Validation of Novel Ultrasonic Phased Array Borehole Probe by Using Simulation and Measurement.

Low-frequency ultrasonic testing is a well-established non-destructive testing (NDT) method in civil engineering for material characterization and the localization of cracks, reinforcing bars and delamination. A novel ultrasonic borehole probe is developed for in situ quality assurance of sealing structures in radioactive waste repositories using existing research boreholes. The aim is to examine the sealing structures made of salt concrete for any possible cracks and delamination and to localize built-in components.

Comparison of cyclosporine absorption profiles over a 12-month period in stable pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Evidence suggests that the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of microemulsion- cyclosporine A (m-CsA) during the 4-hour absorption phase represents an accurate tool to estimate drug exposure. In addition, several reports suggest a close correlation between selected single CsA concentrations at 1, 2, or 3 hours post-dose (C(1), C(2), and C(3)) and the abbreviated area under the curve (AUC)(0-4) among pediatric renal transplant patients. However, it is still unclear whether these PK correlations remain stable and reliable over 12 months posttransplant.

Atypical pharmacokinetics and metabolism of mycophenolic acid in a young kidney transplant recipient with impaired renal function.

A juvenile, female renal transplant recipient suffered two acute rejection episodes: the first on posttransplant day 31 while taking cyclosporine, prednisone, and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF); and the second on posttransplant day 67, when she was taking tacrolimus, prednisone, and MMF. Dosage of MMF was initially started at 2 g/d (corresponding to 600 mg MMF/m(2) twice daily.), but was reduced to 250 mg/d to 500 mg/d after severe diarrhea and a paralytic ileus on posttransplant day 16.

Course of glomerular filtration rate after renal transplantation and the influence of hypertension.

Introduction: A gradual decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a general problem in patients after renal transplantation that may be due to several factors.

Methods: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the corrected Schwartz formula in 16 pediatric renal transplant recipients over a period of 5 years post-transplant. Several potential risk factors for graft outcome were analyzed.