bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atorvastatin Increases 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Concentrations in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Shepherd John , Arnett Charlotte , Coady Anne-Marie , Kilpatrick Eric S , Atkin Stephen L 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND
It has been shown that many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) insufficient. Both statin treatment and vitamin D supplementation have been shown to improve biochemical hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and markers of inflammation in patients with PCOS, raising the possibility that some of the statin effects are mediated through vitamin D.

METHODS
We conducted this randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study to assess the effect of atorvastatin on serum 25OHD concentrations in patients with PCOS. Forty medication-naive patients with PCOS were randomized to either atorvastatin 20 mg daily or placebo for 3 months. After completing the initial 3 months of atorvastatin or placebo, both groups of patients participated in a 3-month extension study with metformin 1500 mg daily. We measured changes in 25OHD concentrations by use of tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS
Mean (SD) baseline 25OHD concentrations were comparable between the 2 groups [45.9 (2.4) vs 44.8 (1.8) nmol/L; P = 0.7]. There was a significant increase in 25OHD concentrations with atorvastatin [45.9 (2.4) vs 60.8 (3.5) nmol/L] compared with placebo [44.8 (1.8) vs 41.8 (3.2) nmol/L; P = 0.02]. Three-month treatment with metformin maintained the improvement of 25OHD with atorvastatin compared to baseline [45.9 (2.4) vs 61.8 (3.5), P ≤ 0.01). There were no significant changes in 25OHD concentrations in the placebo group after 12 weeks of metformin.

CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, 12 weeks of atorvastatin led to a clinically significant rise in 25OHD concentrations. This may represent a beneficial pleiotropic effect of statins on 25OHD concentrations.
Laboratory Performance Comparison of Stabilized Undercut Subgrade Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Cote Benjamin , Robinson Brent , Pyo Sangchul , Park Young Jin , Gabr Mohammed , Borden Roy 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This study evaluated the performance of undercut subgrade stabilization measures during construction traffic loading prior to final paving. Twenty-two simulated undercut sections with different stabilization configurations over a typically undercut Coastal Plain clay subgrade were built in a large-scale test pit. The subgrade was placed at a California Bearing Ratio of ∼2–3 % and stabilized with granular layers, granular layers reinforced with geosynthetics, and lime. Granular layers consisted of either aggregate base course (ABC), sandy select fill, or a multi-layer system with both soil types. The four geosynthetics tested were a woven reinforcement geotextile, a woven separation geotextile, and two biaxial polypropylene geogrids. The soft nature of the subgrade and its consequences on the ability to compact the ABC layer show the importance of carefully analyzing the results when viewed on a comparative basis. Cyclic plate loading simulating construction traffic showed that thicker granular layers produced less surface displacement, barring subgrade strength differences from remolding effects. Tests with lime stabilized subgrade showed the least magnitude of deformation over initial and post-rut repair cycles. ABC tests with geotextile showed improvement over unreinforced sections but only when placed at depths approximately equal to the loading plate diameter and after initial displacements mobilized the geosynthetic strength.
Application of Dynamic Compaction for Poorly Compacted Embankment
Authors: Yuan Jianbo , Liu Jianhua 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This paper presents a successful application of dynamic compaction (DC) as a remedy to strengthen a poorly compacted expressway in Hunan (China). Comprehensive laboratory and in situ field tests were employed to determine the optimum drop height, number of tamping, grid spacing, and depth of densification that will achieve the most desirable results without damaging the underlying structure (culvert). Based on the density measurements and field observation, it was found that under Case I-2 conditions, the density increased from under 84 % to over 95 %. When the drop height was at 12 m, it caused heaving, an indication of displacing the soil plastically with no volume change. Thus, the optimal compaction parameters based on Case I-2 conditions were found to be 3.5 m spacing, 10 m drop height, 10 ton mass, and six tampings. The effectiveness of the DC under Case I-2 conditions was clearly demonstrated from the standard penetration test results, with a decrease of about ten blow counts for the top 4 m soil. In addition, there was a relative densification improvement of 50 % for the top 4.5 m soil. Case I-2 conditions were recommended to the highway authority, and it had been implemented to the entire expressway. A surface overlay was subsequently applied to the re-compacted embankment. To date (Spring 2010), no noticeable distresses have been observed after ∼12 months of opening to traffic. No structural damage to the underlying culvert was found either.
Post-ablative serum thyroglobulin is an independent predictor of recurrence in low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a 16-year follow-up study
Authors: Pelttari Hanna , Välimäki Matti J , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla 
Published: September 2010

ObjectiveTo study whether post-surgical and/or post-ablative thyroglobulin (Tg) concentrations may serve as independent predictors of disease recurrence in patients treated for TNM stage I or II well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC).DesignAn observational retrospective study with a median follow-up of 16 years (range 10–24).Patients and measurementsPost-operative and post-ablative Tg concentrations, age, tumour size, local infiltration and nodal metastasis at primary surgery as well as disease recurrences and cancer-specific deaths were evaluated in 495 low-risk (TNM stages I and II) patients, the majority of whom had total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine remnant ablation as initial treatment.ResultsFifty-one patients (10.3%) experienced disease recurrence during follow-up. In multiple logistic regression analysis, post-ablative Tg concentrations (odds ratio (OR) 3.72, confidence interval (CI) 1.71–8.05, P=0.0009) and local infiltration on primary surgery (OR 2.66, CI 1.03–6.90, P=0.04) were the only independent predictors of recurrence.ConclusionsPost-ablative Tg concentration is a strong predictor of disease recurrence in WDTC.
Cold Crucible Vitrification of U-bearing SRS SB4 HLW Surrogate
Authors: Stefanovsky Sergey , Ptashkin Alexander , Knyazev Oleg , Stefanovsky Olga , Marra James C 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSavannah River Site Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) Sludge Batch 4 (SB4) high level waste (HLW) simulant at 55 wt % waste loading was produced in the demountable cold crucible and cooled to room temperature in the cold crucible. Appreciable losses of Cs, S and Cl took place during the melting. A second glass sample was subjected to canister centerline cooling (CCC) regime in an alumina crucible in a resistive furnace. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study showed that the glass blocks were composed of vitreous and spinel structure phases. No separate U-bearing phases were found.
Histology and Function: Analyzing the Uvular Muscle
Authors: Landes Constantin A. , Weichert Frank , Steinbauer Thomas , Walczak Lars , Hasenfus Andrea , Veith Christian , Schröder Andreas , Fritsch Helga , Theegarten Dirk , Wagner Mathias 
Published: September 2010

Objective Virtual surgery and virtual patients necessitate quantitative data on the area of interest. The study was conducted to exactly describe the embryonic and fetal uvular muscle (MU), relevant for clinical as well as virtual surgery and virtual patient generation. Method Serially sectioned viscerocrania of 10 aborted embryos and fetuses underwent three-dimensional reconstruction to obtain detailed anatomic data and perform finite element analyses. Results The MU was paired in 80% of cases, while 20% allowed no clear-cut distinction. The MU merged with the levator muscle beneath the palatal aponeurosis without a hard palate insertion. Superior longitudinal central fibers ran below the nasal mucosa, and few circular peripheral fibers crossed in the central third to the contralateral side. This was seen in 30% of the paired muscles and in all cases when no differentiation was possible; about 40% to 80% MU fibers crossed to the ipsi lateral and contralateral palatopharyngeus muscle behind the levator loop. MU fibers inserted 60% nasal and 40% oral to the basal membrane at the middle third of the macroscopic uvula, made of loose connective tissue and salivary glands. The results of the finite element simulation of the uvula showed no distinct patterns or distributions of local stress. Conclusions Detailed anatomical study supported the concept of mediocranial MU repositioning during corrective surgery, although the impact is minor to the levator muscle's action. Future mathematical models describing effects of such a maneuver should integrate surrounding structures.
Achieving Low Cleft Palate Fistula Rates: Surgical Results and Techniques
Authors: Losken H. Wolfgang , Van Aalst John A. , Teotia Sumeet S. , Dean Shay B. , Hultman Scott , Uhrich Kim S. 
Published: September 2010

Objectives To prospectively evaluate and reduce fistula rate after primary cleft palate repair in an academic setting. Methods After noting an institutional palate fistula rate of 35.8%, when a majority of palatoplasties were performed using the Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty, the decision was made to re-evaluate the surgical techniques used for palate repair. As part of our re-evaluation, Furlow and von Langenbeck repairs were limited to clefts less than 8 mm in width. Wider clefts were repaired early in the series with Veau-Wardill-Kilner and later with Bardach two-flap palatoplasties. Half of each palate repair was performed by the residents. Setting Multidisciplinary follow-up was obtained at the University of North Carolina Craniofacial Center. Results A palate fistula was noted in 2 (1.6%) out of 126 cleft palate repairs (both fistulas were located at the anterior hard palate). A split uvula was identified in 2 of 59 patients where the status of the uvula was reported (3.4%). Conclusion This study summarizes one of the lowest overall fistula rates reported in the literature. In a tertiary-care academic setting, plastic surgery residents can actively contribute to palatoplasty with a very low fistula rate. Technical keys to achieving low fistula rate include skeletonization of the vascular pedicle for medialization of the mucoperiosteal flaps, aggressive posterior repositioning of the levator muscle, and meticulous two-layer mattress-suture closure. We recommend Furlow repair for narrower clefts (less than 8 mm wide at the posterior border of the hard palate) and the Bardach two-flap palatoplasty for wider clefts.
Moraxella Catarrhalis: An Unrecognized Pathogen of the Oral Cavity?
Authors: Narinesingh Sharda P. , Whitby David J. , Davenport Peter J. 
Published: September 2010

Objective We investigated the effect of the bacterial flora of the nose and throat on the outcome of the initial repairs of the cleft palate in the presence of prophylactic antibiotics. Design A retrospective review of 90 procedures in 66 patients who had cleft palate repair between April 2005 and June 2007 was conducted at Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Manchester, U.K. Both isolated cleft palate and cleft lip and palate patients were included. Exclusion criteria included syndromic cases, other medical disorders, and revisions of previous cleft palate repairs. Nose and throat swabs were taken on admission. Benzyl penicillin and flucloxacillin were given perioperatively. The occurrence of oronasal fistulas was correlated with the bacteria grown on culture. Results The oronasal fistula rate was 15.9%. The highest fistula rate in procedures with positive swabs was seen with Moraxella catarrhalis. Conclusions M. catarrhalis has not been previously recognized as a pathogen in cleft palate repairs. This study demonstrates a higher fistula rate in procedures positive for M. catarrhalis. Other factors that may have contributed to the fistula formation include the severity of the initial cleft and technical factors. Further study is required before a definitive link can be established.
β-TCP versus Autologous Bone for Repair of Alveolar Clefts in a Goat Model
Authors: Ad De Ruiter , Meijer Gert , Dormaar Titiaan , Janssen Nard , Van Der Bilt Andries , Slootweg Piet , De Bruijn Joost , Van Rijn Linda , Koole Ronald 
Published: September 2010

Objective The aim of this study in goats was to test the hypothesis that a novel synthetic bone substitute beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) can work as well as autologous bone harvested from the iliac crest for grafting and repair of alveolar clefts. Design Ten adult Dutch milk goats ( Capra hircus) were used in a split-mouth study design. Main outcome measures Volumetric histologic assessment of new bone formation and radiographic measurement of orthodontic movement of teeth in a formerly created alveolar cleft. Conclusions The synthetic bone substitute β-TCP was shown to result in bone healing similar to that of iliac crest bone. The surgical, orthodontic, and histologic results now warrant the testing of β-TCP in the human cleft situation.
Postoperative Wound Management after Cleft Lip Surgery
Authors: Nagy Krisztián , Mommaerts Maurice Y. 
Published: September 2010

Objective Our aim was to describe the postoperative management and wound care protocol after primary cleft lip closure, as it has been used in the Bruges Cleft and Craniofacial Center at the supraregional teaching hospital AZ St. Jan, Bruges, between June 1, 1991, and July 1, 2009. Materials The postoperative management and wound care included the use of a Logan bow, long-acting local anesthetic, elbow restraints, antibiotic therapy, crust removal with normal saline solution, and a special local wound ointment that was prepared at our center. Results During the last 19 years, 199 unilateral and 103 bilateral cleft lip patients have been repaired. 2.6% showed postoperative infection and/or dehiscence. One percent required readmission for reoperation. In 1.6%, inflammatory reaction was treated with oral antibiotics. Conclusion The specific wound dressing ointment, as it is prepared in our department, could meet the requirements of primary wound management after cleft lip closure.
Intracranial Volume and Whole Brain Volume in Infants with Unicoronal Craniosynostosis
Authors: Hill Cheryl A. , Vaddi S. , Moffitt Amanda , Kane A.A. , Marsh Jeffrey L. , Panchal Jayesh , Richtsmeier Joan T. , Aldridge Kristina 
Published: September 2010

Objective Craniosynostosis has been hypothesized to result in alterations of the brain and cerebral blood flow due to reduced intracranial volume, potentially leading to cognitive deficits. In this study we test the hypothesis that intracranial volume and whole brain volume in infants with unilateral coronal synostosis differs from those in unaffected infants. Design Our study sample consists of magnetic resonance images acquired from 7- to 72-week-old infants with right unilateral coronal synostosis prior to surgery (n = 10) and age-matched unaffected infants (n = 10). We used Analyze 9.0 software to collect three cranial volume measurements. We used nonparametric tests to determine whether the three measures differ between the two groups. Correlations were calculated between age and the three volume measures in each group to determine whether the growth trajectory of the measurements differ between children with right unicoronal synostosis and unaffected infants. Results Our results show that the three volume measurements are not reduced in infants with right unicoronal synostosis relative to unaffected children. Correlation analyses between age and various volume measures show similar correlations in infants with right unicoronal synostosis compared with unaffected children. Conclusions Our results show that the relationship between brain size and intracranial size in infants with right unicoronal synostosis is similar to that in unaffected children, suggesting that reduced intracranial volume is not responsible for alterations of the brain in craniosynostosis.
Prevalence and Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring in Infants with Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Anderson Iee Ching W. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. , McGinley Brian M. , Redett Richard J. , Boss Emily F. , Ishman Stacey L. 
Published: September 2010

Objective To evaluate the prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in infants with Pierre Robin sequence prior to airway intervention and determine whether snoring correlates with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in this population. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Urban tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants/Methods Review of infants with Pierre Robin sequence who underwent polysomnography in the first year of life from 2002 to 2007. Only results from the initial polysomnography were analyzed. A subgroup of consecutive prospectively tested patients was also evaluated. Results A total of 33 infants with Pierre Robin sequence were identified. Of these, 13 (39%), 11 girls and two boys, underwent polysomnography in the first year of life. The mean age at evaluation was 48 days (range, 7 to 214 days). Seven nonconsecutive and six consecutive patients were included, and no significant differences were seen between groups. Obstructive sleep apnea was identified in 11 of 13 (85%) infants. The mean obstructive apnea-hypopnea index was 33.5 (range, 0 to 85.7). Obstructive sleep apnea severity was mild in 2 of 11 (18%), moderate in 3 of 11 (27%), and severe in 6 of 11 (55%). Mean end-tidal Pco2 measurements were elevated at 59 mm Hg (range, 47 to 76 mm Hg). Mean oxygen saturation nadir was decreased at 80% (range, 68% to 93%). Snoring occurred in only 7 of 13 (54%). Of the subjects with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring occurred in 6 of 11 (55%). Conclusion The high incidence of obstructive sleep apnea in this group suggests that polysomnography should be promptly performed in children with Pierre Robin sequence. Although snoring was seen in the majority, the absence of snoring did not exclude the presence of obstructive sleep apnea.
The influence of glaciations on the dynamics of mountain hydrothermal systems: numerical modeling of the La Léchère system (Savoie, France)
Authors: Thiebaud Emilie , Gallino Stéphanie , Dzikowski Marc , Gasquet Dominique 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Although thermal waters are found in numerous Alpine valleys, the mechanisms responsible for their occurrence remain unclear. The present study used a 2-D numerical model of an Alpine hydrothermal system (La Léchère, Savoie) to investigate these mechanisms. A steady-state hydrodynamic model was calibrated using present-day observations, and then applied to predict outlet temperatures assuming steady-state conditions and the current heat flux and water flow. This simulation produced anomalously low outlet temperatures compared with present-day temperatures, indicating that water circulation within the La Léchère aquifer cannot have been constant throughout its history. Based on the suggestion that glaciations block aquifer circulation, a second simulation was carried out assuming zero water infiltration during the Würm glacial period. The outlet temperatures predicted by this second simulation were much closer to present-day temperatures. These two simulations show that the thermal anomaly at La Léchère is incompatible with the classic model of the progressive heating of thermal waters and that the current temperature of the thermal waters can be explained by changes in aquifer infiltration rates.
Modified C-Reactive Protein Might be a Target Autoantigen of TINU Syndrome
Authors: Tan Ying , Yu Feng , Qu Zhen , Su Tao , Xing Guang-Qun , Wu Li-Hua , Wang Feng-Mei , Liu Gang , Yang Liu , Zhao Ming-Hui 
Published: September 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
The cross-reactive antigen(s) of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome from renal tubulointerstitia and ocular tissue remain unidentified. The authors' recent study demonstrated that the presence of serum IgG autoantibodies against modified C-reactive protein (mCRP) was closely associated with the intensity of tubulointerstitial lesions in lupus nephritis. The study presented here investigates the possible role of IgG autoantibodies against mCRP in patients with TINU syndrome.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
mCRP autoantibodies were screened by ELISA with purified human C-reactive protein in 9 patients with TINU syndrome, 11 with drug-associated acute interstitial nephritis, 20 with IgA nephropathy, 19 with minimal change disease, 20 with ANCA-associated vasculitis, 6 with Sjogren's syndrome, and 12 with amyloidosis. mCRP expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in renal biopsy specimens from the 9 patients with TINU syndrome and 40 from disease controls. Frozen normal human kidney and iris were used to demonstrate co-localization of human IgG and mCRP from patients with TINU syndrome with laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Results
The mCRP autoantibodies were detected in all nine patients with TINU syndrome, significantly higher than that of those with disease controls (P < 0.05). The renal histologic score of mCRP in TINU syndrome was significantly higher than that in disease controls (P < 0.05). The staining of mCRP and human IgG were co-localized in renal and ocular tissues.

Conclusions
It is concluded that mCRP might be a target autoantigen in TINU syndrome.
In Vitro Detection of Secondary Caries Associated with Composite Restorations on Approximal Surfaces Using Laser Fluorescence
Authors: Rodrigues J. A. , Neuhaus K. W. , Hug I. , Stich H. , Seemann R. , Lussi A. 
Published: September 2010

Clinical Relevance
Detecting secondary caries is difficult when using the visual-tactile examination. This study showed that the laser fluorescence device can be an auxiliary method for the detection of lesions associated with composite restorations on approximal surfaces.
Influence of Storage Conditions of Adhesive Vials on Dentin Bond Strength
Authors: Shibuya-Chiba Y. , Iwasa M. , Tsubota K. , Miyazaki M. , Hirose H. , Platt J. A. 
Published: September 2010

Clinical Relevance
Short-term storage at low temperatures enhances the dentin bond strength of single-step self-etch adhesives.
The Influence of Bonding Agents on the Decision to Replace Composite Restorations
Authors: Pamir T. , Kaya A. D. , Baksi B. G. , Sen B. H. , Boyacioglu H. 
Published: September 2010

Clinical Relevance
Radiolucent areas around restorations may result from either a halo effect or radiographic density of the adhesives. Therefore, the use of an adhesive with radiopaque fillers may be more clinically reliable for avoiding inappropriate replacements.