bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital Confessions: The Willingness to Disclose Intimate Information to a Chatbot and its Impact on Emotional Well-Being
Authors: Croes Emmelyn A J , Antheunis Marjolijn L , van der Lee Chris , de Wit Jan M S 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Chatbots have several features that may stimulate self-disclosure, such as accessibility, anonymity, convenience and their perceived non-judgmental nature. The aim of this study is to investigate if people disclose (more) intimate information to a chatbot, compared to a human, and to what extent this enhances their emotional well-being through feelings of relief. An experiment with a 2 (human vs. chatbot) by 2 (low empathetic vs. high empathetic) design was conducted (N = 286). Results showed that there was no difference in the self-reported intimacy of self-disclosure between the human and chatbot conditions. Furthermore, people perceived less fear of judgment in the chatbot condition, but more trust in the human interactant compared to the chatbot interactant. Perceived anonymity was the only variable to directly impact self-disclosure intimacy. The finding that humans disclose equally intimate information to chatbots and humans is in line with the CASA paradigm, which states that people can react in a social manner to both computers and humans.
(163) IS THE ENDOGENOUS VASOACTIVE PEPTIDE OXYTOCIN A PHYSIOLOGICAL MEDIATOR OF PENILE ERECTION IN THE ADULT MALE?
Authors: Ückert Prof Stefan , Becker Prof Armin J , Bannowsky Priv-Doz Andreas , Tsikas Prof Dimitrios , Kuczyk Prof Markus A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
It is has been established that the pro-erectile effects of the activation of dopaminergic receptors (D1/D2), for example, by the receptor agonist apomorphine, involves oxytocinergic pathways descending from the hypothalamus to spinal autonomic centers. Although it has been demonstrated that, in rats, the injection of oxytocin into the paraventricular nucleus or the hippocampus induced penile erection, the significance of the peptide in the control of sexual arousal and penile erection in men still is only poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to determine as to whether oxytocin (OT) plasma levels alter in the systemic and cavernous blood of healthy males under different conditions of sexual arousal, as exemplified by the penile conditions flaccidity, tumescence, rigidity and detumescence.

Methods
Twenty-five (25) healthy adult males were exposed to visual and tactile erotic stimuli in order to elicit penile tumescence and rigid erection. Blood was taken from the corpus cavernosum (CC) and a cubital vein (CV) at the penile conditions flaccidity, tumescence, rigidity and detumescence. Following extraction from the plasma by applying an octadecasilyl silica matrix, oxytocin was measured by means of a radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Results
An increase was observed in median OT plasma levels (given in pg/ml) in the systemic and cavernous blood when the flaccid penis became tumescent (CV: from 71 ± 41 to 79 ± 49.5, CC: from 66.7 ± 34 to 75 ± 44). From tumescence to rigidity, OT further rose in the cavernous blood (to 81 ± 58), whereas it remained unaltered in the systemic circulation. During detumescence, oxytocin plasma levels dropped in the cavernous blood but again increased in the systemic blood (to 94 ± 49).

Conclusions
Based on the results, it seems likely that there is a role of OT in the mechanism of male sexual arousal and penile erection.

Conflicts of Interest
The authors have no conflcts of interest to declare.
(186) ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN GEORGIA
Authors: Khalvashi Dr Shorena , Marshania Zurab , Samteladze Mariam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Arterial hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which also affects erectile function and is considered one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. ED can also be caused by drugs used to treat arterial hypertension, namely: diuretics and beta-blockers, often used to treat arterial hypertension. The aim of our study was to find a correlation between the presence of arterial hypertension and the success of treatment with ED.

Methods
During the last 1 year, 240 male patients (aged 40 to 70 years) were treated with arterial hypertension. In 97 cases patients had ED, the following studies were conducted: blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiogram, heart ultrasound, 24-hour Holter monitoring, stress tests, and determination of lipid spectrum in blood. After the above-mentioned examinations, the patients were prescribed the appropriate group and dose of erectile dysfunction drugs (including PDE-5 inhibitors) together with the arterial hypertension drugs.

Results
Individuals who did not treat their hypertension and received only ED medications had a significantly lower erectile response rate than those who received ED medications along with antihypertensive medications.

Conclusions
The involvement of a cardiologist along with a sexologist in the process of timely diagnosis and relevant treatment of patients with ED has crucial importance for the successful management of ED.

Conflicts of Interest
There are no conflicts of Interest.
(366) EFFICACY OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN THE TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: A NETWORK META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Tienforti Dr Daniele , Di Giulio Dr Francesca , Spagnolo Dr Luca , D'Alessandro Dr Francesco , Antolini Dr Federica , Palazzi Dr Sara , Castellini Chiara , Barbonetti Prof Arcangelo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We evaluated the effects of different nutraceutical formulations widely available worldwide as alternative treatment strategies in improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) using a network meta-analysis (NMA) approach.

Methods
A search of PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, and Cochrane Library was performed, limited to studies using IIEF-score, published through September 2023. To facilitate the efficacy rating for individual nutraceutical treatments, we excluded studies in which more than three different molecules were used in combination in the same group. We performed direct pairwise meta-analyses and then a frequentist random-effects NMA to incorporate estimates from direct and indirect comparisons. The surface area under the cumulative classification curve (SUCRA) expresses the percentage of effectiveness of each treatment relative to an “ideal” treatment, using values range from 0 to 100%.

Results
The included 16 RCTs investigated 13 nutraceutical preparations. At the NMA forest plot (Figure 1), when compared with placebo, significant improvements in IIEF score were induced by L-arginine, acetil L-carnitine (ALC) + propionil L-carnitine (PLC), L-arginine + Tadalafil, ALC + PLC + Sildenafil. Among the different nutraceutics, the association between ALC, PLC and sildenafil was associated to the highest SUCRA (0.96), followed by the association between L-arginine and Tadalafil (0.84), ALC + PLC (0.79) and L-arginine (0.55).

Conclusions
In the context of the widespread ineffectiveness of most nutraceutical preparations, this NMA of available RTCs has identified a small group of compounds that are potentially useful in ED, particularly when used in combination with PDE5 inhibitors. The combination of ALC and PLC, especially in the presence of Sildenafil, and L-Arginine, especially in combination with Tadalafil, produced higher IIEF score improvements. These findings should be interpreted with caution, but are of value in narrowing the field to a small number of compounds whose actual efficacy needs to be confirmed through targeted prospective studies in patients of ED of different etiologies.

Conflicts of Interest
We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
(153) PENILE REHABILITATION AFTER NERVE-SPARING ROBOTIC-ASSISTED RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: PRELIMINARY DATA OF A PROSPECTIVE FEASIBILITY STUDY
Authors: Cox Inge L , van Leeuwen Pim J , van Muilekom Henricus A , van der Poel Prof Henk G , Nicolai Melianthe P 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Over the past decade, only 35% of patients experienced good erectile function two years after a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP), likely due to damaged neurovascular bundles and cavernosal tissue fibrosis during neuronal recovery. Given the limited prospective data, the ideal multimodal rehabilitation for enhancing erectile function following nsRP remains unclear. This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a multimodal penile rehabilitation program, involving daily sildenafil (100mg) and vacuum pump (VED) therapy (5 days a week, generating 5 erections per day).

Methods
Between May 2021 and October 2022, the study enrolled patients who had a good preoperative erection, undergone nsRP, and no history of pelvic radiotherapy, contraindications for sildenafil, or systemic neurological disorders. During follow up the adjustment of sildenafil dosage to 75mg to manage any side effects, was allowed. Feasibility was assessed by monitoring dropout rates due to program-related side effects. Furthermore, the assessment of erection rigidity was done every three months up to 18 months postoperatively, using both clinical reports and patient-reported outcome measures.

Results
55 patients were initially enrolled. They had a median start time of 7 weeks post-nsRP. To date, 13 discontinued and 8 adjusted sildenafil to 75mg due to side effects. Among the 32 who completed a year in the program, 13 patients regained spontaneous erections, resulting in the program being deintensified to on-demand use of PDE5i and/or VED. Among the 18 patients who have reached the 18-month follow-up mark, 88% and 50% reported a good assisted and unassisted erection, respectively.

Conclusions
So far, most patients tolerated the multimodal strategy well, with a 24% dropout rate. The majority of patients who completed the rehabilitation program reported having a good assisted erection and half of these patients already reported good unassisted erections after 1.5 year of follow up.

Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest.
(326) LOW-INTENSITY EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IMPROVES PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH PEYRONIE’S DISEASE
Authors: Rubino Dr Matteo , Ricapito Dr Anna , Finati Dr Marco , Falagario Dr Ugo G , Annese Dr Pasquale , Busetto Prof Gian M , Cormio Prof Luigi , Carrieri Prof Giuseppe , Bettocchi Prof Carlo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) is a recent introduction therapy in the treatment of Peyronie’s disease (PD) with pain during erection that consists of 8 sessions of approximately 20 minutes each and a number of strokes applied varies from 2000 to 3000 for each session which appear to act by stimulating a pro-inflammatory response in the tissues on which it is applied. The key step is the stimulation of the expression of the VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) gene and so the consequent neoangiogenesis and blood overflow would lead to a series of modifications at the level of the plaque in PD that would ultimately lead to the inhibition of the inflammatory process in progress and this would seem to reduce the pain typical of the acute phase and it would also seem effective in reducing the size of the plaque itself and avoiding a worsening of the penile curvature in erection.

Methods
A prospective cohorts of 23 patients with PD presenting with pain during erection was evaluated. Every patient underwent standardized baseline visit at our Department, including physical examination, medical history, International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) and pain evaluation. Pain during erection was the indication for treatment that was administered for 8 sessions. After treatment, all patients repeated the pain evaluation and IIEF questionnaire to evaluate the improvement through t-test.

Results
Median age of patients was 52.5 years. After treatment pain was improved in the whole cohort (100%). A significant improvement in the IIEF score was observed after Li-ESWT sessions (p value &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
This initial study shows that there is a significant improvement of pain after shock wave treatment at in patients affected by Peyronie’s disease. An improved IIEF score after treatment was also observed. Larger cohort is needed to better evaluate Li-ESWT effect of pain and IIEF score in men with Peyronie’s disease.

Conflicts of Interest
This initial study shows that there is a significant improvement of pain after shock wave treatment at in patients affected by Peyronie’s disease. An improved IIEF score after treatment was also observed. Larger cohort is needed to better evaluate Li-ESWT effect of pain and IIEF score in men with Peyronie’s disease.
(385) HYPOTHALAMIC ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS MAY HAVE A PROGNOSTIC ROLE IN SUBCLINICAL HYPOGONADISM IN PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND INFERTILITY
Authors: Arian Dr Iurii , Dumbraveanu Prof Ion , Ghenciu Dr Victoria , Creciun Dr Mariana , Ceban Prof Emil 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
It is already a common clinical practice to not use hypothalamic estrogen receptor antagonists and aromatase inhibitors in hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, as gonadotropins will rise. From clinical observation, normo-gonadotropic hypogonadal males may have elevated gonadotropin levels on hypothalamic estrogen receptor antagonists. The purpose of this study is to evaluate erectile function, hormonal and semen parameters changes in clomiphene-induced high LH and FSH levels.

Methods
A retrospective study was done on 83 normo-gonadotropic hypogonadal males with symptoms of ED and infertility, mean age 35,56±9,09 years, to whom treatment with Clomiphene citrate was recommended, and at follow-up visits, elevated gonadotropins were found. Pre-treatment and on treatment LH (mIU/mL), FSH (mIU/mL), total T (ng/dL), E (pg/mL), and semen parameters were compared. IIEF-5 scoring was used for ED evaluation.

Results
Accordingly, with IIEF-5 scoring, 17.5% reported severe ED, 31.3% with moderate, 21% with mild-moderate, and 31.2% with mild ED. Before treatment hormones and semen mean values: LH (4.04±3.62), FSH (5.43±4.62), total T (208±87.9), E (27.4±15.22), sperm concentration (12.45±8.61), PR motility (27.56±18.13). On treatment 28 (33.73%) male were found with LH only high level with mean value 13.54±6.48. 55 (66.27%) male with Clomiphene induced hypergonadotropic (LH and FSH) hypogonadism was reported with semen and hormonal mean values: LH (12.04±4.98), FSH (15.43±5.62), total T (475.8±244.9), E (48.4±19.22), sperm concentration (18.15±12.87), PR motility (36.56±13.47). In 13 (15.66%) induced high LH and FSH males, semen parameters got worse, with mean values: sperm concentration (7.63±4.91) and PR motility (22.21±7.63).

Conclusions
Follow-up hormonal evaluation during hypothalamic estrogen receptor antagonist treatment should be mandatory, as elevated gonadotropin levels may have a negative impact on semen parameters, gynecomastia, and overall testicular function.

Conflicts of Interest
No conflict of interest to delcare.
(179) SIMULATION OF ERECTILE TISSUE SHOCKWAVE ENERGY ABSORPTION DURING LOW LISWT FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Goldstein Dr Irwin , Theuer Prof Axel E , Hopfenzitz Nikolaus , Warlick John 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Low intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) treats ED by inducing mechanotransduction regenerative mechanisms; the greater the shockwave energy absorbed in cavernosal erectile tissue, the greater the opportunity for mechanotransduction. Energy absorption may be improved by erect vs flaccid penile treatment. Compared to flaccid, erect intracavernosal penile pressure is 16-fold higher and erect blood volume &gt;2 times greater, both properties determinants of tissue energy wave velocity. Additionally, energy absorption may be improved using a symmetry-matched secondary reflector. This may reflect shockwave energy back to the erectile tissue that had previously passed through the penis. We performed a simulation of energy absorption during LiSWT in flaccid/erect penis with/without a reflector.

Methods
This energy model used the UroGold100 MTS/Softwave TRT electrohydraulic shockwave device. Sound propagation in tissue can be illustrated via computer simulation by mathematically calculating damping and deflection of the sound wave by different tissue structures. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation models are suitable for the mathematical description of complex processes of shockwave propagation. Based on results, a “prediction” of propagation of LiSWT in tissue is possible. This patient-specific procedure is based on consideration of individual anatomical structures: corporal lacunar spaces and physical-acoustic laws. For FEM modeling of LiSWT propagation, program systems ANSYS, MATLAB and PZFLEX/ONSCALE were used.

Results
Using the FEM calculation model of the simulation analyses, the shockwave pulse was applied at the bottom edge of the model. This pulse propagated through the erect/flaccid states; there was most energy absorption in the erect state with a reflector. In addition, the simulation model showed that increasing penile pressure during erection with a constant volume increased energy absorption.

Conclusions
More energy is absorbed in cavernosal erectile tissue to achieve mechanotransduction during erection than flaccidity, and with a symmetric reflector. Such strategies should be considered when performing shockwave therapy for ED.

Conflicts of Interest
Erich Theuer is a consultant to MTS.
Nikolaus Hopfenzitz is an employee of MTS.
John Warlick is owner of Softwave/TRT.
(190) META-ANALYTIC PATH ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL IN PREDICTING WOMEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH BEHAVIOR: BREAST CANCER AS AN EXAMPLE
Authors: Liao Chi Hwa , Shih Prof Chun Ming , Chung Peng Chen , Yang Prof Shu Ling 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To use the Health Belief Model to predict women’s sexual health behaviors, with a specific focus on breast cancer.

Methods
Electronic databases were searched between 1974 and 2020 by two independent reviewers using Science Direct Online (SDOL), PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases. Search terms included “Health Belief Models”, “breast cancer screening”, “perceived benefit”, “perceived susceptibility”, “perceived severity”, “perceived barrier”, “self- efficacy”, or “cue to action”. Statistical analysis used meta-analytic path analysis approaches.

Results
47 papers were included, and 324 statistical data were analyzed. Meta-analytic path analysis showed that the health belief model had the highest predictive power for mammography (19.30%), followed by breast self-examination, and the lowest predictive power for clinical breast examination. Self-efficacy (β= 0.64, SE =0.02, p &lt; .001) was the strongest positive factor in the health belief model predicting mammography. Perceived severity (β = -0.13, SE =0.02, p &lt; .001) and perceived barrier were negative factors (β = -0.40, SE =0.02, p &lt; .001). In addition, in the survey of moderating variables, subject characteristics such as ages, educational levels, marital status, races, and countries, as well as the publication dates and study designs, had a significant influence on female sexual health behaviors.

Conclusions
Among the common breast cancer screening methods, the Health Belief Model was the strongest predictor of mammography. Perceived barrier was found to be the primary negative predictor of mammography. Subjects experienced greater difficulty in undergoing mammography, possibly because of pain or discomfort associated with the procedure.

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
(157) IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSDERMAL BOTANIC COSMETICS ON WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL FUNCTION: AN OBSERVATIONAL COHORT STUDY ON IROSE® (INTIMATE GEL)
Authors: Liao Chi Hwa , Chung Peng Chen , Chou Yin Jou 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To describe the utilization characteristics of patients prescribed Irose®.

Methods
The study design employed an open-label, single-arm, prospective cohort study approach. From September 2017 to September 2023, we enrolled 142 women who met the following criteria: hypomenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, premature menopause under the age of 45, severe vulva itchiness, low vaginal lubrication, low sexual desire, and recurrent vaginitis for at least 3 months. Exclusion criteria included pelvic endometriosis, pregnancy, lactation, and any history of cancer. Women applied the intimate gel (0.3g) over the vulva once a day after bathing. Online questionnaires were sent to general practitioners after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 months, and beyond, following the date of the first prescription. The main outcome measures included menstruation regularity and amount, vaginal lubrication, sexual desire, frequency of vulva itchiness, and vaginitis. One-sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results
The mean age at diagnosis was 38.0 years (range: 16-64 years). Women with hypomenorrhea or oligomenorrhea reported significant moderate improvement after 5 months (all P &lt; 0.01). Women with distressed low sexual desire reported a significant moderate increase at 5 months (P &lt; 0.05). Vaginal lubrication showed a significant moderate increase at 4-6 months (P &lt; 0.001, P &lt; 0.05, and P &lt; 0.001). Women with severe vulva itchiness reported a significant moderate improvement at 4 months (P &lt; 0.05). Women with recurrent vaginitis experienced a significant mild increase at 3 and 6 months (P &lt; 0.05). Mild adverse events were reported in 3.3% of cases, including mild vulva irritation and folliculitis. 96.1% of women expressed satisfaction with the treatment.

Conclusions
The intimate gel, Irose®, exhibited anti-itchy and anti-infection characteristics and moderate improvements in the reproductive and sexual function of women.

Conflicts of Interest
Work supported by industry: No. The corresponding author, Yin Jou Chou, was the developer of the Irose® intimate gel. All authors reported no potential conflicts of interest.
(283) THE IMPACT OF INDUCED PAIN/DISGUST EXPECTANCIES ON SEXUAL AROUSAL
Authors: Lakhsassi Lara , Borg Dr Charmaine , Freytag Pauline L , Walk Kim , de Jong Prof Peter J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Current models propose that heightened pain expectancies and inhibited sexual arousal are key components in the maintenance of sexual pain in Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD). Disgust expectancies might also contribute to the persistence of (sexual) pain via its counteracting impact on sexual arousal. To improve our understanding of the factors involved in the persistence of (sexual) pain, we designed a differential conditioning procedure to test if acquired pain/disgust expectancies indeed inhibit the sexually arousing properties of the CS+ (a porn clip).

Methods
The study consists of two parallel differential conditioning paradigms with the US being either a painful or a disgusting stimulus to which participants will be randomly assigned. In both cases, participants will be presented with a series of two different though similar conditional erotic film stimuli (CS+, CS-). Before the test stage, participants will be instructed that the CS+ will be followed by the US in some trials, while the CS- will never be followed by the US. In reality, the US will not actually be presented at all during the experiment; this is just a manipulation to create a US-expectancy for the CS+. The sample will consist of 72 (36 per in the disgust group and 36 in the pain group) predominantly heterosexual women ages 18+.

Results
We do not yet have results available at this moment.

Conclusions
The results may have important implications; if the expectation of experiencing pain or disgust does in fact reduce subjective sexual arousal, this would provide a better understanding of the role that expectancy plays in sexual dysfunction in women. In turn, this would point to enhancing sexual arousal and reducing negative expectancies as critical targets for treatment of GPPPD.

Conflicts of Interest
N/A.