A simple device for sampling of volumetric forest soil cores

Summary

Variation in soil organic carbon and thickness of soil horizons within a boreal forest stand - effect of trees and implications for sampling

Summary

Report on the Iowa Judicial Branch for the year ended June 30, 2010

Report on the Iowa Judicial Branch for the year ended June 30, 2010

Report on the Iowa Judicial Branch – County Clerks of District Courts, a part of the State of Iowa, for the year ended June 30, 2010

Report on the Iowa Judicial Branch – County Clerks of District Courts, a part of the State of Iowa, for the year ended June 30, 2010

PRECISION V: Randomisierte Phase II-Studie mit Drug Eluting Beads (DEB) zur Behandlung des hepatozelluläre Karzinoms (HCC) mittels transarterieller Chemoemblisation [PRECISION V: Randomized Phase II-Study with Drug Eluting Beads (DEB) for the Treatment of Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) using transarterial Chemoemblisation.]

Zielsetzung: Vergleich von Drug Eluting Bead (DEB)-TACE mit konventioneller TACE bei der Behandlung von ,,intermediate stage-HCC bei Patienten mit Zirrhose. Material und Methodik: 212 Patienten (185 ♂, 27 ♀; mittleres Alter, 67 Jahre) mit Child-Pugh A oder B Leberzirrhose und großem und/oder multinodulärem, irresektablen HCC wurden randomisiert, um das Therapieansprechen nach der Behandlung mit DEB (DC Bead; Biocompatibles, UK) beladen mit Doxorubicin oder konventioneller TACE mit Doxorubicin zu vergleichen. Die Randomisierung wurde nach Child-Pugh Status (A oder B), Performance Status (ECOG 0 oder 1), bilobärer Erkrankung (ja/nein) und frühere kurative Behandlung (ja/nein) stratifiziert. Der primäre Studienendpunkt war das 6-Monats-Tumoransprechen. Eine unabhängige verblindete MRT-Studie wurde durchgeführt, um das Tumoransprechen nach den RECIST Kriterien zu beurteilen. Ergebnisse: DEB-TACE mit Doxorubicin zeigte eine höhere Rate an komplettem Tumoransprechen, objektivem Ansprechen und Tumorkontrolle im Vergleich zur konventionellen TACE (27% vs 22%; 52% vs 44%; and 63% vs 52%; P>0.05). Patienten mit Child-Pugh B Zirrhose, ECOG 1 Performance Status, bilobärer Erkrankung und Rezidiven nach kurativer Behandlung zeigte einen signifikanten Anstieg des objektiven Ansprechens (p = 0.038) im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe. Bei Patienten, die mit DEB-TACE behandelt wurden, konnte eine deutliche Reduktion der gravierenden Lebertoxizität erreicht werden. Die Doxorubicin-Nebenwirkungsrate war in der DEB-TACE Gruppe deutlich geringer (p = 0.0001) als in der konventionellen TACEGruppe. Schlussfolgerung: DEB-TACE mit Doxorubicin ist sicher und effektiv in der Behandlung von ,,intermediate-stage HCC und bietet einen signifikanten Vorteil bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittener Erkrankung.

Enzymatic activity measured by microcalorimetry in soil amended with organic residues

Enzymatic activity is an important property for soil quality evaluation. Two sequences of experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the enzymatic activity in a soil (Rhodic Eutrudox) amended with cattle manure, earthworm casts, or sewage sludges from the municipalities of Barueri and Franca. The activity of commercial enzymes was measured by microcalorimetry in the same soil samples after sterilization. In the first experiment, the enzyme activities of cellulase, protease, and urease were determined in the soil samples during a three month period. In the second sequence of experiments, the thermal effect of the commercial enzymes cellulase, protease, and urease on sterilized soil samples under the same tretaments was monitored for a period of 46 days. The experimental design was randomized and arranged as factorial scheme in five treatments x seven samplings with five replications. The treatment effects were statistically evaluated by one-way analysis of variance. Tukey´s test was used to compare means at p < 0.05. The presence of different sources of organic residues increased the enzymatic activity in the sampling period. Cattle manure induced the highest enzymatic activity, followed by municipal sewage sludge, whereas earthworm casts induced the lowest activity, but differed from control treatment. The thermal effect on the enzyme activity of commercial cellulase, protease, and urease showed a variety of time peaks. These values probably oscillated due to soil physical-chemical factors affecting the enzyme activity on the residues.

Audit report on the City of West Branch, Iowa for the year ended June 30, 2011

Audit report on the City of West Branch, Iowa for the year ended June 30, 2011

Nitrogen dynamics in soil management systems. I - flux of inorganic nitrogen (NH4+ and NO3-)

In agricultural systems the N-NH4+ and N-NO3- contents is significantly affected by soil management. This study investigated the dynamics of inorganic nitrogen (N; NH4+ and NO3-) in an experimental evaluation of soil management systems (SMSs) adopted in 1988 at the experimental station of the ABC Foundation in Ponta Grossa, in the Central South region of the State of Paraná. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in N-NH4+ and N-NO3- flux in the surface layer of a Red Latosol arising from SMSs over a 12-month period. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design in split plots, in three replications. The plots consisted of the following SMSs: 1) conventional tillage (CT); 2) minimum tillage (MT); 3) no-tillage with chisel plow every three years (NT CH); and 4) continuous no-tillage (CNT). To evaluate the dynamics of inorganic N, the subplots represented samplings (11 sampling times, T1 - T11). The ammonium N (N-NH4+) and nitric N (N-NO3-) contents were higher in systems with reduced tillage (MT and NT CH) and without tillage (CNT) than in the CT system. In the period from October 2003 to February 2004, the N-NH4+ was higher than the N-NO3- soil content. Conversely, in the period from May 2004 to July 2004, the N-NO3- was higher than the N-NH4+ content. The greatest fluctuation in the N-NH4+ and N-NO3- contents occurred in the 0-2.5 cm layer, and the highest peak in the N-NH4+ and N-NO3- concentrations occurred after the surface application of N. Both N-NH4+ and N-NO3- were strongly correlated with the soil organic C content, which indicated that these properties vary together in the system.

Nitrogen dynamics in soil management systems: II - mineralization and nitrification rates

Nitrogen is the main limiting factor in crop productivity and thereby soil management systems may change the mineralization and nitrification rates. In an experiment on soil management systems implemented in 1988 at the experimental station Fundação ABC, Ponta Grossa, in the central South region of the State of Paraná, inorganic N dynamics were examined to find a soil management strategy with a view to a sustainable environment. The objective of this study was to calculate the net mineralization and nitrification rates of soil N and the correlation with soil pH under management systems. Randomized complete block design was used, in split plots, in three replications. The following soil management systems (SMSs) were adopted in the plots: 1) conventional tillage (CT); 2) minimum tillage (MT); 3) no-tillage with chisel plow every three years (NT CH); and 4) continuous no-tillage (CNT). To evaluate the dynamics of inorganic N, samples were collected from sub-plots at different times (11 sampling times - T1 to T11). In the CNT and NT CH, the net mineralization rates were higher in the MT and CT systems in the 0-2.5 cm soil layer, while the nitrification rate was higher in the 2.5-5 cm layer. Soon after implementing the white oat management, the mineralization and nitrification rates in all soil layers were higher in the MT and CT systems. In the period of soybean development, in the 0-2.5 and 2.5-5 cm soil layers, the mineralization and nitrification rates were higher in the CNT and NT CH than in the MT and CT systems.

A randomized trial of spiritual assessment of outpatients with schizophrenia: Patients' and clinicians' experience

Objective: Recovery-oriented care for patients with schizophrenia involves consideration of cultural issues, such as religion and spirituality. However, there is evidence that psychiatrists rarely address such topics. This study examined acceptance of a spiritual assessment by patients and clinicians, suggestions for treatment that arose from the assessment, and patient outcomes-in terms of treatment compliance and satisfaction with care (as measured by treatment alliance). Methods: Outpatients with psychosis were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group that received traditional treatment and a religious and spiritual assessment (N=40) and a control group that received only traditional treatment (N=38). Eight psychiatrists were trained to administer the assessment to their established and stable patients. After each administration, the psychiatrist attended a supervision session with a psychiatrist and a psychologist of religion. Baseline and three-month data were collected. Results: The spiritual assessment was well accepted by patients. During supervision, psychiatrists reported potential clinical uses for the assessment information for 67% of patients. No between-group differences in medication adherence and satisfaction with care were found at three months, although patients in the in- tervention group had significantly better appointment attendance dur- ing the follow-up period. Their interest in discussing religion and spirituality with their psychiatrists remained high. The process was not as well accepted by psychiatrists. Conclusions: Spiritual assessment can raise important clinical issues in the treatment of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Cultural factors, such as religion and spirituality, should be considered early in clinical training, because many clinicians are not at ease addressing such topics with patients.

Concurrent or Sequential Adjuvant Hormonoradiotherapy after Conservative Surgery for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Clinical Results of the CO-HO-RT Phase II Randomized Trial.

Purpose: Letrozole (LET) has recently been shown to be superior to tamoxifen for postmenopausal patients (pts). In addition, LET radiosensitizes breast cancer cells in vitro. We conducted a phase II randomized study to evaluate concurrent and sequential radiotherapy (RT)-LET in the adjuvant setting. We present here clinical results with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients and Methods: Postmenopausal pts with early-stage breast cancer were randomized after conservative surgery to either: A) concurrent RT-LET (LET started 3 weeks before the first day of RT) or B) sequential RT-LET (LET started 3 weeks after the end of RT). Whole breast RT was delivered to a total dose of 50 Gy. A 10-16 Gy boost was allowed according to age and pathological prognostic factors. Pts were stratified by center, adjuvant chemotherapy, boost, and radiation-induced CD8 apoptosis (RILA). RILA was performed before RT as previously published (Ozsahin et al. Clin Cancer Res, 2005). An independent monitoring committee reviewed individual safety data. Skin toxicities were evaluated by two different clinicians at each medical visit (CTCAE v3.0). Lung CT-scan and functional pulmonary tests were performed regularly. DNA samples were screened for SNPs in candidate genes as recently published (Azria et al., Clin Cancer Res, 2008). Results: A total of 150 pts were randomized between 01/05 and 02/07. Median follow-up is 26 months (range, 3-40 months). No statistical differences were identified between the two arms in terms of mean age; initial TNM; median surgical bed volume; post surgical breast volume. Chemotherapy and RT boost were delivered in 19% and 38% of pts, respectively. Nodes received 50 Gy in 23% of patients without differences between both arms. During RT and within the first 6 weeks after RT, 10 patients (6.7%) presented grade 3 acute skin dermatitis during RT but no differences were observed between both arms (4 and 6 patients in arm A and B, respectively). At 26 month of follow-up, grade 2 and more radiation-induced subcutaneous fibrosis (RISCF) was present in 4 patients (3%) without any difference between arm A (n = 2) and B (n = 2), p=0.93. In both arms, all patients that presented a RICSF had a RILA lower than 16%. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 39%, respectively.No acute lung toxicities were observed and quality of life was good to excellent for all patients.SNPs analyses are still on-going (Pr Rosenstein, NY). Conclusion: Acute and early late grade 2 dermatitis were similar in both arms. The only factor that influenced RISCF was a low radiation-induced lymphocyte apoptosis yield. We confirmed prospectively the capacity of RILA for identifying hypersensitive patients to radiation. Indeed, patients with RILA superior to 16% did not present late effects to radiation and confirmed the first prospective trial we published in 2005 (Ozsahin et al., Clin Cancer Res).

A quasi-randomized group trial of a brief alcohol intervention on risky single occasion drinking among secondary school students.

OBJECTIVES: To show the effectiveness of a brief group alcohol intervention. Aims of the intervention were to reduce the frequency of heavy drinking occasions, maximum number of drinks on an occasion and overall weekly consumption. METHODS: A cluster quasi-randomized control trial (intervention n = 338; control n = 330) among 16- to 18-year-old secondary school students in the Swiss Canton of Zürich. Groups homogeneous for heavy drinking occasions (5+/4+ drinks for men/women) consisted of those having medium risk (3-4) or high risk (5+) occasions in the past 30 days. Groups of 8-10 individuals received two 45-min sessions based on motivational interviewing techniques. RESULTS: Borderline significant beneficial effects (p < 0.10) on heavy drinking occasions and alcohol volume were found 6 months later for the medium-risk group only, but not for the high-risk group. None of the effects remained significant after Bonferroni corrections. CONCLUSIONS: Group intervention was ineffective for all at-risk users. The heaviest drinkers may need more intensive treatment. Alternative explanations were iatrogenic effects among the heaviest drinkers, assessment reactivity, or reduction of social desirability bias at follow-up through peer feedback.

Insuffisance rénate chronique: attitudes et pratiques de dépistages en l'absence d'etudes randomisées. [Chronic kidney disease: screening attitude and practice in the absence of randomized controlled trials].

Au vu de l'augmentation de la prévalence de l'insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC), une détection précoce a été proposée. Certaines organisations de santé proposent des mesures de détection précoce (par exemple : taux de filtration glomérulaire). L'efficacité du dépistage de l'IRC n'est cependant pas connue puisqu'aucune étude randomisée contrôlée n'a été conduite. Si le test de dépistage de l'IRC est simple et peu onéreux, un dépistage n'est justifié que s'il améliore le pronostic par rapport à l'absence de dépistage avec un rapport risques-bénéfices favorable et un rapport coût-efficacité acceptable. Sur la base d'études observationnelles et de modèles de rapport coût-efficacité, le dépistage de l'IRC doit être proposé chez les patients hypertendus et/ou diabétiques mais pas dans la population générale. [Abstract] Given the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), early detection has been proposed. Some organizations recommend CKD screening. Yet, the efficacy of CKD screening is unknown given the absence of randomized controlled trial conducted so far. While CKD screening tests (e.g., glomerular filtration rate) are simple and inexpensive, CKD screening can only be justified if it reduces CKD-related mortality and/or CKD-related morbidity compared to no screening. In addition, CKD screening must provide more benefits than risks to the participants and must be cost-effective. Based on observational studies and cost-effectiveness models, CKD screening has to be proposed to high risk population (patients with hypertension and/or diabetes) but not to the general population.