bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin Involvement in SSRI-Induced Delayed Ejaculation: A Review of Animal Studies
Authors: de Jong Trynke R. , Veening Jan G. , Olivier Berend , Waldinger Marcel D. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTIntroductionSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) differ in the severity of induced ejaculation delay. Various studies indicate that oxytocin is involved in sexual behavior.AimTo review and evaluate the involvement of oxytocin in SSRI-induced ejaculation delay.Main Outcome MeasuresOxytocine release, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotransmission, and desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors.MethodsA review and critical analysis of animal studies investigating the interaction of serotonergic and oxytocinergic neurotransmission in relation to the ejaculation process.ResultsAlthough acute treatment with the SSRIs fluoxetine and paroxetine immediately causes increased serotonin levels, delayed ejaculation does not occur. The increased serotonin levels induce oxytocin release via activation of 5-HT1A receptors, and this might compensate for the inhibitory actions of serotonin on sexual behavior. Chronic treatment with fluoxetine and paroxetine desensitizes 5-HT1A receptors on oxytocin neurons, and that might in part determine the onset of delayed ejaculation. Desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors is less strong following chronic treatment with the SSRIs fluvoxamine or citalopram, which may attenuate the degree of delayed ejaculation.ConclusionPreliminary data suggest that the severity of chronic SSRI treatment-induced delayed ejaculation and the differences between the various SSRIs in inducing ejaculation delay is related to gradual desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors on oxytocin neurons.
Sexual Counseling for Women in the Context of Physical Diseases—A Teaching Model for Physicians
Authors: Bitzer Johannes , Platano Giacomo , Tschudin S. , Alder Judith 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Chronic medical conditions are frequently associated with sexual difficulties and problems, which are often underreported and underdiagnosed. Patients may feel that sexual problems in the context of disease are not important enough to be mentioned to their physicians, and physicians may feel uncomfortable and sometimes incompetent. Furthermore, the diagnostic criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV and International Classification of Diseases-10 are focused on the phenomenology of the sexual response without any specificity regarding diseases.

Aim
To facilitate access for patients and physicians, we wanted to develop a tool for assessment and discussion of sexual problems in the context of disease. This tool should be broadly applicable, easy to use and learn for nonmental health professionals.

Main Outcome Measures
Content analysis with respect to the integration of general sexological and disease-specific dimensions. Formulation of a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm that can be used as a teaching tool.

Methods
Based on our experience as a liaison-consultation sexological division of the university hospital of Basel, we analyzed the sexological diagnostic workup performed with the following group of female patients: women with benign gynecologic conditions; women with incontinence; oncological patients (mammary carcinoma, genital carcinoma); neurological patients (multiple sclerosis, spine injury, Parkinson’s); patients with metabolic and endocrine disorders (diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome); and patients with mental health disorders (depression, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia). We extracted the commonly used steps in the workup to construct a tool with easy-to-remember elements, which would help the physician to evaluate patients’ sexual problems and plan for referral or therapy.

Results
We could differentiate three diagnostic dimensions. The first were person-related preexisting factors, such as sexual satisfaction and function, age, body image, and general well-being. The second were the disease-specific implications, which could be summarized under the 8 Ds: Danger, Destruction, Disfigurement, Disability and pain, Dysfunction, Dysregulation, Disease load, and Drugs. The third was the patient’s and partner’s general response to the disease determined by affective response, coping style, body image impact, and changes in relationship dynamics.

Conclusion
Sexual problems are frequent in many clinical conditions, but are not yet a routine part of diagnostic workup and therapeutic planning. We have developed a tool to help physicians in different clinical settings to evaluate sexual problems of the female patients with specific clinical conditions in order to facilitate access to recognition and possible treatment.
Corpus Cavernosum Electromyography with Revised Methodology: An Explorative Study in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction and Men with Reported Normal Erectile Function
Authors: Meuleman Eric , Jiang Xiaogang , Holsheimer January , Wagner Gorm , Knipscheer Ben , Wijkstra Hessel 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A lack of standardization of the recording techniques of corpus cavernosum electromyography (CC-EMG) and objective criteria to characterize the recorded signals (CC-potentials) are the main difficulties hindering the clinical application of this method. These difficulties have been recently overcome by revising the recording and interpretation methodology of CC-EMG

Aim
To assess if CC-EMG performed with the revised methodology is discriminative for well-defined clinical conditions in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
Based on blinded clinical diagnosis, ED patients were catalogued into five subgroups: severe penile fibrosis, cavernous arterial insufficiency (CAI), cardio-vascular comorbidity (CVCM) without proven CAI, post-radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), and psychogenic ED. With four electrodes placed on the penile shaft bilaterally, CC-EMG was recorded monopolarly for 30 minutes during flaccidity. After evaluation of the recordings by visual inspection, CC-potentials were analyzed using cross- and autocorrelation techniques. The parameters evaluated were amplitude, duration, dominant frequency (DF), and maximum cross-correlation coefficient (Rmax) of CC-potentials recorded from proximal and distal parts of the CC.

Main Outcome Measures
Comparison of the values of parameters amplitude, duration, DF, and Rmax between patient and control groups.

Results
A total of 119 patients with ED and 43 men with reported normal erectile function were studied. Thirteen out of 14 patients with severe penile fibrosis did not show any distinguishable CC-potential. Patients with CAI had significantly decreased amplitude compared with the potent controls, as well as the patients with CVCM but without proven CAI. Significantly decreased amplitude and Rmax were detected in ED patients following RRP compared with the controls.

Conclusion
Corpus cavernosum electromyography performed with the revised methodology is able to discriminate ED patients with conditions that are associated with cavernous smooth muscle degeneration and/or autonomic neuropathy from men with reported normal erectile function.
Validation of Laboratory Screening Criteria for Herpes Simplex Virus Testing of Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Hanson Kimberly E. , Alexander Barbara D. , Woods Christopher , Petti Cathy , Reller L. Barth 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Most patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) central nervous system (CNS) infection have abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indices. Therefore, we implemented screening criteria based on CSF values and host immune status to guide testing. All CSF samples submitted for HSV PCR analysis from January 1999 through December 2004 were included in the study. Specimens from patients with human immunodeficiency virus, a history of transplants, an age of <2 years, a CSF white blood cell count of >5 cells/mm
3
, or a protein level of >50 mg/dl were tested upon request. All other samples were rejected and frozen. To validate our screening criteria, rejected specimens were pooled and tested retrospectively. Electronic medical records were also reviewed. A total of 1,659 HSV PCR requests from 1,458 patients were screened. Of the 1,296 specimens (78.1%) accepted for testing, 1,213 were negative, 7 were positive for HSV type 1 (HSV-1), 26 were positive for HSV-2, and 50 had unavailable results. Sixteen requests were rejected because an alternative microbiologic diagnosis had been established. Of the 347 samples rejected based on criteria, 222 (64.0%) remained available for pooled testing. No HSV-1-positive samples were identified in the rejected specimens. Two rejected specimens tested positive for HSV-2 DNA, but both met acceptance criteria which had not been communicated to the laboratory. Few patients (7.8%) with rejected specimens were treated with acyclovir, which suggests a low clinical concern for HSV encephalitis. Acceptance criteria based on CSF parameters and host immune status saved time and cost and did not miss patients with HSV CNS infection. Communication between the clinician and the laboratory is imperative for a successful screening program.
Microarray-Based Identification of Tenascin C and Tenascin XB, Genes Possibly Involved in Tumorigenesis Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Lévy Pascale , Ripoche Hugues , Laurendeau Ingrid , Lazar Vladimir , Ortonne Nicolas , Parfait Béatrice , Leroy Karen , Wechsler Janine , Salmon Isabelle , Wolkenstein Pierre , Dessen Philippe , Vidaud Michel , Vidaud Dominique , Bièche Ivan 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Purpose: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a complex variety of clinical manifestations. The hallmark of NF1 is the onset of heterogeneous (dermal or plexiform) benign neurofibromas. Plexiform neurofibromas can give rise to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which are resistant to conventional therapies.
Experimental Design: To identify new signaling pathways involved in the malignant transformation of plexiform neurofibromas, we applied a 22,000-oligonucleotide microarray approach to a series of plexiform neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Changes in the expression of selected genes were then confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR.
Results: We identified two tenascin gene family members that were significantly deregulated in both human NF1-associated tumors and NF1-deficient primary cells: Tenascin C (TNC) was up-regulated whereas tenascin XB (TNXB) was down-regulated during tumor progression. TNC activation is mainly due to the up-regulation of large TNC splice variants. Immunohistochemical studies showed that TNC transcripts are translated into TNC protein in TNC-overexpressing tumors. Aberrant transcriptional activation of TNC seems to be principally mediated by activator protein transcription factor complexes.
Conclusion: TNXB and TNC may be involved in the malignant transformation of plexiform neurofibromas. Anti-TNC antibodies, already used successfully in clinical trials to treat malignant human gliomas, may be an appropriate new therapeutic strategy for NF1.
Winter-Season Climate Prediction for the U.K. Health Sector
Authors: McGregor G. R. , Cox M. , Cui Y. , Cui Z. , Davey M. K. , Graham R. F. , Brookshaw A. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The winter climate of the British Isles is characterized by considerable interannual variability, which, because of the general climate sensitivity of a number of health outcomes, places at times considerable pressure on the provision of health services. Seasonal climate forecasts potentially could improve management within the health sector and assist in hedging against the vagaries of climatic variability. For this reason, an exploratory analysis of the potential utility of seasonal climate forecasting for the health sector in the United Kingdom is presented here. Study results revealed that the general level of winter mortality at the monthly to seasonal time scale possesses a strong association with simple descriptors of winter climate such as maximum temperature and the number of days below a given temperature threshold. Because such climate indices can be derived from the output of coupled seasonal climate prediction models, predictions of general levels of mortality may be possible using simple transfer functions that describe winter climate and health associations. Despite the potential one-month-ahead and one-season-ahead predictability of winter mortality levels, the predictability of the key climate indices by coupled climate models is shown to be somewhat limited, which compromises the ability to predict general levels of winter mortality for all months except February.
Cirrus Microphysical Properties and Air Motion Statistics Using Cloud Radar Doppler Moments. Part I: Algorithm Description
Authors: Deng Min , Mace Gerald G. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The first three moments of the millimeter-wavelength radar Doppler spectrum provide valuable information regarding both cloud properties and air motion. An algorithm using these Doppler radar moments is developed to retrieve cirrus microphysical properties and the mean air vertical motion and their errors. The observed Doppler spectrum results from the convolution of a quiet-air radar reflectivity spectrum with the turbulence probability density function. Instead of expressing the convolution integral in terms of the particle fall velocity as in past studies, herein the convolution integral is integrated over the air motion so that the mean vertical velocity within the sample volume can be explicitly solved. To avoid an ill-conditioned problem, the turbulence is considered as a parameter in the algorithm and predetermined from the Doppler spectrum width and radar reflectivity based on the observation that the spread of the particle size distribution in the velocity domain dominates the Doppler spectrum width measurement for most cirrus. It is also shown that the assumed single mode functional shapes cannot reliably represent significant bimodalities. Nevertheless, the IWC can be retrieved more reliably than can the mass mean particle size. Error analysis also shows that the retrieval algorithm results are very sensitive to the power-law relationships describing the ice particle mass and the terminal velocity in terms of the particle maximum length. It is estimated that the algorithm errors will be on the order of 35%, 85%, and ±20 cm s−1 for mass mean particle size, IWC, and sample volume mean air motion, respectively. Algorithm validation with in situ data demonstrates that the algorithm can determine the cloud microphysical properties and air mean vertical velocity within the predicted theoretical error bounds.
The role of chemerin in the colocalization of NK and dendritic cell subsets into inflamed tissues
Authors: Parolini Silvia , Santoro Amerigo , Marcenaro Emanuela , Luini Walter , Massardi Luisa , Facchetti Fabio , Communi David , Parmentier Marc , Majorana Alessandra , Sironi Marina , Tabellini Giovanna , Moretta Alessandro , Sozzani Silvano 
Published: January 2007

AbstractChemerin is a chemotactic agonist recently identified as the ligand of ChemR23, a serpentine receptor expressed by mononuclear phagocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). This study shows that blood CD56lowCD16+ natural killer (NK) cells selectively express functional ChemR23 and that this receptor is coexpressed with CXCR1, the CXCL8 receptor, and the KIR receptors. In vitro culturing of NK cells with IL-2 or IL-15 induced a delayed and time-dependent down-regulation of ChemR23 that was associated with the inhibition of NK cell migration to chemerin. Biopsies obtained from patients with oral lichen planus presented an infiltration of CD94+CD3−CD56+ NK cells that coexpressed ChemR23. The same biopsies were infiltrated by myeloid, DC-SIGN+ and plasmacytoid, CD123+BDCA2+, ChemR23+ dendritic cells that were occasionally associated with NK cells. In the same histologic sections, chemerin was expressed by inflamed dermal endothelium. These findings propose a role for the ChemR23/chemerin axis in the recruitment of blood NK cells and strongly implicate chemerin as a key factor for the colocalization of NK cells and DC subsets in pathologic peripheral tissues.
Protocol for the THREAD (THREshold for AntiDepressants) study: a randomised controlled trial to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of antidepressants plus supportive care, versus supportive care alone, for mild to moderate depression in UK general practice
Authors: Chatwin Judy , Kendrick Tony ,   the THREAD Study Group
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
Depression guidelines in the UK recommended a policy of watchful waiting for mild depression due to a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of antidepressant treatment for mild cases. However there has been relatively little research carried out in primary care to help establish the severity threshold at which antidepressant treatment is effective and cost-effective.

Methods/Design
The THREAD (THREshold for AntiDepressants) study is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial designed to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) plus general practitioner (GP) supportive care, versus supportive care alone, for mild to moderate depression in primary care. The aim is to recruit 300 patients from three centres (Southampton, London and Liverpool). Depressive symptoms will be assessed at baseline, 12 weeks and 26 weeks, using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Two severity sub-groups of patients will be recruited, with HDRS scores of 12–15, and 16–19. Possible predictors of response will be explored including life events and difficulties and alcohol consumption. Analysis of covariance, controlling for baseline value, severity group and centre will be used to estimate the overall treatment effectiveness (difference in HDRS score) at final follow up. The primary analysis will be by 'intention to treat' using double sided tests. The interaction between severity sub-group and treatment will be tested, and if appropriate, effects within separate severity sub-groups estimated. The economic analysis will compare the two treatment groups in terms of mean costs and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion
The results of this study will give GPs important information to help them determine the severity of depression at which antidepressant treatment is likely to be cost-effective.
Hereditary chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Rosendahl Jonas , Bödeker Hans , Mössner Joachim , Teich Niels 
Published: January 2007

AbstractHereditary chronic pancreatitis (HCP) is a very rare form of early onset chronic pancreatitis. With the exception of the young age at diagnosis and a slower progression, the clinical course, morphological features and laboratory findings of HCP do not differ from those of patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. As well, diagnostic criteria and treatment of HCP resemble that of chronic pancreatitis of other causes. The clinical presentation is highly variable and includes chronic abdominal pain, impairment of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function, nausea and vomiting, maldigestion, diabetes, pseudocysts, bile duct and duodenal obstruction, and rarely pancreatic cancer. Fortunately, most patients have a mild disease. Mutations in the PRSS1 gene, encoding cationic trypsinogen, play a causative role in chronic pancreatitis. It has been shown that the PRSS1 mutations increase autocatalytic conversion of trypsinogen to active trypsin, and thus probably cause premature, intrapancreatic trypsinogen activation disturbing the intrapancreatic balance of proteases and their inhibitors. Other genes, such as the anionic trypsinogen (PRSS2), the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have been found to be associated with chronic pancreatitis (idiopathic and hereditary) as well. Genetic testing should only be performed in carefully selected patients by direct DNA sequencing and antenatal diagnosis should not be encouraged. Treatment focuses on enzyme and nutritional supplementation, pain management, pancreatic diabetes, and local organ complications, such as pseudocysts, bile duct or duodenal obstruction. The disease course and prognosis of patients with HCP is unpredictable. Pancreatic cancer risk is elevated. Therefore, HCP patients should strongly avoid environmental risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Cross‐Sectional Evaluation of the Presence of Gingival Recession in Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Almeida Ana Lúcia Pompéia Fraga de , Madeira Ludmila Cardoso , Freitas Kelly Cristina de , Greghi Sebastião Luiz Aguiar , Pegoraro Luiz Fernando 
Published: January 2007

Background: In dentistry, investigations in the field of periodontics in individuals with cleft lip and palate are scarce, with few studies on the prevalence, incidence, extension, and severity of periodontal alterations and their treatment in adults.Methods: This study analyzed the prevalence, extension, and severity of recessions and the relationship with some etiologic factors in 200 individuals with cleft lip and palate aged 13 to 56 years. Examination comprised measurements of gingival recession, amount of keratinized mucosa, frenum insertions, and tooth positioning in the dental arch.Results: Analysis of the results revealed that the prevalence of recession was high, because 75% of individuals in the sample had at least one tooth with gingival recession; 100% of individuals aged >43 years presented at least one recession, and most recessions were Miller Class I. The multiple linear regression demonstrated that recession is directly proportional to age (i.e., it increases with age); concerning the amount of keratinized mucosa, the proportion is inverse (i.e., the larger the recession, the smaller the amount of mucosa); and gingival inflammation also presented a positive correlation.Conclusions: Gingival recessions are caused by many etiologic factors, which usually act in combination. Thus, all factors causing recession should be analyzed so that planning and treatment of this clinical condition may be established, for achievement of optimal outcomes.