bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Do We Know About Males and Emergency Contraception? A Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: Marcell Arik V. , Waks Ashten B. , Rutkow Lainie , McKenna Rob , Rompalo Anne , Hogan M. Terry 
Published: July 2012

CONTEXTUnintended pregnancy rates are high in the United States. It is important to know whether improving males’ access to emergency contraceptive pills may help prevent unintended pregnancy, especially in cases of ‐condom failure.METHODSA search of the PubMed, PsycINFO and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases was conducted to identify studies published from January 1980 to April 2011 concerning males and emergency contraception. Forty‐three studies met the specified criteria and examined relevant knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, intentions or behaviors, from the perspectives of males, clinicians or pharmacists.RESULTSThe proportion of males who were familiar with emergency contraception ranged from 38% among teenagers to 65–100% among adults. Small proportions reported that they and their partner had used or discussed using emergency contraceptive pills (13–30%) or that they themselves had ever purchased them (11%). Most providers (77–85%) reported general knowledge about emergency contraceptives, but the proportions who knew the time frame within which the pills can be prescribed were smaller (28–63%). Most males approved of emergency contraceptive use following contraceptive failure (74–82%) or unprotected sex (59–65%), or in cases of rape (85–91%), but both pharmacists and college students reported concerns that females might feel pressured to use the method. No study examined clinicians’ attitudes and behaviors (e.g., counseling or advance provision) regarding males and emergency contraception.CONCLUSIONSStudies are needed to determine whether male involvement in emergency contraception can reduce rates of unintended pregnancy and to assess health professionals’ ability to counsel males about the method.
Interpreting Cardiac Troponin Results from High-Sensitivity Assays in Chronic Kidney Disease without Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: deFilippi Christopher , Seliger Stephen L , Kelley Walter , Duh Show-Hong , Hise Michael , Christenson Robert H , Wolf Myles , Gaggin Hanna , Januzzi James 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Quantification and comparison of high-sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cTnT concentrations in chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been reported. We examined the associations between hs cTnI and cTnT, cardiovascular disease, and renal function in outpatients with stable CKD.

METHODS
Outpatients (n = 148; 16.9% with prior myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of &lt;60 mL · min−1 · (1.73 m2)−1 had serum cTnI (99th percentile of a healthy population = 9.0 ng/L), and cTnT (99th percentile = 14 ng/L) measured with hs assays. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and mass were assessed by echocardiography, and coronary artery calcification (CAC) was determined by computed tomography. Renal function was estimated by eGFR and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR).

RESULTS
The median (interquartile range) concentrations of cTnI and cTnT were 6.3 (3.4–14.4) ng/L and 17.0 (11.2–31.4) ng/L, respectively; 38% and 68% of patients had a cTnI and cTnT above the 99th percentile, respectively. The median CAC score was 80.8 (0.7–308.6), LV mass index was 85 (73–99) g/m2, and LVEF was 58% (57%–61%). The prevalences of prior coronary disease events, CAC score, and LV mass index were higher with increasing concentrations from both hs cardiac troponin assays (P &lt; 0.05 for all). After adjustment for demographics and risk factors, neither cardiac troponin assay was associated with CAC, but both remained associated with LV mass index as well as eGFR and UACR.

CONCLUSIONS
Increased hs cTnI and cTnT concentrations are common in outpatients with stable CKD and are influenced by both underlying cardiac and renal disease.
Genetic, anthropometric and metabolic features of adult Norwegian patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Nermoen Ingrid , Brønstad Ingeborg , Fougner Kristian J , Svartberg Johan , Øksnes Marianne , Husebye Eystein S , Løvås Kristian 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the genetic, anthropometric and metabolic features in an unselected population of adult Norwegian patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD).Patients, methods and designSixty-four 21OHD patients participated (23 men and 41 women; median age 38.5 years; range 19–72 years) in a cross-sectional study including DNA sequencing ofCYP21A2, anthropometric measurements including dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning and biochemical analyses. The results were compared with reference cohorts from the general population.ResultsWe identified four novel and plausibly disease-causingCYP21A2mutations. Gene deletions/conversions (42.1% of alleles), the splice mutation I2 splice (23.0%) and point mutation I172 N (22.2%) were common. The genotype corresponded to clinical phenotype in 92% of the patients. The prevalence of osteopenia was 48% in males and 34% in females. Both men and women had normal BMI but markedly increased fat mass compared with the normal population. Diastolic blood pressure was higher than normal. Thirty-nine per cent of the women had testosterone levels above the normal range; 13% of the men had testosterone levels below normal. Reduced final height was more pronounced in men (median −11.2 cm, −1.77 SDS) than in women (−6.3 cm, −1.07 SDS).ConclusionsIn this population-based survey of 21OHD, we identified four novel mutations and high concordance between genotype and phenotype. The patients had increased fat mass, increased diastolic blood pressure, reduced final height and high frequency of osteopenia among males. These results show unfavourable metabolic features in 21OHD patients indicating a need for improvement of treatment and follow-up.
Dose-Response Relationship of Phototherapy for Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Vandborg Pernille Kure , Hansen Bo Moelholm , Greisen Gorm , Ebbesen Finn 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Using light-emitting diodes during conventional phototherapy, it is possible to reduce the distance from light source to infant, thus increasing light irradiance. The objective of this study was to search for a “saturation point” (ie, an irradiation level above which there is no further decrease in total serum bilirubin [TsB]). This was a prospective randomized study performed in the NICU of Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.METHODS:One hundred fifty-one infants (gestational age ≥33 weeks) with uncomplicated hyperbilirubinemia were randomized to 1 of 4 distances from the phototherapy device to the mattress (20, 29, 38, and 47 cm). TsB was measured before and after 24 hours of phototherapy and irradiance every eighth hour. Main outcome was 24-hour decrease of TsB expressed in percent, (∆ TsB0–24, difference between TsB0 and TsB24 [%]).RESULTS:A highly significant linear relation was seen between light irradiance and ∆ TsB0–24 (%) (P &lt; .001): when the irradiance increased from 20 to 55 μW/cm2/nm, ∆ TsB0–24 (%) increased from approximately 30% to 50%. In addition, smooth regression showed no tendency for ∆ TsB0–24 (%) to level off as irradiance increased. ∆ TsB0–24 (%) was negatively correlated to birth weight and positively to formula volume. Average weight gain during phototherapy was 1%, independent of light irradiance.CONCLUSIONS:By using light-emitting diodes, we found a linear relation between light irradiance in the range of 20 to 55 μW/cm2/nm and a decrease in TsB after 24 hours of therapy, with no evidence of a saturation point.
Effects of Aminopyralid on Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Authors: Wallace John M. , Prather Timothy S. , Peterson Vanelle 
Published: July 2012

AbstractInvasive weed control within cleared, forested sites in the inland Northwest is complicated by the susceptibility of ponderosa pine to synthetic auxin herbicide injury, used to control broadleaf weeds. Herbicide injury may lead to decreased canopy volume and variable growth patterns of ponderosa pine, which is a commercially important tree species. Herbicide injury to ponderosa pine can be decreased with dormant-season applications, a timing suited to control many weeds that may occur within ponderosa pine sites. However, spring-timed herbicide applications are needed to control other weeds, such as meadow hawkweed, and that application timing coincides with active ponderosa pine growth. In this study, we determined the level of injury to ponderosa pine resulting from spring-timed aminopyralid, clopyralid, and picloram applications beneath ponderosa pine canopies. Herbicide injury to leader and lateral candles and needle elongation was evaluated 1 and 12 mo after treatment (MAT). Low rates of aminopyralid alone (0.05 kg ae ha−1 [3 fl oz ac−1]) and aminopyralid + clopyralid (0.05 + 0.10 kg ae ha−1) resulted in herbicide injury ratings that did not differ from untreated trees. The high rate of aminopyralid (0.12 kg ae ha−1) resulted in leader candle injury on 75% of treated trees, 5% of which were necrotic at 12 MAT. Herbicide injury was observed on 30% of lateral candles. In comparison, picloram (0.28 kg ae ha−1) treatments resulted in necrosis or mortality of leader and lateral candles on 65% and 40% of trees, respectively, at 12 MAT. Results suggest that use of low rates of aminopyralid alone or in combination with low rates of clopyralid minimizes the risk of nontarget injury to ponderosa pine (> 5 yr old) while controlling hawkweed with a spring application.
Phenology, Growth, and Fecundity as Determinants of Distribution in Closely Related Nonnative Taxa
Authors: Marushia Robin G. , Brooks Matthew L. , Holt Jodie S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractInvasive species researchers often ask: Why do some species invade certain habitats while others do not? Ecological theories predict that taxonomically related species may invade similar habitats, but some related species exhibit contrasting invasion patterns.Brassica nigra, Brassica tournefortii, andHirschfeldia incanaare dominant, closely related nonnative species that have overlapping, but dissimilar, distributions.Brassica tournefortiiis rapidly spreading in warm deserts of the southwestern United States, whereasB. nigraandH. incanaare primarily limited to semiarid and mesic regions. We compared traits ofB. tournefortiithat might confer invasiveness in deserts with those of related species that have not invaded desert ecosystems.Brassica tournefortii, B. nigraandH. incanawere compared in controlled experiments conducted outdoors in a mesic site (Riverside, CA) and a desert site (Blue Diamond, NV), and in greenhouses, over 3 yr. Desert and mesicB. tournefortiipopulations were also compared to determine whether locally adapted ecotypes contribute to desert invasion. Experimental variables included common garden sites and soil water availability. Response variables included emergence, growth, phenology, and reproduction. There was no evidence forB. tournefortiiecotypes, butB. tournefortiihad a more rapid phenology thanB. nigraorH. incana. Brassica tournefortiiwas less affected by site and water availability thanB. nigraandH. incana, but was smaller and less fecund regardless of experimental conditions. Rapid phenology allowsB. tournefortiito reproduce consistently under variable, stressful conditions such as those found in Southwestern deserts. Although more successful in milder, mesic ecosystems,B. nigraandH. incanamay be limited by their ability to reproduce under desert conditions. Rapid phenology and drought response partition invasion patterns of nonnative mustards along a gradient of aridity in the southwestern United States, and may serve as a predictive trait for other potential invaders of arid and highly variable ecosystems.
Class II Composite Restorations and Proximal Concavities: Clinical Implications and Management
Authors: Patras M , Doukoudakis S 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARY
Clinical experience supports the notion that the restoration of MOD cavities may pose a challenge to the practitioner. Proper placement of precontoured matrices and commercial wedges help the clinician to establish an optimal emergence profile and sufficient contours. However, the presence of proximal concavities in premolars or molars can turn the reproduction of previous cervical architecture into an even more demanding task. Wedges with customized form or adequate design can precisely conform the matrix to the cavosurface area and prevent any gap formation. This article presents two different options that allow for successful and predictable reestablishing of anatomically correct contours and optimal proximal contacts in posterior teeth with proximal concavities.
Resin-based Composite Light-cured Properties Assessed by Laboratory Standards and Simulated Clinical Conditions
Authors: Ilie N , Bauer H , Draenert M , Hickel R 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARY
The following parameters were varied: 1) irradiation technique: top and bottom polymerization according to the ISO standard, and polymerization from only the top, simulating clinical situations; 2) polymerization time: 5, 10, 20, and 40 seconds; 3) storage conditions: 24 hours in distilled water, thermocycling followed by storage for four weeks in artificial saliva or alcohol. Flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (Eflexural), indentation modulus (E), Vickers hardness (HV), and degree of conversion (DC) were measured.
The laboratory results were similar to those measured by mimicking clinical conditions only at high polymerization times and mild storage conditions (20 seconds and 40 seconds and storage for 24 hours in water, and 40 seconds with aging and storing in saliva). Significantly higher DC values were measured on the top than on the bottom of a 2-mm layer for all polymerization times. Overall, 5-second and 10-second irradiation times induced significantly lower DC values compared to the currently recommended polymerization times of 20 and 40 seconds at both the top and bottom of the samples.
The initial DC differences as a function of irradiation time are leveled at 24 hours of storage but seem to do well in predicting long-term material behavior. A minimum irradiation time of 20 seconds is necessary clinically to achieve the best mechanical properties with modern high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) units.
Recycling of Calcium-Silicate Material After Wastewater Filtration to Agriculture - Soil Condition Impact
Authors: Cucarella Victor , Renman Gunno , Zaleski Tomasz , Mazurek Ryszard 
Published: July 2012

Recycling of Calcium-Silicate Material After Wastewater Filtration to Agriculture - Soil Condition Impact
Reactive filter materials aimed at phosphorus (P) recovery is a novel method for on-site wastewater treatment. Once the bed filter is no longer effective, the sorbent must be replaced and can then be recycled as a soil amendment to agriculture. This study investigated the short-term effects of such amendments in a field with a wheat crop in order to evaluate the risks and/or potential benefits of this disposal option. The developed product Polonite (manufactured from Opoka) was used as a model filter sorbent in the field trial. Rates corresponding to approximately 6 and 8 tons per hectare were applied. In the short-term, this amending did not affect soil physical and sorption properties. The rate of Polonite used here, as P source for wheat was irrelevant in this kind of soil. The usefulness of this disposal option of exhausted filter material is discussed.
Determination of PAH in the Black Sea Water by GC/MS Following Preconcentration with Solid-Phase Extraction
Authors: Kraleva Elka , Karamfilov Vencislav , Hibaum Georgi 
Published: July 2012

Determination of PAH in the Black Sea Water by GC/MS Following Preconcentration with Solid-Phase Extraction
Determination of PAHs in marine coastal waters has to be carried out with great care to avoid serious losses occurring during the sampling and storage stage. This is due to the hydrophobic properties of PAHs, and their tendency to be adsorbed to surfaces they are in contact with, including suspended particulate matter. The best technique to separate PAHs is gas chromatography with mass spectrometer. Because of low concentration levels to be quantified in water samples, an enrichment step is needed before chromatographic analysis. For PAHs, several preconcentration techniques have been used, but the most concentration technique is solid-phase extraction (SPE). The main objective of this work is to adapt and implement a relatively simple and rapid method for gas chromatographic determination of individual PAHs in samples of coastal and running waters. The present work analyses the yield and precision of extraction of PAHs by solid phase extraction with using different sorbents for SPE (Bond Elut: C18 and Plexa SPE discs), the two most common methods used for aqueous samples.
Morphometric analysis using multiplanar reconstructed CT of the lumbar pedicle in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis characterized by a Cobb angle of 30° or greater
Authors: Makino Takahiro , Kaito Takashi , Fujiwara Hiroyasu , Yonenobu Kazuo 
Published: July 2012

Object
Although the anatomy of the thoracic pedicle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is well known, that of the lumbar pedicle in degenerative lumbar scoliosis is not. The morphometric differences between the pedicles on the concave and convex sides can result in an increased risk of malpositioned pedicle screws. The purpose of this study was to analyze the lumbar pedicle morphology in degenerative lumbar scoliosis using multiplanar reconstructed CT.

Methods
The study group comprised 16 consecutive patients (1 man and 15 women, mean age 70.9 ± 4.5 years) with degenerative lumbar scoliosis characterized by a Cobb angle of at least 30° who underwent preoperative helical CT scans. The CT data in DICOM format were reconstructed, and the following parameters were measured for each pedicle inside the curves: the inner cortical transverse pedicle width (TPWi) and outer cortical transverse pedicle width (TPWo) and axial angle, all on an axial plane, and the inner cortical minimum pedicle diameter (MPDi) and outer cortical minimum pedicle diameter (MPDo) and cephalocaudal inclination of the pedicle, all on the plane perpendicular to the pedicle axis. The cortical thickness and cortical ratio of the pedicles on the axial plane and the plane perpendicular to the pedicle axis were calculated. Data were obtained for a total of 124 pedicles; L-1, 26 pedicles in 13 patients; L-2, 32 pedicles in 16 patients; L-3, 32 pedicles in 16 patients; L-4, 28 pedicles in 14 patients; and L-5, 6 pedicles in 3 patients.

Results
Among the target vertebrae, the TPWi, MPDi, and MPDo were significantly smaller and the axial angle was significantly larger on the concave side than on the convex side (TPWi, 6.37 vs 6.70 mm, p < 0.01; MPDi, 5.15 vs 5.67 mm, p < 0.01; MPDo, 7.91 vs 8.37 mm, p < 0.05; axial angle, 11.79° vs 10.56°, p < 0.01). The cortical ratio of the pedicles was larger on the concave side than on the convex side (on the axial plane, 0.29 vs 0.26, p < 0.05; on the plane perpendicular to the pedicle axis, 0.36 vs 0.32, p < 0.01). These differences were most evident at L-4.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated lumbar pedicle asymmetry in degenerative lumbar scoliosis. The authors speculate that these asymmetrical changes were attributed to the remodeling caused by axial load imbalance and the limited space available for pedicles on the concave side. On the concave side, because of the narrower pedicle diameter and larger axial angle, surgeons should carefully determine screw size and direction when inserting pedicle screws to prevent possible pedicle wall breakage and neural damage.
Les concours à l'épreuve
Authors: Eymeri-Douzans Jean-Michel 
Published: July 2012

Résumé Les concours administratifs, qui occupent une place particulière dans notre pays, au cœur même du « contrat social » et politique français, sont entrés dans une période de mise en examen d’abord à bas bruit, puis de procès ouvert, appelant et justifiant les réformes récentes des concours, encore inachevées. Mais grandes sont la résilience comme la plasticité de la « forme institutionnelle » concours, dont la pérennité est avérée, même si des menaces existent sur l’avenir du concours.
Pasteurella canis
and
Granulicatella adiacens
Conjunctivitis Outbreak Resistant to Empirical Treatment in a Child Welfare Agency
Authors: Balikoglu-Yilmaz Melike , Yilmaz Tolga , Esen Ayse Banu , Engin Kaya N. , Taskapili Muhittin 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:
To investigate pathogens associated with bacterial conjunctivitis resistant to the empirical treatment and their antibiotic resistance in a child welfare agency.

Methods:
Twenty-eight eyes in 14 children with a median age of 3 months with conjunctivitis resistant to the empirical treatment were included in this study. Samples were taken three times from the inferior fornix in both eyes using cotton swabs, cultured onto chocolate and blood agar, and prepared for Gram staining. Antibiograms were evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria by disc diffusion method.

Results:

The conjunctival culture positivity rate was 35.7% in eyes with conjunctivitis resistant to the empirical treatment. The most common isolated bacteria were
Pasteurella canis
(25%), penicillin-nonsusceptible
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(7.1%), and
Granulicatella adiacens
(3.6%). According to culture results, ophthalmic solutions of vancomycin (50 mg/mL) or gentamicin (30 mg/mL) were applied in eyes with positive conjunctival culture. Previously applied multiple treatments were stopped in eyes with negative conjunctival culture. All eyes improved clinically during follow-up.

Conclusion:
Because unusual pathogens may cause a conjunctivitis outbreak, physicians should not insist on empirical treatment. Taking conjunctival culture and antibiotic switching according to antibiogram may be helpful.
Epi-LASIK: A Confocal Microscopy Analysis of the Corneal Epithelium and Anterior Stroma
Authors: Ramírez Manuel , Hernández-Quintela Everardo , Naranjo-Tackman Ramón 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the confocal microscopy findings at the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma after epi-LASIK.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Twelve eyes of 12 patients underwent epi-LASIK. A central scan of the total corneal thickness was taken with the confocal microscope before and at 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery. Corneal epithelial thickness was measured and the anterior stroma morphology was also analyzed.

RESULTS:
Mean epithelial thickness was 46.5 ± 5.5 μm before surgery. It had decreased by 23.4% (35.6 ± 5.6 μm) at 2 weeks and by 22.1% (36.2 ± 5 μm) at 1 month postoperatively, compared with the preoperative measurement. The change in thickness was statistically significant. The anterior stroma showed keratocyte activation at 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery.

CONCLUSION:
Corneal epithelial thickness was decreased up to 1 month after surgery. The stromal ablation zone showed keratocyte activation in both postoperative measurements.