Women's preconception health patterns in traditional Chinese medicine as a predictor of fertility outcomes.

Objective: To examine the association between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), preconception health patterns and fertility outcomes.

Methods: A community-based prospective cohort study was conducted in China. A total of 3012 newly married women who were willing to conceive within 2 years were enrolled in the study and took National Free Prepregnancy Checkups (NFPC).

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: Risk factors for recurrence.

Objective: We studied a large population of women with high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) in order to identify patient and treatment-related risk factors for recurrence and progression to cancer.

Methods: For this retrospective cohort study of women with a histologic diagnosis of VIN within Southern California Permanente Medical Group between 1995 and 2007 medical records were reviewed; clinical, demographic and pathologic data were collected. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared and Student's t-tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and cumulative incidence analysis.

Non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva.

Lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and lichen simplex chronicus are three of the most common non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva. Lichen sclerosus is characterized by intense vulvar itching and can affect men and women of all ages, but it manifests most commonly in postmenopausal women. Patients with lichen sclerosus have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, and they should be monitored for malignancy.

A single-visit cervical carcinoma prevention program offered at an inner city church: A pilot project.

Background: A single-visit cervical carcinoma prevention program was implemented, integrating screening, diagnosis, treatment, and health education in the familiar environment of the community church.

Methods: Nonpregnant women age 18 years or older, who had not received cervical carcinoma screening in the preceding year were eligible. Subjects provided information on personal demographics, health, and knowledge regarding cervical carcinoma prevention.

Extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields disrupt rhythmic slow activity in rat hippocampal slices.

Several studies have indicated that weak, extremely-low-frequency (ELF; 1-100 Hz) magnetic fields affect brain electrical activity and memory processes in man and laboratory animals. Our studies sought to determine whether ELF magnetic fields could couple directly with brain tissue and affect neuronal activity in vitro. We used rat hippocampal slices to study field effects on a specific brain activity known as rhythmic slow activity (RSA), or theta rhythm, which occurs in 7-15 s bursts in the hippocampus during memory functions.