bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Gender on Mortality or Appropriate Shock in Patients with Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy Who Have Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators
Authors: CHEN HENRY A. , HSIA HENRY H. , VAGELOS RANDALL , FOWLER MICHAEL , WANG PAUL , AL‐AHMAD AMIN 
Published: March 2007

Background: As heart disease is increasingly recognized in women and as important studies have elucidated the benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), little is known regarding the effect of gender difference on arrhythmic risk in this population. We sought to determine if there are gender differences in arrhythmic risk and potential defibrillator benefit in patients with NICM.
Methods: The records of 767 consecutive patients who underwent ICD implant at the Stanford Medical Center from 1984 to 2002 were reviewed. Only patients with NICM were considered (n = 201, 26.2%). Of these, 140 patients had clinical follow‐up information available. Baseline variables were examined, including age, baseline heart rate, ejection fraction, and medications. We evaluated the time to first shock as well as all‐cause mortality in this patient population. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were plotted, a log‐rank test was used to evaluate significance, and Cox‐proportional hazards test was used for multivariate analysis.
Results: There were 88 (62.9%) men and 52 (37.1%) women. Between male and female patients, there were no significant differences in baseline mean age (54.8 ± 1.9 years vs 53.1 ± 2.3 years, respectively), ejection fraction (35.2 ± 2.0% vs 33.3 ± 2.3%, respectively), and mean left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension (6.4 ± 0.3 cm vs 5.9 ± 0.2 cm, respectively). Mean follow‐up time was 30.8 months. Thirty‐two male patients (36.4 ± 0.05%) received appropriate shocks compared with 20 female patients (38.5 ± 0.07%). Mean time to the first appropriate shock was 11.9 ± 3.9 months for male patients and 21.3 ± 5.8 months for female patients (P = 0.2). Nineteen male patients (21.6 ± 0.05%) died or received heart transplant during the follow‐up period compared with 6 female patients (11.5 ± 0.04%) (P = 0.11).
Conclusion: Male and female patients with NICM who received ICDs had similar rate of appropriate shock and mortality. In this population gender does not appear to be an important risk factor for mortality or arrhythmic events.
Gingival crevicular fluid levels of RANKL and OPG in periodontal diseases: implications of their relative ratio
Authors: Bostanci Nagihan , İlgenli Tunc , Emingil Gülnur , Afacan Beral , Han Buket , Töz Hüseyin , Atilla Gül , Hughes Francis J. , Belibasakis Georgios N. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAim: Receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are a system of molecules that regulate bone resorption. This study aims to compare the levels of RANKL, OPG and their relative ratio in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of healthy and periodontal disease subjects.Material and Methods: GCF was obtained from healthy (n=21), gingivitis (n=22), chronic periodontitis (n=28), generalized aggressive periodontitis (n=25) and chronic periodontitis subjects under immunosuppressant therapy (n=11). RANKL and OPG concentrations in GCF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.Results: RANKL levels were low in health and gingivitis groups, but increased in all three forms of periodontitis. OPG levels were higher in health than all three periodontitis, or gingivitis groups. There were no differences in RANKL and OPG levels between chronic and generalized aggressive periodontitis groups, whereas these were lower in the immunosuppressed chronic periodontitis group. The RANKL/OPG ratio was significantly elevated in all three periodontitis forms, compared with health or gingivitis, and positively correlated to probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level.Conclusion: GCF RANKL and OPG levels were oppositely regulated in periodontitis, but not gingivitis, resulting in an enhanced RANKL/OPG ratio. This ratio was similar in all three periodontitis groups and may therefore predict disease occurrence.
Possible Roles of KIR2DL4 Expression on uNK Cells in Human Pregnancy
Authors: Yan Wei‐hua , Lin Aifen , Chen Bao‐guo , Zhou Mei‐ying , Dai Mei‐zhen , Chen Xue‐jiao , Gan Ling‐hong , Zhu Min , Shi Wei‐wu , Li Bo‐li 
Published: March 2007

ProblemTo investigate possible roles of the natural killer (NK) cell receptor killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR)2DL4 expressed on uterine NK (uNK) cells during pregnancy, we investigated KIR2DL4 expression on uNK cells isolated from patients with early recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and normal early pregnancy women, and functions of KIR2DL4 was analyzed in vitro.Methods of the studySemi‐quantitative RT‐PCR analysis was introduced to detect KIR2DL4 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression on uNK cells. Cytotoxicity and cytokine production as the result of interaction of KIR2DL4 and its ligand human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G were analyzed in vitro with lactic dehydrogenase releasing method and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.ResultsNo significant difference in KIR2DL4 mRNA expression was observed, while the KIR2DL4 protein level in isolated uNK cells is much higher in normal controls than that in RSA patients. Data showed that HLA‐G transfection could not reverse the lysis of uNK against HLA‐G transfected K562 cells but induced cytokine production. Furthermore, we demonstrated that, via KIR2DL4, membrane‐bound HLA‐G could induce high cytotoxicity and cytokine production in a high cytotoxic, IL‐2 dependent human NK cell line NK‐92 cells.ConclusionOur data suggest that KIR2DL4 might play a crucial implication for human pregnancy.
Establishment of the Porcine Epitheliochorial Placenta Is Associated with Endometrial T‐Cell Recruitment
Authors: Dimova Tanya , Mihaylova Anastassia , Spassova Petia , Georgieva Rayna 
Published: March 2007

ProblemWe assessed implantation‐associated quantitative changes in peripheral blood and endometrial T lymphocytes throughout epitheliochorial placenta formation.Method of studyT‐cell subsets were investigated in 10‐, 15‐, 20‐, 30‐, and 40‐day pregnant and non‐pregnant sows by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.ResultsEndometrial total T, T cytotoxic (Tc), and T helper (Th) cells were in peak numbers at the attachment phase of implantation and Tc cells persisted in high proportions up to placental establishment. The number of γδ T lymphocytes was relatively small and implantation‐independent. In situ, T cells increased in number with the advancement of implantation and formed T‐cell clusters with implantation phase‐dependent location. Percentages of peripheral blood T cells were not significantly changed throughout the implantation.ConclusionSuperficial and adeciduate implantation of pigs has a profound effect on the number of total T, Tc, and Th cells and pattern of distribution of endometrial T cells in situ.
Natural Killer Cell Functional Activity Suppression By Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Intralipid and Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen‐G
Authors: Roussev Roumen G. , Ng Siu Chui , Coulam Carolyn B. 
Published: March 2007

ProblemThe purpose of this study was to compare the ability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), intralipid and soluble human leukocyte antigen (sHLA)‐G to suppress natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in an in vitro assay.Method of studyBlood samples taken from 275 women experiencing reproductive failure were analyzed for NK cytotoxicity and the suppression of NK cytotoxicity by IVIg 4 and 2 mg/mL (n = 275), intralipid 18 and 9 mg/mL (n = 275) and sHLA‐G 70 and 35 ng/mL (n = 50) using immunofluorescent labeled K562 cells as targets and flow cytometry.ResultsNatural killer cytotoxicity was suppressed in all samples. Among patients with normal NK cell activity, IVIg suppressed NK cytotoxicity by 44.9 ± 8.1%, intralipid suppressed NK killing by 45.2 ± 8.3% and sHLA‐G suppressed by 49.0 ± 9.2%. When specimens with abnormal NK activity were observed for suppression of cytotoxicity, IVIg suppressed by 38.9 ± 5.4%, intralipid suppressed by 39.8 ± 6.2% and sHLA‐G suppressed by 39.9 ± 5.0%.ConclusionIntravenous immunoglobulin, intralipid and sHLA‐G suppressed NK cell cytotoxicity with equal efficacy in an in vitro assay.
Theoretical Basis for Herbal Medicines, Tokishakuyaku‐San and Sairei‐To, in the Treatment of Recurrent Abortion: Enhancing the Production of Granulocyte–Macrophage Colony‐Stimulating Factor in Decidual Stromal Cells
Authors: Nagamatsu Takeshi , Fujii Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Junko , Kanai Takao , Hyodo Hironobu , Yamashita Takahiro , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji 
Published: March 2007

ProblemTo get insight into the basis for the empirical usage of herbal medicines, such as Tokishakuyaku‐san (Toki) and Sairei‐to (Sai) in the treatment of recurrent abortion and intrauterine growth restriction, we examined whether these medicines modulate the production of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), a cytokine working as an important mediator for intercellular communication in the embryonic development, in decidual stromal cells (DSCs).Method of studyHuman DSCs were cultured with either Toki or Sai at several different concentrations. The effect on cell proliferation was assessed by WST‐8 assay. GM‐CSF released into culture medium was analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to see GM‐CSF mRNA expression in DSCs.ResultsSai inhibited the proliferation of cultured DSCs, while no interference was observed in the presence of Toki. Both Toki and Sai enhanced the release of GM‐CSF into culture medium. The amount of GM‐CSF mRNA in cultured DSCs was as well increased by either Toki or Sai.ConclusionConsidering the significance of GM‐CSF in embryonic development, clinical benefit of these herbal medicines in the treatment of recurrent abortion might be based on the shown pharmacological reaction related to GM‐CSF.
Physiological Changes in Female Genital Sensation During Sexual Stimulation
Authors: Gruenwald Ilan , Lowenstein Lior , Gartman Irena , Vardi Yoram 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A normal sexual response in the female depends on the integrity of afferent sensory input from the genital region. So far genital sensation has been investigated only during a non-excitatory state, and the sensory physiological changes, which occur during the sexual cycle in this region, are still obscured.

Aim
To investigate the sensory status of the female genital region during sexual arousal and orgasm.

Main Outcome Measures
Genital sensory thresholds measured by Quantitative Sensory Testing (vibratory and thermal) were compared in a non-excitatory vs. excitatory state in normal sexually functioning females.

Methods
Eleven healthy female volunteers were recruited and attended three separate visits. During each session only one anatomical site, either clitoris or vagina was tested for either vibratory or thermal stimuli. A psychophysical method of limits was employed for threshold determination of warm or vibratory stimuli. In each session, all women were tested at baseline, immediately after arousal, after orgasm and three more measurements – 5, 10, and 20 minutes during the recovery state.

Results
A significant decrease in clitoral vibratory sensation threshold was observed between the baseline and the arousal phases (P = 0.003). Comparison of vibratory sensation between baseline and following orgasm at the clitoral and vaginal region showed a significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) for both regions. These changes were not significant for thermal threshold sensation at the clitoral region (P = 0.6).

Conclusion
This is the first time that genital sensation has been measured during the excitatory phase of the female sexual cycle. This normative data may serve as a baseline for further investigations of the sensory input of the genital organs during intercourse in pathological states.
Loss of Sexual Desire in the Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Wylie Kevan , Daines Brian , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Hallam-Jones Ruth , Boul Lori , Wilson Llynwen , Athanasiadis Loukas , Brewster Marnie , Kristensen Ellids 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a common clinical problem that may bother women.

Aim
To provide a clear clinical pathway for the assessment and management of women presenting with symptoms of loss of sexual interest and desire (HSDD).

Main Outcome Measures
Patient self-report of sexual satisfaction and quality of life.

Methods
A multidisciplinary team of experts reviewed a clinical case summary. The contribution of physical, pharmacological, psychological, and psychiatric as well as interrelational factors as potential contributors to the condition are described.

Results
A multifactorial assessment with a combination of psychosocial, physical, and hormonal interventions may be a useful model in offering treatment pathways for symptoms of HSDD. A favorable outcome was reported.

Conclusion
Multidisciplinary teamworking that allows a thorough assessment and package of interventions is often necessary to support women with HSDD.
Erectile Dysfunction Severity Might Be Associated with Poor Cardiovascular Prognosis in Diabetic Men
Authors: Heruti Rafi J. , Uri Inbal , Arbel Yaron , Swartzon Michael , Galor Shay , Justo Dan 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although erectile dysfunction (ED) might be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), there is no evidence it predicts poor cardiovascular prognosis. On the other hand, an abnormal heart rate profile during exercise stress testing predicts poor cardiovascular prognosis in high-risk patients, such as diabetic men, even in the absence of CHD.

Aim
In order to study if ED predicts poor cardiovascular prognosis in high-risk patients, we examined the association between ED and heart rate profile during exercise stress testing in diabetic men with no CHD.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile dysfunction severity, exercise capacity during exercise stress testing, and heart rate decrease after exercise stress testing.

Methods
A retrospective study. The medical charts of diabetic men with vascular ED from a single-sex clinic were reviewed, as well as the medical charts of body mass index (BMI)- and age-matched diabetic men without ED going through routine check-ups. All men underwent routine treadmill stress testing according to the Bruce protocol in order to characterize heart rate profile during exercise. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire was used to characterize ED.

Results
Included were 18 diabetic men with ED (SHIM questionnaire scores 5–21) and 18 diabetic men without ED (SHIM questionnaire scores 22–25), 40 years of age or older. None of the men had signs of coronary insufficiency during exercise treadmill stress testing. Although the two groups did not statistically differ with respect to the mean age, the mean BMI, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, and the mean exercise treadmill stress testing findings, the SHIM questionnaire scores were significantly associated with low metabolic equivalents (r = 0.51, P = 0.03) and delayed heart rate recovery during the first 2 minutes after exercise (r = 0.55, P = 0.018) only among diabetic men with ED.

Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction severity might be associated with poor cardiovascular prognosis in adult diabetic men with no CHD.
Differences Between Pre- and Postmenopausal Women in Cues for Sexual Desire
Authors: McCall Katie , Meston Cindy 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTIntroductionRecently, McCall and Meston presented an assessment tool for empirically categorizing stimuli associated with sexual desire in women. Significant differences in cues resulting in sexual desire were found between women with and without hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).AimThe present study examined differences in cues resulting in sexual desire between pre- and postmenopausal women with and without sexual desire concerns using the Cues for Sexual Desire Scale (CSDS) which assesses four distinct aspects of desire motivators: (i) Love/Emotional Bonding Cues; (ii) Erotic/Explicit Cues; (iii) Visual/Proximity Cues; and (iv) Implicit/Romantic Cues.Main Outcome MeasuresThe Female Sexual Function Index and the CSDS.MethodsWomen included premenopausal women with no sexual concerns (N = 35), premenopausal women with low sexual desire (N = 30), postmenopausal women with no sexual concerns (N = 21), and postmenopausal women with low sexual desire (N = 39).ResultsConsistent with prior findings, women with low sexual desire reported significantly less Love/Emotional Bonding Cues, Erotic/Explicit Cues, Implicit/Romantic Cues, and had significantly lower CSDS total scores as compared with women with no sexual difficulties. Postmenopausal women were more likely to report cues associated with Love/Emotional Bonding as compared with premenopausal women.ConclusionThere were significant differences between women with and without sexual desire concerns in Love/Emotional Bonding Cues, Erotic/Explicit Cues, Implicit/Romantic Cues, and CSDS total scores. There were no significant differences between pre- and postmenopausal women in Erotic/Explicit Cues, Visual/Proximity Cues, or Implicit/Romantic Cues. Interestingly, postmenopausal women with and without HSDD endorsed more Love/Emotional Bonding Cues resulting in feelings of sexual desire as compared with premenopausal women.
Development and Validation of the Quality of Erection Questionnaire
Authors: Porst Hartmut , Gilbert Claire , Collins Suzanne , Huang Xiangning , Symonds Tara , Stecher Vera , Hvidsten Kyle 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There are no psychometrically validated assessment tools designed to solely and specifically evaluate satisfaction with the quality of erections.

Aim
To develop and psychometrically analyze the Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ), a new patient-reported measure developed to evaluate men’s satisfaction with the quality of their erections.

Methods
The questionnaire was developed through in-depth qualitative interviews of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) in the United States and Australia. An exploratory methodology study was conducted on 65 men with ED. Subsequently, the psychometric properties were confirmed in a larger dataset of 558 men with ED from two combined clinical trials.

Main Outcome Measures
Identification of potential redundancy or outliers in items (Pearson inter-item correlations); exploratory factor analysis (unrotated and varimax rotated); internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha); convergent validity (Pearson correlation coefficients between the QEQ total score and domain scores of the International Index of Erectile Function); known-groups validity (ability of the QEQ scores to differentiate between ED severity groups); test–retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient).

Results
The QEQ demonstrated excellent convergent and known-groups validity. Additional analysis demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.92). Item analysis demonstrated a unidimensional structure and suggested that satisfaction with hardness may be the key driver for satisfaction with overall quality of erections (r = 0.8). The smaller exploratory study demonstrated good test–retest reliability (r = 0.82).

Conclusion
The QEQ is a six-item, patient-reported measure with a unidimensional structure, which produces a total score that may be transformed to a 0–100 scale. Psychometric analysis confirmed reliability and validity of the QEQ, which solely and specifically evaluates satisfaction of men with the quality of their erections. The QEQ is a potentially useful measure for monitoring and evaluating treatment in those who are bothered by, or concerned about, their erectile function.
Effectiveness of Hypnosis for the Treatment of Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Pukall Caroline , Kandyba Kristina , Amsel Rhonda , Khalifé Samir , Binik Yitzchak 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is a common cause of vulvar pain. Therapeutic options target different pain systems believed to be involved in its development and maintenance. Most treatments target the pain component with the assumption that sexual function will increase once the pain has decreased, yet this is not necessarily the case.

Aims
Research has supported the effectiveness of hypnosis for many chronic pain disorders, and a case report demonstrated pain reduction and an increase in intercourse pleasure in a woman with VVS. This preliminary study examined the effectiveness of hypnosis on pain and psychosexual function in VVS.

Methods
Eight women suffering from VVS completed a hypnosis screening assessment, an interview, pain and psychosexual questionnaires, a gynecologic examination, vestibular pain threshold measurement, a psychosexual assessment, and six hypnotherapy sessions. The physical examinations, interview, and questionnaires were repeated at 1 and 6 months posttreatment.

Main Outcome Measures
These included pain ratings during the gynecologic examination, vestibular pain thresholds, scores on the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and responses to questions on intercourse-related and nonintercourse-related pain. Measures of psychosexual function included the Female Sexual Function Index, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Brief Symptom Inventory.

Results
Results indicated significant decreases in gynecologic examination pain and in several measures assessing intercourse pain, and nonsignificant increases in threshold. Some indices of noncoital vulvar pain decreased. Overall sexual function, particularly sexual satisfaction, increased at posttreatment. There were no differences on any psychological measure. Participants reported satisfaction with the treatment and rated their VVS pain reduction as average.

Conclusion
Hypnotherapy appears to be a promising treatment for reducing intercourse pain and some aspects of noncoital vulvar pain, and for restoring sexual function in women with VVS. These results suggest that a large controlled trial should be considered.