bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of emergency oral contraceptive use on condom utilization and sexual risk taking behaviours among university students, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wasie Belaynew , Belyhun Yeshambel , Moges Beyene , Amare Bemnet 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years are both the most at risk of HIV and the greatest hope for turning the tide against HIV/AIDS. Although various surveys have been done on sexual behaviour of youth in Ethiopia, studies assessing the effect of emergency oral contraceptives on condom utilization of university students are lacking.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two major universities of Ethiopia from January to May 2011 using structured self administered questionnaire with the aim to assess the effect of introducing oral emergency contraceptive pills on condom utilization and sexual risk taking behaviours among female university students. Study participants were selected by simple random sampling using the list from the associate registrars of each University. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with condom utilization.

Results
a total of 623 students out of 660 were included giving response rate of 94.4%. A total of 103(16.5%) had history of sexual intercourse and nearly half (45.6%) of them had sex before the age of 20 years. Forty (6.4%) students had history of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Sixty seven percent of students had heard about emergency oral contraceptives. One hundred and ninety one (45.7%) of students believe that EOC is effective in preventing pregnancy. Believing that EOC is effective in preventing pregnancy (adjusted Odds ratio, AOR = 0.22 95% CI 0.06, 0.87), condom prevents STI (AOR = 10.37, 95% CI 1.73, 62.24) and younger age below 20 years (AOR = 11.68 95% CI 1.25, 109.19) were statistically significantly associated with condom use.

Conclusion
a significant number of students had history of sexual intercourse and used emergency contraception. The belief in the effectiveness of EOC negatively affects condom use. The preference for the pill may make teenagers less prepared to practice STI protective behaviours in specific situations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate young people in universities about reproductive health and family planning and skills on how to prevent HIV/STIs including unwanted pregnancy.
Comparison of visibility for four self-expanding nitinol bare stents in vitro
Authors: Wiesinger Benjamin , Stütz Alexander , Schmehl Jörg , Groezinger Gerd , Claussen Claus Detlef , Wiskirchen Jakub 
Published: September 2012

Background Sufficient radiopacity of stents is a prerequisite for safe interventions and minimization of the radiation dose for the patient and the interventionist. Modern nitinol stents are considered less radiopaque compared to formerly used stents. Purpose To evaluate the objective detection rate (ODR) and the subjective radiopacity score (SRS) of four self-expanding nitinol stents with their markers on a phantom human pelvis. Material and Methods We evaluated the ODR (as a percentage of correctly identified stents) and the SRS (on a scale from 0 = not visible to 4 = excellent visibility) for four self-expanding nitinol stents (SinusSuperflex, SMART, Luminexx, Zilver) with 8 mm diameter and 40 mm length. Stents were placed on a phantom human pelvis and images of the stents were taken in four different positions (right and left lumbosacral joint and near the right and left limbus acetabuli) using the following modes: spotfilm, pulsed fluoroscopy (4, 7.5, 15, and 30 pulses/min) and at three different digital magnification modes. Dose area products (DAPs) were assessed. Results ODR and SRS, respectively, were significantly increased for the SMART stent compared to all other tested stents ( P < 0.05): SMART 93.53% and 2.43, SinusSuperflex 90.81% and 2.21, Luminexx 90.39% and 2.20, and Zilver 89.28% and 2.21. ODR was significantly reduced in position 3 where the bone overlap was more pronounced for all stents (detection rates 77.14-79.56%). An increase in magnification significantly improved the ODR and SRS for all stents (70.33-99.25% and 1.07-3.28, respectively, P < 0.05). Increased pulsing frequency did not improve the ODR of the various stents but did increase the DAP. Conclusion The SMART stent had the best overall performance. In the presence of bone overlap, all self-expanding nitinol stents had poor results. Increased pulsing frequency did not improve ODR or SRS but did increase the DAP. Use of digital magnification modes had no effect on DAP increasing ODR and SRS.
Summary of the Evidence of Breast Cancer Service Screening Outcomes in Europe and First Estimate of the Benefit and Harm Balance Sheet
Authors: Paci Eugenio 
Published: September 2012

Objectives To construct a European ‘balance sheet’ of key outcomes of population-based mammographic breast cancer screening, to inform policy-makers, stakeholders and invited women. Methods From the studies reviewed, the primary benefit of screening, breast cancer mortality reduction, was compared with the main harms, over-diagnosis and false-positive screening results (FPRs). Results Pooled estimates of breast cancer mortality reduction among invited women were 25% in incidence-based mortality studies and 31% in case-control studies (38% and 48% among women actually screened). Estimates of over-diagnosis ranged from 1% to 10% of the expected incidence in the absence of screening. The combined estimate of over-diagnosis for screened women, from European studies correctly adjusted for lead time and underlying trend, was 6.5%. For women undergoing 10 biennial screening tests, the estimated cumulative risk of a FPR followed by non-invasive assessment was 17%, and 3% having an invasive assessment. For every 1000 women screened biennially from age 50–51 until age 68–69 and followed up to age 79, an estimated seven to nine lives are saved, four cases are over-diagnosed, 170 women have at least one recall followed by non-invasive assessment with a negative result and 30 women have at least one recall followed by invasive procedures yielding a negative result. Conclusions The chance of saving a woman's life by population-based mammographic screening of appropriate quality is greater than that of over-diagnosis. Service screening in Europe achieves a mortality benefit at least as great as the randomized controlled trials. These outcomes should be communicated to women offered service screening in Europe.
Breast Cancer Mortality in Mammographic Screening in Europe: A Review of Incidence-Based Mortality Studies
Authors: Njor Sisse , Nyström Lennarth , Moss Sue , Paci Eugenio , Broeders Mireille , Segnan Nereo , Lynge Elsebeth 
Published: September 2012

Objectives To estimate the impact of service mammography screening on breast cancer mortality using European incidence-based mortality (IBM) studies (or refined mortality studies). IBM studies include only breast cancer deaths occurring in women with breast cancer diagnosed after their first invitation to screening. Methods We conducted a literature review and identified 20 publications based on IBM studies. They were classified according to the method used for estimating the expected breast cancer mortality in the absence of screening: (1) women not yet invited; (2) historical data from the same region as well as from historical and current data from a region without screening; and (3) historical comparison group combined with data for non-participants. Results The estimated effect of mammography screening on breast cancer mortality varied across studies. The relative risks were 0.76–0.81 in group 1; 0.75–0.90 in group 2; and 0.52–0.89 in group 3. Study databases overlapped in both Swedish and Finnish studies, adjustment for lead time was not optimal in all studies, and some studies had other methodological limitations. There was less variability in the relative risks after allowing for the methodological shortcomings. Conclusions Based on evidence from the most methodologically sound IBM studies, the most likely impact of European service mammography screening programmes was a breast cancer mortality reduction of 26% (95% confidence interval 13–36%) among women invited for screening and followed up for 6–11 years.
Overdiagnosis in Mammographic Screening for Breast Cancer in Europe: A Literature Review
Authors: Puliti Donella , Duffy Stephen W , Miccinesi Guido , De Koning Harry , Lynge Elsebeth , Zappa Marco , Paci Eugenio 
Published: September 2012

Objectives Overdiagnosis, the detection through screening of a breast cancer that would never have been identified in the lifetime of the woman, is an adverse outcome of screening. We aimed to determine an estimate range for overdiagnosis of breast cancer in European mammographic service screening programmes. Methods We conducted a literature review of observational studies that provided estimates of breast cancer overdiagnosis in European population-based mammographic screening programmes. Studies were classified according to the presence and the type of adjustment for breast cancer risk (data, model and covariates used), and for lead time (statistical adjustment or compensatory drop). We expressed estimates of overdiagnosis from each study as a percentage of the expected incidence in the absence of screening, even if the variability in the age range of the denominator could not be removed. Estimates including carcinoma in situ were considered when available. Results There were 13 primary studies reporting 16 estimates of overdiagnosis in seven European countries (the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, UK and Spain). Unadjusted estimates ranged from 0% to 54%. Reported estimates adjusted for breast cancer risk and lead time were 2.8% in the Netherlands, 4.6% and 1.0% in Italy, 7.0% in Denmark and 10% and 3.3% in England and Wales. Conclusions The most plausible estimates of overdiagnosis range from 1% to 10%. Substantially higher estimates of overdiagnosis reported in the literature are due to the lack of adjustment for breast cancer risk and/or lead time.
Relaxed imprinting of IGF2 in peripheral blood cells of patients with a history of prostate cancer
Authors: Belharazem Djeda , Kirchner Matthias , Geissler Franziska , Bugert Peter , Spahn Martin , Kneitz Burkhard , Riedmiller Hubertus , Sauer Christian , Küffer Stefan , Trojan Lutz , Bolenz Christian , Michel Maurice Stephan , Marx Alexander , Ströbel Philipp 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundInsulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is the predominant IGF in adults and regulates cell growth. In contrast to normal tissues, where IGF2 is imprinted and only expressed from the paternal allele, loss of imprinting (LOI) and biallelic IGF2 expression are observed in many cancers including prostate cancer (PCa). We here studied whether LOI of IGF2 in normal circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes can predict increased PCa risk.Samples and methodsWe analyzed IGF2 protein levels, IGF2 820G/A genotype and imprinting status, as well as methylation status of the IGF2 imprinting control region (ICR) in 113 blood samples of patients with a history of radical prostatectomy (RPE) for PCa by ELISA, restriction-fragment length polymorphism, and bisulfite-DNA sequencing. Results were compared to 249 male blood donors with unknown prostate specific antigen (PSA) status.ResultsThe 820G/A genotype was enriched in the RPE group and was associated with younger age at cancer diagnosis. LOI in patients was only slightly more frequent than in controls, but IGF2 levels were significantly higher and uncoupled from the imprinting status. Analysis of the IGF2/H19 ICR revealed marked hypermethylation.ConclusionsThe IGF 820G/A genotype is associated with PCa diagnosis at younger age. Increased IGF2 in patients with PCa appears to be the result of impaired imprinting in non-neoplastic cells rather than a paracrine tumor product. Uncoupling of IGF2 protein levels from imprinting status (not LOI alone) and hypermethylation of the ICR characterized PCa patients and could have the potential to indicate persons at risk in screening programs.
Old Main Manufacturing: The Case of Unrecorded Sales Discounts
Authors: Peaden David , Stephens Nathaniel M. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this case is to provide auditing students with an opportunity for applied learning in a realistic audit setting. The objectives of the case are: (1) to introduce students to the applied use of audit documentation, including the audit program and work papers; (2) to provide students with greater understanding of how various company records can be used by the auditor in his/her audit tests; (3) to demonstrate how the concept of materiality relates to the financial statement audit; and (4) to reinforce the importance of technical writing skills to effective and efficient communication of audit information. The case involves little class time, and students can complete the case in a very reasonable amount of time outside of class. Feedback from students has been very positive.
New techniques for laser beam atmospheric extinction measurements from manned and unmanned aerospace vehicles
Authors: Sabatini Roberto , Richardson Mark 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Novel techniques for laser beam atmospheric extinction measurements, suitable for several air and space platform applications, are presented in this paper. Extinction measurements are essential to support the engineering development and the operational employment of a variety of aerospace electro-optical sensor systems, allowing calculation of the range performance attainable with such systems in current and likely future applications. Such applications include ranging, weaponry, Earth remote sensing and possible planetary exploration missions performed by satellites and unmanned flight vehicles. Unlike traditional LIDAR methods, the proposed techniques are based on measurements of the laser energy (intensity and spatial distribution) incident on target surfaces of known geometric and reflective characteristics, by means of infrared detectors and/or infrared cameras calibrated for radiance. Various laser sources can be employed with wavelengths from the visible to the far infrared portions of the spectrum, allowing for data correlation and extended sensitivity. Errors affecting measurements performed using the proposed methods are discussed in the paper and algorithms are proposed that allow a direct determination of the atmospheric transmittance and spatial characteristics of the laser spot. These algorithms take into account a variety of linear and non-linear propagation effects. Finally, results are presented relative to some experimental activities performed to validate the proposed techniques. Particularly, data are presented relative to both ground and flight trials performed with laser systems operating in the near infrared (NIR) at λ= 1064 nm and λ= 1550 nm. This includes ground tests performed with 10 Hz and 20 KHz PRF NIR laser systems in a large variety of atmospheric conditions, and flight trials performed with a 10 Hz airborne NIR laser system installed on a TORNADO aircraft, flying up to altitudes of 22,000 ft.
Functional Space C(ω), C0(ω)
Authors: Kanazashi Katuhiko , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Shidama Yasunari 
Published: September 2012

Functional Space C(ω), C0(ω)
In this article, first we give a definition of a functional space which is constructed from all complex-valued continuous functions defined on a compact topological space. We prove that this functional space is a Banach algebra. Next, we give a definition of a function space which is constructed from all complex-valued continuous functions with bounded support. We also prove that this function space is a complex normed space.
Operations of Points on Elliptic Curve in Projective Coordinates
Authors: Futa Yuichi , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Mizushima Daichi , Shidama Yasunari 
Published: September 2012

Operations of Points on Elliptic Curve in Projective Coordinates
In this article, we formalize operations of points on an elliptic curve over GF(p). Elliptic curve cryptography [7], whose security is based on a difficulty of discrete logarithm problem of elliptic curves, is important for information security. We prove that the two operations of points: compellProjCo and addellProjCo are unary and binary operations of a point over the elliptic curve.
Cardiac catheterization and complications: initial experience
Authors: Dubey L , Sharma SK 
Published: September 2012

Cardiac catheterization for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes has been routinely used since last one year in College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal. Because all cardiac catheterizations involve the insertion of cardiac catheters into the circulatory system, it should not be surprising that a variety of complications can ensue. These complications range from minor problems with no long-term sequelae to major problem even death. A total of 357 consecutive diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization performed in College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur between April 2011 to April 2012 were evaluated for their complications. Among them 220 (61.6%) were coronary angiogram, 65 (18.2 %) percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stenting, 7 ( 1.9 %) permanent pacemaker insertion, 65 (18.2%) were others including temporary pacemaker insertion, peripheral angiography and carotid angiography. There were 3 deaths (0.84%). Two deaths occurred following coronary angiogram and 1 death following PTCA stenting. Vascular complications occurred in 5 (1.4% patients) with groin haematoma in all. Contrast allergy occurred in 9 (2.5 %), vasovagal reaction in 2 (0.56%), pyrogen reaction in 6 (1.6%), and contrast induced nephropathy occurred in 3 (0.84%) patients. Cardiac catheterization procedure in CMS-TH, Bharatpur has acceptable low complications including death. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 1-6 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6830
Evaluation of Cerebrospinal fluid adenosine deaminase activity as a complimentary tool in the early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in children
Authors: Pan A , Biswas A , Chaterjee A , Kumar R 
Published: September 2012

The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis cannot be made or excluded on the basis of clinical findings. Definite laboratory diagnosis is cumbersome and time consuming. Delay in diagnosis and institution of proper treatment is directly related to poor outcome and sequalae. Adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) was estimated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in addition to routine CSF analysis of 32 patients of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and 7 patients of partially treated pyomeningitis (PTM), 10 patients aseptic meningitis (AM) and 13 patients pyogenic meningitis (PM). Mean ADA levels in CSF of TBM patients were higher (15.42 U/L) as compared to 7.21 U/L, 6.41 U/L and 7.50 U/L in PTM, AM and PM respectively. This difference of ADA values in CSF between TBM and other types of meningitis was statistically significant (p<0.01). ADA values were also compared with other biochemical and cytological parameters of CSF & a positive correlation was found with CSF protein level. Sensitivity and specificity of ADA levels in CSF of children to diagnose tuberculous meningitis was 75% and 90% respectively at 10 U/L cut off of ADA levels in CSF. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 17-23 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6833
Chronic osteomyelitis on an old compound fracture
Authors: Shrestha A , Sah S Kumar 
Published: September 2012

Osteomyelitis is a common complication of compound fracture of long bones which is difficult to treat. We present a similar case of chronic osteomyelitis on an old malunited compound fracture of distal third left femur in a nine years old child. Management of such cases requires surgery with immobilization, long term appropriate antibiotics and intensive follow up. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-2, 54-57 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i2.6840
Rapid and Sharp Decline in HCV upon Monotherapy with Ns3 Protease Inhibitor, Ach-1625
Authors: Agarwal Atul , Zhang Bao , Olek Elizabeth , Robison Heather , Robarge Lisa , Deshpande Milind 
Published: September 2012

Background ACH-1625 is a linear peptidomimetic inhibitor that non-covalently binds to HCV NS3 protease with high potency and specificity. Short-term monotherapy of HCV genotype-1 infection with ACH-1625 was found to be safe and resulted in ≥3.3 log10 IU/ml mean viral load reduction. These viral load decay data were analysed to compare HCV dynamics with prior reports and estimate the antiviral efficiency of ACH-1625. Methods Drug efficiency was estimated by analysing the viral decay following initiation of up to 5 days of monotherapy with ACH-1625 in 36 chronically infected HCV genotype-1 patients. During this monotherapy study, ACH-1625 was administered either twice-a-day for 4.5 days or once daily for 5 days at 5 different dose levels in 36 patients. Results A sharp viral decay during the first 48 h following the initiation of ACH-1625 treatment afforded high drug efficiency estimates (≥0.9934). In addition, an increase in the estimated drug efficiency was observed with increasing ACH-1625 dose. The observed anti-HCV response was fairly uniform in this proof-of-concept study across the population of 36 patients. Conclusions Estimates of the treatment-independent viral kinetics parameters were consistent with prior reports and the estimated drug efficiency of ACH-1625 monotherapy was very high (≥0.9934) in fasted and fed states.
Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Regulatory T Cell Response of Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Choi Susanna , Kim Hang-Rae , Leng Lin , Kang Insoo , Jorgensen William L. , Cho Chul-Soo , Bucala Richard , Kim Wan-Uk 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is involved in tumorigenesis by facilitating tumor proliferation and evasion of apoptosis; however, its role in tumor immunity is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of MIF on the progression of the syngenic, CT26 colon carcinoma and the generation of tumor regulatory T cells (Tregs). The results showed that the tumor growth rate was significantly lower in MIF knockout (MIF−/−) mice than in wild-type (MIF+/+) mice. Flow cytometric analysis of both spleen and tumor cells revealed that MIF−/− mice had significantly lower levels of tumor-associated CD4+Tregs than MIF+/+ mice. The splenic cells of MIF−/− mice also showed a decrease in CD8+Tregs, which was accompanied by an increase in CD8-induced tumor cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the inducible Treg response in spleen cells to anti-CD3/CD28 plus IL-2 plus TGF-β was greater in MIF−/− mice than in MIF+/+ mice. Spleen cells of MIF−/− mice, stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28, produced lower levels of IL-2, but not TGF-β, than those of MIF+/+ mice, which was recovered by the addition of recombinant MIF. Conversely, a neutralizing anti-MIF Ab blocked anti-CD3–induced IL-2 production by splenocytes of MIF+/+ mice and suppressed the inducible Treg generation. Moreover, the administration of IL-2 into tumor-bearing MIF−/− mice restored the generation of Tregs and tumor growth. Taken together, our data suggest that MIF promotes tumor growth by increasing Treg generation through the modulation of IL-2 production. Thus, anti-MIF treatment might be useful in enhancing the adaptive immune response to colon cancers.