This volume presents a broad compendium of techniques used in biodegradation and toxicological research. Through both legacy and up-to-date approaches to practical methodologies with proven results, the book examines the role and applications of analytical biodegradation quantification as it applies to the environmental sciences, particularly in the range of byproducts that are usually linked to toxicology, and the test organisms most often used in toxicity testing. Topics include scientific and technical feasibility studies, contaminant impacts evaluation, study design and analytical techniques, key methodologies required to prepare the biodegradation and toxicology protocols, as well as the handling of microbial communities related to such processes. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters deal with a critical discussion of laboratory scale experiments, as well as full scale in situ and ex situ apparatus, with each chapter containing both a discursive section along with a detailed methods section. Detailed and authoritative, Toxicity and Biodegradation Testing is primarily focused toward the environmental sciences researcher, while the range of techniques also provides an introduction to biodegradation and toxicology methods for researchers outside of the field.

The Society of Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH) Second International Conference on Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects was held June 12-14, 1995 in San Diego, California. The conference was at tended by 152 people who heard 41 presentations on all aspects of arsenic research. The speakers represented 14 countries. Approximately 40 of the participants and speakers were from countries other than the US. The participants represented government, academia, industry and the interested public. The sponsorship ofthe conference is a good indicationofthe wide spread interest in the subject and the meeting. The sponsors, in addition to SEGH, were the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF), Kennecott Corporation, the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO), and the International Council on Metals in the Environment (ICME). The funding was split approximately equally between industry (including industrial organizations such as EPRI) and government. In addition to the many fine presentations, the meeting provided a forum for scientists from different countries to compare experiences and share information. It also provided a forum for the discussion of both scientific and policy issues between representatives of various governmental bodies (at the local, state, and federal level) and representatives of various indus trial organizations. These discussions occurred both in the formal meetings and informal settings during the meeting.

This publication represents the result of the fruitful workshop organised with the aim to attract the attention on the possibility of bio terrorism attack, with the s- port of NATO funds. In the last years the attention was strongly concentrated on the terrorism view similar to "military type attacks: " bomb on the trains, kamikazes, airplanes etc. As consequence many devices studied are directed to prevent these attacks such as the control of the passengers before the flight. For the people terrorism is therefore equivalent to bomb or similar and nobody think that there is also other possible and sophisticated means that can be used by the terrorist. In 1995 Sarin gas in the Tokio subway killed 12 people and affected 5,000 persons. In the USA anthrax was sent by mail to many federal offices. These events and other cases attract the attention on these possible terrorist attacks and the first recommendations for preventing theses events were\elaborated in the United State and in Europe. The possible agents and the modality that can be used for the diffusion are analysed and food and water are considered the principal and more favourable way. The story and the principal decision about this were reported in the first article of this collection which introduces the concept of bio-terrorism.

Ecotoxicology is a relatively new scientific discipline. Indeed, it might be argued that it is only during the last 5-10 years that it has come to merit being regarded as a true science, rather than a collection of procedures for protecting the environment through management and monitoring of pollutant discharges into the environment. The term 'ecotoxicology' was first coined in the late sixties by Prof. Truhaut, a toxicologist who had the vision to recognize the importance of investigating the fate and effects of chemicals in ecosystems. At that time, ecotoxicology was considered a sub-discipline of medical toxicology. Subsequently, several attempts have been made to portray ecotoxicology in a more realistic light. Notably, both Moriarty (1988) and F. Ramade (1987) emphasized in their books the broad basis of ecotoxicology, encompassing chemical and radiation effects on all components of ecosystems. In doing so, they and others have shifted concern from direct chemical toxicity to humans, to the far more subtle effects that pollutant chemicals exert on natural biota. Such effects potentially threaten the existence of all life on earth. Although I have identified the sixties as the era when ecotoxicology was first conceived as a coherent subject area, it is important to acknowledge that studies that would now be regarded as ecotoxicological are much older.

Historically we have separated the disciplines of Chemistry and Biochemistry by recognizing that the distinguishing characteristic of Biochemistry is the catalysis of reactions by enzymes. Enzymes permit metabolic reactions which would otherwise require extremes of temperature, pressure or pH, often associated with Chemistry, to proceed under ambient conditions of the body. Under some conditions chemical reactions occur in vivo in which products of enzymatic reactions proceed to undergo further reactions non- enzymatically with cellular macromolecules. The results can often be seen as toxic or carcinogenic responses. The chemicals that initiate these reactions are termed "biological reactive intermediates. " The International Symposia on Biological Reactive Intermediates (BRI) began in 1975 at the University of Turku, Finland and have since convened at the University of Surrey, Guildford, The United Kingdom (1980), the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland (1985), the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (1990), the GSF Forschungszentrum and Technical University of Munich (1995) and, most recently, at the Universite Rene Descartes, Paris, France (2000). The Symposium was organized by an International Planning Committee co-chaired by P. Dansette (Paris, France) and TJ. Monks (Austin, Texas). The committee included: P. H. Beaune (Paris, France), M. De\aforge (Saclay, France), G. P. Gervasi (Pisa, Italy), G. G. Gibson (Guildford, UK), H. Greim (Munich, Germany), DJ. Jollow (Charleston, South Carolina), P. Moldeus (Sodertalje, Sweden), I. G. Sipes (Tucson, Arizona), R. Snyder PJ. van Bladderen (Zeist, The Netherlands). They were (Piscataway, New Jersey), and assisted by an International Scientific Program Advisory Committee which included: TJ.

This book provides information on best practices and new thinking regarding the validation of alternative methods for toxicity testing. It covers the validation of experimental and computational methods and integrated approaches to testing and assessment. Validation strategies are discussed for methods employing the latest technologies such as tissue-on-a-chip systems, stem cells and transcriptomics, and for methods derived from pathway-based concepts in toxicology. Validation of Alternative Methods for Toxicity Testing is divided into two sections, in the first, practical insights are given on the state-of-the-art and on approaches that have resulted in successfully validated and accepted alternative methods. The second section focuses on the evolution of validation principles and practice that are necessary to ensure fit-for-purpose validation that has the greatest impact on international regulatory acceptance of alternative methods. In this context validation needs to keep pace with the considerable scientific advancements being made in toxicology, the availability of sophisticated tools and techniques that can be applied in a variety of ways, and the increasing societal and regulatory demands for better safety assessment. This book will be a useful resource for scientists in the field of toxicology, both from industry and academia, developing new test methods, strategies or techniques, as well as Governmental and regulatory authorities interested in understanding the principles and practicalities of validation of alternative methods for toxicity testing.

There are various species of fungi which like to grow on food, thereby releasing toxins which might bear a health risk for the consumer. All foods which have been reported to be contaminated with mycotoxins are listed, including data on the degree of contamination, the concentration of the toxins and the country of origin and/or detection of the contaminated food. All relevant toxin producing fungi, their natural occurence, the possible mycotoxicosis, further the biochemical and physiological effects of mycotoxins, their chemical data and toxicity are treated comprehensively. For each mycotoxin, reference is given to the food at risk.

Large-scale privatization did not emerge spontaneously in China in the late 1990s. Rather, the Chinese state led and carefully "planned" ownership transformation with timetables and measurable privatization quotas, not for the purpose of extracting the state from the economy, but in order to strengthen the rule of the Party. While it is widely believed that authoritarian regimes are better suited than democracies to carry out economic reform, this book provides a more nuanced understanding of reform in China, demonstrating that the Chinese state's capacity to impose unpopular reform is contingent on its control over local state agents and its adaptability to societal demands. Building on rich fieldwork data gathered in three Chinese cities (Shenyang, Shanghai, and Xiamen), this book offers the first comparative study of China's privatization processes at the local level. Instead of focusing solely on political elites, Jin Zeng adopts a multi-level interaction approach to examine how the complex interplay of the central leadership, grassroots officials, and state-owned enterprise managers and workers shaped the contour of privatization in China.The book advances three central arguments. First, local economic structure and cadre evaluation system mediated local officials' incentives to initiate privatization. Second, local officials relied on mobilization campaigns and various appeasement measures to implement privatization. Finally, the dynamics of privatization were fundamentally driven by the central government's reactions to social opposition and by the subsequent responses of local officials to the changed political-regulatory environment. As a detailed analysis of the dual transformation of the property regime and state-society relations in China, this book will be invaluable to students and scholars of Chinese politics, economic reform, as well as those interested in comparative political economy and economic development more broadly.

A mycotoxin is a toxin produced by a fungus under special conditions of moisture and temperature. These fungi are aerobic and microscopic and, moreover, may colonize many kinds of food from the field to the table. Mycotoxins are not only a spoilage issue for food, but in high doses can be a serious health threat for humans. The book will be similar to Weidenborner's previous two books - "Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs" and "Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs" - in that it will be a review of the literature to create a comprehensive reference for mycotoxin levels. It will be his third (and last) book on the topic, this time focusing on the incidence of a mycotoxin in humans and/or animals (natural or artificial incidence). Each entry will include contamination, concentration rate, mean concentration of organs (humans and animals) with a mycotoxin, as well as sample constitution (where possible) and country of origin of the sample.

This advanced text-cum-reference book presents a comprehensive account of the syntheses, reactions, properties and applications of all the most significant classes of heterocyclic compounds. This second volume in the series is an essential tool not only for advanced undergraduates and graduates, but also for academic and industrial researchers in organic, medicinal, pharmaceutical, dye and agricultural chemistry.

For this second edition of their much praised Cytochrome P450, the editors have collected accounts of the essential core techniques that use the latest methodologies for the investigation of P450s. Highlights include protocols for spectral analysis and purification of P450s, enzymatic assays of P450s and flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs), expression of P450s and FMOs in heterologous systems, and the production and use of antipeptide antibodies. Additional chapters contain readily reproducible techniques for the transfection of hepatocytes for gene regulation studies, P450 reporter gene assays, in situ hybridization, and analysis of genetic polymorphisms. Although the emphasis is on P450s of mammalian origin, many of the readily reproducible methods described are suitable for P450s from any source.

This volume explores the latest techniques used to investigate nanotoxicity. The protocols covered in this book range from routine nanotoxicity assays to genomic and proteomic approaches in vivo and in vitro. The chapters discuss specific topics such as preparation and utilization of 3D human liver microtissue models; assessment of ovarian granulosa cells with exposure to nanoparticles; DNA methylation analysis; evaluation of genotoxicity of nanoparticles in mouse models; and studying nanotoxicity using embryonic zebrafish. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and practical, Nanotoxicity: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of toxicology, environmental science, pharmacological sciences, and clinical medicine. This volume also serves as a starting point for researchers interested in learning more about this developing field.

Environmental Contaminants and Medicinal Plants Action on Female Reproduction discusses the problem of environmental pollution, medicinal and food plants, and their impact on reproduction. The book describes the mechanisms of environmental contaminants' action, outlines the key causes of their harmful impact on reproduction, and explores what regulatory substances and processes should be targeted due to the negative effect of pollutants on reproduction. Furthermore, it describes the provenance, properties, physiological and therapeutic effects, and possible areas of application of the known medicinal and functional food plants and their constituents with a focus on female reproductive processes. This book will be a useful resource for reproductive biologists, specialists in assisted reproduction, animal production and phytotherapy, toxicologists, pharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists, endocrinologists, medicinal and natural product chemists, nutritionists and others engaged in the study of environmental contaminants and medicinal and functional food plants.

Information flow as nerve impulses in neuronal circuits is regulated at synapses. The synapse is therefore a key element for information processing in the brain. Much attention has been given to fast synaptic transmission, which predominantly regulates impulse-to-impulse transmission. Slow synaptic transmission and modu lation, however, sometimes have been neglected in considering and attempting to understand brain function. Slow synaptic potentials and modulation occur with a considerable delay in response to the accumulation of synaptic and modulatory inputs. In these contexts, they are plastic in nature and play important roles in information processing in the brain. A symposium titled "Slow Synaptic Responses and Modulation" was held as the satellite symposium to the 75th Annual Meeting of the Physiological Society of Japan on March 30-31, 1998, in Kanazawa. The theme was selected not only for the reason mentioned above, but also because of the considerable involvement of many Japanese scholars in establishing the basic issues. Following the dawn of synaptic physiological research, as Sir John Eccles, Sir Bernard Katz, and Professor Stephen Kuffler carried out pioneer work, Professor Kyozou Koketsu and Professor Benjamin Libet, the students of Sir John Eccles, and their colleagues established the concept of slow synaptic responses and modulation by studying vertebrate sympathetic ganglia. Since then, the concept has been ex panded with detailed investigations of both peripheral and central synapses at the levels of single ion channels, intracellular Ca"+ dynamics, intracellular transduc tion mechanisms, and genes.

Toxicogenomics is a new multidisciplinary field concerned with elucidating how the entire genome is involved in biological responses of organisms exposed to environmental toxicants and stressors. Toxicogenomics combines information from studies of genomic-scale mRNA profiling by microarray analysis, cell-wide or tissue-wide protein profiling (proteomics), genetic susceptibility related to single nucleotide polymorphism, and computational models to understand the roles of gene-environment interactions. This book makes a valuable addition to the laboratory bookshelf of all scientists and practitioners studying toxicology, environmental science, drug development, and pharmaceutical safety. As toxicogenomics makes a revolutionary impact on environmental health, drug safety, and risk assessment in 21st-century toxicology, this volume serves as an essential sourcebook.

A huge effort is put into the science of nanoparticles and their production. In many cases it is unavoidable that nanoparticles are released into the environment, either during the production processes or during the use of a product made from these particles. It is also realized that combustion processes like traffic and power plants release nanoparticles into the atmosphere. However it is not known how nanoparticles interact with the human body, especially upon inhalation. At the same time research activities are devoted to understand how nano-sized medicine particles can be used to administer medicines via inhalation. In any case it is absolutely necessary to know how the nanoparticles interfere with the inhalation system, how they deposit and affect on the human system.

Three main themes are discussed:

• Nanoparticle sources and production
• Nanoparticle inhalation and deposition
• Toxicological and medical consequences of nanoparticles

Each theme is covered comprehensively, starting at nano-quantum effects up to technical and medical applications such as measuring equipment and inhalation instrumentation. This book brings together all sub-disciplines in the field related to aerosol nanoparticles. Each chapter is written by a world expert, giving the state of the art information and challenging open questions. The last chapter summarizes in an interdisciplinary way what is already known and what still is ahead of us.

Oxidative Stress: Its Impact on Human Health and Disease Onset examines all factors known to elevate oxidative stress (OS) and the mechanism of OS disease causation. Sections cover the causes and prevention of oxidative stress, the types of chemical exposures and environmental factors that precipitate disease, disease hallmarks and biomarkers, disease clusters, disease co-morbidities, free radical attacks at the cellular level, and the Oxidative Stress Index tool, its premise, and how it can be used to identify the primary causes of specific diseases and predict the likelihood of disease onset. With comprehensive coverage of not only the impact of OS due to chemical exposure but also the consequences of environmental factors, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and scientists in toxicology and environmental science, health practitioners, public health professionals, and others who wish to broaden their knowledge on this topic.

The book provides easy-to-understand diverse specialized topics in toxicology using self- study questions and answers. The answers are in the form of text along with custom made diagrams and explanations that help the student audience to understand and grasp the matter easily. It is written specifically as a study guide for the toxicology board and other examinations.

PCBs have captured the attention of scientists, journalists and the public for three decades, but during most of that time attention was focused on a small number of the 209 possible chlorobiphenyls. Recent work has implicated many of the forgotten and/or unstudied congeners as neuro-endocrine active and potential developmental toxicants. This interest has created a need for information regarding the non-dioxin-like' PCBs. The ortho Side of PCBs: Occurrence and Disposition integrates historical information, analytical interpretations, and global concepts with recent comprehensive residue reports and public health concerns. This condensed source of extensive information provides detailed comparisons of comprehensive data in a consistent format. The data will improve the accuracy of concepts regarding the occurrence and disposition of the 60-100 (rather than 6-10) most important congeners. Actual PCB burdens are shown to deviate from average steady-state profiles through sporadic exposures to unique mixtures characteristic of individual dietary sources. The task of accurate hazard characterization and risk assessment can be overwhelming, especially when sporadic changes are considered. Models and relationships are suggested to facilitate the efficient categorization and evaluation of the more important congeners.

Winner of BMA Medical Book Award, Highly Commended in Public Health Written for medical professionals, this book provides a concise reference with clear guidelines on how to manage both the victims of chemical agent exposure and the site of the incident. David Baker considers the nature and basic science of the hazards faced as well as the practical management of persons exposed to chemicals and toxins. Praise for the first edition "Toxic Trauma is a welcome addition to the literature. . . . Although written for clinicians, the book contains chapters that should be read by administrators and other health care professionals to ensure they understand and can inform the public in a balanced manner about the logistic considerations, and widespread consequences across systems when an event does occur. Any healthcare library should consider this book an essential text." --Michael Nurok, American Journal of Disaster Medicine "This book excels as a reference for those interested in learning about and designing systems to better handle toxic trauma." --Michael D. Zwank, Doody's Book Reviews

Since the second edition of "Listeria, Listeriosis, and Food Safety"was published in 1999, the United States has seen a 40 percent decline in the incidence of listeriosis, with the current annual rate of illness rapidly approaching the 2010 target of 2.5 cases per million. Research on this food-borne pathogen, however, has continued unabated, concentrating in the last five years on establishing risk assessments to focus limited financial resources on certain high-risk foods.

Listeria, Listeriosis, and Food Safety, Third Edition summarizes much of the newly published literature and integrates this information with earlier knowledge to present readers with a complete and current overview of foodborne listeriosis. Two completely new chapters have been added to this third edition. The first deals with risk assessment, cost of foodborne listeriosis outbreaks, and regulatory control of the Listeria problem in various countries. The second identifies specific data gaps and directions for future research efforts.

All of the chapters from the second edition have been revised, many by new authors, to include updated information on listeriosis in animals and humans, pathogenesis and characteristics of "Listeria monocytogenes," methods of detection, and subtyping. The text covers the incidence and behavior of "Listeria monocytogenes" in many high-risk foods including, fermented and unfermented dairy products, meat, poultry, and egg products, fish and seafood products, and products of plant origin.

Upholding the standard of the first two editions, Listeria, Listeriosis, and Food Safety, Third Edition provides the most current information to food scientists, microbiologists, researchers, andpublic health practitioners.