bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B. L. Burtt & R. M. Sm. (Zingiberaceae): levantamento de publicações nas áreas farmacológica e química para o período de 1987 a 2008
Authors: Correa A.J.C , Lima C.E , Costa M.C.C.D
Published: November 2010

Espécie muito encontrada no nordeste do Brasil, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B. L. Burtt & R. M. Sm. é conhecida popularmente como colônia. Na medicina popular é utilizada como antihipertensiva, diurética e febrífuga. Alguns estudos com óleos essenciais mostram sua atividade antimicrobiana, hipotensiva e um leve efeito diurético. Visando contribuir para o maior conhecimento da espécie realizou-se uma revisão de publicações envolvendo estudos nas áreas farmacológica e química para o período de 1987 a 2008.
Metodologia para teste de tetrazólio em sementes de Amburana cearensis (Allemão) A.C. Smith
Authors: Guedes R.S , Alves E.U , Gonçalves E.P , Viana J.S , Silva K.B , Gomes M.S.S
Published: November 2010

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar a metodologia do teste de tetrazólio para sementes de Amburana cearensis (Allemão) A.C. Smith, determinando as melhores condições de pré-umedecimento, bem como temperatura, período de coloração e concentração da solução de tetrazólio. Avaliou-se a coloração das sementes intactas e escarificadas (lixadas), ambas com tegumento, diretamente na solução de tetrazólio nas concentrações de 0,025; 0,050; 0,075 e 1% a 35 e 40ºC, por 12 e 24h no escuro. Verificou-se o pré-umedecimento para retirar o tegumento utilizando-se sementes intactas e escarificadas, as quais foram imersas diretamente em água e submetidas a embebição em papel toalha e por 12, 24, 36 e 48 horas em temperaturas de 35 e 40ºC. Após a determinação do método para retirar o tegumento os embriões foram submetidas à coloração em solução de tetrazólio nas concentrações de 0,025; 0,050; 0,075 e 1%. Com os resultados obtidos verificou-se a necessidade da retirada total do tegumento para que ocorra a coloração e que a temperatura de 40ºC é prejudicial para a embebição no pré-umedecimento. O teste de tetrazólio nas sementes de A. cearensis deve ser realizado com o pré-umedecimento das sementes escarificadas (lixadas) e imersas diretamente em água por 24 horas, na temperatura de 35ºC, para posterior retirada total do tegumento. E para atingir a coloração ideal os embriões devem ser imersos em solução de tetrazólio a 0,05% por 3 horas, a 40ºC.
Avaliação preliminar de óleos essenciais de plantas como repelentes para Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Bueno V.S , Andrade C.F.S
Published: November 2010

Óleos essenciais de plantas têm sido formulados de forma caseira ou colocados no mercado de forma artesanal para repelir mosquitos hematófagos. O presente trabalho avaliou o possível efeito repelente de alguns excipientes normalmente usados em formulações comerciais e de óleos essenciais de nove plantas, sobre fêmeas de Aedes albopictus. Os testes foram realizados em caixas contendo mosquitos, oferecendo-se uma área definida de dedos da mão tratados ou não. Exceto pelo creme Lanatte e os géis de carbopol, as substâncias excipientes avaliadas mostraram ação repelente. Apenas os óleos provenientes de citronela (5 e 10%) resultaram em repelência expressiva, com índices médiosde proteção acimade 98%. Os resultados indicam que a metodologia empregada é adequada para a avaliação preliminar de produtos com potencial para a repelência de mosquitos.
Correlações entre alterações de fala, respiração oral, dentição e oclusão
Authors: Martinelli Roberta Lopes de Castro , Fornaro Érica Fabiana , Oliveira Charlene Janaina Milanello de , Ferreira Liege Maria Di Bisceglie , Rehder Maria Inês Beltrati Cornacchioni
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: verificar as correlações entre alterações de fala e sinais de respiração oral ao tipo de dentição e oclusão, utilizando-se registros em vídeo. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo, de 397 pacientes, por meio de levantamento do roteiro de filmagem ROF. Tipos de alterações de fala e de sinais de respiração oral foram avaliados por Fonoaudiólogos Especialistas em Motricidade Orofacial e comparados com os tipos oclusais propostos por Angle e com parâmetros da dentição, ambos avaliados por Ortodontista. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o programa SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), em sua versão 13.0. Para a análise de correlação de Spearman, todos os dados da avaliação foram pareados e analisados. Foi adotado o nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Considerando alterações de fala e dados de dentição e oclusão, observou-se paralelismo entre distorção e mordida cruzada, imprecisão e desvio ósseo de linha média inferior, travamento e sobressaliência, travamento e sobremordida, ceceio anterior e Classe III de Angle, ceceio anterior e mordida aberta, ceceio anterior e mordida cruzada; e ceceio anterior e desvio de linha média inferior. Observou-se ainda correlação de oposição entre travamento e mordida aberta, travamento e desvio ósseo de linha média inferior, ceceio anterior e Classe II-1 de Angle, ceceio anterior e sobressaliência; e ceceio anterior e sobremordida. Considerando os sinais de respiração oral e dados de dentição e oclusão, observou-se sinal de paralelismo entre eversão de lábio inferior e sobressaliência, acúmulo de saliva nas comissuras labiais e mordida cruzada, acúmulo de saliva nas comissuras labiais e falta de espaço intra-oral; e lábios entreabertos no repouso e Classe II-1 de Angle. Olheira e classe II-1 de Angle, eversão de lábio inferior e Classe II-1 de Angle; e lábio superior encurtado e sobremordida apresentaram correlação de oposição. CONCLUSÕES: o ceceio anterior está correlacionado a alterações de dentição e à Classe III de Angle; olheira, eversão do lábio inferior e lábios entreabertos no repouso são adaptações presentes na Classe II-1, não caracterizando respiração oral neste grupo; o acúmulo de saliva nas comissuras labiais foi o sinal de respiração oral que se correlacionou às alterações de dentição.
Solid dispersions with hydrogenated castor oil increase solubility, dissolution rate and intestinal absorption of praziquantel
Authors: Chaud Marco Vinicius , Tamascia Pollyanna , Lima Andréa Cristina de , Paganelli Maria Ondina , Gremião Maria Palmira Daflon , Freitas Osvaldo de
Published: November 2010

The solubility behavior of drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects in formulation development. Solid Dispersion (SD) has tremendous potential for improving drug solubility. Although praziquantel (PZQ) is the first drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis, its poor solubility has restricted its delivery oral route. In spite of its poor solubility, PZQ is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but large doses are required to achieve adequate concentration at the target sites. The aim of this study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of PZQ and to evaluate its intestinal absorption. SDs were formulated with PEG-60 castor oil hydrogenated (CR-60) using a fusion and evaporation method. Pure PZQ and physical mixtures (PM) and PZQ-CR-60 (2:1; 1:1; 1:2 ratios) were compared as regards their solubility, dissolution and intestinal absorption. The experimental results demonstrated the improvement in the solubility, dissolution rate and intestinal absorption. In addition, the solubility behavior showed pH dependency and that the solubility of PZQ was slower in acidic medium than in neutral and basic mediums. The increase in PZQ solubility of the SD with the CR-60 could be attributed to several factors such as improved wettability, local solubilization, drug particle size reduction and crystalline or, interstitial solid solution reduction.
Mechanical properties and total hydroxycinnamic derivative release of starch/glycerol/Melissa officinalis extract films
Authors: Rechia Letícia Mello , Morona Juliana Bergman de Jesus , Zepon Karine Modolon , Soldi Valdir , Kanis Luiz Alberto
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of starch/glycerol/Melissa officinalis, a topical drug delivery system for labial herpes treatment. Four films were prepared with different concentrations of starch, glycerol, and Melissa officinalis extract. The results revealed that increasing the glycerol concentration in the film reduced elasticity modulus and tensile strength, exhibiting a plasticizing effect. The increase in free volume resulted in increased release of hydroxycinnamic derivatives expressed as rosmarinic acid.
Efficacy of Origanum essential oils for inhibition of potentially pathogenic fungi
Authors: Souza Nadábia Almeida B , Lima Edeltrudes de Oliveira , Guedes Diego Nunes , Pereira Fillipe de Oliveira , Souza Evandro Leite de , Sousa Frederico Barbosa de
Published: November 2010

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of O. vulgare L. and O. majorana L. essential oil in inhibiting the growth and survival of potentially pathogenic fungal strains and also sought to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved in the establishment of the antifungal property of the tested essential oils through assays of osmotic stability and morphogenesis. Test strains included in this study were Candida albicans ATCC 7645, C. tropicalis LM-14, C. krusei LM-09, Cryptococcus neoformans FGF-5, Aspergillus flavus LM-02, A. fumigatus IPP-21, T. rubrum ATCC 28184, T. mentagrophytes LM-64, Microsporum gypseum ATCC 184, M. canis LM-36 and Cladosporium herbarium ATCC 26362. O. vulgare essential oil presented a MIC value of 80 µL/mL, while for O. majorana this was 160 µL/mL. C. krusei LM-09 was the only strain resistant to all assayed concentrations of both essential oils. O. vulgare and O. majorana essential oil at their MIC values provided a cidal effect against C. albicans ATCC 7645 after 4 h of exposure. O. vulgare essential oil at 80 µL/mL exhibited 100 % inhibition of the radial mycelia growth of T. rubrum ATCC 28184 and M. canis LM-36 for 14 days. Assayed fungus strain protected by sorbitol (osmo-protectant agent) grew in media containing higher concentrations of O. vulgare and O. majorana essential oil in comparison to media without sorbitol, suggesting some specificity of these essential oils for targeting cell wall in the fungi cell. Main morphological changes observed under light microscopy provided by the essential oil of O. vulgare in A. flavus LM-02 were decreased conidiation, leakage of cytoplasm, loss of pigmentation and disrupted cell structure indicating fungal wall degeneration. These results suggest that essential oils from Origanum could be regarded as a potential antifungal compound for controlling the growth of pathogen fungi and the occurrence of mycoses.
Pharmacobotanic characterization of young stems and stem barks of Rauvolfia sellowii Müll. Arg., Apocynaceae
Authors: Baratto Leopoldo Clemente , Duarte Márcia do Rocio , Santos Cid Aimbiré de Moraes
Published: November 2010

Rauvolfia sellowii Müll. Arg. (Apocynaceae), a Brazilian native tree rich in indole alkaloids, is known as "pau-pra-tudo" and popularly used as hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic and antihypertensive. The aim of this work was to study the anatomy of the young stems and stem barks of this medicinal plant, in order to contribute to the identification of the species as a drug. The plant material was fixed and prepared according to standard microtechniques. The young stems have remaining epidermis, but a suberified peridermis is evident. The phellogen is located in the cortical region, forming suber externally. Underneath the phellogen, lies the phelloderm and collenchymatic region. In the cortex, there are numerous laticifers and some fibers. There is an incomplete sclerenchymatic sheath, consisting of several groups of fibers and stone cells. The stem has internal phloem ordered as isolated groups side by side. Numerous laticifers, calcium oxalate crystals, idioblasts and amyloplasts are found in the cortex, phloem, xylem and pith. The stem bark has many layers of suber and cortical parenchyma, a sheath composed of fibers and stone cells totally lignified, and external phloem. These anatomical characteristic, taken together, can be used as quality control parameters for this species.
Inverted sugar syrup attained from sucrose hydrolysis using a membrane reactor
Authors: Tomotani Ester Junko , Vitolo Michele
Published: November 2010

Invertase, whether adsorbed on styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers or otherwise, was used for continuous sucrose hydrolysis using a cell-type membrane reactor (CTMR), coupled with an ultra (UF-100kDa), or a microfiltration (MF- pore diameter of 5 µm) membrane. In all tests, the pH (5.5), temperature (30 ºC), reaction volume (10 mL) and agitation (100 rpm) were set constant; whereas, variable parameters were: feeding rate (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 h-1), inlet sucrose concentration (2.5, 6.5, 50 and 100 mM) and enzyme/resin ratio (1.64 mg or 3.28 mg of protein per 25, 50 or 100 mg of resin). The best result (yield of 100%, steady-state duration over 20h and specific reaction rate over 243 x 10-3 mmol/h.mE) was obtained when insoluble invertase (1.64 mg protein/100 mg resin) was used to convert 50 mM or 100 mM of sucrose solution at 0.4 h-1 using a UF-CTMR.
Antiplatelet activity of white and pink Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn flowers
Authors: Durairaj Brindha , Dorai Arthi
Published: November 2010

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Nelumbonaceae) a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine (common name: lotus), is a perennial, large and rhizomatous aquatic herb most prevalent in South India. Preliminary phytochemical screening of both white and pink Nelumbo nucifera flowers revealed the presence of phytochemical constituents (flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols etc,). Hence, an attempt has been made to screen the effect of Nelumbo nucifera flowers (both types) on platelet aggregation. The antiplatelet activity of hydroethanolic extract of both types of flowers was studied using platelet-rich plasma in different concentrations (100-500µg/ml). Both white and pink Nelumbo nucifera flower extracts showed dose-dependent effective antiplatelet activity with maximum activity at 500µg/ml concentration; prevention of platelet aggregation was 50% of that achieved with standard aspirin. Furthermore, the antiplatelet activity of white flowers was relatively high (p<0.05; ANOVA) compared to pink flowers. In conclusion, these observations suggest that both varieties of Nelumbo nucifera flower extracts exert different levels of inhibitory action on platelets in vitro (secretion and platelet aggregation suppression) due to differences in phytochemical content (alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, phytosteroids, glycosides and saponins).
Implants as drug delivery devices for the treatment of eye diseases
Authors: Silva Gisele Rodrigues da , Fialho Sílvia Ligório , Siqueira Rubens Camargo , Jorge Rodrigo , Cunha Júnior Armando da Silva
Published: November 2010

The treatment of diseases affecting the posterior segment of the eye is limited by the difficulty in transporting effective doses of drugs to the vitreous, retina, and choroid. Topically applied drugs are poorly absorbed due to the low permeability of the external ocular tissues and tearing. The blood-retina barrier limits drug diffusion from the systemic blood to the posterior segment, thus high doses of drug are needed to maintain therapeutic levels. In addition, systemic side effects are common. Intraocular injections could be an alternative, but the fast flowing blood supply in this region, associated with rapid clearance rates, causes drug concentration to quickly fall below therapeutic levels. To obtain therapeutic levels over longer time periods, polymeric sustained-drug release systems implanted within the vitreous are being studied for the treatment of vitreoretinal disorders. These systems are prepared using different kinds of biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymers. This review aims to demonstrate the main characteristics of these drug delivery implants and their potential for clinical application.
Microwave decontamination of concrete
Authors: Akbarnezhad A. , Ong K.C.G.
Published: November 2010

Microwave heating has been recently considered as an effective method to remove the contaminated surface layer of concrete elements. In such applications, an accurate simulation of the microwave–concrete interaction involves the solution of Maxwell's equations. However, owing to the inherent complexity of Maxwell's equations, some studies have used approximate methods such as Lambert's law to estimate the microwave power dissipation in concrete. Invariably, such approximations are prone to introduce errors in the results and verification using the more accurate methods is thus necessary. In this paper, Maxwell's equations are numerically solved to simulate accurately the microwave–concrete interaction. The electric field and energy dissipation as well as the resulting temperature rise and thermal stress development in concrete are computed. The results are used to verify the results obtained using a modified Lambert's law approximate method. Moreover, the effect of steel reinforcing bars embedded in a concrete specimen on the microwave decontamination process is investigated. The results show that Lambert's law can be satisfactorily used as an easy-to-use method to predict the temperature rise and stress development within a concrete specimen subjected to microwave heating.
Pleasing the Masses: Messages for Daily Life Management in African American Women's Popular Media Sources
Authors: Black Angela Rose , Peacock Nadine
Published: November 2010

Objectives. Using African American women's insights on their own health experiences, we explored how their daily life management was linked to the “strong Black woman” (SBW) script, and the health implications of that script.

Methods. Using the search term “strong Black woman,” we identified 20 articles from African American women's magazines and 10 blog sites linked to the SBW script and analyzed their content. We created thematic categories (role management, coping, and self-care) and extracted issues relevant to African American women's health.

Results. Adherence to the SBW script was linked to women's daily life management and health experiences. Themes such as self-sacrificial role management (“please the masses”), emotional suppression (“game face”), and postponement of self-care (“last on the list”) incited internal distress and evinced negative health consequences.

Conclusions. Scientists, activists, and health care professionals would be aided in forming initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities among African American women by heeding the insights on their health experiences that they express in popular media sources.
A Qualitative Assessment of Community-Based Breast Health Navigation Services for Southeast Asian Women in Southern California: Recommendations for Developing a Navigator Training Curriculum
Authors: Nguyen Tu-Uyen N. , Tran Jacqueline H. , Kagawa-Singer Marjorie , Foo Mary Anne
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We identified key elements required for a training curriculum for Southeast Asian community-based health navigators (CBHNs), who help low-income, immigrant Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese women negotiate cultural and systemic barriers to breast cancer screening and care in the United States.

Methods. We gathered the perspectives of 3 groups: CBHNs, community members, and their providers. We conducted 16 focus groups with 110 women representing different stages of the cancer care continuum and in-depth interviews with 15 providers and 10 navigators to identify the essential roles, skills, and interpersonal qualities that characterize successful CBHNs.

Results. The most important areas identified for training CBHNs were information (e.g., knowing pertinent medical information and how to navigate resources), logistics (transportation, interpretation), and affective interpersonal skills (understanding the language and cultural beliefs of patients, communicating with providers, establishing trust).

Conclusions. CBHNs serve a crucial role in building trust and making screening practices culturally meaningful, accessible, usable, and acceptable. Future research should focus on developing training curricula, policies, resources, and funding to better maximize the expertise and services that CBHNs provide and to expand our findings to other underserved communities.
Blood Lead Levels of Refugee Children Resettled in Massachusetts, 2000 to 2007
Authors: Eisenberg Katherine W. , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Fisher Susan G. , Korfmacher Katrina S. , Campbell James R. , Fernandez I. Diana , Cochran Jennifer , Geltman Paul L.
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We described elevated blood lead level (BLL; ≥ 10 μg/dL) prevalence among newly arrived refugee children in Massachusetts. We also investigated the incidence of BLL increases and BLLs newly elevated to 20 μg/dL or higher in the year following initial testing, along with associated factors.

Methods. We merged data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Refugee and Immigrant Health Program and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program on 1148 refugee children younger than 7 years who arrived in Massachusetts from 2000 to 2007.

Results. Elevated BLL prevalence was 16% among newly arrived refugee children. The rate ratio for BLL elevation to 20 μg/dL or higher after arrival was 12.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.2, 24.5) compared with children in communities the state defines as high-risk for childhood lead exposure. Residence in a census tract with older housing (median year built before 1950) was associated with a higher rate of BLL increases after resettlement (hazard ratio = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.3).

Conclusions. Refugee children are at high risk of lead exposure before and after resettlement in Massachusetts. A national surveillance system of refugee children's BLLs following resettlement would allow more in-depth analysis.
HIV Risk Among Young African American Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Case–Control Study in Mississippi
Authors: Oster Alexandra M. , Dorell Christina G. , Mena Leandro A. , Thomas Peter E. , Toledo Carlos A. , Heffelfinger James D.
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We conducted a case–control study in the Jackson, Mississippi, area to identify factors associated with HIV infection among young African American men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods. During February to April 2008, we used surveillance records to identify young (16–25 years old) African American MSM diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2008 (case participants) and recruited young African American MSM who did not have HIV (controls). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with HIV infection.

Results. In a multivariable analysis of 25 case participants and 85 controls, having older male partners (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8, 17.3), engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with casual male partners (adjusted OR = 6.3; 95% CI = 1.8, 22.3), and being likely to give in to a partner who wanted to have unprotected sex (adjusted OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.2, 20.6) were associated with HIV infection.

Conclusions. Given the high prevalence of risk behaviors among the young African American MSM in our study, HIV prevention efforts must begin before or during early adolescence and need to focus on improving negotiation and communication regarding sex.
An Examination of Periodontal Treatment, Dental Care, and Pregnancy Outcomes in an Insured Population in the United States
Authors: Albert David A. , Begg Melissa D. , Andrews Howard F. , Williams Sharifa Z. , Ward Angela , Lee Conicella Mary , Rauh Virginia , Thomson Janet L. , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We examined whether periodontal treatment or other dental care is associated with adverse birth outcomes within a medical and dental insurance database.

Methods. In a retrospective cohort study, we examined the records of 23 441 women enrolled in a national insurance plan who delivered live births from singleton pregnancies in the United States between January 1, 2003, and September 30, 2006, for adverse birth outcomes on the basis of dental treatment received. We compared rates of low birthweight and preterm birth among 5 groups, specifying the relative timing and type of dental treatment received. We used logistic regression analysis to compare outcome rates across treatment groups while adjusting for duration of continuous dental coverage, maternal age, pregnancy complications, neighborhood-level income, and race/ethnicity.

Results. Analyses showed that women who received preventive dental care had better birth outcomes than did those who received no treatment (P < .001). We observed no evidence of increased odds of adverse birth outcomes from dental or periodontal treatment.

Conclusions. For women with medical and dental insurance, preventive care is associated with a lower incidence of adverse birth outcomes.
The Neighborhood Food Environment and Adult Weight Status: Estimates From Longitudinal Data
Authors: Gibson Diane M.
Published: November 2010

Objectives. I used longitudinal data to consider the relationship between the neighborhood food environment and adult weight status.

Methods. I combined individual-level data on adults from the 1998 through 2004 survey years of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 with zip code–level data on the neighborhood food environment. I estimated ordinary least squares models of obesity, body mass index (BMI), and change in BMI.

Results. For residents of urban areas, the neighborhood density of small grocery stores was positively and significantly related to obesity and BMI. For individuals who moved from a rural area to an urban area over a 2-year period, changes in neighborhood supermarket density, small grocery store density, and full-service restaurant density were significantly related to the change in BMI over that period.

Conclusions. Residents of urban neighborhoods with a higher concentration of small grocery stores may be more likely to patronize these stores and consume more calories because small grocery stores tend to offer more unhealthy food options than healthy food options. Moving to an urban area may expose movers to a wider variety of food options that may influence calorie consumption.
Timing of First Dental Visits for Newly Medicaid-Enrolled Children With an Intellectual or Developmental Disability in Iowa, 2005–2007
Authors: Chi Donald L. , Momany Elizabeth T. , Jones Michael P. , Damiano Peter C.
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We evaluated the relationship between having an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and the timing of the first dental visit for children who were newly enrolled in Medicaid in Iowa.

Methods. We identified children aged 3 to 8 years with and without IDD who were newly enrolled in the Iowa Medicaid program in 2005 (N = 5391). We gathered data on presence of IDD, health status, age at baseline, gender, length of Medicaid enrollment, medical care visits, household Medicaid enrollment, urbanization, residence in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and time of first dental visit through 2007.

Results. About 32% of children had a first dental visit within 6 months of enrollment; this proportion increased to 49%, 64%, and 74% by years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the unadjusted models, there was no significant difference between children with and without IDD in time to first dental visit (P = .22). After adjusting for model covariates, however, children with IDD were 31% more likely to have a delayed first dental visit (P = .04).

Conclusions. Newly Medicaid-enrolled children aged 3 to 8 years with IDD in Iowa were significantly more likely to have a later first dental visit. Future interventions should focus on ensuring timely access to first dental visits for all Medicaid-enrolled children, with an emphasis on those with IDD.
Within‐Field Variability of Bare Soil Evaporation Derived from Eddy Covariance Measurements
Authors: Vanderborght Jan , Graf Alexander , Steenpass Christian , Scharnagl Benedikt , Prolingheuer Nils , Herbst Michael , Franssen Harrie-Jan Hendricks , Vereecken Harry
Published: November 2010

Bare soil evaporation was measured with the eddy‐covariance method at the Selhausen field site. The site has a distinct gradient in soil texture, with a considerably higher stone content at the upper part of the field. We investigated the effect of different soil properties in the upper and lower parts of the field on evaporation using eddy covariance (EC) measurements that were combined with a footprint model. Because only one EC station was available, simultaneous evaporation measurements from the two field parts were not available. Therefore, measurements were put into the context of meteorologic and soil hydrologic conditions. Meteorologic conditions were represented by the potential evaporation, i.e., the maximum evaporation that is determined by the energy available for evaporation. The influence of precipitation and soil hydrologic conditions on the actual evaporation rate was represented by a simple soil evaporation model. The amount of water that could be evaporated at the potential rate from the lower part of the field was found to be large and considerably larger than from the upper part of the field. The difference in evaporation led to threefold larger predicted percolation or runoff in the upper than the lower part of the field. Simulations using the Richards equation were able to reproduce the differences in evaporation between the lower and upper parts of the field and relate them to the different groundwater table depths in the two parts of the field.
Microscale Simulations of NMR Relaxation in Porous Media Considering Internal Field Gradients
Authors: Mohnke O. , Klitzsch N.
Published: November 2010

Longitudinal and transverse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation signatures in porous rock were simulated on the microscale to examine and quantify how physical hydrologic parameters, such as rock‐surface properties and pore sizes, affect longitudinal and transverse NMR signals of real, complex media. Parameters studied were: magnetic field strength, rock susceptibility, pore coupling, and surface reactivity. Using the finite element method (FEM), simulations of the spatial‐ and time‐dependent magnetization evolution in arbitrary pore geometries, diffusion regimes, and heterogeneous distributions of rock surface properties, i.e., surface relaxivity, were compiled using an adapted generic diffusion model coupled with magnetic gradient field calculations. The numerical simulations were validated using analytical solutions that are available for simple pore geometries. We observed a pore‐size‐dependent ratio of transverse T2 and longitudinal T1 relaxation times, and thus a pore‐size‐related and rock‐susceptibility‐dependent effective transverse surface relaxivity was deduced. This can be used to improve estimates of pore sizes and thus of permeability from transverse NMR relaxometry measurements. Simulations of connected pore systems showed significant influences of interpore coupling at hydrologically relevant pore sizes, e.g., fine sands. Depending on the dominant diffusion regime, the typically heterogeneous distribution of surface relaxivities in rocks and sediments, i.e., geological noise, can lead to a significant underestimation of derived pore sizes and thus of permeability.
Variability of Surface Soil Moisture Observed from Multitemporal C‐Band Synthetic Aperture Radar and Field Data
Authors: Koyama Christian N. , Korres Wolfgang , Fiener Peter , Schneider Karl
Published: November 2010

The study aimed to analyze the spatial variability of surface soil moisture at different spatial scales based on field measurements and remote sensing estimates. Multitemporal Envisat satellite Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) data were used to derive the surface soil moisture utilizing an empirical C‐band retrieval algorithm. Eight wide‐swath (WS) images with a spatial resolution of 150 m acquired between February and October 2008 were used to determine the surface soil moisture contents. The accuracy of the surface soil moisture retrievals was evaluated by comparison with in situ measurements. This comparison yielded a root mean square error of 5% (v/v). Based on our in situ measurements as well as remote sensing results, the relationship of the coefficient of variation of the spatial soil moisture patterns and the mean soil moisture was analyzed at different spatial scales ranging from the catchment scale to the field scale. Our results show that the coefficient of variation decreases at all scales with increasing soil moisture. The gain of this relationship decreases with scale, however, indicating that at a given soil moisture state, the spatial variation at the large scale of whole catchments is larger than at the field scale. Knowledge of the spatial variability of the surface soil moisture is important to better understand energy exchange processes and water fluxes at the land surface as well as their scaling properties.
Evaluation of the Heterogeneity of Constructed Landforms for Rehabilitation Using Lysimeters
Authors: Schneider Anne , Baumgartl Thomas , Doley David , Mulligan David
Published: November 2010

Rainfall ingress into sulfidic rocks or tailings from metalliferous mining operations can result in acid mine drainage. Waste rock cover systems in semiarid areas are commonly designed to retain all precipitated water within benign material, from where it is removed by evapotranspiration. The long‐term effectiveness of covers is often predicted from models that are based on data obtained from single trial plots assuming that the trials are homogeneous and representative of large areas. Two cover designs were tested in semiarid monsoonal northwest Queensland: (i) 1.5 m of unconsolidated waste rock overlying 0.5 m of consolidated waste rock; and (ii) 2.0 m of unconsolidated benign waste rock. Three identical plots comprised each treatment in which water balance equation parameters were estimated from meteorological measurements and vertical arrays of soil suction and moisture sensors and seepage collection using a 3‐m‐deep lysimeter inserted in the waste rock. In a wet season with 900 mm of precipitation, water movement through the covers was followed through changes in moisture content, suction, and seepage. Greater differences in these parameters occurred within than between cover treatments. Water retention and water movement varied substantially and seepage ranged from 2 to 80% of total rainfall. The internal heterogeneity of hydraulic properties had more effect on cover performance than did the initial cover design. Therefore, it is important to include internal heterogeneity in mine waste cover water balance models to improve their applicability.
A Generalized Frequency Domain Reflectometry Modeling Technique for Soil Electrical Properties Determination
Authors: Minet J. , Lambot S. , Delaide G. , Huisman J.A. , Vereecken H. , Vanclooster M.
Published: November 2010

We have developed a generalized frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) technique for soil characterization that is based on an electromagnetic model decoupling the cable and probe head from the ground using frequency‐dependent reflection and transmission transfer functions. The FDR model represents an exact solution of Maxwell's equations for wave propagation in one‐dimensional multilayered media. The benefit of the decoupling is that the FDR probe can be fully described by its characteristic transfer functions, which are determined using only a few measurements. The soil properties are retrieved after removing the probe effects from the raw FDR data by iteratively inverting a global reflection coefficient. The proposed method was validated under laboratory conditions for measurements in water with different salt concentrations and sand with different water contents. For the salt water, inversions of the data led to dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity values very close to the expected theoretical or measured values. In the frequency range for which the probe is efficient, a good agreement was obtained between measured, inverted and theoretically predicted signals. For the sand, results were consistent with the different water contents and also in close agreement with traditional time domain reflectometry measurements. The proposed method offers great promise for accurate soil electrical characterization because it inherently permits maximization of the information that can be retrieved from the FDR data and shows a high practicability.
Infiltration in Arid Environments: Spatial Patterns between Subsurface Heterogeneity and Water‐Energy Balances
Authors: Maxwell Reed M.
Published: November 2010

Transient simulations of an arid mountain system were conducted using a fully integrated model of subsurface and overland water flow and the land surface energy balance (ParFlow). An hourly atmospheric time series was constructed and used to force a two‐dimensional model containing detailed, stochastic descriptions of subsurface heterogeneity for alluvial and fractured units. Two cases were simulated for multiple years of simulation: a dry case based on a year with below‐average precipitation, and a wet case with above‐average precipitation. For each case, four realizations of hydraulic conductivity were simulated, along with a homogeneous domain and a domain with lower fracture density. Detailed analysis of water balances from each simulation indicated that recharge (change in subsurface water storage) over multiple years was significant even for the dry case. The fractured model of subsurface heterogeneity, along with episodic infiltration, combined to create localized regions of fully saturated (perched) water. This was shown to be even more substantial in the wet case. By contrast, homogeneous simulations did not exhibit this behavior and estimated lower recharge than the heterogeneous simulations. Geospatial statistics were subsequently used to evaluate correlations in land‐energy fluxes. The land‐energy fluxes exhibited clear spatial correlation and were influenced by both the shallow and deeper soil structures. This indicates that land–atmosphere fluxes may provide an integrated measure of subsurface heterogeneity. Finally, the vertical spatial structure of soil saturation in the fractured system was shown to exhibit multiscale behavior.
Single Time Point Immune Function Assay (ImmuKnowTM) Testing Does Not Aid in the Prediction of Future Opportunistic Infections or Acute Rejection
Authors: Huskey Janna , Gralla Jane , Wiseman Alexander C.
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

Current assays and tests that are used to determine the degree of immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients are suboptimal. The ImmuKnowTMassay (CylexTM), a measure of intracellular CD4+ T cell ATP release proposed as a means to quantify cell-mediated immunity in transplant recipients, could be considered as a potential tool to identify patients at risk for opportunistic infections (OI) or acute rejection (AR).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We retrospectively analyzed 1330 ImmuKnow assay values in 583 renal transplant recipients at a single center from 2004 to 2009 and correlated these values with episodes of OI and AR in the subsequent 90 days. Assay values were compared with a control population matched for age, gender, and time post-transplantation.

Results

In patients with OI (n= 94), there were no differences in prior mean assay values compared with matched controls (386versus417 ng/ml,P= 0.24). In 47 patients with AR, again no differences were detected in prior assay results (390versus432 ng/ml,P= 0.25) when compared with controls. “Low” values (≤225 ng/ml) lacked sensitivity and specificity as a predictive test for subsequent OI, as did “strong” (≥525 ng/ml) values as a predictive test for subsequent AR.

Conclusions

Our results fail to show an association between single time point ImmuKnow assay values and the subsequent development of an adverse event in the subsequent 90 days. The optimal use of the ImmuKnow assay in kidney transplantation has yet to be determined.
Nonlinear Relationship between Mycophenolate Mofetil Dose and Mycophenolic Acid Exposure
Authors: de Winter Brenda C.M. , Mathot Ron A.A. , Sombogaard Ferdi , Vulto Arnold G. , van Gelder Teun
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive drug used in renal transplant patients. Upon oral administration it is hydrolyzed to the active agent mycophenolic acid (MPA). In renal transplant recipients, MMF therapy is optimal when the area under the curve of MPA is 30 to 60 mg·h/L. When MMF doses are adjusted, a linear relationship between dose and MPA exposure is assumed. In this study, the linearity of MMF pharmacokinetics was investigated.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

MPA concentration-time profiles from renal transplant recipients cotreated with cyclosporine (n = 140) or tacrolimus (n = 101) were analyzed retrospectively using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The correlation between the MMF dose and the pharmacokinetics parameters was evaluated.

Results

In the developed population pharmacokinetics model MPA clearance and the central volume of distribution were correlated with cyclosporine coadministration and time posttransplantation. The pharmacokinetics of MPA were not linear. Bioavailability decreased with increasing MMF doses. Compared with an MMF dose of 1000 mg (=100%), relative bioavailability was 123%, 111%, 94%, and 90% in patients receiving MMF doses of 250, 500, 1500, and 2000 mg in combination with cyclosporine (P < 0.001); respective values in tacrolimus-cotreated patients were 176%, 133%, 85%, and 76% (P < 0.001). Because of the decreasing relative bioavailability, MPA exposure will increase less than proportionally with increasing MMF doses.

Conclusions

MMF exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics. This should be taken into account when performing therapeutic drug monitoring.
Determinants and Prognostic Significance of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Criteria in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Agarwal Rajiv , Light Robert P.
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

The diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has prognostic value in the general population. However, among those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the determinants of electrocardiographic (EKG) LVH and its prognostic value are not clear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A cross-sectional study was performed among 387 consenting consecutive patients from a veterans hospital with a longitudinal follow-up.

Results

The overall prevalence of EKG-LVH by the Sokolow–Lyon criteria was 8% and by the Cornell voltage-duration product was 11%. Compared with non-CKD controls, CKD patients had unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for LVH by Cornell criteria of 2.52 (95% CI 1.18 to 5.42). Significance was lost after adjustment. The unadjusted OR for LVH by Sokolow–Lyon criteria was 2.24 (95% CI 0.95 to 5.33). This OR remained statistically insignificant after multivariate adjustment. Anemia, proteinuria, and 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP were associated with EKG-LVH regardless of diagnostic criteria. After a 7.5-year median follow-up, the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was not associated with EKG-LVH diagnosed by the Sokolow–Lyon criteria; however, multivariable adjustments made EKG-LVH significant. A statistically significant relationship was seen between mortality and Cornell criteria; however, multivariable adjustments made EKG-LVH nonsignificant.

Conclusions

The Sokolow–Lyon and Cornell EKG-LVH criteria cannot be used interchangeably to diagnose LVH or determine prognosis. Among those with CKD, ambulatory systolic BP predicts all-cause mortality. Moreover, the duration and severity of BP elevation presumably reflected in EKG-LVH diagnosed by Sokolow–Lyon criteria is also of prognostic significance; the Cornell criteria do not carry independent prognostic information.
Supervised Exercises Compared With Radial Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy for Subacromial Shoulder Pain: 1-Year Results of a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Engebretsen Kaia , Grotle Margreth , Bautz-Holter Erik , Ekeberg Ole Marius , Juel Niels Gunnar , Brox Jens Ivar
Published: November 2010

Background

Evidence from a recent randomized controlled trial indicated that supervised exercises (SE) were more effective than radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (rESWT) for the treatment of subacromial shoulder pain in the short to medium term. Little knowledge exists about the long-term results of rESWT for subacromial pain.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of rESWT and SE provided to patients with subacromial shoulder pain after 1 year.

Design

This was a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, Norway.

Patients

One hundred four patients with subacromial shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months participated. Patients were randomly assigned to either an rESWT group (n=52) or an SE group (n=52).

Intervention

The rESWT intervention consisted of one session weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. The SE intervention consisted of two 45-minute sessions per week for up to 12 weeks.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Secondary outcome measures were questions regarding pain and function and work status.

Results

After 1 year, an intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences between the 2 groups for the primary outcome measure (−7.6 points, 95% confidence interval=−16.6 to 0.5) and pain, function, and medication use. Twenty-nine participants (60%) in the SE group versus 24 participants (52%) in the rESWT group were categorized as clinically improved. Thirty-eight participants in the SE group were at work compared with 30 participants in the rESWT group (odds ratio=1.1, 95% confidence interval=1.0 to 1.2). Fewer patients in the SE group had received additional treatments between 18 weeks and 1 year.

Limitations

The lack of a placebo control group, the lack of a cost-benefit analysis, and the small sample size were limitations of the study.

Conclusion

No significant difference was found between the SE and rESWT groups at the 1-year follow-up. More participants in the SE group had returned to work.
What Makes Us Human? The Interdisciplinary Challenge to Theological Anthropology and Christology
Authors: van Huyssteen J. Wentzel
Published: November 2010

Abstract:

In this paper I argue for a theology that ought to be present in the interdisciplinary conversation that constitutes our public discourse, including the secular academy. I contend that the question of what makes us human can be answered only by pointing to the central theme of self and personhood. Already in early hominid evolution, the evolution of some of our most distinctive traits like consciousness, imagination, sexuality, moral awareness, language, and the religious disposition present us with a robust notion of embodied personhood. This strongly affirms the emergence of symbolic religious behaviour in our species. Ultimately I argue how a responsible account of the evolution of human distinctiveness, both theologically and scientifically, makes it possible to reach deep into theology and ask the ontological question about the personhood and identity of Jesus, as well as the ethical question why we should do what Jesus did.