bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representações sociais sobre a alimentação da nutriz
Authors: Marques Emanuele Souza , Cotta Rosângela Minardi Mitre , Botelho Maria Izabel Vieira , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro , Araújo Raquel Maria Amaral
Published: October 2011

Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que buscou compreender os significados atribuídos pelas mulheres ao hábito alimentar, no que se referem às proibições, permissões e lactogogos durante o aleitamento materno. Como fundamentação teórica, utilizou-a Teoria das Representações Sociais descrita por Moscovici (2003) e Minayo (2006). Participaram do estudo 58 mães de crianças até 2 anos residentes no município de Coimbra (MG). A análise compreensiva da alimentação revelou que para as mães entrevistadas havia a necessidade de uma alimentação especial durante o puerpério, sendo esta composta de alimentos considerados saudáveis, fortes, lactogênicos, além da ingestão de líquido. Ainda, em relação à dieta da lactante, os alimentos quentes, reimosos, gordurosos deveriam ser evitados. Nessa perspectiva, pensar em alimentação nesta fase fisiológica da mulher implica conhecer os aspectos histórico, social e cultural que interferem na escolha alimentar, permitindo assim entender seus hábitos e crenças para que a atuação profissional seja adequada ao grupo atendido e ao contexto no qual ele se insere.
Prevalência da dor orofacial e seu impacto no desempenho diário em trabalhadores das indústrias têxteis do município de Laguna, SC
Authors: Lacerda Josimari Telino de , Ribeiro Juliana Demétrio , Ribeiro Dayane Machado , Traebert Jefferson
Published: October 2011

Foram examinadas as tendências em saúde da população idosa brasileira utilizando-se dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (1998-2008). O estudo incluiu uma amostra probabilística de 105.254 pessoas com > 60 anos de idade. A média da idade foi de 69 anos e 56% eram mulheres. Houve um aumento gradativo da boa autoavaliação da saúde (39,3%, 43,5% e 45,0% em 1998, 2003 e 2008, respectivamente) e uma diminuição na prevalência de artrite, doença do coração e depressão autorreferidas. A prevalência da hipertensão (43.9%, 48.8% e 53.3%, respectivamente) e do diabetes autorreferidos (10.3%, 13.0% e 16.1% respectivamente) aumentou acentuadamente. A prevalência da incapacidade para realizar atividades da vida diária (alimentar-se, tomar banho ou ir ao banheiro) permaneceu estável (6.5%, 6.4% e 6.9%, respectivamente). A realização de três ou mais consultas médicas nos 12 meses precedentes aumentou 21% entre 1998 e 2008. As hospitalizações diminuíram 10% no mesmo período. Essas tendências foram independentes do sexo e da idade. Os resultados mostram melhora em algumas dimensões da saúde dos idosos, mas não em todas. As mudanças no uso de serviços de saúde ocorreram como esperado em decorrência da expansão das atividades de atenção primária no Brasil.
Theodore Millon, una teoría de la personalidad y su patología
Authors: Sánchez Roberto Oscar
Published: October 2011

Desde su obra seminal de 1976, Psicopatología moderna: un enfoque biosocial de los aprendizajes erróneos y de los disfuncionalismos, y por más de 30 años Theodore Millon ha desarrollado una ciencia compleja de la personalidad y su patología. En su modelo, el autor postula la existencia de tres polaridades básicas, placer-dolor, activo-pasivo y yo-otros, para explicar las diferencias entre los diferentes tipos de personalidad. El modelo original de aprendizaje biosocial fue reformulado en 1990 a la luz de los conceptos evolutivos. A lo largo de todo este tiempo, Millon junto a sus seguidores han establecido un paradigma para comprender la personalidad. Al mismo tiempo, há argumentado reiteradamente que una ciencia clínica comprensiva de la personalidad necesita integrar cuatro componentes básicos: teoría o esquemas conceptuales explicativos, una nosología formal, herramientas de evaluación, e intervenciones terapéuticas adecuadas. En este trabajo, se resumen los aspectos primordiales del Modelo de Millon en lo que hace a esos diferentes componentes.
Burnout e hardiness: um estudo de evidência de validade
Authors: Mallar Sandra Cristina , Capitão Cláudio Garcia
Published: October 2011

O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar se professores que trabalham com alunos portadores de necessidades especiais apresentavam-se com hardiness e, conseqüentemente, sem burnout, como também verificar a validade concorrente entre as dimensões dos instrumentos Maslach burnout Inventory e o Personal Views Survey. Participaram 56 professores que trabalhavam exclusivamente com alunos com necessidades especiais, na faixa etária compreendida entre 19 e 54 anos. Verificou-se que cinco professores apresentavam personalidade resistente ao estresse e outros três, que não apresentavam hardiness, apresentavam burnout. Realizada a análise de correlação entre as dimensões dos dois instrumentos, verificou-se que apenas as dimensões Controle e Redução da Realização Pessoal estão positivamente correlacionadas. Assim, pôde-se concluir que há validade concorrente entre os dois instrumentos, e se confirmou a hipótese de que portadores de hardiness conseguem atenuar os efeitos do estresse e desenvolvem menos burnout.
Consciência sintática no ensino fundamental: correlações com consciência fonológica, vocabulário, leitura e escrita
Authors: Capovilla Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra , Capovilla Fernando César , Soares Joceli Vergínia Toledo
Published: October 2011

Habilidades metalingüísticas, como consciência fonológica e consciência sintática, são importantes à aquisição de leitura e escrita. Provas de consciência fonológica por escolha de figuras, escrita sob ditado, competência de leitura e vocabulário receptivo auditivo já se encontram disponíveis na bibliografia. Este estudo apresenta a Prova de Consciência Sintática e dados preliminares de validação com 204 crianças de 1a a 4a séries do ensino fundamental. Resultados mostraram efeito significativo da série escolar sobre o escore geral na Prova de Consciência Sintática e os escores específicos de seus quatro subtestes, mesmo depois de controlado o efeito da inteligência verbal usando o escore em vocabulário como covariante. O efeito da série escolar também foi significativo para os escores em consciência fonológica, competência de leitura, escrita sob ditado e vocabulário. Os escores gerais dos cinco testes mostraram-se positiva e significativamente intercorrelacionados, corroborando evidências bibliográficas sobre as relações entre leitura, escrita e habilidades metalingüísticas.
Publicações em psicologia do desenvolvimento em dois periódicos nacionais na década de 1990
Authors: Souza Luciana Karine de , Gauer Gustavo , Hutz Cláudio S.
Published: October 2011

No intuito de investigar o crescimento da psicologia do desenvolvimento como campo de pesquisa no Brasil, este estudo examinou 40 artigos da área, publicados em dois periódicos nacionais, entre 1991 e 2000. Os artigos foram analisados quanto a autoria, aspectos metodológicos e uso de referências. Os resultados indicaram a prevalência de artigos empíricos, de estudos com crianças e adolescentes, e do uso de técnicas de análise descritivas. Verificou-se ainda uma concentração da produção no Estado de São Paulo e em universidades públicas. Uma análise comparando as duas metades da década mostrou um aumento significativo na proporção de referências recentes e de referências a artigos e capítulos de livros. Os resultados são discutidos no contexto brasileiro de crescimento da pesquisa em psicologia e da consolidação da área de psicologia do desenvolvimento.
"Pensamento do fora", conhecimento e pensamento em educação: conversações com Michel Foucault
Authors: Ribeiro Cintya Regina
Published: October 2011

O presente trabalho visa problematizar a suposta constituição virtuosa entre educação e conhecimento oriunda de certa herança cultural da modernidade ocidental. A problemática ancora-se na indagação difusa, porém insistente, a ecoar no campo educacional: "o que é o ato do pensar, em educação, na contemporaneidade?". A tomada das condições atuais do pensamento como um problema de pesquisa educacional coloca em questão a histórica articulação entre conhecimento e pensamento reflexivo, obrigando ao confronto de certos amálgamas pedagógicos caros ao campo educacional moderno. Tal enfrentamento se realiza na companhia dos pensadores Michel Foucault e Friedrich Nietzsche, dada a relevância estratégica de suas produções, particularmente acerca da linguagem, da produção da verdade e de suas implicações nos modos de conhecer e pensar. Busca-se operacionalizar uma crítica da linguagem em direção a uma crítica do pensamento em educação, na chave de uma problematização ético-política. Nesse trabalho, tal plataforma analítica configura-se a partir das discussões de Michel Foucault - tanto em relação à questão do pensamento do fora, tal como elaborada por Maurice Blanchot, como em relação ao pensamento da diferença, tal como formulado por Gilles Deleuze. Sugerimos que a exploração desse debate possa atuar como um exercício de exterioridade ou de pensamento diferencial no jogo com o conhecimento e com o pensamento reflexivo presentes no campo educacional - seja no âmbito dos fazeres pedagógicos cotidianos da escola, seja no campo da produção da pesquisa educacional.
Quality evaluation of simvastatin compounded capsules
Authors: Marques-Marinho Flávia Dias , Zanon José Carlos da Costa , Sakurai Emilia , Reis Ilka Afonso , Lima Angélica Alves , Vianna-Soares Cristina Duarte
Published: October 2011

Simvastatin is commercially available as tablets and compounded capsules in Brazil. Very few reports regarding these capsules' quality, and consequently their efficacy, are available. The pharmaceutical quality of 30 batches of 20 mg simvastatin capsules from the market was evaluated by weight determination, content uniformity, disintegration (Brazilian Pharmacopeia), assay and dissolution test (USP32 tablet monograph). A HPLC method was developed for assay, content uniformity and dissolution test, and specifications were also established. Out of the 30 batches evaluated, 29 showed capsule disintegration within 45 min and individual weight variation was within ±10% or ±7.5% relative to average weight, for < or > 300 mg, respectively. Only 27 batches met dissolution test criteria with values >80% of the labeled amount in 45 min; 21 batches showed simvastatin content between 90.0-110.0% of the labeled amount and 19 batches had at least 9 out of 10 capsules with content uniformity values between 85.0-115.0% of the labeled amount with RSD<6.0%. Only 14 of all (30) batches fully met pharmacopeial quality standards. The establishment of test conditions and specification parameters for simvastatin capsules showed that there are relevant pharmacopeial quality differences between batches compounded by different pharmacies. For 53.33% of the tested products hypercholesterolemic treatment efficacy may be compromised.
Statistical optimization of dithranol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using factorial design
Authors: Gambhire Makarand Suresh , Bhalekar Mangesh Ramesh , Gambhire Vaishali Makarand
Published: October 2011

This study describes a 3² full factorial experimental design to optimize the formulation of dithranol (DTH) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) by the pre-emulsion ultrasonication method. The variables drug: lipid ratio and sonication time were studied at three levels and arranged in a 3² factorial design to study the influence on the response variables particle size and % entrapment efficiency (%EE). From the statistical analysis of data polynomial equations were generated. The particle size and %EE for the 9 batches (R1 to R9) showed a wide variation of 219-348 nm and 51.33- 71.80 %, respectively. The physical characteristics of DTH-loaded SLN were evaluated using a particle size analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The results of the optimized formulation showed an average particle size of 219 nm and entrapment efficiency of 69.88 %. Ex-vivo drug penetration using rat skin showed about a 2-fold increase in localization of DTH in skin as compared to the marketed preparation of DTH.
Physicochemical characterization and solubility enhancement studies of allopurinol solid dispersions
Authors: Changdeo Jagdale Swati , Vinod Musale , Shankar Kuchekar Bhanudas , Rajaram Chabukswar Anuruddha
Published: October 2011

Allopurinol is a commonly used drug in the treatment of chronic gout or hyperuricaemia associated with treatment of diuretic conditions. One of the major problems with the drug is that it is practically insoluble in water, which results in poor bioavailability after oral administration. In the present study, solid dispersions of allopurinol were prepared by solvent evaporation, kneading method, co-precipitation method, co-grinding method and closed melting methods to increase its water solubility. Hydrophilic carriers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol 6000 were used in the ratio of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 (drug to carrier ratio). The aqueous solubility of allopurinol was favored by the presence of both polymers. These new formulations were characterized in the liquid state by phase solubility studies and in the solid state by differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, UV and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Solid state characterizations indicated that allopurinol was present as an amorphous material and entrapped in polymer matrix. In contrast to the very slow dissolution rate of pure allopurinol, the dispersion of the drug in the polymers considerably enhanced the dissolution rate. Solid dispersion prepared with polyvinylpyrrolidone showed highest improvement in wettability and dissolution rate of allopurinol. Mathematical modeling of in vitro dissolution data indicated the best fitting with Korsemeyer-Peppas model and the drug release kinetics primarily as Non-Fickian diffusion. Therefore, the present study showed that polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol 6000 have a significant solubilizing effect on allopurinol.
Design of antiseptic formulations containing extract of Plinia cauliflora
Authors: Oliveira Lara Alexandre de , Souza-Moreira Tatiana Maria de , Cefali Letícia Caramori , Chiari Bruna Galdorfini , Corrêa Marcos Antonio , Isaac Vera Lucia Borges , Salgado Hérida Regina Nunes , Pietro Rosemeire Cristina Linhari Rodrigues
Published: October 2011

The leaves of the Brazilian species Plinia cauliflora were used to obtain active hydroalcoholic extract and fractions enabling the development of efficient antiseptic pharmaceutical formulations. A chemical composition of 70% ethanol extract, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography and for phenol content. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans by the agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration was assayed by broth microdilution. Extract microbiological quality was tested to avoid contamination in the formulations. A mouthwash and a topical cream containing the extract were developed and antiseptic activity was assessed by agar diffusion. Sensory and physicochemical stability of the formulations were assayed. Chromatography indicated the presence of terpenes, flavonoids and tannins in the extract and fractions and total phenol content were found to be high. The plant samples were active against all the microorganisms tested, except for Lactobacillus acidophilus. Both topical formulations showed antiseptic activity and stability. Thus, these may be used as antimicrobials in skin infections, but would be more useful in the treatment of candidiasis.
In vitro evaluation of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. antioxidant activity
Authors: Longhi Joy Ganem , Perez Elisa , Lima Jair José de , Cândido Lys Mary Bileski
Published: October 2011

Mucuna pruriens (L). Dc is a plant of the Fabaceae family, commonly known as velvet bean, itchy bean, chiporro bean, mucuna, among others. This plant has several medicinal properties, including its potential to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). International studies have shown that this plant surpasses the benefits of the substance levodopa in the treatment of PD. Taking into account that nerve cells are highly sensitive to oxidative substances, this study evaluated the antioxidant activity of mucuna and compared it to that of levodopa. The plant seeds' phenolic concentration was quantified by using the Folin-Denis reagent and the antioxidant activity assays were performed by using three different methods: the reduction of the phosphomolybdenium complex, the reduction of radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and the formation of radical monocation ABTS•+, from the acid [2-2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)]. Results showed that M. pruriens presents high antioxidant capacity, although not superior to isolated levodopa antioxidant capacity. Therefore, further studies should be performed to elucidate the activity of this plant in humans.
Formulation and evaluation of bi-layer floating tablets of ziprasidone HCl and trihexyphenidyl HCl
Authors: Dinakaran Sathis Kumar , Kumar Santhos , Banji David , Avasarala Harani , Rao Venkateshwar
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this research study was to establish ziprasidone HCl NR 40 mg and trihexyphenidyl HCl SR 4mg in the form of bi-layer sustained release floating tablets. The tablets were prepared using sodium HPMC K4M / HPMC K15M as bio-adhesive polymers and sodium bicarbonate acting as a floating layer. Tablets were evaluated based on different parameters such as thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation, in vitro dissolution studies, content of active ingredient and IR studies. The physico-chemical properties of the finished product complied with the specifications. In vitro release from the formulation was studied as per the USP XXIII dissolution procedure. The formulations gave a normal release effect followed by sustained release for 12 h which indicates bimodal release of ziprasidone HCl from the matrix tablets. The data obtained was fitted to Peppas models. Analysis of n values of the Korsmeyer equation indicated that the drug release involved non-diffusional mechanisms. By the present study, it can be concluded that bi-layer tablets of ziprasidone HCl and trihexyphenidyl HCl will be a useful strategy for extending the metabolism and improving the bioavailability of Ziprasidone HCl and Trihexyphenidyl HCl.
Antibiotic microbial assay using kinetic-reading microplate system
Authors: Lourenço Felipe Rebello , Pinto Terezinha de Jesus Andreoli
Published: October 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal experimental conditions to develop a methodology for microbiological assay of apramycin employing microplate and kinetic reading mode, and to validate the developed method, through evaluation of parameters of selectivity, linearity, linear range, limits of detection and quantification, accuracy and precision. The turbidimetric assay principle is simple: the test solution is added to a suspension of test microorganism in culture media, the mixture is incubated under appropriate conditions and the microbial growth is measured by photometric reading. Microplate with kinetic reading mode employed in antibiotic assay is of considerable interest since it allows reduction of material and analysis time and enables a large number of samples to be analyzed simultaneously, with automated reading and calculating. Established conditions considered the standard-curve of apramycin at concentrations from 5.0 to 35.0 μg mL-1, and tryptic soy broth inoculated with 5% Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) suspension. Satisfactory results were obtained with 2 hours of incubation. The developed method showed appropriate selectivity, linearity in the range from 5.0 to 35.0 μg mL-1, limits of detection and quantification of 0.1 and 0.4 μg mL-1, respectively, as well as satisfactory accuracy (recuperation = 98.5%) and precision (RSD = 6.0%). Microplate assay combined the characteristics of microbiological (evaluation of antibiotic activity against sensitive test microorganism) and physico-chemical (operationally straightforward and faster results) assays.
Stability and sensory assessment of emulsions containing propolis extract and/or tocopheryl acetate
Authors: Gonçalves Gisele Mara Silva , Srebernich Silvana Mariana , Souza Jacqueline Alves de Macedo
Published: October 2011

The prevention of skin aging has been one of the main aims of cosmetic products. Propolis and tocopheryl acetate can be promising substances because of their antioxidant properties. In this study, propolis extract was obtained and associated with tocopheryl acetate in a cream formulation, which then underwent stability and sensory assessment. The formulation containing propolis extract and tocopheryl acetate proved to be stable in the preliminary stability study, demonstrating gradual darkening and slight pH decrease when subjected to 60ºC for 28 days, but showing stability on rheological study. In the sensory analysis, the formulation containing these two components was preferred by the product testers over the base cream and creams containing propolis extract or tocopheryl acetate alone. In conclusion, given the stability of the formulation and the preference of the product testers for this formulation, this association proved promising for use in cosmetic formulations.
Evaluation of anti-estrogenic or estrogenic activities of aqueous root extracts of Gunnera manicata L.
Authors: Mariotti Kristiane de Cássia , Schmitt Gabriela Cristina , Barreto Fabiano , Fortunato Rodrigo E. , Singer Rodrigo B. , Dallegrave Eliane , Leal Mirna Bainy , Limberger Renata Pereira
Published: October 2011

Gunnera perpensa (Gunneraceae) is an African plant widely used in traditional medicine. This species is known for its activity involving the female reproductive system, such as inducing or increasing labor, treating female infertility, expelling the placenta and/or preventing post-partum hemorrhage. These properties are probably due to (z)-venusol, a majoritary compound, and its action in conjunction with substances in the whole extract and other natural products. In southern Brazil, a native species Gunnera manicata L. that also belongs to Gunneraceae can be found. In spite of the traditional use of G. perpensa, there is no pharmacological and phytochemical information regarding the South American Gunnera species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the activity of Brazilian G. manicata aqueous extracts on the reproductive system of immature female Wistar rats through a uterotrophic assay and to verify the presence of (z)-venusol by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni´s post-hoc test (p< 0.01). Results obtained shown that G. manicata extracts did not present in vivo anti or estrogenic activity. Furthermore, (z)-venusol compound was not found. This study represents the first preliminary screening done on the South American G. manicata species.
Tissue injuries of wistar rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Sonchus oleraceus L.
Authors: Prichoa Franciele Carla , Roman Silvane Souza , Manfredini Vanusa
Published: October 2011

The use of plant species is emerging as an important alternative in the treatment of injuries. Therefore, the extract of Sonchus oleraceus 10% was employed in the repair of skin lesions. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were subjected to a punch injury and divided into three groups: a negative control, receiving no treatment, a positive control, treated with Dersani, and the experimental group treated with the extract. The injury was assessed macroscopically and microscopically. Morphometric data was collected at the 3rd, 5th and 7th postoperative day, and the experimental group showed greater changes in shrinkage of the lesion compared to control groups. On the 3rd postoperative day, the injury in the experimental group showed less necrotic tissue, lower slough and more granulation tissue in relation to the positive control group. On the 7th and 10th postoperative day, the injury in the experimental group showed lower slough compared to the positive control group. Microscopic analysis of lesions on the 5th postoperative day revealed increased fibroplasia in the experimental group compared to control groups, while on the 14th postoperative day less neovascularization was evident in the experimental group and increased formation of hair follicles in the negative control group. The extract of S. oleraceus provided tissue repair in accordance with normal physiological patterns thus confirming empirical evidence for its use.
Phytochemical constituents and preliminary toxicity evaluation of leaves from Rourea induta Planch. (Connaraceae)
Authors: Kalegari Milena , Miguel Marilis Dallarmi , Dias Josiane de Fátima Gaspari , Lordello Ana Luísa Lacava , Lima Cristina Peitz de , Miyazaki Cristina Mayumi Sasaki , Zanin Sandra Maria Warumby , Verdam Maria Christina dos Santos , Miguel Obdulio Gomes
Published: October 2011

Most active plants are toxic at high doses and it is therefore important to investigate the preliminary toxicity of plant extracts. The Rourea induta species is a potential drug with no phytochemical or biological studies registered in the literature. Thus, a phytochemical study and a toxicity analysis of the ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Rourea induta Planch., Connaraceae, was run. A long chain hydrocarbon, n-tetracosane, and four flavonoids were identified: quercetin, and three glycosylated derivates, quercetin-3-O-α-arabinofuranoside, quercetin-3-O-β-xyloside and quercetin-3-O-β-galactoside. This is the first time these have been isolated in this species. The structures were elucidated by 13C NMR, ¹H NMR, UV and IR spectroscopy. The toxicity evaluation of extracts was performed by the brine shrimp method and determination of hemolytic activity. The samples demonstrated no toxic potential by the analyzed methods.
Use of medicinal herbs by patients with severe asthma managed at a Referral Center
Authors: Mega Tacila Pires , Santos Pablo de Moura , Souza-Machado Adelmir , Noblat Lúcia de Araújo Beisl Costa , Cruz Álvaro Augusto
Published: October 2011

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that may lead to limitations in regular activities, to hospitalizations and a decrease in quality of life. Adherence to drug treatment is crucial for control of the disease. The use of medicinal herbs can reduce adherence to prescriptions, as the medication may be replaced by infusions or herbal products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of use of traditional herbal medicine among severe asthmatics in Salvador. Information on use of homemade remedies was obtained through application of a questionnaire during patient visits to a referral center. We also collected data on economic and social aspects as well as disease control. One hundred and forty-four (91,1%) out of one hundred and fifty-eight patients evaluated used herbal medicines, but only 26.5% attributed improvement of asthma symptoms to this alternative treatment and only 8 had substituted a prescribed medication by herbal medicines. There was a trend towards lower adherence to prescription drug treatment in this group of patients. Despite the high frequency of use of medicinal herbs in our sample, there was no improvement in the asthma treatment in this population compared to non-users. Adherence to conventional drug treatment was satisfactory and there was neither reduction in asthma control nor increase in hospitalizations among the users of medicinal plants.
Tidal regime dictates the cascading consumptive and nonconsumptive effects of multiple predators on a marsh plant
Authors: Kimbro David L.
Published: October 2011

Prey perception of predators can dictate how prey behaviorally balance the need to avoid being eaten with the need to consume resources, and this perception and consequent behavior can be strongly influenced by physical processes. Physical factors, however, can also alter the density and diversity of predators that pursue prey. Thus, it remains uncertain to what extent variable risk perception and antipredator behavior vs. variation in predator consumption of prey underlie prey–resource dynamics and give rise to large‐scale patterns in natural systems. In an experimental food web where tidal inundation of marsh controls which predators access prey, crab and conch (predators) influenced the survivorship and antipredator behavior of snails (prey) irrespective of whether tidal inundation occurred on a diurnal or mixed semidiurnal schedule. Specifically, cues of either predator caused snails to ascend marsh leaves; snail survivorship was reduced more by unrestrained crabs than by unrestrained conchs; and snail survivorship was lowest with multiple predators than with any single predator despite interference. In contrast to these tidally consistent direct consumptive and nonconsumptive effects, indirect predator effects differed with tidal regime: snail grazing of marsh leaves in the presence of predators increased in the diurnal tide but decreased in the mixed semidiurnal tidal schedule, overwhelming the differences in snail density that resulted from direct predation. In addition, results suggest that snails may increase their foraging to compensate for stress‐induced metabolic demand in the presence of predator cues. Patterns from natural marshes spanning a tidal inundation gradient (from diurnal to mixed semidiurnal tides) across 400 km of coastline were consistent with experimental results: despite minimal spatial variation in densities of predators, snails, abiotic stressors, and marsh productivity, snail grazing on marsh plants increased and plant biomass decreased on shorelines exposed to a diurnal tide. Because both the field and experimental results can be explained by tidal‐induced variation in risk perception and snail behavior rather than by changes in snail density, this study reinforces the importance of nonconsumptive predator effects in complex natural systems and at large spatial scales.
Residential Proximity to Environmental Hazards and Adverse Health Outcomes
Authors: Brender Jean D. , Maantay Juliana A. , Chakraborty Jayajit
Published: October 2011

How living near environmental hazards contributes to poorer health and disproportionate health outcomes is an ongoing concern. We conducted a substantive review and critique of the literature regarding residential proximity to environmental hazards and adverse pregnancy outcomes, childhood cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, end-stage renal disease, and diabetes.

Several studies have found that living near hazardous wastes sites, industrial sites, cropland with pesticide applications, highly trafficked roads, nuclear power plants, and gas stations or repair shops is related to an increased risk of adverse health outcomes.

Government agencies should consider these findings in establishing rules and permitting and enforcement procedures to reduce pollution from environmentally burdensome facilities and land uses.
Symposium on Integrating the Science of Environmental Justice into Decision-Making at the Environmental Protection Agency: An Overview
Authors: Nweke Onyemaechi C. , Payne-Sturges Devon , Garcia Lisa , Lee Charles , Zenick Hal , Grevatt Peter , Sanders William H. , Case Heather , Dankwa-Mullan Irene
Published: October 2011

In March 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborated with government and nongovernmental organizations to host a groundbreaking symposium, “Strengthening Environmental Justice Research and Decision Making: A Symposium on the Science of Disproportionate Environmental Health Impacts.”

The symposium provided a forum for discourse on the state of scientific knowledge about factors identified by EPA that may contribute to higher burdens of environmental exposure or risk in racial/ethnic minorities and low-income populations. Also featured were discussions on how environmental justice considerations may be integrated into EPA's analytical and decision-making frameworks and on research needs for advancing the integration of environmental justice into environmental policymaking.

We summarize key discussions and conclusions from the symposium and briefly introduce the articles in this issue.
Cumulative Soil Water Evaporation as a Function of Depth and Time
Authors: Xiao X. , Horton R. , Sauer T. J. , Heitman J. L. , Ren T.
Published: October 2011

Soil water evaporation is an important component of the surface water balance and the surface energy balance. Accurate and dynamic measurements of soil water evaporation enhance the understanding of water and energy partitioning at the land–atmosphere interface. The objective of this study was to measure the cumulative soil water evaporation with time and depth in a bare field. Cumulative water evaporation at the soil surface was measured by the Bowen ratio method. Subsurface cumulative soil water evaporation was determined with the heat pulse method at fine‐scale depth increments. Following rainfall, the subsurface cumulative evaporation curves followed a pattern similar to the surface cumulative evaporation curve, with approximately a 2‐d lag before evaporation was indicated at the 3‐ and 9‐mm soil depths, and several more days' delay in deeper soil layers. For a 21‐d period in 2007, the cumulative evaporation totals at soil depths of 0, 3, 9, 15, and 21 mm were 60, 44, 29, 13, and 8 mm, respectively. For a 16‐d period in 2008, the cumulative evaporation totals at soil depths of 0, 3, 9, 15, and 21 mm were 32, 25, 16, 10, and 5 mm, respectively. Cumulative evaporation results from the Bowen ratio and heat pulse methods indicated a consistent dynamic pattern for surface and subsurface water evaporation with both time and depth. These findings suggest that heat pulse sensors can accurately measure subsurface soil water evaporation during several wetting–drying cycles.
Modeling Unsaturated–Saturated Flow and Nickel Transport in Fractured Rocks
Authors: Masciopinto Costantino , Caputo Maria Clementina
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the modeling of variably saturated flow and Ni transport in fractured rocks at a site (Altamura, southern Italy) polluted in 2001 by unauthorized sludge waste disposal. Time‐lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and infiltrometer experimental results were used to constrain near‐surface boundary conditions in an unsaturated flow model. A plastic ring was used as an infiltrometer because its experimental setup is very versatile and adaptable to many different geological conditions, taking into consideration irregularities in the soil and rock surfaces. The proposed methodology allows switching from the tomography to the map of water pressure contour lines obtained by the model by making the time‐lapse ERT an effective tool to reduce computational uncertainties. Simulation results predicted both the concentration and the residence time of the Ni in the vadose zone of the Altamura site. These results were used to successively investigate the horizontal Ni transport into the deep fractured aquifer. Simulations provided apparent Ni pathways in the groundwater and expected concentrations in a downstream well, placed 10.9 km from the contamination sources. The agreement of the results with the sampling data collected has confirmed that the groundwater was polluted for 16 mo by Ni. The contamination plume started during the winter of 2004 and moved in the groundwater toward the sea at an average velocity of 10 m/d.
How the Rhizosphere May Favor Water Availability to Roots
Authors: Carminati Andrea , Schneider Christoph L. , Moradi Ahmad B. , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Vetterlein Doris , Vogel Hans-Jörg , Hildebrandt Anke , Weller Ulrich , Schüler Lennart , Oswald Sascha E.
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have shown that rhizosphere hydraulic properties may differ from those of the bulk soil. Specifically, mucilage at the root–soil interface may increase the rhizosphere water holding capacity and hydraulic conductivity during drying. The goal of this study was to point out the implications of such altered rhizosphere hydraulic properties for soil–plant water relations. We addressed this problem through modeling based on a steady‐rate approach. We calculated the water flow toward a single root assuming that the rhizosphere and bulk soil were two concentric cylinders having different hydraulic properties. Based on our previous experimental results, we assumed that the rhizosphere had higher water holding capacity and unsaturated conductivity than the bulk soil. The results showed that the water potential gradients in the rhizosphere were much smaller than in the bulk soil. The consequence is that the rhizosphere attenuated and delayed the drop in water potential in the vicinity of the root surface when the soil dried. This led to increased water availability to plants, as well as to higher effective conductivity under unsaturated conditions. The reasons were two: (i) thanks to the high unsaturated conductivity of the rhizosphere, the radius of water uptake was extended from the root to the rhizosphere surface; and (ii) thanks to the high soil water capacity of the rhizosphere, the water depletion in the bulk soil was compensated by water depletion in the rhizosphere. We conclude that under the assumed conditions, the rhizosphere works as an optimal hydraulic conductor and as a reservoir of water that can be taken up when water in the bulk soil becomes limiting.
Catchment‐Scale Soil Water Dynamics in a Mediterranean‐Type Oak Woodland
Authors: Swarowsky A. , Dahlgren R.A. , Tate K.W. , Hopmans J.W. , O'Geen A.T.
Published: October 2011

Water availability is one of the most serious natural resource issues facing California, especially given projections for future climate change. The 3 million ha of oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands play a critical role in California's water supply system, providing runoff primarily from winter rainfall events and hosting two‐thirds of the state's drinking water reservoirs. Thus, understanding water storage and streamflow regulation by soils in these watersheds is essential for water resource planning under future climate change scenarios. The primary objectives of this research were to identify the drivers of soil moisture dynamics and the hydrologic budget at the catchment scale and their relationships with streamflow generation. A 33‐ha headwater catchment in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California was instrumented to monitor climate, subsurface lateral flow, streamflow, and soil moisture within 100 pedons distributed throughout the catchment. A catchment‐scale water balance was used to examine factors regulating spatial and temporal soil water distribution within the catchment. Relationships between soil, topographic, and vegetation characteristics and soil water content at each pedon were analyzed using a linear mixed‐effects model with four fixed effects: vegetation type or cover, presence or absence of a claypan, compound topographic index, and solar radiation. Streamflow was limited to periods when lower soil horizons were at or near saturation. Following saturation, each rainfall event generated subsurface lateral flow above the clay‐rich argillic horizon, resulting in sharp hydrograph responses with little base flow between rainfall events. For the two water years examined, 9.6 and 11.5% of rainfall left the catchment as streamflow. Vegetation (tree vs. grassland), presence or absence of a claypan, aspect, and compound topographic index (index of wetness) were all significantly correlated to soil moisture status and thus streamflow generation at various times throughout the year. Findings indicated that watershed‐scale hydrologic models based solely on surface topography will not fully explain dynamic temporal and spatial variability in hydrologic flow paths and streamflow generation in these oak woodland catchments. In particular, watershed‐scale knowledge of soil stratigraphy (e.g., claypan distribution) was important for understanding catchment hydrology, especially the occurrence of subsurface lateral flow dynamics.
How Water, Carbon, and Energy Drive Critical Zone Evolution: The Jemez–Santa Catalina Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Chorover Jon , Troch Peter A. , Rasmussen Craig , Brooks Paul D. , Pelletier Jon D. , Breshears David D. , Huxman Travis E. , Kurc Shirley A. , Lohse Kathleen A. , McIntosh Jennifer C. , Meixner Thomas , Schaap Marcel G. , Litvak Marcy E. , Perdrial Julia , Harpold Adrian , Durcik Matej
Published: October 2011

The structure of the critical zone (CZ) is a result of tectonic, lithogenic, and climatic forcings that shape the landscape across geologic time scales. The CZ structure can be probed to measure contemporary rates of regolith production and hillslope evolution, and its fluids and solids can be sampled to determine how structure affects CZ function as a living filter for hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles. Substantial uncertainty remains regarding how variability in climate and lithology influence CZ structure and function across both short (e.g., hydrologic event) and long (e.g., landscape evolution) time scales. We are addressing this issue using a theoretical framework that quantifies system inputs in terms of environmental energy and mass transfer (EEMT, MJ m−2 yr−1) in the recently established Jemez River Basin (JRB)–Santa Catalina Mountains (SCM) Critical Zone Observatory (CZO). We postulate that C and water fluxes, as embodied in EEMT, drive CZ evolution and that quantifying system inputs in this way leads to predictions of nonlinear and threshold effects in CZ structure formation. We are testing this hypothesis in the JRB‐SCM CZO, which comprises a pair of observatories—in northern New Mexico within the Rio Grande basin (JRB) and in southern Arizona within the Colorado River basin (SCM). The JRB‐SCM CZO spans gradients in climate, lithology, and biota representative of much variation found in the larger U.S Southwest. Our approach includes in situ monitoring of zero‐order basins nested within larger CZO watersheds and measurement–modeling iterations. The initial data collected at the ecosystem, pedon, and catchment scales indicates a strong role of coupled C and water flux in regulating chemical denudation of catchments in the JRB site.
Opening the “Black Box”: Water Chemistry Reveals Hydrological Controls on Weathering in the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Jin Lixin , Andrews Danielle M. , Holmes George H. , Lin Henry , Brantley Susan L.
Published: October 2011

We investigated variations of Mg concentration, δD and δO in precipitation, soil water along a planar hillslope, groundwater, and first‐order stream water at the Susquehanna Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHO). Water flows vertically in the unsaturated zone of the hillslope, but hydrological saturation periodically causes lateral flow along interfaces of permeability contrast between the A–B and B–C soil horizons. Changes in soil water Mg concentration respond to hydrological changes and are ultimately controlled by the kinetics of clay mineral dissolution, but are buffered by the soil exchange capacity. Clay dissolution predominantly occurs within the A and B horizons, and Mg released from these zones of “low‐flow” diffuses or flows into the “high‐flow” zones at horizon interfaces. The Mg concentrations are low in these high‐flow zones because fresher (younger) water flows in through macropores. The amplitude of seasonal variations in water isotopes (data from 2008–2010) decreases in the following order: precipitation (δD: 286‰) >> soil water (δD: 86‰) > shallow groundwater (δD: 26‰), indicating water becomes progressively older along the flowpath. Fractures and preferential high‐flow paths make the watershed hydrologically responsive: the average time water stays in the shallow subsurface is inferred to be <2 yr. The stream water chemistry is affected by inputs of old groundwater that is relatively high in Mg concentration but relatively limited in range in δD, as well as by inputs from young soil water that is relatively low in Mg concentration with a wide range in δD. The relative contributions of these two sources to the stream change seasonally.
Temporal Dynamics of Soil Moisture Spatial Variability in the Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Takagi K. , Lin H.S.
Published: October 2011

This study utilized a 4‐yr database consisting of catchment‐wide volumetric soil moisture measurements at 78 locations from the surface down to 1.1 m depth within the 7.9‐ha Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory in central Pennsylvania. The objectives were to: (i) assess the uncertainty in estimating catchment‐wide mean soil moisture content by characterizing the relationship between soil moisture spatial variability and spatially averaged moisture content and (ii) examine the relationship between temporal changes in soil moisture spatial variability and seasonal and event‐based hydrologic fluxes. Our results showed that soil moisture spatial variability increased exponentially with increasing catchment‐wide wetness across all measurement depths and various soil–landform units. This relationship led to the widening of confidence intervals and an increase in the number of sites needed to obtain 95% confidence in spatially averaged soil moisture as the catchment wets up. This was due to the well‐drained and steep‐sloped hillslope soils in the catchment that confined saturated areas to the swales and the valley floor. Temporal changes in soil moisture spatial variability indicated a seasonal increase in the catchment‐wide soil moisture variability that coincided with the emergence of a shallow water table in the valley during the winter and spring months. Event‐based increases in soil moisture spatial variability associated with large antecedent precipitation were also observed (but with limited resolution because of weekly to biweekly measurements), which indicated the importance of subsurface lateral flow in influencing the catchment‐wide soil moisture spatial variability. Because ephemeral shallow water tables and subsurface lateral flow are common in many temperate forests, our results are useful for guiding soil moisture monitoring campaigns in these catchments and have implications for interpreting and scaling remote sensing footprints of soil moisture in these landscapes during different times of a year.