Extraction of soil solution by drainage centrifugation-effects of centrifugal force and time of centrifugation on soil moisture recovery and solute concentration in soil moisture of loess subsoils.

The solute concentration in the subsoil beneath the root zone is an important parameter for leaching assessment. Drainage centrifugation is considered a simple and straightforward method of determining soil solution chemistry. Although several studies have been carried out to determine whether this method is robust, hardly any results are available for loess subsoils.

Novel concepts for preparation of reference materials as whole water samples for priority substances at nanogram-per-liter level using model suspended particulate matter and humic acids.

One of the unresolved issues of the European Water Framework Directive is the unavailability of realistic water reference materials for the organic priority pollutants at low nanogram-per-liter concentrations. In the present study, three different types of ready-to-use water test materials were developed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tributyltin (TBT) at nanogram-per-liter levels. The first type simulated the dissolved phase in the water and comprised of a solution of humic acids (HA) at 5 mg L(-1) dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and a spike of the target compounds.

Early intervention with inhaled corticosteroids in subjects with rapid decline in lung function and signs of bronchial hyperresponsiveness: results from the DIMCA programme.

Background: Asthma is generally accepted as an inflammatory disease that needs steroid treatment. However, when to start with inhaled steroids remains unclear. A study was undertaken to determine when inhaled corticosteroids should be introduced as the first treatment step.

Quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is low compared to others with chronic diseases.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal dysmotility disorder. This study aimed to estimate the burden of illness of a Dutch population of community dwelling patients suffering from IBS.

Methods: Patients identified at community pharmacies, using mebeverine as a proxy for IBS, were administered a questionnaire regarding (1) the Rome II criteria for IBS, (2) predominant type of stool during complaints, (3) severity of symptoms (abdominal pain and discomfort), (4) generic and disease-specific quality of life, (5) current health status (utilities), and (6) loss of productivity.