bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological Organization of Neurohormonal Responses to Psychosocial Stimuli: Implications for Health and Disease
Authors: Folkow Björn
Published: March 2024

In these days, when subcellular and molecular biology often seem to be the focus of biomedical attention, it is justified to stress how the highest centers of the brain can, via a number of differentiated neurohormonal patterns, readjust virtually all bodily functions–down to the subcellular and molecular levels of the organization. These response patterns, able to cope with a variety of environmental challenges even in anticipatory fashions, can– when intensely engaged–entirely dominate bodily functions and behavior. Further, several of them may, during prolonged or/and oft-repeated activations, even affect the structure of cells and organ systems as a consequence of the imposed alterations in functional load and by exerting growth-promoting influences via some hormones and nerve transmitters.

The more important of these age-old limbic–hypothalamic response patterns are outlined from a physiological point of view, with the main emphasis on the so-called “defense” and “defeat” reactions with respect to modes of induction, bodily expressions, and feedback effects on the brain. Both of these reactions appear to be of particular relevance for the gradual induction of some common “psychosomatic” disorders in modern man, evidently due to the abundance of psychosocial stimuli and the hectic pace which often characterize present-day affluent society. This situation is exemplified in the cardiovascular system, since the centrally-elicited neurohormonal influences seem to greatly contribute to the gradual induction of chronic high-pressure states as well as to atherosclerosis, particularly when predisposing genetic factors and other types of environmental influences are at hand.
Diabetes and Female Sexual Function: a Critical Review
Authors: Spector Ilana P. , Leiblum Sandra R. , Carey Michael P. , Rosen Raymond C.
Published: March 2024

The research which evaluates the prevalence and correlates of sexual dysfunction in female diabetics is reviewed. Results indicate that diabetic women experience hypoactive sexual desire, orgasmic dysfunction, and dyspareunia, but the prevalence rates do not appear to be significantly different from those of women in the general population. Female diabetics appear to report more arousal phase disorders than do non-diabetic controls in some studies. In a search for correlates of sexual dysfunction in diabetic females, researchers have examined neuropathy, micro- and macrovascular disease, age of onset of diabetes, duration of diabetes, and glucose control; however none of these variables are predictive of sexual difficulties. Psychosocial factors such as disease acceptance, marital satisfaction, and depression appear to correlate with sexual dysfunction and merit further study. Diabetic subtype may also predict degree of dysfunction. Methodological limitations include lack of physiological data to assess arousal, failure to examine samples with more severe diabetic complications, and neglect of menopausal status and obesity as critical variables.
Families and Health: the Negative Side of Social Ties
Authors: Burg Matthew M. , Seeman Teresa E.
Published: March 2024

Research on a range of illnesses has demonstrated a protective effect for social ties and social support, and has begun to address the potential mechanisms by which this effect is brought about. More recently, researchers examining the positive effects of social ties have also uncovered unexpected negative consequences. The supportive and non-supportive aspects of social relations are weakly correlated, indicating that both of these two domains of social experience need to be considered to understand the influence of family and other social ties on health. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate through selective examination of the literature how social support, particularly in the form of family ties, may increase risk for negative rather than positive health outcomes. In addition, we provide a framework for research to more fully elucidate this area.
Perceived Stress and Salivary Cortisol in Daily Life
Authors: van Eck Marleen M. , Nicolson Nancy A.
Published: March 2024

Clarifying the nature of endocrine responses to chronic or intermittent stress in daily life requires repeated measurements of stress, hormone levels, and emotional states. In this study, 42 High Stress (HS) and 46 Low Stress (LS) subjects were selected on the basis of Perceived Stress Scale scores from a larger sample of male white-collar workers. Subjects completed self-reports [Experience Sampling Method (ESM)] and collected saliva samples for Cortisol determination ten times a day over five consecutive days, including three work and two non-work days. We test the hypothesis that high perceived stress is associated with elevated Cortisol.

The HS group scored higher than the LS group on measures of trait anxiety, depression, anger, and psychosomatic complaints, as well as on ESM measures of positive and negative affect and stressful daily events. Although negative affect was higher and stressful events more frequent on workdays than weekends (especially for HS subjects), no difference in workday vs. weekend Cortisol levels was found in the subsample of subjects with sufficient data. On workdays, HS subjects had higher mean Cortisol levels than LS subjects at each of the ten sampling times between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. (repeated measures ANOVA, p < .02). Mean workday Cortisol was correlated with higher trait anxiety, depression, and the low arousal dimension of ESM negative affect.
DNA-Testing for Heritable Breast Cancer Risks: Lessons from Traditional Genetic Counseling
Authors: Lerman Caryn , Audrain Janet , Croyle Robert T.
Published: March 2024

This article provides a brief overview of recent work in breast cancer genetics and addresses three areas of relevant behavioral medicine research: (a) understanding individuals' motivations to undergo genetic testing, (b) evaluating the impact of genetic testing on psychosocial outcomes, and (c) identifying moderators of the impact of genetic risk information. Recent studies show that levels of interest in genetic testing for breast cancer are high; however, most women who come forward lack understanding about inherited breast cancer risks and the benefits and limitations of genetic testing. Among those who participate in genetic testing for breast cancer, sociodemographic factors, psychological factors, and social/contextual factors may moderate their responses to genetic information. Before genetic testing for breast cancer is widely available, it is critical that prospective controlled trials be conducted to identify determinants of testing behavior, to elucidate the decision-making process, and to evaluate the behavioral and medical outcomes.
Liquid sunshine: drizzle, showers & torrential rain on the Sun
Authors: Şahin Seray , Antolin Patrick
Published: March 2024

It is cold (relatively), dense, and it moves engimatically through the solar corona. Turn your solar umbrella upside down to take in the coronal rain…
Artificial Intelligence: Ready or not, here it comes!
Authors: Klus Helen
Published: March 2024

In theory, artificial intelligence could streamline academic publishing; in practice, there are issues with trust, accountability and ethics
Application of graphite carbon black assisted-laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry for soy sauce product discrimination
Authors: Tanaka Mitsuru , Arima Keishiro , Ide Haruna , Koshi Mariko , Ohno Naoto , Imamura Miho , Matsui Toshiro
Published: March 2024

In a previous study, we developed a novel analytical method to directly and simultaneously detect taste- and odor-active compounds using graphite carbon black (GCB)-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). In this study, we aimed to evaluate food quality using a variety of soy sauces using the method to discriminate each product. Graphite carbon black-laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry allowed the provision of hundreds of MS peaks derived from soy sauces in both positive and negative modes without any tedious sample pretreatments. Principal component analysis using the obtained MS peaks clearly distinguished three soy sauce products based on the manufacturing countries (Japan, China, and India). Moreover, this method identified distinct MS peaks for discrimination, which significantly correlated with their quantitative amounts in the products. Thus, GCB-LDI-MS analysis was established as a simple and rapid technique for food analysis, illustrating the chemical patterns of food products.
CTEC: a cross-tabulation ensemble clustering approach for single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis
Authors: Wang Liang , Hong Chenyang , Song Jiangning , Yao Jianhua
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Cell-type clustering is a crucial first step for single-cell RNA-seq data analysis. However, existing clustering methods often provide different results on cluster assignments with respect to their own data pre-processing, choice of distance metrics, and strategies of feature extraction, thereby limiting their practical applications.

Results

We propose Cross-Tabulation Ensemble Clustering (CTEC) method that formulates two re-clustering strategies (distribution- and outlier-based) via cross-tabulation. Benchmarking experiments on five scRNA-Seq datasets illustrate that the proposed CTEC method offers significant improvements over the individual clustering methods. Moreover, CTEC-DB outperforms the state-of-the-art ensemble methods for single-cell data clustering, with 45.4% and 17.1% improvement over the single-cell aggregated from ensemble clustering method (SAFE) and the single-cell aggregated clustering via Mixture model ensemble method (SAME), respectively, on the two-method ensemble test.

Availability and implementation

The source code of the benchmark in this work is available at the GitHub repository https://github.com/LWCHN/CTEC.git.
shinyExprPortal: a configurable ‘shiny’ portal for sharing analysis of molecular expression data
Authors: Henkin Rafael , Goldmann Katriona , Lewis Myles , Barnes Michael R
Published: March 2024

Motivation

The scale of omics research presents many obstacles to full sharing and access to analysis results. Current publication models impose limits on the number of pages and figures, requiring careful preparation and selection of content. At the same time, depositing data in open repositories significantly shifts the burden of access and reproduction to readers, who may include people who are not programmers or analysts.

Results

We introduce shinyExprPortal, an R package that implements omics web portals with minimal coding effort. The portals allow exploration of transcriptomic or proteomic expression data and phenotypes, showcasing results of various types of analysis including differential expression, co-expression and pathways analysis. The integration with bioinformatics workflows enables researchers to focus on their results and share findings using interactive and publication-quality plots.

Availability and implementation

The shinyExprPortal package is available to download and install from CRAN and https://github.com/C4TB/shinyExprPortal.
Ferns as facilitators of community recovery following biotic upheaval
Authors: Azevedo-Schmidt Lauren , Currano Ellen D , Dunn Regan E , Gjieli Elizabeth , Pittermann Jarmila , Sessa Emily , Gill Jacquelyn L
Published: March 2024

The competitive success of ferns has been foundational to hypotheses about terrestrial recolonization following biotic upheaval, from wildfires to the Cretaceous–Paleogene asteroid impact (66 million years ago). Rapid fern recolonization in primary successional environments has been hypothesized to be driven by ferns’ high spore production and wind dispersal, with an emphasis on their competitive advantages as so-called disaster taxa. We propose that a competition-based view of ferns is outdated and in need of reexamination in light of growing research documenting the importance of positive interactions (i.e., facilitation) between ferns and other species. Here, we integrate fossil and modern perspectives on fern ecology to propose that ferns act as facilitators of community assemblage following biotic upheaval by stabilizing substrates, enhancing soil properties, and mediating competition. Our reframing of ferns as facilitators has broad implications for both community ecology and ecosystem recovery dynamics, because of ferns’ global distribution and habitat diversity.
Effect of smoking cessation on psoriasis vulgaris, palmoplantar pustulosis and generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Kim Seong Rae , Choi Young-Geun , Jo Seong Jin
Published: March 2024

Background

Smoking is a known risk factor for psoriasis; however, the impact of smoking cessation on psoriasis has seldom been evaluated.

Objectives

We aimed to examine the effects of smoking cessation on the development of psoriasis vulgaris (PsV), palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP).

Methods

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we retrospectively compiled a cohort of 5 784 973 participants without psoriasis, analysed their changes in smoking status from 2004 to 2007 and followed up new cases of psoriasis until 2021. The psoriasis risks were compared with those of sustained smokers, smoking quitters, sustained ex-smokers and never smokers using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 47.1 years (SD 13.5) and 3 092 426 (53.5%) were male. During 77 990 688 person-years, 67 364 psoriasis cases were identified. Compared with sustained smokers, smoking quitters showed a reduced risk of developing psoriasis [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–0.95], specifically PsV (aHR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88–0.97) and PPP (aHR 0.71; 95% CI 0.63–0.79). The reduction in risk due to smoking cessation was more prominent in sustained ex-smokers (psoriasis: aHR 0.77, 95% CI 0.74–0.79; PsV: aHR 0.76, 95% CI 0.73–0.79; PPP: aHR 0.56, 95% CI 0.51–0.61; GPP: aHR 0.64; 95% CI 0.52–0.78). When conducting sensitivity analyses to address the potential for changes in smoking habits after 2007, the results and trends were consistent with the main findings, and a more pronounced significance was observed.

Conclusions

Compared with continuous smoking, smoking cessation was associated with a decreased risk of developing psoriasis. The risk-reducing effect of smoking cessation was more pronounced in those maintaining a smoke-free status. Smoking cessation and the maintenance of a smoke-free status should be encouraged to prevent the development of psoriasis and all other smoking-related diseases.
Morphological profiling in human neural progenitor cells classifies hits in a pilot drug screen for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: McDiarmid Amina H , Gospodinova Katerina O , Elliott Richard J R , Dawson John C , Graham Rebecca E , El-Daher Marie-Therese , Anderson Susan M , Glen Sophie C , Glerup Simon , Carragher Neil O , Evans Kathryn L
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60–70% of dementia cases. Current treatments are inadequate and there is a need to develop new approaches to drug discovery. Recently, in cancer, morphological profiling has been used in combination with high-throughput screening of small-molecule libraries in human cells in vitro. To test feasibility of this approach for Alzheimer’s disease, we developed a cell morphology-based drug screen centred on the risk gene, SORL1 (which encodes the protein SORLA). Increased Alzheimer’s disease risk has been repeatedly linked to variants in SORL1, particularly those conferring loss or decreased expression of SORLA, and lower SORL1 levels are observed in post-mortem brain samples from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Consistent with its role in the endolysosomal pathway, SORL1 deletion is associated with enlarged endosomes in neural progenitor cells and neurons. We, therefore, hypothesized that multi-parametric, image-based cell phenotyping would identify features characteristic of SORL1 deletion. An automated morphological profiling method (Cell Painting) was adapted to neural progenitor cells and used to determine the phenotypic response of SORL1−/− neural progenitor cells to treatment with compounds from a small internationally approved drug library (TargetMol, 330 compounds). We detected distinct phenotypic signatures for SORL1−/− neural progenitor cells compared to isogenic wild-type controls. Furthermore, we identified 16 compounds (representing 14 drugs) that reversed the mutant morphological signatures in neural progenitor cells derived from three SORL1−/− induced pluripotent stem cell sub-clones. Network pharmacology analysis revealed the 16 compounds belonged to five mechanistic groups: 20S proteasome, aldehyde dehydrogenase, topoisomerase I and II, and DNA synthesis inhibitors. Enrichment analysis identified DNA synthesis/damage/repair, proteases/proteasome and metabolism as key pathways/biological processes. Prediction of novel targets revealed enrichment in pathways associated with neural cell function and Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, this work suggests that (i) a quantitative phenotypic metric can distinguish induced pluripotent stem cell-derived SORL1−/− neural progenitor cells from isogenic wild-type controls and (ii) phenotypic screening combined with multi-parametric high-content image analysis is a viable option for drug repurposing and discovery in this human neural cell model of Alzheimer’s disease.
Multiple Modernities in Civilizational Perspective: An Assessment of the Global Civilization(s) Initiative
Authors: Buzan Barry , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2024

This paper starts from the supposition that civilization is an important concept for thinking about world order, and one that is increasingly coming back into play in world politics. It opens with a close look at the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI): what does it say, what does it imply, about what is it silent, and what are its policy contexts? It offers the theory of Uneven and Combined Development (UCD) as a way of looking at multiple modernities in terms of civilizational pluralism. This is followed by a historical unfolding of UCD since the early 19th century, showing how it has generated both single and multiple modernities cast in civilizational terms. The penultimate section focuses on the risks and opportunities that a world order of civilizational pluralism would create specifically for China. The conclusions summarize the main points of argument, and set out a more detailed global vision of what the GCI might aim to achieve if played well.
A low bleeding risk thrombolytic agent: citPA5
Authors: Chen Shanli , Fang Sudan , Zhou Yang , Huang Zhiwei , Yu Shujuan , Chen Dan , Wang Zhiyou , Xu Yanyan , Liu Peiwen , Li Yongkun , Lin Wei , Jiang Longguang , Yuan Cai , Huang Mingdong
Published: March 2024

Aims

Alteplase is a cornerstone thrombolytic agent in clinical practice but presents a potential bleeding risk. Stroke patients need pre-screening to exclude haemorrhagic stroke before using alteplase. In this study, we develop a new thrombolytic agent citPA5, characterized by an enhanced safety profile and minimal bleeding tendency.

Methods and results

A clot lysis agent, named citPA5, is developed based on rtPA with point mutations to completely suppress its proteolytic activity in the absence of fibrin. In the presence of fibrin, citPA5 exhibited significantly higher fibrinolytic activity (a 15.8-fold increase of kcat/Km). Furthermore, citPA5 showed resistance to endogenous fibrinolysis inhibitor, PAI-1, resulting in enhanced potency. In a series of safety evaluation experiments, including thrombelastography assay, mice tail bleeding assay, and a murine intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) model, citPA5 did not cause systemic bleeding or worsen ICH compared with alteplase. This highlights the low risk of bleeding associated with citPA5. Finally, we found that citPA5 effectively improved cerebral blood flow and reduced infarct volume in a carotid embolism-induced stroke model.

Conclusion

This clot lysis agent, citPA5, not only exhibits a low risk of bleeding but also demonstrates highly effective thrombolysis capabilities. As a result, citPA5 shows great potential for administration prior to the classification of stroke types, making it possible for use in ambulances at the onset of stroke when symptoms are identified. The findings presented in this study also suggest that this strategy could be applied to develop a new generation of fibrinolytic drugs that offer greater safety and specificity in targeting fibrin.
International Lawyers in Post-Soviet Eurasia: Decoding the Divisibility
Authors: Simonyan Artur
Published: March 2024

This article examines the epistemic community of post-Soviet Eurasian international lawyers who interact, publish, teach and practise international law, predominantly in Russia and in Russian, forming a Russia-centred divisible college. By decoding the unknown group, the article presents its defining characteristics, including the link between membership in a Russia-centred epistemic community and the members’ potential Russlandversteher (Russia-apologist) behaviour. Analysing how post-Soviet Eurasian international lawyers act within different social arrangements (legal education, academic publication and practice of law), the article demonstrates how and to what extent such divisibility is symbolized in their political actorship.
Are day-flying moths more specialized in larval dietary breadth?—a test of the “Salient Aroma Hypothesis” in a predominantly nocturnal clade
Authors: Seifert Carlo L , Strutzenberger Patrick , Fiedler Konrad
Published: March 2024

Although diurnality is widespread across Lepidoptera and has evolved many times independently, its causes and ecological implications are yet poorly understood. The “Salient Aroma Hypothesis” (SAH) postulates that diurnal insect herbivores are overall more specialized in dietary breadth than species active at night. It is furthermore assumed that diurnality evolved more frequently in species that live in cooler environments. Using European geometrid moths as a model group, we tested whether diurnal activity in adults is associated with an increased larval dietary breadth as predicted by the SAH. We further investigated whether species that exclusively occur in colder regions or whose flight period is restricted to cool seasons are more likely to exhibit a diurnal flight activity. Contrary to expectation, we found no consistent differences in larval dietary breadth between diurnal and nocturnal species, and thus no support for the SAH. Diurnal activity occurred more frequently in species restricted to cold regions but not in species restricted to cool seasons. We conclude that diurnality could serve as an advantageous adaptation in cold environments, depending on further factors such as resource availability or predation pressure, but has no immediate consequences for larval dietary breadth.
Predicting Increased Incidence of Common Antibiotic-Resistant and Antibiotic-Associated Pathogens Using Ensemble Species Distribution Modeling
Authors: Brough Siqi C , Caddell Luke , Liou Raymond J , Patil Advait , De Leo Giulio , Forrester Joseph D
Published: March 2024

The Centers for Disease Control estimates antibiotic-associated pathogens result in 2.8 million infections and 38 000 deaths annually in the United States. This study applies species distribution modeling to elucidate the impact of environmental determinants of human infectious disease in an era of rapid global change. We modeled methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridioides difficile using 31 publicly accessible bioclimatic, health care, and sociodemographic variables. Ensemble models were created from 8 unique statistical and machine learning algorithms. Using International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition codes, we identified 305 528 diagnoses of methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 203 001 diagnoses of C. difficile presence. Three environmental factors—average maximum temperature, specific humidity, and agricultural land density—emerged as major predictors of increased methicillin-resistant S. aureus and C. difficile presence; variables representing health care availability were less important. Species distribution modeling may be a powerful tool for identifying areas at increased risk for disease presence and have important implications for disease surveillance systems.
Antileishmanial Activity of Cathelicidin and its Modulation by Leishmania donovani in a cAMP Response Element Modulator-Dependent Manner in Infection
Authors: Roy Shalini , Roy Souravi , Banerjee Madhurima , Madbhagat Pratibha , Chande Ajit , Ukil Anindita
Published: March 2024

Concerns regarding toxicity and resistance of current drugs in visceral leishmaniasis have been reported. Antimicrobial peptides are considered to be promising candidates and among them human cathelicidin hCAP18/LL-37 showed significant parasite killing on drug-sensitive and resistant Leishmania promastigotes, in addition to its apoptosis-inducing role. Administration of hCAP18/LL-37 to infected macrophages also decreased parasite survival and increased the host favorable cytokine interleukin 12. However, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D3)-induced endogenous hCAP18/LL-37 production was hampered in infected THP-1 cells. Infection also suppressed the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR), transcription factor of hCAP18/LL-37. cAMP response element modulator (CREM), the repressor of VDR, was induced in infection, resulting in suppression of both VDR and cathelicidin expression. PGE2/cAMP/PKA axis was found to regulate CREM induction during infection and silencing CREM in infected cells and BALB/c mice led to decreased parasite survival. This study documents the antileishmanial potential of cathelicidin and further identifies CREM as a repressor of cathelicidin in Leishmania infection.
Strategies for tailoring functional microbial synthetic communities
Authors: Jing Jiayi , Garbeva Paolina , Raaijmakers Jos M , Medema Marnix H
Published: March 2024

Natural ecosystems harbor a huge reservoir of taxonomically diverse microbes that are important for plant growth and health. The vast diversity of soil microorganisms and their complex interactions make it challenging to pinpoint the main players important for the life support functions microbes can provide to plants, including enhanced tolerance to (a)biotic stress factors. Designing simplified microbial synthetic communities (SynComs) helps reduce this complexity to unravel the molecular and chemical basis and interplay of specific microbiome functions. While SynComs have been successfully employed to dissect microbial interactions or reproduce microbiome-associated phenotypes, the assembly and reconstitution of these communities have often been based on generic abundance patterns or taxonomic identities and co-occurrences but have only rarely been informed by functional traits. Here, we review recent studies on designing functional SynComs to reveal common principles and discuss multidimensional approaches for community design. We propose a strategy for tailoring the design of functional SynComs based on integration of high-throughput experimental assays with microbial strains and computational genomic analyses of their functional capabilities.
Patient Experience of Women With Dense Breasts Undergoing Screening Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
Authors: Miller Matthew M , Mayorov Shanna , Ganti Ramapriya , Nguyen Jonathan V , Rochman Carrie M , Caley Matthew , Jahjah Jessie , Repich Kathy , Patrie James T , Anderson Roger T , Harvey Jennifer A , Rooney Timothy B
Published: March 2024

Objective

We investigated patient experience with screening contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to determine whether a general population of women with dense breasts would accept CEM in a screening setting.

Methods

In this institutional review board–approved prospective study, patients with heterogeneous and extremely dense breasts on their mammogram were invited to undergo screening CEM and complete pre-CEM and post-CEM surveys. On the pre-CEM survey, patients were asked about their attitudes regarding supplemental screening in general. On the post-CEM survey, patients were asked about their experience undergoing screening CEM, including causes and severity of any discomfort and whether they would consider undergoing screening CEM again in the future or recommend it to a friend.

Results

One hundred sixty-three women were surveyed before and after screening CEM. Most patients, 97.5% (159/163), reported minimal or no unpleasantness associated with undergoing screening CEM. In addition, 91.4% (149/163) said they would probably or very likely undergo screening CEM in the future if it cost the same as a traditional screening mammogram, and 95.1% (155/163) said they would probably or very likely recommend screening CEM to a friend. Patients in this study, who were all willing to undergo CEM, more frequently reported a family history of breast cancer than a comparison cohort of women with dense breasts (58.2% vs 47.1%, P = .027).

Conclusion

Patients from a general population of women with dense breasts reported a positive experience undergoing screening CEM, suggesting screening CEM might be well received by this patient population, particularly if the cost was comparable with traditional screening mammography.
(O-01) PREDICTORS OF INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTION THERAPY IN MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Moreno J , Khera M
Published: March 2024

Introduction & Objective

Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and intracavernosal injections (ICI) are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the risk factors associated with the transition from oral therapy to ICI use remain less established. We aimed to identify predictive factors contributing to the progression from oral PDE5i to ICI therapy.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was conducted on patients presenting with erectile dysfunction at our clinic. Patients initiating therapy before clinical documentation or without follow-up were excluded. Statistical analysis utilized chi-square test, two-tailed student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression performed in R.

Results

Among 259 men treated for ED, 61% (158) reported subjective improvement with oral PDE5i therapy alone, while 18% (46) initiated ICI therapy. Table 1 summarizes demographic information and cardiovascular risk factors. Men progressing to ICI had higher rates of hypertension (54.3% vs. 28.4%, p=0.0015), type 2 diabetes mellitus (32.6% vs. 11.4%, p=0.0013), and a history of radical prostatectomy (26.1% vs. 3.8%, p<0.001) compared to those satisfied with oral therapy. Significant predictors for ICI progression on multivariate analysis were history of radical prostatectomy (OR 19.4, [95% CI, 1.42-678.88]) and diabetes mellitus (OR 8.6, [95% CI, 1.36-76.49]). Two patients (4.3%) experienced priapism as a complication of ICI use. Among the patients using ICI, 54% (25/46) reported satisfaction with their erections.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular risk factors and a history of radical prostatectomy were more prevalent among patients progressing from oral therapy to ICI in our cohort. These findings may guide early counseling on ED treatment progression for patients with these predictive factors.

Financing

No conflict.
(O-02) WAVERING PATTERN OF ERECTION AS A CLINICAL MANIFESTATION OF DORSAL VENOUS LEAKS OF THE PENIS
Authors: Uribe J F
Published: March 2024

Objective

The present study wants to evaluate the frequency of sudden loss of erection in patients possibly affected by penile congenital dorsal venous leaks, using a structured questionnaire to identify the so-called wavering pattern of erection, to refine the diagnosis. and indicate the need for other diagnostic tests such as doppler ultrasound or CavernoCT to identify such leaks.

Materials and Methods

In a group of 60 patients with confirmed ultrasound diagnosis of penile dorsal venous leak, a structured questionnaire of five questions was systematically administered about situations that led to loss of erection, including the following 5 items: Changes in position, external distractions, change from feet to lying down or vice versa, condom use and loss of erection during masturbation. Patients with at least four positive items were considered to comply with the so-called hesitant pattern of erection.

Results

It was found that in this group with ultrasound leaks, 81.6% of the patients fulfilled at least 4/5 items of the questionnaire and 18.3% with 3 or less. The most frequent question answered positively was “Changes of position” (91.6%), followed by “External distractions” (86.6%), third “loss of erection during masturbation” (83.4%), fourth “changes from lying to standing or vice versa” (80%) and the fifth “loss of erection with condom use” (66.6%).

Conclusions

It is considered that the systematic performance of some key questions in patients under 40 years of age who consult for erectile dysfunction can guide an underlying diagnosis of congenital venous leaks that should be verified with adequate diagnostic images and whose use as a valid instrument requires verification additional.

Key words

erectile dysfunction, vasculogenic impotence, penile diseases, penile veins.

Financing

No conflict.
(O-10) CLINICAL PROFILE AND SATISFACTION LEVEL OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING PENILE PROSTHESIS IMPLANTATION AT PEDRO ERNESTO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (HUPE/UERJ) 2018-2022
Authors: Crelier G M , Bastos G B , Menezes M C , Vidal V A , Schiavini J L , Filho RdTF , Lara C M C , Junior H R J , Damião R
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can significantly impact couples' sexual quality of life, with penile prosthesis implants often yielding satisfaction rates of up to 90%. This treatment remains underutilized, less than 5% of refractory ED patients to undergo this therapy. This study aims to assess the satisfaction levels of patients who have undergone penile prosthesis implantation and explore associated factors.

Methods

We reviewed 48 medical records of patients who underwent penile prosthesis implantation between 2018-2022 and administered satisfaction questionnaires 6 months after the procedure.

Results

93% expressed satisfaction post-surgery, with 66% reporting increased libido. Additionally, 83% noted ease in achieving penetration, 75% were content with the prosthesis size, and 95% stated willingness to undergo the surgery again. Common causes of sexual dysfunction were post-radical prostatectomy (45%), followed by diabetes mellitus (22%). Peyronie's disease was the etiology in 6% of cases, and priapism in 2%. The average age was 63 years (range: 27-80), with 20% being obese, 37% having diabetes mellitus, and 56% experiencing systemic arterial hypertension. Approximately 20% of procedures presented complications, surgical wound infection being the most common and prosthesis extrusion the most severe.

Discussion

Literature identifies predictors associated with satisfaction after penile prosthesis implantation, such as Peyronie's disease, BMI > 30, post-radical prostatectomy, implant type, postoperative complications, and patient age; our study revealed that only 7% expressed dissatisfaction, primarily due to postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Penile prosthesis implantation proves to be a safe procedure with a high success rate and satisfaction level. Dissatisfaction primarily arises from postoperative complications, emphasizing the importance of offering this therapeutic option to patients with severe ED.

Financing

No conflict.
(O-15) SEXUALITY IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER: A REVIEW
Authors: Cabral Junior J B
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the gold standard in treatment of advanced prostate cancer (APC). Disease remission means improved quality of life, mental health, social interactions, in addition to pain reduction. However, most experience a significant drop in sexual desire, reduction in rigidity and duration of erections, and a decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse.

Material and Methods

A review of literature on sexuality in patients with APC was carried out.

Results

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patientes with APC is higher. However, its treatment remains in the background, considering the priority given to oncological treatment. Assessing baseline sexual function before starting ADT, as well as monitoring changes that occur during treatment are important aspects to mitigate negative effects. Individualization of the therapeutic plan allows satisfactory erectile response with oral medications in up to 33% of patients, reaching 80% with the use of combined therapies, such as injections and vacuum devices. Intermittent ADT appears as an interesting option for selected groups of patients with APC, with biochemical recurrence and low-volume metastatic disease, allowing a recovery of sexual function in the intervals without treatment, although recovery of sexual function becomes less pronounced and treatment-free intervals become shorter over time.

Conclusions

The significant drop observed in sexual health still remains a major challenge in the management of patients with APC. Although physical and psychosocial variables may be involved in the etiology of SD, erectile function remains the main determinant of sexual satisfaction in men undergoing any treatment for prostate cancer. Despite emerging themes have been observed in the literature, such as sexual psychotherapy and the role of physical exercises in mitigating the negative effects of ADT, specific studies in this population are still needed.

Financing

No conflict.
(O-21) MAJOR ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ANABOLIC STEROID USE IN TRANSGENDER MEN DURING GENDER-REAFFIRMING HORMONE THERAPY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Garcia S , Peña Rodríguez S , Fernandez Mantilla D , Diaz Ritter C
Published: March 2024

Objective

Gender-affirming hormone therapy for female-to-male transsexuals is based on testosterone administration. Testosterone therapy (TT) is associated with side effects such as arteriosclerosis and insulin resistance, among others. This review aims to synthesize the main findings in the literature regarding these adverse effects and identify gaps in knowledge that will guide future studies

Methodology

A systematic review of the literature was carried out with search strategies based on Mesh terms. The bibliographic databases PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS were selected, and the following search algorithm was applied. We included clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and cohort studies. The articles were evaluated by three investigators, who initially reviewed the title and abstract and determined whether the article met the inclusion criteria. We followed the recommendations of the PRISMA statement for this process.

Results

The search provided a total of 93 articles (PubMed n = 61, Embase n = 2, Scopus n = 30). Four duplicates were eliminated. Finally, 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. Two studies found hematologic side effects of TT; 4 studies evidenced an increase of metabolic profile without any clinically significant side effects, 1 cohort showed an incidence of hepatic failure of 0.6% in the first year. 2 studies showed that TT was associated with endothelial disfunction and a proinflammatory state. 1 study showed an increase in body weight and lean mass and reduction in body fat. 3 studies showed that TT has no association with an increased risk of breast cancer. 1 study reported a high prevalence of acne with a highest value at 6 months post initiation of therapy.

Conclusions

The use of TT showed side effects on metabolic profile bases without clinically significant repercussions. Additionally, even after showing endothelial damage, no cardiovascular events were reported. Further studies are required about this topic.

Figure 1. Flowchart Selection of items according to PRISMA 2020.

Financing

No conflict.
(O-26) INITIAL EXPERIENCE IN IMPLEMENTING AN INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTABLE THERAPY PROGRAM FOR THE TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS AT A PUBLIC HOSPITAL
Authors: Cabral Júnior J B , Souza Filho C A , Amorim G J A , Oliveira R A P , Ramos L A I A , Souza R C , Cavalcante F J C
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Intracavernous injectable therapy (IIT) has been considered a second-line therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) since the emergence of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (IPDE-5) for oral use in the late 1990s. The ease of access to IPDE-5, with increasingly accessible costs, in addition to the safety and efficacy with the use of these medications, caused IIT to fall into disuse for a good period. In turn, about 30% of men with ED do not respond satisfactorily to the oral use of IPDE-5, needing to resort to some other form of treatment.

Materials and Method

Patients with ED unresponsive to oral IPDE-5 were referred for IIT. Subsequently, they were submitted to a questionnaire to evaluate the results.

Results

Eight men answered the applied questionnaire. The mean age of patients was 61 years (44-75 years). All patients reported that their partner was aware of the treatment used, and 75% of patients reported the presence of some comorbidity. The response to the test was considered satisfactory in 75% of the patients, with full erection (EHS 4) in 37.5%, and partial erection with penetration (EHS 3) in 37.5%. Only one patient (12.5%) reported not having adapted to the proposed treatment, despite having a satisfactory erection. After a 12-month follow-up, only one patient (12.5%) continues to use IIT, 3 (37.5%) opted for penile prosthesis implantation, while the others chose not to adhere to any subsequent treatment. In 62.5% of patients there was no report of any side effect.

Conclusion

Despite high rates of efficacy and satisfaction reported in the literature, our initial experience showed a low rate of adherence to IIT. The team's lack of experience and difficulty in following up patients probably contributed to these results, revealing a need for better team training and patient guidance.

Financing

No conflict.
(O-27) PRELIMINARY DATA ON THE USE OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA IN PENIS FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION OF VASCULAR ORIGIN
Authors: Mayer M , Gioielli A , Valente S
Published: March 2024

Introduction

After conducting an exhaustive review of the literature published to date, we decided to evaluate the effects of acute exposure to autologous PRP on erectile function and assess the impact of this therapeutic strategy in patients with erectile dysfunction of mild-moderate vascular origin.

Materials and methods

All patients who participated in our study completed the IIEF 5 questionnaire prior to the procedure.

Procedure

autologous venous blood was extracted, the sample was processed and activated with 10% calcium chloride solution. After local anesthesia in the trunk of the penis shaft with benzocaine and xylocaine. 8 ml of PRP was applied to 9 patients, with a 25G needle, distributed in 4 applications. 2 applications in each cavernous body, one in the distal region and another in the proximal regionsThe designed protocol indicates: 4 applications spaced by 15 days. The 9 patients complied with all applications.

Results

The average age of the patients was 68.7 years (range 58-77). The IIEF-5 average prior to applications was 14.6.One month after completing the complete protocol, the IIEF-5 score showed a result of 18.9.

Conclusion

This type of procedure, being an autologous treatment and not having relevant complications, could be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with erectile dysfunction of mild-moderate vascular origin, as long as expectations are explained and health is addressed. integral to avoid the eventual progressive deterioration of the endothelium.

Financing

No conflict.
(O-29) QUALITY OF LIFE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN SPANISH MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Benitez J , Laborda E , Sandoval-Salinas C
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Sexuality is an important aspect for men, so suffering from pathologies such as erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect different areas of their lives beyond sexual health.

Aim

To evaluate the degree of affectation and the factors associated with the self-esteem and quality of life of men with ED.

Methods and patients

Men over 18 years old with ED treated in different cities in Spain participated. The general quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, WHOQOL-BREF), quality of sexual life (Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire-SLQQ), and the degree of self-esteem (Self-Esteem and Relationship-SEAR) were evaluated, and identified factors associated with these constructs. How ED affects areas and quality of life was qualitatively explored with semi-structured interviews.

Results

356 men participated in the quantitative phase and 21 in the qualitative phase. The average age was 58.2 years old (SD 12.2), 13.2% lived in Madrid, 55.6% worked, 59% lived with their partner, 98% were heterosexual, and 72.2% presented comorbidities related to ED. The mean IIEF was 11.4 (SD 6.6) and the mean time with ED was 5.9 years. In 17.4% the general quality of life was very bad or regular and in 55.3% quite good or very good, with no association found between this value and the quality of the erection or the degree of ED. The average score for the SLQQ questionnaire was 48.7 (SD 1.4) and for the SEAR questionnaire was 36.4 (SD 17.76), with an average score of 37.9 (SD 18.5) on the self-esteem subscale. Time with ED and frequency of sexual relations was associated with low self-esteem and confidence, and the severity of ED was associated with a low score in the social relationships domain (p<0.05). In the qualitative evaluation, few patients considered that ED affects other areas of their lives in addition to their sexual health.

Conclusions

ED can negatively affect the quality of sexual life and self-esteem in Spanish men, but other areas of their lives are not affected.

Financing

Boston Medical Group.
(O-31) ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SEXUAL AGENCY AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN BRAZILIAN AND PORTUGUESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Soster A P , Falcke D , Oliveira A M
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to verify the association between sexual agency and sexual satisfaction in Portuguese and Brazilian university students.

Method

322 university students, 161 Brazilian and 161 Portuguese, aged between 18 and 29, took part in this cross-sectional study by answering an online questionnaire. The measures used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Sexual Attitudes Scale, the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale and the Sexual Assertiveness Scale. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. Ethical procedures were met.

Results

The measures of individual sexual satisfaction (BR 0.446/PT 0.499), relational sexual satisfaction and in sexual satisfaction of sexual activity (BR 0.375/PT 0.363), and total sexual satisfaction (BR 0.454/PT 0.458), showed significant (p<0.01) moderate positive associations with the dimension of sexual assertiveness initiation, related to sexual agency to initiate sexual relations and communicate desires to the partner in both groups. This is a finding that contradicts the rules associated with traditional sexual scripts, which advocate that women tend to behave passively in relation to their partner's desires.

Conclusion

The association between initiative and sexual satisfaction demonstrates the need to go against traditional sexual scripts, encouraging women to recognize and communicate their desires, and to validate the right to pleasure and sexual satisfaction. Expanding communication and listening to desires, opening up to different ways of giving and receiving physical pleasure, can increase the feeling of desire and the possibility of feeling desired, favoring the possibility of individual and shared pleasure and satisfaction.

Financing

No conflict.