This field encompasses all computational methods and theories applicable to molecular biology and areas of computer-based techniques for solving

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biological problems including manipulation of models and datasets. [NIH] Computed tomography: CT scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. [NIH] Conception: The onset of pregnancy, marked by implantation of the blastocyst; the formation of a viable zygote. [EU] Conduction: The transfer of sound waves, heat, nervous impulses, or electricity. [EU] Confounding: Extraneous variables resulting in outcome effects that obscure or exaggerate the "true" effect of an intervention. [NIH] Conjugated: Acting or operating as if joined; simultaneous. [EU] Conjugation: 1. The act of joining together or the state of being conjugated. 2. A sexual process seen in bacteria, ciliate protozoa, and certain fungi in which nuclear material is exchanged during the temporary fusion of two cells (conjugants). In bacterial genetics a form of sexual reproduction in which a donor bacterium (male) contributes some, or all, of its DNA (in the form of a replicated set) to a recipient (female) which then incorporates differing genetic information into its own chromosome by recombination and passes the recombined set on to its progeny by replication. In ciliate protozoa, two conjugants of separate mating types exchange micronuclear material and then separate, each now being a fertilized cell. In certain fungi, the process involves fusion of two gametes, resulting in union of their nuclei and formation of a zygote. 3. In chemistry, the joining together of two compounds to produce another compound, such as the combination of a toxic product with some substance in the body to form a detoxified product, which is then eliminated. [EU] Conjunctiva: The mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the anterior part of the sclera. [NIH] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] Consciousness: Sense of awareness of self and of the environment. [NIH] Constitutional: 1. Affecting the whole constitution of the body; not local. 2. Pertaining to the constitution. [EU] Constriction: The act of constricting. [NIH] Consumption: Pulmonary tuberculosis. [NIH] Contamination: The soiling or pollution by inferior material, as by the introduction of organisms into a wound, or sewage into a stream. [EU] Contraindications: Any factor or sign that it is unwise to pursue a certain kind of action or treatment, e. g. giving a general anesthetic to a person with pneumonia. [NIH] Contrast Media: Substances used in radiography that allow visualization of certain tissues. [NIH]

Contrast Sensitivity: The ability to detect sharp boundaries (stimuli) and to detect slight changes in luminance at regions without distinct contours. Psychophysical measurements of this visual function are used to evaluate visual acuity and to detect eye disease. [NIH] Control group: In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works. [NIH]

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Controlled clinical trial: A clinical study that includes a comparison (control) group. The comparison group receives a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment at all. [NIH] Coordination: Muscular or motor regulation or the harmonious cooperation of muscles or groups of muscles, in a complex action or series of actions. [NIH] Coronary: Encircling in the manner of a crown; a term applied to vessels; nerves, ligaments, etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a pathologic involvement of them. [EU] Coronary heart disease: A type of heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart, which needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by fat and cholesterol deposits and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, CHD results. [NIH] Coronary Thrombosis: Presence of a thrombus in a coronary artery, often causing a myocardial infarction. [NIH] Corpuscle: A small mass or body; a sensory nerve end bulb; a cell, especially that of the blood or the lymph. [NIH] Cortex: The outer layer of an organ or other body structure, as distinguished from the internal substance. [EU] Cortical: Pertaining to or of the nature of a cortex or bark. [EU] Cortisol: A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex as part of the body's response to stress. [NIH] Cotinine: 1-Methyl-5-(3-pyridyl)-2-pyrrolidinone antidepressant. Synonym: Scotine. [NIH]

fumarate.

Stimulant

proposed

as

Cranial: Pertaining to the cranium, or to the anterior (in animals) or superior (in humans) end of the body. [EU] Cranial Nerves: Twelve pairs of nerves that carry general afferent, visceral afferent, special afferent, somatic efferent, and autonomic efferent fibers. [NIH] Craniocerebral Trauma: Traumatic injuries involving the cranium and intracranial structures (i.e., brain; cranial nerves; meninges; and other structures). Injuries may be classified by whether or not the skull is penetrated (i.e., penetrating vs. nonpenetrating) or whether there is an associated hemorrhage. [NIH] Creatinine: A compound that is excreted from the body in urine. Creatinine levels are measured to monitor kidney function. [NIH] Cross-Sectional Studies: Studies in which the presence or absence of disease or other health-related variables are determined in each member of the study population or in a representative sample at one particular time. This contrasts with longitudinal studies which are followed over a period of time. [NIH] Crowns: A prosthetic restoration that reproduces the entire surface anatomy of the visible natural crown of a tooth. It may be partial (covering three or more surfaces of a tooth) or complete (covering all surfaces). It is made of gold or other metal, porcelain, or resin. [NIH] Curative: Tending to overcome disease and promote recovery. [EU] Cutaneous: Having to do with the skin. [NIH] Cyclic: Pertaining to or occurring in a cycle or cycles; the term is applied to chemical compounds that contain a ring of atoms in the nucleus. [EU] Cysteinyl: Enzyme released by the cell at a crucial stage in apoptosis in order to shred all cellular proteins. [NIH]

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Cystine: A covalently linked dimeric nonessential amino acid formed by the oxidation of cysteine. Two molecules of cysteine are joined together by a disulfide bridge to form cystine. [NIH]

Cytogenetics: A branch of genetics which deals with the cytological and molecular behavior of genes and chromosomes during cell division. [NIH] Cytokine: Small but highly potent protein that modulates the activity of many cell types, including T and B cells. [NIH] Cytomegalovirus: A genus of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Betaherpesvirinae, infecting the salivary glands, liver, spleen, lungs, eyes, and other organs, in which they produce characteristically enlarged cells with intranuclear inclusions. Infection with Cytomegalovirus is also seen as an opportunistic infection in AIDS. [NIH] Cytoplasm: The protoplasm of a cell exclusive of that of the nucleus; it consists of a continuous aqueous solution (cytosol) and the organelles and inclusions suspended in it (phaneroplasm), and is the site of most of the chemical activities of the cell. [EU] Cytotoxic: Cell-killing. [NIH] Cytotoxicity: Quality of being capable of producing a specific toxic action upon cells of special organs. [NIH] De novo: In cancer, the first occurrence of cancer in the body. [NIH] Death Certificates: Official records of individual deaths including the cause of death certified by a physician, and any other required identifying information. [NIH] Decidua: The epithelial lining of the endometrium that is formed before the fertilized ovum reaches the uterus. The fertilized ovum embeds in the decidua. If the ovum is not fertilized, the decidua is shed during menstruation. [NIH] Defense Mechanisms: Unconscious process used by an individual or a group of individuals in order to cope with impulses, feelings or ideas which are not acceptable at their conscious level; various types include reaction formation, projection and self reversal. [NIH] Degenerative: Undergoing degeneration : tending to degenerate; having the character of or involving degeneration; causing or tending to cause degeneration. [EU] Deletion: A genetic rearrangement through loss of segments of DNA (chromosomes), bringing sequences, which are normally separated, into close proximity. [NIH] Demethylation: Process that releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide in the liver. [NIH]

Dendrites: Extensions of the nerve cell body. They are short and branched and receive stimuli from other neurons. [NIH] Density: The logarithm to the base 10 of the opacity of an exposed and processed film. [NIH] Dental Amalgam: An alloy used in restorative dentistry that contains mercury, silver, tin, copper, and possibly zinc. [NIH] Dental Care: The total of dental diagnostic, preventive, and restorative services provided to meet the needs of a patient (from Illustrated Dictionary of Dentistry, 1982). [NIH] Dental Caries: Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp. The three most prominent theories used to explain the etiology of the disase are that acids produced by bacteria lead to decalcification; that micro-organisms destroy the enamel protein; or that keratolytic micro-organisms produce chelates that lead to decalcification. [NIH]

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Dental Clinics: Facilities where dental care is provided to patients. [NIH] Dental Materials: Materials used in the production of dental bases, restorations, impressions, prostheses, etc. [NIH] Dental Offices: The room or rooms in which the dentist and dental staff provide care. Offices include all rooms in the dentist's office suite. [NIH] Dental Staff: Personnel who provide dental service to patients in an organized facility, institution or agency. [NIH] Dental Waste: Any waste product generated by a dental office, surgery, clinic, or laboratory including amalgams, saliva, and rinse water. [NIH] Dentists: Individuals licensed to practice dentistry. [NIH] Dentition: The teeth in the dental arch; ordinarily used to designate the natural teeth in position in their alveoli. [EU] Depolarization: The process or act of neutralizing polarity. In neurophysiology, the reversal of the resting potential in excitable cell membranes when stimulated, i.e., the tendency of the cell membrane potential to become positive with respect to the potential outside the cell. [EU] Dermatitis: Any inflammation of the skin. [NIH] Detoxification: Treatment designed to free an addict from his drug habit. [EU] Deuterium: Deuterium. The stable isotope of hydrogen. It has one neutron and one proton in the nucleus. [NIH] Developing Countries: Countries in the process of change directed toward economic growth, that is, an increase in production, per capita consumption, and income. The process of economic growth involves better utilization of natural and human resources, which results in a change in the social, political, and economic structures. [NIH] Dextroamphetamine: The d-form of amphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant and a sympathomimetic. It has also been used in the treatment of narcolepsy and of attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity in children. Dextroamphetamine has multiple mechanisms of action including blocking uptake of adrenergics and dopamine, stimulating release of monamines, and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It is also a drug of abuse and a psychotomimetic. [NIH] Diagnostic procedure: A method used to identify a disease. [NIH] Diastolic: Of or pertaining to the diastole. [EU] Dietary Fats: Fats present in food, especially in animal products such as meat, meat products, butter, ghee. They are present in lower amounts in nuts, seeds, and avocados. [NIH]

Digestion: The process of breakdown of food for metabolism and use by the body. [NIH] Dihydrotestosterone: Anabolic agent. [NIH] Dilatation: The act of dilating. [NIH] Dilatation, Pathologic: The condition of an anatomical structure's being dilated beyond normal dimensions. [NIH] Dilation: A process by which the pupil is temporarily enlarged with special eye drops (mydriatic); allows the eye care specialist to better view the inside of the eye. [NIH] Dilution: A diluted or attenuated medicine; in homeopathy, the diffusion of a given quantity of a medicinal agent in ten or one hundred times the same quantity of water. [NIH] Dimethyl: A volatile metabolite of the amino acid methionine. [NIH]

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Dioxins: Chlorinated hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms that are present as contaminants of herbicides. Dioxins are carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic. They have been banned from use by the FDA. [NIH] Dipeptides: Peptides composed of two amino acid units. [NIH] Diploid: Having two sets of chromosomes. [NIH] Direct: 1. Straight; in a straight line. 2. Performed immediately and without the intervention of subsidiary means. [EU] Discrete: Made up of separate parts or characterized by lesions which do not become blended; not running together; separate. [NIH] Discrimination: The act of qualitative and/or quantitative differentiation between two or more stimuli. [NIH] Disease Susceptibility: A constitution or condition of the body which makes the tissues react in special ways to certain extrinsic stimuli and thus tends to make the individual more than usually susceptible to certain diseases. [NIH] Disinfectant: An agent that disinfects; applied particularly to agents used on inanimate objects. [EU] Dissociation: 1. The act of separating or state of being separated. 2. The separation of a molecule into two or more fragments (atoms, molecules, ions, or free radicals) produced by the absorption of light or thermal energy or by solvation. 3. In psychology, a defense mechanism in which a group of mental processes are segregated from the rest of a person's mental activity in order to avoid emotional distress, as in the dissociative disorders (q.v.), or in which an idea or object is segregated from its emotional significance; in the first sense it is roughly equivalent to splitting, in the second, to isolation. 4. A defect of mental integration in which one or more groups of mental processes become separated off from normal consciousness and, thus separated, function as a unitary whole. [EU] Distal: Remote; farther from any point of reference; opposed to proximal. In dentistry, used to designate a position on the dental arch farther from the median line of the jaw. [EU] Disulphides: A covalent bridge formed by the oxidation of two cysteine residues to a cystine residue. The-S-S-bond is very strong and its presence confers additional stability. [NIH]

Dithiothreitol: A reagent commonly used in biochemical studies as a protective agent to prevent the oxidation of SH (thiol) groups and for reducing disulphides to dithiols. [NIH] Diurnal: Occurring during the day. [EU] Dopamine: An endogenous catecholamine and prominent neurotransmitter in several systems of the brain. In the synthesis of catecholamines from tyrosine, it is the immediate precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. A family of dopaminergic receptor subtypes mediate its action. Dopamine is used pharmacologically for its direct (beta adrenergic agonist) and indirect (adrenergic releasing) sympathomimetic effects including its actions as an inotropic agent and as a renal vasodilator. [NIH] Dorsal: 1. Pertaining to the back or to any dorsum. 2. Denoting a position more toward the back surface than some other object of reference; same as posterior in human anatomy; superior in the anatomy of quadrupeds. [EU] Dose-dependent: Refers to the effects of treatment with a drug. If the effects change when the dose of the drug is changed, the effects are said to be dose dependent. [NIH] Double-blind: Pertaining to a clinical trial or other experiment in which neither the subject nor the person administering treatment knows which treatment any particular subject is

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receiving. [EU] Drive: A state of internal activity of an organism that is a necessary condition before a given stimulus will elicit a class of responses; e.g., a certain level of hunger (drive) must be present before food will elicit an eating response. [NIH] Drug Design: The molecular designing of drugs for specific purposes (such as DNAbinding, enzyme inhibition, anti-cancer efficacy, etc.) based on knowledge of molecular properties such as activity of functional groups, molecular geometry, and electronic structure, and also on information cataloged on analogous molecules. Drug design is generally computer-assisted molecular modeling and does not include pharmacokinetics, dosage analysis, or drug administration analysis. [NIH] Drug Interactions: The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug. [NIH] Drug Tolerance: Progressive diminution of the susceptibility of a human or animal to the effects of a drug, resulting from its continued administration. It should be differentiated from drug resistance wherein an organism, disease, or tissue fails to respond to the intended effectiveness of a chemical or drug. It should also be differentiated from maximum tolerated dose and no-observed-adverse-effect level. [NIH] Duct: A tube through which body fluids pass. [NIH] Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine. [NIH] Dyskinesia: Impairment of the power of voluntary movement, resulting in fragmentary or incomplete movements. [EU] Ecosystem: A dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit. [NIH] Effector: It is often an enzyme that converts an inactive precursor molecule into an active second messenger. [NIH] Efferent: Nerve fibers which conduct impulses from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. [NIH] Efficacy: The extent to which a specific intervention, procedure, regimen, or service produces a beneficial result under ideal conditions. Ideally, the determination of efficacy is based on the results of a randomized control trial. [NIH] Ejaculation: The release of semen through the penis during orgasm. [NIH] Elastin: The protein that gives flexibility to tissues. [NIH] Elective: Subject to the choice or decision of the patient or physician; applied to procedures that are advantageous to the patient but not urgent. [EU] Electrochemistry: The study of chemical changes resulting from electrical action and electrical activity resulting from chemical changes. [NIH] Electrode: Component of the pacing system which is at the distal end of the lead. It is the interface with living cardiac tissue across which the stimulus is transmitted. [NIH] Electrolysis: Destruction by passage of a galvanic electric current, as in disintegration of a chemical compound in solution. [NIH] Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions when fused or in solution, and thus becomes capable of conducting electricity; an ionic solute. [EU] Electrophoresis: An electrochemical process in which macromolecules or colloidal particles with a net electric charge migrate in a solution under the influence of an electric current. [NIH]

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Electrophysiological: Pertaining to electrophysiology, that is a branch of physiology that is concerned with the electric phenomena associated with living bodies and involved in their functional activity. [EU] Elementary Particles: Individual components of atoms, usually subatomic; subnuclear particles are usually detected only when the atomic nucleus decays and then only transiently, as most of them are unstable, often yielding pure energy without substance, i.e., radiation. [NIH] Embolism: Blocking of a blood vessel by a blood clot or foreign matter that has been transported from a distant site by the blood stream. [NIH] Embryo: The prenatal stage of mammalian development characterized by rapid morphological changes and the differentiation of basic structures. [NIH] Enamel: A very hard whitish substance which covers the dentine of the anatomical crown of a tooth. [NIH] Encapsulated: Confined to a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue. [NIH]

Encephalocele: Cerebral tissue herniation through a congenital or acquired defect in the skull. The majority of congenital encephaloceles occur in the occipital or frontal regions. Clinical features include a protuberant mass that may be pulsatile. The quantity and location of protruding neural tissue determines the type and degree of neurologic deficit. Visual defects, psychomotor developmental delay, and persistent motor deficits frequently occur. [NIH]

Encephalopathy: A disorder of the brain that can be caused by disease, injury, drugs, or chemicals. [NIH] Endemic: Present or usually prevalent in a population or geographical area at all times; said of a disease or agent. Called also endemial. [EU] Endocrine System: The system of glands that release their secretions (hormones) directly into the circulatory system. In addition to the endocrine glands, included are the chromaffin system and the neurosecretory systems. [NIH] Endogenous: Produced inside an organism or cell. The opposite is external (exogenous) production. [NIH] Endorphins: One of the three major groups of endogenous opioid peptides. They are large peptides derived from the pro-opiomelanocortin precursor. The known members of this group are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin. The term endorphin is also sometimes used to refer to all opioid peptides, but the narrower sense is used here; opioid peptides is used for the broader group. [NIH] Endothelial cell: The main type of cell found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart. [NIH] Endotoxin: Toxin from cell walls of bacteria. [NIH] End-stage renal: Total chronic kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, the body retains fluid and harmful wastes build up. A person with ESRD needs treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys. [NIH] Energetic: Exhibiting energy : strenuous; operating with force, vigour, or effect. [EU] Enkephalins: One of the three major families of endogenous opioid peptides. The enkephalins are pentapeptides that are widespread in the central and peripheral nervous systems and in the adrenal medulla. [NIH] Environmental Exposure: The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents in the environment or to environmental factors that may include ionizing

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radiation, pathogenic organisms, or toxic chemicals. [NIH] Environmental Health: The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences, or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. [NIH]

Environmental tobacco smoke: ETS. Smoke that comes from the burning of a tobacco product and smoke that is exhaled by smokers (second-hand smoke). Inhaling ETS is called involuntary or passive smoking. [NIH] Enzymatic: Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. [NIH] Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. [NIH] Eosinophils: Granular leukocytes with a nucleus that usually has two lobes connected by a slender thread of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing coarse, round granules that are uniform in size and stainable by eosin. [NIH] Epidemiologic Studies: Studies designed to examine associations, commonly, hypothesized causal relations. They are usually concerned with identifying or measuring the effects of risk factors or exposures. The common types of analytic study are case-control studies, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies. [NIH] Epidemiological: Relating to, or involving epidemiology. [EU] Epidermal: Pertaining to or resembling epidermis. Called also epidermic or epidermoid. [EU] Epidermis: Nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers: 1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); 2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); 3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); 4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and 5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis). [NIH] Epinephrine: The active sympathomimetic hormone from the adrenal medulla in most species. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the heart, and dilates bronchi and cerebral vessels. It is used in asthma and cardiac failure and to delay absorption of local anesthetics. [NIH] Epithelial: Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body. [NIH] Epithelial Cells: Cells that line the inner and outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] Epithelium: One or more layers of epithelial cells, supported by the basal lamina, which covers the inner or outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] Epitope: A molecule or portion of a molecule capable of binding to the combining site of an antibody. For every given antigenic determinant, the body can construct a variety of antibody-combining sites, some of which fit almost perfectly, and others which barely fit. [NIH]

Erythrocyte Membrane: The semipermeable outer portion of the red corpuscle. It is known as a 'ghost' after hemolysis. [NIH] Erythrocytes: Red blood cells. Mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated, biconcave disks containing hemoglobin whose function is to transport oxygen. [NIH] Estradiol: The most potent mammalian estrogenic hormone. It is produced in the ovary, placenta, testis, and possibly the adrenal cortex. [NIH] Estrogen: One of the two female sex hormones. [NIH] Estrogen receptor: ER. Protein found on some cancer cells to which estrogen will attach. [NIH]

Ethanol: A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical

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disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. [NIH] Excitation: An act of irritation or stimulation or of responding to a stimulus; the addition of energy, as the excitation of a molecule by absorption of photons. [EU] Excitatory: When cortical neurons are excited, their output increases and each new input they receive while they are still excited raises their output markedly. [NIH] Excitotoxicity: Excessive exposure to glutamate or related compounds can kill brain neurons, presumably by overstimulating them. [NIH] Excrete: To get rid of waste from the body. [NIH] Exercise Test: Controlled physical activity, more strenuous than at rest, which is performed in order to allow assessment of physiological functions, particularly cardiovascular and pulmonary, but also aerobic capacity. Maximal (most intense) exercise is usually required but submaximal exercise is also used. The intensity of exercise is often graded, using criteria such as rate of work done, oxygen consumption, and heart rate. Physiological data obtained from an exercise test may be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of disease severity, and to evaluate therapy. Data may also be used in prescribing exercise by determining a person's exercise capacity. [NIH] Exhaustion: The feeling of weariness of mind and body. [NIH] Exogenous: Developed or originating outside the organism, as exogenous disease. [EU] Expiration: The act of breathing out, or expelling air from the lungs. [EU] Extracellular: Outside a cell or cells. [EU] Extrapyramidal: Outside of the pyramidal tracts. [EU] Facial: Of or pertaining to the face. [EU] Facial Pain: Pain in the facial region including orofacial pain and craniofacial pain. Associated conditions include local inflammatory and neoplastic disorders and neuralgic syndromes involving the trigeminal, facial, and glossopharyngeal nerves. Conditions which feature recurrent or persistent facial pain as the primary manifestation of disease are referred to as facial pain syndromes. [NIH] Facial Paralysis: Severe or complete loss of facial muscle motor function. This condition may result from central or peripheral lesions. Damage to CNS motor pathways from the cerebral cortex to the facial nuclei in the pons leads to facial weakness that generally spares the forehead muscles. Facial nerve diseases generally results in generalized hemifacial weakness. Neuromuscular junction diseases and muscular diseases may also cause facial paralysis or paresis. [NIH] Fallopian tube: The oviduct, a muscular tube about 10 cm long, lying in the upper border of the broad ligament. [NIH] Family Planning: Programs or services designed to assist the family in controlling reproduction by either improving or diminishing fertility. [NIH] Fat: Total lipids including phospholipids. [NIH] Fatigue: The state of weariness following a period of exertion, mental or physical, characterized by a decreased capacity for work and reduced efficiency to respond to stimuli. [NIH]

Fatty acids: A major component of fats that are used by the body for energy and tissue development. [NIH] Fetal Development: Morphologic and physiologic growth and development of the mammalian embryo or fetus. [NIH]

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Fetoprotein: Transabdominal aspiration of fluid from the amniotic sac with a view to detecting increases of alpha-fetoprotein in maternal blood during pregnancy, as this is an important indicator of open neural tube defects in the fetus. [NIH] Fetus: The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth. [NIH] Fibroblasts: Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules. [NIH] Filler: An inactive substance used to make a product bigger or easier to handle. For example, fillers are often used to make pills or capsules because the amount of active drug is too small to be handled conveniently. [NIH] Fish Products: Food products manufactured from fish (e.g., fish flour, fish meal). [NIH] Fissure: Any cleft or groove, normal or otherwise; especially a deep fold in the cerebral cortex which involves the entire thickness of the brain wall. [EU] Flatus: Gas passed through the rectum. [NIH] Fluorescence: The property of emitting radiation while being irradiated. The radiation emitted is usually of longer wavelength than that incident or absorbed, e.g., a substance can be irradiated with invisible radiation and emit visible light. X-ray fluorescence is used in diagnosis. [NIH] Fluoridation: The addition of fluorine usually as a fluoride to something, as the adding of a fluoride to drinking water or public water supplies for prevention of tooth decay in children. [NIH] Fluorine: A nonmetallic, diatomic gas that is a trace element and member of the halogen family. It is used in dentistry as flouride to prevent dental caries. [NIH] Fluorosis: Discoloration of the tooth enamel due to fluorine. [NIH] Fold: A plication or doubling of various parts of the body. [NIH] Food Chain: The sequence of transfers of matter and energy from organism to organism in the form of food. Food chains intertwine locally into a food web because most organisms consume more than one type of animal or plant. Plants, which convert solar energy to food by photosynthesis, are the primary food source. In a predator chain, a plant-eating animal is eaten by a larger animal. In a parasite chain, a smaller organism consumes part of a larger host and may itself be parasitized by smaller organisms. In a saprophytic chain, microorganisms live on dead organic matter. [NIH] Forearm: The part between the elbow and the wrist. [NIH] Fossa: A cavity, depression, or pit. [NIH] Free Radicals: Highly reactive molecules with an unsatisfied electron valence pair. Free radicals are produced in both normal and pathological processes. They are proven or suspected agents of tissue damage in a wide variety of circumstances including radiation, damage from environment chemicals, and aging. Natural and pharmacological prevention of free radical damage is being actively investigated. [NIH] Fungi: A kingdom of eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that live as saprobes or parasites, including mushrooms, yeasts, smuts, molds, etc. They reproduce either sexually or asexually, and have life cycles that range from simple to complex. Filamentous fungi refer to those that grow as multicelluar colonies (mushrooms and molds). [NIH] Ganglia: Clusters of multipolar neurons surrounded by a capsule of loosely organized connective tissue located outside the central nervous system. [NIH] Gap Junctions: Connections between cells which allow passage of small molecules and electric current. Gap junctions were first described anatomically as regions of close

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apposition between cells with a narrow (1-2 nm) gap between cell membranes. The variety in the properties of gap junctions is reflected in the number of connexins, the family of proteins which form the junctions. [NIH] Gas: Air that comes from normal breakdown of food. The gases are passed out of the body through the rectum (flatus) or the mouth (burp). [NIH] Gastrin: A hormone released after eating. Gastrin causes the stomach to produce more acid. [NIH]

Gastroenteritis: An acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, characterized by anorexia, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and weakness, which has various causes, including food poisoning due to infection with such organisms as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella species; consumption of irritating food or drink; or psychological factors such as anger, stress, and fear. Called also enterogastritis. [EU] Gastrointestinal: Refers to the stomach and intestines. [NIH] Gastrointestinal tract: The stomach and intestines. [NIH] Gavage: Feeding by a tube passed into the stomach; called also tube feeding. [NIH] Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. [NIH]

Gene Expression: The phenotypic manifestation of a gene or genes by the processes of gene action. [NIH] Gene Rearrangement: The ordered rearrangement of gene regions by DNA recombination such as that which occurs normally during development. [NIH] Genetic Code: The specifications for how information, stored in nucleic acid sequence (base sequence), is translated into protein sequence (amino acid sequence). The start, stop, and order of amino acids of a protein is specified by consecutive triplets of nucleotides called codons (codon). [NIH] Genetics: The biological science that deals with the phenomena and mechanisms of heredity. [NIH] Genomics: The systematic study of the complete DNA sequences (genome) of organisms. [NIH]

Genotype: The genetic constitution of the individual; the characterization of the genes. [NIH] Germ Cells: The reproductive cells in multicellular organisms. [NIH] Gestation: The period of development of the young in viviparous animals, from the time of fertilization of the ovum until birth. [EU] Gestational: Psychosis attributable to or occurring during pregnancy. [NIH] Gestational Age: Age of the conceptus. In humans, this may be assessed by medical history, physical examination, early immunologic pregnancy tests, radiography, ultrasonography, and amniotic fluid analysis. [NIH] Gland: An organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body. Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs. Others produce hormones or participate in blood production. [NIH] Glioma: A cancer of the brain that comes from glial, or supportive, cells. [NIH] Gliosis: The production of a dense fibrous network of neuroglia; includes astrocytosis, which is a proliferation of astrocytes in the area of a degenerative lesion. [NIH]

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Glomerular: Pertaining to or of the nature of a glomerulus, especially a renal glomerulus. [EU]

Glomerular Filtration Rate: The volume of water filtered out of plasma through glomerular capillary walls into Bowman's capsules per unit of time. It is considered to be equivalent to inulin clearance. [NIH] Glomeruli: Plural of glomerulus. [NIH] Glomerulonephritis: Glomerular disease characterized by an inflammatory reaction, with leukocyte infiltration and cellular proliferation of the glomeruli, or that appears to be the result of immune glomerular injury. [NIH] Glomerulus: A tiny set of looping blood vessels in the nephron where blood is filtered in the kidney. [NIH] Glossopharyngeal Nerve: The 9th cranial nerve. The glossopharyngeal nerve is a mixed motor and sensory nerve; it conveys somatic and autonomic efferents as well as general, special, and visceral afferents. Among the connections are motor fibers to the stylopharyngeus muscle, parasympathetic fibers to the parotid glands, general and taste afferents from the posterior third of the tongue, the nasopharynx, and the palate, and afferents from baroreceptors and chemoreceptors of the carotid sinus. [NIH] Glucose: D-Glucose. A primary source of energy for living organisms. It is naturally occurring and is found in fruits and other parts of plants in its free state. It is used therapeutically in fluid and nutrient replacement. [NIH] Glutamate: Excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain. [NIH] Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid (glutamate) is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. [NIH]

Glutathione Peroxidase: An enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of 2 moles of glutathione in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to yield oxidized glutathione and water. EC 1.11.1.9. [NIH]

Glycerol: A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is used as a solvent, emollient, pharmaceutical agent, and sweetening agent. [NIH]

Glycine: A non-essential amino acid. It is found primarily in gelatin and silk fibroin and used therapeutically as a nutrient. It is also a fast inhibitory neurotransmitter. [NIH] Glycoprotein: A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it. [NIH] Gold Alloys: Alloys that contain a high percentage of gold. They are used in restorative or prosthetic dentistry. [NIH] Gonadal: Pertaining to a gonad. [EU] Governing Board: The group in which legal authority is vested for the control of healthrelated institutions and organizations. [NIH] Graft: Healthy skin, bone, or other tissue taken from one part of the body and used to replace diseased or injured tissue removed from another part of the body. [NIH] Grafting: The operation of transfer of tissue from one site to another. [NIH] Gram-negative: Losing the stain or decolorized by alcohol in Gram's method of staining, a primary characteristic of bacteria having a cell wall composed of a thin layer of peptidoglycan covered by an outer membrane of lipoprotein and lipopolysaccharide. [EU] Gram-Negative Bacteria: Bacteria which lose crystal violet stain but are stained pink when treated by Gram's method. [NIH]

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Gram-positive: Retaining the stain or resisting decolorization by alcohol in Gram's method of staining, a primary characteristic of bacteria whose cell wall is composed of a thick layer of peptidologlycan with attached teichoic acids. [EU] Granule: A small pill made from sucrose. [EU] Granulocytes: Leukocytes with abundant granules in the cytoplasm. They are divided into three groups: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. [NIH] Granuloma: A relatively small nodular inflammatory lesion containing grouped mononuclear phagocytes, caused by infectious and noninfectious agents. [NIH] Graphite: An allotropic form of carbon that is used in pencils, as a lubricant, and in matches and explosives. It is obtained by mining and its dust can cause lung irritation. [NIH] Gravis: Eruption of watery blisters on the skin among those handling animals and animal products. [NIH] Growth: The progressive development of a living being or part of an organism from its earliest stage to maturity. [NIH] Growth factors: Substances made by the body that function to regulate cell division and cell survival. Some growth factors are also produced in the laboratory and used in biological therapy. [NIH] Habituation: Decline in response of an organism to environmental or other stimuli with repeated or maintained exposure. [NIH] Haploid: An organism with one basic chromosome set, symbolized by n; the normal condition of gametes in diploids. [NIH] Haptens: Small antigenic determinants capable of eliciting an immune response only when coupled to a carrier. Haptens bind to antibodies but by themselves cannot elicit an antibody response. [NIH] Hazardous Substances: Substances which, upon release into the atmosphere, water, or soil, or which, in direct contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, or as additives to food, cause health risks to humans or animals through absorption, inhalation, or ingestion. The concept includes safe handling, transportation, and storage of these substances. [NIH] Hazardous Waste: Waste products which, upon release into the atmosphere, water or soil, cause health risks to humans or animals through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion. Hazardous waste sites which contain hazardous waste substances go here. [NIH] Health Behavior: Behaviors expressed by individuals to protect, maintain or promote their health status. For example, proper diet, and appropriate exercise are activities perceived to influence health status. Life style is closely associated with health behavior and factors influencing life style are socioeconomic, educational, and cultural. [NIH] Health Policy: Decisions, usually developed by government policymakers, for determining present and future objectives pertaining to the health care system. [NIH] Health Status: The level of health of the individual, group, or population as subjectively assessed by the individual or by more objective measures. [NIH] Heart attack: A seizure of weak or abnormal functioning of the heart. [NIH] Heme: The color-furnishing portion of hemoglobin. It is found free in tissues and as the prosthetic group in many hemeproteins. [NIH] Hemodynamics: The movements of the blood and the forces involved in systemic or regional blood circulation. [NIH] Hemoglobin: One of the fractions of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c. Glycosylated hemoglobin is formed when linkages of glucose and related monosaccharides bind to

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hemoglobin A and its concentration represents the average blood glucose level over the previous several weeks. HbA1c levels are used as a measure of long-term control of plasma glucose (normal, 4 to 6 percent). In controlled diabetes mellitus, the concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin A is within the normal range, but in uncontrolled cases the level may be 3 to 4 times the normal conentration. Generally, complications are substantially lower among patients with Hb levels of 7 percent or less than in patients with HbA1c levels of 9 percent or more. [NIH] Hemolysis: The destruction of erythrocytes by many different causal agents such as antibodies, bacteria, chemicals, temperature, and changes in tonicity. [NIH] Hemolytic: A disease that affects the blood and blood vessels. It destroys red blood cells, cells that cause the blood to clot, and the lining of blood vessels. HUS is often caused by the Escherichia coli bacterium in contaminated food. People with HUS may develop acute renal failure. [NIH] Hemorrhage: Bleeding or escape of blood from a vessel. [NIH] Hepatic: Refers to the liver. [NIH] Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver and liver disease involving degenerative or necrotic alterations of hepatocytes. [NIH] Hepatocytes: The main structural component of the liver. They are specialized epithelial cells that are organized into interconnected plates called lobules. [NIH] Herbicides: Pesticides used to destroy unwanted vegetation, especially various types of weeds, grasses, and woody plants. [NIH] Heredity: 1. The genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring. 2. The genetic constitution of an individual. [EU] Herpes: Any inflammatory skin disease caused by a herpesvirus and characterized by the formation of clusters of small vesicles. When used alone, the term may refer to herpes simplex or to herpes zoster. [EU] Herpes Zoster: Acute vesicular inflammation. [NIH] Heterogeneity: The property of one or more samples or populations which implies that they are not identical in respect of some or all of their parameters, e. g. heterogeneity of variance. [NIH]

Heterotrophic: Pertaining to organisms that are consumers and dependent on other organisms for their source of energy (food). [NIH] Homeostasis: The processes whereby the internal environment of an organism tends to remain balanced and stable. [NIH] Homologous: Corresponding in structure, position, origin, etc., as (a) the feathers of a bird and the scales of a fish, (b) antigen and its specific antibody, (c) allelic chromosomes. [EU] Hormone: A substance in the body that regulates certain organs. Hormones such as gastrin help in breaking down food. Some hormones come from cells in the stomach and small intestine. [NIH] Host: Any animal that receives a transplanted graft. [NIH] Hybrid: Cross fertilization between two varieties or, more usually, two species of vines, see also crossing. [NIH] Hybridization: The genetic process of crossbreeding to produce a hybrid. Hybrid nucleic acids can be formed by nucleic acid hybridization of DNA and RNA molecules. Protein hybridization allows for hybrid proteins to be formed from polypeptide chains. [NIH] Hybridomas: Cells artificially created by fusion of activated lymphocytes with neoplastic

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cells. The resulting hybrid cells are cloned and produce pure or "monoclonal" antibodies or T-cell products, identical to those produced by the immunologically competent parent, and continually grow and divide as the neoplastic parent. [NIH] Hydrogen: The first chemical element in the periodic table. It has the atomic symbol H, atomic number 1, and atomic weight 1. It exists, under normal conditions, as a colorless, odorless, tasteless, diatomic gas. Hydrogen ions are protons. Besides the common H1 isotope, hydrogen exists as the stable isotope deuterium and the unstable, radioactive isotope tritium. [NIH] Hydrogen Peroxide: A strong oxidizing agent used in aqueous solution as a ripening agent, bleach, and topical anti-infective. It is relatively unstable and solutions deteriorate over time unless stabilized by the addition of acetanilide or similar organic materials. [NIH] Hydrogenation: Specific method of reduction in which hydrogen is added to a substance by the direct use of gaseous hydrogen. [NIH] Hydrolysis: The process of cleaving a chemical compound by the addition of a molecule of water. [NIH] Hydroxylysine: A hydroxylated derivative of the amino acid lysine that is present in certain collagens. [NIH] Hydroxyproline: A hydroxylated form of the imino acid proline. A deficiency in ascorbic acid can result in impaired hydroxyproline formation. [NIH] Hypersensitivity: Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. [NIH] Hypertension: Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Currently accepted threshold levels are 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. [NIH] Hypoglossal Nerve: The 12th cranial nerve. The hypoglossal nerve originates in the hypoglossal nucleus of the medulla and supplies motor innervation to all of the muscles of the tongue except the palatoglossus (which is supplied by the vagus). This nerve also contains proprioceptive afferents from the tongue muscles. [NIH] Hypokinesia: Slow or diminished movement of body musculature. It may be associated with basal ganglia diseases; mental disorders; prolonged inactivity due to illness; experimental protocols used to evaluate the physiologic effects of immobility; and other conditions. [NIH] Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure. [NIH] Hypoxic: Having too little oxygen. [NIH] Id: The part of the personality structure which harbors the unconscious instinctive desires and strivings of the individual. [NIH] Idiopathic: Describes a disease of unknown cause. [NIH] Image Processing, Computer-Assisted: A technique of inputting two-dimensional images into a computer and then enhancing or analyzing the imagery into a form that is more useful to the human observer. [NIH] Immune response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). [NIH]

Immune Sera: Serum that contains antibodies. It is obtained from an animal that has been immunized either by antigen injection or infection with microorganisms containing the antigen. [NIH] Immune system: The organs, cells, and molecules responsible for the recognition and disposal of foreign ("non-self") material which enters the body. [NIH]

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Immunity: Nonsusceptibility to the invasive or pathogenic microorganisms or to the toxic effect of antigenic substances. [NIH]

effects

of

foreign

Immunization: Deliberate stimulation of the host's immune response. Active immunization involves administration of antigens or immunologic adjuvants. Passive immunization involves administration of immune sera or lymphocytes or their extracts (e.g., transfer factor, immune RNA) or transplantation of immunocompetent cell producing tissue (thymus or bone marrow). [NIH] Immunodeficiency: The decreased ability of the body to fight infection and disease. [NIH] Immunodeficiency syndrome: The inability of the body to produce an immune response. [NIH]

Immunofluorescence: A technique for identifying molecules present on the surfaces of cells or in tissues using a highly fluorescent substance coupled to a specific antibody. [NIH] Immunogenic: Producing immunity; evoking an immune response. [EU] Immunoglobulin: A protein that acts as an antibody. [NIH] Immunologic: The ability of the antibody-forming system to recall a previous experience with an antigen and to respond to a second exposure with the prompt production of large amounts of antibody. [NIH] Immunology: The study of the body's immune system. [NIH] Impairment: In the context of health experience, an impairment is any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. [NIH] Implantation: The insertion or grafting into the body of biological, living, inert, or radioactive material. [EU] In situ: In the natural or normal place; confined to the site of origin without invasion of neighbouring tissues. [EU] In vitro: In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body). [NIH] In vivo: In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory). [NIH] Incineration: High temperature destruction of waste by burning with subsequent reduction to ashes or conversion to an inert mass. [NIH] Incision: A cut made in the body during surgery. [NIH] Indicative: That indicates; that points out more or less exactly; that reveals fairly clearly. [EU] Indomethacin: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase necessary for the formation of prostaglandins and other autacoids. It also inhibits the motility of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. [NIH] Industrial Waste: Worthless, damaged, defective, superfluous or effluent material from industrial operations. It represents an ecological problem and health hazard. [NIH] Infancy: The period of complete dependency prior to the acquisition of competence in walking, talking, and self-feeding. [NIH] Infarction: A pathological process consisting of a sudden insufficient blood supply to an area, which results in necrosis of that area. It is usually caused by a thrombus, an embolus, or a vascular torsion. [NIH] Infection: 1. Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be clinically unapparent or result in local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, intracellular replication, or antigen-antibody response. The infection may remain localized, subclinical, and temporary if the body's defensive mechanisms are effective. A local infection may persist and spread by extension to become an acute, subacute, or chronic

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clinical infection or disease state. A local infection may also become systemic when the microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular system. 2. An infectious disease. [EU]

Infection Control: Programs of disease surveillance, generally within health care facilities, designed to investigate, prevent, and control the spread of infections and their causative microorganisms. [NIH] Infiltration: The diffusion or accumulation in a tissue or cells of substances not normal to it or in amounts of the normal. Also, the material so accumulated. [EU] Inflammation: A pathological process characterized by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. [NIH] Ingestion: Taking into the body by mouth [NIH] Inhalation: The drawing of air or other substances into the lungs. [EU] Initiation: Mutation induced by a chemical reactive substance causing cell changes; being a step in a carcinogenic process. [NIH] Inlay: In dentistry, a filling first made to correspond with the form of a dental cavity and then cemented into the cavity. [NIH] Innervation: 1. The distribution or supply of nerves to a part. 2. The supply of nervous energy or of nerve stimulus sent to a part. [EU] Inorganic: Pertaining to substances not of organic origin. [EU] Inotropic: Affecting the force or energy of muscular contractions. [EU] Insecticides: Pesticides designed to control insects that are harmful to man. The insects may be directly harmful, as those acting as disease vectors, or indirectly harmful, as destroyers of crops, food products, or textile fabrics. [NIH] Insight: The capacity to understand one's own motives, to be aware of one's own psychodynamics, to appreciate the meaning of symbolic behavior. [NIH] Insomnia: Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep. [NIH] Insulator: Material covering the metal conductor of the lead. It is usually polyurethane or silicone. [NIH] Interferometry: Measurement of distances or movements by means of the phenomena caused by the interference of two rays of light (optical interferometry) or of sound (acoustic interferometry). [NIH] Interferon: A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. [NIH] Interferon-alpha: One of the type I interferons produced by peripheral blood leukocytes or lymphoblastoid cells when exposed to live or inactivated virus, double-stranded RNA, or bacterial products. It is the major interferon produced by virus-induced leukocyte cultures and, in addition to its pronounced antiviral activity, it causes activation of NK cells. [NIH] Interleukin-1: A soluble factor produced by monocytes, macrophages, and other cells which activates T-lymphocytes and potentiates their response to mitogens or antigens. IL-1 consists of two distinct forms, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta which perform the same functions but are distinct proteins. The biological effects of IL-1 include the ability to replace macrophage requirements for T-cell activation. The factor is distinct from interleukin-2. [NIH]

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Interleukin-2: Chemical mediator produced by activated T lymphocytes and which regulates the proliferation of T cells, as well as playing a role in the regulation of NK cell activity. [NIH] Interleukin-6: Factor that stimulates the growth and differentiation of human B-cells and is also a growth factor for hybridomas and plasmacytomas. It is produced by many different cells including T-cells, monocytes, and fibroblasts. [NIH] Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the interspaces of a tissue. [EU] Intestinal: Having to do with the intestines. [NIH] Intestinal Flora: The bacteria, yeasts, and fungi that grow normally in the intestines. [NIH] Intestines: The section of the alimentary canal from the stomach to the anus. It includes the large intestine and small intestine. [NIH] Intoxication: Poisoning, the state of being poisoned. [EU] Intracellular: Inside a cell. [NIH] Intracellular Membranes: Membranes of subcellular structures. [NIH] Intracranial Hypertension: Increased pressure within the cranial vault. This may result from several conditions, including hydrocephalus; brain edema; intracranial masses; severe systemic hypertension; pseudotumor cerebri; and other disorders. [NIH] Intracranial Pressure: Pressure within the cranial cavity. It is influenced by brain mass, the circulatory system, CSF dynamics, and skull rigidity. [NIH] Intravenous: IV. Into a vein. [NIH] Intrinsic: Situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part. [EU] Inulin: A starch found in the tubers and roots of many plants. Since it is hydrolyzable to fructose, it is classified as a fructosan. It has been used in physiologic investigation for determination of the rate of glomerular function. [NIH] Invasive: 1. Having the quality of invasiveness. 2. Involving puncture or incision of the skin or insertion of an instrument or foreign material into the body; said of diagnostic techniques. [EU]

Involuntary: Reaction occurring without intention or volition. [NIH] Iodine: A nonmetallic element of the halogen group that is represented by the atomic symbol I, atomic number 53, and atomic weight of 126.90. It is a nutritionally essential element, especially important in thyroid hormone synthesis. In solution, it has anti-infective properties and is used topically. [NIH] Ion Channels: Gated, ion-selective glycoproteins that traverse membranes. The stimulus for channel gating can be a membrane potential, drug, transmitter, cytoplasmic messenger, or a mechanical deformation. Ion channels which are integral parts of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors are not included. [NIH] Ionization: 1. Any process by which a neutral atom gains or loses electrons, thus acquiring a net charge, as the dissociation of a substance in solution into ions or ion production by the passage of radioactive particles. 2. Iontophoresis. [EU] Ionizing: Radiation comprising charged particles, e. g. electrons, protons, alpha-particles, etc., having sufficient kinetic energy to produce ionization by collision. [NIH] Ions: An atom or group of atoms that have a positive or negative electric charge due to a gain (negative charge) or loss (positive charge) of one or more electrons. Atoms with a positive charge are known as cations; those with a negative charge are anions. [NIH] Isozymes: The multiple forms of a single enzyme. [NIH]

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Joint: The point of contact between elements of an animal skeleton with the parts that surround and support it. [NIH] Kb: A measure of the length of DNA fragments, 1 Kb = 1000 base pairs. The largest DNA fragments are up to 50 kilobases long. [NIH] Keratolytic: An agent that promotes keratolysis. [EU] Kinetic: Pertaining to or producing motion. [EU] Lactation: The period of the secretion of milk. [EU] Large Intestine: The part of the intestine that goes from the cecum to the rectum. The large intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid form. The large intestine is 5 feet long and includes the appendix, cecum, colon, and rectum. Also called colon. [NIH] Latent: Phoria which occurs at one distance or another and which usually has no troublesome effect. [NIH] Lavage: A cleaning of the stomach and colon. Uses a special drink and enemas. [NIH] Lead Poisoning: Disease caused by the gradual accumulation of a significant body burden of lead. [NIH] Lectin: A complex molecule that has both protein and sugars. Lectins are able to bind to the outside of a cell and cause biochemical changes in it. Lectins are made by both animals and plants. [NIH] Lens: The transparent, double convex (outward curve on both sides) structure suspended between the aqueous and vitreous; helps to focus light on the retina. [NIH] Lethal: Deadly, fatal. [EU] Leucocyte: All the white cells of the blood and their precursors (myeloid cell series, lymphoid cell series) but commonly used to indicate granulocytes exclusive of lymphocytes. [NIH]

Leukocytes: White blood cells. These include granular leukocytes (basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils) as well as non-granular leukocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). [NIH] Leukotrienes: A family of biologically active compounds derived from arachidonic acid by oxidative metabolism through the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. They participate in host defense reactions and pathophysiological conditions such as immediate hypersensitivity and inflammation. They have potent actions on many essential organs and systems, including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous system as well as the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. [NIH] Library Services: Services offered to the library user. They include reference and circulation. [NIH]

Ligament: A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, serving to support and strengthen joints. [EU] Ligands: A RNA simulation method developed by the MIT. [NIH] Ligation: Application of a ligature to tie a vessel or strangulate a part. [NIH] Lindane: An organochlorine insecticide that has been used as a pediculicide and a scabicide. It has been shown to cause cancer. [NIH] Linkage: The tendency of two or more genes in the same chromosome to remain together from one generation to the next more frequently than expected according to the law of independent assortment. [NIH] Lipase: An enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes the reaction of triacylglycerol and

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water to yield diacylglycerol and a fatty acid anion. It is produced by glands on the tongue and by the pancreas and initiates the digestion of dietary fats. (From Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.1.1.3. [NIH] Lipid: Fat. [NIH] Lipid Mobilization: The breakdown of stored triglyceride in adipose tissue with the release of free fatty acids and glycerol. Depot fat hydrolysis is catalyzed by a lipase in response to pituitary lipid mobilization factors (LMF), various hormones, serotonin, or hepatotoxins such as carbon tetrachloride. [NIH] Lipid Peroxidation: Peroxidase catalyzed oxidation of lipids using hydrogen peroxide as an electron acceptor. [NIH] Lipophilic: Having an affinity for fat; pertaining to or characterized by lipophilia. [EU] Lipopolysaccharide: Substance consisting of polysaccaride and lipid. [NIH] Lipoprotein: Any of the lipid-protein complexes in which lipids are transported in the blood; lipoprotein particles consist of a spherical hydrophobic core of triglycerides or cholesterol esters surrounded by an amphipathic monolayer of phospholipids, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins; the four principal classes are high-density, low-density, and very-lowdensity lipoproteins and chylomicrons. [EU] Liposomal: A drug preparation that contains the active drug in very tiny fat particles. This fat-encapsulated drug is absorbed better, and its distribution to the tumor site is improved. [NIH]

Litter: Appliance consisting of an oblong frame over which is stretched a canvas or other material, used for carrying an injured or disabled person. [NIH] Litter Size: The number of offspring produced at one birth by an animal. [NIH] Liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile. [NIH] Liver cancer: A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the liver. [NIH]

Liver scan: An image of the liver created on a computer screen or on film. A radioactive substance is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream. It collects in the liver, especially in abnormal areas, and can be detected by the scanner. [NIH] Localization: The process of determining or marking the location or site of a lesion or disease. May also refer to the process of keeping a lesion or disease in a specific location or site. [NIH] Localized: Cancer which has not metastasized yet. [NIH] Locomotion: Movement or the ability to move from one place or another. It can refer to humans, vertebrate or invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. [NIH] Locomotor: Of or pertaining to locomotion; pertaining to or affecting the locomotive apparatus of the body. [EU] Longitudinal study: Also referred to as a "cohort study" or "prospective study"; the analytic method of epidemiologic study in which subsets of a defined population can be identified who are, have been, or in the future may be exposed or not exposed, or exposed in different degrees, to a factor or factors hypothesized to influence the probability of occurrence of a given disease or other outcome. The main feature of this type of study is to observe large numbers of subjects over an extended time, with comparisons of incidence rates in groups that differ in exposure levels. [NIH] Loop: A wire usually of platinum bent at one end into a small loop (usually 4 mm inside

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diameter) and used in transferring microorganisms. [NIH] Lubricants: Oily or slippery substances. [NIH] Luminol: 5-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione. Substance that emits light on oxidation. It is used in chemical determinations. [NIH] Lupus: A form of cutaneous tuberculosis. It is seen predominantly in women and typically involves the nasal, buccal, and conjunctival mucosa. [NIH] Lupus Nephritis: Glomerulonephritis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. It is classified into four histologic types: mesangial, focal, diffuse, and membranous. [NIH] Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). [NIH]

Lymphatic: The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymphoblasts: Interferon produced predominantly by leucocyte cells. [NIH] Lymphocyte: A white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and diseases. [NIH] Lymphocyte Subsets: A classification of lymphocytes based on structurally or functionally different populations of cells. [NIH] Lymphoid: Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in which lymphocytes develop. [NIH] Lytic: 1. Pertaining to lysis or to a lysin. 2. Producing lysis. [EU] Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells. [NIH] Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Non-invasive method of vascular imaging and determination of internal anatomy without injection of contrast media or radiation exposure. The technique is used especially in cerebral angiography as well as for studies of other vascular structures. [NIH] Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Non-invasive method of demonstrating internal anatomy based on the principle that atomic nuclei in a strong magnetic field absorb pulses of radiofrequency energy and emit them as radiowaves which can be reconstructed into computerized images. The concept includes proton spin tomographic techniques. [NIH] Malaria: A protozoan disease caused in humans by four species of the genus Plasmodium (P. falciparum (malaria, falciparum), P. vivax (malaria, vivax), P. ovale, and P. malariae) and transmitted by the bite of an infected female mosquito of the genus Anopheles. Malaria is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Oceania, and certain Caribbean islands. It is characterized by extreme exhaustion associated with paroxysms of high fever, sweating, shaking chills, and anemia. Malaria in animals is caused by other species of plasmodia. [NIH] Malaria, Falciparum: Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. This is the severest form of malaria and is associated with the highest levels of parasites in the blood. This disease is characterized by irregularly recurring febrile paroxysms that in extreme cases occur with acute cerebral, renal, or gastrointestinal manifestations. [NIH]

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Malaria, Vivax: Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. This form of malaria is less severe than malaria, falciparum, but there is a higher probability for relapses to occur. Febrile paroxysms often occur every other day. [NIH] Malformation: A morphologic developmental process. [EU]

defect

resulting

from

an

intrinsically

abnormal

Malignant: Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. [NIH] Malnutrition: A condition caused by not eating enough food or not eating a balanced diet. [NIH]

Mammary: Pertaining to the mamma, or breast. [EU] Mammography: Radiographic examination of the breast. [NIH] Manifest: Being the part or aspect of a phenomenon that is directly observable : concretely expressed in behaviour. [EU] Mastication: The act and process of chewing and grinding food in the mouth. [NIH] Meat: The edible portions of any animal used for food including domestic mammals (the major ones being cattle, swine, and sheep) along with poultry, fish, shellfish, and game. [NIH]

Meconium: The thick green-to-black mucilaginous material found in the intestines of a fullterm fetus. It consists of secretions of the intestinal glands, bile pigments, fatty acids, amniotic fluid, and intrauterine debris. It constitutes the first stools passed by a newborn. [NIH]

Mediate: Indirect; accomplished by the aid of an intervening medium. [EU] Medical Records: Recording of pertinent information concerning patient's illness or illnesses. [NIH] MEDLINE: An online database of MEDLARS, the computerized bibliographic Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System of the National Library of Medicine. [NIH] Meiosis: A special method of cell division, occurring in maturation of the germ cells, by means of which each daughter nucleus receives half the number of chromosomes characteristic of the somatic cells of the species. [NIH] Melanin: The substance that gives the skin its color. [NIH] Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. [NIH] Membrane Glycoproteins: Glycoproteins found on the membrane or surface of cells. [NIH] Membrane Proteins: Proteins which are found in membranes including cellular and intracellular membranes. They consist of two types, peripheral and integral proteins. They include most membrane-associated enzymes, antigenic proteins, transport proteins, and drug, hormone, and lectin receptors. [NIH] Memory: Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory. [NIH] Meninges: The three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. [NIH] Mental: Pertaining to the mind; psychic. 2. (L. mentum chin) pertaining to the chin. [EU] Mental Disorders: Psychiatric illness or diseases manifested by breakdowns in the adaptational process expressed primarily as abnormalities of thought, feeling, and behavior producing either distress or impairment of function. [NIH] Mental Health: The state wherein the person is well adjusted. [NIH]

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Mental Retardation: Refers to sub-average general intellectual functioning which originated during the developmental period and is associated with impairment in adaptive behavior. [NIH]

Mercuric Chloride: Mercury chloride (HgCl2). A highly toxic compound that volatizes slightly at ordinary temperature and appreciably at 100 degrees C. It is corrosive to mucous membranes and used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant. [NIH] Mercury: A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to mercury poisoning. Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing. [NIH] Mercury Compounds: Inorganic compounds that contain mercury as an integral part of the molecule. [NIH] Mesentery: A layer of the peritoneum which attaches the abdominal viscera to the abdominal wall and conveys their blood vessels and nerves. [NIH] Metabolite: Any substance produced by metabolism or by a metabolic process. [EU] Methicillin Resistance: Non-susceptibility of a microbe to the action of methicillin, a semisynthetic penicillin derivative. [NIH] Methionine: A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals. [NIH] MI: Myocardial infarction. Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed. [NIH] Microbe: An organism which cannot be observed with the naked eye; e. g. unicellular animals, lower algae, lower fungi, bacteria. [NIH] Microbiology: The study of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, algae, archaea, and viruses. [NIH] Microglia: The third type of glial cell, along with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes (which together form the macroglia). Microglia vary in appearance depending on developmental stage, functional state, and anatomical location; subtype terms include ramified, perivascular, ameboid, resting, and activated. Microglia clearly are capable of phagocytosis and play an important role in a wide spectrum of neuropathologies. They have also been suggested to act in several other roles including in secretion (e.g., of cytokines and neural growth factors), in immunological processing (e.g., antigen presentation), and in central nervous system development and remodeling. [NIH] Micronutrients: Essential dietary elements or organic compounds that are required in only small quantities for normal physiologic processes to occur. [NIH] Microorganism: An organism that can be seen only through a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi. Although viruses are not considered living organisms, they are sometimes classified as microorganisms. [NIH] Micro-organism: An organism which cannot be observed with the naked eye; e. g. unicellular animals, lower algae, lower fungi, bacteria. [NIH] Microscopy: The application of microscope magnification to the study of materials that cannot be properly seen by the unaided eye. [NIH] Microsomal: Of or pertaining to microsomes : vesicular fragments of endoplasmic reticulum formed after disruption and centrifugation of cells. [EU]

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Millimeter: A measure of length. A millimeter is approximately 26-times smaller than an inch. [NIH] Mitosis: A method of indirect cell division by means of which the two daughter nuclei normally receive identical complements of the number of chromosomes of the somatic cells of the species. [NIH] Mobilization: The process of making a fixed part or stored substance mobile, as by separating a part from surrounding structures to make it accessible for an operative procedure or by causing release into the circulation for body use of a substance stored in the body. [EU] Modeling: A treatment procedure whereby the therapist presents the target behavior which the learner is to imitate and make part of his repertoire. [NIH] Modification: A change in an organism, or in a process in an organism, that is acquired from its own activity or environment. [NIH] Molecular: Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules : a very small mass of matter. [EU] Molecular Structure: The location of the atoms, groups or ions relative to one another in a molecule, as well as the number, type and location of covalent bonds. [NIH] Molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms. The atoms in a molecule can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms. [NIH] Monitor: An apparatus which automatically records such physiological signs as respiration, pulse, and blood pressure in an anesthetized patient or one undergoing surgical or other procedures. [NIH] Monoamine: Enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the astrocytes and microglia. [NIH] Monoclonal: An antibody produced by culturing a single type of cell. It therefore consists of a single species of immunoglobulin molecules. [NIH] Monoclonal antibodies: Laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Many monoclonal antibodies are used in cancer detection or therapy; each one recognizes a different protein on certain cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to a tumor. [NIH] Monocytes: Large, phagocytic mononuclear leukocytes produced in the vertebrate bone marrow and released into the blood; contain a large, oval or somewhat indented nucleus surrounded by voluminous cytoplasm and numerous organelles. [NIH] Mononuclear: A cell with one nucleus. [NIH] Morphological: Relating to the configuration or the structure of live organs. [NIH] Morphology: The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life). [NIH] Motility: The ability to move spontaneously. [EU] Movement Disorders: Syndromes which feature dyskinesias as a cardinal manifestation of the disease process. Included in this category are degenerative, hereditary, post-infectious, medication-induced, post-inflammatory, and post-traumatic conditions. [NIH] Mucilaginous: Pertaining to or secreting mucus. [NIH] Mucins: A secretion containing mucopolysaccharides and protein that is the chief constituent of mucus. [NIH]

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Mucolytic: Destroying or dissolving mucin; an agent that so acts : a mucopolysaccharide or glycoprotein, the chief constituent of mucus. [EU] Mucosa: A mucous membrane, or tunica mucosa. [EU] Multicenter study: A clinical trial that is carried out at more than one medical institution. [NIH]

Multidrug resistance: Adaptation of tumor cells to anticancer drugs in ways that make the drugs less effective. [NIH] Multiple sclerosis: A disorder of the central nervous system marked by weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control. Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys myelin. Myelin is a substance that contains both protein and fat (lipid) and serves as a nerve insulator and helps in the transmission of nerve signals. [NIH] Muscular Diseases: Acquired, familial, and congenital disorders of skeletal muscle and smooth muscle. [NIH] Mutagenic: Inducing genetic mutation. [EU] Myasthenia: Muscular debility; any constitutional anomaly of muscle. [EU] Myelin: The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves. [NIH] Myocardium: The muscle tissue of the heart composed of striated, involuntary muscle known as cardiac muscle. [NIH] Natural selection: A part of the evolutionary process resulting in the survival and reproduction of the best adapted individuals. [NIH] Nebulizer: A device used to turn liquid into a fine spray. [NIH] Need: A state of tension or dissatisfaction felt by an individual that impels him to action toward a goal he believes will satisfy the impulse. [NIH] Neonatal: Pertaining to the first four weeks after birth. [EU] Neonatal Screening: The identification of selected parameters in newborn infants by various tests, examinations, or other procedures. Screening may be performed by clinical or laboratory measures. A screening test is designed to sort out healthy neonates from those not well, but the screening test is not intended as a diagnostic device, rather instead as epidemiologic. [NIH] Neoplasia: Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth. [NIH] Neoplasm: A new growth of benign or malignant tissue. [NIH] Neoplastic: Pertaining to or like a neoplasm (= any new and abnormal growth); pertaining to neoplasia (= the formation of a neoplasm). [EU] Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney; a focal or diffuse proliferative or destructive process which may involve the glomerulus, tubule, or interstitial renal tissue. [EU] Nephron: A tiny part of the kidneys. Each kidney is made up of about 1 million nephrons, which are the working units of the kidneys, removing wastes and extra fluids from the blood. [NIH] Nephrotoxic: Toxic or destructive to kidney cells. [EU] Nerve: A cordlike structure of nervous tissue that connects parts of the nervous system with other tissues of the body and conveys nervous impulses to, or away from, these tissues. [NIH] Nerve Growth Factor: Nerve growth factor is the first of a series of neurotrophic factors that were found to influence the growth and differentiation of sympathetic and sensory neurons. It is comprised of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits. The beta subunit is responsible for its

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growth stimulating activity. [NIH] Nervous System: The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. [NIH] Neural: 1. Pertaining to a nerve or to the nerves. 2. Situated in the region of the spinal axis, as the neutral arch. [EU] Neural Pathways: Neural tracts connecting one part of the nervous system with another. [NIH]

Neural tube defects: These defects include problems stemming from fetal development of the spinal cord, spine, brain, and skull, and include birth defects such as spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele. Neural tube defects occur early in pregnancy at about 4 to 6 weeks, usually before a woman knows she is pregnant. Many babies with neural tube defects have difficulty walking and with bladder and bowel control. [NIH] Neuroblastoma: Cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children. [NIH] Neurodegenerative Diseases: Hereditary and sporadic conditions which are characterized by progressive nervous system dysfunction. These disorders are often associated with atrophy of the affected central or peripheral nervous system structures. [NIH] Neuroendocrine: Having to do with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Describes certain cells that release hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system. [NIH] Neurologic: Having to do with nerves or the nervous system. [NIH] Neuromuscular: Pertaining to muscles and nerves. [EU] Neuromuscular Junction: The synapse between a neuron and a muscle. [NIH] Neuromuscular Junction Diseases: Conditions characterized by impaired transmission of impulses at the neuromuscular junction. This may result from disorders that affect receptor function, pre- or postsynaptic membrane function, or acetylcholinesteraseactivity. The majority of diseases in this category are associated with autoimmune, toxic, or inherited conditions. [NIH] Neuronal: Pertaining to a neuron or neurons (= conducting cells of the nervous system). [EU] Neurons: The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system. [NIH] Neuropathy: A problem in any part of the nervous system except the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathies can be caused by infection, toxic substances, or disease. [NIH] Neuropeptides: Peptides released by neurons as intercellular messengers. Many neuropeptides are also hormones released by non-neuronal cells. [NIH] Neurotoxic: Poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue. [EU] Neurotoxicity: The tendency of some treatments to cause damage to the nervous system. [NIH]

Neurotoxin: A substance that is poisonous to nerve tissue. [NIH] Neurotransmitter: Any of a group of substances that are released on excitation from the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron of the central or peripheral nervous system and travel across the synaptic cleft to either excite or inhibit the target cell. Among the many substances that have the properties of a neurotransmitter are acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, glycine, y-aminobutyrate, glutamic acid, substance P, enkephalins, endorphins, and serotonin. [EU]

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Neurotrophins: A nerve growth factor. [NIH] Neutrons: Electrically neutral elementary particles found in all atomic nuclei except light hydrogen; the mass is equal to that of the proton and electron combined and they are unstable when isolated from the nucleus, undergoing beta decay. Slow, thermal, epithermal, and fast neutrons refer to the energy levels with which the neutrons are ejected from heavier nuclei during their decay. [NIH] Neutrophils: Granular leukocytes having a nucleus with three to five lobes connected by slender threads of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing fine inconspicuous granules and stainable by neutral dyes. [NIH] Nickel: A trace element with the atomic symbol Ni, atomic number 28, and atomic weight 58.69. It is a cofactor of the enzyme urease. [NIH] Nitrogen: An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight 14. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells. [NIH] Nitrogen Oxides: Inorganic oxides that contain nitrogen. [NIH] Norepinephrine: Precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is a widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is the principal transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers and of the diffuse projection system in the brain arising from the locus ceruleus. It is also found in plants and is used pharmacologically as a sympathomimetic. [NIH] Nuclear: A test of the structure, blood flow, and function of the kidneys. The doctor injects a mildly radioactive solution into an arm vein and uses x-rays to monitor its progress through the kidneys. [NIH] Nuclear Proteins: Proteins found in the nucleus of a cell. Do not confuse with nucleoproteins which are proteins conjugated with nucleic acids, that are not necessarily present in the nucleus. [NIH] Nuclei: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Nucleic acid: Either of two types of macromolecule (DNA or RNA) formed by polymerization of nucleotides. Nucleic acids are found in all living cells and contain the information (genetic code) for the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next. [NIH] Nucleic Acid Hybridization: The process whereby two single-stranded polynucleotides form a double-stranded molecule, with hydrogen bonding between the complementary bases in the two strains. [NIH] Nucleoproteins: Proteins conjugated with nucleic acids. [NIH] Nucleosomes: The repeating structural units of chromatin, each consisting of approximately 200 base pairs of DNA wound around a protein core. This core is composed of the histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. [NIH] Nucleus: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Nursing Staff: Personnel who provide nursing service to patients in an organized facility, institution, or agency. [NIH] Observational study: An epidemiologic study that does not involve any intervention, experimental or otherwise. Such a study may be one in which nature is allowed to take its course, with changes in one characteristic being studied in relation to changes in other

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characteristics. Analytical epidemiologic methods, such as case-control and cohort study designs, are properly called observational epidemiology because the investigator is observing without intervention other than to record, classify, count, and statistically analyze results. [NIH] Occult: Obscure; concealed from observation, difficult to understand. [EU] Occupational Exposure: The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents that occurs as a result of one's occupation. [NIH] Occupational Health: The promotion and maintenance of physical and mental health in the work environment. [NIH] Ocular: 1. Of, pertaining to, or affecting the eye. 2. Eyepiece. [EU] On-line: A sexually-reproducing population derived from a common parentage. [NIH] Oocytes: Female germ cells in stages between the prophase of the first maturation division and the completion of the second maturation division. [NIH] Opacity: Degree of density (area most dense taken for reading). [NIH] Operon: The genetic unit consisting of a feedback system under the control of an operator gene, in which a structural gene transcribes its message in the form of mRNA upon blockade of a repressor produced by a regulator gene. Included here is the attenuator site of bacterial operons where transcription termination is regulated. [NIH] Oral Health: The optimal state of the mouth and normal functioning of the organs of the mouth without evidence of disease. [NIH] Organomercury Compounds: Organic compounds which contain mercury as an integral part of the molecule. [NIH] Orgasm: The crisis of sexual excitement in either humans or animals. [NIH] Orofacial: Of or relating to the mouth and face. [EU] Osmosis: Tendency of fluids (e.g., water) to move from the less concentrated to the more concentrated side of a semipermeable membrane. [NIH] Osmotic: Pertaining to or of the nature of osmosis (= the passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules, but is permeable to the solvent). [EU] Osteoarthritis: A progressive, degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, especially in older persons. The disease is thought to result not from the aging process but from biochemical changes and biomechanical stresses affecting articular cartilage. In the foreign literature it is often called osteoarthrosis deformans. [NIH] Osteoporosis: Reduction of bone mass without alteration in the composition of bone, leading to fractures. Primary osteoporosis can be of two major types: postmenopausal osteoporosis and age-related (or senile) osteoporosis. [NIH] Ototoxic: Having a deleterious effect upon the eighth nerve, or upon the organs of hearing and balance. [EU] Ovaries: The pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. [NIH] Ovary: Either of the paired glands in the female that produce the female germ cells and secrete some of the female sex hormones. [NIH] Ovum: A female germ cell extruded from the ovary at ovulation. [NIH] Oxalic Acid: A strong dicarboxylic acid occurring in many plants and vegetables. It is

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produced in the body by metabolism of glyoxylic acid or ascorbic acid. It is not metabolized but excreted in the urine. It is used as an analytical reagent and general reducing agent. [NIH] Oxidation: The act of oxidizing or state of being oxidized. Chemically it consists in the increase of positive charges on an atom or the loss of negative charges. Most biological oxidations are accomplished by the removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) from a molecule. Such oxidations must be accompanied by reduction of an acceptor molecule. Univalent o. indicates loss of one electron; divalent o., the loss of two electrons. [EU]

Oxidation-Reduction: A chemical reaction in which an electron is transferred from one molecule to another. The electron-donating molecule is the reducing agent or reductant; the electron-accepting molecule is the oxidizing agent or oxidant. Reducing and oxidizing agents function as conjugate reductant-oxidant pairs or redox pairs (Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry, 1982, p471). [NIH] Oxidative Stress: A disturbance in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in favor of the former, leading to potential damage. Indicators of oxidative stress include damaged DNA bases, protein oxidation products, and lipid peroxidation products (Sies, Oxidative Stress, 1991, pxv-xvi). [NIH] Oxides: Binary compounds of oxygen containing the anion O(2-). The anion combines with metals to form alkaline oxides and non-metals to form acidic oxides. [NIH] Oxygen Consumption: The oxygen consumption is determined by calculating the difference between the amount of oxygen inhaled and exhaled. [NIH] Oxygenase: Enzyme which breaks down heme, the iron-containing oxygen-carrying constituent of the red blood cells. [NIH] Oxygenation: The process of supplying, treating, or mixing with oxygen. No:1245 oxygenation the process of supplying, treating, or mixing with oxygen. [EU] Palladium: A chemical element having an atomic weight of 106.4, atomic number of 46, and the symbol Pd. It is a white, ductile metal resembling platinum, and following it in abundance and importance of applications. It is used in dentistry in the form of gold, silver, and copper alloys. [NIH] Palliative: 1. Affording relief, but not cure. 2. An alleviating medicine. [EU] Palsies: Disease of the peripheral nervous system occurring usually after many years of increased lead absorption. [NIH] Palsy: Disease of the peripheral nervous system occurring usually after many years of increased lead absorption. [NIH] Pancreas: A mixed exocrine and endocrine gland situated transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The endocrine portion is comprised of the Islets of Langerhans, while the exocrine portion is a compound acinar gland that secretes digestive enzymes. [NIH] Parasite: An animal or a plant that lives on or in an organism of another species and gets at least some of its nutrition from that other organism. [NIH] Paresis: A general term referring to a mild to moderate degree of muscular weakness, occasionally used as a synonym for paralysis (severe or complete loss of motor function). In the older literature, paresis often referred specifically to paretic neurosyphilis. "General paresis" and "general paralysis" may still carry that connotation. Bilateral lower extremity paresis is referred to as paraparesis. [NIH] Parietal: 1. Of or pertaining to the walls of a cavity. 2. Pertaining to or located near the parietal bone, as the parietal lobe. [EU]

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Parkinsonism: A group of neurological disorders characterized by hypokinesia, tremor, and muscular rigidity. [EU] Pathogenesis: The cellular events and reactions that occur in the development of disease. [NIH]

Pathologic: 1. Indicative of or caused by a morbid condition. 2. Pertaining to pathology (= branch of medicine that treats the essential nature of the disease, especially the structural and functional changes in tissues and organs of the body caused by the disease). [EU] Pathologic Processes: The abnormal mechanisms and forms involved in the dysfunctions of tissues and organs. [NIH] Patient Education: The teaching or training of patients concerning their own health needs. [NIH]

Pediatric Dentistry: The practice of dentistry concerned with the dental problems of children, proper maintenance, and treatment. The dental care may include the services provided by dental specialists. [NIH] Pelvic: Pertaining to the pelvis. [EU] Pemphigus: Group of chronic blistering diseases characterized histologically by acantholysis and blister formation within the epidermis. [NIH] Penicillin: An antibiotic drug used to treat infection. [NIH] Penis: The external reproductive organ of males. It is composed of a mass of erectile tissue enclosed in three cylindrical fibrous compartments. Two of the three compartments, the corpus cavernosa, are placed side-by-side along the upper part of the organ. The third compartment below, the corpus spongiosum, houses the urethra. [NIH] Peptide: Any compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are combined to make proteins. [NIH] Perennial: Lasting through the year of for several years. [EU] Perfusion: Bathing an organ or tissue with a fluid. In regional perfusion, a specific area of the body (usually an arm or a leg) receives high doses of anticancer drugs through a blood vessel. Such a procedure is performed to treat cancer that has not spread. [NIH] Perinatal: Pertaining to or occurring in the period shortly before and after birth; variously defined as beginning with completion of the twentieth to twenty-eighth week of gestation and ending 7 to 28 days after birth. [EU] Periodontal disease: Disease involving the supporting structures of the teeth (as the gums and periodontal membranes). [NIH] Periodontal disease: Disease involving the supporting structures of the teeth (as the gums and periodontal membranes). [NIH] Peripheral blood: Blood circulating throughout the body. [NIH] Peripheral Nervous System: The nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system has autonomic and somatic divisions. The autonomic nervous system includes the enteric, parasympathetic, and sympathetic subdivisions. The somatic nervous system includes the cranial and spinal nerves and their ganglia and the peripheral sensory receptors. [NIH] Peripheral Vascular Disease: Disease in the large blood vessels of the arms, legs, and feet. People who have had diabetes for a long time may get this because major blood vessels in their arms, legs, and feet are blocked and these limbs do not receive enough blood. The signs of PVD are aching pains in the arms, legs, and feet (especially when walking) and foot sores that heal slowly. Although people with diabetes cannot always avoid PVD, doctors say they

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have a better chance of avoiding it if they take good care of their feet, do not smoke, and keep both their blood pressure and diabetes under good control. [NIH] Peritoneum: Endothelial lining of the abdominal cavity, the parietal peritoneum covering the inside of the abdominal wall and the visceral peritoneum covering the bowel, the mesentery, and certain of the organs. The portion that covers the bowel becomes the serosal layer of the bowel wall. [NIH] Peroxisome Proliferators: A class of nongenotoxic carcinogens that induce the production of hepatic peroxisomes and induce hepatic neoplasms after long-term administration. [NIH] Pesticides: Chemicals used to destroy pests of any sort. The concept includes fungicides (industrial fungicides), insecticides, rodenticides, etc. [NIH] Petroleum: Naturally occurring complex liquid hydrocarbons which, after distillation, yield combustible fuels, petrochemicals, and lubricants. [NIH] Pharmacokinetics: Dynamic and kinetic mechanisms of exogenous chemical and drug absorption, biotransformation, distribution, release, transport, uptake, and elimination as a function of dosage, and extent and rate of metabolic processes. It includes toxicokinetics, the pharmacokinetic mechanism of the toxic effects of a substance. [NIH] Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] Phenotype: The outward appearance of the individual. It is the product of interactions between genes and between the genotype and the environment. This includes the killer phenotype, characteristic of yeasts. [NIH] Phenylalanine: An aromatic amino acid that is essential in the animal diet. It is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin, and thyroxine. [NIH] Phospholipases: A class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphoglycerides or glycerophosphatidates. EC 3.1.-. [NIH] Phosphorus: A non-metallic element that is found in the blood, muscles, nevers, bones, and teeth, and is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the primary energy source for the body's cells.) [NIH] Phosphorylates: Attached to a phosphate group. [NIH] Phosphorylation: The introduction of a phosphoryl group into a compound through the formation of an ester bond between the compound and a phosphorus moiety. [NIH] Phrenic Nerve: The motor nerve of the diaphragm. The phrenic nerve fibers originate in the cervical spinal column (mostly C4) and travel through the cervical plexus to the diaphragm. [NIH]

Phylogeny: The relationships of groups of organisms as reflected by their evolutionary history. [NIH] Physical Examination: Systematic and thorough inspection of the patient for physical signs of disease or abnormality. [NIH] Physiologic: Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase "physiologic age," it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age. [NIH]

Physiology: The science that deals with the life processes and functions of organismus, their cells, tissues, and organs. [NIH] Pigments: Any normal or abnormal coloring matter in plants, animals, or micro-organisms. [NIH]

Pilot study: The initial study examining a new method or treatment. [NIH] Placenta: A highly vascular fetal organ through which the fetus absorbs oxygen and other

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nutrients and excretes carbon dioxide and other wastes. It begins to form about the eighth day of gestation when the blastocyst adheres to the decidua. [NIH] Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of the kingdom Plantae. They are characterized by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized regions of cell divisions (meristems); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of organs of locomotion; absense of nervous and sensory systems; and an alteration of haploid and diploid generations. [NIH] Plaque: A clear zone in a bacterial culture grown on an agar plate caused by localized destruction of bacterial cells by a bacteriophage. The concentration of infective virus in a fluid can be estimated by applying the fluid to a culture and counting the number of. [NIH] Plasma: The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma. [NIH] Plasma cells: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. [NIH] Plasma protein: One of the hundreds of different proteins present in blood plasma, including carrier proteins ( such albumin, transferrin, and haptoglobin), fibrinogen and other coagulation factors, complement components, immunoglobulins, enzyme inhibitors, precursors of substances such as angiotension and bradykinin, and many other types of proteins. [EU] Plasmid: An autonomously replicating, extra-chromosomal DNA molecule found in many bacteria. Plasmids are widely used as carriers of cloned genes. [NIH] Plasticity: In an individual or a population, the capacity for adaptation: a) through gene changes (genetic plasticity) or b) through internal physiological modifications in response to changes of environment (physiological plasticity). [NIH] Platelet Activating Factor: A phospholipid derivative formed by platelets, basophils, neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. It is a potent platelet aggregating agent and inducer of systemic anaphylactic symptoms, including hypotension, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and bronchoconstriction. [NIH] Platelet Activation: A series of progressive, overlapping events triggered by exposure of the platelets to subendothelial tissue. These events include shape change, adhesiveness, aggregation, and release reactions. When carried through to completion, these events lead to the formation of a stable hemostatic plug. [NIH] Platelets: A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes. [NIH] Platinum: Platinum. A heavy, soft, whitish metal, resembling tin, atomic number 78, atomic weight 195.09, symbol Pt. (From Dorland, 28th ed) It is used in manufacturing equipment for laboratory and industrial use. It occurs as a black powder (platinum black) and as a spongy substance (spongy platinum) and may have been known in Pliny's time as "alutiae". [NIH]

Plethysmography: Recording of change in the size of a part as modified by the circulation in it. [NIH] Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs. [NIH] Pneumonitis: A disease caused by inhaling a wide variety of substances such as dusts and molds. Also called "farmer's disease". [NIH] Poisoning: A condition or physical state produced by the ingestion, injection or inhalation of, or exposure to a deleterious agent. [NIH] Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Industrial products consisting of a mixture of chlorinated biphenyl congeners and isomers. These compounds are highly lipophilic and tend to

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accumulate in fat stores of animals. Many of these compounds are considered toxic and potential environmental pollutants. [NIH] Polymers: Compounds formed by the joining of smaller, usually repeating, units linked by covalent bonds. These compounds often form large macromolecules (e.g., polypeptides, proteins, plastics). [NIH] Polymorphism: The occurrence together of two or more distinct forms in the same population. [NIH] Polyneuritis: Inflammation of several peripheral nerves at the same time. [NIH] Polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate. It contains sugar molecules that are linked together chemically. [NIH] Polyunsaturated fat: An unsaturated fat found in greatest amounts in foods derived from plants, including safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils. [NIH] Pons: The part of the central nervous system lying between the medulla oblongata and the mesencephalon, ventral to the cerebellum, and consisting of a pars dorsalis and a pars ventralis. [NIH] Population Control: Includes mechanisms or programs which control the numbers of individuals in a population of humans or animals. [NIH] Posterior: Situated in back of, or in the back part of, or affecting the back or dorsal surface of the body. In lower animals, it refers to the caudal end of the body. [EU] Postmenopausal: Refers to the time after menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently; also called "change of life." [NIH] Postnatal: Occurring after birth, with reference to the newborn. [EU] Postoperative: After surgery. [NIH] Postsynaptic: Nerve potential generated by an inhibitory hyperpolarizing stimulation. [NIH] Potentiates: A degree of synergism which causes the exposure of the organism to a harmful substance to worsen a disease already contracted. [NIH] Potentiation: An overall effect of two drugs taken together which is greater than the sum of the effects of each drug taken alone. [NIH] Practice Guidelines: Directions or principles presenting current or future rules of policy for the health care practitioner to assist him in patient care decisions regarding diagnosis, therapy, or related clinical circumstances. The guidelines may be developed by government agencies at any level, institutions, professional societies, governing boards, or by the convening of expert panels. The guidelines form a basis for the evaluation of all aspects of health care and delivery. [NIH] Precursor: Something that precedes. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another. [EU] Predisposition: A latent susceptibility to disease which may be activated under certain conditions, as by stress. [EU] Pregnancy Tests: Tests to determine whether or not an individual is pregnant. [NIH] Prenatal: Existing or occurring before birth, with reference to the fetus. [EU] Presumptive: A treatment based on an assumed diagnosis, prior to receiving confirmatory laboratory test results. [NIH] Presynaptic: Situated proximal to a synapse, or occurring before the synapse is crossed. [EU] Prevalence: The total number of cases of a given disease in a specified population at a

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designated time. It is differentiated from incidence, which refers to the number of new cases in the population at a given time. [NIH] Primary endpoint: The main result that is measured at the end of a study to see if a given treatment worked (e.g., the number of deaths or the difference in survival between the treatment group and the control group). What the primary endpoint will be is decided before the study begins. [NIH] Primary Prevention: Prevention of disease or mental disorders in susceptible individuals or populations through promotion of health, including mental health, and specific protection, as in immunization, as distinguished from the prevention of complications or after-effects of existing disease. [NIH] Probe: An instrument used in exploring cavities, or in the detection and dilatation of strictures, or in demonstrating the potency of channels; an elongated instrument for exploring or sounding body cavities. [NIH] Progesterone: Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. The principal progestational hormone of the body, secreted by the corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, and placenta. Its chief function is to prepare the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized ovum. It acts as an antiovulatory agent when administered on days 5-25 of the menstrual cycle. [NIH] Progression: Increase in the size of a tumor or spread of cancer in the body. [NIH] Progressive: Advancing; going forward; going from bad to worse; increasing in scope or severity. [EU] Projection: A defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, whereby that which is emotionally unacceptable in the self is rejected and attributed (projected) to others. [NIH] Proline: A non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from glutamic acid. It is an essential component of collagen and is important for proper functioning of joints and tendons. [NIH] Promoter: A chemical substance that increases the activity of a carcinogenic process. [NIH] Prophase: The first phase of cell division, in which the chromosomes become visible, the nucleus starts to lose its identity, the spindle appears, and the centrioles migrate toward opposite poles. [NIH] Prophylaxis: An attempt to prevent disease. [NIH] Propoxur: A carbamate insecticide. [NIH] Prospective study: An epidemiologic study in which a group of individuals (a cohort), all free of a particular disease and varying in their exposure to a possible risk factor, is followed over a specific amount of time to determine the incidence rates of the disease in the exposed and unexposed groups. [NIH] Prostaglandins: A group of compounds derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway. They are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiological processes. [NIH] Prostaglandins A: (13E,15S)-15-Hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-10,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGA(1)); (5Z,13E,15S)-15-hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13-trien-1-oic acid (PGA(2)); (5Z,13E,15S,17Z)-15hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13,17-tetraen-1-oic acid (PGA(3)). A group of naturally occurring secondary prostaglandins derived from PGE. PGA(1) and PGA(2) as well as their 19hydroxy derivatives are found in many organs and tissues. [NIH] Prostate: A gland in males that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra. It secretes a substance that liquifies coagulated semen. It is situated in the pelvic cavity behind the lower part of the pubic symphysis, above the deep layer of the triangular ligament, and rests upon the rectum. [NIH]

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Protein C: A vitamin-K dependent zymogen present in the blood, which, upon activation by thrombin and thrombomodulin exerts anticoagulant properties by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa at the rate-limiting steps of thrombin formation. [NIH] Protein Conformation: The characteristic 3-dimensional shape of a protein, including the secondary, supersecondary (motifs), tertiary (domains) and quaternary structure of the peptide chain. Quaternary protein structure describes the conformation assumed by multimeric proteins (aggregates of more than one polypeptide chain). [NIH] Protein Folding: A rapid biochemical reaction involved in the formation of proteins. It begins even before a protein has been completely synthesized and proceeds through discrete intermediates (primary, secondary, and tertiary structures) before the final structure (quaternary structure) is developed. [NIH] Protein S: The vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C. Together with protein C, it inhibits the action of factors VIIIa and Va. A deficiency in protein S can lead to recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis. [NIH] Proteins: Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the shape and function of the protein. [NIH] Proteolytic: 1. Pertaining to, characterized by, or promoting proteolysis. 2. An enzyme that promotes proteolysis (= the splitting of proteins by hydrolysis of the peptide bonds with formation of smaller polypeptides). [EU] Protocol: The detailed plan for a clinical trial that states the trial's rationale, purpose, drug or vaccine dosages, length of study, routes of administration, who may participate, and other aspects of trial design. [NIH] Protons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known positive charge, found in the nuclei of all elements. The proton mass is less than that of a neutron. A proton is the nucleus of the light hydrogen atom, i.e., the hydrogen ion. [NIH] Protozoan: 1. Any individual of the protozoa; protozoon. 2. Of or pertaining to the protozoa; protozoal. [EU] Proximal: Nearest; closer to any point of reference; opposed to distal. [EU] Psychic: Pertaining to the psyche or to the mind; mental. [EU] Psychoactive: Those drugs which alter sensation, mood, consciousness or other psychological or behavioral functions. [NIH] Psychotomimetic: Psychosis miming. [NIH] Public Health: Branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of disease and disability, and the promotion of physical and mental health of the population on the international, national, state, or municipal level. [NIH] Public Policy: A course or method of action selected, usually by a government, from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. [NIH] Pulmonary: Relating to the lungs. [NIH] Pulmonary Artery: The short wide vessel arising from the conus arteriosus of the right ventricle and conveying unaerated blood to the lungs. [NIH] Pulmonary Edema: An accumulation of an excessive amount of watery fluid in the lungs, may be caused by acute exposure to dangerous concentrations of irritant gasses. [NIH] Pulse: The rhythmical expansion and contraction of an artery produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts. [NIH]

Purkinje Cells: The output neurons of the cerebellar cortex. [NIH]

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Quality of Life: A generic concept reflecting concern with the modification and enhancement of life attributes, e.g., physical, political, moral and social environment. [NIH] Quaternary: 1. Fourth in order. 2. Containing four elements or groups. [EU] Radiation: Emission or propagation of electromagnetic energy (waves/rays), or the waves/rays themselves; a stream of electromagnetic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons, alpha particles) or a mixture of these. The most common source is the sun. [NIH] Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body in the area near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy. [NIH] Radioactive: Giving off radiation. [NIH] Radiochemical: The proportion of the total activity of the radionuclide in the sample considered, which is due to the nuclide in the stated chemical form. [NIH] Radiography: Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of roentgen rays, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). [NIH] Radium: A radioactive element symbol Ra, atomic number 88, disintegration of uranium and is is used clinically as a source brachytherapy. [NIH]

of the alkaline earth series of metals. It has the atomic and atomic weight 226. Radium is the product of the present in pitchblende and all ores containing uranium. It of beta and gamma-rays in radiotherapy, particularly

Radon: A naturally radioactive element with atomic symbol Rn, atomic number 86, and atomic weight 222. It is a member of the noble gas family and released during the decay of radium and found in soil. There is a link between exposure to radon and lung cancer. [NIH] Raloxifene: A second generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It has estrogen agonist effects on bone and cholesterol metabolism but behaves as a complete estrogen antagonist on mammary gland and uterine tissue. [NIH] Random Allocation: A process involving chance used in therapeutic trials or other research endeavor for allocating experimental subjects, human or animal, between treatment and control groups, or among treatment groups. It may also apply to experiments on inanimate objects. [NIH] Randomization: Also called random allocation. Is allocation of individuals to groups, e.g., for experimental and control regimens, by chance. Within the limits of chance variation, random allocation should make the control and experimental groups similar at the start of an investigation and ensure that personal judgment and prejudices of the investigator do not influence allocation. [NIH] Randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. [NIH] Randomized clinical trial: A study in which the participants are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments; neither the researchers nor the participants can choose which group. Using chance to assign people to groups means that the groups will be similar and that the treatments they receive can be compared objectively. At the time of the trial, it is not known which treatment is best. It is the patient's choice to be in a randomized trial. [NIH]

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Reaction Time: The time from the onset of a stimulus until the organism responds. [NIH] Reactive Oxygen Species: Reactive intermediate oxygen species including both radicals and non-radicals. These substances are constantly formed in the human body and have been shown to kill bacteria and inactivate proteins, and have been implicated in a number of diseases. Scientific data exist that link the reactive oxygen species produced by inflammatory phagocytes to cancer development. [NIH] Reagent: A substance employed to produce a chemical reaction so as to detect, measure, produce, etc., other substances. [EU] Receptor: A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell. [NIH] Recombinant: A cell or an individual with a new combination of genes not found together in either parent; usually applied to linked genes. [EU] Recombination: The formation of new combinations of genes as a result of segregation in crosses between genetically different parents; also the rearrangement of linked genes due to crossing-over. [NIH] Rectal: By or having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus. [NIH] Rectum: The last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine. [NIH] Red blood cells: RBCs. Cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Also called erythrocytes. [NIH] Red Nucleus: A pinkish-yellow portion of the midbrain situated in the rostral mesencephalic tegmentum. It receives a large projection from the contralateral half of the cerebellum via the superior cerebellar peduncle and a projection from the ipsilateral motor cortex. [NIH] Reductase: Enzyme converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. [NIH] Refer: To send or direct for treatment, aid, information, de decision. [NIH] Reference Standards: A basis of value established for the measure of quantity, weight, extent or quality, e.g. weight standards, standard solutions, methods, techniques, and procedures used in diagnosis and therapy. [NIH] Reference Values: The range or frequency distribution of a measurement in a population (of organisms, organs or things) that has not been selected for the presence of disease or abnormality. [NIH] Refraction: A test to determine the best eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct a refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism). [NIH] Regimen: A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment. [NIH] Registries: The systems and processes involved in the establishment, support, management, and operation of registers, e.g., disease registers. [NIH] Renal failure: Progressive renal insufficiency and uremia, due to irreversible and progressive renal glomerular tubular or interstitial disease. [NIH] Renal tubular: A defect in the kidneys that hinders their normal excretion of acids. Failure to excrete acids can lead to weak bones, kidney stones, and poor growth in children. [NIH] Renin: An enzyme which is secreted by the kidney and is formed from prorenin in plasma and kidney. The enzyme cleaves the Leu-Leu bond in angiotensinogen to generate angiotensin I. EC 3.4.23.15. (Formerly EC 3.4.99.19). [NIH]

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Renin-Angiotensin System: A system consisting of renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and angiotensin II. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming angiotensin I. The converting enzyme contained in the lung acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to angiotensin II, the most powerful directly pressor substance known. It causes contraction of the arteriolar smooth muscle and has other indirect actions mediated through the adrenal cortex. [NIH] Repressor: Any of the specific allosteric protein molecules, products of regulator genes, which bind to the operator of operons and prevent RNA polymerase from proceeding into the operon to transcribe messenger RNA. [NIH] Reproductive system: In women, this system includes the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus (womb), the cervix, and the vagina (birth canal). The reproductive system in men includes the prostate, the testes, and the penis. [NIH] Research Design: A plan for collecting and utilizing data so that desired information can be obtained with sufficient precision or so that an hypothesis can be tested properly. [NIH] Respiration: The act of breathing with the lungs, consisting of inspiration, or the taking into the lungs of the ambient air, and of expiration, or the expelling of the modified air which contains more carbon dioxide than the air taken in (Blakiston's Gould Medical Dictionary, 4th ed.). This does not include tissue respiration (= oxygen consumption) or cell respiration (= cell respiration). [NIH] Respiratory Paralysis: Complete or severe weakness of the muscles of respiration. This condition may be associated with motor neuron diseases; peripheral nerve disorders; neuromuscular junction diseases; spinal cord diseases; injury to the phrenic nerve; and other disorders. [NIH] Response rate: The percentage of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment. [NIH] Restoration: Broad term applied to any inlay, crown, bridge or complete denture which restores or replaces loss of teeth or oral tissues. [NIH] Retina: The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. [NIH] Retinopathy: 1. Retinitis (= inflammation of the retina). 2. Retinosis (= degenerative, noninflammatory condition of the retina). [EU] Retrograde: 1. Moving backward or against the usual direction of flow. 2. Degenerating, deteriorating, or catabolic. [EU] Retrospective: Looking back at events that have already taken place. [NIH] Ribonuclease: RNA-digesting enzyme. [NIH] Rigidity: Stiffness or inflexibility, chiefly that which is abnormal or morbid; rigor. [EU] Risk factor: A habit, trait, condition, or genetic alteration that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. [NIH] Rod: A reception for vision, located in the retina. [NIH] Rodenticides: Substances used to destroy or inhibit the action of rats, mice, or other rodents. [NIH]

Rubber: A high-molecular-weight polymeric elastomer derived from the milk juice (latex) of Hevea brasiliensis and other trees. It is a substance that can be stretched at room temperature to atleast twice its original length and after releasing the stress, retractrapidly,

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and recover its original dimensions fully. Synthetic rubber is made from many different chemicals, including styrene, acrylonitrile, ethylene, propylene, and isoprene. [NIH] Saliva: The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth. It contains mucins, water, organic salts, and ptylin. [NIH] Salivary: The duct that convey saliva to the mouth. [NIH] Salivary glands: Glands in the mouth that produce saliva. [NIH] Sanitary: Relating or belonging to health and hygiene; conductive to the restoration or maintenance of health. [NIH] Saponins: Sapogenin glycosides. A type of glycoside widely distributed in plants. Each consists of a sapogenin as the aglycon moiety, and a sugar. The sapogenin may be a steroid or a triterpene and the sugar may be glucose, galactose, a pentose, or a methylpentose. Sapogenins are poisonous towards the lower forms of life and are powerful hemolytics when injected into the blood stream able to dissolve red blood cells at even extreme dilutions. [NIH] Satellite: Applied to a vein which closely accompanies an artery for some distance; in cytogenetics, a chromosomal agent separated by a secondary constriction from the main body of the chromosome. [NIH] Scabicide: An agent which has the power to destroy sarcoptes scabiei. [NIH] Scans: Pictures of structures inside the body. Scans often used in diagnosing, staging, and monitoring disease include liver scans, bone scans, and computed tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In liver scanning and bone scanning, radioactive substances that are injected into the bloodstream collect in these organs. A scanner that detects the radiation is used to create pictures. In CT scanning, an x-ray machine linked to a computer is used to produce detailed pictures of organs inside the body. MRI scans use a large magnet connected to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body. [NIH] Scatter: The extent to which relative success and failure are divergently manifested in qualitatively different tests. [NIH] Schizoid: Having qualities resembling those found in greater degree in schizophrenics; a person of schizoid personality. [NIH] Schizophrenia: A mental disorder characterized by a special type of disintegration of the personality. [NIH] Schizotypal Personality Disorder: A personality disorder in which there are oddities of thought (magical thinking, paranoid ideation, suspiciousness), perception (illusions, depersonalization), speech (digressive, vague, overelaborate), and behavior (inappropriate affect in social interactions, frequently social isolation) that are not severe enough to characterize schizophrenia. [NIH] Sclerosis: A pathological process consisting of hardening or fibrosis of an anatomical structure, often a vessel or a nerve. [NIH] Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. [NIH] Seafood: Marine fish and shellfish used as food or suitable for food. (Webster, 3d ed) shellfish and fish products are more specific types of seafood. [NIH] Secretion: 1. The process of elaborating a specific product as a result of the activity of a gland; this activity may range from separating a specific substance of the blood to the elaboration of a new chemical substance. 2. Any substance produced by secretion. [EU] Secretory: Secreting; relating to or influencing secretion or the secretions. [NIH]

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Sediment: A precipitate, especially one that is formed spontaneously. [EU] Sedimentation: The act of causing the deposit of sediment, especially by the use of a centrifugal machine. [EU] Selective estrogen receptor modulator: SERM. A drug that acts like estrogen on some tissues, but blocks the effect of estrogen on other tissues. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are SERMs. [NIH] Selenium: An element with the atomic symbol Se, atomic number 34, and atomic weight 78.96. It is an essential micronutrient for mammals and other animals but is toxic in large amounts. Selenium protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage. It is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase. [NIH] Semen: The thick, yellowish-white, viscid fluid secretion of male reproductive organs discharged upon ejaculation. In addition to reproductive organ secretions, it contains spermatozoa and their nutrient plasma. [NIH] Seminal fluid: Fluid from the prostate and other sex glands that helps transport sperm out of the man's body during orgasm. Seminal fluid contains sugar as an energy source for sperm. [NIH] Sensor: A device designed to respond to physical stimuli such as temperature, light, magnetism or movement and transmit resulting impulses for interpretation, recording, movement, or operating control. [NIH] Sensory loss: A disease of the nerves whereby the myelin or insulating sheath of myelin on the nerves does not stay intact and the messages from the brain to the muscles through the nerves are not carried properly. [NIH] Sequencing: The determination of the order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA chain. [NIH] Sequester: A portion of dead bone which has become detached from the healthy bone tissue, as occurs in necrosis. [NIH] Serotonin: A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (receptors, serotonin) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator. [NIH] Serum: The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed. [NIH] Sex Characteristics: Those characteristics that distinguish one sex from the other. The primary sex characteristics are the ovaries and testes and their related hormones. Secondary sex characteristics are those which are masculine or feminine but not directly related to reproduction. [NIH] Shock: The general bodily disturbance following a severe injury; an emotional or moral upset occasioned by some disturbing or unexpected experience; disruption of the circulation, which can upset all body functions: sometimes referred to as circulatory shock. [NIH]

Side effect: A consequence other than the one(s) for which an agent or measure is used, as the adverse effects produced by a drug, especially on a tissue or organ system other than the one sought to be benefited by its administration. [EU] Signal Transduction: The intercellular or intracellular transfer of information (biological activation/inhibition) through a signal pathway. In each signal transduction system, an activation/inhibition signal from a biologically active molecule (hormone, neurotransmitter)

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is mediated via the coupling of a receptor/enzyme to a second messenger system or to an ion channel. Signal transduction plays an important role in activating cellular functions, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. Examples of signal transduction systems are the GABA-postsynaptic receptor-calcium ion channel system, the receptor-mediated T-cell activation pathway, and the receptor-mediated activation of phospholipases. Those coupled to membrane depolarization or intracellular release of calcium include the receptormediated activation of cytotoxic functions in granulocytes and the synaptic potentiation of protein kinase activation. Some signal transduction pathways may be part of larger signal transduction pathways; for example, protein kinase activation is part of the platelet activation signal pathway. [NIH] Silicon: A trace element that constitutes about 27.6% of the earth's crust in the form of silicon dioxide. It does not occur free in nature. Silicon has the atomic symbol Si, atomic number 14, and atomic weight 28.09. [NIH] Silicon Dioxide: Silica. Transparent, tasteless crystals found in nature as agate, amethyst, chalcedony, cristobalite, flint, sand, quartz, and tridymite. The compound is insoluble in water or acids except hydrofluoric acid. [NIH] Skeletal: Having to do with the skeleton (boney part of the body). [NIH] Skeleton: The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or cartilage. [NIH] Skull: The skeleton of the head including the bones of the face and the bones enclosing the brain. [NIH] Sludge: A clump of agglutinated red blood cells. [NIH] Small intestine: The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine. [NIH] Social Environment: The aggregate of social and cultural institutions, forms, patterns, and processes that influence the life of an individual or community. [NIH] Social Support: Support systems that provide assistance and encouragement to individuals with physical or emotional disabilities in order that they may better cope. Informal social support is usually provided by friends, relatives, or peers, while formal assistance is provided by churches, groups, etc. [NIH] Socioeconomic Factors: Social and economic factors that characterize the individual or group within the social structure. [NIH] Sodium: An element that is a member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23. With a valence of 1, it has a strong affinity for oxygen and other nonmetallic elements. Sodium provides the chief cation of the extracellular body fluids. Its salts are the most widely used in medicine. (From Dorland, 27th ed) Physiologically the sodium ion plays a major role in blood pressure regulation, maintenance of fluid volume, and electrolyte balance. [NIH] Sodium Channels: Cell membrane glycoproteins selective for sodium ions. Fast sodium current is associated with the action potential in neural membranes. [NIH] Soft tissue: Refers to muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body. [NIH] Solid tumor: Cancer of body tissues other than blood, bone marrow, or the lymphatic system. [NIH] Solvent: 1. Dissolving; effecting a solution. 2. A liquid that dissolves or that is capable of dissolving; the component of a solution that is present in greater amount. [EU]

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Soma: The body as distinct from the mind; all the body tissue except the germ cells; all the axial body. [NIH] Somatic: 1. Pertaining to or characteristic of the soma or body. 2. Pertaining to the body wall in contrast to the viscera. [EU] Somatic cells: All the body cells except the reproductive (germ) cells. [NIH] Sound wave: An alteration of properties of an elastic medium, such as pressure, particle displacement, or density, that propagates through the medium, or a superposition of such alterations. [NIH] Soybean Oil: Oil from soybean or soybean plant. [NIH] Specialist: In medicine, one who concentrates on 1 special branch of medical science. [NIH] Species: A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus (or subgenus) and superior to a subspecies or variety, composed of individuals possessing common characters distinguishing them from other categories of individuals of the same taxonomic level. In taxonomic nomenclature, species are designated by the genus name followed by a Latin or Latinized adjective or noun. [EU] Specificity: Degree of selectivity shown by an antibody with respect to the number and types of antigens with which the antibody combines, as well as with respect to the rates and the extents of these reactions. [NIH] Spectrophotometry: The art or process of comparing photometrically the relative intensities of the light in different parts of the spectrum. [NIH] Spectroscopic: The recognition of elements through their emission spectra. [NIH] Spectrum: A charted band of wavelengths of electromagnetic vibrations obtained by refraction and diffraction. By extension, a measurable range of activity, such as the range of bacteria affected by an antibiotic (antibacterial s.) or the complete range of manifestations of a disease. [EU] Sperm: The fecundating fluid of the male. [NIH] Spermatogenesis: Process of formation and development of spermatozoa, including spermatocytogenesis and spermiogenesis. [NIH] Sphygmomanometer: Consisting of a blood pressure cuff which is applied to the arm and inflated to approximately 100 mm Hg, in order to distend and locate the anticubital vessel; to measure blood pressure. [NIH] Spina bifida: A defect in development of the vertebral column in which there is a central deficiency of the vertebral lamina. [NIH] Spinal cord: The main trunk or bundle of nerves running down the spine through holes in the spinal bone (the vertebrae) from the brain to the level of the lower back. [NIH] Spinal Cord Diseases: Pathologic conditions which feature spinal cord damage or dysfunction, including disorders involving the meninges and perimeningeal spaces surrounding the spinal cord. Traumatic injuries, vascular diseases, infections, and inflammatory/autoimmune processes may affect the spinal cord. [NIH] Spirochete: Lyme disease. [NIH] Spleen: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach. [NIH] Sporadic: Neither endemic nor epidemic; occurring occasionally in a random or isolated manner. [EU]

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Staging: Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. [NIH]

Statistically significant: Describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be statistically significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. [NIH] Steady state: Dynamic equilibrium. [EU] Steel: A tough, malleable, iron-based alloy containing up to, but no more than, two percent carbon and often other metals. It is used in medicine and dentistry in implants and instrumentation. [NIH] Stem Cells: Relatively undifferentiated cells of the same lineage (family type) that retain the ability to divide and cycle throughout postnatal life to provide cells that can become specialized and take the place of those that die or are lost. [NIH] Steroid: A group name for lipids that contain a hydrogenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system. Some of the substances included in this group are progesterone, adrenocortical hormones, the gonadal hormones, cardiac aglycones, bile acids, sterols (such as cholesterol), toad poisons, saponins, and some of the carcinogenic hydrocarbons. [EU] Stimulant: 1. Producing stimulation; especially producing stimulation by causing tension on muscle fibre through the nervous tissue. 2. An agent or remedy that produces stimulation. [EU]

Stimulus: That which can elicit or evoke action (response) in a muscle, nerve, gland or other excitable issue, or cause an augmenting action upon any function or metabolic process. [NIH] Stomach: An organ of digestion situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen between the termination of the esophagus and the beginning of the duodenum. [NIH] Stool: The waste matter discharged in a bowel movement; feces. [NIH] Stress: Forcibly exerted influence; pressure. Any condition or situation that causes strain or tension. Stress may be either physical or psychologic, or both. [NIH] Stress management: A set of techniques used to help an individual cope more effectively with difficult situations in order to feel better emotionally, improve behavioral skills, and often to enhance feelings of control. Stress management may include relaxation exercises, assertiveness training, cognitive restructuring, time management, and social support. It can be delivered either on a one-to-one basis or in a group format. [NIH] Stroke: Sudden loss of function of part of the brain because of loss of blood flow. Stroke may be caused by a clot (thrombosis) or rupture (hemorrhage) of a blood vessel to the brain. [NIH] Styrene: A colorless, toxic liquid with a strong aromatic odor. It is used to make rubbers, polymers and copolymers, and polystyrene plastics. [NIH] Subacute: Somewhat acute; between acute and chronic. [EU] Subclinical: Without clinical manifestations; said of the early stage(s) of an infection or other disease or abnormality before symptoms and signs become apparent or detectable by clinical examination or laboratory tests, or of a very mild form of an infection or other disease or abnormality. [EU] Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin. [NIH] Subspecies: A category intermediate in rank between species and variety, based on a smaller number of correlated characters than are used to differentiate species and generally conditioned by geographical and/or ecological occurrence. [NIH]

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Substance P: An eleven-amino acid neurotransmitter that appears in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is involved in transmission of pain, causes rapid contractions of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. [NIH]

Substrate: A substance upon which an enzyme acts. [EU] Substrate Specificity: A characteristic feature of enzyme activity in relation to the kind of substrate on which the enzyme or catalytic molecule reacts. [NIH] Suction: The removal of secretions, gas or fluid from hollow or tubular organs or cavities by means of a tube and a device that acts on negative pressure. [NIH] Suppression: A conscious exclusion of disapproved desire contrary with repression, in which the process of exclusion is not conscious. [NIH] Survival Rate: The proportion of survivors in a group, e.g., of patients, studied and followed over a period, or the proportion of persons in a specified group alive at the beginning of a time interval who survive to the end of the interval. It is often studied using life table methods. [NIH] Sympathomimetic: 1. Mimicking the effects of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibres of the sympathetic nervous system. 2. An agent that produces effects similar to those of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibres of the sympathetic nervous system. Called also adrenergic. [EU] Symphysis: A secondary cartilaginous joint. [NIH] Synapse: The region where the processes of two neurons come into close contiguity, and the nervous impulse passes from one to the other; the fibers of the two are intermeshed, but, according to the general view, there is no direct contiguity. [NIH] Synapsis: The pairing between homologous chromosomes of maternal and paternal origin during the prophase of meiosis, leading to the formation of gametes. [NIH] Synaptic: Pertaining to or affecting a synapse (= site of functional apposition between neurons, at which an impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another by electrical or chemical means); pertaining to synapsis (= pairing off in point-for-point association of homologous chromosomes from the male and female pronuclei during the early prophase of meiosis). [EU] Synaptic Transmission: The communication from a neuron to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a synapse. In chemical synaptic transmission, the presynaptic neuron releases a neurotransmitter that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific synaptic receptors. These activated receptors modulate ion channels and/or secondmessenger systems to influence the postsynaptic cell. Electrical transmission is less common in the nervous system, and, as in other tissues, is mediated by gap junctions. [NIH] Synaptic Vesicles: Membrane-bound compartments which contain transmitter molecules. Synaptic vesicles are concentrated at presynaptic terminals. They actively sequester transmitter molecules from the cytoplasm. In at least some synapses, transmitter release occurs by fusion of these vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, followed by exocytosis of their contents. [NIH] Syncope: A temporary suspension of consciousness due to generalized cerebral schemia, a faint or swoon. [EU] Syphilis: A contagious venereal disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. [NIH]

Syringomyelia: The presence in the spinal cord of elongated central fluid containing cavities surrounded by gliosis. [NIH]

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Systemic: Affecting the entire body. [NIH] Systemic disease: Disease that affects the whole body. [NIH] Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE. A chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease marked by skin rashes, joint pain and swelling, inflammation of the kidneys, inflammation of the fibrous tissue surrounding the heart (i.e., the pericardium), as well as other problems. Not all affected individuals display all of these problems. May be referred to as lupus. [NIH] Systolic: Indicating the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. [EU] Tamoxifen: A first generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It acts as an agonist for bone tissue and cholesterol metabolism but is an estrogen antagonist in mammary and uterine. [NIH] Taurine: 2-Aminoethanesulfonic acid. A conditionally essential nutrient, important during mammalian development. It is present in milk but is isolated mostly from ox bile and strongly conjugates bile acids. [NIH] Technology Transfer: Spread and adoption of inventions and techniques from one geographic area to another, from one discipline to another, or from one sector of the economy to another. For example, improvements in medical equipment may be transferred from industrial countries to developing countries, advances arising from aerospace engineering may be applied to equipment for persons with disabilities, and innovations in science arising from government research are made available to private enterprise. [NIH] Teichoic Acids: Bacterial polysaccharides that are rich in phosphodiester linkages. They are the major components of the cell walls and membranes of many bacteria. [NIH] Temporal: One of the two irregular bones forming part of the lateral surfaces and base of the skull, and containing the organs of hearing. [NIH] Teratogenic: Tending to produce anomalies of formation, or teratism (= anomaly of formation or development : condition of a monster). [EU] Testicular: Pertaining to a testis. [EU] Testis: Either of the paired male reproductive glands that produce the male germ cells and the male hormones. [NIH] Testosterone: A hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. [NIH] Tetracycline: An antibiotic originally produced by Streptomyces viridifaciens, but used mostly in synthetic form. It is an inhibitor of aminoacyl-tRNA binding during protein synthesis. [NIH] Thalamic: Cell that reaches the lateral nucleus of amygdala. [NIH] Thalamic Diseases: Disorders of the centrally located thalamus, which integrates a wide range of cortical and subcortical information. Manifestations include sensory loss, movement disorders; ataxia, pain syndromes, visual disorders, a variety of neuropsychological conditions, and coma. Relatively common etiologies include cerebrovascular disorders; craniocerebral trauma; brain neoplasms; brain hypoxia; intracranial hemorrhages; and infectious processes. [NIH] Therapeutics: The branch of medicine which is concerned with the treatment of diseases, palliative or curative. [NIH] Thermal: Pertaining to or characterized by heat. [EU] Thimerosal: A topical antiseptic used on skin and mucous membranes. It is also used as a preservative in pharmaceuticals. [NIH]

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Threshold: For a specified sensory modality (e. g. light, sound, vibration), the lowest level (absolute threshold) or smallest difference (difference threshold, difference limen) or intensity of the stimulus discernible in prescribed conditions of stimulation. [NIH] Thrombin: An enzyme formed from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. (Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.4.21.5. [NIH] Thrombocytopenia: A decrease in the number of blood platelets. [NIH] Thrombomodulin: A cell surface glycoprotein of endothelial cells that binds thrombin and serves as a cofactor in the activation of protein C and its regulation of blood coagulation. [NIH]

Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. [NIH] Thromboxanes: Physiologically active compounds found in many organs of the body. They are formed in vivo from the prostaglandin endoperoxides and cause platelet aggregation, contraction of arteries, and other biological effects. Thromboxanes are important mediators of the actions of polyunsaturated fatty acids transformed by cyclooxygenase. [NIH] Thymus: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system, in which T lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone. [NIH] Thyroid: A gland located near the windpipe (trachea) that produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth and metabolism. [NIH] Thyroid Gland: A highly vascular endocrine gland consisting of two lobes, one on either side of the trachea, joined by a narrow isthmus; it produces the thyroid hormones which are concerned in regulating the metabolic rate of the body. [NIH] Thyroxine: An amino acid of the thyroid gland which exerts a stimulating effect on thyroid metabolism. [NIH] Time Management: Planning and control of time to improve efficiency and effectiveness. [NIH]

Tin: A trace element that is required in bone formation. It has the atomic symbol Sn, atomic number 50, and atomic weight 118.71. [NIH] Tinnitus: Sounds that are perceived in the absence of any external noise source which may take the form of buzzing, ringing, clicking, pulsations, and other noises. Objective tinnitus refers to noises generated from within the ear or adjacent structures that can be heard by other individuals. The term subjective tinnitus is used when the sound is audible only to the affected individual. Tinnitus may occur as a manifestation of cochlear diseases; vestibulocochlear nerve diseases; intracranial hypertension; craniocerebral trauma; and other conditions. [NIH] Tissue: A group or layer of cells that are alike in type and work together to perform a specific function. [NIH] Tolerance: 1. The ability to endure unusually large doses of a drug or toxin. 2. Acquired drug tolerance; a decreasing response to repeated constant doses of a drug or the need for increasing doses to maintain a constant response. [EU] Tomography: Imaging methods that result in sharp images of objects located on a chosen plane and blurred images located above or below the plane. [NIH] Tone: 1. The normal degree of vigour and tension; in muscle, the resistance to passive elongation or stretch; tonus. 2. A particular quality of sound or of voice. 3. To make permanent, or to change, the colour of silver stain by chemical treatment, usually with a heavy metal. [EU] Tonus: A state of slight tension usually present in muscles even when they are not undergoing active contraction. [NIH]

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Tooth Loss: The failure to retain teeth as a result of disease or injury. [NIH] Tooth Preparation: Procedures carried out with regard to the teeth or tooth structures preparatory to specified dental therapeutic and surgical measures. [NIH] Topical: On the surface of the body. [NIH] Toxic: Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects. [NIH] Toxicity: The quality of being poisonous, especially the degree of virulence of a toxic microbe or of a poison. [EU] Toxicokinetics: Study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of test substances. [NIH] Toxicology: The science concerned with the detection, chemical composition, and pharmacologic action of toxic substances or poisons and the treatment and prevention of toxic manifestations. [NIH] Toxin: A poison; frequently used to refer specifically to a protein produced by some higher plants, certain animals, and pathogenic bacteria, which is highly toxic for other living organisms. Such substances are differentiated from the simple chemical poisons and the vegetable alkaloids by their high molecular weight and antigenicity. [EU] Trace element: Substance or element essential to plant or animal life, but present in extremely small amounts. [NIH] Trachea: The cartilaginous and membranous tube descending from the larynx and branching into the right and left main bronchi. [NIH] Traction: The act of pulling. [NIH] Transcription Factors: Endogenous substances, usually proteins, which are effective in the initiation, stimulation, or termination of the genetic transcription process. [NIH] Transduction: The transfer of genes from one cell to another by means of a viral (in the case of bacteria, a bacteriophage) vector or a vector which is similar to a virus particle (pseudovirion). [NIH] Transfection: The uptake of naked or purified DNA into cells, usually eukaryotic. It is analogous to bacterial transformation. [NIH] Transfer Factor: Factor derived from leukocyte lysates of immune donors which can transfer both local and systemic cellular immunity to nonimmune recipients. [NIH] Translation: The process whereby the genetic information present in the linear sequence of ribonucleotides in mRNA is converted into a corresponding sequence of amino acids in a protein. It occurs on the ribosome and is unidirectional. [NIH] Translocate: The attachment of a fragment of one chromosome to a non-homologous chromosome. [NIH] Transmitter: A chemical substance which effects the passage of nerve impulses from one cell to the other at the synapse. [NIH] Transplantation: Transference of a tissue or organ, alive or dead, within an individual, between individuals of the same species, or between individuals of different species. [NIH] Transposons: Discrete genetic elements capable of inserting, in a non-permuted fashion, into the chromosomes of many bacteria. [NIH] Trauma: Any injury, wound, or shock, must frequently physical or structural shock, producing a disturbance. [NIH] Trees: Woody, usually tall, perennial higher plants (Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, and some

Dictionary 221

Pterophyta) having usually a main stem and numerous branches. [NIH] Tremor: Cyclical movement of a body part that can represent either a physiologic process or a manifestation of disease. Intention or action tremor, a common manifestation of cerebellar diseases, is aggravated by movement. In contrast, resting tremor is maximal when there is no attempt at voluntary movement, and occurs as a relatively frequent manifestation of Parkinson disease. [NIH] Trichloroethylene: A highly volatile inhalation anesthetic used mainly in short surgical procedures where light anesthesia with good analgesia is required. It is also used as an industrial solvent. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of the vapor can lead to cardiotoxicity and neurological impairment. [NIH] Trigeminal: Cranial nerve V. It is sensory for the eyeball, the conjunctiva, the eyebrow, the skin of face and scalp, the teeth, the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose, and is motor to the muscles of mastication. [NIH] Triglyceride: A lipid carried through the blood stream to tissues. Most of the body's fat tissue is in the form of triglycerides, stored for use as energy. Triglycerides are obtained primarily from fat in foods. [NIH] Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is necessary for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is a precursor serotonin and niacin. [NIH] Tumor marker: A substance sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and which may mean that a certain type of cancer is in the body. Examples of tumor markers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast cancer), CEA (ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract cancers), and PSA (prostate cancer). Also called biomarker. [NIH] Tumor Necrosis Factor: Serum glycoprotein produced by activated macrophages and other mammalian mononuclear leukocytes which has necrotizing activity against tumor cell lines and increases ability to reject tumor transplants. It mimics the action of endotoxin but differs from it. It has a molecular weight of less than 70,000 kDa. [NIH] Tungsten: A metallic element with the atomic symbol W, atomic number 74, and atomic weight 183.85. It is used in many manufacturing applications, including increasing the hardness, toughness, and tensile strength of steel; manufacture of filaments for incandescent light bulbs; and in contact points for automotive and electrical apparatus. [NIH] Tyrosine: A non-essential amino acid. In animals it is synthesized from phenylalanine. It is also the precursor of epinephrine, thyroid hormones, and melanin. [NIH] Ultrasonography: The visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the reflections of echoes of pulses of ultrasonic waves directed into the tissues. Use of ultrasound for imaging or diagnostic purposes employs frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 10 megahertz. [NIH] Umbilical Arteries: Either of a pair of arteries originating from the internal iliac artery and passing through the umbilical cord to carry blood from the fetus to the placenta. [NIH] Umbilical Cord: The flexible structure, giving passage to the umbilical arteries and vein, which connects the embryo or fetus to the placenta. [NIH] Umbilical cord blood: Blood from the placenta (afterbirth) that contains high concentrations of stem cells needed to produce new blood cells. [NIH] Unconscious: Experience which was once conscious, but was subsequently rejected, as the "personal unconscious". [NIH] Urban Population: The inhabitants of a city or town, including metropolitan areas and suburban areas. [NIH]

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Urease: An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of urea and water to carbon dioxide and ammonia. EC 3.5.1.5. [NIH] Uremia: The illness associated with the buildup of urea in the blood because the kidneys are not working effectively. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and mental confusion. [NIH] Urethra: The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder. [NIH]

Uric: A kidney stone that may result from a diet high in animal protein. When the body breaks down this protein, uric acid levels rise and can form stones. [NIH] Urinary: Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of urine. [NIH] Urinate: To release urine from the bladder to the outside. [NIH] Urine: Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra. [NIH] Uterus: The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called the womb. [NIH] Vaccination: Administration of vaccines to stimulate the host's immune response. This includes any preparation intended for active immunological prophylaxis. [NIH] Vaccine: A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. [NIH] Vagal: Pertaining to the vagus nerve. [EU] Vagina: The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called the birth canal. [NIH] Vagus Nerve: The 10th cranial nerve. The vagus is a mixed nerve which contains somatic afferents (from skin in back of the ear and the external auditory meatus), visceral afferents (from the pharynx, larynx, thorax, and abdomen), parasympathetic efferents (to the thorax and abdomen), and efferents to striated muscle (of the larynx and pharynx). [NIH] Valproic Acid: A fatty acid with anticonvulsant properties used in the treatment of epilepsy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic actions are not well understood. It may act by increasing GABA levels in the brain or by altering the properties of voltage dependent sodium channels. [NIH] Vanadium: Vanadium. A metallic element with the atomic symbol V, atomic number 23, and atomic weight 50.94. It is used in the manufacture of vanadium steel. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic intoxication caused by absorption usually via the lungs. [NIH] Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels or indicative of a copious blood supply. [EU] Vasodilation: Physiological dilation of the blood vessels without anatomic change. For dilation with anatomic change, dilatation, pathologic or aneurysm (or specific aneurysm) is used. [NIH] Vasodilator: An agent that widens blood vessels. [NIH] Vector: Plasmid or other self-replicating DNA molecule that transfers DNA between cells in nature or in recombinant DNA technology. [NIH] Vein: Vessel-carrying blood from various parts of the body to the heart. [NIH] Venereal: Pertaining or related to or transmitted by sexual contact. [EU] Venous: Of or pertaining to the veins. [EU] Ventricle: One of the two pumping chambers of the heart. The right ventricle receives

Dictionary 223

oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. The left ventricle receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the body through the aorta. [NIH] Venules: The minute vessels that collect blood from the capillary plexuses and join together to form veins. [NIH] Vertebral: Of or pertaining to a vertebra. [EU] Vesicular: 1. Composed of or relating to small, saclike bodies. 2. Pertaining to or made up of vesicles on the skin. [EU] Vestibular: Pertaining to or toward a vestibule. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the tooth surface directed toward the vestibule of the mouth. [EU] Vestibule: A small, oval, bony chamber of the labyrinth. The vestibule contains the utricle and saccule, organs which are part of the balancing apparatus of the ear. [NIH] Vestibulocochlear Nerve: The 8th cranial nerve. The vestibulocochlear nerve has a cochlear part (cochlear nerve) which is concerned with hearing and a vestibular part (vestibular nerve) which mediates the sense of balance and head position. The fibers of the cochlear nerve originate from neurons of the spiral ganglion and project to the cochlear nuclei (cochlear nucleus). The fibers of the vestibular nerve arise from neurons of Scarpa's ganglion and project to the vestibular nuclei. [NIH] Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases: Diseases of the vestibular and/or cochlear (acoustic) nerves, which join to form the vestibulocochlear nerve. Vestibular neuritis, cochlear neuritis, and acoustic neuromas are relatively common conditions that affect these nerves. Clinical manifestations vary with which nerve is primarily affected, and include hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. [NIH] Veterinary Medicine: The medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in animals. [NIH] Viral: Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of virus. [EU] Virulence: The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. [NIH] Virulent: A virus or bacteriophage capable only of lytic growth, as opposed to temperate phages establishing the lysogenic response. [NIH] Virus: Submicroscopic organism that causes infectious disease. In cancer therapy, some viruses may be made into vaccines that help the body build an immune response to, and kill, tumor cells. [NIH] Visceral: , from viscus a viscus) pertaining to a viscus. [EU] Viscosity: A physical property of fluids that determines the internal resistance to shear forces. [EU] Visual Acuity: Acuteness or clearness of vision, especially of form vision, which is dependent mainly on the sharpness of the retinal focus. [NIH] Vitreous: Glasslike or hyaline; often used alone to designate the vitreous body of the eye (corpus vitreum). [EU] Vitro: Descriptive of an event or enzyme reaction under experimental investigation occurring outside a living organism. Parts of an organism or microorganism are used together with artificial substrates and/or conditions. [NIH] Vivo: Outside of or removed from the body of a living organism. [NIH] Void: To urinate, empty the bladder. [NIH]

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White blood cell: A type of cell in the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease. White blood cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, and others. [NIH]

Windpipe: A rigid tube, 10 cm long, extending from the cricoid cartilage to the upper border of the fifth thoracic vertebra. [NIH] Withdrawal: 1. A pathological retreat from interpersonal contact and social involvement, as may occur in schizophrenia, depression, or schizoid avoidant and schizotypal personality disorders. 2. (DSM III-R) A substance-specific organic brain syndrome that follows the cessation of use or reduction in intake of a psychoactive substance that had been regularly used to induce a state of intoxication. [EU] Womb: A hollow, thick-walled, muscular organ in which the impregnated ovum is developed into a child. [NIH] Xanthine: An urinary calculus. [NIH] Xanthine Oxidase: An iron-molybdenum flavoprotein containing FAD that oxidizes hypoxanthine, some other purines and pterins, and aldehydes. Deficiency of the enzyme, an autosomal recessive trait, causes xanthinuria. EC 1.1.3.22. [NIH] Xenograft: The cells of one species transplanted to another species. [NIH] X-ray: High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to treat cancer. [NIH] Yeasts: A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers' and bakers' yeasts are Saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is dried yeast. [NIH] Zymogen: Inactive form of an enzyme which can then be converted to the active form, usually by excision of a polypeptide, e. g. trypsinogen is the zymogen of trypsin. [NIH]

225

INDEX 3 3-dimensional, 35, 159, 208 A Abdomen, 159, 168, 193, 215, 216, 222 Abdominal, 155, 159, 184, 196, 202, 204 Aberrant, 31, 36, 159 Abrasion, 22, 159 Acantholysis, 159, 203 Acceptor, 33, 159, 193, 202 Acetylcholine, 159, 199 Acetylcysteine, 6, 39, 159 Acoustic, 159, 190, 223 Acrodynia, 88, 159 Acrylonitrile, 159, 212 Acute renal, 159, 187 Adaptability, 159, 170 Adaptation, 68, 159, 198, 205 Adduct, 54, 160 Adipose Tissue, 160, 193 Adjustment, 159, 160 Adolescence, 17, 126, 160, 171 Adrenal Cortex, 160, 175, 181, 207, 211 Adrenergic, 160, 178, 181, 217 Adsorptive, 75, 110, 160 Adverse Effect, 16, 20, 24, 26, 44, 53, 54, 57, 160, 213 Aerobic, 21, 61, 65, 68, 160, 170, 182 Aerosol, 118, 119, 160 Afferent, 160, 175 Affinity, 45, 49, 56, 60, 61, 160, 164, 193, 214 Affinity Chromatography, 45, 160 Agar, 160, 205 Agonist, 12, 160, 178, 209, 218 Airway, 79, 160 Albumin, 11, 26, 161, 205 Alfalfa, 71, 161 Algorithms, 23, 34, 35, 161, 167 Alkaline, 161, 168, 202, 209 Alkaloid, 161, 173 Allo, 161, 186 Allopurinol, 3, 161 Alloys, 7, 22, 87, 126, 161, 172, 185, 202 Alpha Particles, 161, 209 Alpha-fetoprotein, 46, 161, 183 Alternative medicine, 145, 161 Aluminum, 84, 146, 161 Alveoli, 161, 177

Amalgamation, 87, 161 Amino acid, 6, 36, 39, 52, 58, 59, 161, 163, 164, 173, 176, 177, 178, 184, 185, 188, 196, 203, 204, 207, 208, 213, 217, 219, 220, 221 Amino Acid Sequence, 161, 163, 184 Amniotic Fluid, 162, 184, 195 Amphetamine, 40, 162, 177 Amplification, 5, 162 Anaerobic, 21, 65, 66, 162 Anal, 83, 162, 181, 193 Analgesics, 126, 162 Analogous, 162, 179, 220 Analytes, 18, 47, 162 Anatomical, 162, 171, 177, 180, 189, 196, 212 Anemia, 49, 162, 168, 172, 194 Anesthesia, 161, 162, 221 Aneurysm, 162, 222 Angiogenesis, 35, 162 Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, 8, 162 Animal model, 15, 30, 48, 162 Anionic, 39, 50, 162 Anions, 50, 59, 161, 162, 191 Anode, 162 Anomalies, 104, 162, 218 Anthrax, 52, 162 Anthropogenic, 107, 163 Antibacterial, 24, 163, 215 Antibiotic, 23, 38, 61, 67, 85, 107, 163, 168, 203, 215, 218 Antibodies, 30, 31, 47, 163, 165, 186, 187, 188, 194, 197, 205 Antibody, 30, 31, 40, 45, 160, 163, 181, 186, 187, 189, 197, 209, 215 Anticoagulant, 163, 208 Anticonvulsant, 163, 222 Antidepressant, 163, 175 Antidote, 6, 39, 163 Antigen, 10, 19, 31, 49, 52, 160, 163, 187, 188, 189, 196 Antihypertensive, 8, 163 Anti-infective, 163, 188, 191 Anti-inflammatory, 110, 163, 189 Antineoplastic, 126, 163 Antioxidant, 6, 33, 108, 109, 163, 202 Antiseptic, 163, 196, 218

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Antiviral, 159, 163, 190 Anus, 162, 163, 173, 191, 210 Anxiety, 47, 163 Apoptosis, 9, 10, 16, 19, 30, 40, 44, 97, 109, 163, 169, 175 Aquaporins, 49, 52, 164 Aqueous, 43, 46, 49, 56, 106, 119, 164, 165, 176, 188, 192 Arachidonic Acid, 37, 164, 192, 207 Archaea, 164, 196 Arginine, 34, 164 Aromatic, 65, 164, 204, 216 Arterial, 5, 8, 34, 121, 164, 169, 188, 208, 218 Arteries, 164, 167, 175, 196, 219, 221 Arterioles, 164, 167, 169 Artery, 6, 162, 164, 175, 208, 212, 221 Articular, 164, 201 Articulation, 121, 164 Aspiration, 38, 164, 183 Assay, 17, 33, 40, 45, 164 Astringents, 164, 196 Astrocytes, 36, 164, 184, 196, 197 Ataxia, 12, 39, 125, 164, 218 Atrophy, 159, 164, 199 Audiology, 126, 165 Auditory, 77, 126, 165, 222 Autacoids, 165, 189 Autoantibodies, 10, 25, 31, 47, 113, 165 Autoantigens, 10, 16, 165 Autoimmune disease, 16, 19, 25, 30, 40, 45, 165, 198 Autoimmunity, 10, 16, 27, 30, 31, 44, 111, 165 Autonomic, 125, 159, 165, 175, 185, 200, 203 Autopsy, 4, 165 Axillary, 27, 165 B Bacillus, 61, 62, 67, 68, 162, 165 Bacterial Physiology, 160, 165 Bactericidal, 165, 181 Bacteriophage, 165, 205, 220, 223 Bacterium, 63, 71, 165, 174, 187 Basal Ganglia, 164, 165, 172, 188 Basal Ganglia Diseases, 164, 165, 172, 188 Base, 40, 126, 165, 176, 184, 192, 200, 218 Base Sequence, 165, 184 Basophils, 165, 186, 192, 205 Benzene, 166 Benzodiazepines, 94, 166 Beta blocker, 8, 166

Beta-sheet, 28, 166 Bifida, 166 Bile, 39, 166, 193, 195, 216, 218 Bile Acids, 166, 216, 218 Bile Acids and Salts, 166 Bile Pigments, 166, 195 Bilirubin, 6, 161, 166 Binding Sites, 41, 51, 56, 166 Bioassays, 59, 166 Bioavailability, 61, 63, 79, 166 Bioavailable, 100, 166 Biochemical, 16, 36, 60, 66, 98, 166, 178, 192, 201, 208, 213 Biofilms, 24, 38, 71, 166 Biogenesis, 22, 166 Biological response modifier, 167, 190 Biological therapy, 167, 186 Biomarkers, 10, 13, 19, 29, 37, 39, 53, 57, 112, 113, 167 Biomolecular, 21, 41, 167 Biopsy, 9, 167 Biotechnology, 60, 73, 135, 145, 167 Biotransformation, 69, 167, 204 Bladder, 54, 57, 167, 173, 198, 199, 207, 222, 223 Blastocyst, 167, 174, 205 Blister, 167, 203 Blood Coagulation, 167, 168, 219 Blood-Brain Barrier, 39, 84, 167 Body Burden, 167, 192 Body Fluids, 167, 179, 214, 221 Body Mass Index, 92, 168 Bone Marrow, 166, 168, 189, 194, 197, 214 Bone scan, 168, 212 Bowel, 162, 168, 199, 204, 216 Brain Stem, 168, 171 Branch, 153, 168, 176, 180, 203, 208, 215, 218 Breakdown, 16, 168, 177, 184, 193 Broad-spectrum, 66, 68, 168 Bromine, 146, 168 Bronchoconstriction, 168, 205 Buccal, 168, 194 C Cadmium Compounds, 168 Cadmium Poisoning, 14, 168 Calcium, 3, 8, 54, 168, 214 Calcium channel blocker, 8, 168 Calcium Oxalate, 3, 168 Calculi, 168 Calibration, 114, 118, 168 Capillary, 17, 52, 169, 185, 223

227

Capsules, 169, 183, 185 Captopril, 79, 169 Carbohydrates, 169, 170 Carbon Dioxide, 169, 176, 205, 211, 222 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, 143, 169 Carcinogen, 160, 169 Carcinogenic, 166, 169, 178, 190, 207, 216 Carcinoma, 27, 169 Cardiac, 54, 169, 179, 181, 198, 216 Cardiotoxicity, 169, 221 Cardiovascular, 18, 47, 88, 162, 169, 182, 192, 213 Cardiovascular Abnormalities, 88, 169 Cardiovascular disease, 18, 169 Cardiovascular System, 169 Case report, 16, 82, 86, 97, 169, 172 Case series, 169, 172 Case-Control Studies, 111, 169, 181 Caspase, 30, 35, 169 Cataracts, 28, 170 Catecholamine, 170, 178 Cathode, 33, 162, 170 Cations, 170, 191 Caudal, 170, 206 Caulobacter, 61, 170 Causal, 170, 181, 187 Cause of Death, 170, 176 Cell Death, 10, 16, 30, 31, 35, 54, 163, 170 Cell Differentiation, 170, 214 Cell Division, 165, 170, 176, 186, 195, 197, 205, 207 Cell membrane, 39, 43, 49, 170, 177, 184, 214 Cell proliferation, 170, 214 Cell Respiration, 170, 211 Cell Survival, 170, 186 Cellulose, 169, 170, 205 Centrifugation, 170, 196 Cerebellar, 12, 164, 171, 208, 210, 221 Cerebellum, 12, 171, 206, 210 Cerebral, 125, 164, 165, 167, 168, 171, 180, 181, 182, 183, 194, 217 Cerebral Angiography, 171, 194 Cerebral Cortex, 164, 171, 182, 183 Cerebral Palsy, 125, 171 Cerebrospinal, 75, 171 Cerebrospinal fluid, 75, 171 Cerebrovascular, 17, 125, 165, 169, 171, 218 Cerebrum, 171 Cervix, 171, 211 Cesium, 5, 171

Chelation, 110, 171 Chemotherapeutic agent, 23, 126, 171 Child Development, 58, 171 Chin, 110, 171, 195 Chiropractic, 124, 171 Chlorine, 53, 79, 171 Chlorine Compounds, 53, 171 Chlorpyrifos, 24, 171 Cholesterol, 18, 32, 166, 171, 175, 193, 209, 216, 218 Chorea, 125, 172 Chromatin, 45, 163, 172, 181, 200 Chromium, 57, 172 Chromosomal, 62, 68, 162, 172, 205, 212 Chromosome, 27, 45, 64, 172, 174, 186, 192, 212, 220 Chronic, 6, 8, 26, 34, 55, 58, 79, 82, 172, 180, 189, 203, 216, 218, 222 Chronic renal, 8, 172 Circulatory system, 172, 180, 191 Cisplatin, 54, 172 Clamp, 12, 172 Cleave, 10, 172 Clinical Medicine, 95, 172, 206 Clinical study, 74, 172, 175 Clinical trial, 5, 8, 9, 13, 135, 172, 174, 178, 198, 208, 209 Cloning, 62, 167, 172 Coal, 119, 166, 172 Cobalt, 57, 172 Coca, 173 Cocaine, 15, 173 Cochlear, 173, 219, 223 Cochlear Diseases, 173, 219 Codon, 173, 184 Cofactor, 6, 41, 173, 200, 208, 219 Cognition, 53, 58, 173 Cognitive restructuring, 173, 216 Cohort Studies, 173, 181 Collagen, 28, 161, 173, 183, 207 Collapse, 168, 173 Colloidal, 21, 161, 173, 179 Colon, 123, 173, 192 Compliance, 8, 173 Composite Resins, 11, 173 Computational Biology, 135, 173 Computed tomography, 174, 212 Conception, 174, 183 Conduction, 11, 174 Confounding, 37, 48, 174 Conjugated, 166, 174, 200 Conjugation, 167, 174

228

Mercury

Conjunctiva, 174, 221 Connective Tissue, 168, 173, 174, 183, 194, 218 Consciousness, 162, 174, 178, 208, 217 Constitutional, 174, 198 Constriction, 174, 212 Contamination, 57, 74, 77, 81, 87, 89, 92, 101, 106, 109, 113, 174 Contraindications, ii, 174 Contrast Media, 174, 194 Contrast Sensitivity, 95, 174 Control group, 53, 174, 207, 209 Controlled clinical trial, 35, 175 Coordination, 17, 38, 41, 56, 60, 171, 175, 198 Coronary, 6, 18, 169, 175, 196 Coronary heart disease, 18, 169, 175 Coronary Thrombosis, 175, 196 Corpuscle, 175, 181 Cortex, 175, 208, 210 Cortical, 175, 182, 218 Cortisol, 47, 161, 175 Cotinine, 28, 175 Cranial, 125, 171, 175, 185, 188, 191, 203, 221, 222, 223 Cranial Nerves, 125, 175 Craniocerebral Trauma, 165, 175, 218, 219 Creatinine, 114, 175 Cross-Sectional Studies, 175, 181 Crowns, 126, 175 Curative, 175, 218 Cutaneous, 74, 162, 175, 194 Cyclic, 12, 41, 175 Cysteinyl, 77, 175 Cystine, 37, 176, 178 Cytogenetics, 176, 212 Cytokine, 29, 44, 96, 176 Cytomegalovirus, 123, 176 Cytoplasm, 163, 166, 170, 176, 181, 186, 197, 200, 217 Cytotoxic, 16, 30, 32, 176, 214 Cytotoxicity, 84, 172, 176 D De novo, 56, 176 Death Certificates, 14, 176 Decidua, 176, 205 Defense Mechanisms, 30, 176 Degenerative, 176, 184, 187, 197, 201, 211 Deletion, 163, 176 Demethylation, 63, 66, 68, 70, 176 Dendrites, 176, 199 Density, 5, 7, 168, 170, 176, 193, 201, 215

Dental Amalgam, 4, 10, 11, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, 55, 61, 70, 75, 78, 96, 103, 104, 108, 109, 113, 125, 140, 143, 176 Dental Care, 124, 125, 176, 177, 203 Dental Caries, 24, 124, 176, 183 Dental Clinics, 21, 177 Dental Materials, 55, 83, 93, 96, 177 Dental Offices, 21, 177 Dental Staff, 104, 177 Dental Waste, 21, 101, 177 Dentists, 7, 13, 21, 78, 88, 92, 100, 124, 177 Dentition, 26, 126, 177 Depolarization, 177, 214 Dermatitis, 92, 104, 105, 106, 177 Detoxification, 20, 32, 57, 63, 66, 71, 123, 177 Deuterium, 177, 188 Developing Countries, 177, 218 Dextroamphetamine, 162, 177 Diagnostic procedure, 18, 117, 145, 177 Diastolic, 177, 188 Dietary Fats, 177, 193 Digestion, 5, 83, 159, 166, 168, 177, 193, 216 Dihydrotestosterone, 177, 210 Dilatation, 162, 177, 207, 222 Dilatation, Pathologic, 177, 222 Dilation, 177, 222 Dilution, 46, 177 Dimethyl, 91, 177 Dioxins, 43, 178 Dipeptides, 41, 178 Diploid, 178, 205 Direct, iii, 18, 30, 33, 39, 49, 50, 55, 58, 84, 172, 178, 186, 188, 210, 217 Discrete, 178, 208, 220 Discrimination, 80, 178 Disease Susceptibility, 20, 178 Disinfectant, 178, 182, 196 Dissociation, 160, 178, 191 Distal, 59, 178, 179, 208 Disulphides, 178 Dithiothreitol, 97, 178 Diurnal, 114, 178 Dopamine, 15, 162, 173, 177, 178, 197, 199, 204 Dorsal, 178, 206 Dose-dependent, 35, 178 Double-blind, 8, 178 Drive, ii, vi, 31, 55, 126, 179 Drug Design, 52, 128, 129, 179 Drug Interactions, 128, 179

229

Drug Tolerance, 179, 219 Duct, 179, 202, 212 Duodenum, 166, 179, 216 Dyskinesia, 179 E Ecosystem, 53, 74, 179 Effector, 7, 159, 179 Efferent, 9, 175, 179 Efficacy, 9, 11, 53, 179 Ejaculation, 179, 213 Elastin, 173, 179 Elective, 179 Electrochemistry, 33, 179 Electrode, 5, 18, 33, 75, 94, 110, 162, 170, 179 Electrolysis, 69, 162, 170, 179 Electrolyte, 46, 179, 214 Electrophoresis, 17, 52, 179 Electrophysiological, 103, 180 Elementary Particles, 180, 200, 208 Embolism, 95, 180 Embryo, 21, 52, 167, 170, 180, 182, 221 Enamel, 11, 56, 176, 180, 183 Encapsulated, 180, 193 Encephalocele, 180, 199 Encephalopathy, 125, 180 Endemic, 83, 180, 194, 215 Endocrine System, 180, 199 Endogenous, 34, 35, 37, 59, 165, 178, 180, 220 Endorphins, 180, 199 Endothelial cell, 33, 167, 180, 219 Endotoxin, 180, 221 End-stage renal, 172, 180 Energetic, 38, 180 Enkephalins, 180, 199 Environmental Exposure, 9, 25, 41, 53, 180 Environmental tobacco smoke, 52, 181 Enzymatic, 38, 46, 64, 161, 168, 176, 181 Eosinophils, 181, 186, 192 Epidemiologic Studies, 20, 53, 114, 181 Epidemiological, 15, 51, 181 Epidermal, 45, 181 Epidermis, 159, 167, 181, 203 Epinephrine, 160, 178, 181, 199, 200, 221 Epithelial, 45, 59, 176, 181, 187 Epithelial Cells, 59, 181, 187 Epithelium, 36, 72, 181 Epitope, 31, 181 Erythrocyte Membrane, 33, 181 Erythrocytes, 89, 162, 168, 181, 187, 210 Estradiol, 47, 181

Estrogen, 9, 42, 181, 209, 213, 218 Estrogen receptor, 9, 42, 181 Ethanol, 13, 111, 181 Excitation, 182, 199 Excitatory, 36, 182, 185 Excitotoxicity, 36, 182 Excrete, 3, 182, 210 Exercise Test, 35, 182 Exhaustion, 182, 194 Exogenous, 167, 169, 180, 182, 204 Expiration, 182, 211 Extracellular, 37, 49, 164, 166, 174, 182, 183, 214 Extrapyramidal, 178, 182 F Facial, 88, 125, 182 Facial Pain, 125, 182 Facial Paralysis, 125, 182 Fallopian tube, 182, 211 Family Planning, 135, 182 Fat, 160, 164, 166, 168, 175, 182, 193, 198, 206, 214, 221 Fatigue, 12, 182 Fatty acids, 40, 161, 182, 193, 195, 207 Fetal Development, 182, 199 Fetoprotein, 183 Fetus, 17, 23, 32, 54, 161, 182, 183, 195, 204, 206, 221, 222 Fibroblasts, 183, 191 Filler, 11, 173, 183 Fish Products, 183, 212 Fissure, 124, 183 Flatus, 183, 184 Fluorescence, 49, 52, 96, 183 Fluoridation, 124, 183 Fluorine, 183 Fluorosis, 124, 183 Fold, 11, 18, 25, 37, 44, 54, 57, 121, 183 Food Chain, 38, 183 Forearm, 167, 183 Fossa, 171, 183 Free Radicals, 163, 178, 183 Fungi, 174, 183, 191, 196, 224 G Ganglia, 159, 165, 183, 199, 203 Gap Junctions, 183, 217 Gas, 24, 118, 169, 171, 183, 184, 188, 200, 209, 217 Gastrin, 184, 187 Gastroenteritis, 168, 184 Gastrointestinal, 168, 181, 184, 192, 194, 213, 217, 221

230

Mercury

Gastrointestinal tract, 181, 184, 192, 213, 221 Gavage, 40, 184 Gene, 7, 9, 15, 21, 29, 30, 34, 42, 43, 44, 45, 62, 64, 67, 69, 70, 71, 84, 167, 184, 201, 205 Gene Expression, 9, 15, 22, 29, 34, 42, 44, 45, 184 Gene Rearrangement, 30, 184 Genetic Code, 59, 184, 200 Genetics, 58, 174, 176, 184 Genomics, 24, 184 Genotype, 15, 20, 184, 204 Germ Cells, 184, 195, 201, 215, 218 Gestation, 22, 53, 184, 203, 205 Gestational, 24, 47, 184 Gestational Age, 24, 184 Gland, 160, 184, 194, 202, 207, 209, 212, 216, 219 Glioma, 109, 184 Gliosis, 184, 217 Glomerular, 8, 185, 191, 210 Glomerular Filtration Rate, 8, 185 Glomeruli, 185 Glomerulonephritis, 25, 185, 194 Glomerulus, 185, 198 Glossopharyngeal Nerve, 182, 185 Glucose, 63, 170, 172, 185, 186, 212 Glutamate, 36, 182, 185 Glutamic Acid, 185, 199, 207 Glutathione Peroxidase, 185, 213 Glycerol, 164, 185, 193 Glycine, 161, 166, 185, 199 Glycoprotein, 185, 198, 219, 221 Gold Alloys, 126, 185 Gonadal, 185, 216 Governing Board, 185, 206 Graft, 185, 187 Grafting, 185, 189 Gram-negative, 61, 64, 69, 170, 185 Gram-Negative Bacteria, 64, 69, 185 Gram-positive, 64, 186 Granule, 12, 186 Granulocytes, 97, 186, 192, 214, 224 Granuloma, 86, 186 Graphite, 83, 186 Gravis, 125, 186 Growth factors, 29, 186, 196 H Habituation, 47, 186 Haploid, 186, 205 Haptens, 160, 186

Hazardous Substances, 53, 107, 186 Hazardous Waste, 19, 43, 141, 186 Health Behavior, 47, 186 Health Policy, 36, 186 Health Status, 17, 186 Heart attack, 169, 186 Heme, 6, 166, 186, 202 Hemodynamics, 35, 186 Hemoglobin, 162, 181, 186 Hemolysis, 181, 187 Hemolytic, 49, 187 Hemorrhage, 175, 187, 216 Hepatic, 161, 187, 204 Hepatitis, 95, 187 Hepatocytes, 187 Herbicides, 178, 187 Heredity, 184, 187 Herpes, 6, 123, 187 Herpes Zoster, 187 Heterogeneity, 93, 160, 187 Heterotrophic, 68, 183, 187 Homeostasis, 19, 36, 60, 187 Homologous, 49, 52, 64, 187, 217, 220 Hormone, 9, 161, 166, 175, 181, 184, 187, 191, 195, 207, 213, 218, 219 Host, 23, 30, 33, 40, 45, 64, 71, 165, 183, 187, 189, 192, 222, 223 Hybrid, 187, 188 Hybridization, 12, 187 Hybridomas, 187, 191 Hydrogen, 66, 118, 159, 165, 169, 177, 185, 188, 193, 197, 200, 202, 208 Hydrogen Peroxide, 185, 188, 193 Hydrogenation, 166, 188 Hydrolysis, 37, 167, 172, 188, 193, 204, 208 Hydroxylysine, 173, 188 Hydroxyproline, 161, 173, 188 Hypersensitivity, 81, 123, 188, 192 Hypertension, 8, 25, 115, 116, 169, 188, 191 Hypoglossal Nerve, 125, 188 Hypokinesia, 188, 203 Hypotension, 188, 205 Hypoxic, 125, 188 I Id, 23, 140, 141, 144, 152, 154, 188 Idiopathic, 125, 188 Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, 18, 188 Immune response, 40, 45, 163, 165, 186, 188, 189, 217, 222, 223 Immune Sera, 188, 189

231

Immune system, 16, 19, 30, 39, 44, 123, 165, 167, 188, 189, 192, 194, 198, 222, 224 Immunity, 189, 220 Immunization, 31, 140, 141, 189, 207 Immunodeficiency, 15, 123, 189 Immunodeficiency syndrome, 123, 189 Immunofluorescence, 49, 189 Immunogenic, 31, 189 Immunoglobulin, 30, 114, 163, 189, 197 Immunologic, 184, 189 Immunology, 24, 30, 160, 189 Impairment, 17, 34, 80, 125, 126, 164, 165, 179, 189, 195, 196, 221 Implantation, 44, 174, 189 In situ, 5, 20, 46, 189 In vitro, 40, 45, 59, 84, 91, 96, 106, 189 In vivo, 5, 6, 16, 28, 40, 45, 59, 96, 189, 219 Incineration, 109, 189 Incision, 189, 191 Indicative, 189, 203, 222 Indomethacin, 110, 189 Industrial Waste, 6, 189 Infancy, 17, 126, 189 Infarction, 175, 189, 196 Infection, 45, 123, 124, 162, 167, 176, 184, 188, 189, 190, 194, 199, 203, 216, 224 Infection Control, 124, 190 Infiltration, 185, 190 Inflammation, 9, 15, 161, 163, 177, 184, 187, 190, 192, 198, 205, 206, 211, 218 Ingestion, 97, 162, 168, 186, 190, 205 Inhalation, 88, 160, 186, 190, 205, 221 Initiation, 190, 220 Inlay, 190, 211 Innervation, 188, 190 Inotropic, 178, 190 Insecticides, 190, 204 Insight, 49, 57, 190 Insomnia, 82, 190 Insulator, 190, 198 Interferometry, 28, 190 Interferon, 40, 190, 194 Interferon-alpha, 190 Interleukin-1, 29, 190 Interleukin-2, 40, 190, 191 Interleukin-6, 108, 191 Interstitial, 191, 198, 210 Intestinal, 66, 67, 191, 195 Intestinal Flora, 67, 191 Intestines, 159, 184, 191, 195 Intoxication, 16, 79, 82, 88, 97, 125, 191, 222, 224

Intracellular, 31, 65, 189, 191, 195, 213 Intracellular Membranes, 191, 195 Intracranial Hypertension, 191, 219 Intracranial Pressure, 125, 191 Intravenous, 92, 97, 100, 191 Intrinsic, 45, 160, 164, 191 Inulin, 185, 191 Invasive, 53, 189, 191, 194 Involuntary, 165, 172, 181, 191, 198 Iodine, 58, 191 Ion Channels, 164, 191, 217 Ionization, 5, 191 Ionizing, 161, 180, 191 Ions, 36, 52, 56, 59, 91, 108, 165, 178, 179, 188, 191, 197, 214 Isozymes, 11, 191 J Joint, 55, 164, 192, 201, 217, 218 K Kb, 134, 192 Keratolytic, 176, 192 Kinetic, 49, 56, 191, 192, 204 L Lactation, 43, 192 Large Intestine, 191, 192, 210, 214 Latent, 31, 75, 192, 206 Lavage, 156, 192 Lead Poisoning, 143, 192 Lectin, 192, 195 Lens, 28, 164, 170, 192 Lethal, 52, 165, 192 Leucocyte, 192, 194 Leukocytes, 165, 168, 181, 186, 189, 190, 192, 197, 200, 221 Leukotrienes, 164, 192 Library Services, 152, 192 Ligament, 182, 192, 207 Ligands, 42, 54, 192 Ligation, 65, 192 Lindane, 24, 192 Linkage, 25, 65, 192 Lipase, 37, 192, 193 Lipid, 32, 47, 52, 185, 193, 198, 202, 221 Lipid Mobilization, 47, 193 Lipid Peroxidation, 33, 193, 202 Lipophilic, 193, 205 Lipopolysaccharide, 185, 193 Lipoprotein, 185, 193 Liposomal, 33, 193 Litter, 44, 193 Litter Size, 44, 193

232

Mercury

Liver, 6, 39, 159, 161, 164, 166, 176, 187, 193, 211, 212 Liver cancer, 161, 193 Liver scan, 193, 212 Localization, 61, 65, 193 Localized, 59, 176, 180, 189, 193, 205 Locomotion, 58, 193, 205 Locomotor, 29, 193 Longitudinal study, 47, 55, 58, 78, 100, 193 Loop, 49, 77, 126, 193 Lubricants, 194, 204 Luminol, 97, 194 Lupus, 16, 25, 27, 194, 218 Lupus Nephritis, 25, 194 Lymph, 165, 172, 175, 180, 194 Lymph node, 165, 194 Lymphatic, 190, 194, 214, 215, 219 Lymphoblasts, 16, 194 Lymphocyte, 16, 103, 163, 194 Lymphocyte Subsets, 103, 194 Lymphoid, 30, 31, 45, 163, 192, 194 Lytic, 194, 223 M Macrophage, 190, 194 Magnetic Resonance Angiography, 35, 194 Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 194, 212 Malaria, 76, 90, 194, 195 Malaria, Falciparum, 194, 195 Malaria, Vivax, 194, 195 Malformation, 21, 195 Malignant, 45, 163, 193, 195, 198 Malnutrition, 161, 164, 195 Mammary, 70, 195, 209, 218 Mammography, 18, 27, 195 Manifest, 14, 195 Mastication, 195, 221 Meat, 37, 94, 101, 102, 177, 195 Meconium, 23, 53, 195 Mediate, 45, 178, 195 Medical Records, 47, 195 MEDLINE, 135, 195 Meiosis, 195, 217 Melanin, 195, 204, 221 Membrane, 12, 32, 34, 36, 37, 39, 49, 50, 52, 59, 62, 64, 72, 159, 164, 170, 174, 177, 185, 191, 195, 198, 199, 201, 211, 214, 217 Membrane Glycoproteins, 195 Membrane Proteins, 12, 195 Memory, 11, 17, 40, 82, 195 Meninges, 170, 175, 195, 215

Mental, iv, 4, 39, 46, 134, 136, 171, 173, 178, 182, 188, 195, 196, 201, 207, 208, 212, 222 Mental Disorders, 188, 195, 207 Mental Health, iv, 4, 134, 136, 195, 201, 207, 208 Mental Retardation, 47, 196 Mercuric Chloride, 9, 40, 44, 64, 72, 196 Mercury Compounds, 91, 106, 196 Mesentery, 196, 204 Metabolite, 167, 177, 196 Methicillin Resistance, 91, 196 Methionine, 62, 177, 196 MI, 24, 91, 125, 157, 196 Microbe, 196, 220 Microbiology, 24, 30, 91, 105, 160, 166, 196 Microglia, 164, 196, 197 Micronutrients, 58, 196 Microorganism, 173, 196, 223 Micro-organism, 176, 179, 196, 204 Microscopy, 22, 34, 196 Microsomal, 49, 196 Millimeter, 8, 46, 197 Mitosis, 163, 197 Mobilization, 43, 63, 193, 197 Modeling, 26, 34, 54, 179, 197 Modification, 31, 37, 56, 161, 197, 209 Molecular Structure, 49, 197 Monitor, 5, 34, 43, 46, 80, 118, 175, 197, 200 Monoamine, 162, 177, 197 Monoclonal, 10, 188, 197, 209 Monoclonal antibodies, 10, 197 Monocytes, 190, 191, 192, 197, 205 Mononuclear, 96, 186, 197, 221 Morphological, 58, 180, 197 Morphology, 44, 64, 164, 197 Motility, 44, 189, 197, 213 Movement Disorders, 197, 218 Mucilaginous, 195, 197 Mucins, 197, 212 Mucolytic, 159, 198 Mucosa, 194, 198 Multicenter study, 75, 198 Multidrug resistance, 50, 198 Multiple sclerosis, 125, 198 Muscular Diseases, 182, 198 Mutagenic, 178, 198 Myasthenia, 125, 198 Myelin, 198, 213 Myocardium, 196, 198 N Natural selection, 167, 198

233

Nebulizer, 119, 198 Need, 3, 5, 7, 11, 34, 46, 55, 123, 124, 128, 129, 141, 142, 146, 147, 160, 172, 198, 219 Neonatal, 23, 44, 46, 95, 198 Neonatal Screening, 47, 198 Neoplasia, 198 Neoplasm, 198 Neoplastic, 42, 182, 187, 198 Nephritis, 25, 198 Nephron, 59, 185, 198 Nephrotoxic, 7, 59, 198 Nerve Growth Factor, 29, 198, 200 Nervous System, 4, 14, 29, 32, 35, 125, 159, 160, 162, 166, 170, 173, 177, 179, 183, 185, 192, 196, 198, 199, 203, 206, 213, 217 Neural, 15, 29, 47, 125, 160, 180, 183, 196, 199, 214 Neural Pathways, 15, 199 Neural tube defects, 125, 183, 199 Neuroblastoma, 35, 199 Neurodegenerative Diseases, 14, 165, 199 Neuroendocrine, 29, 199 Neurologic, 15, 39, 125, 180, 199 Neuromuscular, 159, 182, 199, 211 Neuromuscular Junction, 159, 199, 211 Neuromuscular Junction Diseases, 199, 211 Neuronal, 15, 35, 36, 199 Neurons, 12, 15, 29, 35, 37, 173, 176, 182, 183, 198, 199, 208, 217, 223 Neuropathy, 125, 199 Neuropeptides, 47, 199 Neurotoxic, 4, 14, 33, 58, 199 Neurotoxicity, 15, 31, 35, 36, 37, 40, 43, 58, 75, 199 Neurotoxin, 4, 199 Neurotransmitter, 15, 159, 161, 178, 185, 191, 199, 200, 213, 217 Neurotrophins, 29, 47, 200 Neutrons, 161, 200, 209 Neutrophils, 186, 192, 200, 205 Nickel, 57, 200 Nitrogen, 118, 161, 200, 221 Nitrogen Oxides, 118, 200 Norepinephrine, 160, 178, 199, 200 Nuclear, 7, 10, 40, 41, 42, 165, 172, 174, 200 Nuclear Proteins, 10, 200 Nuclei, 70, 161, 174, 182, 194, 197, 200, 208, 223 Nucleic acid, 54, 71, 165, 184, 187, 200 Nucleic Acid Hybridization, 187, 200 Nucleoproteins, 200

Nucleosomes, 45, 200 Nursing Staff, 4, 200 O Observational study, 84, 200 Occult, 27, 201 Occupational Exposure, 53, 77, 98, 99, 201 Occupational Health, 14, 16, 19, 36, 201 Ocular, 28, 201 On-line, 83, 155, 201 Oocytes, 36, 201 Opacity, 170, 176, 201 Operon, 62, 65, 67, 69, 201, 211 Oral Health, 24, 124, 125, 143, 201 Organomercury Compounds, 66, 201 Orgasm, 179, 201, 213 Orofacial, 81, 182, 201 Osmosis, 201 Osmotic, 52, 161, 201 Osteoarthritis, 55, 201 Osteoporosis, 201, 209 Ototoxic, 126, 201 Ovaries, 201, 211, 213 Ovary, 37, 181, 201 Ovum, 176, 184, 201, 207, 224 Oxalic Acid, 168, 201 Oxidation, 32, 38, 61, 62, 63, 159, 163, 167, 176, 178, 185, 193, 194, 202 Oxidation-Reduction, 167, 202 Oxidative Stress, 7, 9, 15, 20, 30, 32, 202 Oxides, 200, 202 Oxygen Consumption, 182, 202, 211 Oxygenase, 6, 202 Oxygenation, 124, 202 P Palladium, 22, 202 Palliative, 202, 218 Palsies, 125, 202 Palsy, 125, 202 Pancreas, 159, 167, 193, 202, 221 Parasite, 183, 202 Paresis, 182, 202 Parietal, 202, 204 Parkinsonism, 20, 203 Pathogenesis, 4, 15, 27, 53, 203 Pathologic, 163, 167, 175, 188, 203, 215 Pathologic Processes, 163, 203 Patient Education, 142, 150, 152, 157, 203 Pediatric Dentistry, 126, 203 Pelvic, 203, 207 Pemphigus, 83, 159, 203 Penicillin, 61, 65, 90, 196, 203 Penis, 179, 203, 211

234

Mercury

Peptide, 56, 161, 203, 208 Perennial, 203, 220 Perfusion, 35, 203 Perinatal, 47, 203 Periodontal disease, 24, 124, 203 Peripheral blood, 19, 40, 108, 190, 203 Peripheral Nervous System, 180, 199, 202, 203, 217 Peripheral Vascular Disease, 5, 203 Peritoneum, 74, 196, 204 Peroxisome Proliferators, 42, 204 Pesticides, 24, 31, 53, 55, 143, 187, 190, 204 Petroleum, 28, 67, 204 Pharmacokinetics, 179, 204 Pharmacologic, 162, 165, 204, 220 Phenotype, 12, 15, 20, 204 Phenylalanine, 18, 204, 221 Phospholipases, 204, 214 Phosphorus, 70, 168, 204 Phosphorylates, 35, 204 Phosphorylation, 19, 204 Phrenic Nerve, 204, 211 Phylogeny, 23, 69, 204 Physical Examination, 184, 204 Physiologic, 10, 160, 182, 188, 191, 196, 204, 210, 221 Physiology, 36, 50, 180, 204 Pigments, 155, 166, 172, 204 Pilot study, 9, 113, 204 Placenta, 48, 181, 204, 207, 221 Plaque, 5, 39, 124, 205 Plasma, 17, 32, 36, 49, 64, 72, 83, 89, 103, 113, 118, 161, 163, 170, 185, 187, 205, 210, 211, 213 Plasma cells, 163, 205 Plasma protein, 161, 205 Plasmid, 23, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 69, 71, 72, 205, 222 Plasticity, 29, 205 Platelet Activating Factor, 15, 205 Platelet Activation, 205, 214 Platelets, 205, 213, 219 Platinum, 172, 193, 202, 205 Plethysmography, 35, 205 Pneumonia, 174, 205 Pneumonitis, 168, 205 Polychlorinated Biphenyls, 37, 48, 53, 205 Polymers, 55, 166, 206, 208, 216 Polymorphism, 49, 206 Polyneuritis, 125, 206 Polysaccharide, 163, 170, 206 Polyunsaturated fat, 58, 206, 219

Pons, 168, 182, 206 Population Control, 47, 206 Posterior, 11, 162, 164, 171, 178, 185, 202, 206 Postmenopausal, 201, 206, 209 Postnatal, 17, 24, 37, 53, 58, 99, 206, 216 Postoperative, 74, 206 Postsynaptic, 199, 206, 214, 217 Potentiates, 16, 190, 206 Potentiation, 97, 206, 214 Practice Guidelines, 136, 206 Precursor, 164, 178, 179, 180, 181, 200, 204, 206, 221 Predisposition, 14, 25, 27, 206 Pregnancy Tests, 184, 206 Prenatal, 37, 46, 48, 58, 64, 97, 99, 180, 206 Presumptive, 60, 206 Presynaptic, 199, 206, 217 Prevalence, 8, 23, 25, 33, 46, 51, 85, 102, 107, 206 Primary endpoint, 11, 26, 207 Primary Prevention, 53, 207 Probe, 28, 34, 41, 48, 61, 69, 207 Progesterone, 207, 216 Progression, 8, 25, 34, 55, 162, 207 Progressive, 9, 25, 170, 172, 179, 186, 199, 201, 205, 207, 210 Projection, 176, 200, 207, 210 Proline, 173, 188, 207 Promoter, 6, 207 Prophase, 201, 207, 217 Prophylaxis, 207, 222 Propoxur, 24, 207 Prospective study, 15, 193, 207 Prostaglandins, 164, 189, 207 Prostaglandins A, 189, 207 Prostate, 7, 167, 207, 211, 213, 221 Protein C, 38, 46, 52, 60, 161, 165, 173, 193, 200, 208 Protein Conformation, 60, 161, 208 Protein Folding, 41, 208 Protein S, 51, 167, 184, 208, 218 Proteolytic, 10, 208 Protocol, 9, 40, 47, 208 Protons, 41, 161, 188, 191, 208, 209 Protozoan, 194, 208 Proximal, 36, 50, 59, 178, 206, 208 Psychic, 195, 208 Psychoactive, 208, 224 Psychotomimetic, 162, 177, 208 Public Health, 10, 13, 17, 26, 28, 43, 53, 87, 95, 106, 107, 124, 136, 140, 143, 208

235

Public Policy, 44, 135, 208 Pulmonary, 167, 171, 174, 182, 192, 208, 223 Pulmonary Artery, 167, 208, 223 Pulmonary Edema, 171, 208 Pulse, 75, 120, 197, 208 Purkinje Cells, 12, 208 Q Quality of Life, 35, 55, 209 Quaternary, 208, 209 R Radiation, 18, 27, 48, 96, 124, 159, 180, 181, 183, 191, 194, 209, 212, 224 Radiation therapy, 159, 209 Radioactive, 49, 167, 168, 188, 189, 191, 193, 197, 200, 209, 212 Radiochemical, 4, 209 Radiography, 171, 174, 184, 209 Radium, 209 Radon, 28, 143, 209 Raloxifene, 42, 209, 213 Random Allocation, 209 Randomization, 26, 209 Randomized, 8, 11, 26, 35, 53, 179, 209 Randomized clinical trial, 11, 209 Reaction Time, 17, 210 Reactive Oxygen Species, 35, 109, 210 Reagent, 171, 178, 202, 210 Receptor, 12, 16, 19, 21, 29, 42, 100, 159, 163, 178, 199, 210, 213, 214 Recombinant, 13, 31, 210, 222 Recombination, 174, 184, 210 Rectal, 80, 210 Rectum, 163, 173, 183, 184, 192, 207, 210 Red blood cells, 181, 187, 202, 210, 212, 214 Red Nucleus, 164, 210 Reductase, 6, 65, 66, 210 Refer, 1, 168, 180, 183, 187, 193, 200, 210, 220, 223 Reference Standards, 118, 210 Reference Values, 73, 210 Refraction, 210, 215 Regimen, 179, 210 Registries, 14, 210 Renal failure, 25, 210 Renal tubular, 11, 210 Renin, 169, 210, 211 Renin-Angiotensin System, 169, 211 Repressor, 201, 211 Reproductive system, 44, 211 Research Design, 124, 211

Respiration, 85, 169, 197, 211 Respiratory Paralysis, 125, 211 Response rate, 26, 40, 211 Restoration, 7, 12, 26, 85, 125, 126, 143, 175, 211, 212 Retina, 192, 211 Retinopathy, 6, 211 Retrograde, 21, 211 Retrospective, 47, 211 Ribonuclease, 40, 45, 211 Rigidity, 191, 203, 205, 211 Risk factor, 13, 19, 43, 55, 181, 207, 211 Rod, 165, 170, 172, 211 Rodenticides, 204, 211 Rubber, 126, 159, 211 S Saliva, 43, 80, 83, 177, 212 Salivary, 108, 109, 176, 212 Salivary glands, 176, 212 Sanitary, 38, 212 Saponins, 212, 216 Satellite, 24, 212 Scabicide, 192, 212 Scans, 27, 212 Scatter, 49, 212 Schizoid, 212, 224 Schizophrenia, 212, 224 Schizotypal Personality Disorder, 212, 224 Sclerosis, 198, 212 Screening, 18, 26, 33, 43, 46, 89, 142, 172, 198, 212 Seafood, 4, 29, 37, 66, 80, 87, 93, 96, 212 Secretion, 40, 50, 52, 192, 196, 197, 212, 213 Secretory, 50, 212, 217 Sediment, 65, 68, 70, 213 Sedimentation, 21, 170, 213 Selective estrogen receptor modulator, 209, 213, 218 Selenium, 4, 33, 40, 55, 58, 81, 84, 89, 99, 109, 146, 213 Semen, 44, 108, 179, 207, 213 Seminal fluid, 108, 213 Sensor, 38, 42, 46, 213 Sensory loss, 125, 213, 218 Sequencing, 20, 61, 71, 213 Sequester, 56, 213, 217 Serotonin, 193, 199, 213, 221 Serum, 6, 30, 40, 44, 45, 75, 110, 161, 188, 213, 221 Sex Characteristics, 160, 213, 218 Shock, 6, 156, 213, 220 Side effect, 127, 129, 143, 160, 167, 213, 220

236

Mercury

Signal Transduction, 19, 29, 34, 100, 111, 213 Silicon, 18, 214 Silicon Dioxide, 214 Skeletal, 172, 198, 214 Skeleton, 192, 214 Skull, 175, 180, 191, 199, 214, 218 Sludge, 76, 85, 214 Small intestine, 179, 187, 191, 214 Social Environment, 209, 214 Social Support, 214, 216 Socioeconomic Factors, 37, 214 Sodium, 35, 77, 214, 222 Sodium Channels, 77, 214, 222 Soft tissue, 49, 168, 214 Solid tumor, 162, 214 Solvent, 166, 182, 185, 201, 214, 221 Soma, 215 Somatic, 15, 44, 160, 175, 185, 195, 197, 203, 215, 222 Somatic cells, 44, 195, 197, 215 Sound wave, 174, 215 Soybean Oil, 206, 215 Specialist, 146, 177, 215 Specificity, 31, 60, 160, 215 Spectrophotometry, 83, 215 Spectroscopic, 55, 56, 215 Spectrum, 14, 24, 28, 31, 63, 123, 196, 215 Sperm, 44, 172, 213, 215 Spermatogenesis, 9, 215 Sphygmomanometer, 75, 78, 80, 82, 96, 115, 120, 121, 215 Spina bifida, 125, 199, 215 Spinal cord, 164, 168, 170, 171, 195, 199, 203, 211, 215, 217 Spinal Cord Diseases, 211, 215 Spirochete, 215, 217 Spleen, 176, 194, 215 Sporadic, 199, 215 Staging, 212, 216 Statistically significant, 4, 216 Steady state, 95, 216 Steel, 126, 172, 216, 221, 222 Stem Cells, 216, 221 Steroid, 9, 166, 175, 212, 216 Stimulant, 162, 175, 177, 216 Stimulus, 179, 182, 190, 191, 210, 216, 219 Stomach, 159, 184, 187, 191, 192, 214, 215, 216 Stool, 173, 192, 216 Stress, 6, 11, 20, 30, 38, 42, 47, 68, 72, 104, 110, 123, 170, 175, 184, 202, 206, 211, 216

Stress management, 123, 216 Stroke, 125, 134, 142, 169, 216 Styrene, 212, 216 Subacute, 189, 216 Subclinical, 189, 216 Subcutaneous, 86, 110, 216 Subspecies, 215, 216 Substance P, 167, 196, 212, 217 Substrate, 6, 10, 24, 39, 50, 102, 217 Substrate Specificity, 50, 217 Suction, 38, 217 Suppression, 9, 217 Survival Rate, 27, 217 Sympathomimetic, 162, 177, 178, 181, 200, 217 Symphysis, 171, 207, 217 Synapse, 160, 199, 206, 217, 220 Synapsis, 217 Synaptic, 12, 59, 199, 214, 217 Synaptic Transmission, 12, 217 Synaptic Vesicles, 217 Syncope, 125, 217 Syphilis, 90, 125, 217 Syringomyelia, 125, 217 Systemic, 9, 10, 25, 26, 143, 167, 181, 186, 190, 191, 194, 205, 209, 218, 220 Systemic disease, 25, 143, 218 Systemic lupus erythematosus, 25, 194, 218 Systolic, 188, 218 T Tamoxifen, 42, 213, 218 Taurine, 58, 166, 218 Technology Transfer, 20, 44, 218 Teichoic Acids, 186, 218 Temporal, 22, 34, 218 Teratogenic, 21, 178, 218 Testicular, 44, 218 Testis, 9, 181, 218 Testosterone, 44, 47, 210, 218 Tetracycline, 91, 218 Thalamic, 164, 218 Thalamic Diseases, 164, 218 Therapeutics, 128, 218 Thermal, 22, 56, 178, 200, 218 Thimerosal, 35, 99, 141, 142, 218 Threshold, 188, 219 Thrombin, 208, 219 Thrombocytopenia, 205, 219 Thrombomodulin, 208, 219 Thrombosis, 208, 216, 219 Thromboxanes, 164, 219

237

Thymus, 189, 194, 219 Thyroid, 42, 47, 191, 219, 221 Thyroid Gland, 219 Thyroxine, 47, 161, 204, 219 Time Management, 216, 219 Tin, 22, 176, 205, 219 Tinnitus, 126, 219, 223 Tolerance, 16, 159, 219 Tomography, 174, 212, 219 Tone, 17, 219 Tonus, 219 Tooth Loss, 124, 220 Tooth Preparation, 160, 220 Topical, 164, 181, 188, 196, 218, 220 Toxicokinetics, 95, 204, 220 Toxin, 24, 31, 38, 52, 180, 219, 220 Trace element, 172, 183, 200, 214, 219, 220 Trachea, 219, 220 Traction, 172, 220 Transcription Factors, 30, 35, 38, 42, 60, 220 Transduction, 19, 29, 213, 220 Transfection, 49, 59, 167, 220 Transfer Factor, 189, 220 Translation, 161, 220 Translocate, 33, 220 Transmitter, 159, 164, 178, 191, 200, 217, 220 Transplantation, 172, 189, 220 Transposons, 64, 220 Trauma, 10, 56, 88, 220 Trees, 20, 211, 220 Tremor, 203, 221 Trichloroethylene, 20, 221 Trigeminal, 125, 182, 221 Triglyceride, 193, 221 Tryptophan, 173, 213, 221 Tumor marker, 167, 221 Tumor Necrosis Factor, 15, 221 Tungsten, 170, 221 Tyrosine, 16, 19, 178, 221 U Ultrasonography, 35, 184, 221 Umbilical Arteries, 221 Umbilical Cord, 48, 100, 221 Umbilical cord blood, 24, 100, 221 Unconscious, 176, 188, 221 Urban Population, 87, 108, 221 Urease, 200, 222 Uremia, 210, 222 Urethra, 203, 207, 222 Uric, 161, 222

Urinary, 3, 11, 26, 28, 39, 79, 83, 91, 113, 168, 222, 224 Urinate, 222, 223 Urine, 3, 11, 19, 26, 51, 53, 75, 83, 87, 98, 100, 108, 113, 114, 155, 167, 168, 175, 202, 222 Uterus, 171, 176, 201, 207, 211, 222 V Vaccination, 95, 222 Vaccine, 24, 208, 222 Vagal, 125, 222 Vagina, 171, 211, 222 Vagus Nerve, 222 Valproic Acid, 15, 222 Vanadium, 53, 222 Vascular, 18, 35, 47, 57, 171, 189, 190, 194, 204, 215, 219, 222 Vasodilation, 35, 222 Vasodilator, 178, 222 Vector, 220, 222 Vein, 162, 191, 200, 212, 221, 222 Venereal, 217, 222 Venous, 208, 222 Ventricle, 208, 218, 222 Venules, 167, 169, 223 Vertebral, 166, 215, 223 Vesicular, 187, 196, 223 Vestibular, 126, 223 Vestibule, 223 Vestibulocochlear Nerve, 219, 223 Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases, 219, 223 Veterinary Medicine, 135, 223 Viral, 47, 159, 220, 223 Virulence, 220, 223 Virulent, 38, 223 Virus, 6, 15, 123, 165, 190, 205, 220, 223 Visceral, 175, 185, 204, 222, 223 Viscosity, 159, 223 Visual Acuity, 174, 223 Vitreous, 192, 211, 223 Vitro, 40, 59, 223 Vivo, 40, 45, 223 Void, 143, 223 W White blood cell, 163, 192, 194, 205, 224 Windpipe, 219, 224 Withdrawal, 33, 47, 224 Womb, 211, 222, 224 X Xanthine, 161, 224 Xanthine Oxidase, 161, 224

238

Mercury

Xenograft, 162, 224 X-ray, 18, 27, 41, 48, 51, 60, 71, 96, 170, 174, 183, 200, 209, 212, 224

Y Yeasts, 183, 191, 204, 224 Z Zymogen, 208, 224

239

240

Mercury

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