Rashmi Nair - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Rashmi Nair
Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 2016
What motivates minority group members to support other minorities, rather than compete for resour... more What motivates minority group members to support other minorities, rather than compete for resources? We tested whether inclusive victim consciousness —i.e., perceived similarities between the ingroup's and outgroups' collective victimization— predicts support for other minority groups; and whether personal and family experiences of group-based victimization moderate these effects. Study 1 was conducted among members of historically oppressed groups in India. As hypothesized, inclusive victim consciousness predicted support for refugees. Personal experiences of group-based victimization moderated this effect. Conceptually replicating these findings, in Study 2 (among Vietnamese Americans, mostly second-generation immigrants) inclusive victim consciousness predicted less hostility toward other refugees and immigrants, and greater perceived responsibility to help victims of collective violence. This effect was moderated by family experiences of victimization.
Toxicology and industrial health
There industrial organophosphorus compounds were tested for their ability to cause organophosphor... more There industrial organophosphorus compounds were tested for their ability to cause organophosphorus compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) in the adult hen. The compounds tested were tributyl phosphate (TBP), tributoxyethyl phosphate (TBEP), and dibutylphenyl phosphate (DBPP). The acute oral LD50 of TBP and DBPP were estimated to be 1,863 and 1,500 mg/kg, respectively, and the dose equal to the LD50 was used as a test dose. The acute oral LD50 of TBEP was greater than 5,000 mg/kg and 5,000 mg/kg was used as a test dose. An oral dose of 750 mg tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) was used as a positive control. For the acute delayed neurotoxicity test, hens were given two test doses of the test materials 21 days apart and killed 21 days after the second dose. None of the hens given TBP, TBEP, or DBPP exhibited nerve damage or clinical signs which distinguished them from untreated control animals. A single dose of TOCP resulted in paralysis and a histopathological profile typical of ...
Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 2011
Infection and immunity, 1998
The major outer membrane protein (OMP) of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is an OmpA homolog... more The major outer membrane protein (OMP) of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is an OmpA homolog that demonstrates electrophoretic heat modifiability. The gene encoding this protein was isolated from a genomic library of A. actinomycetemcomitans NCTC 9710 by immunoscreening with serum from a patient with localized juvenile periodontitis. Expression of the cloned gene in Escherichia coli and subsequent Western blot analysis revealed a protein with an approximate molecular mass of 34 kDa. The amino acid sequence predicted from the cloned gene demonstrated that the mature protein had a molecular mass of 34,911 Da and significant identity to members of the OmpA family of proteins. We have named the major OMP of A. actinomycetemcomitans Omp34, and its corresponding gene has been named omp34.
Journal of toxicology and environmental health, 1988
The capacity for induction of microsomal metabolic enzymes by tetrachlorophthalic anhydride (TCPA... more The capacity for induction of microsomal metabolic enzymes by tetrachlorophthalic anhydride (TCPA) was evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats and male CD-1 mice. The rats were orally dosed for 7 d with TCPA suspended in corn oil at 25, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg. Following this treatment a dose-dependent reduction in the zoxazolamine paralysis time occurred over the dose range 100-500 mg/kg in the rat. No effect on the hexobarbital sleep time was observed at any test level. TCPA was found to produce statistically significant increases in hepatic aminopyrine N-demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, and cytochrome P-450 in the rat at 500 mg per kg. In addition statistically significant increases were seen in aniline hydroxylase and cytochrome P-450 at 25 mg/kg. Mice were orally dosed with TCPA for 7 d at 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg. There was no effect in the zoxazolamine paralysis time or the hexobarbital sleep time in this species. Hepatic microsomal enzyme levels were not measured in the mouse. ...
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 1995
Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the currently used... more Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the currently used Uncertainty Factors in the development of acceptable exposure levels for noncancer effects. Toxicity studies from two separate sources, the FAO/WHO database on pesticides (1978–1987) and the Monsanto database (through 1988) were chosen to evaluate three of the five currently used Uncertainty Factors. Interspecies differences in NOELs
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 1992
The objectives of this study were to determine the disposition of Therminol 66 in rats and to det... more The objectives of this study were to determine the disposition of Therminol 66 in rats and to determine the effects of this heat-transfer fluid on liver and kidney microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes. Therminol 66 was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats at various doses as either a single oral administration at 0, 100, or 300 mg/kg, or as a single 6-h inhalation exposure at 0 or 350 mg/m3. Animals were killed 48 h after gavage or after termination of inhalation exposure. Additional groups of animals were exposed to Therminol 66 via the diet at 0, 100, 500, or 5000 ppm for 14 d, or via repeated inhalation exposure at 0, 25, 250, or 1200 mg/m3 for 6 h/d for 14 d. These exposure scenarios represent approximately equivalent doses of Therminol 66 by the different routes of administration. No change in body weight was observed after acute oral or inhalation exposure, and little change in body weight was observed in animals administered Therminol 66 via the diet except at the highest dose. There was no change in kidney weight, and liver weights were increased only at the higher doses of Therminol 66. The body weight gain of animals exposed to Therminol 66 via inhalation decreased in a dose-dependent manner over the 2-wk exposure period. Results from the disposition study indicated that Therminol 66 did not appear to accumulate in the tissues examined and did not appear to be extensively absorbed after a single oral dose of 300 mg/kg. The whole-body elimination half-life was approximately 14 h and occurred primarily via the feces. There was no significant induction of hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity after single oral or inhalation exposures to Therminol 66. Ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) was significantly induced only in animals exposed to 350 mg/m3 via inhalation. Repeated dietary and inhalation exposures resulted in AHH and ECOD induction only at the highest doses, and the kidney appeared to be less sensitive than the liver. Animals exposed via inhalation demonstrated a greater hepatic inductive effect than did animals exposed via the diet, which may be due to absorption differences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Toxic Substance Mechanisms, 2000
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been reported to exhibit weak estrogenic activity in a number of... more Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been reported to exhibit weak estrogenic activity in a number of in vitro assays. The monoester metabolites of BBP have been shown to lack estrogenic activity in vitro. This work has evaluated the estrogenic activity of BBP in vivo by examining the ...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2014
The TupABC system is involved in the cellular uptake of tungsten and belongs to the ABC (ATP bind... more The TupABC system is involved in the cellular uptake of tungsten and belongs to the ABC (ATP binding cassette)-type transporter systems. The TupA component is a periplasmic protein that binds tungstate anions, which are then transported through the membrane by the TupB component using ATP hydrolysis as the energy source (the reaction catalyzed by the ModC component). We report the heterologous expression, purification, determination of affinity binding constants and crystallization of the Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20 TupA. The tupA gene (locus tag Dde_0234) was cloned in the pET46 Enterokinase/Ligation-Independent Cloning (LIC) expression vector, and the construct was used to transform BL21 (DE3) cells. TupA expression and purification were optimized to a final yield of 10 mg of soluble pure protein per liter of culture medium. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was carried out showing that TupA binds both tungstate and molybdate ions and has no significant interaction with sulfate, phosphate or perchlorate. Quantitative analysis of metal binding by isothermal titration calorimetry was in agreement OPEN ACCESS with these results, but in addition, shows that TupA has higher affinity to tungstate than molybdate. The protein crystallizes in the presence of 30% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 3350 using the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. The crystals diffract X-rays beyond 1.4 Å resolution and belong to the P2 1 space group, with cell parameters a = 52.25 Å, b = 42.50 Å, c = 54.71 Å, β = 95.43°. A molecular replacement solution was found, and the structure is currently under refinement.
Toxicology, 2001
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been shown to be teratogenic. One mechanism contributing to the ... more Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been shown to be teratogenic. One mechanism contributing to the teratogenicity of several developmental toxicants, is chemical-induced changes in maternal zinc (Zn) metabolism which result in an increased synthesis of maternal liver metallothionein (Mt), and a subsequent reduction in Zn delivery to the conceptus. We investigated the effects of maternal BBP exposure on maternal-fetal Zn metabolism in Wistar rats. In study I, dams were gavaged with BBP (0, 250, 1000, 1500 or 2000 mg/kg) on gestation days (GD) 11 through 13, and killed on GD 20. Maternal toxicity was evident in the three highest dose groups. Embryo/fetal death and small pup weights and lengths were noted in the 2000 mg BBP/kg group. Fetuses in the 1500 and 2000 mg/kg groups were characterized by poor skeletal ossification, and a high frequency of cleft palate. Rib anomalies were observed in the three highest dose groups. Maternal liver Mt concentrations were only slightly elevated in the 1500 and 2000 mg/kg groups. In study II, dams treated as above, were gavaged with 65 Zn and killed 18 h later. While the 2000 mg/kg group had high percentages of 65 Zn in some maternal tissues, sequestration of 65 Zn in maternal liver was not evident. Thus, BBP is not a strong inducer of Mt, and the teratogenicity of BBP does not appear to be due to alterations in maternal and/or embryonic Zn metabolism.
Toxicological Sciences, 1986
For evaluation of subchronic toxicity of the two single-ring nitroaromatics, p-nitroaniline (PNA)... more For evaluation of subchronic toxicity of the two single-ring nitroaromatics, p-nitroaniline (PNA) and p-nitrochlorobenzene (PNCB), groups of 10 male and 10 female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to an aerosol/vapor of PNA in isopropanol at target concentrations of 0, 10, 30, or 90 mg/m3 or to PNCB vaporized from a solution in ethylene glycol monoethyl ether at target concentrations of 0, 5, 15, or 45 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Clinical signs of toxicity, body weights, results of ophthalmoscopic exam, hematology and clinical chemistry tests, organ weights, gross and histopathological changes were recorded. Exposure to PNA or PNCB resulted in a dose-related increase in blood methemoglobin levels. Mean red blood cell counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were significantly decreased in mid and high level animals exposed to PNCB. Mean spleen weights (absolute and relative to body weight) were significantly increased at the high dose levels in the two studies. A slight increase in spleen weights was also observed at the low concentration level in the PNA study. Absolute and relative liver weights also were increased among animals exposed to 45 mg/m3 PNCB. Microscopic changes were observed mainly in the spleen and included an increase in intensity of extramedullary hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis with both compounds. Spleens of animals exposed to PNCB also exhibited congestion. Neither PNA nor PNCB exhibited significant toxicological effects other than those of methemoglobinemia, anemia, and splenic changes classically associated with nitroaromatics at levels significantly above presently accepted occupational standard. Our data suggest that the current TLV for PNA which is 3 mg/m3 will provide adequate protection to the workers. OSHA's PEL of 1 mg/m3 for PNCB is to be preferred over the current TLV of 3 mg/m3 to provide a comparable margin of safety.
Toxicological Sciences, 1992
The teratogenic potential of a versatile solvent, N-formylpiperidine (NFP), was evaluated in the ... more The teratogenic potential of a versatile solvent, N-formylpiperidine (NFP), was evaluated in the rat. Three groups of 25 mated female Sprague-Dawley rats were given 110,220, or 440 mg/kg/day NFP in distilled water by gavage on Days 6 through 20 of gestation. A control group of 25 animals received distilled water on a comparable regimen. Maternal animals were observed daily for signs of toxicity; body weights and food consumption were measured at regular intervals throughout the study. All animals were euthanized on Gestation Day 21 and the fetuses examined for cleft palate and external abnormalities. One-half of the fetuses in each litter were examined for visceral anomalies while the remaining fetuses were examined for skeletal malformations after appropriate staining. One female in the high dosage group died on Gestation Day 12. Clinical signs of toxicity, observed in 6 females in the high dosage group, included tremors, convulsive movements, and an apparent weakness of the legs. Maternal toxicity, in terms of significantly decreased body weight and food consumption, was observed in the mid and high dosage groups. Food consumption was also significantly depressed for the first 4 days of dosing in the low dosage group. There was a significant increase in number of resorptions in the high dosage group when compared to controls. No effects were observed on other reproductive parameters. Mean fetal body weight was significantly lower in the high dosage group when compared to controls. While the incidence of fetal malformations on a litter basis was higher in the high dosage group, this change was not statistically significant. The incidence of ossification variations was also higher in the high dosage group. Thus, a dosage of 440 mg/kg NFP produced maternal toxicity, embryolethality, fetal growth retardation, and an increased number of malformations. Maternal body weights were depressed at 220 mg/kg but no embryo-or fetotoxicity was observed at or below 220 mg/kg NFP. The number and type of fetal malformations in the 110 and 220 mg/kg dosage groups were also comparable to controls. In conclusion, NFP produced fetal effects only at 440 mg/kg, a dosage which resulted in marked toxicity to the dams. o 1992 Society of Toxicology.
Toxicological Sciences, 1991
Dibutyl phenyl phosphate (DBPP) was administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in their ... more Dibutyl phenyl phosphate (DBPP) was administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in their diets in separate subchronic (91-day) and two-generation reproduction studies. Dose levels of DBPP were 5, 50, and 250 mg/kg/day in both studies. In the reproduction study, cross-fostering was performed between some high-exposure and control litter offspring and dams following a second mating of F0 animals. Compared to control animals, body weights were consistently lower in high-exposure adult animals in both studies; this observation was less consistent in mid-exposure adult rats. High-exposure rats in the subchronic study had decreased erythrocyte counts and hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. They also had increased absolute and/or relative liver weights with concomitant decreased hepatocytic vacuolation and increased fatty accumulation. In the reproduction study, mating and fertility indices were comparable among the parental animals in both generations, but survivability among high-exposure pups reared by control dams appeared to be decreased. Urinary bladder histopathologic changes, consisting of mononuclear cell infiltration and transitional epithelial hyperplasia, were noted in mid- and high-exposure rats from both studies. The no observable adverse effect level in both of these studies was 5 mg/kg/day.
Toxicological Sciences, 1989
The subchronic toxicity of a commercial blend of partially hydrogenated terphenyl was evaluated i... more The subchronic toxicity of a commercial blend of partially hydrogenated terphenyl was evaluated in rats by inhalation and oral routes of exposure. Animals were exposed to target concentrations of 0, 10, 100, or 500 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week or were offered diets daily with concentrations of 0, 50, 200, or 2000 ppm. Each study lasted approximately 14 weeks. The study designs included observations for clinical signs, body weights, ophthalmic exams, hematology and clinical chemistry, major organ weights, and gross and histopathology. No treatment-related effects were noted in the ophthalmic exams. Body weights were slightly depressed in high-dose males from the inhalation study and high-dose females in the dietary study. Liver and liver/body weights were increased in high-dose animals of both sexes and high- and mid-dose males in the dietary and inhalation studies, respectively. In the high-dose females of the dietary study, kidney and kidney/body weights were increased with increased adrenal and adrenal/body weights were also observed. No compound-related gross lesions nor pathological correlates to the organ weight changes were observed in either study. The no-adverse effect levels were considered to be 100 mg/m3 and 200 ppm (15.9 mg/kg) for the inhalation and dietary studies, respectively. These data indicate that a wide margin of safety exists for hydrogenated terphenyl workplace exposure.
Toxicological Sciences, 1986
o-Nitrochlorobenzene (ONCB) is a chemical intermediate used for the synthesis of various industri... more o-Nitrochlorobenzene (ONCB) is a chemical intermediate used for the synthesis of various industrial chemicals. To evaluate the subchronic toxicity of this compound, three groups of 15 male and 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ONCB vapor 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks at target concentrations of 10, 30, or 60 mg/m3. A control group of 15 animals/sex was exposed to room air in a separate inhalation chamber. Concentrations of ONCB in the chambers were determined at least three times a day using a uv spectrophotometer. Parameters monitored in this study included observation for signs of toxicity, body weights, ophthalmoscopic exam, hematology, and clinical chemistry. At necropsy, selected organ weights were recorded and over 35 tissues/animal were examined microscopically for all control and high-exposure level animals. No mortality was observed in this study. Mean body weights of all groups were comparable to controls. Animals exposed to the mid and high concentrations of ONCB showed a significant increase in blood methemoglobin and a significant decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts. Spleen and liver weights (absolute and relative to body weight) were significantly increased for these two groups. Microscopic changes, observed only in the spleen, included increased degree of extramedullary hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis. These data suggest that the toxicity of ONCB is comparable to that of its structural analog, p-nitrochlorobenzene. Thus these two compounds should have similar work-place exposure limits.
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 1997
Whether low-level benzene exposure produces health effects is controversial. We used routinely co... more Whether low-level benzene exposure produces health effects is controversial. We used routinely collected data from our medical/industrial hygiene system to study 387 workers with daily 8-hour time-weighted exposures averaging 0.55 ppm. The cross-sectional repeated survey design included 553 unexposed workers. Lymphopenia is considered to be the earliest and most sensitive indicator of benzene toxicity. We found no increase in the prevalence of lymphopenia among benzene-exposed workers (odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.8), taking into account smoking, age, and sex. There also was no increase in risk among workers exposed 5 or more years (odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.9). Examination of other measures of hematotoxicity, including mean corpuscular volume and counts of total white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, produced similar results. We conclude that risk of lymphopenia and other early indicators of hematotoxicity are not increased among workers in this study who were exposed to low levels of benzene.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 1995
ABSTRACT Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the curre... more ABSTRACT Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the currently used Uncertainty Factors in the development of acceptable exposure levels for noncancer effects. Toxicity studies from two separate sources, the FAO/WHO database on pesticides ( ...
Food and Chemical Toxicology, 1996
Monsanto employs several pragmatic approaches for evaluating the toxicity of mixtures. These appr... more Monsanto employs several pragmatic approaches for evaluating the toxicity of mixtures. These approaches are similar to those recommended by many national and international agencies. When conducting hazard and risk assessments, priority is always given to using data collected directly on the mixture of concern. To provide an example of the first tier of evaluation, actual data on acute respiratory irritation studies on mixtures were evaluated to determine whether the principle of additivity was applicable to the mixture evaluated. If actual data on the mixture are unavailable, extrapolation across similar mixtures is considered. Because many formulations are quite similar in composition, the toxicity data from one mixture can be extended to a closely related mixture in a scientifically justifiable manner. An example of a family of products where such extrapolations have been made is presented to exemplify this second approach. Lastly, if data on similar mixtures are unavailable, data on component fractions are used to predict the toxicity of the mixture. In this third approach, process knowledge and scientific judgement are used to determine how the known toxicological properties of the individual fractions affect toxicity of the mixture. Three examples of plant effluents where toxicological data on fractions were used to predict the toxicity of the mixture are discussed. The results of the analysis are used to discuss the predictive value of each of the above mentioned toxicological approaches for evaluating chemical mixtures.
Teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis, and Mutagenesis, 1998
p-Dichlorobenzene (PDCB) has been reported to produce tumors in the male and female mouse liver a... more p-Dichlorobenzene (PDCB) has been reported to produce tumors in the male and female mouse liver and in the male rat kidney in 2-year gavage studies (NPT, 1987). To elucidate the possible mechanisms of carcinogenicity more fully, UDS and RDS were evaluated in B6C3F 1 mouse hepatocytes and F-344 rat kidney cells by autoradiography following in vivo administration of PDCB. All corn oil gavage doses of PDCB (300, 600, and 1,000 mg/kg) and the negative control resulted in <0 net grains/nucleus (NG) in the mouse liver and rat kidney, indicating that PDCB does not induce UDS in either tissue.
Acta Pharmaceutica, 2000
Oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) have advantages of solid dosage forms such as good stability, ... more Oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) have advantages of solid dosage forms such as good stability, accurate dosing, small packaging size, and easy handling, as well as those of liquid formulations such as easy administration and minimal risk of suffocation. Therefore, they are beneficial for children, elderly and schizophrenic patients who have difficulty in swallowing conventional solid dosage forms (1). The success of ODT depends on patient acceptance, palatability and the challenging aspect in the formulation of orally disintegrating tablets is to mask the bitterness of active pharmaceutical ingredients, since most drugs have bitter taste. The distasteful sensation of a drug can be masked either by the addition of flavors, sweeteners and effervescent agents or by reducing direct contact with the patient's taste buds through coating or granulation (2, 3). Flavor is often overpowered by the taste of the medicine and the use of effervescent agents is not always convenient. Moreover, coating and granulation of the active ingredient may 267 Acta Pharm. 60 (2010) 267-280 Original research paper 269 M. Malladi et al.: Design and evaluation of taste masked dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral disintegrating tablets, Acta Pharm. 60 (2010) 267-280.
Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 2016
What motivates minority group members to support other minorities, rather than compete for resour... more What motivates minority group members to support other minorities, rather than compete for resources? We tested whether inclusive victim consciousness —i.e., perceived similarities between the ingroup's and outgroups' collective victimization— predicts support for other minority groups; and whether personal and family experiences of group-based victimization moderate these effects. Study 1 was conducted among members of historically oppressed groups in India. As hypothesized, inclusive victim consciousness predicted support for refugees. Personal experiences of group-based victimization moderated this effect. Conceptually replicating these findings, in Study 2 (among Vietnamese Americans, mostly second-generation immigrants) inclusive victim consciousness predicted less hostility toward other refugees and immigrants, and greater perceived responsibility to help victims of collective violence. This effect was moderated by family experiences of victimization.
Toxicology and industrial health
There industrial organophosphorus compounds were tested for their ability to cause organophosphor... more There industrial organophosphorus compounds were tested for their ability to cause organophosphorus compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) in the adult hen. The compounds tested were tributyl phosphate (TBP), tributoxyethyl phosphate (TBEP), and dibutylphenyl phosphate (DBPP). The acute oral LD50 of TBP and DBPP were estimated to be 1,863 and 1,500 mg/kg, respectively, and the dose equal to the LD50 was used as a test dose. The acute oral LD50 of TBEP was greater than 5,000 mg/kg and 5,000 mg/kg was used as a test dose. An oral dose of 750 mg tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) was used as a positive control. For the acute delayed neurotoxicity test, hens were given two test doses of the test materials 21 days apart and killed 21 days after the second dose. None of the hens given TBP, TBEP, or DBPP exhibited nerve damage or clinical signs which distinguished them from untreated control animals. A single dose of TOCP resulted in paralysis and a histopathological profile typical of ...
Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 2011
Infection and immunity, 1998
The major outer membrane protein (OMP) of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is an OmpA homolog... more The major outer membrane protein (OMP) of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is an OmpA homolog that demonstrates electrophoretic heat modifiability. The gene encoding this protein was isolated from a genomic library of A. actinomycetemcomitans NCTC 9710 by immunoscreening with serum from a patient with localized juvenile periodontitis. Expression of the cloned gene in Escherichia coli and subsequent Western blot analysis revealed a protein with an approximate molecular mass of 34 kDa. The amino acid sequence predicted from the cloned gene demonstrated that the mature protein had a molecular mass of 34,911 Da and significant identity to members of the OmpA family of proteins. We have named the major OMP of A. actinomycetemcomitans Omp34, and its corresponding gene has been named omp34.
Journal of toxicology and environmental health, 1988
The capacity for induction of microsomal metabolic enzymes by tetrachlorophthalic anhydride (TCPA... more The capacity for induction of microsomal metabolic enzymes by tetrachlorophthalic anhydride (TCPA) was evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats and male CD-1 mice. The rats were orally dosed for 7 d with TCPA suspended in corn oil at 25, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg. Following this treatment a dose-dependent reduction in the zoxazolamine paralysis time occurred over the dose range 100-500 mg/kg in the rat. No effect on the hexobarbital sleep time was observed at any test level. TCPA was found to produce statistically significant increases in hepatic aminopyrine N-demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, and cytochrome P-450 in the rat at 500 mg per kg. In addition statistically significant increases were seen in aniline hydroxylase and cytochrome P-450 at 25 mg/kg. Mice were orally dosed with TCPA for 7 d at 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg. There was no effect in the zoxazolamine paralysis time or the hexobarbital sleep time in this species. Hepatic microsomal enzyme levels were not measured in the mouse. ...
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 1995
Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the currently used... more Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the currently used Uncertainty Factors in the development of acceptable exposure levels for noncancer effects. Toxicity studies from two separate sources, the FAO/WHO database on pesticides (1978–1987) and the Monsanto database (through 1988) were chosen to evaluate three of the five currently used Uncertainty Factors. Interspecies differences in NOELs
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 1992
The objectives of this study were to determine the disposition of Therminol 66 in rats and to det... more The objectives of this study were to determine the disposition of Therminol 66 in rats and to determine the effects of this heat-transfer fluid on liver and kidney microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes. Therminol 66 was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats at various doses as either a single oral administration at 0, 100, or 300 mg/kg, or as a single 6-h inhalation exposure at 0 or 350 mg/m3. Animals were killed 48 h after gavage or after termination of inhalation exposure. Additional groups of animals were exposed to Therminol 66 via the diet at 0, 100, 500, or 5000 ppm for 14 d, or via repeated inhalation exposure at 0, 25, 250, or 1200 mg/m3 for 6 h/d for 14 d. These exposure scenarios represent approximately equivalent doses of Therminol 66 by the different routes of administration. No change in body weight was observed after acute oral or inhalation exposure, and little change in body weight was observed in animals administered Therminol 66 via the diet except at the highest dose. There was no change in kidney weight, and liver weights were increased only at the higher doses of Therminol 66. The body weight gain of animals exposed to Therminol 66 via inhalation decreased in a dose-dependent manner over the 2-wk exposure period. Results from the disposition study indicated that Therminol 66 did not appear to accumulate in the tissues examined and did not appear to be extensively absorbed after a single oral dose of 300 mg/kg. The whole-body elimination half-life was approximately 14 h and occurred primarily via the feces. There was no significant induction of hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity after single oral or inhalation exposures to Therminol 66. Ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) was significantly induced only in animals exposed to 350 mg/m3 via inhalation. Repeated dietary and inhalation exposures resulted in AHH and ECOD induction only at the highest doses, and the kidney appeared to be less sensitive than the liver. Animals exposed via inhalation demonstrated a greater hepatic inductive effect than did animals exposed via the diet, which may be due to absorption differences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Toxic Substance Mechanisms, 2000
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been reported to exhibit weak estrogenic activity in a number of... more Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been reported to exhibit weak estrogenic activity in a number of in vitro assays. The monoester metabolites of BBP have been shown to lack estrogenic activity in vitro. This work has evaluated the estrogenic activity of BBP in vivo by examining the ...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2014
The TupABC system is involved in the cellular uptake of tungsten and belongs to the ABC (ATP bind... more The TupABC system is involved in the cellular uptake of tungsten and belongs to the ABC (ATP binding cassette)-type transporter systems. The TupA component is a periplasmic protein that binds tungstate anions, which are then transported through the membrane by the TupB component using ATP hydrolysis as the energy source (the reaction catalyzed by the ModC component). We report the heterologous expression, purification, determination of affinity binding constants and crystallization of the Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20 TupA. The tupA gene (locus tag Dde_0234) was cloned in the pET46 Enterokinase/Ligation-Independent Cloning (LIC) expression vector, and the construct was used to transform BL21 (DE3) cells. TupA expression and purification were optimized to a final yield of 10 mg of soluble pure protein per liter of culture medium. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was carried out showing that TupA binds both tungstate and molybdate ions and has no significant interaction with sulfate, phosphate or perchlorate. Quantitative analysis of metal binding by isothermal titration calorimetry was in agreement OPEN ACCESS with these results, but in addition, shows that TupA has higher affinity to tungstate than molybdate. The protein crystallizes in the presence of 30% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 3350 using the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. The crystals diffract X-rays beyond 1.4 Å resolution and belong to the P2 1 space group, with cell parameters a = 52.25 Å, b = 42.50 Å, c = 54.71 Å, β = 95.43°. A molecular replacement solution was found, and the structure is currently under refinement.
Toxicology, 2001
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been shown to be teratogenic. One mechanism contributing to the ... more Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) has been shown to be teratogenic. One mechanism contributing to the teratogenicity of several developmental toxicants, is chemical-induced changes in maternal zinc (Zn) metabolism which result in an increased synthesis of maternal liver metallothionein (Mt), and a subsequent reduction in Zn delivery to the conceptus. We investigated the effects of maternal BBP exposure on maternal-fetal Zn metabolism in Wistar rats. In study I, dams were gavaged with BBP (0, 250, 1000, 1500 or 2000 mg/kg) on gestation days (GD) 11 through 13, and killed on GD 20. Maternal toxicity was evident in the three highest dose groups. Embryo/fetal death and small pup weights and lengths were noted in the 2000 mg BBP/kg group. Fetuses in the 1500 and 2000 mg/kg groups were characterized by poor skeletal ossification, and a high frequency of cleft palate. Rib anomalies were observed in the three highest dose groups. Maternal liver Mt concentrations were only slightly elevated in the 1500 and 2000 mg/kg groups. In study II, dams treated as above, were gavaged with 65 Zn and killed 18 h later. While the 2000 mg/kg group had high percentages of 65 Zn in some maternal tissues, sequestration of 65 Zn in maternal liver was not evident. Thus, BBP is not a strong inducer of Mt, and the teratogenicity of BBP does not appear to be due to alterations in maternal and/or embryonic Zn metabolism.
Toxicological Sciences, 1986
For evaluation of subchronic toxicity of the two single-ring nitroaromatics, p-nitroaniline (PNA)... more For evaluation of subchronic toxicity of the two single-ring nitroaromatics, p-nitroaniline (PNA) and p-nitrochlorobenzene (PNCB), groups of 10 male and 10 female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to an aerosol/vapor of PNA in isopropanol at target concentrations of 0, 10, 30, or 90 mg/m3 or to PNCB vaporized from a solution in ethylene glycol monoethyl ether at target concentrations of 0, 5, 15, or 45 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Clinical signs of toxicity, body weights, results of ophthalmoscopic exam, hematology and clinical chemistry tests, organ weights, gross and histopathological changes were recorded. Exposure to PNA or PNCB resulted in a dose-related increase in blood methemoglobin levels. Mean red blood cell counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were significantly decreased in mid and high level animals exposed to PNCB. Mean spleen weights (absolute and relative to body weight) were significantly increased at the high dose levels in the two studies. A slight increase in spleen weights was also observed at the low concentration level in the PNA study. Absolute and relative liver weights also were increased among animals exposed to 45 mg/m3 PNCB. Microscopic changes were observed mainly in the spleen and included an increase in intensity of extramedullary hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis with both compounds. Spleens of animals exposed to PNCB also exhibited congestion. Neither PNA nor PNCB exhibited significant toxicological effects other than those of methemoglobinemia, anemia, and splenic changes classically associated with nitroaromatics at levels significantly above presently accepted occupational standard. Our data suggest that the current TLV for PNA which is 3 mg/m3 will provide adequate protection to the workers. OSHA's PEL of 1 mg/m3 for PNCB is to be preferred over the current TLV of 3 mg/m3 to provide a comparable margin of safety.
Toxicological Sciences, 1992
The teratogenic potential of a versatile solvent, N-formylpiperidine (NFP), was evaluated in the ... more The teratogenic potential of a versatile solvent, N-formylpiperidine (NFP), was evaluated in the rat. Three groups of 25 mated female Sprague-Dawley rats were given 110,220, or 440 mg/kg/day NFP in distilled water by gavage on Days 6 through 20 of gestation. A control group of 25 animals received distilled water on a comparable regimen. Maternal animals were observed daily for signs of toxicity; body weights and food consumption were measured at regular intervals throughout the study. All animals were euthanized on Gestation Day 21 and the fetuses examined for cleft palate and external abnormalities. One-half of the fetuses in each litter were examined for visceral anomalies while the remaining fetuses were examined for skeletal malformations after appropriate staining. One female in the high dosage group died on Gestation Day 12. Clinical signs of toxicity, observed in 6 females in the high dosage group, included tremors, convulsive movements, and an apparent weakness of the legs. Maternal toxicity, in terms of significantly decreased body weight and food consumption, was observed in the mid and high dosage groups. Food consumption was also significantly depressed for the first 4 days of dosing in the low dosage group. There was a significant increase in number of resorptions in the high dosage group when compared to controls. No effects were observed on other reproductive parameters. Mean fetal body weight was significantly lower in the high dosage group when compared to controls. While the incidence of fetal malformations on a litter basis was higher in the high dosage group, this change was not statistically significant. The incidence of ossification variations was also higher in the high dosage group. Thus, a dosage of 440 mg/kg NFP produced maternal toxicity, embryolethality, fetal growth retardation, and an increased number of malformations. Maternal body weights were depressed at 220 mg/kg but no embryo-or fetotoxicity was observed at or below 220 mg/kg NFP. The number and type of fetal malformations in the 110 and 220 mg/kg dosage groups were also comparable to controls. In conclusion, NFP produced fetal effects only at 440 mg/kg, a dosage which resulted in marked toxicity to the dams. o 1992 Society of Toxicology.
Toxicological Sciences, 1991
Dibutyl phenyl phosphate (DBPP) was administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in their ... more Dibutyl phenyl phosphate (DBPP) was administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in their diets in separate subchronic (91-day) and two-generation reproduction studies. Dose levels of DBPP were 5, 50, and 250 mg/kg/day in both studies. In the reproduction study, cross-fostering was performed between some high-exposure and control litter offspring and dams following a second mating of F0 animals. Compared to control animals, body weights were consistently lower in high-exposure adult animals in both studies; this observation was less consistent in mid-exposure adult rats. High-exposure rats in the subchronic study had decreased erythrocyte counts and hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. They also had increased absolute and/or relative liver weights with concomitant decreased hepatocytic vacuolation and increased fatty accumulation. In the reproduction study, mating and fertility indices were comparable among the parental animals in both generations, but survivability among high-exposure pups reared by control dams appeared to be decreased. Urinary bladder histopathologic changes, consisting of mononuclear cell infiltration and transitional epithelial hyperplasia, were noted in mid- and high-exposure rats from both studies. The no observable adverse effect level in both of these studies was 5 mg/kg/day.
Toxicological Sciences, 1989
The subchronic toxicity of a commercial blend of partially hydrogenated terphenyl was evaluated i... more The subchronic toxicity of a commercial blend of partially hydrogenated terphenyl was evaluated in rats by inhalation and oral routes of exposure. Animals were exposed to target concentrations of 0, 10, 100, or 500 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week or were offered diets daily with concentrations of 0, 50, 200, or 2000 ppm. Each study lasted approximately 14 weeks. The study designs included observations for clinical signs, body weights, ophthalmic exams, hematology and clinical chemistry, major organ weights, and gross and histopathology. No treatment-related effects were noted in the ophthalmic exams. Body weights were slightly depressed in high-dose males from the inhalation study and high-dose females in the dietary study. Liver and liver/body weights were increased in high-dose animals of both sexes and high- and mid-dose males in the dietary and inhalation studies, respectively. In the high-dose females of the dietary study, kidney and kidney/body weights were increased with increased adrenal and adrenal/body weights were also observed. No compound-related gross lesions nor pathological correlates to the organ weight changes were observed in either study. The no-adverse effect levels were considered to be 100 mg/m3 and 200 ppm (15.9 mg/kg) for the inhalation and dietary studies, respectively. These data indicate that a wide margin of safety exists for hydrogenated terphenyl workplace exposure.
Toxicological Sciences, 1986
o-Nitrochlorobenzene (ONCB) is a chemical intermediate used for the synthesis of various industri... more o-Nitrochlorobenzene (ONCB) is a chemical intermediate used for the synthesis of various industrial chemicals. To evaluate the subchronic toxicity of this compound, three groups of 15 male and 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ONCB vapor 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks at target concentrations of 10, 30, or 60 mg/m3. A control group of 15 animals/sex was exposed to room air in a separate inhalation chamber. Concentrations of ONCB in the chambers were determined at least three times a day using a uv spectrophotometer. Parameters monitored in this study included observation for signs of toxicity, body weights, ophthalmoscopic exam, hematology, and clinical chemistry. At necropsy, selected organ weights were recorded and over 35 tissues/animal were examined microscopically for all control and high-exposure level animals. No mortality was observed in this study. Mean body weights of all groups were comparable to controls. Animals exposed to the mid and high concentrations of ONCB showed a significant increase in blood methemoglobin and a significant decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts. Spleen and liver weights (absolute and relative to body weight) were significantly increased for these two groups. Microscopic changes, observed only in the spleen, included increased degree of extramedullary hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis. These data suggest that the toxicity of ONCB is comparable to that of its structural analog, p-nitrochlorobenzene. Thus these two compounds should have similar work-place exposure limits.
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 1997
Whether low-level benzene exposure produces health effects is controversial. We used routinely co... more Whether low-level benzene exposure produces health effects is controversial. We used routinely collected data from our medical/industrial hygiene system to study 387 workers with daily 8-hour time-weighted exposures averaging 0.55 ppm. The cross-sectional repeated survey design included 553 unexposed workers. Lymphopenia is considered to be the earliest and most sensitive indicator of benzene toxicity. We found no increase in the prevalence of lymphopenia among benzene-exposed workers (odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.8), taking into account smoking, age, and sex. There also was no increase in risk among workers exposed 5 or more years (odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.9). Examination of other measures of hematotoxicity, including mean corpuscular volume and counts of total white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, produced similar results. We conclude that risk of lymphopenia and other early indicators of hematotoxicity are not increased among workers in this study who were exposed to low levels of benzene.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 1995
ABSTRACT Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the curre... more ABSTRACT Available toxicology datasets provide a unique opportunity to validate some of the currently used Uncertainty Factors in the development of acceptable exposure levels for noncancer effects. Toxicity studies from two separate sources, the FAO/WHO database on pesticides ( ...
Food and Chemical Toxicology, 1996
Monsanto employs several pragmatic approaches for evaluating the toxicity of mixtures. These appr... more Monsanto employs several pragmatic approaches for evaluating the toxicity of mixtures. These approaches are similar to those recommended by many national and international agencies. When conducting hazard and risk assessments, priority is always given to using data collected directly on the mixture of concern. To provide an example of the first tier of evaluation, actual data on acute respiratory irritation studies on mixtures were evaluated to determine whether the principle of additivity was applicable to the mixture evaluated. If actual data on the mixture are unavailable, extrapolation across similar mixtures is considered. Because many formulations are quite similar in composition, the toxicity data from one mixture can be extended to a closely related mixture in a scientifically justifiable manner. An example of a family of products where such extrapolations have been made is presented to exemplify this second approach. Lastly, if data on similar mixtures are unavailable, data on component fractions are used to predict the toxicity of the mixture. In this third approach, process knowledge and scientific judgement are used to determine how the known toxicological properties of the individual fractions affect toxicity of the mixture. Three examples of plant effluents where toxicological data on fractions were used to predict the toxicity of the mixture are discussed. The results of the analysis are used to discuss the predictive value of each of the above mentioned toxicological approaches for evaluating chemical mixtures.
Teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis, and Mutagenesis, 1998
p-Dichlorobenzene (PDCB) has been reported to produce tumors in the male and female mouse liver a... more p-Dichlorobenzene (PDCB) has been reported to produce tumors in the male and female mouse liver and in the male rat kidney in 2-year gavage studies (NPT, 1987). To elucidate the possible mechanisms of carcinogenicity more fully, UDS and RDS were evaluated in B6C3F 1 mouse hepatocytes and F-344 rat kidney cells by autoradiography following in vivo administration of PDCB. All corn oil gavage doses of PDCB (300, 600, and 1,000 mg/kg) and the negative control resulted in <0 net grains/nucleus (NG) in the mouse liver and rat kidney, indicating that PDCB does not induce UDS in either tissue.
Acta Pharmaceutica, 2000
Oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) have advantages of solid dosage forms such as good stability, ... more Oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) have advantages of solid dosage forms such as good stability, accurate dosing, small packaging size, and easy handling, as well as those of liquid formulations such as easy administration and minimal risk of suffocation. Therefore, they are beneficial for children, elderly and schizophrenic patients who have difficulty in swallowing conventional solid dosage forms (1). The success of ODT depends on patient acceptance, palatability and the challenging aspect in the formulation of orally disintegrating tablets is to mask the bitterness of active pharmaceutical ingredients, since most drugs have bitter taste. The distasteful sensation of a drug can be masked either by the addition of flavors, sweeteners and effervescent agents or by reducing direct contact with the patient's taste buds through coating or granulation (2, 3). Flavor is often overpowered by the taste of the medicine and the use of effervescent agents is not always convenient. Moreover, coating and granulation of the active ingredient may 267 Acta Pharm. 60 (2010) 267-280 Original research paper 269 M. Malladi et al.: Design and evaluation of taste masked dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral disintegrating tablets, Acta Pharm. 60 (2010) 267-280.