bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Genital Nerve Afferents in the Physiology of the Sexual Response and Pelvic Floor Function
Authors: Tajkarimi Kambiz , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Our understanding of genital and pelvic floor physiology is rapidly expanding. Penile erection is a neurovascular event controlled by spinal autonomic centers, the activity of which is dependent on input from supraspinal centers and the genitalia. Genital afferent stimulation excites spinal autonomic nuclei and supraspinal sexual centers of both genders.

Aim
To present a detailed understanding of the functional importance of genital afferent neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

Methods
English-written articles of diverse disciplines from 1980 to 2010 that contained information on genital anatomy, pudendal/dorsal/perineal/cavernous nerves, vibratory stimulation, reflexogenic erection, peripheral/central nervous system-mediated erectile and micturition pathways, and sexual arousal in animals and humans were reviewed.

Main Outcome Measures
Analysis of supporting evidence for the role of genital afferents in the physiology of erectile response and pelvic floor function.

Results
Basic science and clinical studies support the concept that pudendal nerve circuitry serves an essential purpose for sexual behavior, erectile function, penile rigidity, ejaculation, and micturition. Males and females share a comparable pattern of genital afferent neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and sexual and micturition reflexes are similar in both genders. Pudendal nerve branches communicate with the cavernous nerves and are nitric oxide synthase positive. Genital afferents activate multiple spinal reflexes that modulate erection and micturition. Genital sensory information is transmitted to supraspinal centers important for sexual function.

Conclusions
There is expanding support for the critical role of genital afferent neurophysiology in the mechanisms of erectile function and micturition. Genital afferent stimulation is a safe and natural modality that can be harnessed to amplify autonomic and somatic activity within the penis, female genitalia, spinal cord, and higher centers via established neurological principles. Such physiological adaptive processes may be beneficial in improving sexual response, erectile function, and micturition in many disease states, including in men after radical pelvic surgery. Well-designed and -executed studies in each specific population are needed to authenticate such prospects.
Patients’ Desire to Preserve Sexual Activity and Final Decision for a Nerve-Sparing Approach: Results from the MIRROR (Multicenter Italian Report on Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes and Research) Study
Authors: Imbimbo Ciro , Creta Massimiliano , Gacci Mauro , Simonato Alchiede , Gontero Paolo , de Cobelli Ottavio , Briganti Alberto , Fulcoli Vittorio , Martorana Giuseppe , Nicita Giulio , Mirone Vincenzo , Carmignani Giorgio 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Preservation of sexual function after surgery represents a major issue for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Aim
To investigate determinants of patients’ desire to preserve sexual activity before RP and surgeons’ final decision to perform a nerve-sparing RP (NSRP).

Methods
Overall, 2,408 prostate cancer patients, candidates to RP, from 136 urologic departments across the Italian territory were evaluated in a multicenter prospective observational study. All patients underwent RP, according to single-center indications and procedures.

Main Outcome Measures
Age, body mass index, previous benign prostatic hyperplasia history, preoperative tumor characteristics, quality of life through the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the University of California Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI), erectile function through the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), desire to preserve sexual activity, NS operative outcomes, and surgical margins status were recorded.

Results
Overall, 1,667 were interested to preserve sexual activity. Age, physical component summary of SF12 (PCS-12), sexual function score of UCLA-PCI, and IIEF-5 score were the main determinants of such interest. Only 1,246 patients were suitable for a NSRP according to guidelines. Surgeons performed a non-NSRP (NNSRP) in 1,234 patients, a unilateral NSRP in 318 and a bilateral NSRP in 856. Age, bioptical Gleason score, percentage of positive cores, PCS-12, and patient's desire to preserve sexual activity were the main determinants of final decision for a NSRP. Surgeons performed a NSRP in 424 not suitable and in 121 not interested patients. Positive surgical margins in not suitable patients submitted to NSRP were not higher if compared to that obtained after NNSRP in the same subgroup. Limits include lack of oncological and functional follow-up.

Conclusions
Most patients are interested to preserve sexual activity. Discrepancies exist among patients’ preferences, guidelines’ indications, and surgeon's final decision.
Gepirone-ER Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) Associated with Depression in Women
Authors: Fabre Louis F. , Brown Candace S. , Smith Louis C. , DeRogatis Leonard R. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). FDA approval of products utilizing testosterone has been delayed due to possible safety concerns. Flibanserin, a 5-HT1A agonist, 5-HT2 antagonist, and gepirone-ER, a 5-HT1A agonist, have been shown to have activity in treatment of HSDD. However, more recently, the FDA issued a non-approval letter for flibanserin.

Aim
To study the effect of gepirone-ER on HSDD in women with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods
At baseline and post-treatment visits, a trained psychiatrist made diagnoses of HSDD based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Subjects meeting criteria for HSDD were followed to observe the effect of gepirone-ER (20–80 mg/day), comparator antidepressants (fluoxetine, 20–40 mg/day or paroxetine, 10–40 mg/day), or placebo in reversing DSM-IV diagnosis. A subpopulation of women with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) entry scores of 18 or less was evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) of sexual dysfunction were also collected.

Main Outcome Measure
Number (%) of patients who no longer met criteria for HSDD (percent resolved).

Results
Eight hundred seventy-five women (18–64 years of age, average 38 years old, ∼80% premenopausal) entered three studies; 668 (72.5%) completed. Only 161 (18.4%) met DSM-IV criteria for HSDD. Cumulatively, 63% of gepirone-ER-treated patients reversed their diagnosis of HSDD compared to 40% of placebo-treated patients at end point (8 weeks) (P  = 0.007). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-treated patients were not different from placebo. Significant results for gepirone-ER occurred by week 2 (P  = 0.0001). Patients who were mildly depressed (HAMD scores of 18 or less) also improved at week 2 (P  = 0.01) and week 8 (P  = 0.07). Sexual dysfunction AEs were significantly less in gepirone-ER-treated patients than placebo (P  = 0.013).

Conclusions
Gepirone-ER may have efficacy in the treatment of HSDD among depressed and possibly nondepressed women. Efficacy occurs by week 2, and does not seem to be purely an antidepressant effect.
The Role of PDE5 Inhibitors in Penile Septal Scar Remodeling: Assessment of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes
Authors: Chung Eric , DeYoung Ling , Brock Gerald B. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Effective oral medication for use in men with Peyronie's disease (PD) has been an area of interest of the medical community and lay public for decades. Isolated septal scars (ISS) without evidence of penile deformity is a relatively new clinical entity, and at present, there is paucity in the published literature regarding its treatment. Current research into the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in regulating penile erectile response has revealed an alternative role for PDE5 inhibitors in decreasing oxidative stress-associated inflammatory change as seen in PD.

Aim
To examine the presence of ISS and assess the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitor use in septal scar remodeling.

Methods
Retrospective review of prospective database on all men who underwent penile Doppler ultrasound between December 2007 and December 2009.

Main Outcome Measures
Of the 65 men with ultrasonographic-confirmed ISS, 35 men received tadalafil 2.5 mg daily over a 6-month period. The clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 score and 6 months penile Doppler ultrasound follow up.

Results
The mean age for the tadalafil group was 43.2 (20–65) years, similar to the control group at 44.2 (34–72) years. The length of time from onset to presentation was 22 (6 to 40) months. The majority of ultrasonographic-proven ISS was not clinically palpable and complaint of decreased penile rigidity (66%) was the predominant feature. Treatment with low-dose daily tadalafil did not result in any significant side effects (such as headache and flushing) or discontinuation. The tadalafil group reported higher IIEF-5 score (pretreatment 11/25 to post-treatment 18/25) (P  &lt; 0.01) and resolution of septal scar were recorded in 24 patients (69%) compared to three patients (10%) in the control group.

Conclusion
Low-dose daily tadalafil is a safe and effective treatment option in septal scar remodeling.
Effects of Statins on Progression of Coronary Artery Disease as Measured by Intravascular Ultrasound
Authors: Bedi Updesh , Singh Mukesh , Singh Param , Molnar Janos , Khosla Sandeep , Arora Rohit 
Published: February 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:492–496.©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a novel technique that provides an accurate and reproducible method to measure atheroma burden. Statin drugs reduce both atherogenic lipoproteins and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies assessing the effect of statin treatment on atheroma burden have shown conflicting results. Hence, this meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis progression. A systematic search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Heterogeneity of the studies was analyzed by Cochran’s Q statistics. The significance of common treatment effect was assessed by computing common mean difference between the control and treatment groups. A two‐sided α error of <0.05 was considered statistically significant (P<.05). Eight trials composed of 919 patients including a placebo group with 458 patients and a treatment group with 461 patients were used. Characteristics of both groups at baseline were similar without any significant difference between them. In the pooled analysis, the common mean difference of coronary atheroma volume between statin therapy and the placebo arm was −3.573 (confidence interval, −4.46 to −2.68; P<.01). This meta‐analysis demonstrates that treatment with statins not only slows atherosclerotic plaque progression but may also lead to plaque regression.
Feasibility of a portable pedal exercise machine for reducing sedentary time in the workplace
Authors: Carr Lucas J , Walaska Kristen A , Marcus Bess H 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundSedentary time is independently associated with an increased risk of metabolic disease. Worksite interventions designed to decrease sedentary time may serve to improve employee health.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and use of a pedal exercise machine for reducing workplace sedentary time.MethodsEighteen full-time employees (mean age+SD 40.2+10.7 years; 88% female) working in sedentary occupations were recruited for participation. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected at baseline and 4 weeks. Participants were provided access to a pedal exercise machine for 4 weeks at work. Use of the device was measured objectively by exercise tracking software, which monitors pedal activity and provides the user real-time feedback (eg, speed, time, distance, calories). At 4 weeks, participants completed a feasibility questionnaire.ResultsParticipants reported sitting 83% of their working days. Participants used the pedal machines an average of 12.2+6.6 out of a possible 20 working days and pedalled an average of 23.4+20.4 min each day used. Feasibility data indicate that participants found the machines feasible for use at work. Participants also reported sedentary time at work decreased due to the machine.DiscussionFindings from this study suggest that this pedal machine may be a feasible tool for reducing sedentary time while at work. These findings hold public health significance due to the growing number of sedentary jobs in the USA and the potential of the device for use in large-scale worksite health programmes.
Experience with coil embolization of previously clipped aneurysms presenting with rupture
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M , Schuette Albert , Hui Ferdinand , Gupta Rishi , Cawley Charles M , Moskowitz Shaye I 
Published: February 2011

IntroductionEndovascular coil embolization has an established role alongside microsurgical clipping in the treatment of aneurysms. We studied previously clipped aneurysms that presented as subarachnoid hemorrhage and were treated by coil embolization.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of two prospectively maintained databases from two institutions (Cleveland Clinic, Emory University) that spanned 12 years.ResultsSeven patients were identified (mean age 56.9 years) who had previously undergone surgical clipping for aneurysm obliteration; six (86%) were previously ruptured. Patients presented with aneurysm rupture with a mean time of 11.5 years (range 4 months to 20 years) following surgical treatment. Aneurysm location included anterior communicating artery (n=4), posterior communicating artery (n=1), internal carotid artery terminus (n=1) and anterior choroidal (n=1). Three patients presented in Hunt and Hess (HH) grade 1, one in HH2, two in HH3 and one in HH4. Four of the patients underwent unassisted coil embolization while balloon assistance was employed in three. Angiographic results were as follows: complete occlusion (n=3; 42.9%) and residual neck (n=4; 57.1%). There were no intraprocedural complications.ConclusionAneurysm rupture following surgical obliteration is a rare event and may occur remote from the initial treatment. Endovascular embolization with or without balloon assistance can be safely employed in cases of aneurysm recurrence rupture following surgical treatment with satisfactory angiographic treatment.
Patterns of hospitalisation before and following initiation of haemodialysis: a 5 year single centre study
Authors: Quinn Michael P , Cardwell Christopher R , Rainey Andrea , McNamee Peter T , Kee Frank , Maxwell Alexander P , Fogarty Damian G , Courtney Aisling E 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Background
The utilisation of healthcare resources by prevalent haemodialysis patients has been robustly evaluated with regard to the provision of outpatient haemodialysis; however, the impact of hospitalisation among such patients is poorly defined. Minimal information is available in the UK to estimate the health and economic burden associated with the inpatient management of prevalent haemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of hospitalisation among a cohort of haemodialysis patients, before and following their initiation of haemodialysis. In addition the study sought to assess the impact of their admissions on bed occupancy in a large tertiary referral hospital in a single region in the UK.

Methods
All admission episodes were reviewed and those receiving dialysis with the Belfast City Hospital Programme were identified over a 5 year period from January 2001 to December 2005. This tertiary referral centre provides dialysis services for a population of approximately 700 000 and additional specialist renal services for the remainder of Northern Ireland. The frequency and duration of hospitalisation, and contribution to bed day occupancy of haemodialysis patients, was determined and compared to other common conditions which are known to be associated with high bed occupancy. In addition, the pattern and timing of admissions in dialysis patients in relation to their dialysis initiation date was assessed.

Results
Over the 5 year study period, 798 haemodialysis patients were admitted a total of 2882 times. These accounted for 2.5% of all admissions episodes; the median number of admissions for these patients was 3 (2–5) which compared with 1 (1–2) for non-dialysis patients. The majority of first hospitalisations (54%) were within 100 days before or after commencement of maintenance dialysis therapy. In all clinical specialties the median length of stay for haemodialysis patients was significantly longer than for patients not on haemodialysis (p=0.004). In multivariate analysis with adjustment for age, gender, and other clinically relevant diagnostic codes, maintenance haemodialysis patients stayed on average 3.75 times longer than other patient groups (ratio of geometric means 3.75, IQR 3.46–4.06).

Conclusions
Maintenance haemodialysis therapy is an important risk factor for prolonged hospitalisation regardless of the primary reason for admission. Such patients require admission more frequently than the general hospital population, particularly within 100 days before and after initiation of their first dialysis treatment.
Culicoides vectors of bluetongue virus in Chester Zoo
Authors: Vilar M. J. , Guis H. , Krzywinski J. , Sanderson S. , Baylis M. 
Published: February 2011

On four nights in June 2008, light traps were operated for Culicoides biting midges, the vector species for bluetongue virus (BTV), at five sites in Chester Zoo in north‐west England. Over 35,000 Culicoides midges, of 25 species, were captured, including high densities inside animal enclosures. Over 94 per cent of all the Culicoides trapped were females of the Obsoletus group, which is implicated as the vector of BTV serotype 8 in northern Europe. The mean catch of this group per trap per night was over 1500, suggesting a potential risk of BTV transmission if the virus is introduced to Chester Zoo in the animals or midges in the summer.
LOW Q2 KAON ELECTROPRODUCTION
Authors:   For the JLab E94-107 and Hall A Collaborations, Markowitz P. , Acha A. 
Published: February 2011

A measurement of the H(e, e′ K+) reaction was performed at Hall A, TJNAF as part of the hypernuclear experiment E94-107. Data was taken at very low Q2 (~ 0.07 ( GeV /c)2) and W = 2.2 GeV . Kaons were detected along the direction of [Formula: see text], the momentum transferred by the incident electron (θCM = 6°). These measurements provide data about the Σ0/Λ ratio which drops rapidly with Q2, the angular dependence of the cross sections as Q2 → 0, and the dependence of the cross section with respect to Q2 ,W and θCM. The dependence of the cross section at very forward angles has been poorly known. Available models are inadequate to describe the results. The measurement of the elementary cross section will constrain models for the elementary reaction which are inadequate to describe these results. It is also a key ingredient in the hypernuclear spectroscopy studies performed at the same kinematics. Details of the calculations and results will be shown.
η PHOTO-PRODUCTION ON THE DEUTERON AT LNS, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
Authors: Ishikawa T. 
Published: February 2011

The differential and total cross sections were measured for the γp → ηp and γd → ηpn reactions at Eγ ≤ 1150 MeV by using an electro-magnetic (EM) calorimeter SCISSORS II at the Laboratory of Nuclear Science (LNS), Tohoku University. The total cross section on the deuteron shows a bump around Eγ = 1 GeV , while no bump is observed in the same energy region of that on the proton. This bump is attributed to be a nucleon resonance excited from the neutron, and it is a candidate of anti-decuplet penta-quark baryons with hidden strangeness. It was difficult, however, to detect all the γ's coming from η decay since the solid angle of SCISSORS II was only 12.6% in total. Statistics of the detected η produced events is poor and systematic uncertainty of the obtained cross section is not small due to low acceptance. A new EM calorimeter complex called FOREST with a solid angle of about 4π sr has been constructed. The spin and parity of the relevant resonance are expected to be determined by the experiments with FOREST.
Λ(1405) IN A BARYON-MESON SCATTERING DESCRIBED FROM A QUARK-MODEL VIEWPOINT
Authors: Takeuchi Sachiko , Shimizu Kiyotaka 
Published: February 2011

Λ(1405) is investigated as a resonance in a coupled channel baryon-meson [Formula: see text] scattering with a 'bound state embedded in the continuum' (BSEC). This BSEC is introduced by hand, as a state not originated from a simple baryon-meson system. We assume it comes from the three-quark state. There appears a resonance of a large width in the Σπ scattering below the [Formula: see text] threshold by assuming the baryon meson interaction whose channel dependence is (1) flavor-flavor type like the chiral unitary approach, (2) flavor-flavor type with a lower-momentum cut-off, or (3) the same as that of the quark cluster model. It is necessary to introduce a BSEC for the latter two cases in order to reproduce the peak. The calculation including a BSEC seems to be preferable to reproduce the [Formula: see text] scattering length. Our calculation gives the observed value when the BSEC contribution to the resonance is roughly half of that of the [Formula: see text] channel.
Human-environment interactions in the development of early Chinese civilization
Authors: Rapp George , Jing Zhichun 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Beginning with the earliest organized habitation sites the options provided by the regional environment have largely or partially governed the location and relocation of human settlements. The settlement system in second millennium BCE Henan Province, China, evolved during a period of significant climatic change and shifting river courses but relative soil stability. Human–environment interactions across the landscape have left ample remains for investigation by scholars of social and cultural change and by natural scientists. The social effects of climate and geomorphological change during this period are complex and only partially understood. It is well documented that long-term soil stability before and during the second millennium BCE gave rise to the development of good agricultural soils, without which population expansion probably could not have taken place. This paper summarizes some of the recent research in climate change and, from two of our own projects, in geomorphology and ecology that underlie environmental impacts on the evolving state-level societies, especially related to settlement location and relocation. For example, the Shang possibly relocated one or more capital sites in response to disastrous floods.