bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hysterical Traits are Not from the Uterus but from the Testis: A Study in Men with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Bandini Elisa , Corona Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Fisher Alessandra D. , Lotti Francesco , Sforza Alessandra , Faravelli Carlo , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The relationship between testosterone (T) and psychopathology in subjects with sexual dysfunction has not been completely clarified.

Aim
To evaluate the association between T levels and different psychopathological symptoms and traits in men seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction.

Methods
A consecutive series of 2,042 heterosexual male patients (mean age 51.8 ± 13) consulting an outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal, biochemical, and instrumental parameters were investigated, including testis volume (Prader orchidometr) and penile blood flow (penile Doppler ultrasound). Patients were interviewed, prior to the beginning of any treatment, with the previously validated Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY), and ANDROTEST (a structured interview for the screening of hypogonadism in patients with sexual dysfunction). They also completed the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) a brief self-reported questionnaire for the screening of the symptoms of mental disorders in nonpsychiatric setting.

Results
T levels showed a negative correlation with depressive and anxiety (somatized and phobic) symptoms. Conversely, histrionic/hysterical traits were strongly and positively associated with elevated T. Men with histrionic/hysterical traits had higher androgenization, as suggested by both higher total and free T, higher testis volume and a lower ANDROTEST score. They were also characterized by better self-reported sexual functioning and penile blood flow. Accordingly, when SIEDY scales were considered, SIEDY scale 2 (relational domain) was significantly lower in subjects with histrionic/hysterical traits further indicating a more satisfying sexual relationship.

Conclusions
In men consulting for sexual dysfunction, histrionic/hysterical personality is associated with higher androgenization and better sexual functioning. Hysteria, previously considered as a typically feminine psychopathological trait (the uterine theory), should now be considered as an index of better masculine sexual well-being.
Effects of Components of Metabolic Syndrome on Sexual Function in Korean BPH/LUTS Patients
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Joon Chul , Lee Ji-Youl , Kim Jang Hwan , Oh Cheol Young , Lee Seung Wook , Yoo Se Jeong , Chung Byung Ha 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There are limited data concerning the association between components of metabolic syndrome and sexual function in men aged 40 years and older in Korean benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

Aim
To examine the effects of metabolic markers on sexual function in Korean BPH patients and to evaluate obesity as a causal factor for the development of BPH and sexual dysfunction in a large population of Korean men.

Methods
This is a multicenter, cross-sectional, prospective study conducted at four centers in Korea. A total 602 men with LUTS secondary to BPH were included. BPH/LUTS cases were men with international prostate symptom scores (IPSS) ≥8 points and prostate volume ≥20 cc by transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Trained interviewers using the structured Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) collected information on sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual function using IIEF-15 and MSHQ was assessed according to presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension, waist circumference and BMI.

Results
BPH patients with DM or hypertension had significantly lower sexual function, and satisfaction scores on the MSHQ were significantly lower in BPH patients with hypertension. In the central obesity group, prostate volume was significantly greater compared to the normal waist group (P = 0.01). Moreover, in Korean BPH/LUTS patients, central obesity was significantly related to sexual function. BPH/LUTS represented by IPSS was significantly correlated with prostate volume and MSHQ and IIEF-15 scores. In addition, severe LUTS was significantly related to all domains of the MSHQ.

Conclusions
This study provides evidence that in the Korean population, sexual function is more closely associated to central obesity than general obesity. The relationship of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and sexual dysfunction determined by the MSHQ correlated with that determined by the IIEF-15.
Sexual Function is Related to Body Image Perception in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Lowenstein Lior , Gamble Tondalaya , Deniseiko Sanses Tatiana V. , Van Raalte Heather , Carberry Cassandra , Jakus Sharon , Kambiss Scott , McAchran Sarah , Pham Thythy , Aschkenazi Sarit , Hoskey Kay , Kenton Kimberly 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A previous study demonstrated that women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapsed (POP) reported decreased self-perceived body image and decreased quality of life.

Aims
To determine the relationship between: (i) sexual function and POP, (ii) self-perceived body image and POP; and (iii) sexual function and self-perceived body image in women with prolapse.

Methods
After IRB approval, consecutive women with POP stage II or greater presenting for urogynecologic care at one of eight academic medical centers in the United States were invited to participate. In addition to routine urogynecologic history and physical examination, including pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ), consenting participants completed three validated questionnaires: Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) to assess sexual function; Modified Body Image Perception Scale (MBIS) to assess self-perceived body image; Prolapse subscale of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (POPDI-6) to assess condition specific bother from POP.
Pearson’s correlations were used to investigate the relationship between independent variables.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual function and modified body image score and its correlation with symptoms of POP.

Results
Three hundred eighty-four participants with a mean age of 62 ± 12 years were enrolled. Median POPQ stage was 3 (range 2–4). 62% (N = 241) were sexually active and 77% (N = 304) were post-menopausal. Mean PISQ-12, MBIS, and POPDI scores were (33 ± 7, 6 ± 5, 39 ± 23, respectively). PISQ-12 scores were not related to stage or compartment (anterior, apical, or posterior) of POP (P &gt; 0.5). Worse sexual function (lower PSIQ-12 scores) correlated with lower body image perception (higher MBIS scores) (rho = −0.39, P &lt; 0001) and more bothersome POP (higher POPDI scores) (rho = −0.34, P &lt; 0001).

Conclusions
Sexual function is related to a woman’s self-perceived body image and degree of bother from POP regardless of vaginal topography. Sexual function may be more related to a woman’s perception of her body image than to actual topographical changes from POP.
Sigmund Freud and His Impact on Our Understanding of Male Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Hartmann Uwe 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sigmund Freud was one of the most influential thinkers and theorists of the 20th century. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation to many concepts and theories relevant to modern sexual medicine.

Aim
To evaluate Freud’s approaches to the understanding of male sexual dysfunction both in their historical context and with respect to their significance for contemporary research and therapy of sexual problems.

Methods
After a brief biographical sketch, two of Freud’s writings, the widely acclaimed “Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality” from 1905, and a short article entitled “The Most Prevalent Form of Degradation in Erotic Life” from 1912, were analyzed, especially for their relevance to present treatment concepts of male sexual dysfunction.

Results
In Freud’s clinical practice “psychical impotence” was a highly prevalent complaint. In his view, this dysfunction was caused by an inhibition due to an unresolved neurotic fixation leading to an arrest of the libidinal development. The result is a splitting of the tender and the sensual dimension of sexuality, most notably in the so-called madonna–whore complex. The degree of this dissociation (total or partial) determines the severity of the ensuing sexual dysfunction. In Freud’s rather pessimistic view, the erotic life of civilized people tends to be characterized by some degree of this condition.

Conclusions
While some of Freud’s theories are obsolete today, many parts of his work appear to be astonishingly modern, even in the light of current neurobiological research and recent models of sexual dysfunction. Above all, Freud was an extremely gifted observer of human behavior who shows us that in many cases, sexual dysfunctions are no isolated phenomena, but have their roots in biographically based intrapsychic or interpersonal conflicts.
Psychometric Validation of Gender Nonspecific Sexual Confidence and Sexual Relationship Scales in Men and Women
Authors: Abraham Lucy , Symonds Tara , May Kathryn , Althof Stanley E , Hallam-Jones Ruth , Rosen Raymond C. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Sexual Confidence Scale (SCS) and the Sexual Relationship Scale (SRS) are two new measures designed for use by men and women across sexual dysfunction groups. The SCS assesses how confident an individual feels as a sexual partner, while the SRS assesses feelings that an individual has about their sexual relationship with their partner.

Aim
To conduct item reduction and psychometric validation of the SCS and SRS instruments.

Methods
To validate the new measures, 104 men with premature ejaculation (PE), 101 men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and 106 women with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) took part in the study. One hundred and one males and 53 females without sexual dysfunction also completed the measures.

Main Outcome Measures
The internal consistency, convergent, and discriminant validity, test-retest reliability and known-groups validity of the instruments were assessed.

Results
The number of items in each scale was reduced following standard item reduction analyses and reference to the conceptual framework. Factor analysis confirmed a one-factor solution for the SCS and a two-factor solution for the SRS. Internal consistency was good, with cronbach’s alpha ≥0.7 across the groups for both the SCS and SRS. Excellent test-retest reliability and ability to discriminate between men and women with and without sexual dysfunction were also demonstrated for both scales. Correlations with the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQOL) ranged from 0.48 to 0.80 indicating good convergent validity.

Conclusions
The SCS and the SRS are reliable and valid instruments in men with PE or ED and in women with FSAD. These modules may be used either as stand-alone measures or, preferably, in conjunction with the SQOL to provide a complete assessment of sexual quality of life.
Are the Predictors of Sexual Violence the Same as Those of Nonsexual Violence? A Gender Analysis
Authors: Mohammadkhani Parvaneh , Forouzan Ameneh Setareh , Khooshabi Katayoon S. , Assari Shervin , Lankarani Maryam Moghani 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionViolence manifests itself in such multifarious ways as sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. What has hitherto eluded the medical community, however, is whether sexual and nonsexual abuse share the same predictors.AimDrawing upon a representative sample of married men and women in the Iranian capital, Tehran, we aimed to determine: (i) the overlap between sexual abuse and physical and psychological violence, and (ii) the predictors that sexual violence victimization share with physical and psychological violence victimization.Main Outcome MeasuresVictimization through any type of sexual coercion by the husband in the context of the current marital relationship, as determined via the conflict tactic scales-revised (CTS-2).MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey in Tehran in 2007, 460 married Iranian men and women were selected via a multicluster sampling method from four different randomized regions. Independent variables comprised sociodemographic characteristics, subscores of psychological, and personality characteristics known to be allied with intimate abuse (personal and relationship profile), and dichotomus data on victimization history through all types of violence by the spouse including psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion (CTS-2).ResultsIn both genders, the experience of physical or psychological violence increased the likelihood of sexual violence victimization. In both genders, higher conflict was a predictor of sexual and psychological violence victimization. In addition, the common predictors of sexual and physical violence victimization were low self-control and high violent socialization in the men and women, respectively.ConclusionsSexual violence victimization shares some factors with the victimization of nonsexual types of marital abuse, but this seems to be partially gender dependent.
Judicial Policy Making: The Environmental Protection Agency's Enforcement of the Resource, Conservation, and Recovery Act
Authors: BENGTSON TERI J. 
Published: June 2009

This article focuses on judicial policy making and seeks to determine the extent of regional differences by examining the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement actions in Resources Conservation and Recovery Act civil judicial cases. The research evaluates three competing models, the law school model, the political culture/regional model, and the economic model, that attempt to explain and predict penalty imposition and penalty severity. An integrated model with EPA regions and judicial circuits independently added is also evaluated. Findings suggest that the law school model appeared to be the best model to determine penalty imposition and that EPA administrators may be better predictors than judges. When a penalty is imposed, findings suggest that an integrated model best predicts penalty severity. Additional findings indicated that region or circuit does not add significantly more predictive value than the substantive theoretical variables in penalty severity.Este artículo se enfoca en el diseño de políticas judiciales y busca determinar la extensión de las diferencias regionales por medio del examen de la aplicación de acciones de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (APA) en los casos civiles judiciales de la Ley de Conservación y Rescate de Recursos. La investigación evalúa tres modelos, el modelo legal, el modelo cultural/regional político y el modelo económico, en el intento de explicar y predecir los resultados de los casos en relación a si un castigo es impuesto o no, así como la severidad del mismo. Un modelo integral es también evaluado, con las regiones APA y los circuitos judiciales entonces añadidos independientemente a este modelo. Las conclusiones sugieren que el modelo legal parece ser el mejor para determinar la imposición del castigo y que los administradores de la APA pueden ser mejores vaticinadores que jueces. Cuando un castigo es impuesto, los resultados sugieren que un modelo integrado predice mejor la severidad del castigo. Resultados adicionales indican que la región o el circuito no añaden un mayor valor significativo que las variables teóricas substantivas en la severidad del castigo.
Energy Security, Normative Dilemmas, and Institutional Camouflage: Europe's Pragmatism
Authors: WOOD STEVE 
Published: June 2009

The European Union's dense web of institutions is usually regarded as enabling better decision making and interest representation in the European Union's external relations. Combined with the European Union's ambiguous nature, the institutional complex can also function as a foil for governments when tension between material imperatives and declared normative foundations and ambitions is high. The energy–democracy relationship divulges a “pragmatic–realist institutionalism” on the part of European politicians, officials, and agencies. A logic of collective inaction toward difficult but essential “partners,” rather than one of ethical “appropriateness,” has developed and indicates the limits of normative policy and theory.La densa red de instituciones de la Unión Europea es usualmente aclamada por facilitar una mejor toma de decisiones y representación de intereses en las relaciones de la Unión Europea en el exterior. Combinada con la naturaleza ambigua de la Unión Europea, el complejo institucional puede también funcionar como un impedimento para los gobiernos cuando la tensión entre los imperativos materiales y los declarados fundamentos normativos y ambiciones es alta. La relación energía‐democracia divulga un “institucionalismo pragmático–realista” por parte de los políticos europeos, oficiales y agencias. Una lógica de inactividad colectiva hacia los difíciles pero esenciales “compañeros,” en vez de una lógica de “propiedad”ética, ha desarrollado e indica los límites de la política y teoría normativa.
Chlorambucil and prednisolone chemotherapy for dogs with inoperable mast cell tumours: 21 cases
Authors: Taylor F. , Gear R. , Hoather T. , Dobson J. 
Published: June 2009

Objectives:To evaluate the response of measurable canine mast cell tumours unsuitable for other treatment modalities to a chemotherapy protocol comprising chlorambucil and prednisolone.Methods:Dogs bearing measurable mast cell tumours, unsuitable for treatment by surgery or radiotherapy, were treated with orally administered prednisolone and chlorambucil, and their responses assessed.Results:Twenty‐one dogs were enrolled in the study; 13 had intermediate‐grade mast cell tumour, six were high grade and two were diagnosed by cytology alone. Eight dogs had multiple tumours and 13 dogs had single tumours, and six dogs had lymph node metastases and no dogs had visceral metastases detected. Three dogs achieved complete remission, five achieved partial remission (overall response rate 38 per cent), nine had static disease and four dogs had progressive disease. Median progression‐free interval for the eight responders was 533 days, and median survival time for all dogs in the study was 140 days. Progression‐free interval and median survival time were not influenced by the age, sex, weight or neutering status of the patient, by the grade or stage of the tumour or whether the patient had single or multiple tumours. No toxicity was detected.ClinicalSignificance:Response and survival rates of inoperable canine MCT to chlorambucil and prednisolone are comparable to previously described protocols, with no apparent toxicity.
Pandemic influenza vaccines: meeting the supply, distribution and deployment challenges
Authors: Hessel Luc ,   The European Vaccine Manufacturers (EVM) Influenza Working Group
Published: June 2009

AbstractAn influenza pandemic will place an enormous strain on the world’s vaccine production, distribution and administration systems. Following a pandemic declaration, industry’s priority will be to deliver as much vaccine in as short a timeframe as possible. In respect to this challenge, manufacturers have successfully developed antigen‐sparing strategies and significantly increased production capacity, with further growth planned assuming ongoing rising demand for seasonal vaccines. The combination of these factors has the potential to closer meet global needs for vaccine supply than ever before through increased availability of pandemic and pre‐pandemic vaccines. The demonstration of cross‐clade reactivity with H5N1 viruses makes the concept of pre‐pandemic stockpiling and vaccination a reality for this subtype. Ensuring these vaccines are made available in a timely fashion to those who need them will present significant challenges. For local authorities, national governments and international organisations this means defining vaccine allocation and procurement processes as well as strengthening, and where necessary establishing, the critical health systems and infrastructure required for vaccine deployment. For vaccine producers this means addressing the technical and logistical issues associated with supply. This includes working with regulators to streamline key procedures, including generic labelling and batch release, while establishing flexibility in supply formats, including bulk and finished products, to maximise the speed of delivery. Similarly, the deployment of large quantities of vaccines in an emergency situation requires appropriate transport infrastructure and the distribution of associated medical supplies. As well as addressing these issues, specific consideration must be given to the logistics and storage aspects associated with stockpiling pre‐pandemic vaccines. Finally, mutually agreed contractual arrangements between manufacturers and governments or international institutions represent the best approach toward addressing supply challenges and assisting vaccine producers meet national and international demand. To be effective, these contracts should be based on accurate forecasts, clearly defined vaccination strategies and the capabilities of public health infrastructure.
pHg/pSILBAγ vector system for efficient gene silencing in homobasidiomycetes: optimization of ihpRNA – triggering in the mycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor
Authors: Kemppainen Minna J. , Pardo Alejandro G. 
Published: June 2009

SummarypSILBAγ silencing vector was constructed for efficient RNA silencing triggering in the model mycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor. This cloning vector carries the Agaricus bisporus gpdII promoter, two multiple cloning sites separated by a L. bicolor nitrate reductase intron and the Aspergillus nidulans trpC terminator. pSILBAγ allows an easy oriented two‐step PCR cloning of hairpin sequences to be expressed in basidiomycetes. With one further cloning step into pHg, a pCAMBIA1300‐based binary vector carrying a hygromycin resistance cassette, the pHg/pSILBAγ plasmid is used for Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The pHg/pSILBAγ system results in predominantly single integrations of RNA silencing triggering T‐DNAs in the fungal genome and the integration sites of the transgenes can be resolved by plasmid rescue. pSILBAγ construct and two other pSILBA plasmid variants (pSILBA and pSILBAα) were evaluated for their capacity to silence Laccaria nitrate reductase gene. While all pSILBA variants tested resulted in up to 65–76% of transformants with reduced growth on nitrate, pSILBAγ produced the highest number (65%) of strongly affected fungal strains. The strongly silenced phenotype was shown to correlate with T‐DNA integration in transcriptionally active genomic sites. pHg/pSILBAγ was shown to produce T‐DNAs with minimum CpG methylation in transgene promoter regions which assures the maximum silencing trigger production in Laccaria. Methylation of the target endogene was only slight in RNA silencing triggered with constructs carrying an intronic spacer hairpin sequence. The silencing capacity of the pHg/pSILBAγ was further tested with Laccaria inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate 5‐phosphatase gene. Besides its use in silencing triggering, the herein described plasmid system can also be used for transgene expression in Laccaria. pHg/pSILBAγ silencing system is optimized for L. bicolor but it should be highly useful also for other homobasidiomycetes, group of fungi currently lacking molecular tools for RNA silencing.