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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]

Context The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis's transient activity in infancy, i.e, minipuberty, is considered crucial for male reproductive function. Historically, minipuberty has been considered a passive response triggered by the withdrawal of placental steroids at birth. However, given its potential link to adult reproductive function, we hypothesize that minipuberty is a partially genetically regulated process, suggesting a link between the genetic architecture of reproductive hormone concentrations across lifespan. Objective To investigate the association of UK Biobank Study-based polygenic scores (PGS) of adult total testosterone (T) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations with trajectories of reproductive hormones concentrations in male infants. Design Prospective, longitudinal birth cohort (The COPENHAGEN Minipuberty Study, 2016-2018, ClinTrial: NCT02784184). Individual PGSs in male infants derived from published literature were calculated for total T and SHBG. The associations with mean SD scores (SDS) of reproductive hormone concentrations in infancy were tested. Setting Population-based. Patients or other participants Healthy, male, term, singleton newborns were followed with repeated clinical examinations including blood sampling during a 1-year follow-up (n = 109). Main outcome measures Circulating reproductive hormone concentrations. Results T-PGSadult were significant associated with mean T-SDSinfancy, mean SHBG-SDSinfancy, and mean LH-SDSinfancy (P =.02, <.001 and.03, with r2 = 0.05, 0.21 and 0.04, respectively). SHBG-PGSadult was significantly associated with mean SHBG-SDSinfancy (P <.001, r2 = 0.18). T-PGSadult explained 5% and 21% of the phenotypic variation in infancy of mean T-SDSinfancy and SHBG-SDSinfancy, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the genetic architecture underlying total T and SHBG in adults also associates with hormone concentrations and their trajectories during infancy. [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]

Aims: To investigate changes in subjective and objective sleep quality after desmopressin administration in patients with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria (NP) using electroencephalography (EEG) and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Methods: Twenty male patients (≥65 years old) with NP participated in this study. The inclusion criteria were nocturnal frequency ≥ 2, NP index (NPi) ≥ 0.33, first uninterrupted sleep period (FUSP) ≤ 2.5 h, serum sodium concentration ≥ 135 mEq/L, and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 50 mL/min/1.73 m2. Participants were given 50 μg of desmopressin to be taken orally once daily before bed. The primary endpoint was the change in the duration of slow‐wave sleep (nonrapid eye movement sleep stages 3 and 4), as evaluated by EEG 28 days from the baseline. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used as an additional indicator of sleep quality. Results: Analysis of data from 15 participants (median age: 74.0 [70.5, 76.0] years) revealed that from before to after desmopressin administration, significant decreases occurred in the median nocturnal frequency (3.0 [2.0, 4.0] to 1.5 [1.0, 2.0]) and NPi (0.445 [0.380, 0.475] to 0.360 [0.250, 0.430]). Furthermore, FUSP was significantly prolonged from 120.0 (94.0, 150.0) min to 210.0 (203.8, 311.3) min. Although the VAS scores improved, slow‐wave sleep duration and the PSQI global score showed no significant differences (68.50 [47.50, 75.50] and 48.00 [38.00, 66.50]; 5.0 [5.0, 10.0] and 7.0 [5.0, 9.0] min, respectively). Conclusion: Oral administration of 50 μg desmopressin improved nocturnal frequency and FUSP in older individuals with NP but did not significantly enhance sleep quality. In older adults, decreased nighttime urinary frequency may enhance quality of life; however, its influence on objective sleep quality may be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to analyze the differences between male and female employment in Turkey between 2007 and 2022. In this process, various variables are taken into account and the results are supported by TUIK (Turkish Statistical Institute) data. In this study, panel data of TUIK for the years 2007-2022 were used as the methodology. These data were analyzed using SPSS 22 and E-Views programs using Correlation, Anova, Independent Samples t test, Man-Whitney u test and Regression tests. At the end of the analysis, it was seen that there is a high degree of correlation between female and male employment and that there is a high level of difference in terms of employment in all female age groups. According to the regression analysis results, female employment grows by 0.28 units per year, while male employment grows by 0.11 units per year. This shows that female employment has been rising faster than male employment in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evidence the existence of a gender gap in the orthopedic scientific literature by including also differences between some specific orthopedic surgery specialities, such as hands and feet. Then, we also considered gender role in the Authorship linked with the economic wealth of each country belonging to each Author. The gender of the first Authors of journals on orthopedics and sports medicine indexing in the Scopus database with the highest impact factor (IF) related to the year 2019, for the period from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, were considered. A total of 11 journals were considered, including a total of 5474 articles, 1087 (19.86%) had a woman as the first Author and 4387 (80.14%) a man. During the studied period, the trend seems to be the same (p = 0.906): Men were significantly more producing than women in the orthopedic field both by considering the topic of the journal (p =.003), all the most impacted orthopedic journals (p < 0.001) and economies (p < 0.001). There was therefore a strong significance: In the orthopedic field, there were significantly more male researchers who presented their first name in scientific publications compared to females in all orthopedic subspecialties. The economically poorer countries published less and the role of women became almost absent. [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]

Iron is a key nutrient for cognitive function. During periods of high academic demand, brain and cognitive activity increase, potentially affecting iron intake and reserves. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of iron levels on cognitive function in a university sample, considering the influence of gender. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 132 university students (18–29 years) from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). A dietary record was formed through a questionnaire to analyze iron consumption, and blood and anthropometric parameters were measured. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV was used to determine the Intelligence Quotient (IQ), as well as the Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), Working Memory Index (WMI), Processing Speed Index (PSI), and Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), to assess cognitive abilities. Among women, the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was 21% and 4.2%, respectively. No ID or IDA was found in men. The impact of iron intake on IQ and cognitive abilities was mainly associated with the female population, where a positive association between iron intake, serum ferritin, and total IQ was revealed. In conclusion, low iron intake is related to poorer intellectual ability, suggesting that an iron-rich diet is necessary to maintain the academic level of university students. [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]

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]

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]

BACKGROUND: Reproductive diapause serves as a valuable strategy enabling insects to survive unfavorable seasonal conditions. However, forcing insects into diapause when the environment is conducive to their well‐being can cause them to miss out on seasonal opportunities for reproduction. This outcome not only reduces insect populations but also minimizes crop losses caused by insect feeding. Therefore, altering the timing of diapause initiation presents a potential strategy for managing pests. In this study, we examined the possible role of the Insulin Receptor 1 (InR1) in controlling reproductive diapause entry in the male cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi. RESULTS: Compared to short‐day (SD) conditions, long‐day (LD) conditions led to reproductive diapause of C. bowringi males, characterized by arrested gonad development, increased Triglyceride (TG) accumulation, and upregulated expression of diapause protein 1 and genes associated with lipogenesis and stress tolerance. Upon employing RNA interference to knock down InR1 under SD conditions, males destined for reproduction were compelled into diapause, evidenced by arrested gonadal development, accumulation of TG, and elevated expression of diapause‐related genes. Intriguingly, despite the common association of the absence of juvenile hormone (JH) with reproductive diapause in females, the knockdown of InR1 in males did not significant affect the expression of JH biosynthesis and JH response gene. CONCLUSION: The study highlight InR1 is a key factor involved in regulating male reproductive diapause in C. bowringi. Consequently, targeting insulin signaling could be a viable approach to perturb diapause timing, offering a promising strategy for managing pests with reproductive diapause capabilities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [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]

Objective: Our study examined the impact of sex, ADHD subtype, and comorbid illnesses (depression/anxiety) on the timing of diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Method: To analyze ADHD patients, four health databases were used to assess subtype, comorbid mood, and antidepressant or anxiolytic drug exposure. Analyses were stratified by sex and age. Standardized mean differences measured intergroup differences. Results: Females with ADHD were identified at older ages and had higher rates of depression and anxiety diagnoses and treatments before and after their initial ADHD diagnosis. Predominantly inattentive ADHD patients were diagnosed later and more likely to receive mood disorder diagnosis and treatment than hyperactive impulsive ADHD patients. Conclusions: Results suggest a more complex ADHD presentation in females, potentially causing late diagnosis and delayed treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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]

Background: Obesity increases the risk of and modifies the severity of various pulmonary illnesses. There is a variation in the published literature regarding the association between peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and anthropometric obesity parameters, particularly in young adult males. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objectives of the study were to determine the impact of general obesity and abdominal obesity markers on PEFR in young adult males with and without obesity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 140 healthy young Indian adult males in the age group of 18-25 years. Participants were divided into two groups: The study group (n = 70; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and the control group (n = 70; BMI: 18.5-22.9 kg/m²), based on the Asia-Pacific body mass index (BMI) classification. Weight and BMI were considered measures of general (overall or relative) obesity. For abdominal (central) obesity, hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. PEFR was recorded with the Mini-Wright's peak flow meter, and the best of three readings was considered. Statistical analysis was done with the Mann-Whitney U-test and Kendall's tau correlation coefficient; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The PEFR value did not show any significant difference between the study groups, while a significant negative correlation was observed in the study (obese) group between BMI and PEFR. Conclusion: BMI can be a better obesity marker to evaluate pulmonary disorders with PEFR and should be included in prediction equations for PEFR in young Indian adult males. [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]

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]

Background: Choosing a proper spouse is one of a person's most important decisions. Spouse selection among blind and visually impaired people is associated with numerous concerns. It is an emotional, social and sexual need that creates some changes in the lives of blind and visually impaired people. To this end, the present... [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]

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]

Background: The relationship between hip strength deficiency in various planes and musculoskeletal injuries within the movement system has been well-established in numerous studies. The present study sought to explore the relationships between hip strength and specific aspects of lower extremity running kinematics. Methodology: To achieve this objective, the three-dimensional running kinematics of 21 male elite middle-distance runners (mean age: 19.7 ± 1.2 years; mean experience 6.5 ± 1.0 years) were assessed using nine high-speed cameras on a treadmill at a speed of 16 km·h⁻¹. Concurrently, isokinetic hip strength was measured at a speed of 60 deg·s⁻¹ in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Paired Samples t-test were utilized. Results: While no significant differences were found in several isokinetic strength measurements, notable differences in running kinematics were observed. Specifically, pelvic drop at midstance (MS) was significantly lower in the DL (5.79 ± 3.00°) compared to the NDL (8.71 ± 1.39°) with a large effect size (t=-4.04, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.25). Additionally, knee adduction at maximum showed a moderate effect size difference, with the DL at 2.99 ± 1.13° and the NDL at 3.81 ± 1.76° (t=-2.74, p = 0.03, Cohen's d = 0.55). Results indicated a moderate to highly positive association between running knee adduction in the dominant leg and hip external rotation (r = 0.67, p < 0.05), concentric extension (r = 0.77, p < 0.05), and concentric abduction (r = 0.78, p < 0.05). Additionally, the running tibial external rotation angle in the dominant leg exhibited an inverse relationship with all strength measurements, with statistical significance observed only for concentric extension force (r=-0.68, p < 0.05). Furthermore, hip internal rotation force demonstrated a highly inverse correlation with foot pronation in the dominant leg (r=-0.70, p < 0.05) and anterior pelvic tilt in the non-dominant leg (r=-0.76, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings underscore the interrelation between hip strength and running kinematics, particularly on the dominant side. In light of these observations, it is imperative to consider hip strength exercises as integral components for correcting running kinematics. Coaches should also be mindful that kinematic deviations contributing to running injuries may manifest unilaterally or specifically in the dominant leg. [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]

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]

Surgical sterilization is a widely accepted method to reduce the birth of unwanted dogs and reducing the incidence of reproductive diseases. However, the sterilization of domestic dogs has generated debate among veterinarians and owners about its effects on urinary parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shortterm effects of surgical sterilization on urinary parameters in healthy adult sexually intact male and female dogs. Ten healthy adult sexually intact mongrel dogs (5 males and 5 females) weighing 15 to 20 kg participated in this study. Only those dogs which were at least 1yearold included in this study to ensure that they had reached sexual maturity. If a dog's urine sample is abnormally colored or milky, has a pH greater than 7.5, and a positive bacterial culture is confirmed, the dog will be excluded. Physical, CBC, and biochemical examinations, such as measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) concentrations and urinalysis (including determination of urine pH and specific gravity (USG) measurement, calculation of the urine protein/ creatinine ratio (UPC), and dipstick evaluation) were performed on each dog. At least 15 days after the sterilization surgery, the dogs underwent physical examination, CBC, biochemistry, and urinalysis at least 15 days later. Urine samples were collected by cystocentesis and stored at 4°C for analysis. After centrifugation at 3000 g for 5 minutes, the urinalysis was performed within 4 hours of collection. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the mean BUN and Cr, UPC, USG, and urine pH before and after ovariohysterectomy and castration. The study found that castration and ovariohysterectomy did not affect short-term urinary parameters in healthy adult sexually intact male and female dogs. However, it is uncertain how sterilization affects urinalysis results in sexually intact dogs, and more research with larger sample sizes is needed to determine the impact. [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 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]

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]

Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) is the gold standard for treating varicoceles. Preservation of the internal spermatic arteries (ISAs) during MSV is important for sperm production. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elevating systolic blood pressure (SBP) using MSV. Data from 252 consecutive adult male patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: a traditional group that underwent conventional MSV (n = 134) and a modified group that underwent MSV with a transiently elevated SBP of 140–160 mm Hg (n = 118). Arterial identification time, unilateral operative time, number of ISAs, arterial injury rate, and other postoperative indicators, including postoperative complications and sperm parameters, were compared between the groups. All the procedures were successful. The arterial identification and unilateral operative times were significantly shorter in the modified group (31.34 ± 10.44 vs. 42.94 ± 12.39 min and 61.48 ± 8.78 vs. 76.35 ± 12.33 min, p <.01, respectively). Intraoperatively, the number of preserved ISAs was significantly higher in the modified group (1.92 ± 0.53 vs. 1.45 ± 0.32, p <.01). The arterial injury rate did not differ significantly between the groups (2.74% vs. 0%, respectively). Compared with preoperative values, sperm parameters improved significantly 6 months postoperatively. Significant differences in semen parameters or postoperative complications were not observed between the groups. Elevated intraoperative SBP can be used to rapidly, safely, and effectively identify ISAs, increase the number of retained spermatic arteries, and markedly reduce the operative time for MSV. [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]

Background/Aim: This study aimed to investigate the differences in the postoperative dietary intake (DI) loss between men and women after radical resection for early gastric cancer (GC), and to identify effective nutritional support for both sexes. Patients and Methods: This prospective, observational study enrolled patients who underwent gastrectomy for GC. DI was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire containing 82 food items (FFQW82) during nutritional counseling before surgery and one and three months postoperatively. Results: The median preoperative DI of all participants was 1,856.3 kcal/day, and DI at 1 and 3 months were 1,532.5 kcal/day and 1,637 kcal/day, respectively. The median preoperative DI was 1805 kcal/day (1,300-2,330 kcal/day) and 1481 kcal/day (1,126-1,957 kcal/day) in men and women, respectively (p<0.0001). The median DI at 1 month was 1627 (1,101-2,195) kcal/day and 1,308 (986-1,915) kcal/day in men and women, respectively (p<0.0001). At 3 months postoperatively, the median DI was 1737 (1,130-2,443) kcal/day in men and 1428 (816-2,005) kcal/day in women (p<0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the DI loss rate at 1 month (median: -9.7% vs. -9.3%, p=0.765) and 3 months (median: -3.5% vs. -4.8%, p=0.137) between men and women. Conclusion: Although the DI loss rate in men and women after gastrectomy for GC was almost similar, the postoperative DI and DI loss differed significantly. Therefore, differences in DI loss after gastrectomy between men and women should be considered while assessing the efficacy of additional nutritional support such as oral nutritional supplements after gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK has an informed choice testing policy for prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is available for free to any man aged ≥50 years who requests it and has been informed of the harms and benefits. This policy leads to differences in PSA testing rates, which can exacerbate health inequalities. Aim: To assess whether Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker helps men at risk of prostate cancer make an informed choice about the PSA test. Design & setting: Mixed-methods study in the UK. Method: In total, 1181 men at risk, their partners, and clinical experts participated in surveys, focus groups, and one-to-one interviews. Data on risk checker completions by sociodemographic factors were analysed over time. Data from general practices that sent the risk checker to their patients were collected and analysed for service monitoring purposes. Results: There was a strong assumption that testing must be good, and therefore a need to emphasise the pros and cons of the test and that having it was the patient’s decision. Men believed their GP would invite them for PSA testing. On the impact of the risk checker, 79.6% of men who completed it had at least one prostate cancer risk factor; the average time they interacted with the information in the tool was 9 minutes 28 seconds; and 75.7% felt the tool had equipped them to make an informed choice. Conclusion: Online decision-making tools, such as the risk checker, can help reach men at high risk of prostate cancer and support them in making an informed choice about the PSA test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study of the angles between the vertebrae and the curvatures of the spine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal disorders. The nature of the cervical region makes it susceptible to various cervical disorders, many of which can be caused by imbalanced alignment. Methods: In the present study, patients with chronic neck pain were compared with the normal population for cervical indexes. Results: One hundred subjects were selected, including 57 males (57%) and 43 females (43%). Neck tilting was significantly lower in the case group than control (41.5 vs. 45.8) (p=0.01). The mean of C0-C2 angle did not differ between groups (p=0.503), however, a significant increase was found for C2-C7 and C0-C7 angles (p=0.012) and (p=0.05), respectively. Further analysis revealed that cranial offset (21.9 vs. 8.6) and cranial tilting (21.3 vs. 10.1) significantly increased in patients with chronic neck pain (p<0.001) and (p=0.004), respectively. Also, cervical Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA) has shown a significant increase in patients than control (24.8 vs. 9.7) (p<0.001). Conclusion: The data have indicated that cervical indexes. Thus, spine surgeons should obtain standing cervical radiographs and evaluate the relationship between T1 slope, Spino Cranial Angle (SCA), and cSVA in all cases affected by cervical pathogenesis, even without obvious deformity. [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]

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]

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]