Female sexual function varies over time and is dependent on partner-specific factors: a population-based longitudinal analysis of six sexual function domains.

BACKGROUND: Most studies examining female sexual functions (FSFs) have used cross-sectional designs, not allowing for studying temporal stability and possible relationships between different FSFs over time. Our aim was to study these relationships using a longitudinal approach. METHOD: The study sample consisted of 2173 Finnish women from two large-scale, population-based data collections 7 years apart. The Female Sexual Function Index was used. Analyses were further conducted separately for women in different relationship constellations. RESULTS: Standardized autoregressive paths ranged from 0.136 (sexual satisfaction) to 0.447 (orgasm function) in the full sample, suggesting that most of the variance in FSF was explained by something other than previous function. Orgasm, desire and satisfaction were the strongest predictors of other functions in the full sample and for women in the same relationship at both time points (higher orgasm function predicted higher function in other domains; greater sexual desire and satisfaction predicted lower function in other domains), however, with small effects sizes. For single women, orgasm function and sexual desire were the only significant autoregressive paths. Significant unidirectional cross-domain paths were found for women in the same relationship at both time points. One significant cross-domain path, not confirmed as unidirectional, was found for single women. CONCLUSIONS: FSFs varied considerably over 7 years and relationship status was of importance when assessing temporal stability and cross-domain effects. Our results advocate tailored psychobehavioural treatment interventions for female sexual dysfunctions that take partner-specific factors into account.

Raw grated beetroot linked to several outbreaks of sudden-onset gastrointestinal illness, Finland 2010.

In 2010, 7/44 (16%) reported foodborne outbreaks in Finland were linked with raw beetroot consumption. We reviewed data from the national outbreak registry in order to hypothesize the aetiology of illness and to prevent further outbreaks. In the seven outbreaks, 124 cases among 623 respondents were identified. Consumption of raw beetroot was strongly associated with gastrointestinal illness (relative risk 8∙99, 95% confidence interval 6∙06-13∙35). The illness was characterized by sudden onset of gastrointestinal symptoms; the median incubation time was 40 min and duration of illness 5 h. No common foodborne pathogens or toxins were found in either clinical or beetroot samples, but all tested beetroot samples were of poor quality according to total bacterial counts. Beta-haemolytic Pseudomonas fluorescens was detected in several beetroot samples but its effect on human health is unknown. No outbreaks were reported after the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira advised against serving raw beetroot in institutional canteens.

Herniation of the transverse colon: an unusual complication of pedicled omentoplasty.

Pedicled omentoplasty is frequently used in chest reconstruction and treatment of sternal infection. The procedure is effective, but it is associated with several postoperative complications. The authors describe a 49-year-old man in whom sternal infection after heart surgery was successfully treated by sternectomy and omentoplasty. Several months later, the transverse colon herniated into the transposed omentum. To the authors' knowledge, this complication has not been previously reported.

Serum levels of cancer-associated antigen CA-195 in gastrointestinal cancers and its comparison with CA19-9.

The antibody against CA-195 binds to an epitope that consists of both Lewis A and sialylated Lewis A blood group antigen, whereas CA19-9 has shown specificity for sialylated Lewis A blood group antigen. CA19-9 and CA-195 levels were measured in the sera of 52 normal subjects; 65 benign disease patients; and 74 non-gastrointestinal, 149 colorectal, and 119 upper gastrointestinal cancer patients to correlate their levels with disease status of the patients. Low incidence and levels were found among normal subjects for both markers; however, in the benign disease group a slightly higher incidence of elevation was seen for CA19-9. Among colorectal cancer patients CA-195 appeared to show higher sensitivity for primary as well as advanced disease. Levels of both markers showed similar incidences of elevation among upper gastrointestinal cancer patients. Based on these results the contribution of Lea specificity of CA-195 cannot be ruled out, and it may be used alone or in combination with other markers for monitoring of patients with colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, gall bladder, bile duct, and liver cancers.