bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cystic fibrosis and neonatal screening
Authors: Rodrigues Roberta , Gabetta Carmen S. , Pedro Karla P. , Valdetaro Fabio , Fernandes Maria I. M. , Magalhães Patrícia K. R. , Januário José N. , Maciel Léa M. Z.
Published: September 2008

The clinical and diagnostic aspects of cystic fibrosis have been extensively reviewed, with an emphasis on neonatal screening. This systematic literature review involved a search for relevant contributions in the PubMed and SciELO databases. The first references to cystic fibrosis date to the Middle Ages. Cystic fibrosis is the most frequent autosomal recessive hereditary disease among Caucasians (1:2,000 to 3,500). More than 1,000 mutations lead to the disease, the most common being "F508, with 70% prevalence among Canadian, Northern European, and American Caucasians and 23 to 55% prevalence among Brazilians. The basic defect is in chloride ion secretion. Cystic fibrosis screening has long been controversial, and after almost three decades, there are few nationwide programs (most are regional or local). However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that screening for cystic fibrosis is justified. The lack of a specific screening test and the ethnic heterogeneity of the Brazilian population pose challenges for neonatal screening.
Meta-analysis of factors related to health services that predict treatment default by tuberculosis patients
Authors: Brasil Pedro Emmanuel Alvarenga Americano do , Braga José Ueleres
Published: September 2008

The identification of factors that predict tuberculosis (TB) treatment default can help control this problem. The current study used a systematic review to investigate associations between TB treatment default and previously studied factors related to health services. Abstracts were searched in the MEDLINE and LILACS databases and in the bibliography of the full texts under evaluation. Studies were included if TB treatment default was evaluated by comparing two or more groups and data could be extracted. A total of 41 studies were included for combining data. It was possible to combine five exposures: "difficult access to health services"; "need for hospitalization"; "training or support for adherence"; "delay in initiating treatment"; "long wait before medical attendance". "Difficult access to health services", "training or support for adherence", and "need for hospitalization" were associated with TB treatment default. All exposures demonstrated heterogeneity, which was only explained in one. Publication bias was only detected for one exposure.
Physical activity during pregnancy and maternal-child health outcomes: a systematic literature review
Authors: Schlüssel Michael Maia , Souza Elton Bicalho de , Reichenheim Michael Eduardo , Kac Gilberto
Published: September 2008

A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on selected maternal-child health outcomes. The search included articles published from 1980 to 2005 in the MEDLINE and LILACS databases using key words such as physical activity, physical exercise, pregnancy, and gestation. The methodological quality of 37 selected articles was evaluated. It appears to be a consensus that some light-to-moderate physical activity is not a risk factor and may even be considered a protective factor for some outcomes. However, some studies found an association between specific activities (e.g., climbing stairs or standing for long periods) and inadequate birth weight, prematurity, and miscarriage. Few studies found an association between physical activity and maternal weight gain, mode of delivery, or fetal development. Further research is needed to fill these gaps and provide guidelines on the intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity during pregnancy.
Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women: a systematic review
Authors: Brandão Cristina Mariano Ruas , Lima Marina Guimarães , Silva Anderson Lourenço da , Silva Graziele Dias , Guerra Jr. Augusto Afonso , Acúrcio Francisco de Assis
Published: September 2008

Osteoporosis, a typical disease of the elderly, has become a frequent and relevant public health problem. Several drugs are available for treatment of osteoporosis, some of which are currently dispensed by the Brazilian Unified National Health System. The objective of this study was to present a systematic review of drugs for treatment of osteoporosis, focusing on the adequacy of clinical protocols based on existing evidence in the scientific literature. We conducted a search for randomized clinical trials in PubMed and LILACS that presented results for bone mineral density, incidence of vertebral fractures, and adverse effects. 32 articles met the review's inclusion criteria. Bisphosphonates were reported to have consistently reduced the risk of vertebral fractures. Hormone replacement therapy showed positive outcomes, but its use has been found to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Teriparatide and monofluorophosphate also showed efficacy against osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D were given to patients as food supplements.
Review of strategies to recruit smokers for smoking cessation: a population impact perspective
Authors: Szklo André Salem
Published: September 2008

This paper reviews published articles describing several instruments used currently to "capture" the attention of smokers for quit-smoking interventions and emphasizes the distinction between the strategies used to reach eligible individuals and those used to recruit them for the proposed smoking cessation intervention. The search for articles was conducted using MEDLINE, PsychARTICLE, and LILACS. Key words for the search included recruitment, enrollment, reach, smoking cessation, quitline, and helpline mentioned in the abstracts and titles of the articles. Articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish through November 2006 that emphasized capture instruments related to different populations and specific interventions were included in this review. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies that used active and mixed strategies reached, on average, a smaller and less diverse possible number of eligible individuals and had greater participation proportions than those that used reactive strategies. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of new associations between current interventions and reactive capture strategies, in view of the potential for increasing the population impact related to reactive capture.
Trajetória das mulheres na definição pelo parto cesáreo: estudo de caso em duas unidades do sistema de saúde suplementar do estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Dias Marcos Augusto Bastos , Domingues Rosa Maria Soares Madeira , Pereira Ana Paula Esteves , Fonseca Sandra Costa , Gama Silvana Granado Nogueira da , Theme Filha Mariza Miranda , Bittencourt Sonia Duarte Azevedo , Rocha Penha Maria Mendes da , Schilithz Arthur Orlando Correa , Leal Maria do Carmo
Published: September 2008

No Brasil, as taxas de cesariana são bastante elevadas, principalmente nos serviços privados, estando provavelmente associadas a fatores socioeconômicos e culturais. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características socioeconômicas, demográficas, culturais e reprodutivas de puérperas e os determinantes da decisão por parto cesáreo em duas unidades do sistema de saúde suplementar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A população foi composta por 437 puérperas que tiverem partos vaginais ou cesarianos nas duas unidades selecionadas. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas com as mães e consulta aos prontuários. Através de regressão logística não condicional, avaliaram-se os fatores associados à decisão por cesariana como via de parto, seguindo os modelos hierárquicos estabelecidos em três momentos definidos: no início, ao longo da gestação e no momento do parto. Observou-se que, embora 70% das entrevistadas não relatassem preferência inicial pela cesariana, 90% apresentaram esse tipo de parto. Verificou-se que, independente do desejo inicial da gestante, a interação com o serviço de saúde resultou na cesariana como via final de parto. Trabalhos educativos direcionados às gestantes e à população geral e mudanças no modelo de assistência ao parto podem ser estratégias promissoras para a reversão desse quadro.
Modelos assistenciais na saúde suplementar: o caso de uma operadora de autogestão
Authors: Malta Deborah Carvalho , Jorge Alzira de Oliveira
Published: September 2008

O trabalho analisa o modelo assistencial de uma operadora de planos de saúde de autogestão. Adotou-se a metodologia de estudos de casos, sendo realizadas entrevistas, com diferentes atores: dirigentes da operadora e do call center, prestadores hospitalares e médicos, visando coletar informações sobre o modelo assistencial praticado. Procedeu-se à análise das entrevistas e foram adotadas as seguintes dimensões na avaliação das informações coletadas: objetivo dos atores, política instituída, saberes tecnológicos instituídos, forma organizativa e assistência prestada. Dentre os resultados, a operadora investigada apresentou objetivos distintos da lógica do mercado, não visando o lucro nas operações. A mesma tem buscado estratégias de mercado para a sobrevivência, como por exemplo, captação de novos clientes, adoção de medidas regulatórias, controle na introdução de novas tecnologias. A operadora tem incentivado a adoção de prática de promoção da saúde e vinculação de clientela, especialmente junto à públicos específicos. Por tratar-se de estudo de caso, os resultados referem-se à operadora analisada, não contemplando a totalidade das operadoras de planos.
Tempo de adesão à Estratégia de Saúde da Família protege idosos de eventos cardiovasculares e cerebrovasculares em Florianópolis, 2003 a 2007
Authors: Xavier André Junqueira , Reis Sandro Sedrez dos , Paulo Elizabeth Machado , d'Orsi Eleonora
Published: September 2008

A Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) proporciona acompanhamento longitudinal e atenção integral à saúde. Este estudo avaliou a influência do tempo de adesão à ESF sobre a incidência de eventos cardiovasculares e cerebrovasculares entre idosos cadastrados na CASSI-Florianópolis. Os agravos selecionados justificam-se pela alta incidência, boa notificação e associação com fatores de risco modificáveis pela ESF. Quanto maior o tempo de adesão à ESF, menor a incidência de eventos agudos, demonstrando efetividade da mesma. Foi realizado estudo de coorte histórica, com 674 idosos (60 anos ou mais) cadastrados entre novembro de 2003 a março de 2007. Realizou-se análise bivariada e multivariada com regressão logística. Identificaram-se como fatores de risco independentes: idade acima de 80 anos (OR=3,44; IC95%: 1,8-6,2), diabetes (OR=2,62; IC95%: 1,4-4,7), hipertensão (OR=1,68; IC95%: 1,0-2,6) e sedentarismo (OR=2,06; IC95%: 1,2-3,2). Não houve associação significativa com gênero, dislipidemia, obesidade, tabagismo ou alcoolismo. O maior tempo de adesão à ESF demonstrou efeito protetor independente (OR=0,43; IC95%: 0,2-0,8), após ajuste para covariáveis anteriores, sendo eficiente na redução do risco de eventos cardiovasculares e cerebrovasculares entre idosos cadastrados.
Salmonella spp., importante agente patogênico veiculado em alimentos
Authors: Shinohara Neide Kazue Sakugawa , Barros Viviane Bezerra de , Jimenez Stella Maris Castro , Machado Erilane de Castro Lima , Dutra Rosa Amália Fireman , Lima Filho José Luiz de
Published: September 2008

A ocorrência de doenças transmitidas por alimentos (DTAs) tem sido foco de discussões nos últimos anos, devido à preocupação mundial com estratégias que permitam seu controle e, conseqüentemente, garantam a colocação de produtos seguros no mercado consumidor. A Salmonella spp. é um dos microrganismos mais amplamente distribuídos na natureza, sendo o homem e os animais seus principais reservatórios naturais, com ocorrência de sorotipos regionais, reconhecidos como salmoneloses, e considerado como um dos principais agentes envolvidos em surtos de origem alimentar em países desenvolvidos. O aumento da incidência da salmonelose provocada por alimentos contaminados demonstra que, na atualidade, apesar dos avanços tecnológicos alcançados, este problema ainda ocorre mundialmente. As aves e bovinos são responsáveis pela maior disseminação desse agente patogênico. A ampla distribuição da Salmonella spp. entre os animais, a existência de portadores assintomáticos e sua permanência no ambiente e nos alimentos contribuem para que este microrganismo assuma um papel de grande relevância na saúde pública mundial e, portanto, programas permanentes de controle e erradicação devem ser adotados.
The Majority of Multipotent Epidermal Stem Cells Do Not Protect Their Genome by Asymmetrical Chromosome Segregation
Authors: Sotiropoulou Panagiota A. , Candi Aurélie , Blanpain Cédric
Published: September 2008

The maintenance of genome integrity in stem cells (SCs) is critical for preventing cancer formation and cellular senescence. The immortal strand hypothesis postulates that SCs protect their genome by keeping the same DNA strand throughout life by asymmetrical cell divisions, thus avoiding accumulation of mutations that can arise during DNA replication. The in vivo relevance of this model remains to date a matter of intense debate. In this study, we revisited this long-standing hypothesis, by analyzing how multipotent hair follicle (HF) SCs segregate their DNA strands during morphogenesis, skin homeostasis, and SC activation. We used three different in vivo approaches to determine how HF SCs segregate their DNA strand during cell divisions. Double-labeling studies using pulse-chase experiments during morphogenesis and the first adult hair cycle showed that HF SCs incorporate two different nucleotide analogs, contradictory to the immortal strand hypothesis. The co-segregation of DNA and chromatin labeling during pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that label retention in HF SCs is rather a mark of relative quiescence. Moreover, DNA labeling of adult SCs, similar to labeling during morphogenesis, also resulted in label retention in HF SCs, indicating that chromosome segregation occurs randomly in most of these cells. Altogether, our results demonstrate that DNA strand segregation occurs randomly in the majority of HF SCs during development, tissue homeostasis, and following SC activation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Essential role of p21/waf1 in the mediation of the anti-proliferative effects of GHRH antagonist JMR-132
Authors: Volakaki Aspasia-Athina , Lafkas Daniel , Kassi Eva , Schally Andrew V , Papavassiliou Athanasios G , Kiaris Hippokratis
Published: September 2008

GHRH, besides its neuroendocrine action in controlling the release of GH from the pituitary, stimulates the growth of various cancers in vivo and in vitro by direct mechanism(s). However, the molecular mechanism that mediates these proliferative effects of GHRH in extrapituitary tissues remains poorly characterized. In the present study, we investigated whether the tumor suppressor p21/waf1 is involved in the mediation of the proliferative effects of GHRH in A549 human lung cancer epithelial cells. Exposure of A549 cells to the GHRH antagonist JMR-132 caused a significant inhibition in the rate of cell proliferation. In A549 cells, GHRH suppressed while JMR-132 increased the levels of p21 expression in a dose-dependent manner. This suggests that GHRH could regulate p21 levels. We then evaluated whether p21 is required in A549 cells for the regulation of cell proliferation by GHRH. To this end, we knocked-down p21 expression in A549 cells by siRNA and assessed the effects of antagonist JMR-132 on cell proliferation. We found that the loss of p21 expression abolished the anti-proliferative effects of JMR-132. Suppression of p21 expression by siRNA in human HT29 colon cancer cells and non-transformed mouse osteoblasts KS483 also blocked the anti-proliferative effects of JMR-132 suggesting that the regulation of cell proliferation by GHRH is p21 dependent. These results shed light on the molecular mechanism of action of GHRH antagonists in tumor tissues and suggest that the antineoplastic activity of GHRH antagonists could be considered for the treatment of cancers expressing p21.
Toxicokinetics of perfluorocarboxylate isomers in rainbow trout
Authors: De Silva Amila O. , Tseng Pablo J. , Mabury Scott A.
Published: September 2008

Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and other perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) are widely dispersed in the environment. Current and/or historical production of PFOA and fluorochemical precursors was conducted by telomerization and electrochemical fluorination (ECF). Telomer products typically contain linear chains of perfluorocarbons, and ECF products are a mixture of linear and branched isomers. The objective of the present study was to examine the role of toxicokinetics on PFCA isomer profiles in fish since monitoring studies have revealed a predominance of n-isomers of PFCAs in biota. Using dietary exposure, rainbow trout were administered technical ECF PFOA isomers (6.9 μg/kg/d), linear perfluorononanoate (1.4 μg/kg/d n-PFNA), and isopropyl PFNA (1.1 μg/kg/d iso-PFNA) for 36 d and then switched to a 40-d clean diet. Throughout exposure and depuration phases, blood and tissue sampling ensued. The accumulation ratio (AR) revealed similar accumulation propensity of n-PFOA and two minor branched PFOA isomers; however, the majority of branched isomers had lower AR values than n-PFOA. Enrichment of n-PFOA and n-PFNA relative to most branched isomers was consistent in all tissues. First-order elimination (kd) and half-life (t1/2) values were calculated. The largest t1/2 corresponded to n-PFNA followed by iso-PFNA. In ECF PFOA isomers, both n-PFOA and one minor branched isomer had the largest t1/2, suggesting that this minor isomer could be diagnostic of ECF exposure using environmental PFOA isomer patterns. Results of lower-dose ECF PFOA exposure showed similar results to the high-dose study; it is possible that both scenarios resulted in saturation of processes involved in PFCA transport. As such, the toxicokinetics of PFCA isomers at environmentally realistic levels may deviate from the results of the present study.
Anti–TNF‐α Immunotherapy Is Associated With Increased Gingival Inflammation Without Clinical Attachment Loss in Subjects With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Pers Jacques‐Olivier , Saraux Alain , Pierre Roselyne , Youinou Pierre
Published: September 2008

Background: Because periodontitis presents many similarities with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with regard to tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐induced bone resorption, the benefits of TNF‐α blockade in RA prompted us to determine its efficacy in treating coexisting periodontitis.

Methods: Periodontal status was evaluated in 40 subjects with RA who were divided into two groups: Group I contained 20 subjects who had received infliximab every 6 weeks for ≥22 months at the time of periodontal evaluation. The 20 subjects in group II were evaluated before their first infusion with infliximab. Nine subjects in group II had periodontitis. These subjects were reevaluated after they received nine infusions of infliximab.

Results: Infliximab tended to aggravate gingival inflammation as indicated by differences in the modified gingival and papillary bleeding indices between subjects in groups I and II with coexisting periodontitis before and after treatment. Methotrexate had no effect on periodontal status. Although the plaque index revealed that bacterial infection persisted, the probing depth was equal in groups I and II and equivalent before and after treatment in subjects with periodontitis, whereas attachment loss was decreased after infliximab treatment.

Conclusions: Inflammation and destruction constitute two interrelated yet separate components of periodontitis in patients with RA. Therefore, TNF‐α blockade could be beneficial in the treatment of periodontitis.
Alternative Anesthetic Technique for Maxillary Periodontal Surgery
Authors: Holtzclaw Dan , Toscano Nicholas
Published: September 2008

Background: Maxillary periodontal surgery typically requires multiple injections and may inadvertently affect facial structures such as the upper lip, lateral aspect of the nose, and lower eyelid. To minimize these sequelae and reduce the number of total injections, a relatively new injection technique has been proposed for maxillary procedures. The anterior middle superior alveolar (AMSA) injection is reported to effectively anesthetize maxillary teeth and associated gingival tissues extending from the buccal root of the first molar mesially to the central incisor with a single injection while avoiding undesirable side effects. The purpose of this article is to provide background information on the AMSA injection and demonstrate its use in a variety of maxillary periodontal surgeries.

Methods: Anesthesia was provided for five separate maxillary periodontal surgeries with unilateral or bilateral AMSA injections. Injections were administered via conventional syringe with a 27‐gauge needle. Confirmation of anesthesia was subjectively tested with buccal mucosal sticks and palatal transgingival probing.

Results: The AMSA injection provided promising results for a variety of maxillary periodontal surgical procedures. Benefits of the AMSA injection included outstanding palatal hemostatic control, avoidance of undesirable collateral anesthesia, and a reduced number of cumulative injections. Drawbacks of the AMSA injection included occasionally inadequate buccal hemostatic control and short‐lived anesthesia of the maxillary central incisors.

Conclusion: The AMSA injection is a novel anesthetic technique that may prove useful for certain maxillary periodontal surgeries.
Collagenolytic Fragments and Active Gelatinase Complexes in Periodontitis
Authors: Bildt Miriam M. , Bloemen Marjon , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne M. , Von den Hoff Johannes W.
Published: September 2008

Background: Periodontal tissues remodel rapidly, which enables quick adaptation to mechanical changes. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in these remodeling processes under control of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In periodontitis, overactivity of MMPs results in pathologic tissue degradation. The aim of this study was to analyze MMPs and TIMPs in healthy and diseased gingiva, periodontal ligament (PDL), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Methods: Samples of gingiva, PDL, and GCF were obtained from healthy controls (gingiva: n = 18; PDL: n = 15; GCF: n = 8) and subjects with periodontitis (gingiva: n = 11; PDL: n = 18; GCF: n = 12). MMPs and TIMPs were analyzed by gelatin‐, collagen‐, and reverse zymography and by Western blotting. Total MMP activity was analyzed using a fluorogenic substrate.

Results: TIMP‐1 and −2, active and pro‐MMP‐2 and −9, and active MMP‐1 and −8 were present in all samples. Large amounts of active MMP‐2 complexes and collagenolytic fragments were also found. Their levels were higher in PDL and GCF from subjects with periodontitis. In general, TIMP levels were lower in diseased periodontal tissues. Especially diseased GCF contained more MMPs. Surprisingly, some MMPs were more abundant in healthy gingiva and PDL than in diseased tissue.

Conclusions: Unexpected variations in MMP and TIMP levels in gingiva, PDL, and GCF may result from differences in subject characteristics and disease activity. The levels of active MMP‐2 complexes and collagenolytic fragments are higher in the periodontium of subjects with periodontitis and might contribute significantly to periodontal destruction.
Morphologic Changes of the Nasopalatine Canal Related to Dental Implantation: A Radiologic Study in Different Degrees of Absorbed Maxillae
Authors: Mardinger Ofer , Namani‐Sadan Noa , Chaushu Gavriel , Schwartz‐Arad Devorah
Published: September 2008

Background: Implant rehabilitation of the edentulous anterior maxilla remains a complex restorative challenge. Intricate preexisting anatomy dictates meticulous and accurate osteotomy planning. With progressive bone loss, the alveolar crest may approach anatomic structures. The nasopalatine nerve and vessels may ultimately emerge from the ridge crest. The radiologic changes of the nasopalatine canal were evaluated in different resorption phases of the premaxilla alveolus with regard to dental implantation.

Methods: The study consisted of 207 subjects who had maxillary computed tomography scans before dental implantation. The Lekholm and Zarb classification was used to divide images according to the residual bony ridge: Class A (control group) and classes B to E (study group). Anatomic mapping of the nasopalatine canal structure was carried out in both groups.

Results: The canal diameter was wider along the degree of ridge resorption from classes A to E in all dimensions, mainly in the palatal opening (P <0.01), middle area (P <0.001), and nasal area. The mean diameter of the enlargement was 1.8 mm, which reached 5.5 ± 1.08 mm (P <0.01) in type E bone. In the severely resorbed ridges (classes C through E), when the palatal opening was situated on the ridge, it occupied a mean of 35.6% (13% to 58%) of the area devoted to implant placement. Tooth loss was the main reason for ridge resorption (P <0.01).

Conclusions: Canal diameter enlargement was greater anteriorly to the ridge and posteriorly to the palatal bone, mainly because of tooth extraction. The atrophy of disuse may influence surrounding structures, similar to the maxillary sinus tendency to expand into surrounding bone mainly after tooth loss.
Doxycycline Reduces Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammatory Mediator Secretion in Macrophage and Ex Vivo Human Whole Blood Models
Authors: Cazalis Julia , Bodet Charles , Gagnon Guy , Grenier Daniel
Published: September 2008

Background: Tetracyclines have been extensively used as adjuncts in the treatment of some forms of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of doxycycline to influence the secretion of inflammatory mediators in macrophage and ex vivo human whole blood models stimulated with periodontopathogen lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Methods: Monocyte‐derived macrophages were treated with various concentrations of doxycycline prior to being stimulated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) LPS. The capacity of doxycycline to mediate the inflammatory response was also tested in an ex vivo whole blood model (whole blood isolated from periodontitis patients and healthy subjects) stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS. The secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β, −6, and −8 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in both models was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Changes in phosphorylation state of kinases induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS and doxycycline in the macrophage model were characterized by a multiplex ELISA analysis.

Results: The secretion of IL‐1β and −8 and TNF‐α by macrophages decreased significantly (P <0.05) when they were pretreated with 2 μM doxycycline, whereas a concentration of 10 μM was required to significantly reduce IL‐6 secretion. Pretreatment of macrophages with 10 μM doxycycline prior to A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS stimulation resulted in a marked decrease in the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 (−76%). In the whole blood model, doxycycline, more particularly at 10 μM, was also a potent inhibitor of the proinflammatory cytokine response.

Conclusion: These two models provided clear evidence that some of the clinically proven benefits of doxycycline may be related to its ability to regulate inflammatory mediator release by host cells.
Decadal‐Scale Changes of Pesticides in Ground Water of the United States, 1993–2003
Authors: Bexfield Laura M.
Published: September 2008

Pesticide data for ground water sampled across the United States between 1993–1995 and 2001–2003 by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water‐Quality Assessment Program were evaluated for trends in detection frequency and concentration. The data analysis evaluated samples collected from a total of 362 wells located in 12 local well networks characterizing shallow ground water in agricultural areas and six local well networks characterizing the drinking water resource in areas of variable land use. Each well network was sampled once during 1993–1995 and once during 2001–2003. The networks provide an overview of conditions across a wide range of hydrogeologic settings and in major agricultural areas that vary in dominant crop type and pesticide use. Of about 80 pesticide compounds analyzed, only six compounds were detected in ground water from at least 10 wells during both sampling events. These compounds were the triazine herbicides atrazine, simazine, and prometon; the acetanilide herbicide metolachlor; the urea herbicide tebuthiuron; and an atrazine degradate, deethylatrazine (DEA). Observed concentrations of these compounds generally were <0.12 μg L−1 At individual wells, changes in concentrations typically were <0.02 μg L−1 Data analysis incorporated adjustments for changes in laboratory recovery as assessed through laboratory spikes. In wells yielding detectable concentrations of atrazine, DEA, and prometon, concentrations were significantly lower (α = 0.1) in 2001–2003 than in 1993–1995, whereas detection frequency of these compounds did not change significantly. Trends in atrazine concentrations at shallow wells in agricultural areas were found to be consistent overall with recent atrazine use data.
Environmental Occurrence and Shallow Ground Water Detection of the Antibiotic Monensin from Dairy Farms
Authors: Watanabe Naoko , Harter Thomas H. , Bergamaschi Brian A.
Published: September 2008

Pharmaceuticals used in animal feeding operations have been detected in various environmental settings. There is a growing concern about the impact on terrestrial and aquatic organisms and the development of antibiotic‐resistant strains of microorganisms. Pharmaceutical use in milking cows is relatively limited compared with other livestock operations, except for the ionophore monensin, which is given to lactating cows as a feed. By weight, monensin can be the most significant antibiotic used in a dairy farm. This study investigates the potential of monensin to move from dairy operations into the surrounding ground water. Using two dairy farms in California as study sites, we twice collected samples along the environmental pathway—from flush lanes, lagoon waters, and shallow ground water beneath the dairies and beneath its associated manured fields. Monensin concentrations were determined using solid‐phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization. Monensin was detected in all of the flush lane and lagoon water samples. Theoretical maximum concentration estimated from the actual dosing rate and the theoretical excretion rate assuming no attenuation was one order of magnitude greater than observed concentrations, suggesting significant attenuation in the manure collection and storage system. Monensin was also detected, at levels ranging from 0.04 to 0.39 μg L−1, in some of the ground water samples underneath the production area of the dairy but not from the adjacent manured fields. Concentrations in ground water immediately downgradient of the lagoons were one to two orders of magnitude lower than the concentrations detected in lagoons, suggesting attenuation in the subsurface. The data suggest the possibility of monensin transport into shallow (2–5 m) alluvial ground water from dairy management units, including manure storage lagoons and freestalls occupied by heifers, lactating cows, and dry cows.
Reuse of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Wastewater on Agricultural Lands
Authors: Bradford Scott A. , Segal Eran , Zheng Wei , Wang Qiquan , Hutchins Stephen R.
Published: September 2008

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) generate large volumes of manure and manure‐contaminated wash and runoff water. When applied to land at agronomic rates, CAFO wastewater has the potential to be a valuable fertilizer and soil amendment that can improve the physical condition of the soil for plant growth and reduce the demand for high quality water resources. However, excess amounts of nutrients, heavy metals, salts, pathogenic microorganisms, and pharmaceutically active compounds (antibiotics and hormones) in CAFO wastewater can adversely impact soil and water quality. The USEPA currently requires that application of CAFO wastes to agricultural lands follow an approved nutrient management plan (NMP). A NMP is a design document that sets rates for waste application to meet the water and nutrient requirements of the selected crops and soil types, and is typically written so as to be protective of surface water resources. The tacit assumption is that a well‐designed and executed NMP ensures that all lagoon water contaminants are taken up or degraded in the root zone, so that ground water is inherently protected. The validity of this assumption for all lagoon water contaminants has not yet been thoroughly studied. This review paper discusses our current level of understanding on the environmental impact and sustainability of CAFO wastewater reuse. Specifically, we address the source, composition, application practices, environmental issues, transport pathways, and potential treatments that are associated with the reuse of CAFO wastewater on agricultural lands.
Trends of Pesticides and Nitrate in Ground Water of the Central Columbia Plateau, Washington, 1993–2003
Authors: Frans Lonna
Published: September 2008

Pesticide and nitrate data for ground water sampled in the Central Columbia Plateau, Washington, between 1993 and 2003 by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water‐Quality Assessment Program were evaluated for trends in concentration. A total of 72 wells were sampled in 1993–1995 and again in 2002–2003 in three well networks that targeted row crop and orchard land use settings as well as the regional basalt aquifer. The Regional Kendall trend test indicated that only deethylatrazine (DEA) concentrations showed a significant trend. Deethylatrazine concentrations were found to increase beneath the row crop land use well network, the regional aquifer well network, and for the dataset as a whole. No other pesticides showed a significant trend (nor did nitrate) in the 72‐well dataset. Despite the lack of a trend in nitrate concentrations within the National Water‐Quality Assessment dataset, previous work has found a statistically significant decrease in nitrate concentrations from 1998–2002 for wells with nitrate concentrations above 10 mg L−1 within the Columbia Basin ground water management area, which is located within the National Water‐Quality Assessment study unit boundary. The increasing trend in DEA concentrations was found to negatively correlate with soil hydrologic group using logistic regression and with soil hydrologic group and drainage class using Spearman's correlation. The decreasing trend in high nitrate concentrations was found to positively correlate with the depth to which the well was cased using logistic regression, to positively correlate with nitrate application rates and sand content of the soil, and to negatively correlate with soil hydrologic group using Spearman's correlation.
Swine Effluent Application Timing and Rate Affect Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Common Bermudagrass
Authors: Read J. J. , Brink G. E. , Adeli A. , McGowen S. L.
Published: September 2008

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay production is integral to manure management on southeastern swine farms. But swine effluent timing must be synchronized with crop nitrogen (N) demands to decrease the potential for soil N accumulation and nitrate (NO3) leaching. Field studies were conducted on a Prentiss sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Glossic Fragiudult) to determine N‐use efficiency (NUE) and residual soil NO3–N. Two rates of 10 and 20 cm yr− 1 (∼260 and 480 kg ha−1 N, respectively) were applied in four timing treatments: April to September (full season), April to May, June to July, and August to September. Plots were harvested every 7 to 9 wk beginning in June, and soil was sampled in fall after a killing frost and the following spring. Annual uptake of N and P were least in the August to September timing treatment. Doubling the effluent rate increased N uptake 112% in 2000 (from 130 to 276 kg ha−1) and 53% in 2001 (from 190 to 290 kg ha−1), suggesting 10‐cm did not meet crop N demands. Due to low rainfall and decreased forage yield in 2000, doubling the effluent rate led to increased soil NO3–N to 30‐cm depth in fall 2000 and spring 2001. Averaged across timing treatments, soil NO3–N at 5‐cm depth ranged from 8.5 mg kg−1 in non‐irrigated controls to 39.6 mg kg−1 with 20‐cm effluent. Results indicate low NUE in the order of 30 to 38% for applications in August to September increase the risk to surface and ground water quality from excess N remaining in soil.
The Joint Estimation of Soil Trace Gas Fluxes
Authors: Hossler Katie , Bouchard Virginie
Published: September 2008

Soil gas flux is commonly measured by monitoring the change in headspace gas concentration over time within a sealed compartment at the soil surface. Often, more than one trace gas is monitored at a time (e.g., CO2 and CH4), but the data fit separately. Flux estimates for CO2 and CH4 were obtained simultaneously by minimizing a weighted sum‐of‐squares error. The approximation of one model parameter for CH4, through theoretical relationship to the respective CO2 parameter, reduced the total parameter count by one and allowed for the joint estimation of one parameter using the combined CO2 and CH4 datasets. The method of joint optimization was compared with separate optimization for two nonlinear models, using both real and simulated data. The datasets were best fit with the jointly optimized models. Furthermore, the jointly optimized models more accurately estimated initial soil–air fluxes (simulated data only). The method of joint optimization is recommended as a means to apply better‐fitting nonlinear models to typically small gas sample sets. This method is applicable to any number of trace gases monitored simultaneously.
Evidence of Physical and Chemical Nonequilibrium in Lead and Cadmium Transport and Sorption in Acid Soils
Authors: Garrido F. , Serrano S. , Campbell C. G. , Barrios L. , García-González M. T.
Published: September 2008

Environmental issues regarding soil trace metals often center on mobility and bioavailability. Transport of metals through the soil system could be affected by physical or chemical nonequilibrium processes. In this study, the physiochemical factors involved in Pb and Cd transport and sorption in soils were examined to determine the fate of metal pollutants. A series of metal miscible displacement experiments were executed following a full factorial statistical design including five sources of variability: soil (S1 and S2), metal (Pb and Cd), metal initial concentration (C0), water flux rate (Jw), and depth (0–4 and 4–8 cm). Temporal moment analysis of the measured breakthrough curves (BTCs) revealed that Cd transport is characterized by larger mass recovery values and lower estimated values of the transport timing—mean travel time (μ) and vertical solute spreading (σ2)—than Pb. This indicates the high affinity and retention of Pb in the soil and the high mobility of Cd. On the other hand, the sorption parameters for both Pb and Cd were estimated from a sequential chemical extraction of the metal retained in the soil column. The effect of the sources of variability on both transport and sorption parameters were determined. The functional relationship between sorption and transport parameters was also estimated through a linear regression and canonical correlation analysis. Physical and chemical nonequilibrium in transport processes were demonstrated by BTC tailing, changing BTC characteristics (μ and σ2) withJwandC0, and semi‐irreversible sorption identified by sequential extraction.
Effects of Soil Physical Nonuniformity on Chamber‐Based Gas Flux Estimates
Authors: Venterea Rodney T. , Baker John M.
Published: September 2008

Chamber methods for measuring trace gas fluxes are prone to errors resulting in large part from the alteration of near‐surface concentration gradients. There is little information available, however, for quantifying these errors or determining how they vary with soil physical properties, chamber deployment methods, and flux calculation schemes. This study used numerical modeling to examine how these factors influence flux estimate errors in physically uniform and nonuniform soil profiles. Errors varied widely among profiles and flux calculation techniques. Soil profiles having identical predeployment fluxes but differing in water content and bulk density generated substantially different flux chamber data. A theoretical flux model that assumes physical uniformity performed relatively well in nonuniform soils but still generated substantial errors. For all flux models, errors were minimized with larger effective chamber heights (h) and shorter deployment times (DT). In light of these findings, recent studies that recommend minimizing h and extending DT to enhance nonlinearity of chamber data need to be reevaluated. It was also determined that random measurement error can result in skewed flux‐estimate errors. Selection of chamber and flux calculation methods should consider the physical characteristics of the soil profile as well as measurement error. The techniques presented here can be used to develop soil‐ and method‐specific error estimates.
Developmentally Responsive Technology-Literacy Use in Education: Are Teachers Helping Students Meet Grade-Level National Technology Standards?
Authors: Smarkola Claudia
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this mixed-methodology study was to measure technology usage between student and experienced teachers at different grade levels and to determine if usage was in agreement with the International Society for Technology in Education's (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students. One hundred sixty student teachers and 158 experienced teachers from a large urban area completed a Computer Usage Survey; 19 of these participants were interviewed. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) provided the theoretical framework for this study. There were statistically significant differences found among technology uses across grade levels; the experience level of the teachers did not contribute to this difference. Findings in this study showed that primary grades conform more than the upper grades to national technology-literacy standards.
Death Notification for Families of Homicide Victims: Healing Dimensions of a Complex Process
Authors: Miller Laurence
Published: September 2008

Family bereavement by homicide is one of the most challenging facets of crime victim intervention a medical care provider, mental health clinician, or law enforcement officer will face. But the process of healing can begin at the outset through intelligent, sensitive, competent, and compassionate death notification and body identification by trained and dedicated professionals. A practical system for death notification and body identification is presented that can be adapted and modified to the needs of law enforcement, military mental health, and notifiers from related disciplines; it can also be adapted to death notification in sudden, accidental deaths. Throughout, the emphasis is on how notifiers may often be the de facto first responders in the struggle to help traumatically bereaved family members survive their ordeal and reclaim their lives.
Caregivers' Communication with Patients about Illness and Death: Initial Validation of a Scale
Authors: Bachner Yaacov G. , Gesis-Za  , Davidov Eldad , Carmel Sara
Published: September 2008

Caregivers of terminal cancer patients experience substantial communication difficulties with their loved ones about their illness. Existing communication scales focus on communication as perceived by the patient and do not include items that refer to his close death. The current study describes the development and initial validation of an instrument aimed at measuring caregivers' communication with patients about their illness and death. Two hundred thirty-six bereaved primary caregivers of cancer patients were recruited over a period of 18 months. The psychometric properties of the scale were explored by confirmatory factor analysis. Results provided support for a one factor solution. The discriminant and convergent validity of the responses to the scale were also supported. Future studies should further establish the validity of the scale with larger sample sizes and different populations of caregivers of patients with other terminal diseases.
Synthesis of functional magnetic porous SrFe12O19/P(St-DVB-MAA) microspheres by a novel suspension polymerization
Authors: Kong Sifang , Cheng Jiang , Liu Yangsheng , Wen Xiufang , Pi Pihui , Yang Zhuoru
Published: September 2008

In this study, a novel and effective suspension polymerization has been employed to prepare functional magnetic porous SrFe12O19/P(St-DVB-MAA) microspheres in the presence of bilayer surfactants (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and oleic acid (OA)) coated on micro-size magnetic SrFe12O19. This was achieved by pre-polymerizing the organic phase, which contained co-monomers, porogens and treated magnetic particles, at 65°C for 0.5 h under ultrasound conditions. Aqueous solutions containing a dispersion agent were then added to effect suspension polymerization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic property measurement system (MPMS) were used to characterize the functional magnetic porous microspheres. The results show that the microparticles are well shaped with a uniform size distribution of about 0.5 ∼ 0.7 mm and the surfaces of the microspheres have many micro-pores with an average diameter of 0.533 µm. There are carboxyl groups (−COOH) on the surface of the microspheres to the extent of 0.65 mmol g−1, as determined by conductometric titration. According to the XRD spectra, iron oxide consists mainly of SrFe12O19 which reveals hexahedral structure. The content of magnetic SrFe12O19 reaches 17.81% (by mass), and the microspheres have good heat resistance. The magnetic porous microspheres are ferromagnetic with high residual magnetization and coercivity, 21.59 emu g−1 and 4.13 kOe, respectively. The saturation magnetisation is around 42.85 emu g−1.
The effect of substituents of immobilized Rh complexes on the asymmetric hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives
Authors: Zsigmond Ágnes , Undrala Suhsen , Notheisz Ferenc , Szöllősy Áron , Bakos József
Published: September 2008

Using a modified Augustine’s method variously substituted Rh complexes were anchored on Al2O3 support. The prepared catalysts were characterized by spectroscopic methods and were applied in the hydrogenation of several acetophenone derivatives (p-CF3-acetophenone, acetophenone, p-NH2-acetophenone). Enantioselective C=O hydrogenations were observed with reasonable activity and selectivity on all heterogenized complexes, e.e. up to 80%. At the same time the immobilized samples showed the advantages of the heterogeneous systems: easy handling and recyclability.
Cobalt(II) ion-selective electrode with solid contact
Authors: Wardak Cecylia
Published: September 2008

A new all plastic sensor for Co2+ ions based on 2-amino-5 (hydroxynaphtyloazo-1′)-1,3,4 thiadiazole (ATIDAN) as ionophore was prepared. The electrode exhibits a low detection limit of 1.5 × 10−6 mol L−1 and almost theoretical Nernstian slope in the activity range 4.0 × 10−6–1 × 10−1 mol L−1 of cobalt ions. The response time of the sensor is less than 10 s and it can be used over a period of 6 months without any measurable divergence in potential. The proposed sensor shows a fairly good selectivity for Co(II) over other metal ions. The electrode was successfully applied for determination of Co2+ in real samples and as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of Co2+ ions with EDTA.