bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual Counseling in Elderly Couples
Authors: Bitzer Johannes , Platano Giacomo , Tschudin Sibil , Alder Judith 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual health of the elderly has long been either a taboo or a non-medical life style luxury issue. Increasing longevity of women and men, reconceptualization of sexual health as part of general health, and the development of drugs aiming at improvement of sexual function have contributed to a change in the attitude of the elderly and the medical community, thus increasing the demands for help.

Aims
To respond to these demands, caregivers need to be informed about the statistics concerning the sex life of the elderly, need to understand the biological, psychological, interaction and social factors that determine the sexual health of the aging population, need a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach, taking into account the specific characteristics of the aging male, female, and the couple.

Main Outcome Measures
Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm integrating the biopsychosocial profile of the aging male and female and the interaction characteristics of the couple.

Methods
Review of the literature, analysis of cases, and review of multidisciplinary case discussions of elderly couples with sexual problems consulting the Division of Sexual Medicine at the University Hospital of Basel.

Results
Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in the aging population, with hypoactive sexual desire disorder and pain disorders being the most frequent in women, and premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction being the most frequent in men. The specific characteristics of the sexual ill health in elderly couples are the interactions of physical and mental morbidity including therapies, multidimensional sexual dysfunctions in both partners, dyssynchrony in personal development and sexual scripts, and a longstanding fixed interactional pattern with rigid “sexual roles.” The diagnostic approach has to integrate sexological descriptive diagnoses of both partners, their biopsychosocial profile, and the couple's history and interactional pattern. From this diagnostic framework, caregivers must design specific, multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies for the elderly couple, which include biomedical, individual psychotherapeutic, and systemic interventions in various combinations.

Conclusion
The increasing demand for help of elderly couples with sexual dysfunction requires a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and therapy combining the knowledge and skills of urologists, gynecologists, internists, and various mental health professionals to provide individualized age-related care.
Effects of Natriuretic Peptides on Intracavernous Pressure and Blood Pressure in Conscious Rats
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Ishizuka Osamu , Ogawa Teruyuki , Mizusawa Hiroya , Igawa Yasuhiko , Nishizawa Osamu , Andersson Karl-Erik 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Natriuretic peptides activate particulate guanylyl cyclases and have been shown to induce penile erection in rats, rabbits, and humans.

Aim
We investigated the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on intracavernous pressure (ICP) and systemic blood pressure (BP) in conscious, free-moving rats.

Methods
ICP and BP were measured in male Sprague–Dawley rats after catheters were inserted into the crus corpus cavernosum and carotid artery, respectively. Natriuretic peptides were given by intravenous bolus (3, 10, and 30 nmol/kg) or continuous (0.1 and 1 nmol/kg/minute) administration.

Main Outcome Measures
The number of animals with increases in ICP were determined. Amplitudes and durations of ICP responses and changes in BP were also evaluated.

Results
More animals had multiple transient increases of ICP in response to ANP and BNP than to CNP. The increases in ICP were transient and appeared to be an “all or none” response. ANP and BNP decreased BP more than CNP, especially with bolus administration.

Conclusion
These findings show that in rats, erectile responses can be initiated by ANP, BNP, and less effectively, by CNP. ANP and BNP have a high affinity for the natriuretic peptide receptor-A, suggesting that this receptor is involved in the responses.
A VEGF Trap Inhibits the Beneficial Effect of bFGF on Vasoreactivity in Corporal Tissues of Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits
Authors: Xie Donghua , Findley Clarence M. , Greenfield Jason M. , Pippen Anne M. , Kontos Christopher D. , Donatucci Craig F. , Annex Brian H. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypercholesterolemia causes a decrease in normal corporal tissue vasoreactivity in a preclinical model of erectile dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that intracorporal injection (ICI) of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) reverses some of the detrimental vasoreactivity effects of hypercholesterolemia and increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.

Aim
We sought to determine whether the beneficial effects of bFGF are VEGF-mediated.

Methods
A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 6 weeks and randomly divided into four groups (N = 8/group). Group 1 received a 2.5 µg bFGF ICI and 2.5 × 1011 viral particle unit (vpu) of adenovirus encoding β-galactosidase (Adβ-gal) ICI, 10 days later. Group 2 received a 2.5 µg bFGF ICI and 2.5 × 1011 vpu of adenovirus encoding soluble VEGF receptor (VEGFR) (AdsVEGFR, a VEGF trap) ICI, 10 days later. Group 3 received phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS) ICI and 2.5 × 1011 vpu Adβ-gal ICI, 10 days later. Group 4 received PBS ICI and 2.5 × 1011 vpu AdsVEGFR ICI, 10 days later.

Main Outcome Measures
The corpus cavernosum was harvested for vasoreactivity studies 10 days post viral injection. The effective dose of 50% maximum relaxation was determined. VEGF levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total and phoshorylated Akt and endothelial nitric oxide were analyzed by Western blot.

Results
Endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity was significantly greater in Group 1 vs. all other groups. The VEGF trap eliminated the beneficial effects of bFGF on endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity and decreased Akt and nitric oxide phosphorylation.

Conclusions
These data demonstrate that VEGF activity contributes much of the therapeutic modulation of bFGF-mediated vasoreactivity in corporal tissue.
Sexual Function, Dysfunction, and Sexual Distress in a Prospective, Population-Based Sample of Mid-Aged, Australian-Born Women
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Guthrie Janet R. , Hayes Richard D. , DeRogatis Leonard R. , Lehert Philippe 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Previous, population-based studies investigating the risk factors for sexual distress have not drawn on longitudinal data.

Aims
Determine the prevalence of sexual distress and dysfunction, explore factors associated with/predictive of sexual distress, and describe changes in sexual function over a decade in a population-based sample of mid-aged women.

Methods
Eleven-year prospective study of Australian-born women, aged 45–55 years, and menstruating at baseline. Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ) was completed in years 1 to 8 and 11 of follow-up. Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) was completed in the 11th year of follow-up.

Main Outcome Measures
Validated outcome measures were the SPEQ (total sex score ≤7 indicates low sexual function) and FSDS (score ≥15 indicates sexual distress).

Results
Two hundred fifty-seven women were interviewed in the 11th year of follow-up. All domains of sexual function declined significantly in the decade studied. Women using hormone therapy in year 11 had significantly greater responsivity and higher frequency of sexual activities than nonusers. Two hundred four women completed both the FSDS and SPEQ questionnaires. One hundred sixty-six (81%) women had an SPEQ score ≤7 of whom 34 (17% of the total sample) had an FSDS score ≥15, and were classified as having female sexual dysfunction. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that female sexual distress was concurrently associated with higher depression scores (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 1.56) and more negative feelings for partner (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32, 0.76) and predicted by prior negative feelings for partner (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14, 0.70), and a greater decline in total sex score (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.59, 0.99).

Conclusion
By the end of the sixth decade, women have low levels of sexual function. Hormone therapy may help these women maintain sexual function. A minority of these mostly postmenopausal women are significantly distressed about low sexual function. Sexual distress is associated with depression and relationship factors.
Sildenafil and a Compound Stimulating Endothelial NO Synthase Modify Sexual Incentive Motivation and Copulatory Behavior in Male Wistar and Fisher 344 Rats
Authors: Chu Xi , Zhavbert Ekaterina S. , Dugina Julia L. , Kheyfets Irina A. , Sergeeva Svetlana A. , Epstein Oleg I. , Ågmo Anders 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Earlier studies have shown that sildenafil may modify some aspects of male rat sexual behavior and sexual incentive motivation. Stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has also been reported to affect sexual motivation in old rats.

Aim
To determine the effects of sildenafil and a compound stimulating eNOS on copulatory behavior and sexual incentive motivation in young adult Fisher 344 and Wistar male rats.

Methods
The rats were selected for a low intromission ratio, and then treated with Impaza (stimulator of eNOS), sildenafil, or Impaza + sildenafil for 28 days. Tests for copulatory behavior and sexual incentive motivation were performed before the beginning of treatment and at days 7, 14, and 28 of treatment.

Main Outcome Measures
Standard parameters of copulatory behavior and sexual incentive motivation. Measurements of penis length at mount, intromission, and ejaculation.

Results
The Fisher 344 rats displayed a higher level of sexual incentive motivation than the Wistar rats, while the copulatory behavior was similar in both strains. Impaza and sildenafil enhanced the sexual incentive motivation after 28 days of treatment in the Wistar rats, but failed to do so in the Fisher 344 rats. The copulatory behavior was unaffected in the Wistar strain, while the Fisher 344 males had an enhanced intromission ratio after treatment with Impaza and sildenafil for 28 days.

Conclusions
The nitric oxide-guanylyl cyclase pathway seems to be of importance for sexual incentive motivation in animals with a modest baseline level. The different drug effects in the Wistar and Fisher 344 rats can be attributed to baseline differences. The importance of eNOS for sexual functions should not be overlooked.
Comparative Efficacy Assessment of Tamsulosin vs. Tamsulosin Plus Tadalafil in the Treatment of LUTS/BPH. Pilot Study
Authors: Bechara Amado , Romano Salomon , Casabé Adolfo , Haime Sergio , Dedola Pablo , Hernández Cecilia , Rey Horacio 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men and the same pathophysiology make probable to treat both disorders with the same treatment. Numerous authors evaluated the actions of PDE5i in improving the LUTS/(benign prostate hyperplasia) BPH.

Aim
To assess the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day vs. tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day plus tadalafil 20 mg/day in patients with LUTS in a crossover design study.

Main Outcomes Measures
International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life (IPSS-QOL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual volume (PVR), International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EF), Global Assessment Quality (GAQ). For the statistical analysis, a Tukey-Kramer multicomparison test was used.

Methods
A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted from September 2007 to February 2008 in one center. Thirty men, older than 50 years old, with a history of LUTS/BPH of at least 6 months, were randomized into two groups to receive tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day vs. tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day plus tadalafil 20 mg/day for 45 days, and then switched to the other treatment mode for other 45 days.

Results
Twenty-seven patients completed the study. Improvements of IPSS score and IPSS-QOL were significant with both treatments but greater with the drug combination. Both regimens similarly improved the Qmax and decreased the PVR volume from baseline (P &lt; 0.001) with no significant differences between tamsulosin alone vs. tamsulosin and tadalafil (P &gt; 0.05).
The IIEF improved with tamsulosin plus tadalafil (P &lt; 0.001) but not with tamsulosin alone (P &gt; 0.05). The GAQ showed that all patients preferred the combination scheme. Both treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion
Tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day plus tadalafil 20 mg/day was more effective than tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day alone to improve LUTS and erectile dysfunction and was also well tolerated. Large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are needed to further assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of these agents in treating LUTS/BPH with or without ED.
Surgical Correction of Peyronie's Disease via Tunica Albuginea Plication or Partial Plaque Excision with Pericardial Graft: Long-Term Follow Up
Authors: Taylor Frederick L. , Levine Laurence A. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Limited publications exist regarding long-term outcomes of surgical correction for Peyronie's Disease (PD).

Aim
To report on long-term postoperative parameters including rigidity, curvature, length, sensation, function, and patient satisfaction in men with PD treated surgically via Tunica Albuginea Plication (TAP) or Partial Plaque Excision with Tutoplast® Human Pericardial Grafting (PEG).

Main Outcome Measures
Objective and subjective data regarding patients who underwent either TAP or PEG.

Methods
We report on 142 patients (61 TAP and 81 PEG) with both objective data and subjective patient reports on their postoperative experience. Patients underwent either TAP or PEG following our previously published algorithm. Data was collected via chart review and an internally generated survey, in which patients were asked about their rigidity, straightness, penile length, sensation, sexual function and satisfaction.

Results
Average follow up for TAP patients was 72 months (range 8–147) and 58 months (range 6–185) for PEG patients. At survey time, 93% of TAP and 91% of PEG patients reported curvatures of less than 30o. Rigidity was reportedly as good as or better than preoperative in 81% of TAP and 68% of PEG patients, and was adequate for coitus in 90% of TAP and 79% of PEG patients with or without the use of PDE5i. Objective flaccid stretched penile length measurements obtained pre and postoperatively show an average overall length gain of 0.6 cm (range −3.5–3.5) for TAP and 0.2 cm (range −1.5–2.0) for PEG patients. Sensation was reportedly as good as or better than preoperative in 69% of both TAP and PEG patients; 98% of TAP patients and 90% of PEG are able to achieve orgasm. 82% of TAP patients and 75% of PEG patients were either very satisfied or satisfied.

Conclusion
Our long-term results support both TAP and PEG as durable surgical therapy for men with clinically significant PD.
Genetic Factors Increase Fecundity in Female Maternal Relatives of Bisexual Men as in Homosexuals
Authors: Ciani Andrea Camperio , Iemmola Francesca , Blecher Stan R. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionRecent studies on male homosexuals showed increased fecundity of maternal female relatives of homosexual probands, compared to those of heterosexual controls. We have suggested that these data could be explained by the transmission, in the maternal line, of an X-linked genetic factor that promotes androphilic behavior in females and homosexuality in males.AimOur original studies were on relatives of male subjects who declared themselves to be exclusively homosexual. However, the relationship between homosexuality and bisexuality, including the possibility of shared genetic factors, is complex and largely unexplored. To cast light on this issue, in the present study we examined whether relatives of bisexuals show the same indirect fitness advantage as previously demonstrated for homosexuals.Main Outcome MeasuresSubjects completed a questionnaire on their sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and their own and their relatives’ fecundity.MethodsWe studied 239 male subjects, comprising 88 who were exclusively or almost exclusively heterosexual (pooled to comprise our “heterosexual” group), 86 who were bisexual, and 65 exclusively or almost exclusively homosexual individuals (pooled in our “homosexual” group). Bisexuals were here defined on the basis of self-identification, lifetime sexual behavior, marital status, and fecundity.ResultsWe show that fecundity of female relatives of the maternal line does not differ between bisexuals and homosexuals. As in the previous study on homosexuals, mothers of bisexuals show significantly higher fecundity, as do females in the maternal line (cumulated fecundity of mothers, maternal grandparents, and maternal aunts), compared to the corresponding relatives of heterosexual controls.This study also shows that both bisexuals and homosexuals were more frequently second and third born. However, only homosexuals had an excess of older male siblings, compared to heterosexuals.ConclusionsWe present evidence of an X-chromosomal genetic factor that is associated with bisexuality in men and promotes fecundity in female carriers.
Efficacy and Safety of Mirodenafil, A New Oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor, for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Paick Jae-Seung , Ahn Tai Y. , Choi Hyung K. , Chung Woo-Sik , Kim Je J. , Kim Sae C. , Kim Sae W. , Lee Sung W. , Min Kweon S. , Moon Ki H. , Park Jong K. , Park Kwangsung , Park Nam C. , Suh Jun-Kyu , Yang Dae Y. , Jung Hyung-Gi 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Mirodenafil is a newly developed oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, currently under investigation as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
We investigated the efficacy and safety of on demand mirodenafil therapy at fixed doses (50 and 100 mg) in Korean men with a broad range of ED.

Methods
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, fixed-dose study was conducted with 223 subjects who were randomized to placebo or mirodenafil at fixed doses of 50 or 100 mg for 12 weeks on an “as needed” basis.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary efficacy measures were scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Question 3 (Q3) and Question 4 (Q4). Secondary efficacy measures included all domain scores of the IIEF, Sexual Encounter Profile Question 2 (SEP2), Sexual Encounter Profile Question 3 (SEP3), the Global Assessment Question (GAQ), and the Life Satisfaction Checklist (LSC). Safety assessments included laboratory tests, vital signs, physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings, and patients’ reporting of adverse events.

Results
Mirodenafil 50 and 100 mg groups showed a significantly greater increase in IIEF Q3 (P = 0.0001, P &lt; 0.0001, respectively) and Q4 scores (both P &lt; 0.0001) at the end point compared with the placebo group. And mirodenafil in both doses significantly improved the scores of all five domains of the IIEF, SEP2, and SEP3 as well as the percentages of patients responding positively to the GAQ compared with the placebo group. As for LSC scores, the two mirodenafil groups showed significantly greater improvements in items regarding life as a whole, sexual life, and partner relationship than the placebo group. Most treatment-associated adverse events were of mild intensity, resolving spontaneously.

Conclusions
Mirodenafil, in doses of 50 or 100 mg, significantly improved erectile function and were well tolerated in a representative population of Korean men with broad-spectrum ED of various etiologies and severities.
The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on the Relaxation Response in Isolated Rabbit Vaginal Tissue and Its Mechanism
Authors: Kim Sun-Ouck , Kim Min Kyung , Lee Hyun-Suk , Park Jong Kwan , Park Kwangsung 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ginseng is an herbal medicine with a variety of biological activities.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract on the relaxation response in isolated rabbit vaginal tissue and its mechanism as a potential therapeutic agent for female sexual dysfunction.

Method
Strips of rabbit vagina were mounted in organ chambers to measure isometric tension. After the strips were precontracted with phenylephrine, the contractile responses to KRG extract (1–20 mg/mL), nitric oxide inhibitor (N[omega]-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME]), an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (methylene blue), an inhibitor of Ca2+-activated K+ channels (tetraethylammonium [TEA]), and an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channel blocker (glybenclamide) were examined.

Main Outcome Measures
The relaxation of the vaginal tissue strip was assessed after treating KRG extract or other chemicals.

Results
KRG (1–20 mg/mL) extract relaxed the vaginal tissue strip in a dose-dependent manner up to 85%. The relaxation effect was significantly inhibited by L-NAME (30 µM) and methylene blue (30 µM) (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, KRG inhibited the contraction induced by depolarization with 10, 20, and 40 mM KCl. The KRG-induced relaxation effect was significantly inhibited by TEA (300 µM) (P &lt; 0.05), and not by glybenclamide (30 µM).

Conclusions
These data show that KRG extract has a relaxing effect on rabbit vaginal smooth muscle tissue. These effects might be mediated partly through the NO pathway and hyperpolarization via Ca2+-activated K+ channels.
Systemic Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Peyronie's Disease
Authors: Agrawal Vineet , Ellins Elizabeth , Donald Ann , Minhas Suks , Halcox Julian , Ralph David J. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Many patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) have one or more risk factors (RFs) for atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. It is well recognized that such RFs commonly lead to the development of systemic vascular abnormalities. While not necessarily so, this may implicate vascular dysfunction in its pathogenesis. The cause of PD remains obscure despite intense research over the years and investigating the role of vascular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PD is a novel approach worth undertaking.

Aim
To test our hypothesis that PD is associated with systemic vascular changes even in the absence of RFs for atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction.

Methods
Vascular function was assessed using high-resolution brachial artery ultrasound in 23 PD patients (aged 30–65 years) without RFs for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, and 23 age-matched healthy controls. Endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated brachial artery dilation was measured in response to increased shear stress (reactive hyperemia induced by 5 minutes of forearm ischemia). This response was contrasted with that of 400 µg sublingual glyceryl trinitrate, an endothelium-independent vasodilator. Anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, fasting lipids, and glucose were also measured.

Main Outcome Measure
Endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated brachial artery dilation and glyceryl trinitrate-induced endothelium-independent vasodilation.

Results
Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was impaired in PD patients compared to controls (5.62 ± 0.58% vs. 7.46 ± 0.56%, P = 0.03). In contrast, responses to glyceryl trinitrate were similar in PD patients and controls as were blood pressure, lipid, and glucose values. FMD remained impaired after multivariable adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusion
Patients with Peyronie's disease have evidence of systemic vascular changes in the way of systemic conduit artery endothelial impairment even in the absence of RFs for atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. These wider vascular abnormalities in PD are likely to be of clinical relevance and require further study.