Increased Frequency of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Detection at Potable Water Taps within the United States.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are environmental microorganisms that can cause infections in humans, primarily in the lung and soft tissue. The prevalence of NTM-associated diseases is increasing in the United States. Exposure to NTMs occurs primarily through human interactions with water (especially aerosolized).

Widespread molecular detection of Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 in cold water taps across the United States.

In the United States, 6,868 cases of legionellosis were reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2009-2010. Of these reports, it is estimated that 84% are caused by the microorganism Legionella pneumophila Serogroup (Sg) 1. Legionella spp.

First-trimester surgical abortion practices: a survey of National Abortion Federation members.

Background: Designated providers in specialized clinics perform the majority of approximately 1.1 million first-trimester abortions carried out in the United States each year. Our objective was to assess the first-trimester surgical abortion practices of National Abortion Federation (NAF) members.

Second-trimester surgical abortion practices: a survey of National Abortion Federation members.

Background: The objective of this analysis was to assess the second-trimester surgical abortion practices of National Abortion Federation (NAF) members in North America and Australia.

Study Design: In 2002, questionnaires were mailed to 364 active member clinics of NAF for completion by their clinic administrators and individual providers.

Results: Two hundred eighty-nine (79%) clinics responded.

Medical abortion practices: a survey of National Abortion Federation members in the United States.

Background: Little is known about clinical implementation of medical abortion in the United States following approval of mifepristone as an abortifacient by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000. We collected information regarding medical abortion practices of National Abortion Federation (NAF) members for the year 2001.

Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to 337 active US NAF member facilities.

Improving outcomes through collaboration.

A roundtable was convened to examine the issues surrounding the use of hormonal therapy in the treatment of acne. Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/ GYNs) and dermatologists often have varying views with regard to the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and other agents in patients with acne. If polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormonal cause of acne, has been diagnosed, the use of OCs is not usually disputed.

Pharmacology of hormonal contraceptives and acne.

Higher free testosterone levels in women are a function of lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulins (SHBG), higher levels of total testosterone, or both. When free testosterone levels are decreased, sebum production, a pathogenic feature of acne vulgaris, is also decreased. Oral contraceptives (OCs) decrease free testosterone levels by reducing testosterone production by the ovaries and adrenal glands, increasing SHBG, and inhibiting conversion of free testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

The transdermal contraceptive patch: an updated review of the literature.

The transdermal contraceptive patch which contains ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin has an efficacy similar to current oral contraceptives (OCs). The major advantages include transdermal application and maintenance of adequate hormonal levels for at least 7 days. Side effects are similar to OC except for breast tenderness in the first 2 months of use and skin irritation at the application site.

Oral contraceptives: side effects and depression in adolescent girls.

Objective: The study was undertaken to determine the side effects, including depression, of oral contraceptives (OCs) in adolescent girls.

Methods: We conducted a randomized trial of OCs for dysmenorrhea, which assessed side effects and depression. Seventy-six adolescents received an OC (20 microg of ethinyl estradiol/100 mg of levonorgestrel) or a placebo in a double-blind fashion for 3 months.

A phase II trial of Afimoxifene (4-hydroxytamoxifen gel) for cyclical mastalgia in premenopausal women.

Background: Many women experience symptoms of cyclical mastalgia, such as breast pain, tenderness, and nodularity. Tamoxifen and other drugs have been used to alleviate cyclical mastalgia symptoms; however, their use is associated with potentially serious side effects. The current study compared the safety and efficacy of two doses of a topical gel containing 4-hydroxytamoxifen (Afimoxifene, formerly known as 4-OHT) with placebo gel for the treatment of moderate to severe cyclical mastalgia.

Challenges of conducting a placebo-controlled trial for dysmenorrhea in adolescents.

We recruited adolescents to study oral contraceptives versus placebo for dysmenorrhea. We anticipated high discontinuation and concerns about safety, side effects, and sexual behavior. Treatment discontinuation (11%) and loss to follow-up (1%) were lower than expected.

Self-treatment patterns among adolescent girls with dysmenorrhea.

Study Objective: To describe both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments used by adolescents with dysmenorrhea.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Urban academic medical center.

Measured and reported weight change for women using a vaginal contraceptive ring vs. a low-dose oral contraceptive.

Background: Women often stop hormonal contraception because of perceived weight change. We conducted a randomized trial comparing the contraceptive vaginal ring to a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC). We examined the difference between women's reported and measured baseline weights and looked at factors affecting perceived weight change.

Oral contraceptives for dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls: a randomized trial.

Objective: To assess whether a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) is more effective than placebo treatment for dysmenorrhea pain in adolescents.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 76 healthy adolescents aged 19 years or younger reporting moderate or severe dysmenorrhea. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either an OC (ethinyl estradiol [E2] 20 microg and levonorgestrel 100 microg) or a matching placebo for 3 months.