bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of the combination of fluconazole and secnidazole for the treatment of symptomatic vaginal discharge. Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Ángel-Müller Edith , Rubio-Romero Jorge Andrés , Rodríguez-Hernández Andrea , Ruiz-Parra Ariel 
Published: December 2015

<p><strong>Objetivos</strong>: describir la seguridad y la eficacia clínica y microbiológica del tratamiento combinado de secnidazol mas fluconazol oral, dosis única, para el manejo del flujo vaginal sintomático.</p><p><strong>Materiales y métodos</strong>: ensayo clínico sin grupo control, realizado en mujeres sintomáticas con flujo vaginal en un hospital de mediana complejidad localizado en la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Se incluyeron 118 mujeres por muestreo consecutivo por conveniencia quienes recibieron el tratamiento de acuerdo con el diagnóstico sindrómico. El diagnóstico microbiológico se estableció usando el puntaje de Nugent para vaginosis bacteriana (VB), el cultivo para cándida y el frotis directo en fresco para tricomonas. Se estimaron la prevalencia, la efectividad clínica y microbiológica, y la seguridad del tratamiento combinado de secnidazol con fluconazol en mono dosis, y se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad para la eficacia del tratamiento.</p><p><strong>Resultados</strong>: la prevalencia de VB fue del 57,1%, de candidiasis fue del 28,8% y de la infección mixta 10,8%. No se encontró infección por tricomonas. En 8,5% de las pacientes los resultados microbiológicos fueron negativos. La tasa de curación clínica con secnidazol más fluconazol fue de 90,4%, y la tasa de curación microbiológica fue de 94,1%. Doce pacientes (12,90%) presentaron eventos adversos no serios relacionados con el medicamento.</p><p><strong>Conclusión: </strong>la VB fue la infección más común en este estudio, seguida por la candidiasis y las infecciones mixtas.<strong> </strong>La combinación<strong> </strong>secnidazol más fluconazol es una intervención efectiva para alcanzar la cura clínica y microbiológica en las pacientes con síndrome de flujo vaginal, con una baja frecuencia de eventos adversos no serios.</p>
Niveles de leptina en la primera y segunda mitad del embarazo en gestantes de Armenia, Colombia, 2011. Estudio de cohorte
Authors: Ruiz-Hoyos Bayron Manuel , Giraldo-García Alejandra , Landázuri Patricia 
Published: December 2015

<p><strong>Introducción: </strong>la leptina ha sido relacionada con el embarazo y sus complicaciones, sus niveles aumentan durante la gestación y son más elevados en gestantes obesas y recién nacidos macrosómicos.</p><p><strong>Objetivo: </strong>describir los niveles de leptina en la primera y segunda mitad de la gestación en una cohorte de 70 gestantes de Armenia, Quindío.</p><p><strong>Materiales y métodos</strong>: estudio descriptivo en una cohorte de embarazadas consultantes al control prenatal antes de la semana 15 en un centro de atención de primer nivel de Armenia, Quindío, en el periodo abril de 2010 a marzo de 2011. Se excluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de diabetes previa al embarazo. Muestreo intencional que incluyó las que aceptaron participar durante el periodo de estudio, previo consentimiento informado. Se realizó medición de leptina al ingreso y nueva medición en las semanas 28-30, con monitoreo de historia clínica hasta el final del embarazo. Variables: niveles de leptina, IMC materno y peso del neonato. Para el análisis se utilizaron distribuciones de frecuencias, medidas de tendencia central, índice de Pearson y prueba t para muestras relacionadas.</p><p><strong>Resultados</strong>: se encontró un aumento significativo de leptina en el tercer trimestre respecto al ingreso (20,4 ng/ml frente a 39,3 ng/ml); tres gestantes eran obesas, hubo nueve partos por cesárea, dos recién nacidos macrosómicos y dos con bajo peso. Con el índice de Pearson no se encontró correlación entre la leptina y el peso del neonato o el IMC materno.</p><p><strong>Conclusiones</strong>: los niveles de leptina aumentaron significativamente en la segunda mitad de la gestación, no hubo correlación con otras variables.</p>
Mechanical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced concrete with different fiber content and fiber length
Authors: Lam Tian Fook , Yatim Jamaludin bin Mohamad 
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings of an experimental research conducted on the effects of fiber content and fiber length on the mechanical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced concrete (KFRC). The experimental results can be set as the foundation for the future research related to the development of KFRC as a sustainable and green construction material. In this study, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of KFRC are determined experimentally and the properties of plain concrete are used as a reference. The treated bast kenaf fibers with the alkaline solution of pH 13 is used as the reinforcement in concrete. The influence of five fiber contents (0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) by volume of concrete and two fiber lengths (25 mm and 50 mm) to the KFRC are investigated. Concrete of Grade 30 strength is used and designed by using DOE method. This research is conducted according to British Standard (BS) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The results indicate that the workability of KFRC is reduced compared to plain concrete. In terms of mechanical properties of KFRC, the results showed that the compressive strength decreased with increase in fiber content. However, the study also found that, by adding appropriate fiber content and fiber length in concrete, the flexural strength and indirect tensile strength of concrete can increase and, at the same time, the KFRC can have similar compressive strength to the plain concrete. Further, KFRC generally exhibits more resistance to cracking and toughness than the plain concrete.
Strength and ductility of external steel collared concrete columns under compressive loading
Authors: Tavio  , Pudjisuryadi P , Suprobo P 
Published: December 2015

Many studies have revealed that one way to improve the performance of concrete columns is by providing confinement. Recently, external confining methods have drawn interest of researchers due to its main advantage for retrofitting purpose of existing members. Steel jacketing methods have long been proposed by several studies for externally retrofitting circular concrete columns. On the other hand, the lack of research has been found in addressing its impacts on the rectangular and square concrete sections. This paper discusses the experimental results and behavior of concrete columns under concentric static axial loading. Nine column specimens were cast and tested to observe their behaviors. A control specimen (CS01) was cast without confinement, while another one (CS03a) was provided with internal stirrups to conform the seismic requirements of building code. The other seven specimens were retrofitted with a set of L-shaped steel collars. Specimens S04a and S04b have both traditional internal stirrups and external L-shaped steel collars. These spesimens were intended to simulate the retrofitting work of existing RC columns. The other specimens (S04, S04c, S04d, S04e, and S04f) used various collar configurations to examine the impact of this new retrofitting method. The results have shown significant improvement in both strength and ductility of square concrete column confined externally by L-shaped steel collars.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Cuernavaca (Solanum wrigthii Benth.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo 
Published: December 2015

<p>Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol cuernavaca Solanum wrigthii Benth., sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.</p>
Biased Evidence Processing by Multidisciplinary Greenhouse Gas Assurance Teams
Authors: Kim Sarah , Green Wendy J. , Johnstone Karla M. 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARY
We investigate how auditors respond to the discipline-specific expertise of team members in undertaking greenhouse gas (GHG) assurance. Assurors conduct these engagements using multidisciplinary teams containing varying technical expertise, with some possessing financial audit-related expertise (“traditional auditors”) and others possessing science- or combined science/financial-related expertise. In an experiment in which traditional auditor participants respond to a simulated multidisciplinary team, we find that participants inappropriately rely on an explanation for an unexpected analytical procedures fluctuation from a senior-level assuror with GHG science-related expertise, irrespective of whether the situation requires that expertise. We also examine whether the review process might provide a solution to this inappropriate reliance, and report nuanced results. That is, we find that while inappropriate reliance on the senior-level assuror with science-related expertise is reduced by having a manager-level reviewer with financial audit-related expertise, inappropriate reliance is even greater when the manager-level reviewer possesses GHG science-related or combined science/financial expertise.
Tire ABS-Braking Prediction with Lab Tests and Friction Simulations
Authors: Ignatyev Pavel A. , Ripka Stefan , Mueller Norbert , Torbruegge Stefan , Wies Burkhard 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT
The invention and application of antilock braking systems (ABS) has resulted in a significant improvement of traffic safety and a reduction of stopping distance, especially on wet roads [1]. The reason for this success is rather clear: ABS is designed to steer the braking process in the most efficient way by keeping an optimal level of tire slip. At the same time, it must be clear that ABS uses braking forces generated in the tire footprint, and really good braking is possible only with high-performance tires. The best way to probe tire performance is to build tires and test them. This is, however, a long and an expensive procedure, so prediction of ABS performance based on results of some simple experiments is a very attractive supplement to the development process. Tire-braking performance is related to the friction of rubber on a surface. Relevant friction mechanisms can include adhesion, rubber hysteresis, and various kinds of viscous friction. All of these phenomena depend on the local sliding velocity, load, and temperature of tread rubber. Tire blocks pass the footprint area of a braking tire very rapidly, but their dynamics are indeed influenced by ABS. All of these aspects make the problem of ABS-braking prediction very intricate. In this publication, we present an approach for prediction of the ABS-braking performance. The approach links friction measurements conducted in laboratory to tire tests results. The friction of six specially designed compounds was measured on dry and wet surfaces using a high-speed linear friction test rig. Obtained experimental results are analyzed with the aid of rubber friction theory [2,3] involving both surface and rubber as input parameters. It is demonstrated that lab friction test procedures can be used for prediction of ABS wet braking performance.
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Caused by Lymphoproliferative Infiltration in the Course of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Litschel Ralph , Siano Marco , Tasman Abel-Jan , Cogliatti Sergio 
Published: December 2015

Background Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the standard treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Only in rare cases, blockage may be caused by malignant tumors and even more exceptionally by lymphatic neoplasms so that biopsies are not routinely taken for diagnostic purposes. Methods A computerized retrieval system was used for this retrospective study to identify all patients with histologically documented lymphoproliferative infiltration in the lacrimal drainage system from 2001 to 2009. Results In four of 191 patients (2.1%), infiltration of the nasolacrimal sac mucosa with a small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)/chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) was found. Patients who develop symptoms like epiphora within the course of known CLL are highly suspicious for lymphoproliferative infiltration of the lacrimal drainage associated lymphoid tissue. Conclusion A proactive approach with ophthalmologic consultation and DCR should be followed in these patients to avoid dacryocystitis.
Association between Chronic Acetaminophen Exposure and Allergic Rhinitis in a Rat Model
Authors: Caballero Nadieska , Welch Kevin C. , Carpenter Patrick S. , Mehrotra Swati , O'Connell Tom F. , Foecking Eileen M. 
Published: December 2015

Background Several population studies demonstrated an increased risk of allergic rhinitis in patients exposed to acetaminophen. However, no histologic studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between acetaminophen exposure and allergic rhinitis. Objective In this study, we investigated the association between chronic acetaminophen exposure and the development of allergic rhinitis in a rat model. Methods Ten female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 5) or an acetaminophen group (n = 5). The acetaminophen group received 200 mg/kg/day of acetaminophen suspended in yogurt via oral gavage for 120 days. The control group received only the yogurt vehicle. Allergic behavioral responses, including nose rub, eye rub, ear scratching, and neck and/or face scratching, were quantified. The rats were killed, and the noses were harvested. The portion of the nose, including the nasal septum and the inferior turbinates, was embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to quantify the inflammatory infiltrate. Results The average number of allergic responses per animal was 13.2 in the acetaminophen group versus 6.2 in the control group (p = 0.032). All the rats in the acetaminophen group (100%) had mast cells infiltrating the lamina propria of the inferior turbinate, whereas mast cells were detected in only 40% of the animals in the control group. The average number of mast cells per animal in the acetaminophen group was 134 versus 21 in the control group (p = 0.048). Conclusions Our study was the first to demonstrate a histologic association between chronic exposure to acetaminophen and rhinitis. Further research to elucidate the mechanism that underlies these findings is necessary.
Ovomucoid Specific Immunoglobulin E as a Predictor of Tolerance to Cooked Egg
Authors: Bartnikas Lisa M. , Sheehan William J. , Tuttle Katherine L. , Petty Carter R. , Schneider Lynda C. , Phipatanakul Wanda 
Published: December 2015

Background Ovomucoid is the dominant allergen in hen's egg. Although several studies evaluated the utility of ovomucoid specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels in predicting baked (e.g., muffin or cupcake) or raw egg food challenge outcomes, studies that evaluated ovomucoid sIgE as a predictor of cooked egg (e.g., scrambled or hard boiled) challenge outcomes are limited. Objective To determine the relation of ovomucoid sIgE levels with cooked egg food challenge outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of 44 children who underwent cooked egg food challenge and who had the ovomucoid sIgE level measured. Results Thirty-six of 44 children (81.8%) passed cooked egg challenge. The ovomucoid sIgE level predicted cooked egg challenge outcome (passed median, <0.35 kU/L [range, <0.35–0.64 kU/L]; failed median, 0.40 kU/L [range, <0.35–3.13 kU/L]; p = 0.004). Ovomucoid sIgE levels correlated with egg white (EW) sIgE levels (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.588; p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of ovomucoid and EW sIgE demonstrated areas under the curve of 0.711 and 0.766, respectively. No significant difference was observed among those immunologic parameters in their abilities to predict cooked egg challenge outcome (p = 0.559). Conclusion The ovomucoid sIgE level may be helpful in predicting cooked egg challenge outcomes. However, our study did not support a role for ovomucoid sIgE replacing EW sIgE testing in evaluating egg allergy.
Association of Interleukin 7 Receptor (rs1494555 and rs6897932) Gene Polymorphisms with Asthma in a North Indian Population
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Singh Jagtar , Kumar Jindal Surinder 
Published: December 2015

Background Interleukin 7R (IL-7R), a cytokine receptor gene, plays an important role in the development of innate and adaptive inflammatory response in asthma etiology. Objective IL-7R is a heterodimeric protein composed of α chain and γ chain. The α chain of IL-7R has a range of single nucleotide polymorphisms, which give rise to nonsynonymous amino-acid substitutions that might result in an increased production of inflammatory cytokines and cause asthma. Methods A case-control study was conducted with a total of 964 subjects, including 483 healthy controls and 481 patients with asthma. DNA samples were extracted from blood, and genotyping was done by using sequence-specific-primer–polymerase chain reaction. Results Statistical analysis revealed that IL-7R + 1237A/G (rs1494555) gene polymorphism shows a highly protective association toward asthma (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, p < 0.001) in AG genotype as well as in mutant GG genotype (OR 0.64, p = 0.029). However, IL-7R + 2087T/C (rs6897932) polymorphism showed an increased risk toward asthma in TC genotype (OR 1.70, p = 0.002) as well as in the CC genotype (OR 1.68, p = 0.002). Furthermore, the GT and AC haplotypes in the IL-7R polymorphisms were also found to be significantly associated with asthma (p = 0.001 and p = 0.037, respectively). Conclusions The study conducted in a north Indian population indicated that the protective association was observed for the + 1237A/G position, and a significant risk was observed for the + 2087T/C position in asthma.
Surgical Relationship of the Nasolacrimal System to the Maxillary Line: Performing Safe Mega Antrostomy
Authors: Sarber Kathleen M. , O'Connor Peter D. , Doellman Mary S. , Dagucon Micaela J. , Chen Philip G. , McMains Kevin C. , Weitzel Erik K. 
Published: December 2015

Background Endoscopic extended maxillary mega-antrostomy (EMMA) is a mucosal sparing technique that allows maxillary drainage by gravity, with a reported symptomatic nasolacrimal duct injury incidence of 0–4%, based on history alone. Injury to the nasolacrimal duct is known to cause epiphora, a complication that is rare but more often seen in this revision surgery. Objective The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of nasolacrimal system penetration during EMMA. We, in addition, sought to determine the minimal safe distance from the midpoint of the maxillary line (the “M” point) to the nasolacrimal system to avoid this injury. Methods Six cadaveric heads underwent bilateral Jones II test followed by EMMA. Measurements from the M point to the antrostomy were recorded. The Jones II test was then repeated to assess for penetration and/or injury of the nasolacrimal system. If no penetration occurred at the surgical limit of EMMA, then dissection was continued incrementally until penetration occurred. This measurement was recorded. Results Lacrimal duct violation was identified in 5 of 12 procedures (42%). Lacrimal duct penetration occurred at an average of 3.7 mm (range, 2–7 mm) posterior to the M point. Conclusion Subclinical lacrimal system injury is likely to occur during EMMA. These findings would indicate that maintaining a distance of >7 mm from the maxillary line could avoid this injury.
Fungal Septal Abscess Complicating Maxillary Sinus Fungus Balls in an Immunocompetent Host
Authors: Patel Rusha , Orlandi Richard R. 
Published: December 2015

Background Fungal infections of the nasal cavity can be destructive entities that are typically seen in immunocompromised hosts. We present a case of a localized fungal abscess of the nasal septum in an immunocompetent host after endoscopic treatment of maxillary sinus fungus balls. Method A 51-year-old woman with a history of asthma and recent treatment with oral steroids presented with bilateral maxillary sinus mycetomas. She underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. The postoperative course was complicated by an asthma flare, which required oral steroids. The patient returned with nasal obstruction, and results of a physical examination were consistent with a nasal septal abscess. Drainage was attempted, and cultures showed fungal elements. The abscess reaccumulated, and the patient was referred to our institution. Operative drainage was performed with placement of a catheter in the septal abscess cavity. Forty-eight hours of amphotericin irrigations were performed through this site. The patient was started on oral antifungal therapy. Results of an immune workup, including testing for human immunodeficiency virus and assessing immunoglobulin levels, were negative. Final fungal cultures grew Scedosporium apiospermum sensitive to voriconazole. The patient completed therapy without further recurrence. Follow-up at 6 months demonstrated no further recurrence of her fungal septal infection. Conclusion Sinonasal fungal infections rarely occur in immunocompetent hosts. The septum may have been seeded during the endoscopic sinus surgery. The use of oral steroids may have been a risk factor for the development of an aggressive nasal septal fungal abscess in this patient. This is the first reported case of a nasal septal abscess in an otherwise immunocompetent host with S. apiospermum.
Ragweed Allergy: Pollen Count and Sensitization and Allergy Prevalence in Two Italian Allergy Centers
Authors: Ariano Renato , Berra Daniele , Chiodini Elena , Ortolani Valeria , Cremonte Luigi Giovanni , Mazzarello Maria Gabriella , Galdi Eugenia , Calosso Chiara , Ciprandi Giorgio 
Published: December 2015

Background Ragweed allergy represents a challenge for allergists due to its increase in some geographic areas, mainly northern Italy. Objectives To compare two allergy centers in northern Italy by analyzing both the pollen count and the patient characteristics (sensitization and allergy prevalence) over a 10-year period. Methods Pollen counts for 10 years (2004 –2013) were evaluated and compared in the two centers. Characteristics of patients who were sensitized and allergic to ragweed were analyzed. Results There was a significantly higher pollen count in Busto Arsizio than in Novi Ligure (p < 0.001). The patients who were seen in the Busto Arsizio center showed more frequent sensitization (p < 0.01) and allergy (p < 0.05) to ragweed than patients who were seen in the Novi Ligure center. The pollen count was significantly (p < 0.01) associated with sensitization and allergy difference. Allergic asthma was more frequent (p < 0.05) in Busto Arsizio. Conclusions The pattern of sensitization and allergy prevalence seemed to be associated with ragweed pollen pressure, such as quantity. The knowledge of the pollen count is relevant in clinical practice, mainly for the management of patients with allergy.