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Background: Distant metastases from lung cancer are commonly found in the brain, bone, and liver. Metastases to the breast from non-mammary malignancies are extremely rare, and their clinical presentations remain unclear. Case presentation: We herein report a case of bilateral breast metastases from anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive advanced lung cancer in a 51-year-old Japanese male patient. During the course of systemic treatment for advanced lung cancer, computed tomography revealed bilateral breast enlargement without contrast enhancement, a finding consistent with gynecomastia. While other metastatic lesions responded to chemotherapy, both breast masses grew vertically like nodules. The breast masses were immunohistochemically diagnosed as metastases from lung cancer and were removed surgically. Simultaneous bilateral breast metastases from malignancies of other organs, like ones in this case, have rarely been described. Conclusions: It is important to keep in mind that breast metastases from nonmammary malignancies are a possible explanation for unusual breast findings in a patient with a history of malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges posed by climate change and increasing world population are stimulating renewed efforts for improving the sustainability of animal production. To meet such challenges, the contribution of genomic selection approaches, in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), to spreading and preserving animal genetics is essential. The largest increase in genetic gain can be achieved by shortening the generation interval. This review provides an overview of the current status and progress of advanced ARTs that could be applied to reduce the generation time in both female and male of domestic ruminants. In females, the use of juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET) enables to generate offspring after the transfer of in vitro produced embryos derived from oocytes of prepubertal genetically superior donors reducing the generational interval and acceleration genetic gain. The current challenge is increasing in vitro embryo production (IVEP) from prepubertal derived oocytes which is still low and variable. The two main factors limiting IVEP success are the intrinsic quality of prepubertal oocytes and the culture systems for in vitro maturation (IVM). In males, advancements in ARTs are providing new strategies to in vitro propagate spermatogonia and differentiate them into mature sperm or even to recapitulate the whole process of spermatogenesis from embryonic stem cells. Moreover, the successful use of immature cells, such as round spermatids, for intracytoplasmic injection (ROSI) and IVEP could allow to complete the entire process in few months. However, these approaches have been successfully applied to human and mouse whereas only a few studies have been published in ruminants and results are still controversial. This is also dependent on the efficiency of ROSI that is limited by the current isolation and selection protocols of round spermatids. In conclusion, the current efforts for improving these reproductive methodologies could lead toward a significant reduction of the generational interval in livestock animals that could have a considerable impact on agriculture sustainability. • ARTs are providing new strategies that could be used to reduce generation time in domestic ruminants. • Large number of oocytes can be collected from prepubertal donors. But their developmental potential is still low. • Advancements in 3D platforms are allowing to recreate spermatogenesis in vitro in livestock animals. • ROSI is still an unsuccessful technique mostly because of round spermatids inadequate isolation and selection procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sex‐based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes may be improved with appropriate hypertension management. Objective: To compare the evidence‐based evaluation and management of females with late‐onset hypertension compared to males in the contemporary era. Methods: Design: Retrospective population‐based cohort study. Setting: Ontario, Canada. Participants: Residents aged ≥66 years with newly diagnosed hypertension between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. Exposure: Sex (female vs. male). Outcomes and Measures: We used Poisson and logistic regression to estimate adjusted sex‐attributable differences in the performance of guideline‐recommended lab investigations. We estimated adjusted differences in time to the prescription of, and type of, first antihypertensive medication prescribed between females and males, using Cox regression. Results: Among 111,410 adults (mean age 73 years, 53% female, median follow‐up 6.8 years), females underwent a similar number of guideline‐recommended investigations (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.997 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.002]) compared to males. Females were also as likely to complete all investigations (0.70% females, 0.77% males; adjusted odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI 0.83–1.11]). Females were slightly less likely to be prescribed medication (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.98 [95% CI 0.96–0.99]) or, among those prescribed, less likely to be prescribed first‐line medication (aHR, 0.995 [95% CI 0.994–0.997]). Conclusions: Compared to males, females with late‐onset hypertension were equally likely to complete initial investigations with comparable prescription rates. These findings suggest that there may be no clinically meaningful sex‐based differences in the initial management of late‐onset hypertension to explain sex‐based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific biology of the male breast remains relatively unexplored in spite of the increasing global prevalence of male breast cancer. Delineation of the microenvironment of the male breast is restricted by the low availability of human samples and a lack of characterisation of appropriate animal models. Unlike the mouse, the male ovine gland persists postnatally. We suggest that the male ovine mammary gland constitutes a promising adjunctive model for the male breast. In this study, we evaluate the male ovine mammary gland microenvironment, comparing intact and neutered males. Assessment of the glandular histo‐anatomy highlights the resemblance of the male gland to that of neonatal female sheep and confirms the presence of rudimentary terminal duct lobular units. Irrespective of neutered status, cell proliferation in epithelial and stromal compartments is similarly low in males, and cell proliferation in epithelial cells and in the intralobular stroma is significantly lower than in pubertal female sheep. Between 42% and 72% of the luminal mammary epithelial cells in the male gland express the androgen receptor and expression is significantly reduced by neutering. Luminal epithelial cells within the intact and neutered male gland also express oestrogen receptor alpha, but minimal progesterone receptor expression is observed. The distribution of leukocytes within the ducts and stroma is similar to the mammary gland of female sheep and females of other species. Both macrophages and T lymphocytes are intercalated in the epithelial bilayer and are more abundant in the intralobular stroma than the interlobular stroma, suggesting that they may have a protective immunological function within the vestigial glandular tissue of the male sheep. Mast cells are also observed within the stroma. These cells cluster near the glandular tissue and are frequently located adjacent to blood vessels. The abundance of mast cells is significantly higher in intact males compared to neutered males, suggesting that hormone signalling may impact mast cell recruitment. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of the male ovine mammary gland as a model for furthering our knowledge of postnatal male mammary biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg plus aspirin reduced limb and cardiovascular events and increased bleeding in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) after lower extremity revascularization in the VOYAGER PAD (Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Reducing the Risk of Major Thrombotic Vascular Events in Subjects With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease Undergoing Peripheral Revascularization Procedures of the Lower Extremities) study. Fragile patients are at heightened risk for ischemic and bleeding events. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg in fragile patients from VOYAGER PAD. Patients were categorized as fragile based on prespecified criteria (age >75 years, weight ≤50 kg, or baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate <50 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of acute limb ischemia, major amputation of a vascular etiology, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or cardiovascular death. The principal safety outcome was TIMI major bleeding. Of 6,564 randomized patients, a total of 1,674 subjects were categorized as fragile at baseline. In the placebo arm, fragile patients were at higher risk of the primary outcome (HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.12-1.61) and TIMI major bleeding (HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 0.83-2.96), compared with nonfragile patients. The effect of rivaroxaban on the primary endpoint was not modified by frailty status (fragile HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.75-1.15; nonfragile HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97; P interaction = 0.37). Rivaroxaban increased TIMI major bleeding in fragile (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.82-2.91) and nonfragile patients (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.84-2.23; P interaction = 0.65). Patients with PAD after lower extremity revascularization meeting fragile criteria are at higher risk of ischemic complications and bleeding. Rivaroxaban reduces ischemic risk and increases bleeding regardless of frailty status. These data may assist in personalization of antithrombotic therapy in fragile population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Testicular torsion is an uncommon but time‐critical condition in EDs. If the diagnosis is missed or delayed, there are significant medicolegal and patient fertility implications. Scoring tools are advocated for use in children but have limited validation in adults. The aim of the present study was to explore the predictive accuracy of the testicular torsion scoring tools, Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion (TWIST) and Boettcher Alert Score (BALS), in adult patients with a final ED diagnosis of torsion.All patients with an ED working diagnosis of testicular torsion were identified retrospectively. Data collected from digital medical records included demographics, processes of care and clinical information. The outcome of interest was the predictive performance of the scores for a confirmed diagnosis of testicular torsion as adjudicated by an urologist or a surgeon.Fifty‐four patients had complete clinical data, of whom 13 had confirmed torsion. The TWIST score had a high area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.78–0.999) with a score of 6–7 corresponding to a positive predictive value (PPV) of 80% (95% CI = 38–96%). The BAL score had an AUROC of 0.79 (95% CI = 0.69–0.92). PPV for a score ≥2 was 38% (95% CI = 22–56%).A high TWIST score correlates to a high likelihood of torsion and can inform surgical decision‐making in the absence of US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodResultsConclusion\nKEY POINTSAcross the lifespan, young males in Australia who are experiencing mental health problems report the lowest rates of seeking professional care. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of young men and caregivers who received male-friendly counselling from a male-specific service in AustraliaSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 young men who had received counselling, and 27 caregivers who facilitated access to Menslink counselling in Canberra, Australia. Inductive thematic analysis was completed to analyse the dataFour themes were developed: (1) engaged out of desperation; (2) appeal of Menslink service; (3) counsellor more like a professional “friend”; and (4) counsellor prioritised my autonomyThe findings confirm the suitability of previously recommended adaptations to counselling to engage young men and emphasise the role of caregivers in facilitating access to support. The themes also provide direction for practical adjustments to service delivery that mental health services and clinicians can make to address personal and structural barriers impacting young men’s service contact and engagement. This study contributes to the growing literature examining the benefits of male-friendly counselling practices in psychological treatment for young men.What is already known about this topic: Adolescent and young men face personal and structural barriers to help-seeking despite experiencing significant rates of mental illness in Australia.In recent years, male-friendly adaptations to clinical practice have been proposed to engage young men in psychotherapy.Little is known about how both young men and caregivers who facilitate access experience male-friendly counselling.Adolescent and young men face personal and structural barriers to help-seeking despite experiencing significant rates of mental illness in Australia.In recent years, male-friendly adaptations to clinical practice have been proposed to engage young men in psychotherapy.Little is known about how both young men and caregivers who facilitate access experience male-friendly counselling.What this topic adds: Male-friendly adaptations akin to those proposed in the literature enriched the counselling experience of young men and their caregivers.Young men valued a counselling service dedicated to them which consequently reduced the stigma associated with seeking support.Low-cost and timely services, the availability of male clinicians, and clinicians who supported the autonomy of young men were salient facilitators to their service engagement.Male-friendly adaptations akin to those proposed in the literature enriched the counselling experience of young men and their caregivers.Young men valued a counselling service dedicated to them which consequently reduced the stigma associated with seeking support.Low-cost and timely services, the availability of male clinicians, and clinicians who supported the autonomy of young men were salient facilitators to their service engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The term "human identification" refers to the process of recognizing a specific person based on their distinctive physical traits. One of the most useful anthropometric parameters for identifying people is their height. In order to help with the detection of crimes like rape, murder, and child trafficking, forensic anthropologists’ analyses and identify human remains like dry bones and skull using metric techniques. Determining a person's height and gender is crucial in forensic science when establishing their identification. Forensic anthropology, healthcare, and multidisciplinary research may all benefit from researchers broadening the study's focus to include the Indore population and improving its influence on height estimate using face features across various religions. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done in adults belonging to Indore. Both the institute's ethical approval and the patients' informed permission were obtained. The participants' demographic information, Measurements of face characteristics were taken, along with height. The cephalon-facial measurements used were maximum head length (MHL), maximum head breadth (MHB), horizontal head circumference (HC), Bigonial diameter (BD), physiognomic facial length (PFL), ear length (EL), ear breadth (EB), and cephalic index (CI) and analysed with respect to various religion. All face parameter data was transformed from millimeters to centimeters. Data was analysed on Windows XP Professional using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The collected data were analysed using regression analysis, standard error of estimate, mean, standard deviation, and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. The estimation of height was done using regression models. Using them on a different sample of 25 males and 25 females from Indore allowed us to assess their dependability as well. Results: There were 494 women and 506 men, with an age distribution of within the 18–50 age bracket. Muslims tend to be taller and have larger faces than non-Muslims, according to the data. The TFH has the greatest r‖ value in men who are Hindu and Christian. Compared to Hindu men, Christian guys had a higher TFH r‖ value of 0.543. For Muslim males, the greatest ―r‖ rating is for BOW (0.461). To sum up, When it comes to finding out what percentage of male Indore inhabitants identify as Hindu or Christian, TFH is considered the gold standard, whereas BOW is considered the best standard for finding out what percentage of male Indore residents identify as Muslim. Conclusion: TFH is considered the gold standard, whereas BOW is considered the best standard for finding out what percentage of male Indore residents identify as Muslim. TFH is the gold standard for identifying Christian and Hindu women, but for Muslim women, there is no robust face characteristic that correlates with height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human identification is the process of recognizing a specific person based on their distinctive physical traits. In crime investigations, one of the most useful anthropometric parameters for identifying people is their height. Forensic anthropologists’ analyses and identify human remains like dry bones and skull using metric techniques. These aid in assessing age, sex, stature, ancestry, and distinctive characteristics of the skeleton. Determining a person's height and gender is crucial in forensic science when establishing their identification. Methodology:A cross sectional study was done in adults belonging to Indore. Both the institute's ethical approval and the patients' informed permission were obtained. The participants' demographic information, Measurements of face characteristics were taken, along with height. The cephalon-facial measurements used were maximum head length (MHL), maximum head breadth (MHB), horizontal head circumference (HC), Bigonial diameter (BD), physiognomic facial length (PFL), ear length (EL), ear breadth (EB), and cephalic index (CI). All face parameter data was transformed from millimeters to centimeters and aanalysed with respect to gender. Data was analysed on Windows XP Professional using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The collected data were analysed using regression analysis, standard error of estimate, mean, standard deviation, and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. The estimation of height was done using regression models. Using them on a different sample of 25 males and 25 females from Indore allowed us to assess their dependability as well. Results: There were 494 women and 506 men, with an age distribution of within the 18–50 age bracket. The best factors for male identification in the Indore population were found to be height > 172.2 cm, Bigonial width > 12.91 cm, lower facial height > 6.62 cm, and upper facial height > 6.6 cm.The ideal characteristics it was decided that the following measurements were used to identify females in the Indore population: LFH < 3.58 cm, UFH < 4.38 cm, and Height < 146.87 cm. Conclusion: Results for the Indore, populations may be found in the regression equations supplied by this research, which assesses stature from face parameters. When forensic examinations include solely face remains, these methods have been shown accurate and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating sexual behavior among non‐human primates, working primarily by increasing copulatory behavior and sexual motivation. In this study, we analyzed fecal testosterone levels in five adult male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) living freely in the Huangshan National Reserve in Anhui Province. The aim was to investigate the relationships between fecal testosterone levels and sexually motivated behaviors. Methods: We collected a total of 426 fecal samples and observed approximately 453 h of focal sampling behavioral data. Sexually motivated behaviors were categorized as sexual chase, grimace, and sexual‐inspection. Results: The results showed a positive correlation between sexually motivated behaviors and copulatory behavior. Furthermore, all the three sexually motivated behaviors, including sexual chase, grimace, and sexual‐inspection, were positively correlated with fecal testosterone levels. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated positive correlations between sexually motivated behaviors and fecal testosterone in free‐ranging Tibetan macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The differences in outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) between the sexes have not been concretely determined. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in epidemiology, outcomes, and risk factors between male and female patients with aSAH. Methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of patients with aSAH from 2017 to 2020. We investigated the epidemiological differences between the two sexes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare short-term outcomes between the sexes. Binary logarithmic regression was performed to investigate the odds ratio (OR) for dependent survival in patients of different sexes. Results: A total of 5,407 consecutive patients with aSAH were included in this study, and the female-to-male ratio was 1.8:1. The peak incidence of aSAH occurred in the 6th and 7th decades in males and females, respectively. There were more female patients with internal carotid artery or posterior communicating artery aneurysms (53.2%), and there were more male patients with anterior cerebral artery or anterior communicating artery aneurysms (43.2%). The incidence of multiple aneurysms was greater in female patients (21.5% vs. 14.2%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in outcomes before and after PSM at discharge. The dependent survival risk was related only to the clinical condition on admission in women. In addition, age > 50 years (OR 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.17–3.02; P = 0.01) and hypertension (OR 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.25–2.61; P = 0.002) were also risk factors for male patients. Conclusions: There were more female patients with aneurysms than male patients in this study. Most aneurysm locations were different between the two groups. There was no significant difference in discharge outcomes before and after PSM. The risk factors for dependent survival were different between female and male patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite available support, sexuality needs are the most frequently reported unmet need among men with prostate cancer, which may be due to low help‐seeking rates. Using the Ecological Systems Framework as a theoretical foundation, we conducted a scoping review of the available literature to understand what factors impact help‐seeking behaviour for sexual issues after prostate cancer treatment among men who had received treatment. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search on Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, Emcare, and Scopus was conducted to identify studies of adult prostate cancer patients post‐treatment, which reported barriers and/or facilitators to help‐seeking for sexual health issues. Quality appraisals were conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools, and results were qualitatively synthesised. Results: Of the 3870 unique results, only 30 studies met inclusion criteria. In general, studies were considered moderate to good quality, though only six used standardised measures to assess help‐seeking behaviour. Barriers and facilitators for sexual help‐seeking were identified across all five levels of the Ecological Systems Framework, including age, treatment type, and previous help seeking experience (individual level), healthcare professional communication and partner support (microsystem), financial cost and accessibility of support (meso/exosystem), and finally embarrassment, masculinity, cultural norms, and sexuality minority (macrosystem). Conclusions: Addressing commonly reported barriers (and inversely, enhancing facilitators) to help‐seeking for sexual issues is essential to ensure patients are appropriately supported. Based on our results, we recommend healthcare professionals include sexual wellbeing discussions as standard care for all prostate cancer patients, regardless of treatment received, age, sexual orientation, and partnership status/involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spondyloocular syndrome (SOS) is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal and ocular disorder with variable phenotypes. It is caused by pathogenic mutation in the XYLT2 gene, which encodes the enzyme xylo-transferase, necessary for the synthesis of proteoglycan. It is characterized by generalized osteoporosis, short stature, hearing impairment, eye abnormalities, and cardiac defects. Till date only 24 cases have been reported worldwide with no cases documented from India. We subjected the patient to relevant biochemical investigations and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan along with Next Generation Clinical Exome Sequencing (NGCES). We report a case of 23-year-old male who presented with recurrent long bone fractures, congenital heart defects, eye abnormalities (bilateral corneal opacities and atrophic bulbi), and short stature. In addition, our patient also had genu valgum and right-sided hydrocele which have never been reported in SOS till date. On genetic analysis, NGCES revealed a novel pathogenic frameshift variant c.191_192 delCA, p.(Thr64fs*22) in the XYLT2 gene. The patient is doing well on six monthly zoledronic acid infusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As programs expand globally, epilepsy surgery is becoming increasingly available as an effective treatment for some people with medically intractable seizures. Prospective candidates require careful neuropsychological evaluation and follow-up. The aim of this study was to examine the sex differences in neuropsychological function in presurgical presentation and postoperative outcomes in people with temporal lobe epilepsy referred for epilepsy surgery. Methods: Three hundred and seventy-two patients (202 Female; 170 Male) with a homogenous underlying pathology (hippocampal sclerosis) underwent a preoperative assessment on tests of intellectual, language, and memory function and were followed up one year after undergoing a unilateral temporal lobe resection; n = 169 Right (RTL), n = 203 Left (LTL). Results: There was no impact of sex or laterality of surgery on seizure outcome; 84% of males and 80% of females were seizure free at follow-up. Before surgery, sex effects were evident on tests of verbal memory with females performing better than males. Declines in verbal memory function following surgery were greater in females than males. Being female had a stronger association with postoperative decline on immediate prose recall (partial eta squared η2 = 0.029), than side of surgery (η2 = 0.018) albeit with a small effect size. Conclusions: There are subtle but significant sex differences in the neuropsychological profiles of people with temporal lobe epilepsy, before and following surgery. Whilst females generally perform better than males on tests of verbal memory function before surgery they demonstrate greater post-operative declines on these measures following surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify sexual/sex‐associated risk factors for hepatitis C transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) and visualise behavioural trajectories from 2019 to 2021. Methods: We linked a behavioural survey to a hepatitis C cohort study (NoCo), established in 2019 across six German HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment centres, and performed a case–control analysis. Cases were MSM with recent HCV infection, and controls were matched for HIV status (model 1) or proportions of sexual partners with HIV (model 2). We conducted conditional univariable and multivariable regression analyses. Results: In all, 197 cases and 314 controls completed the baseline questionnaire and could be matched with clinical data. For regression models, we restricted cases to those with HCV diagnosed since 2018 (N = 100). Factors independently associated with case status included sex‐associated rectal bleeding, shared fisting lubricant, anal douching, chemsex, intravenous and intracavernosal injections, with population‐attributable fractions of 88% (model 1) and 85% (model 2). These factors remained stable over time among cases, while sexual partner numbers and group sex decreased during COVID‐19 measures. Conclusions: Sexual/sex‐associated practices leading to blood exposure are key factors in HCV transmission in MSM. Public health interventions should emphasize the importance of blood safety in sexual encounters. Micro‐elimination efforts were temporarily aided by reduced opportunities for sexual encounters during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is an emerging public health problem. Chronic low-grade inflammation is considered a major promotor of obesity-induced secondary diseases such as cardiovascular and fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and several cancer entities. Most preliminary studies on obesity-induced immune responses have been conducted in male rodents. Sex-specific differences between men and women in obesity-induced immune dysregulation have not yet been fully outlined but are highly relevant to optimizing prevention strategies for overweight-associated complications. In this study, we fed C57BL/6 female vs. male mice with either standard chow or an obesity-inducing diet (OD). Blood and spleen immune cells were isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. Lean control mice showed no sex bias in systemic and splenic immune cell composition, whereas the immune responses to obesity were significantly distinct between female and male mice. While immune cell alterations in male OD mice were characterized by a significant reduction in T cells and an increase in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), female OD mice displayed preserved T cell numbers. The sex-dependent differences in obesity-induced T cell dysregulation were associated with varying susceptibility to body weight gain and fatty liver disease: Male mice showed significantly more hepatic inflammation and histopathological stigmata of fatty liver in comparison to female OD mice. Our findings indicate that sex impacts susceptibility to obesity-induced T cell dysregulation, which might explain sex-dependent different incidences in the development of obesity-associated secondary diseases. These results provide novel insights into the understanding of obesity-induced chronic inflammation from a sex-specific perspective. Given that most nutrition, exercise, and therapeutic recommendations for the prevention of obesity-associated comorbidities do not differentiate between men and women, the data of this study are clinically relevant and should be taken into consideration in future trials and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal involvement as an initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is seen uncommonly. Among such presentations, ascites is an extremely rare clinical condition that requires extensive diagnostic investigation for nephrotic syndrome, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, constructive pericarditis, and malignancy besides of SLE-related conditions such as lupus peritonitis, protein losing enteropathy, and pseudo-pseudo Meigs syndrome (PPMS). PPMS is still a debatable clinical description, characterized by ascites, elevated CA-125 levels, and absence of malignancy in an SLE patient. Notably, the clinician should keep in mind that all these possibilities could be the anchor manifestation of SLE as well. Therefore, definitive diagnosis might be challenging in case of ascites in an SLE patient. Herein, we aimed to share the difficulties from the first presentation to the definitive diagnosis in a patient with PPMS in the light of similar cases in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Males have accounted for a significant share of new HIV infections among young people in the recent years. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with risky sexual behaviors, including early sexual debut, multiple sexual partnership and condomless sex, among sexually active male college students and provide implications for tailored health interventions. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to December 2021 in 16 colleges that were located in Sichuan Province, one of the high-risk areas in China. Overall 1640 male college students who reported sexually experienced were analyzed in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to determine factors associated with early sexual debut, multiple sexual partnership and condomless sex. Results: The average age of included male students was 19.95 ± 1.56. Of them, 27.74% initiated sexual behavior early, 48.60% reported multiple sexual partnership, and 16.52% did not use condoms at the latest sexual intercourse. Students who were younger (age ≤ 19, AOR = 7.60, 95%CI: 4.84–11.93; age20-21, AOR = 3.26, 95%CI: 2.04–5.21) and self-identified as sexual minorities (AOR = 2.38, 95%CI: 1.69–3.36) were more likely to have early sexual debut. The odds of having multiple sexual partners were higher among those who were ethnic minorities (AOR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.33–2.41) and accepted extramarital sex (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.03–1.71). The likelihood of engaging in condomless sex at the latest sexual intercourse was lower among those who had sufficient knowledgeable about HIV (AOR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.44–0.89), were very confident in condom use efficacy (AOR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.16–0.43) and confident (AOR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.34–0.69). Early sexual debut was positively associated with multiple sexual partnership (AOR = 3.64, 95%CI: 2.82–4.71) and condomless sex at the latest intercourse (AOR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.07–2.20), respectively. Conclusion: Early sexual debut, multiple sexual partnership and condomless sex were of considerable concern among male college students. Comprehensive sex education curricula were advised by developing customized information on HIV prevention, sexuality and empowering students with assertiveness and negotiation skills with regard to condom use during and before college. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to modern methods of assisted reproduction (ART), parenthood has become an attainable goal for couples in which the male partner has experienced spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of our study was to determine the success of the treatment of infertile patients with SCI with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of cryopreserved sperm obtained by the testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) procedure. In this retrospective study 156 infertile couples were included, in which the male partner is primarily infertile due to azoospermia. Infertile couples were divided into two groups. The first group (n= 82) includes men with SCI, and the second (n= 74) men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) as the cause of infertility. All infertile men were examined and processed in the diagnostic procedure, and based on the urological findings, surgical extraction of sperm from the testicles was indicated. Exclusion criteria were the age of women over 40 and men over 45. We found that the quality of sperm was worse in the group with SCI, compared to the group with OA, but without statistical significance. Zenica and Johnsen score (p= 0.001; p= 0.000) showed worse semen characteristics in the group with SCI.     There were no significant differences in the average number of embryos (p= 0.698), pregnancy rates per cycle (p= 0.979) and pregnancy rates per embrio transfer (ET), clinical pregnancy rates per ET (p= 0.987) and delivery rates per ET (p= 0.804) in couples with SCI, compared to couples with OA. Based on the results of this research, the TESA and ICSI procedures can be recommended as a successful method in the treatment of male infertility caused by azoospermia due to SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Before the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a constant increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Escherichia coli, the most common cause of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production in urine and blood E. coli isolates in Finland to improve our understanding on the source attribution of this major multidrug-resistant pathogen. Methods: Susceptibility test results of 564,233 urine (88.3% from females) and 23,860 blood E. coli isolates (58.8% from females) were obtained from the nationwide surveillance database of Finnish clinical microbiology laboratories. Susceptibility testing was performed according to EUCAST guidelines. We compared ESBL-producing E. coli proportions and incidence before (2018–2019), during (2020–2021), and after (2022) the pandemic and stratified these by age groups and sex. Results: The annual number of urine E. coli isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility decreased 23.3% during 2018–2022 whereas the number of blood E. coli isolates increased 1.1%. The annual proportion of ESBL-producing E. coli in urine E. coli isolates decreased 28.7% among males, from 6.9% (average during 2018–2019) to 4.9% in 2022, and 28.7% among females, from 3.0 to 2.1%. In blood E. coli isolates, the proportion decreased 32.9% among males, from 9.3 to 6.2%, and 26.6% among females, from 6.2 to 4.6%. A significant decreasing trend was also observed in most age groups, but risk remained highest among persons aged ≥ 60 years. Conclusions: The reduction in the proportions of ESBL-producing E. coli was comprehensive, covering both specimen types, both sexes, and all age groups, showing that the continuously increasing trends could be reversed. Decrease in international travel and antimicrobial use were likely behind this reduction, suggesting that informing travellers about the risk of multidrug-resistant bacteria, hygiene measures, and appropriate antimicrobial use is crucial in prevention. Evaluation of infection control measures in healthcare settings could be beneficial, especially in long-term care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In males, the relationship between pubertal timing and depression is understudied and less consistent than in females, likely for reasons of unmeasured confounding. To clarify this relationship, a combined epidemiological and genetic approach was chosen to exploit the methodological advantages of both approaches. Methods: Data from 2026 males from a nationwide, representative study were used to investigate the non-/linear relationship between pubertal timing defined by the age at voice break and depression, considering a multitude of potential confounders and their interactions with pubertal timing. This analysis was complemented by Mendelian randomization (MR), which is robust to inferential problems inherent to epidemiological studies. We used 71 single nucleotide polymorphisms related to pubertal timing in males as instrumental variable to clarify its causal relationship with depression based on data from 807 553 individuals (246 363 cases and 561 190 controls) by univariable and multivariable MR, including BMI as pleiotropic phenotype. Results: Univariable MR indicated a causal effect of pubertal timing on depression risk (inverse-variance weighted: OR 0.93, 95%-CI [0.87–0.99)], p = 0.03). However, this was not confirmed by multivariable MR (inverse-variance weighted: OR 0.95, 95%-CI [0.88–1.02)], p = 0.13), consistent with the epidemiological approach (OR 1.01, 95%-CI [0.81–1.26], p = 0.93). Instead, the multivariable MR study indicated a causal relationship of BMI with depression by two of three methods. Conclusions: Pubertal timing is not related to MDD risk in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: An 18-year-old immunocompetent man presented with symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis, discharging sinuses, and cold abscess for 3 years treated with multiple incision drainage procedures with cottonoid packing antibiotic therapy. Radiographic imaging showed a soft tissue mass in the canal causing bony destruction. Postoperative histopathological examination showed an Aspergillus fungal ball. Patient showed improvement at 6-month follow-up with medical management. Conclusion: As far as we know, this is the first case report showing an aspergilloma involving the vertebral column. Inadequate antibiotic treatment and blind introduction of a foreign body into sinus tracts can lead to fungal infections mimicking tuberculosis, causing disastrous outcomes. Fungal cultures are recommended routinely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: We present a 17-year-old male patient with an initially missed posterior sternoclavicular fracture dislocation who presented with symptoms related to thrombotic emboli arising from a pseudoaneurysm. He was treated 6 weeks after injury with a figure-of-eight tendon allograft repair with good clinical outcomes. Conclusion: This is a unique presentation that highlights the significant risk of a missed diagnosis, life-threatening complications that may ensue, and biomechanically superior surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: A 25-year-old right-hand dominant male police officer presented to the emergency department with a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an osteochondral defect overlying the humeral head along the mid to lower aspect of the glenohumeral joint. A staged operation with shoulder arthroscopy followed by an osteochondral allograft (OCA) of the humeral head was performed. During his 6-month postoperative visit, he had returned to full work duty with no restrictions and reported that his pain was well controlled. Conclusion: Humeral head OCA transplantation may be an effective treatment option for traumatic osteochondral lesions of the glenohumeral joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: An overall healthy 48-year-old man suffered a left foot mangled crush injury resulting in a post-transmetatarsal amputation and subsequently developing a painful neuroma on the plantar surface of the foot. To avoid the zone of injury, targeted muscle reinnervation was used to treat the neuroma by coapting the tibial nerve to the motor point of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle. At 1-year follow-up, the patient reported no pain at rest, returned to work, and could ambulate with an orthosis for 30 minutes. Conclusion: Rare tibial nerve coaptations to the FHL could serve as a treatment option for patients with neuromas in traumatic postmetatarsal amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: We report a unique case of dynamic scapular winging due to compression of the long thoracic nerve by a ventral scapular osteochondroma, representing a combination of mechanical and neural causes. Arthroscopic resection of the lesion was performed, which led to complete resolution of the symptoms. Conclusion: By reporting this case, we aimed to increase awareness of the importance of a correct etiological diagnosis of dynamic scapular winging, so that targeted treatment can be addressed. Arthroscopic resection seems ideal for this indication because it reduces the risk of complications and patient recovery time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: A 48-year-old man presented to a Level 1 trauma center after a motor vehicle crash with a right irreducible posterior hip dislocation and ipsilateral fractures of the femoral head and segmental femur shaft. This injury was managed with open reduction and internal fixation and antegrade intramedullary nailing. Conclusion: This is the first report of a combined irreducible femoral head fracture-dislocation and a segmental femur fracture, a rare injury that requires a stepwise approach to operative management of each injury. Surgeons must recognize the clinical and radiographic findings associated with irreducible hip dislocations in the setting of ipsilateral fractures to the femoral head and shaft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: We present a case of type II (intraosseous) entrapment of the median nerve in a patient who was diagnosed based on clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging and who was treated with medial epicondyle osteotomy, neurolysis, and transposition of the nerve to its anatomical position within a month of injury. Our patient made a complete motor and sensory recovery at 5 months with complete functionality and grip strength. Conclusion: Median nerve entrapment after posterolateral elbow dislocation is a rare complication with roughly 40 cases reported in the literature. This case illustrates the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: A 29-year-old man with hemophilia B presented with advanced arthropathy of the right knee, resulting in poor knee functional scores and difficulties in his livelihood. The patient underwent total knee replacement while receiving nonacog beta pegol factor IX by a multidisciplinary approach. Conclusion: Hemophilias commonly result in end-stage hemophilic arthropathy of the joints at a young age that may warrant joint replacement surgeries. This case report illustrates the surgical protocol of total knee arthroplasty in a patient who received a long-acting factor IX preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: A 71-year-old man with castration-resistant Stage IVB prostate cancer developed symptomatic oligometastatic disease in the lumbar spine and bilateral proximal femurs. He was treated with a single-position L2-L4 kyphoplasty with concomitant prone left-sided femoral prophylactic cephalomedullary nailing. Six months later when he again lost the ability to ambulate, he was treated with a single-position L4-L5 laminectomy for an epidural tumor with prone right-sided femoral prophylactic cephalomedullary nailing. Conclusion: Single-position prone surgery of the spine and prone femoral nailing is feasible and improves on traditional multiposition approaches, eliminating the need to reposition or change tables during management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: We present the case of a 59-year-old man who had MIS L4-5 decompression. He presented the next day with intractable back and leg pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed ventral displacement of the cauda equina and a subdural collection on the right L3/L4 nerve roots. Revision decompression revealed occult durotomy caudal and contralateral to the index decompression. Conclusion: Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery leverages shorter operative time and reduced postoperative pain. Yet, decreased exposure can make identification and management complications challenging. This report highlights occult durotomy and spinal subdural extra-arachnoid hygroma in patients with postoperative nerve compression after seemingly uncomplicated MISS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: An 18-year-old male patient sustained a traumatic injury that resulted in the loss of approximately 50% of the radial head. Subsequently, reconstruction was performed by transplanting an osteochondral plug harvested from the lateral femoral condyle. At the 1-year postoperative follow-up, the patient was pain-free and had a good range of motion. Conclusion: Using a novel technique, an irreparable radial head fracture was reconstructed using an osteochondral plug from the lateral femoral condyle. Reconstruction with osteochondral plugs may be a treatment option for partial loss of the radial head. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in male patients with condyloma acuminatum (CA) and to develop a model for predicting recur-rence risk. Methods Wart samples were collected from 714 CA patients at Jiaozhou Branch of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University from January 1011 to June 1013. Human papillomavirus DNA was extracted and genomic DNA was genotyped. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for recurrence within 6 months after being cured with physiotherapy, and a prediction model for recurrence risk was developed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to verify the prediction value of the prediction model. Results Among 714 CA patients, the main genotypes were HPV 6, 11, 16, and 41. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a disease course of 6 months, high-risk HPV infection, multiple HPV infections, and the number of warts = 5 were independent risk factors for recurrence (P < 0.05), while using condom was a protective factor for recurrence in CA patients (P = 0.010). Multiple factor analysis was used to construct recurrence predictive model. The validation results of the ROC curve showed that when logit (P) > 13.00, the sensitivity and specificity were 71. 39% and 83.01%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.863. Conclusions The main genotypes of HPV infection are HPV 6, 11, 16, and 42 in male CA patients. The prediction model for recurrence risk factors has high predictive value for predicting recurrence of CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare condition, particularly in men, and the preoperative diagnosis poses a challenge. Here, we present a case involving single‐incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for BMPM in a 24‐year‐old man with a pelvic mass and a history of ulcerative colitis. Pelvic imaging revealed multifocal cysts, prompting the performance of SILS. The tumor was successfully resected with no residual lesions, and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of BMPM. This case represents the first documented instance of SILS being employed for BMPM in a man. BMPM, characterized by pelvic multifocal cysts, is a differential diagnosis, and SILS emerges as a viable option for both diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether the observed lower total testosterone (tT) levels in male patients with COVID‐19 are caused by a direct impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or are collateral phenomena shared by other systemic inflammatory conditions has not yet been clarified. Objectives: To investigate the independent role of COVID‐19 in reducing circulating tT levels in men. Materials and methods: We compared demographic, clinical, and hormonal values of patients with laboratory confirmed COVID‐19 admitted during the first wave of the pandemic with a cohort of consecutive male patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the same academic center because of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) but without SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and no previous history of COVID‐19. Linear regression model tested the independent impact of COVID‐19 on circulating tT levels. Logistic regression model was used to test predictors of death in the entire cohort. Results: Of 286 patients with COVID‐19, 70 men had been admitted to the ICU (= cases) and were compared to 79 patients equally admitted to ICU because of severe ARDS but negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and without previous history of COVID‐19 (= controls). Controls were further grouped into noninfective (n = 49) and infective‐ARDS (n = 30) patients. At baseline, controls were older (p = 0.01) and had more comorbidities (p < 0.0001). Overall, cases admitted to ICU had significantly lower circulating tT levels compared to controls (0.9 nmol/L vs. 2.1 nmol/L; vs. 1.2 nmol/L; p = 0.03). At linear regression, being negative for COVID‐19 was associated with higher tT levels (Coeff: 2.13; 95% confidence interval ‐ CI 0.71‐3.56; p = 0.004) after adjusting for age, BMI, comorbidities and IL‐6 levels. Only age and IL‐6 levels emerged to be associated with higher risk of death regardless of COVID‐19 status. Conclusions: This case‐control ex post facto study showed lower tT levels in men with COVID‐19 compared to those without COVID‐19 despite both groups have been equally admitted to ICU for severe ARDS, thus suggesting a possible direct impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection toward circulating tT levels and a consequent more severe clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cloacal malformations are rare and are typically reported in females. There are a few scattered reports in males. It is not clear why they are so rare in males since both sexes negotiate this stage of embryonal development. Aims: The present study aims to share our experience and review all the cases of persistent cloaca and cloacal variants in males reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: The male cloaca is defined as a single common channel of varying lengths with separate inlets for the urinary tract (urethra) anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly at its cranial end and with a solitary perineal orifice/opening for external drainage. We also carried out an electronic literature search for cloaca, persistent cloaca, common cloaca, cloacal dysgenesis, cloacal malformation, cloacal membrane agenesis, urorectal malformation sequence, rectourinary perineal fistula, sirenomelia, and caudal regression syndrome. Results: After eliminating other cloacal anomalies and persistent cloaca in females, we found a total of 22 males with persistent cloaca or cloacal variant reported in the literature. In addition, we are adding two cases we have managed since our previous report. Conclusions: An effort should be made to search for the presence of the common channel in male patients with a single perineal opening. Recognition of the anomaly, width of the common cloacal channel, location of the rectal pouch with relation to the sacrum or pubis, status of the spine and sacrum, and nature of the anal sphincter are vital pieces of information to successfully manage the anomaly. It would be worthwhile if future reports on the subject also include long-term information about urinary and fecal functions and continence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ligands of chemokine receptors 2 and 5 (CCR2 and CCR5, respectively) are associated with the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain development, but their role in painful diabetic neuropathy remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the function of these factors in the hypersensitivity accompanying diabetes. Additionally, we analyzed the analgesic effect of cenicriviroc (CVC), a dual CCR2/CCR5 antagonist, and its influence on the effectiveness of morphine. An increasing number of experimental studies have shown that targeting more than one molecular target is advantageous compared with the coadministration of individual pharmacophores in terms of their analgesic effect. The advantage of using bifunctional compounds is that they gain simultaneous access to two receptors at the same dose, positively affecting their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and consequently leading to improved analgesia. Experiments were performed on male and female Swiss albino mice with a streptozotocin (STZ, 200 mg/kg, i.p.) model of diabetic neuropathy. We found that the blood glucose level increased, and the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity developed on the 7th day after STZ administration. In male mice, we observed increased mRNA levels of Ccl2, Ccl5, and Ccl7, while in female mice, we observed additional increases in Ccl8 and Ccl12 levels. We have demonstrated for the first time that a single administration of cenicriviroc relieves pain to a similar extent in male and female mice. Moreover, repeated coadministration of cenicriviroc with morphine delays the development of opioid tolerance, while the best and longest-lasting analgesic effect is achieved by repeated administration of cenicriviroc alone, which reduces pain hypersensitivity in STZ-exposed mice, and unlike morphine, no tolerance to the analgesic effects of CVC is observed until Day 15 of treatment. Based on these results, we suggest that targeting CCR2 and CCR5 with CVC is a potent therapeutic option for novel pain treatments in diabetic neuropathy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this case report is to report that delayed hemothorax is possible after anterior vertebral body tethering (aVBT) and to illustrate the course of treatment. Methods: We present a 15-year-old boy with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent an anterior thoracoscopic assisted vertebral body tethering who developed a massive right-sided hemothorax 12 days post-operatively. A chest tube was placed to drain the hemothorax and later required embolectomy with tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) to drain the retained hemothorax. Results: At 1 month follow up post discharge the patient was asymptomatic, and radiograph did not demonstrate evidence of residual hemothorax and scoliosis. We have followed this patient for 5 years postoperative and he continues to do well clinically and radiographically. Conclusions: Pulmonary complications are a known drawback of anterior thoracoscopic spinal instrumentation. Delayed hemothorax is possible after aVBT. In the case of a retained hemothorax, chest tube treatment with TPA is a safe and effective method of embolectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To screen and identify new human sperm specific antigen epitopes from candidate sperm-specific antigen epitope peptides using phage display random peptide library technolog and bioinformatics methods. Methods Candidate sperm-specific epitope peptide monomers and trimers were synthesized by solid phase polypeptide synthesis. Dot immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the immune reaction of the peptides with anti-sperm antibody (ASA) positive serum. ELISA was used to detect antibody titers against candidate sperm-specific epitope peptides in serum of immunized mice. The effects of the sera of the mice immunized with the candidate sperm-specific epitope peptide on human spermatozoa were examined by computer aided sperm analysis. Results High performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry showed that the purity and structure of the synthesized candidate sperm-specific epitope peptide were in accordance with the design. Blot and ELISA results indicated that the sperm-specific epitope peptide with the amino acid sequence n-TRRIHRHMTIRR-c and its trimers displayed strong immune response to 17 of 35 ASA positive sera. The serum from mice immunized with the peptide and its trimers significantly attenuated the sperm motility parameters compared with serum from the control group (P < 0. 05), with trimeric-induced decrease in motility parameters being particularly significant. (P<0.01). Conclusion The dodecapeptide with amino acid sequence n-TRRIHRHMTIRR-c is a novel human sperm-specific epitope peptide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male infertility belongs to the category of "wuzi" and "jiansi" in traditional Chinese medicine. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease tend to be complicated, and closely related to the kidney, essence chamber and other internal organs, mostly manifested as deficiency in kidney and dysfunction in essence chamber. In the study, we took "kidney deficiency and essence chamber's blood stasis" as the core pathogenesis of male infertility, and believed that the deficiency was in the kidney and the blood stasis in the essence chamber. According the above understanding, we formulated the treatment principle of "tonifying the kidney and promoting blood circulation", and improved various symptoms of this disease through consolidating the kidney and supplementing essence, invigorating kidney qi, nourishing kidney yin and enriching kidney and strengthening yang, and promoting blood circulation in the essence chamber. Additionally, in applying the method of tonifying the kidney and activating the blood in essence chamber, we also referred to the idea of "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis, as well as promoting the harmonization of qi in the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore research status, hotspots and application of fertility preservation in male cancer patients by bibliometric methods and CiteSpace software. Methods The related articles were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection database, and the period for literature inclusion was from the establishment of the database to February 28, 2024. CiteSpace 6. 2. R2 software was used to draw the map for interpretation. Results A total of 523 articles were obtained. There was an increase trend in the number of publications. The United States had the highest publication volume and centrality, and the greatest international influence. Among numerous units and institutions, University System of Ohio had the largest number of publications, and Assistance Publique Hopitaux Paris had the highest centrality. There were four main research teams. Fertility preservation consultation, decision-making and its influencing factors, fertility preservation technology and ethical considerations are research hotspots and trends. Conclusions Further studies should focus on three major areas for in-depth research including fertility preservation consultation, decision-making and its influencing factors, fertility preservation technology and ethical considerations. It is suggested that Chinese scholars and research institutions attach importance to fertility preservation research in male cancer patient and further strengthen academic cooperation and exchanges according to current research hotspots and trends for improving the influence of literature and researchers in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of endoplasmic reticulum associated protein VAPA on spermiogenesis in mice. Methods A conditional knockout mouse model with specific Vapa gene deletion in germ cells (Vapa CKO) was constructed using the loxP-cre strategy. Testes collected from wild-type and Vapa CKO adult male mice were weighed for statistical analysis. HE staining was performed to analyze the histological morphology of the seminiferous epithelium. Immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine acrosome biogenesis in wild-type and Vapa CKO adult male mice. Results The weight of testes from Vapa CKO adult male mice exhibited a significant decrease (P <0.000 1). Specifically, spermatogenesis was arrested at round spermatids in Vapa CKO mice because round spermatids were unable to generate acrosome granule. Conclusion VAPA is involved in mouse spermiogenesis and plays an important role in acrosome biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional semen parameters have long been considered fundamental in male fertility analyses. However, doubts have been raised regarding the clinical utility of the assessment of spermatozoa (sperm) DNA damage. In this retrospective study, we investigated the potential correlation between conventional semen parameters and semen DNA fragmentation (SDF) assessed as sperm DNA damage, in 11,339 semen samples collected between January 2019 and June 2022. We observed significant negative correlations between the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and sperm viability (correlation coefficient [r] = −0.514) as well as progressive sperm motility (r = −0.512, p < 0.05). Samples were categorized into three groups according to DFI levels (Groups A, B, and C: ≤15%, 15 < DFI ≤30%, and >30%, respectively). Furthermore, the percentage of semen samples with normal sperm conventional parameters in Groups A, B, and C was 76.7% (4369/5697), 61.4% (2351/3827), and 39.7% (721/1815), respectively. Moreover, according to the reference values of conventional sperm parameters, the samples were divided into Groups F, G, and H with all normal, only one abnormal, and > two abnormal parameters, respectively. In addition, the proportions of samples with abnormal DFI values (>30) in Groups F, G, and H were 9.7% (721/7441), 23.1% (618/2676), and 39.0% (476/1222), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that sperm vitality, progressive sperm motility, normal sperm form, total sperm count, semen volume, age, and some sperm kinematics collectively improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to 0.861, surpassing the predictive value of a single predictor of pathologically damaged sperm DNA. Our study suggests that samples with abnormal sperm parameters may have a higher likelihood of high DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, certain semen parameters could be potential indicators of sperm DNA fragmentation, aiding sperm selection in assisted reproductive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health concern that despite its prevalence, lacks a widely-effective treatment due to the complexity of AUD pathology. AUD is highly comorbid with other psychiatric conditions including anxiety and mood disorders, however it is unclear how these disorders influence each other. The underlying etiology of these comorbidities is difficult to decipher and factors including sex, stress, and the environment further complicate both diagnosis and treatment strategies. To understand more about this bidirectional relationship between AUD and comorbid psychiatric disorders, we ran male and female C57Bl/6j mice through baseline behavioral testing followed by intermittent access-two bottle choice (IA-2BC) drinking. We found no sex differences in basal anxiety-like or depressive-like behavior, however females displayed enhanced motivated feeding behavior. Females consumed more ethanol than males, at both 1hr and 24hr timepoints. Basal affective state did not predict subsequent ethanol intake in either sex, however exploratory behavior was positively correlated with drinking in males but not females. We then re-assessed negative affect behavior following chronic ethanol drinking to determine if drinking impacted subsequent affective behavior and found no relationship between ethanol intake and affective state in males or females. We also examined how chronic ethanol drinking affected central amygdala (CeA) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity in males and females. Ethanol-drinking females had a decrease in CeA neuronal activity, driven by reduced activity in the lateral (CeA l) sub-region, while in males there was no significant difference in CeA activity compared to water controls. Neither males or females had a significant change in BLA neuronal activity following chronic ethanol drinking. Collectively, these results demonstrate sex differences in basal motivated behavior, drinking behavior, and subregion-specific amygdala neuronal activity following chronic ethanol drinking which may inform the sex differences seen in patients diagnosed with AUD and comorbid conditions. • There were no basal sex differences in affective behavior. • Basal affective behavior did not determine future ethanol intake. • Chronic ethanol drinking did not alter subsequent affective behavior. • CeA activity was reduced in ethanol-exposed females compared to water controls. • BLA activity did not differ between male and female ethanol and water groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although recent studies have increased public awareness of child sexual abuse, certain aspects of the issue remain unclear. While research on sexual abuse in girls is abundant, there is limited focus on boys in our country. This study aims to explore the characteristics of cases involving sexual abuse of boys in the province of Türkiye. Methods: The study is descriptive and retrospective in nature. A total of 245 boys who underwent forensic interviews for alleged sexual abuse between September 2017 and March 2023 at the Child Advocacy Center in the province of Türkiye were retrospectively examined. Results: The study included 245 boys aged 3-18 with a mean age of 11.04±3.39. The most common type of sexual abuse was non-penetrative contact (57.6%). Delayed disclosure was primarily attributed to factors such as threat, fear, and shame. Sexual abuse predominantly occurred in public places (56.5%). There were significant among age groups concerning the identity of the reporters, initial disclosure persons, the existence of abuse, and reporting time. However, no significant differences were found in the presence of multiple suspects, recurrent abuse, and the incident location. Post-abuse behavioral changes in children included fear of the perpetrator (15.5%), emotional changes (15.5%), physiological changes (9.4%), and the displaying of risky behaviors (4.1%). Conclusions: The study emphasized the importance of not overlooking sexual abuse among male children. The findings underscore the need for enhanced awareness and intervention strategies to address sexual abuse in boys within the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect patients significantly. Gender has been identified as a key factor influencing the experience of SMIs with notable disparities in prevalence, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the quality of life (QoL) and social support for patients with SMIs can vary based on gender. Aims: This study examined gender differences in QoL and social support of patients with SMIs. Method: Participants include 170 outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at Shafa Hospital (2021). QoL and social support were assessed using World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), respectively. Group differences were analyzed using t -test or Mann–Whitney U test, and two-way multivariate analyses of variance explored the effect of gender and disease type. Results: It was indicated that females with schizophrenia reported higher QoL than males, but the opposite was observed for bipolar disorder. Gender differences in social support were not significant among schizophrenia patients, nor between the two patient groups. However, women with bipolar disorder and multiple hospitalizations experienced lower social support and QoL compared to men. Additionally, more hospitalizations were associated with decreased QoL in both genders with schizophrenia. Conclusions: Findings suggest the need for gender- specific interventions and support policies to enhance QoL and social support in patients with SMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis (OP) is a bone metabolism disease that is associated with inflammatory pathological mechanism. Nonetheless, rare studies have investigated the diagnostic effectiveness of immune-inflammation index in the male population. Therefore, it is interesting to achieve early diagnosis of OP in male population based on the inflammatory makers from blood routine examination. We developed a prediction model based on a training dataset of 826 Chinese male patients through a retrospective study, and the data was collected from January 2022 to May 2023. All participants underwent the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXEA) and blood routine examination. Inflammatory markers such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was calculated and recorded. We utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model to optimize feature selection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to construct a predicting model incorporating the feature selected in the LASSO model. This predictive model was displayed as a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, C-index, calibration curve, and clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate model performance. Internal validation was test by the bootstrapping method. This study was approved by the Ethic Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Ethic No. JY2023012) and conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. The predictive factors included in the prediction model were age, BMI, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, neuropathy, thyroid diseases, fracture history, SII, PLR, C-reactive protein (CRP). The model displayed well discrimination with a C-index of 0.822 (95% confidence interval: 0.798–0.846) and good calibration. Internal validation showed a high C-index value of 0.805. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that when the threshold probability was between 3 and 76%, the nomogram had a good clinical value. This nomogram can effectively predict the incidence of OP in male population based on SII and PLR, which would help clinicians rapidly and conveniently diagnose OP with men in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal encoding of somatosensory modalities (ie, mechanical, cold, and heat) are a critical part of pathological pain states. Detailed phenotyping of patients' responses to these modalities have raised hopes that analgesic treatments could one day be tailored to a patient's phenotype. Such precise treatment would require a profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms of specific pain phenotypes at molecular, cellular, and circuitry levels. Although preclinical pain models have helped in that regard, the lack of a unified assay quantifying detailed mechanical, cold, and heat pain responses on the same scale precludes comparing how analgesic compounds act on different sensory phenotypes. The conflict avoidance assay is promising in that regard, but testing conditions require validation for its use with multiple modalities. In this study, we improve upon the conflict avoidance assay to provide a validated and detailed assessment of all 3 modalities within the same animal, in mice. We first optimized testing conditions to minimize the necessary amount of training and to reduce sex differences in performances. We then tested what range of stimuli produce dynamic stimulus-response relationships for different outcome measures in naive mice. We finally used this assay to show that nerve injury produces modality-specific sex differences in pain behavior. Our improved assay opens new avenues to study the basis of modality-specific abnormalities in pain behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to explore the relationship between clinical characteristics and circulating lymphocyte profiles in Chinese male patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Method: Data from 397 patients with pSS were analyzed retrospectively. 37 were male, which is a prevalence of 9.3%. The clinical, laboratory, and immunophenotypic profiles of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were compared between male and female pSS patients. Results: Male patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome have unique clinical manifestations and circulating lymphocyte profiles. Male patients complained more about xerophthalmia and presented with more extra-glandular manifestations as compared with female patients. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio (P = 0.030), the prevalence of CD4−CD8− T cells in lymphocytes (P = 0.020), the absolute number of CD4−CD8− T cells (P = 0.035), the prevalence of CD4+ T cells in lymphocytes (P < 0.001), and the absolute number of CD4+ T cells (P = 0.023) were significantly lower in male patients compared to female patients. On the other hand, the prevalence of CD8+CD28+ T cells (P = 0.030) and CD4+CD25high T cells (P = 0.040) in lymphocytes was significantly higher in male patients than in female patients. Moreover, compared to females with pSS, an elevated serum IgG level, low C3 and C4 levels, anti-SSB positivity, and ANA titers of ≥ 1:160 positivity were more frequent in male with pSS. Conclusions: Male patients with pSS have distinctive peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations, present with more severe clinical symptoms and immunological features, and have an unfavorable prognosis. Key Points • Male patients with pSS have more severe clinical symptoms and specific characteristics of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. • Male pSS patients exhibit a higher intensity of the disease (as evaluated by ESSDAI). • Male patients with pSS require individualized treatment regimens and closer follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about factors that influence footwear selection by field hockey players. Methods: An online survey was used to collect data on participant demographics and physical characteristics, factors influencing footwear selection, perceptions regarding footwear design features on injury and performance, and experiences regarding usability. Nominal and ordinal data were described as absolute frequencies and relative frequencies. Free text responses were analysed using content analysis. Sex‐related differences in quantitative and qualitative data were explored. Results: A total of 401 hockey players completed the survey. Participants reported that fit, comfort, support, and cushioning were the most important factors when selecting hockey footwear. Most hockey players believed that stud design could influence athletic performance (65%) and injury risk (63%) but reported having no preference on outsole design or stud shape. Most participants (63%) used hockey‐specific footwear, but 46% of female hockey players did not, with 40% using trail running footwear instead. Qualitative analysis revealed that hockey players, particularly female participants, encounter difficulties finding properly fitting footwear. They desire more options for wide or narrow feet and face challenges in accessing suitable hockey shoes due to limited choices and availability. Conclusions: With over a third of field hockey players not using hockey‐specific footwear, future research should attempt to understand the reasons and assess the impact of different footwear features on comfort, performance, injury risk, and usability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]