Toxicity Tests of Soil Contaminated by Recycling of Scrap Plastics

The present investigation studied the toxicity of soil contaminated by untreated discharge from a factory that recycles used plastics. The nearby agricultural areas and freshwater fish ponds were polluted with high concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Mn. Water extracts from the contaminated soil retarded root growth of Brassica chinensis (Chinese white cabbage) and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) where their seeds were obtained commercially. The contaminated populations of C. dactylon, Panicum repen (panic grass), and Imperata cylindrica (wooly grass) were able to withstand higher concentrations of Cu. Ni, and Mn, especially C. dactylon, when compared with their uncontaminated counterparts. 1990 Academic Press, Inc.

A novel respirometer for biological toxicity tests

A respirometer has been developed for microbial toxicity tests. The respirometer is based on luminescence quenching by molecular oxygen. The oxygen sensing film consists of luminescent ruthenium complex adsorbed on amorphous fumed silica and immobilized inside silicone rubber. The luminescence intensity depends on the oxygen concentration of sample in contact with sensing film. The inhibition effect of heavy metals on the respiration rate of microorganisms can be evaluated by monitoring the luminescence intensity of the sensing film. The toxicity of Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Cr 3+ , Pb 2+ and Hg 2+ on activated sludge was tested using the respirometer. The results indicated that the proposed method was sensitive to the heavy metals tested in this experiment. It was feasible to use the respirometer for microbial toxicity tests.

Acute Toxicity of Jinchuan Formula Plum Wine Extract and Its Protective Effect on Mice with Liver Injury

[Objectives]To investigate the acute toxicity and hepatoprotective effect of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract on mice,determine its safety range,and evaluate its hepatoprotective effect.[Methods]The median lethal dose(LD_(50))was determined by acute toxicity test with the toxic reaction and mortality of mice as indexes.Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal control group,model group(ConA-induced liver injury model),Jinchuan formula plum wine high,medium and low dose groups(1.0,0.5,0.25 g/kg)and silybin group(0.1 g/kg).The levels of ALT,AST,LDH in serum and TG,VLDL in liver were measured.After HE staining,the pathological changes of liver tissue in mice were observed,and the liver protective effect of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract was analyzed and evaluated.[Results]LD_(50)was 11.18 g/kg,and the 95%confidence limit of LD_(50)was 10.31-12.05 g/kg.The high-dose group of Jinchuan formula plum wine extract could significantly reduce the serum ALT and AST activities of ConA-induced liver injury mice(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Jinchuan formula plum wine extract is relatively safe,and also has a protective effect on liver injury.

Acute Toxicity Test of Chinese Herbal Compound Tongmai Tangyanming Capsule

[Objective] This study was conducted to determine the safe dose of Tongmai Tangyanming capsule in clinic by evaluating its acute toxicity, so as to ensure clinical medication safety. [Method] The test was designed according to ＂Technique Requirements of Research of New Chinese Medicine＂ and ＂Guide for Research of New Chinese Medicine＂, mice were intragastrically administrated with Tongmai Tangyanming capsule at a maximum concentration and a maximum volume, and the acute toxic response of mice was observed, so as to determine medi- na lethal dose （LDso） and maximum administration dosage of Tongmai Tangyanming capsule. [Result] The LD^o could not be detected in the test, and the maximum administration dosage of mouse was calculated to be 112.104 g of dried herbs/（kg.d）, equivalent to 260 times of clinical dose of adult. [Conclusion] Chinese herbal compound Tongmai Tangyanming capsule has low acute toxicity, and its clinical dose is safe and reliable.

Prospects for the continued development of environmentally-realistic toxicity test susing microorganisms

The focus of environmental regulations has changed significantly since the introduction of the bioassay as a standard means of assessing environmental impact.Prominent in this change is an increasing emphasis on protecting the integrity of natural ecosystems,which incorporate community-and system-level properties as well as organismal and population processes.Consequently,support for the use of multispecies testing has widened to include not only ecologists in academia but environmental scientists in the regulatory and industrial sector as well.The reason for this trend is clear:the additional environmental realism gained from tests utilizing communities of organisms allows for greater insight into the potential hazard of chemicals and other forms of human activity to natural ecosystems that cannot be obtained from single species tests alone.Many of the problems cited for multispecies testing early in their evolution as a hazard assessment tool have been refuted or overcome.In particular,the use of natural microbial communities minimizes several shortcomings typically associated with multispecies toxicity testing.This discussion includes the utility of microcosm and mesocosm tests using aquatic microbial communities as hazard assessment tools in conjunction with accumulating information on their performance in toxicity testing protocols.An increasing body of experimental evidence supports an expansion in the use of these tests for a variety of regulatory and research purposes.A shift in research focus is needed,however,to answer remaining questions and further refine standard protocols for these valuable ecotoxicological tools.

Screening of Field Efficacy of Special Pesticides for Mulberry and Residual Toxicity of Silkworm

[Objective] The paper was to screen the pesticides with good control effects against pests in mulberry and small impact on silkworm. [Method] The combined method of indoor toxicity test, field efficacy test, fast testing of pesticide residues and residual toxicity determination were adopted to carry out test. [ Re- suit] Indoor toxicity results showed that LC50 of mulberry No. 1 against Hyalopterus amygdale was （316.1±57.3） mg/kg, and the control effect of mulberry No. 1 at 14 d reached 62.58% ; fast testing of pesticide residues at 7 d showed that the mulberry leaves were safe to silkworms, which reached the standard of leaves for silkworm. [ Conclusion] Mulberry No. 1 was recommended to be the Special pesticide to apply in mulberry field.

Experimental Study on Acute Toxicity of Yusheng Xiaoyang Lotion in Mice

[Objective] This study was carried out to provide toxicological basic data for the development and research of Yushen Xiaoyang Lotion.[Method]SPF SD mice, half male and half female, were divided into a blank control group and a Yusheng Xiaoyang Lotion group randomly. The percutaneous acute toxicity of Yusheng Xiaoyang Lotion was observed by one time limited dose method, and ap-parent sign changes and death condition of mice after administration of the drug were recorded. After the test, all the animals were weighed and subjected to gross anatomy, and if there were abnormal phenomena, further histopathological examina-tion of should be done. Animals died during the test should be subjected to anato-my. [Result] All the mice survived and exhibited normal behavior,glossy hair and increase of body weight in accordance with growth law.No local and systematic toxicity responses on skin were observed. In visual observation after dissection, no pathologic changes on heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney were observed. There were no significant differences in body weight between the Yusheng Xiaoyang Lo-tion group and the blank control group before administration,the 7th d after adminis-tration and the 14th after administration （P〉0.05）. [Conclusion] In the transdermaldrug delivery acute toxicity test of Yusheng Xiaoyang Lotion on mice, no obvious toxic responses were observed under the total dose of 89.70 g/kg （equivalent to 120 times of the clinical daily dose for adults）.

Toxicity of novel anti-hepatitis drug bicyclol: A preclinical study

AIM: To study the toxicity of bicyclol to animals. METHODS: Acute toxicity test was performed in Kunming strain mice that were orally given bicyclol at the doses of 3 and 5 g/kg body weight, respectively. Wistar rats were orally administered bicyclol at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight. Death and clinical symptoms of animals were recorded within 7 d. Sub-acute toxicity test was carried out in rats that were treated with various doses of bicyclol (150, 300, 600 mg/kg) once daily for 14 d. Animal behaviors, blood biochemical markers, blood and urine pictures were examined. Chronic toxicity test was conducted in 80 Wistar rats of both sexes. The animals were orally administered with various doses of bicyclol [150, 300, 600 mg/kg, 100-400 folds corresponding to the proposed therapeutic dose (1.5 mg/(kg·d)) of bicyclol for patients] once daily for 6 mo except for Sunday. The control group was given the same volume of 0.2% sodium carboxyl methylcellulose (Na-CMC). Twenty-one beagle dogs received bicyclol (25, 75, 225 mg/kg, 16.6, 50, 150 folds corresponding to the proposed therapeutic dose of bicyclol for patients) once a day for 6 mo except for Sunday. The body weight, food intake, urine and feces, blood picture, blood biochemical markers, and pathological examination of main organs were determined. Mutagenicity and teratogenicity were determined. Mutagenicity assay included Ames's test, chromosome aberration test in CHL cells and micronucleus test in mice. For the teratogenicity assay, pregnant Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were treated with 0.2,1.0 g/kg bicyclol once daily from the 7th d of gestation for 10 d. RESULTS: The oral LD50 of bicyclol was over 5 g/kg in mice and rats. No noticeable alterations in subacute and chronic toxicity of rats and dogs were demonstrated. No mutagenicity and teratogenicity of bicyclol were found. CONCLUSION: Bicyclol has no detectable chronic toxicity as well as mutagenicity and teratogenicity in animals.

Effects of bifenthrin on Daphnia magna during chronic toxicity test and the recovery test

The acute and chronic toxic effects of bifenthrin on Daphnia magna were studied. The results showed that 24 h-EC 50 , 48 h-LC 50 and 96 h-LC 50 of bifenthrin on D. magna were 3.24, 12.40 and 1.40 μg/L respectively. And the LOEC and NOEC of bifenthrin were 0.02 and 0.004 μg/L respectively. The recovery test of bifenthrin on Daphnia magna was presented. Daphnia magna(F 0 generation) were exposed during 21 d to different bifenthrin concentrations. Offspring(animals from the first and third brood: F 1(1st) and F 1(3rd), respectively) were transferred to a free pesticide medium during a 21 d recovery period. In this recovery study, survival, growth, reproduction(mean total young per female, onset of reproduction and number broods per female) and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) were assessed as parameters. Reproduction such as number of young per female as well as length was still reduced in F 1(1st) generation daphnids from parentals(F 0) exposed to the bifenthrin. However F 1(3rd) individuals from parentals exposed to pesticide concentrations were able to restore reproduction when a recovery period of 21 d was allowed, but the length of F 1(3rd) from parentals exposed to the 0.5 and 0.75 μg/L bifenthrin concentration was still significantly effected(P<0.05).

Comparison of T-2 Toxin and HT-2 Toxin Distributed in the Skeletal System with That in Other Tissues of Rats by Acute Toxicity Test

Twelve healthy rats were divided into the T-2 toxin group receiving gavage of 1 mg/kg T-2 toxin and the control group receiving gavage of normal saline. Total relative concentrations of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in the skeletal system（thighbone, knee joints, and costal cartilage） were significantly higher than those in the heart, liver, and kidneys（P 〈 0.05）. The relative concentrations of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in the skeletal system（thighbone and costal cartilage） were also significantly higher than those in the heart, liver, and kidneys. The rats administered T-2 toxin showed rapid metabolism compared with that in rats administered HT-2 toxin, and the metabolic conversion rates in the different tissues were 68.20%-90.70%.

Morphological Features of Agaricus bisporus and Indoor Toxicity Test of Chemicals

Through separating and purifying diseased mushrooms infected by Mycogone perniciosa in Gaochun Area, Nanjing City, morphological features of the bacteria were identified, and toxicity of the bacterial strains was tested. The results showed that five bactericides in the experiment had obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of M. perniciosa, especially 50% Prochloraz manganese chloride complex WP 5 g/L had the best efficiency.

Indoor Toxicity and Field Efficacy of Five Insecticides against Cerataphis lataniae Biosduval

[ Objective ] The paper aimed to screen out efficient and safe insecticides against Gerataphis lataniae Biosduval. [ Method ] Control effects of five insecticides against C. lataniae were studied through indoor bioassay and field trial. [ Result] Bioassay results showed that the indoor toxieities of 10% ct-cyper- methrin, 22% sulfoxaflor and 10% imidecloprid were higher, with LC50 of 15.28, 30.00 and 30.23 rag/L, respectively. In field trials, the control effects of 10% α-cypermethrin, 22% sulfoxaflor and 10% imidacloprid against C. lataniae were over 90% for all the concentrations at 10 d post adminstration. The control effect of 22% sulfoxaflor reached 100% for all the concentrations at 5 d post administration. [ Conclusion] 10% α-cypermethrin was a superior pesticide against C. /a- taniae, but 22% sulfoxaflor and 10% imidaclopfid were more efficient in emergency.

Acute Toxicity of Oxyclozanide Suspension in Mice by Oral Administration

The safety of oxyclozanidc suspension was preliminarily evaluated through acute toxicity test in mice. Administration dose, formal trial grouping and group interval were determined in pre-trial using incremental method. Formal test was performed using simplified karber＇s method. Changes in sign of mice after ad- ministration were observed; the mortality rate was statistically calculated, and the time of death was recorded; the median lethal dose （LD50） and 95% confidence limit of oxyclozanide suspension were calculated. The results showed the LD50 of oxyclozanide suspension in mice by oral administration was 1. 679 g/kg, and the 95% confidence interval was 1. 439 - 1. 947 g/kg. According to toxicity grading of chemicals, oxyclozanide suspension was low toxic substance.

Acute Oral Toxicity Studies of a Chinese Herbal Preparation Shenrong Bunao Capsule

[ Objectives] This study was conducted to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of Shenrong Bunao Capsule, and to provide a theoretical basis for drug devel- opmcn! and clinical trims. [ Methods] Kunming mice were randomly assigned into two groups： an experimental group and a control group. In experimental group, Shenrong Bunao Capsule solution at maximum concentration of 45% was administered orally by gavage once at a dose of 30 ml/kg body weight （ BW）, while an equal volume of saline solution was given in the control group. Then, the appearance, behavior, mental state, diet, feces, urine, coat, skin color, respiration, nose, eyes and oral secretions and other daily activities of the mice were observed for 14 d after drug administration. At the end of the experiment, the mice were dissected, and their main organs were examined histopathologically. [Results] The appearance, behavior, respiration, body posture, response to stimuli and weight gain of the mice in control group were all normal. All the mice given 13. 500 g/kg BW Shenrong Bunao Capsule were alive 14 d after drug administration, and their appearance, behavior, respiration, body posture, response to stimuli and weight gains did not show any abnormality. In addition, the body weights of male and female mice had no obvious difference between the experimental group and the control group at the binging, 7 and 14 d after drug administration （P 〈0.05）. [ Conclusions] A maximum dose 13. 500 g/kg BW Shenrong Bunao Capsule, which was equivalent to 141 times of the recommended dosage for adult men was given to the mice, and did not result in any apparent toxic effects, suggesting that the Chines herbal preparation Shenrong Bunao Capsule has very little acute toxicity, and the commonly recommended dosage in clinical trials is safe.

Reply to 'Statistical testing and distribution for lead chloride toxicity'

We are very grateful for the letter written by Dr Lange,and indeed apologize for the mistakes noted in the word-ing of our text regarding statistical analysis.This wasdue to changes carried out while revising the manuscriptat the request of reviewers,whom we thank for,point-ing out several issues that were actually similar to thosenoted by Dr.Lange.Unfortunately,we were unable todescribe and discuss our findings properly in the context

Degradation of differently processed Mg-based implants leads to distinct foreign body reactions(FBRs)through dissimilar signaling pathways

Mg alloys have mechanical properties compatible with human bones.However,their rapid degradation and associated foreign body reactions in vivo significantly limit their application for human implants.In this study,three differently processed Mg alloys,pure Mg(PM),cold extruded Mg alloy AZ31(CE AZ31),and fully annealed AZ31 Mg alloy(FA AZ31)were comparatively investigated for their potential as implants using a rat model.All three implanted Mg alloys do not show any impact on hepato-and renal function,nor any signs of observable changes to vital organs.Proteomics analysis of tissues directly contacting the implants 2.5 months post implantation revealed that FA AZ31 activates very few inflammation and immune associated signaling pathways;while the CE AZ31 and PM produce more significant inflammatory responses as confirmed by cytokine array analyses.Further,FA AZ31 activated pathways for cell organization and development that may improve the recovery of injured tissues.Structurally,EBSD analysis reveals that the FA AZ31 alloy has a higher ratio of first-order pyramidal orientated(10–11){10–1–2}grain texture with a value of 0.25,while PM and CE AZ31 alloys have lower ratios of first-order pyramidal orientated texture with the values of 0.16 and 0.17,respectively.This is associated with recovery and recrystallisation during annealing which promotes grain texture which exhibits enhanced degradation behaviours and induces a more limited immune response in vivo.In conclusion,the FA AZ31 demonstrated better biocompatibility and corrosion resistance and is a promising candidate for metal-based degradable implants which warrants further investigation.

Insecticidal Activity of Crude Extract of Saponins isolated from Sapindus miukurossi Gatren

[Objective] The study aimed to provide the theoretical basis for the development of Saponins isolated from Sapindus mukurossi in the application of pesticides and lay the foundation for the development and utilization of Sapindus species resources in Yunnan province. [ Method] Saponine from S. mukurossi was extracted by the methods of dipping, feed mixed with pesticide, unlimited feeding, and conducted indoor toxicity determination on Plutella xylostella （Linnaeus）, Sitophilus zeamais motschulsky and Drosophila. [ Result] Saponin had no poisoning activity on maize weevil, while it had certain biological activity on diamondback moth and fruit fly, but it had high activity on fruit fly, when the concentration was 50 mg/ml, mortality was 100% at 72 h, LCso was 4.06 mg/ml at 72 h, LTso was 30.19 h when the concentration was 25.000 mg/ml. [Conclusion] Saponins from S. mukurossi could be develooed and utilized as the material for botanical eesticide.

Optimization of Artificial Rearing Methods for Plutella xylostella L.(Plutellidae)and Its Susceptibility to Five Types of Insecticides

[Objective] The research aimed to optimize laboratory artificial rearing methods for Plutella xylostella L. and to select out effective insecticides against this pest species. [Method] Brassica chinensis seedlings were cultivated in the laboratory at （25±1）℃, 60-75% RH, and a photoperiod of 14：10 （L：D） h. The green blow molding papers were used to collect eggs, and Brassica oleracea seedlings were cultivated to breed Plutella xylostella L. until the insects were ready for use. Mean-while, the susceptibility of 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella L. to five types of insecticides was tested by leaf-dipping method. [Result] Plutella xylostella L. larvae were found well-grown and uniform in developmental stages with average pupa weight of 5.4 mg, pupa emergence percentage of 94.0 % and egg number of 135.1 per female. The LCso values of 3rd instar Plutella xylostella L. larvae against 200 g/L chlorantraniliprole SC, 20% flubendiamide WG, 150 g/L indoxacarb EC, 200 g/L tebufenozide SC and 1.8% abamectin EC, were 0.152, 0.223, 1.151, 93.340 and 0.128 mg/L, respectively. [Conclusion] This rearing method is easy to be implemented and of great practicality, suitable for mass propagation of P. xylostella L. Abamectin, chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide showed high insecticidal activities, so these three insecticides can be used alternately for the field prevention and control of Plutella xylostella L.

Anti-inflammatory,anti-tussive effects and toxicity evaluation of Qingfei Dayuan granules(清肺达原颗粒)

OBJECTIVE:To study the anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive effects of Qingfei Dayuan granules(清肺达原颗粒,QFDY),and to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of QFDY.METHODS:Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by murine model of xylene induced ear edema in mice.Ear swelling degree was calculated and tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1βand interleukin-6 were determined.Anti-tussive evaluations were carried out in the mouse cough model induced by ammonia liquor.Latent period cough and number of cough within 3 min were counted.In acute toxicity study,the rats were randomly divided into test group and solvent control group.Body weighs,food intakes and general clinical signs were monitored.In the sub-chronic toxicity study,QFDY was administered to rats at 0,4,8 and 16 g/kg per day for 28 and 30 d of post treatment was conducted.Mortalities,clinical signs,body weight changes,food intakes,ophthalmological examinations,hematological parameters,biochemical indicators,electrolyte indicators,urinalyses and histopathological examinations were monitored.RESULTS:QFDY significantly inhibited the development of ear edema in anti-inflammatory assay and decreased cough frequency caused by ammonia liquor.The results presented a dose-effect relationship.In acute toxicity study,no abnormality exhibited at dose of 24.0 g/kg per day during the 14-d observation period.In the sub-chronic toxicity study,higher reticulocyte count,lymphocyte and lower Cl-,blood urea nitrogen were analyzed compared with the solvent control group.But the differences were considered to be incidental and not clinically toxic.Obvious dose-effect relationship of urine color was observed,and the three test groups at the end of the experiments resulted in significant increase in urobilinogen,bilirubin,ketone body and urine leukocyte.However,all the positive indicators returned to normal in the recovery period.Therefore,no toxicological changes were found during the study period.CONCLUSION:QFDY showed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive effects in mice.The lethal dose(LD50)of per oral QFDY in rats was estimated to be more than 24.0 g/kg per day and the no observed adverse effect level was over 16 g/kg per day,which suggested that QFDY is relatively safe for oral medication at the present dose on rats.Our experimental results provide a reference for the further development and research of QFDY.

Coping with the environmental effects of point-source discharges

Current methods for assessing the environmental impact of point source discharges in the United States are reviewed. The emphasis of many assessments of damage from pollution is shifting from chemical or technological standards to biological standards, i.e., the protection of biological integrity in the receiving system. The importance of integrating information from chemical measurements, toxicity tests, and field surveys in impact assessment is re-emphasized. Ways in which environmental professionals can improve methods for assessing damage from pollution and its control are discussed.