bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
History of the International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM)— The Beginnings
Authors: Lewis Ronald , Wagner Gorm 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This is the first article in a series of articles outlining the history of what became the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM).

Aim
This first article deals with the beginning meetings of the group of world scientists who first met to discuss corpus cavernosal revascularization and other new ideas regarding the etiology and treatment for impotence (as it was known then) in New York City in 1978, and subsequently in Monaco in 1980.

Methods
Strict adherence to documented historical sources including books published from the meeting, published peer review literature where appropriate, programs from the actual meetings, detailed written notes by the authors taken at the time of the meetings, and letters of correspondence between key members of these meetings were used in preparing this historical review. The memories of the two authors, although still good in their opinion, did not serve as the source of the material that is presented.

Results
This first meeting was the impetus for the third meeting to be held 2 years later in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1982. This meeting and the subsequent meetings in 1984 and 1986 in Paris, France and Prague, Czechoslovakia, respectively, became the formative years for the budding society, which will serve as the time format for the authors' next article.

Conclusions
This article outlines the discussions that occurred at these two meetings and presents a history of this early society that would eventually become the ISSM.
Remembered International Index of Erectile Function Domain Scores Are Not Accurate in Assessing Preoperative Potency in Candidates for Bilateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
Authors: Salonia Andrea , Gallina Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Zanni Giuseppe , Saccà Antonino , Dehò Federico , Karakiewicz Pierre , Guazzoni Giorgio , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The reliability of reported postoperative data in patients undergoing nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy is often limited because the degree of sexual function (SF) has not been assessed objectively both before and after treatment. Most reports include only a retrospective chart review, and there is a question of whether such data are accurate.

Aim
To test the agreement between a remembered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, which targeted SF regarding a period preceding the surgery by 6 months and a real-time IIEF, 4 weeks prior to surgery, in candidates for bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (BNSRRP).

Methods
From May 2005 to May 2006, 333 consecutive patients were candidates for BNSRRP at our institution. Upon admission on the day prior to surgery, each patient was asked to complete a set of validated questionnaires including both a remembered and a real-time IIEF. Two-tailed Student's t-test, χ2 test, Pearson correlation coefficient, multivariate regression analyses, and interrater agreement (kappa) were used to test the agreement between the two assessments.

Main Outcome Measures
Assessing the preoperative SF characteristics of candidates for a BNSRRP, and testing the reliability of a remembered IIEF with the interrater agreement (kappa) test.

Results
Mean scores for the remembered IIEF were overall better than the real-time IIEF scores, as supported by direct comparison of the mean IIEF domain scores. Univariate correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis indicated a significant correlation in the quality of the SF during the two periods. However, the remembered IIEF scores did not show a good statistical agreement with those of the real-time assessment, as demonstrated by the interrater agreement analysis.

Conclusions
Because of the lack of significant agreement between remembered and real-time IIEF scores, the present findings indicate that remembered IIEF should not be used to assess SF in a real-life clinical setting in candidates for BNSRRP.
Erectile Dysfunction and Constructs of Masculinity and Quality of Life in the Multinational Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) Study
Authors: Sand Michael S. , Fisher William , Rosen Raymond , Heiman Julia , Eardley Ian 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) study assessed the prevalence and correlates of erectile dysfunction, and examined men's attitudes and behavior in relation to this dysfunction.

Aim
To report on the attitudes of men, with and without self-reported erectile dysfunction, concerning masculine identity and quality of life.

Methods
The MALES Phase I study included 27,839 randomly selected men (aged 20–75 years) from eight countries (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Brazil) who responded to a standardized computer-assisted telephone interview.

Main Outcome Measure
Perceptions of masculinity and quality of life in men with and without erectile dysfunction.

Results
Men's perceptions of masculinity differed substantially from stereotypes in the literature. Men reported that being seen as honorable, self-reliant, and respected by friends were important determinants of self-perceived masculinity. In contrast, factors stereotypically associated with masculinity, such as being physically attractive, sexually active, and successful with women, were deemed to be less important to men's sense of masculinity. These findings appeared consistently across all nationalities and all age groups studied. For quality of life, factors that men deemed of significant importance included good health, harmonious family life, and a good relationship with their wife/partner. Such factors had significantly greater importance to quality of life than concerns such as having a good job, having a nice home, living life to the full, or having a satisfying sex life. Of note, rankings of constructs of masculinity and quality of life did not meaningfully differ in men with or without erectile dysfunction, and men with erectile dysfunction who did or did not seek treatment for their sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions
The present findings highlight the significance of partnered relationships and interpersonal factors in the management of erectile dysfunction, and empirically challenge a number of widely held stereotypes concerning men, masculinity, sex, and quality of life.
The Effect of Comorbidities and Socioeconomic Status on Sexual and Urinary Function in Men Undergoing Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Bhojani Naeem , Perrotte Paul , Jeldres Claudio , Suardi Nazareno , Hutterer Georg , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Comorbidities and socioeconomic status (SES) represent known confounders of baseline health-related quality of life.

Aim
To assess the effect of comorbidities and of SES variables on urinary function (UF) and sexual function (SF) and on associated bother items.

Methods
A cohort of 1,162 men without an established diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) completed questionnaires addressing SES characteristics, the lifetime prevalence of 12 comorbid conditions, SF and UF as well as their associated bother.

Main Outcome Measures
Crude and adjusted logistic regression models tested the association between the predictors, SES and comorbidity, and four separate outcomes, namely SF and UF and their associated bother.

Results
Of all men, aged 40–79 years, 172 (14.8%) reported poor or very poor ability to have an erection, and for 165 (14.2%), erectile function (EF) was a big or moderate problem. Daily or weekly urinary incontinence was reported by 98 (8.4%) men, and for 94 (8.1%) men, UF was a big or moderate problem. One or more comorbidities were present in 437 (37.6%) men. In age- and SES-adjusted analyses, major depression and diabetes had the most detrimental effect on EF (5.8 [P &lt;0.001] and 4.8 [P &lt;0.001], respectively) and on sexual bother (4.3 [P &lt;0.001] and 7.2 [P &lt;0.001], respectively). Stroke (4.7 [P =0.004]) and drug problems (4.8 [P =0.002]) had the most detrimental effect on urinary incontinence. Alcoholism and alcohol-related problems (3.1 [P =0.004]) had the most detrimental effect on the urinary bother scale. Finally, SES only affected urinary incontinence, which was poorer in men who lived with a spouse or partner (2.1 [P =0.03]).

Conclusion
Select comorbidities have very strong effects on UF and EF. Conversely, for most SES variables, the effect was weak and insignificant. In consequence, when patients are assessed for definitive PCa therapy, comorbidities require an adjustment, whereas SES assessment may potentially be omitted, especially if questionnaire brevity is a consideration.
Expression and Distribution of Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase-1 Isoforms in Human Penile Erectile Tissue
Authors: Waldkirch Eginhard , Uckert Stefan , Sigl Katja , Imkamp Florian , Langnaese Kristina , Richter Karin , Jonas Udo , Sohn Michael , Stief Christian , Wolf Gerald , Hedlund Petter 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Besides the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), downstream guanine monophosphate (cGMP) effector proteins are also considered to play a significant role in penile vascular disease. In animal studies, a downregulation of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase-1 (cGKI) α isoform has been linked to erectile dysfunction and diabetes mellitus. So far, the expression of cGKI α and β isoforms has not been evaluated in human penile erectile tissue.

Aim
To evaluate the expression of cGKI α and β isoforms in relation to smooth muscle α-actin, cGMP, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in human cavernous arteries (HCAs) and human corpus cavernosum (HCC).

Methods
Cryostat sections of HCA and HCC were incubated with primary antibodies directed against α-actin, cGMP, eNOS, cGKI, cGKI α, and cGKI β. Visualization of double-labeled immunofluorescent stainings was achieved by laser microscopy. Western blot analysis was performed in order to confirm the expression of cGKI isoforms.

Main Outcome Measures
Expression of cGKI α and β isoforms in relation to smooth muscle α-actin, cGMP, and eNOS in human penile erectile tissue.

Results
Immunoreactivities specific for cGKI, cGKI α, and cGKI β were observed within the smooth musculature and the endothelium of cavernous arteries and sinusoids. Double stainings revealed the colocalization of alpha-actin, cGMP, eNOS, and cGKI isoforms. The expression of cGKI isoforms was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the expression of both cGKI α and β isoforms in the smooth musculature of HCA and HCC. Corresponding to recent findings from animal studies, the presence of cGKI α and β provides further evidence for a significant role of these enzymes in the control of smooth muscle function in human penile erectile tissue.
Assessment of Cerebrocortical Areas Associated with Sexual Arousal in Depressive Women Using Functional MR Imaging
Authors: Yang Jong-Chul , Park Kwangsung , Eun Sung-Jong , Lee Moo-Suk , Yoon Jin-Sang , Shin Il-Seon , Kim Yong-Ku , Chung Tae-Woong , Kang Heoung-Keun , Jeong Gwang-Woo 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionMental illness is closely related with sexual dysfunction. A number of investigators have reported that depressive women have difficulties in sexual arousal.AimThe purpose of this study was to compare the cerebrocortical regions associated with sexual arousal between the healthy and depressive women using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) technique.MethodsTogether with nine healthy women (mean age: 40.3), seven depressive women (mean age: 41.7 years, mean Beck Depression Inventory: 35.6, mean Hamilton Rating Scale Depression-17: 34.9) underwent fMRI examinations using a 1.5T MR scanner (Signa Horizon; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA). The fMRI data were obtained from seven oblique planes using gradient-echo EPI. Sexual stimulation paradigm began with a 1-minute rest and then 4-minute stimulation using an erotic video film. The brain activation maps and their resulting quantification were analyzed by the statistical parametric mapping (SPM99) program. The number of pixels activated by each task was used as brain activity, where the significance of the differences was evaluated by using independent t-test.Main Outcome MeasuresWe measured brain activation areas using BOLD-based fMRI with visual sexual stimulation in healthy volunteers and depressive patients.ResultsHealthy women were significantly (P &lt;0.05) activated in the regions of middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, insula, hypothalamus, septal area, anterior cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, thalamus, and amygdala by erotic visual stimulation. In comparison with the healthy women, the depressive women gave lower activity, especially in the brain regions of hypothalamus (55.5:3.0), septal area (49.6:8.6), anterior cingulate gyrus (23.5:11.0), and parahippocampal gyrus (18.2:5.8).ConclusionsThis preliminary study performed by fMRI gives valuable information on differentiation of the activated cerebral regions associated with visually evoked sexual arousal between healthy and depressive women. In addition, these findings might be useful to understand neural mechanisms for female sexual dysfunction in depressive women.
Efficient Gene Expression System Using the RTP801 Promoter in the Corpus Cavernosum of High-Cholesterol Diet-Induced Erectile Dysfunction Rats for Gene Therapy
Authors: Lee Minhyung , Ryu Ji-Kan , Piao Shuguang , Choi Min Ji , Kim Hyun Ah , Zhang Lu-Wei , Shin Hwa-Yean , Jung Haeng In , Kim In-Hoo , Kim Sung Wan , Suh Jun-Kyu 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

Introduction
The application of gene therapy for a nonlife-threatening disease, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), requires a higher safety level and more efficacious systems for gene transfer.

Aim
To establish a novel technique for gene expression in a rat model of hypercholesterolemic ED that uses the RTP801 promoter, a hypoxia-inducible promoter.

Methods
Two-month-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a diet containing 4% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid, and age-matched control animals were fed a normal diet, for 3 months.

Main Outcome Measures
Cavernous expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α was evaluated by Western blot. After intracavernous injection of pSV-Luc or pRTP801-Luc, gene expression was evaluated by luciferase assay, and the gene expression area was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results
HIF-1α was up-regulated in the corpus cavernosum of hypercholesterolemic rats. Although pSV-Luc did not induce gene expression in either the control or the cholesterol group, pRTP801-Luc significantly induced gene expression in the cholesterol group and resulted in higher luciferase activity than did pSV-Luc up to 14 days after injection. Immunohistochemistry showed that the gene expression area was also greater in the pRTP801-Luc group than in the pSV-Luc group, but the difference was not as great as that in luciferase activity. This suggests that pRTP801-Luc exerts its effect mainly by inducing promoter activity under hypoxia, not by increasing the number of transfected cells.

Conclusion
The RTP801 promoter-driven gene expression system increased gene expression in the corpus cavernosum tissue of rats with cholesterol-induced ED. This may be a useful system for the development of gene therapy in vasculogenic ED.
Investigating Women's Preference for Sildenafil or Tadalafil Use by Their Partners with Erectile Dysfunction: The Partners' Preference Study
Authors: Conaglen Helen M. , Conaglen John V. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Several preference studies comparing a short-acting with a longer-acting phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor have been conducted in men. Most men in those studies preferred tadalafil rather than sildenafil, and recent post hoc analysis of one study described several factors associated with men's treatment preference. No prospective studies have investigated the woman partners' preferences.

Aim
To investigate the treatment preference of women who were partners of men using oral medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) in a single-center open-label crossover study.

Methods
One hundred heterosexual couples in stable relationships, with male partners having ED based on the erectile function subscale of the International Index of Erectile Function, were randomly assigned to receive sildenafil or tadalafil for a 12-week phase, followed by another 12-week period using the alternate drug. Male and female participants completed sexual event diaries during both study phases, and the female participants were interviewed at baseline, midpoint, and end of study.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary outcome data were the women's final interviews during which they were asked which drug they preferred and their reasons for that preference.

Results
A total of 79.2% of the women preferred their partners' use of tadalafil, while 15.6% preferred sildenafil. Preference was not affected by age or treatment order randomization. Women preferring tadalafil reported feeling more relaxed, experiencing less pressure, and enjoying a more natural or spontaneous sexual experience as reasons for their choice. Mean number of tablets used, events recorded, events per week, and days between events were not significantly different during each study phase.

Conclusion
Women's preferences were similar to men when using these two drugs. While the women's reasons for preferring tadalafil emphasized relaxed, satisfying, longer-lasting sexual experiences, those preferring sildenafil focused on satisfaction and drug effectiveness for their partner.
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Hyperpolarizes and Relaxes Human Penile Resistance Arteries
Authors: Kun Attila , Kiraly Istvan , Pataricza Janos , Marton Zoltan , Krassoi Iren , Varro Andras , Simonsen Ulf , Papp Julius Gy. , Pajor Laszlo 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

Introduction
In addition to nitric oxide (NO), it is thought that an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) plays an important role in the relaxation of penile arteries. Recently, it has been shown that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) shows the characteristics of EDHF in systemic small arteries.

Aim
To investigate the mechanism involved in CNP-evoked vasodilatation and to address whether CNP is an EDHF in human penile resistance arteries.

Methods
Erectile tissue was obtained in connection with transsexual operations. Intracavernous penile resistance arteries were isolated and mounted in microvascular myographs for recording of isometric tension. Membrane potential was recorded by the use of a small glass electrode inserted in the smooth muscle layer.

Main Outcome Measure
In vitro evidence for hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation induced by CNP.

Results
Acetylcholine (ACh) and CNP hyperpolarized smooth muscle membrane potential in resting penile resistance arteries. In penile small arteries incubated with inhibitors of NO synthase and cyclooxygenase and contracted with phenylephrine, ACh and CNP evoked concentration-dependent relaxations with maximum of 56±6% and 71±6%, respectively. Addition of a combination of blockers of small- and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated K+ channels, apamin plus charybdotoxin, respectively, and a combination thought to block the smooth muscle response of EDHF-type relaxation, barium plus ouabain, markedly reduced ACh- and CNP-evoked relaxation. Iberiotoxin, a blocker of big-conductance calcium-activated K+ channels inhibited the vasorelaxant responses evoked by ACh and CNP. A selective natriuretic peptide receptor type C (NPR-C) agonist, C-atrial natriuretic factor4−23 (cANF4−23), induced relaxations with less maximum response compared to CNP.

Conclusion
The present findings suggest that CNP possesses the characteristics of an EDHF in human penile resistance arteries. By activation of natriuretic peptide receptor type B and NPR-C receptors, CNP causes relaxation by activation, respectively, of large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channels and Na+/K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and barium-sensitive inward rectifier K+ channels. Modulation of the CNP pathway opens for new treatment modalities of erectile dysfunction.
Nitrogen superfractionation in dense cloud cores
Authors: Rodgers S. D. , Charnley S. B. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
We report new calculations of interstellar 15N-fractionation. Previously, we have shown that large enhancements of 15N/14N can occur in cold, dense gas where CO is frozen out, but that the existence of an NH + N channel in the dissociative recombination of N2H+ severely curtails the fractionation. In the light of recent experimental evidence that this channel is in fact negligible, we have reassessed the 15N chemistry in dense cloud cores. We consider the effects of temperatures below 10 K, and of the presence of large amounts of atomic nitrogen. We also show how the temporal evolution of gas-phase isotope ratios is preserved as spatial heterogeneity in ammonia ice mantles, as monolayers deposited at different times have different isotopic compositions. We demonstrate that the upper layers of this ice may have 15N/14N ratios an order of magnitude larger than the underlying elemental value. Converting our ratios to δ-values, we obtain δ15N &gt; 3000 ‰ in the uppermost layer, with values as high as 10 000 ‰ in some models. We suggest that this material is the precursor to the 15N ‘hotspots’ recently discovered in meteorites and IDPs.
Unplugging the Universe: the neglected electromagnetic consequence of decoupling
Authors: Diver Declan A. , Teodoro Luís F. A. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
This Letter concentrates on the non-equilibrium evolution of magnetic field structures at the onset of recombination, when the charged particle current densities decay as neutrals are formed.
We consider the effect that a decaying magnetic flux has on the acceleration of particles via the transient induced electric field. Since the residual charged-particle number density is small as a result of decoupling, we will consider the magnetic and electric fields essentially to be imposed, neglecting the feedback from any minority accelerated population.
We find that the electromagnetic treatment of this phase transition can produce energetic electrons scattered throughout the Universe. Such particles could have a significant effect on cosmic evolution in several ways: (i) their presence could influence the overall physics of the recombination era; and (ii) a population of energetic particles might lend a Coulomb contribution to localized gravitational collapse.
SDSS J124155.33+114003.7 – a missing link between compact elliptical and ultracompact dwarf galaxies
Authors: Chilingarian Igor V. , Mamon Gary A. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
We report the discovery of a compact object (Re= 32 pc, MB=−12.34 mag) at a projected distance of 9 kpc from Messier 59, a giant elliptical in the Virgo cluster. Using HST imaging and SDSS spectroscopy, both available in the Virtual Observatory, we find that this object has a blue core containing one-quarter of the light, and a redder n= 1 Sérsic envelope, as well as luminosity-weighted age of 9.3 ± 1.4 Gyr, a metallicity of −0.03 ± 0.04 dex and a velocity dispersion of 48 ± 5 km s−1. While ultracompact dwarf galaxies (UCDs) in the face-on view of the Fundamental Plane are found to form a sequence connecting the highest-luminosity globular clusters with the lowest-luminosity dwarf ellipticals, the compact object near M59 lies in between this UCD sequence and the positions of compact ellipticals. Its stellar age, metallicity, and effective surface brightness are similar to low-luminosity ellipticals and lenticulars, suggesting that SDSS J124155.33+114003.7 is a result of the tidal stripping of such an object.