bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic profile of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on different host plants
Authors: Paspati Angeliki , Urbaneja Alberto , González-Cabrera Joel
Published: May 2022

Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a predatory mite, effective at controlling whiteflies and thrips in protected crops. However, on tomato its efficacy as a biocontrol agent is hindered, most probably by the plant trichomes and their exudates. Our aim was to characterize the response of A. swirskii to the tomato trichome exudates and identify three major detoxification gene sets in this species: cytochromes P450 (CYPs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs). Mites were exposed separately to tomato and pepper, a favourable host plant for A. swirskii, after which their transcriptional responses were analysed and compared. The de novo transcriptome assembly resulted in 71,336 unigenes with 66.1% of them annotated. Thirty-nine A. swirskii genes were differentially expressed after transfer on tomato leaves when compared to pepper leaves; some of the expressed genes were associated with the metabolism of tomato exudates. Our results illustrate that the detoxification gene sets CYPs, GSTs and CCEs are abundant in A. swirskii, but do not play a significant role when in contact with the tomato exudates.
“Humans and records are entangled”: empathic engagement and emotional response in archivists
Authors: Regehr Cheryl , Duff Wendy , Aton Henria , Sato Christa
Published: May 2022

There is growing awareness in archival communities that working with records that contain evidence of human pain and suffering can result in unsettling emotions for archivists. One important finding of this work, however, is the considerable variability in not only the nature of responses, but also the nature of records that provoke emotional responses. Using in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 archivists from across Canada and one from the United States, and employing grounded theory methodology, this study sought to better understand the nature of emotional responses and factors associated with distress. Archivists described a wide range of reactions including shock, intrusive thoughts, profound senses of anger, sadness and despair, and ultimately at times disrupted functioning in personal and occupational spheres. One factor that has been associated with increasing vulnerability to distress in other occupational groups is empathic engagement, which is understood to have two elements: a vicarious emotional process and a cognitive process. This article explores the impact of personal connections and the nature of empathic engagement between archivists, donors, community researchers, and the records themselves on emotional response.
Dynamic properties of polyurethane from resonant column tests for numerical GSI study
Authors: Gatto Michele Placido Antonio , Lentini Valentina , Montrasio Lorella
Published: May 2022

The paper focuses on the detailed analysis of the dynamic characterisation of polyurethane to evaluate the effects of polyurethane injections into soil with the aim of geotechnical seismic isolation. To determine the dynamic properties, resonant column (RC) tests were performed at the University Kore of Enna (Italy) on specimens of pure polyurethane with different values of density and subjected to different mean confining pressures. The results obtained by means of RC tests, in terms of shear modulus G and the damping ratio D as a function of shear strain γc, allowed to develop an analytical formulation for G-γc and D-γc curves, taking into account the linear relationship with density, of both the maximum value of shear modulus Gmax and the minimum value of damping ratio Dmin. The analytical formulation derived from the experimental results is applied for ground response seismic analyses of cohesive soils injected with polyurethane, using a finite element code. The numerical results show that the polyurethane injections reduce the value of maximum acceleration on the ground surface and the reduction varies with the thickness of the soil modified by polyurethane injections.
Determination of Thermal Effusivity of Lunar Regolith Simulant Particle Using Thermal Microscopy
Authors: Endo Rie , Suganuma Yuto , Endo Kazuki , Nishi Tsuyoshi , Ohta Hiromichi , Tachikawa Sumitaka
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to measure the thermal effusivity distribution on a lunar regolith simulant (FJS-1) using a thermal microscope and to calculate the average thermal effusivity and thermal conductivity using density and specific heat. Moreover, discussions were conducted based on the results of the microstructural analysis of the sample. The FJS-1 particles were embedded in an epoxy resin and polished to a mirror finish. The samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to identify the mineral phases in FJS-1. The results of SEM–EDS and XRD showed that a single sand particle was composed of several minerals, such as anorthite and olivine. Then, the thermal microscope was used to obtain the distribution of the thermal effusivity of a particle from the mirror-finished sample in a 1 × 1 mm2area with intervals of 10 μm. The measured thermal effusivity correlates with the SEM image of the sample. Anorthite has a small thermal effusivity of 1.99 ± 0.31 kJ·s−0.5·m−2·K−1, while olivine has a large thermal effusivity of 2.73 ± 0.35 kJ·s−0.5·m−2·K−1. In both cases, the thermal effusivity was found to be of the same order of magnitude as the reported values. The average thermal effusivity and conductivity of a single particle were determined to be 2.4 ± 0.6 kJ·s−0.5·m−2·K−1and 2.6 ± 1.3 W m−1·K−1, respectively, based on the proportion of existing phases.
The combinatorics of weight systems and characteristic polynomials of isolated quasihomogeneous singularities
Authors: Hertling Claus , Mase Makiko
Published: May 2022

A paper of the first author and Zilke proposed seven combinatorial problems around formulas for the characteristic polynomial and the exponents of an isolated quasihomogeneous singularity. The most important of them was a conjecture on the characteristic polynomial. Here, the conjecture is proved, and some of the other problems are solved, too. In the cases where also an old conjecture of Orlik on the integral monodromy holds, this has implications on the automorphism group of the Milnor lattice. The combinatorics used in the proof of the conjecture consists of tuples of orders on sets $$\{0,1,\ldots ,n\}$$

{
0
,
1
,
…
,
n
}

with special properties and may be of independent interest.
Ethical Values in a Post-Industrial Economy: The Case of the Organic Farmers’ Market in Granada (Spain)
Authors: Vázquez Alfredo Macías , del Moral José Antonio Morillas
Published: May 2022

The importance of the collective management of immaterial resources is a key variable in the valorisation of products in a post-industrial economy. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how, in post-industrial economies, it is possible to devise alternative forms of mediation between producers and consumers, such as organic farmers' markets, to curb the appropriation of rent by transnational and/or local business elites from the value created by immaterial resources. More specifically, we analyse those aspects of the collective management of ethical values that, in the case of organic farmers' markets, can be a strategic source of competitive advantage for local producers. In this paper, the Ecomercado de Granada is studied as an example of mediation between production and consumption in a post-industrial economy.
A “stick to beat you with”? Advocating for a Critical Close Reading of ‘Vocation’ Among Evangelical Medics in England
Authors: Riley Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Evangelical Christianity and healthcare work are two contexts in which vocation is often an important discourse. Exploring uses, understandings and implications of vocation for evangelical medics thus offers a rich opportunity to critically interrogate vocation from two important perspectives. In addition to identifying a three-tiered construction of vocation, on macro-, meso- and micro-levels, this paper suggests that to fully understand its manifestations among a sample of English evangelical medics, a critical, Weberian-style reading is valuable. This latter conclusion resonates with those drawn by scholars who extend a critical view across constructions of medical vocation more broadly, not least given concerns regarding workplace burnout.
Speed of Excited Random Walks with Long Backward Steps
Authors: Nguyen Tuan-Minh
Published: May 2022

We study a model of multi-excited random walk with non-nearest neighbour steps on $$\mathbb {Z}$$
Z
, in which the walk can jump from a vertex x to either $$x+1$$

x
+
1

or $$x-i$$

x
-
i

with $$i\in \{1,2,\dots ,L\}$$

i
∈
{
1
,
2
,
⋯
,
L
}

, $$L\ge 1$$

L
≥
1

. We first point out the multi-type branching structure of this random walk and then prove a limit theorem for a related multi-type Galton–Watson process with emigration, which is of independent interest. Combining this result and the method introduced by Basdevant and Singh (Probab Theory Relat Fields 141:3–4, 2008), we extend their result (w.r.t. the case $$L=1$$

L
=
1

) to our model. More specifically, we show that in the regime of transience to the right, the walk has positive speed if and only if the expected total drift $$\delta >2$$

δ
>
2

. This confirms a special case of a conjecture proposed by Davis and Peterson.
Data-driven modeling of CO2 emission-allowance compensation for wood-purchasing optimization toward carbon–neutral forest industry
Authors: Palander Teijo , Takkinen Jari
Published: May 2022

The faster market changes of EU’s CO2 emission allowance price have increased operation challenges in wood supply of forest industry. The objectives of this study are to present basics of its data-driven modeling for purchasing renewable forest wood. Particularly, the effects of the changes in prices and available carbon sink are considered in management of wood purchasing at the level of the local districts. Two scenarios described procurement situations in non-renewable carbon sinks. The results were compared to the scenario in renewable carbon sink of carbon–neutral forestry. Time-varying emission-allowance parameters of models affected wood purchase and deliveries in the districts. Therefore, cost efficiency of wood-supply operations, as well as the utilization rate of renewable wood resources, can be optimized by data-driven dynamic wood-flow models in digitalized decision support. In addition, the results testify that the model optimizes wood purchasing in the districts at the way of CO2 emission allowance market. Therefore, by using the model wood-supply operations could be optimized toward carbon neutrality, which is important success factor of forest industry.
Estimating the EQ-5D-5L value set for the Philippines
Authors: Miguel Red Thaddeus D. , Rivera Adovich S. , Cheng Kent Jason G. , Rand Kim , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Luo Nan , Zarsuelo Ma-Ann , Genuino-Marfori Anne Julienne , Florentino-Fariñas Irene , Guerrero Anna Melissa , Lam Hilton Y.
Published: May 2022

Background

The Philippines has recommended the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) in government health technology assessments (HTA). We aimed to develop a value set for the EQ-5D-5L based on health preferences of the healthy general adult population in the Philippines.

Methods

Healthy, literate adults were recruited from the Philippine general population with quota targets based on age, sex, administrative region, type of residence, education, income, and ethnolinguistic groups. Each participant’s preference was elicited by completing Composite Time Trade-Off (C-TTO) and Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) tasks. Tasks were computer-assisted using the EuroQol Valuation Technology 2.0. To estimate the value set, we explored 20- and 8-parameter models that either use c-TTO-only data or both c-TTO and DCE (also called hybrid models). Final model choice was guided by principles of monotonicity, out-of-sample likelihood, model fit, and parsimony.

Results

We recruited 1000 respondents with demographic characteristics that approximate the general population such as 49.6% Female, 82% Roman Catholic, 40% in urban areas, and 55% finished high school. None of the 20-parameter models demonstrated monotonicity (logical worsening of coefficients with increasing severity). From the 8-parameter models, the homoscedastic TTO-only model exhibited the best fit. From this model, mobility and pain/ discomfort had the highest effect on utilities.

Conclusion

The selected model for representing the Philippine general population preferences for EQ-5D-5L health states was an 8-parameter homoscedastic TTO-only model. This value set is recommended for use in QALY calculations in support of HTA-informed coverage decisions in the Philippines.
Reversing logical nihilism
Authors: Haze Tristan Grøtvedt
Published: May 2022

Gillian Russell has recently proposed counterexamples to such elementary argument forms as Conjunction Introduction (e.g. ‘Snow is white. Grass is green. Therefore, snow is white and grass is green’) and Identity (e.g. ‘Snow is white. Therefore, snow is white’). These purported counterexamples involve expressions that are sensitive to linguistic context—for example, a sentence which is true when it appears alone but false when embedded in a larger sentence. If they are genuine counterexamples, it looks as though logical nihilism—the view that there are no valid argument forms—might be true. In this paper, I argue that the purported counterexamples are not genuine, on the grounds that they equivocate. Having defused the threat of logical nihilism, I argue that the kind of linguistic context sensitivity at work in Russell’s purported counterexamples, if taken seriously, far from leading to logical nihilism, reveals new, previously undreamt-of valid forms. By way of proof of concept I present a simple logic, Solo-Only Propositional Logic (SOPL), designed to capture some of them. Along the way, some interesting subtleties about the fallacy of equivocation are revealed.
CYB5R3 overexpression preserves skeletal muscle mitochondria and autophagic signaling in aged transgenic mice
Authors: López-Bellón Sara , Rodríguez-López Sandra , González-Reyes José A. , Burón M. Isabel , de Cabo Rafael , Villalba José M.
Published: May 2022

Cytochrome b5 reductase 3 (CYB5R3) overexpression activates respiratory metabolism and exerts prolongevity effects in transgenic mice, mimicking some of the salutary effects of calorie restriction. The aim of our study was to understand how CYB5R3 overexpression targets key pathways that modulate the rate of aging in skeletal muscle, a postmitotic tissue with a greater contribution to resting energy expenditure. Mitochondrial function, autophagy and mitophagy markers were evaluated in mouse hind limb skeletal muscles from young-adult (7 months old) and old (24 months old) males of wild-type and CYB5R3-overexpressing genotypes. Ultrastructure of subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria was studied by electron microscopy in red gastrocnemius. CYB5R3, which was efficiently overexpressed and targeted to skeletal muscle mitochondria regardless of age, increased the abundance of complexes I, II, and IV in old mice and prevented the age-related decrease of complexes I, III, IV, and V and the mitofusin MFN-2. ATP was significantly decreased by aging, which was prevented by CYB5R3 overexpression. Coenzyme Q and the mitochondrial biogenesis markers TFAM and NRF-1 were also significantly diminished by aging, but CYB5R3 overexpression did not protect against these declines. Both aging and CYB5R3 overexpression upregulated SIRT3 and the mitochondrial fission markers FIS1 and DRP-1, although with different outcomes on mitochondrial ultrastructure: old wild-type mice exhibited mitochondrial fragmentation whereas CYB5R3 overexpression increased mitochondrial size in old transgenic mice concomitant with an improvement of autophagic recycling. Interventions aimed at stimulating CYB5R3 could represent a valuable strategy to counteract the deleterious effects of aging in skeletal muscle.

Graphical abstract
Influence of a Partial Substitution of Co by Fe on the Phase Stability and Fatigue Behavior of a CoCrWC Hard Alloy at Room Temperature
Authors: Brackmann Lukas , Schuppener Jannik , Röttger Arne , Weber Sebastian
Published: May 2022

The deformation-induced phase transition from fcc to hcp causes local embrittlement of the metal matrix in Cobalt-base alloys, facilitating subcritical crack growth under cyclic loading and reducing fatigue resistance. Our approach to increasing the fatigue life of Co-based hard alloys is to suppress the phase transition from fcc to hcp by an alloy modification that increases the stacking fault energy (SFE) of the metal matrix. Therefore, we substitute various contents (15, 25, and 35 mass pct) of Co by Fe and analyze the effect on the fatigue life and resistance against subcritical crack growth. Subcritical crack growth in the specimens takes place in a cyclic load test. The proceeding crack growth and the occurrence of phase transformations are monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). We determined an SFE of 35 mJ/m2 at an iron content of 35 mass pct, which leads to a change of the main deformation mechanism from deformation-induced martensitic transformation to deformation twinning. Analysis of cyclically loaded specimens revealed that the resistance against subcritical crack growth in the metal matrix is facilitated with increasing Fe content, leading to a significant increase in fatigue life.
Der Allgemeine Soziale Dienst in der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Meyer Nikolaus , Klomann Verena , Alsago Elke
Published: May 2022

Die Arbeitsbedingungen im Allgemeinen Sozialen Dienst (ASD) der Jugendämter und die Folgen für den Kinderschutz gerieten in der Corona-Pandemie schnell in den Fokus der öffentlichen Aufmerksamkeit und wurden kontrovers diskutiert. Der vorliegende Beitrag beleuchtet unter Bezugnahme statistischer Daten aus dem ersten und zweiten Lockdown die Arbeitsbedingungen und Kontaktmöglichkeiten in diesem Arbeitsfeld und differenziert hierbei die Einschätzung von Leitungs- und Fachkräften im ASD.
Nutritional status and quality of life in adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cioce Marco , Botti Stefano , Lohmeyer Franziska Michaela , Galli Eugenio , Magini Marinella , Giraldi Alessandra , Garau Paola , Celli Danilo , Zega Maurizio , Sica Simona , Bacigalupo Andrea , De Stefano Valerio , Borrelli Ivan , Moscato Umberto
Published: May 2022

Although the effects of malnutrition on morbidity and mortality in adult patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are clear, the relationship with quality of life (QOL) is less clear. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between malnutrition and QOL. A prospective observational study was conducted in 36 adult patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Adapted criteria of the Global Leadership Initiative on malnutrition have been used for the diagnosis of malnutrition in clinical settings. A cancer linear analog scale was used to assess QOL. Overall QOL at 14 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was 37.1 (95% CI 2.9–45.39) in patients without severe malnutrition, versus 16.0 (95% CI − 6.6 to 38.6) in patients with severe malnutrition (p = 0.05). At discharge, it was 48.0 (95% CI 38.4–57.6) versus 34.0 (95% CI 4.1–63.9) (p = 0.27). The results of our study suggest that patients with severe malnutrition at discharge tend to have worse QOL. A larger cohort of patients is required to confirm this hypothesis.
Aktuelle Herausforderungen im Erwachsenenschutzrecht und damit verbundene Anforderungen an die Soziale Arbeit
Authors: Gomille Anika
Published: May 2022

Mit der zweiten Moderne sind gesellschaftliche Veränderungen einhergegangen, die neue Anforderungen an die Soziale Arbeit stellen. Dies betrifft auch den Bereich des Erwachsenenschutzrechts, in dem der Gesetzgeber in den letzten Jahren verschiedene rechtliche Regelungen für bestimmte Zielgruppen geschaffen hat. Die damit verbundenen Herausforderungen für die Soziale Arbeit, die sich durch die aktuelle Corona-Pandemie noch verschärfen, werden im folgenden Artikel dargestellt und die Anforderungen anhand der einzelnen Bereiche differenziert untersucht. Mit einer heuristischen Betrachtung der gesellschaftlichen Entwicklungen und ihrer Folgeeffekte lassen sich zukünftige Anforderungen prognostizieren.
096 Proposing Ultrasonic Elastography as New Evaluation Method for Erectile Function
Authors: Fumitoshi S , Seiji M , Toshikazu O , Tokunori Y , Kazuna M , Yasuharu T , Shikyo S
Published: May 2022

Introduction

For diagnosing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), the prostaglandin E1 intracavernous injection test (PGE1 test) is an established method. However, its evaluation is often influenced by the subjectivity of the evaluator.

Objective

We objectively evaluated the changes in the corpus cavernosum before and after injection using percutaneous ultrasonic elastography in patients undergoing the PGE1 test.

Methods

We measured and evaluated the shear wave velocity in the corpus cavernosum by ultrasonic elastography (Canon Medical Systems Co., Ltd. Aplio i800) before and after injection, by a single doctor, in 16 patients who underwent the PGE1 test at our hospital, between April 2020 and March 2021.

Results

The response score of PGE1 tests were "1" in 2 cases, "2" in 2 cases, "3" in 12 cases, while "0" and "4" were not observed. The average transmission velocity before injection was 2.21m/s, and the average transmission velocity at the time of maximum erection after injection was 1.57m/s. In 14 of 16 cases (87.5%), the transmission velocity decreased during erection. The rate of change in transmission velocity due to injection was minus 26.7% overall, and was significantly different between the poor erection group (response 1 and 2: minus 16.1%) and the good erection group (response 3: minus 30.2%).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of an attempt to evaluate erectile phenomenon by ultrasonic elastography. The rate of change in the shear wave transmission velocity due to PGE1 test in the penile corpus cavernosum was associated with the degree of erection. It was suggested that the rate of change in shear wave transmission velocity in the penile corpus cavernosum could be used as an objective index of erectile phenomenon. Ultrasonic elastography is a non-invasive test method; therefore, it will be useful for patients if this method becomes established for diagnosing ED, determining the therapeutic effect, and predicting the prognosis.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
108 Are There Differences in Stretched Flaccid Penile Length Versus Erectile Penile Length in Men with Erectile Dysfunction?
Authors: Martinez J Flores , Salter CA , Benfante N , Schofield E , Mulhall JP
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Penile length measurement is an important tool in various clinical scenarios in andrology. It has been suggested that stretched flaccid penile length (SFPL) is an excellent surrogate for erect penile length (EPL).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate if the SFPL accurately reflects EPL.

Methods

Men with (i) Erectile Dysfunction (ED) without penile curvature (ii) undergoing penile duplex doppler ultrasound (DDUS) (iii) with a rigid erection were analyzed. SFPL and EPL were measured dorsally from the pubic symphysis to the coronal sulcus. Significant discrepancy was defined as a difference ≥1cm between the two measurements. We collected demographic and comorbidity data.

Results

64 men were analyzed with a mean age of 59.4 ± 13.4 years. 37.5% of the patients reported 2 or more comorbidities, 11% had diabetes, 19% obstructive sleep apnea, 29% were current or former smokers, 54% had radical pelvic surgery, and 44% pelvic radiation. Mean SFPL was 10.8 ± 1.9 cm and mean EPL was 11.8 ± 1.8 cm, (p<0.001). 83% had EPL>SFPL. 47% of men had a significant discrepancy between the two measurements. No predictors of discrepancy were identified.

Conclusions

In our cohort of men with ED assessed during DDUS, there was a statistically significant difference between SFPL and EPL measurements. In almost half of the cases EPL was significantly longer than SFPL. SFPL is not a reasonable surrogate for erect penile length

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
123 Low Free Testosterone Level as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Events in Japanese Men with Coronary Risk Factors
Authors: Kato Y , Shigehara K , Iijima M , Kawaguchi S , Izumi K , Kadono Y , Namiki M , Mizokami A
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Late-onset hypogonadism is associated with higher mortality largely due to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Objective

We investigated whether a low plasma free testosterone (FT) level could predict cardiovascular events in middle-aged Japanese men with coronary risk factors.

Methods

We reviewed retrospectively our institutional database of patients with any coronary risk factor (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and obesity) without a previous history of CVD. Serum early morning free testosterone (FT) levels, collected at baseline, were analyzed. Patient age, baseline FT level, and the above coronary risk factor were selected as potential predictors of cardiovascular events. Multivariable time-to-event analysis (Cox proportional hazards), and Kaplan-Meier curve were performed to define impact of the FT level on time of cardiovascular (CV) events.

Results

Four hundred and sixty-six male outpatients (37–89 years old, mean ± SD = 65.1 ± 10.5 years) who had any coronary risk without a previous history of CVD were accumulated. During the mean follow-up period of 84.8 months, a total of 126 CV events occurred. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis by tertile of plasma FT levels revealed that the subjects with the lowest FT tertiles (<6.5 pg/ml) were more likely to develop CV events than those with the highest tertiles (>9.3 pg/ml) (P<0.01 by log-rank test). In multivariate analysis, the subjects with the highest tertiles of plasma FT (>9.3 pg/ml) and those with the second tertiles of plasma FT (6.6–9.2 pg/ml) had significantly lower CV event risk compared to those with the lowest FT tertiles (<6.5 pg/ml) (HR, 0.524; 95% CI, 0.309–0.887, P=0.016 and HR, 0.617; 95% CI, 0.389-0.976, P=0.030, respectively). Furthermore, age, hypertension, duration of diabetes, dyslipedemia and current smoking showed independently significant association with CV events.

Conclusion

In middle-aged Japanese men with some coronary risk factors, lower FT is a predictor for the development of CVDs, independently on any coronary risk factors and age.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
126 Relationship Between Sexual Function Improvement and Treatment Satisfaction by TRT in LOH Patients
Authors: Chiba K , Sato K , Onishi A , Kaku Y , Ishida T , Okada K , Fujisawa M
Published: May 2022

Introduction

In the treatment of LOH (late-onset hypogonadism) syndrome, TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) is effective for various LOH related symptoms including sexual function. However, among Japanese population, sexual desire is not always strong in elderly men. Even if the patients do not have opportunities of sexual intercourse, TRT may still be beneficial for other symptoms derived from LOH syndrome.

Objectives

To examine patients’ satisfaction by TRT, we examined the relationship between TRT effect on sexual function and whole treatment satisfaction in our patient cohort.

Methods

Patients who have LOH symptoms and low serum free-testosterone (FT) levels were diagnosed as LOH syndrome. FT was diagnosed as “low” when <8.5pg/ml, while diagnosed as “borderline” when 8.5-11.8pg/ml. For TRT, testosterone enanthate 250mg/2-4weeks was given for more than 6 months. SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) score and our original questionnaire asking whether they are satisfied with the treatment were examined.

Results

Median patients’ age was 54 years (n=95). Before treatment, total testosterone was 4.5±1.8ng/ml and free testosterone was 6.2±2.3pg/ml. The majority of chief complaint before treatment were psychological or somatic symptoms. After treatment, SHIM score showed significant improvement in all questions of 1 to 5, and total SHIM score increased from 6.4 to 9.4. The number of patients who have few opportunities for sexual intercourse (0 point for SHIM Q3.4.5) decreased from 66% to 48% after treatment. Using the questionnaire for patients’ satisfaction, 71% were classified into the effective group. The number of patients who still had few opportunities of sexual intercourse after treatment was 39% in the effective group and 71% in the ineffective group.

Conclusions

From the point of patient satisfaction, TRT for LOH syndrome was effective in 71% of patients. Almost 40 percent of the patients who were satisfied with the treatment answered that there were few opportunities of sexual intercourse even after treatment. The improvement in sexual function may not be always required in a cohort of our patient population.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
142 Analyzing the Impact of Diabetes on Erectile Function Recovery after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Martinez J. Flores , Jenkins L.C. , Benfante N. , Nelson C.J. , Schofield E. , Mulhall J.P.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Diabetes (DM) is a known risk factor for ED. The impact of DM on erectile function recovery (EFR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) is poorly understood.

Objective

We aimed to assess the impact of DM on the EFR after RP.

Methods

Men who had RP with ≥2 years follow-up constituted the study population. EFR was assessed using International Index of Erectile Function, Erectile Function Domain (EFD) score pre-RP and at 2 years post RP. ADT and radiation therapy before or after RP were exclusions. Demographics, comorbidities, pathological parameters were recorded. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression assessments to evaluate predictive factors, including DM, patient age, nerve sparing status (NSS) scored between 1 (preserved) to 4 (resected) for each side, and comorbidity profile, associated with poor EFR post-RP.

Results

2024 men were included. Mean age at RP was 61.3±7.1 years. Median baseline and 2-year EFD scores were 27 (IQR = 19-30), and 13 (IQR = 5-25). 10% had DM with a mean pre-RP hemoglobin A1c of 6.6±1.3%. 44% had hypertension, 51% dyslipidemia, 14.5% obstructive sleep apnea, 5% history of coronary artery disease, 8% were current and 34% former smokers. 38% reported two or more comorbidities pre-RP. Median Gleason sum was 7. Nerves were preserved bilaterally in 77% and unilaterally in 16%. Median NS score was 3 (IQR 2-4). Median EFD scores at 2 years with and without DM were 7 (IQR 3-16), and 14 (IQR 5-25), respectively (p<0.001). At 2 years, in men with and without DM, the proportion with EFD ≥24 was 14% and 32% and EFD ≤10 was 63% and 42% respectively.

Conclusion

In our cohort, DM was a significant predictor of lower EFR at 2 years post-RP.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
144 Impact of Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy (NADT) on Erectile Function Recovery (EFR) After Radical Prostatectomy (RP)
Authors: Martinez J. Flores , Jenkins L.C. , Benfante N. , Touijer K. , Mulhall J.P.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

NADT has gained increasing recognition in the management of men with high risk disease prior to RP No large study to date has examined EFR in such patients

Objective

we aimed to define such outcomes with this analysis.

Methods

Men who underwent NADT pre-RP with ≥2-year follow-up post-RP constituted the study population. Patients who received ADT post-RP and radiation therapy pre and post-RP were excluded. Demographics, comorbidity, hormone and pathological parameters were recorded. EFR was assessed using the International Index Erectile Function-Erectile Function Domain (EFD) score. Predictors of EFR were analyzed using logistic regression models.

Results

260 men were analyzed. Mean age of 63.6 ± 7.1 years. 11.2% had diabetes, 55% hypertension, 54.2% dyslipidemia, and 16.9% and 5.8% history of sleep apnea and coronary artery disease respectively. Regarding smoking history, 6.9% was current smoker, and 33.1% former smoker. Baseline testosterone was 352.1 ± 225.9 ng/dL, PSA 9.6 ± 8.4 ng/mL, and median EFD score 24 (IQR = 14-30). Median Gleason sum was 7 (IQR = 7-9). 43.4% patients had bilateral nerve sparing status (NSS), and 34% unilateral. 13.1% received NADT. Median duration of NADT was 1 (IQR = 1-3) months. At 2 years post-RP, median EFD was 7 (IQR = 3-22) for men without NADT and 4 (IQR = 2-13) for men with NADT; 8.8% and 21.2% had an EFD score ≥ 24 in men with and without NADT. 73.5% and 55.3% had an EFD score ≤ 10 in men with and without NADT.

Conclusions

Men with NADT had lower EFR at 2 years post-RP, however NADT did not predict EFR in our cohort.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
151 A Study of Erectile Dysfunction in Men 40 Years of Age or Younger
Authors: Yamagishi M. , Sasaki H. , Ogushi Y. , Niikura A. , Ota T. , Ichimura Y. , Hashimoto Y. , Sugishita H. , Kurokawa I. , Tanifuji S. , Imamura Y. , Shimoyama H. , Ota M. , Ishikawa K. , Hayashi K. , Fukagai T.
Published: May 2022

In recent years, awareness of erectile dysfunction and the demand for treatment have been increasing even among young men. We investigated the status of young patients 40 years of age or younger with erectile dysfunction. The subjects were 208 patients who visited the urology departments of Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital and affiliated hospitals with a chief complaint of erectile dysfunction. The erectile function was assessed with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), diary questions on sexual intercourse from the Sexual Encounter Profile, and the Erection Hardness Score, which measures the hardness of erection. The treatment was monotherapy with sildenafil (25 or 50 mg), vardenafil (10 or 20 mg), or tadalafil (10 or 20 mg) or a combination of multiple phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. To investigate the cause, blood tests including free testosterone and the Self-rating Depression Scale questionnaire were conducted, and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) was measured. The median age of the patients was 36 years. As for the cause of erectile dysfunction, psychogenic erectile dysfunction was observed in 141 patients, accounting for 67.7% of the patients. However, 82.1% of patients who underwent PWV measurement showed measurements suggestive of organic changes. The efficacy rates of PDE5 inhibitors were 77% for sildenafil, 73% for vardenafil, and 85% for tadalafil. This study showed that psychogenic erectile dysfunction was common in young patients, and that PDE5 inhibitors were effective for them. In addition, the study suggested the presence of organic changes as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction even in young patients.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
155 Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides Improves Erectile Function Through Suppression of Inflammation and Apoptosis in Rats with Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Wang J. , Song J. , Song G. , Hu P. , Sun T. , Liu K. , Xu W. , Liu J. , Ruan Y.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED) responds poorly to phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) has broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, but whether it improves the erectile function of neuropathic ED through the above-mentioned mechanism is unclear.

Objective

We intend to explore the role of LBP in the treatment of NED.

Methods

A rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) was constructed by crushing the CN 5 mm distal to the major pelvic ganglion (MPG). Tweety-four BCNI rats were randomly divided into BCNI group, BCNI + LBP-LD (20 mg/kg/day) group and BCNI + LBP-HD (40 mg/kg/day) group, whereas another 8 age-matched rats formed the control group. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). The penile tissues, and MPG along with CN were collected from each group of rats for subsequent histological and molecular biological analysis. The rat Schwann cell line S16 was used for CCK-8 and wound healing assay, and the Schwann cell (SC) markers S100 and Pmp22, neuroinflammatory indicators IL-1β, TGF-β1, apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2 and nerve growth factor NGF were verified by PCR and WB.

Results

ICP/MAP indicated that the erectile function of rats in the BCNI model group was severely impaired, which was rescued in the BCNI+LBP-LD and BCNI+LBP-HD groups. Rats in the BCNI model group can highly express inflammatory indicators NF-kb, TNF-α and apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Caspase-3. TUNEL confirmed that the level of apoptosis in the penile tissue of BCNI rats increased. The above-mentioned penile inflammation and apoptosis changes can be inhibited by LBP. In addition, both immunofluorescence and WB confirmed that rats in the LBP-LD and LBP-HD groups highly expressed nNOS and down-regulated the expression of TH. In vitro experiments have shown that LBP can promote the proliferation and migration of SC, increase the expression of Pmp22 and NGF, and the inflammation and apoptosis-related proteins were down-regulated.

Conclusion

LBP can relieve the inflammation and apoptosis at the original site of nerve injury by promoting the proliferation and migration of SC, and secretion of NGF, thereby inhibiting the inflammation and apoptosis caused by hypoxia after denervation of penile tissue, and improving penile erection.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
168 Immediate Salvage with Inflatable Penile Prosthesis in an Infected Field: A Contemporary Multi-Institutional Cohort
Authors: Jiang D. , Barnard J. , Choi E. , Furr J. , Lentz A. , van Renterghem K. , Selph P. , Yafi F.A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Contemporary management of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infections involves removal and replacement to minimize corporal fibrosis and penile shortening. Many urologists prefer a malleable prosthesis (MP) followed by staged conversion to IPP, a technique thought to improve outcomes by allowing treatment of the infection while maintaining intracorporeal volume. A staged procedure involves additional surgery with associated risks. Previous studies suggest an 18% infection risk of placing a second device in a non-infected, revision setting, and that infection risk increases with each subsequent procedure.

Objective

Our study aims to delineate whether immediate IPP salvage in an infected field yields similar complication rates to the staged approach.

Methods

Retrospective review at 5 institutions from February 2010 to October 2020 identified patients with IPP infection who underwent IPP salvage. Demographic, laboratory, operative, and microbiology data were collected. Emphasis was placed on the salvage operative technique, duration of antibiotics, and post-salvage complications.

Results

19 patients underwent immediate salvage with IPP in the setting of a suspected infection. Average age at initial implantation was 59.9 years. Median time from initial implant to presentation with infectious symptoms was 2.4 months, and revision was performed a median of 1.5 days after presentation and initiation of antibiotics. Intraoperative complications were rare (5.3%), and post-salvage complications were 21.1%, including 1 cylinder herniation and 3 post salvage infections (15.8%). Only 1 post-salvage infection showed concordance with initial cultures while 1 was discordant and the third showed no growth (Table 1). Fisher's exact test showed diabetes, purulence in the operative field, use of drain, or washout type were not associated with infection post-salvage.

Conclusions

Immediate IPP salvage in the setting of an acutely infected field shows a complication profile not exceeding published data in the staged revision setting. Although staged MP-IPP salvage has been favored by many surgeons, the complication profile may be equivalent to immediate IPP salvage, and the risks of a subsequent operation should be considered.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
174 Acne, Folliculitis and Post-Operative Infection Rates of Penile Prosthetic Implants
Authors: Choi E. , Barnard J. , Horns J. , Paudel N. , Das R. , Yafi F. , Hotaling J.
Published: May 2022

Introduction and Objective

Acne vulgaris is the inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit due to overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes while folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus. Whether these microbes are pathogenic in urologic procedures is yet to be determined. In this database study, we investigated whether acne or folliculitis were associated with an increased risk of post-surgical infection in men who received a penile prosthetic implant (PPI).

Methods

The IBM MarketScan® Claims dataset was utilized to assess penile prosthesis encounters. Men 18-years and older who received a PPI were included in this study. Acne and folliculitis were analyzed separately as independent variables. Demographic factors that influence infection rates were examined including age, immunosuppressed status, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, smoking status, and spinal cord injury (SCI). (Table 1a-b). A log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier curves determined whether having acne or folliculitis was significantly associated with time to post-operative infection within 6 months. Cox Proportional-Hazard models included covariates deemed most clinically relevant.

Results

Our analysis included 17,031 men who received a PPI. When analyzing men with acne, aside from being younger (59.9 vs 62.4, p<0.001), there were no statistical difference compared to men without (Table 1a). By 6 months, having acne was not associated with increased rates of infection (Figure 1a, Table 2a). Men with folliculitis were found to have significantly higher rates of diabetes, immunocompromised status, and CAD compared to men without (Table 1b). Having folliculitis was not associated with increased rates of infection by 6 months even after adjusting for covariates (Figure 1a, Table 2b).

Conclusions

There appears to be no association between acne and folliculitis and rates of PPI infection. These findings allude to the difficulty in predicting which microorganism within the natural skin flora may be inoculant and which are pathogenic in surgical incisions. Furthermore, infection rates of PPI's may be due to other factors such as intraoperative aseptic techniques and post-operative hygiene.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no. A consultant, employee (part time or full time) or shareholder is among the authors (Antares Pharma, Clarus Therapeutics, Coloplast, Promescent, Viome).
177 Ejaculation Profiles in Men after Irreversible Electroporation for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Martinez J. Flores , Benfante N. , Chen L. , Ehdaie B. , Mulhall J.P.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is an evolving strategy for the management of localized prostate cancer. Little data exists on sexual function, in particular ejaculation, in such patients.

Objective

We aimed to report the ejaculatory function in patients undergoing IRE.

Methods

Patients undergoing IRE with ≥1-year follow-up were evaluated. These patients were selected for focal therapy and consented to participate in a prospective registry. Eligibility criteria: Gleason score 3+4, PSA <20, no evidence of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion or lymph node involvement on standard imaging. The Gleason score 3+4 prostate cancer was allowed up to a maximum of two adjacent sextants within the prostate gland. Concomitant Gleason score 6 was untreated and monitored on active surveillance. They completed the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire ejaculation domain short form (MSHQ-EFD-SF) at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-IRE. This questionnaire has 4 questions: 3 questions sum scores (range 1-15), where lower scores indicate worse ejaculatory function, and the MSHQ-Bother question score (ranges 0-5), with higher scores indicating higher bother associated with ejaculatory difficulties.

Comorbidities, demographics, and pathology parameters were recorded.

Results

20 men have been evaluated to date with a mean age of 64.3 ± 4.8 years. Baseline testosterone and PSA were 536.3 ± 267.6 ng/dL and 6.2 ± 2.7 ng/mL. Mean prostate volume was 45.6 ± 11.9 cc. Median baseline score of MSHQ-EJD-SF was 13.5 (IQR 10, 14), and post-procedure median scores were 11 at 6 weeks; 12.5 at 3 months; 12 at 6 months; and 11.5 at 12 months (p-value =0.036). Scores for ejaculation strength and seminal volume ejaculated decreased significantly, and bother scores increased significantly between baseline and 1-year post-IRE. The ability to ejaculate during sexual activity did not change over time.

Conclusions

In our cohort of patients with prostate cancer who underwent IRE there was a significant difference in ejaculatory profiles between baseline and 1-year post-IRE.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
185 Treatment of Intravaginal Ejaculation Disorder Using Ejaculation Aids: A Multicenter Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Fukuhara S. , Takezawa K. , Kiuchi H. , Nonomura N. , Iwasa A. , Kobayashi K. , Shirai M. , Tsujimura A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Ejaculation disorders, the second most common sexual dysfunction, are often difficult to treat because of the lack of highly effective treatments. The A10 cyclone SA +PLUS (Fig. 1) is a motorized ejaculation aid with adjustable movement and intensity of stimulation. The A10 cyclone SA +PLUS. We hypothesized that the A10 cyclone SA +PLUS would be effective in the treatment of ejaculation disorders.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the A10 cyclone SA +PLUS ejaculation aid in the treatment of intravaginal ejaculation disorder.

Methods

Between August 2020 and May 2021, men from 20 to 60 years of age who visited our hospital with complaints of vaginal ejaculation disorder were included. Patients were treated with masturbation using the A10 cyclone SA +PLUS 1–3 times a week for 8 weeks. A questionnaire was used to assess the ability to achieve vaginal ejaculation before and after the intervention. Sexual function was also assessed using questionnaires such as IIEF, EHS, MSHQ-EjD, CPSIQ-12, and NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) before and after the intervention. The procedures were approved by the Regional Ethics Committee (approval number: 2020-007). All patients provided written informed consent.

Results

Eight patients were included in this study. The median age was 35 years. Three of Eight (38%) patients achieved vaginal ejaculation. Significant improvement was found in IIEF and EH.

Conclusions

Ejaculation aids may be an effective treatment for vaginal ejaculation disorder, for which any drug has not been effective. We plan to conduct further studies to increase the number of patients.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.