Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a benign neoplasm that develops from the constituent elements of the prostate. It is a common age-related condition, with more than 50% of men over 50 years old exhi...Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a benign neoplasm that develops from the constituent elements of the prostate. It is a common age-related condition, with more than 50% of men over 50 years old exhibiting symptoms indicative of BPH. It is the main cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive and longitudinal study over a six-month period from December 15, 2023, to May 15, 2024. All patients admitted for BPH and who received medication treatment during this period were included in the study. Results: The average age of patients was 65.4 years, with the 60 to 69-year age group being the most represented (37.18%). There was no statistical link between the level of education and the occurrence of erection dysfunction ED. 66.67% of patients suffered from ED before treatment. Age was a major risk factor. 94.87% of patients were treated with Alpha-blockers due to their tolerance and effectiveness. 14.10% of patients had a history of inguinal herniorrhaphy, often due to the strain of urination and physical labor. 46.16% of patients had hypertension. No significant link was found between comorbidities and ED. 38.45% of patients consumed tobacco or alcohol. Tobacco was a significant risk factor for ED. 57.67% of patients suffered from ED after treatment, indicating an improvement compared to 66.67% before treatment. However, 24.36% did not ejaculate during sexual intercourse. Conclusion: Medication treatment is the first-line treatment for BPH. However, it can lead to retrograde ejaculation, negatively impacting ejaculatory function. The results showed that the treatment improves patients’ sexuality (IIEF-5 score), but age and tobacco consumption increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.展开更多
Background: The sexual function is an essential aspect of life for women irrespective of age because it is closely correlated with overall wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a ...Background: The sexual function is an essential aspect of life for women irrespective of age because it is closely correlated with overall wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a common public health issue that is defined as one or more problems of female sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and/or sexual pain/discomfort that leads to significant distress. Aim: This study aimed to assess the female sexual function among Libyan women. Methods and materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Tripoli University Hospital over six months duration between January and June 2024. It included 314 female participants who attended the hospital during that period. The data underwent analysis and prescription via a computerized program of SPSS version 24. Results: The most frequent age range was between 26 to 35 years accounting for 54.8% (172). The mean duration of marriage was 7.42 years ± 7.228 SD. The majority of participants were multipara accounting for 79.9% (251). Based on the classification of female sexual dysfunction severity, 41.7% (131) of participants had mild to moderate severity followed by 32.2% (101) had mild severity with an overall female sexual dysfunction rate of 81.2% (255). Based on female sexual function characteristics, 28.3% (89) had abnormal desire, 22% (69) had abnormal arousal, 55.4% (174) had abnormal lubrication, 24.5% (77) had undetected orgasm, 23.2% (73) had inappropriate satisfaction and 19.1% (60) had pain. Conclusion: The overall rate of female sexual dysfunction among Libyan women was (81.2%) which is considered high but with low severity, (41.7%) had mild to moderate dysfunction followed by (32.2%) with mild dysfunction. These findings had significant effects on sexual life and marital status which require a basic strategy approach to increase sexual awareness and marital counseling among couples and to avoid adverse sexual dysfunction consequences such as divorce, marital problems, insufficient sexual satisfaction, and psychosocial concern.展开更多
Clinical inertia(CI)is common in clinical practice.Sexual health issues are common in society,and CI is ubiquitous in sexual medicine practice.CI influences all aspects of healthcare,including prevention,diagnosis,and...Clinical inertia(CI)is common in clinical practice.Sexual health issues are common in society,and CI is ubiquitous in sexual medicine practice.CI influences all aspects of healthcare,including prevention,diagnosis,and treatment.In this short review,we briefly describe the various aspects of CI in sexual medicine practice and ways to tackle them.展开更多
Sexual dichromatism represents a major form of phenotypic differentiation between the sexes in birds,and its evolution is likely shaped by the interplay between sexual and natural selection.The genus Ficedula,widely d...Sexual dichromatism represents a major form of phenotypic differentiation between the sexes in birds,and its evolution is likely shaped by the interplay between sexual and natural selection.The genus Ficedula,widely distributed across Eurasia,exhibits pronounced interspecific variation in both sexual dichromatism and migratory behavior,making it an ideal study system for investigating the evolutionary patterns and drivers of avian sexual dichromatism.In this study,we conducted a phylogenetic comparative analysis of plumage complexity and sexual dichromatism across 32 Ficedula species.We further explored how life-history traits influence the evolution of sexual dichromatism.Our results reveal a strong positive correlation between male plumage complexity and the degree of sexual dichromatism,with males evolving plumage complexity at significantly faster rates than females.Migratory species exhibit significantly higher levels of dichromatism.Furthermore,compared to monochromatic species,sexually dichromatic species are characterized by higher latitudinal occurrence,broader geographic distributions,and greater flight capacity.These findings demonstrated how sexual and natural selection jointly drive evolution of sexual dichromatism in Ficedula within phylogenetic constraints,advancing our understanding of the evolutionary drivers of avian sexual dichromatism.展开更多
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health,influencing diverse physiological processes,including those related to sexual health.Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between the gut micr...The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health,influencing diverse physiological processes,including those related to sexual health.Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and sexual health,mediated by its impact on systemic inflammation,hormonal regulation,and immune function.A balanced gut microbiota supports optimal levels of sex hormones,such as estrogen and testosterone,which are critical for sexual function and reproductive health.Additionally,gut-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids contribute to maintaining mucosal barrier integrity and regulating immune responses,which are essential for protecting against infections that may impair sexual health.Conversely,dysbiosis,an imbalance in gut microbial composition,has been linked to conditions such as erectile dysfunction,polycystic ovary syndrome,and reduced libido,emphasizing its role in sexual dysfunction.Lifestyle factors,including diet,stress,and antibiotic use,can modulate the gut microbiota and,consequently,sexual health outcomes.Recent therapeutic approaches,such as probiotics,prebiotics,and fecal microbiota transplantation,offer potential for restoring gut balance and improving sexual health.This review highlights the central role of the gut microbiota in sexual health,emphasizing its importance as a target for therapeutic interventions to enhance overall well-being.展开更多
This study primarily aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)and other common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)in spermatozoa of infertile men and their effects on semen parame...This study primarily aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)and other common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)in spermatozoa of infertile men and their effects on semen parameters.These pathogens included Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus.A total of 1951 men of infertile couples were recruited between 23 March 2023,and 17 May 2023,at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province(Kunming,China).Multiplex polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis were used for HPV genotyping.Polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis were also used to detect the presence of other STIs.The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 12.4%.The top five prevalent HPV subtypes were types 56,52,43,16,and 53 among those tested positive for HPV.Other common infections with high prevalence rates were Ureaplasma urealyticum(28.3%),Ureaplasma parvum(20.4%),and Enterococcus faecalis(9.5%).The prevalence rates of HPV coinfection with Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,and Staphylococcus aureus were 24.8%,25.4%,10.6%,6.4%,2.4%,7.9%,5.9%,0.9%,and 1.3%,respectively.The semen volume and total sperm count were greatly decreased by HPV infection alone.Coinfection with HPV and Ureaplasma urealyticum significantly reduced sperm motility and viability.Our study shows that coinfection with STIs is highly prevalent in the semen of infertile men and that coinfection with pathogens can seriously affect semen parameters,emphasizing the necessity of semen screening for STIs.展开更多
In addition to the loss of motor function,~60% of patients develop pain after spinal cord injury.The cellular-molecular mechanisms are not well understood,but the data suggests that plasticity within the rostral,epice...In addition to the loss of motor function,~60% of patients develop pain after spinal cord injury.The cellular-molecular mechanisms are not well understood,but the data suggests that plasticity within the rostral,epicenter,and caudal penumbra of the injury site initiates a cellularmolecular interplay that acts as a rewiring mechanism leading to central neuropathic pain.Sprouting can lead to the formation of new connections triggering abnormal sensory transmission.The excitatory glutamate transporters are responsible for the reuptake of extracellular glutamate which makes them a critical target to prevent neuronal hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity.Our previous studies showed a sexually dimorphic therapeutic window for spinal cord injury after treatment with the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen.In this study,we investigated the anti-allodynic effects of tamoxifen in male and female rats with spinal cord injury.We hypothesized that tamoxifen exerts anti-allodynic effects by increasing the expression of glutamate transporters,leading to reduced hyperexcitability of the secondary neuron or by decreasing aberrant sprouting.Male and female rats received a moderate contusion to the thoracic spinal cord followed by subcutaneous slow-release treatment of tamoxifen or matrix pellets as a control(placebo).We used von Frey monofilaments and the“up-down method”to evaluate mechanical allodynia.Tamoxifen treatment decreased allodynia only in female rats with spinal cord injury revealing a sexdependent effect.The expression profile of glutamatergic transporters(excitatory amino acid transporter 1/glutamate aspartate transporter and excitatory amino acid transporter 2/glutamate transporter-1)revealed a sexual dimorphism in the rostral,epicenter,and caudal areas of the spinal cord with a pattern of expression primarily on astrocytes.Female rodents showed a significantly higher level of excitatory amino acid transporter-1 expression while male rodents showed increased excitatory amino acid transporter-2 expression compared with female rodents.Analyses of peptidergic(calcitonin gene-related peptide-α)and non-peptidergic(isolectin B4)fibers outgrowth in the dorsal horn after spinal cord injury showed an increased calcitonin gene-related peptide-α/isolectin B4 ratio in comparison with sham,suggesting increased receptive fields in the dorsal horn.Although the behavioral assay shows decreased allodynia in tamoxifen-treated female rats,this was not associated with overexpression of glutamate transporters or alterations in the dorsal horn laminae fibers at 28 days post-injury.Our findings provide new evidence of the sexually dimorphic expression of glutamate transporters in the spinal cord.The dimorphic expression revealed in this study provides a therapeutic opportunity for treating chronic pain,an area with a critical need for treatment.展开更多
In Burkina Faso, recent dengue outbreaks were exacerbated by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have developed resistance to conventional insecticides. This study investigates the potential of Metarhizium pingshaense Met...In Burkina Faso, recent dengue outbreaks were exacerbated by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have developed resistance to conventional insecticides. This study investigates the potential of Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26, a fungus from Burkina Faso, for controlling both endophilic and exophilic Aedes mosquitoes. Traditional interventions are less effective against mosquitoes resting outdoors, and the ability of the fungus to be sexually transmitted could enhance its efficacy. Aedes mosquitoes were reared and exposed to various concentrations of Metarhizium pingshaense to assess its virulence. The fungus showed significant efficacy, with lethal times (LT80) ranging from 8.67 to 11.83 days depending on the concentration. Furthermore, bioassays demonstrated effective sexual auto-dissemination, with substantial transmission of fungal spores between infected and uninfected mosquitoes, leading to lower survival rates in uninfected mates. This study highlights Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26 as a promising tool for controlling both indoor and outdoor Aedes populations, complementing existing vector control strategies such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Wolbachia-based approaches. Future research should explore integrating this fungus with other control methods for a comprehensive vector management strategy.展开更多
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of ...Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted genital infections by traditional methods as culture remains extremely delicate, difficult or impossible (to find extremely fragile organisms that can be cultured). Thus, molecular techniques constitute an alternative to improve accurate diagnostic, personalized patient treatment, and public health. A total of 83 clinical samples including urethral discharge and urine samples from individual patients with symptoms of urethritis received were analyzed using traditional methods and a commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) method. Out of 83 urethritis patients, n = 55 (66.26%) were positive for at least one of the STI pathogens detected by qPCR. qPCR assay was more sensitive (50/83, positive cases) compared to culture (15/83, positive cases) and light microscopy (28/83, positive cases). The most prevalent NTD pathogen in the suspected patients was N. gonorrhoeae with 60.24% (50/83) based on real-time PCR diagnosis. Among the positive cases of STI pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae had the highest frequency 49/55 (89.01%) followed by low frequencies of Trichomonas vaginalis 4/55 (7.27%) and Chlamydia trachomatis 1/55 (1.82%). This highlights the high prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in male urethritis patients and a very important misdiagnosis using traditional routine methods in Burkina Faso by medical laboratories. Thus, this situation may negatively impact patients’ personalized treatment and care and public health with the possible rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. This study also highlights the urgent need to optimize culture for the diagnosis of NTD pathogens in Burkina Faso and the usefulness and the need for the introduction of molecular diagnostic methods in routine diagnosis for the detection of NTD pathogens in the medical laboratories in Burkina Faso.展开更多
Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between Whit...Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between White Leghorn and Beijing You chicken to evaluate the phenotypes related to sexual maturation,and profiled the ovary circRNAs of purebreds(WW,YY)and crossbreds(WY,YW)to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis for sexual maturation.Pubic space and oviduct length exhibited positive heterosis,and age at first egg(AFE)exhibited negative heterosis in the crossbreds.We identified 3,025 known circRNAs and 624 putative circRNAs,which were mainly derived from the exons.Among these circRNAs,141 and 178circRNAs were specially expressed in WY and YW,respectively.There were 52.38 and 64.63%of total circRNAs in WY and YW exhibited non-additive expression pattern,respectively.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the host genes of non-additive circRNAs were mainly involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway,oocyte development,ATPase activator activity,oocyte meiosis,progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and GnRH signaling pathway.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified that 4 modules were significantly(P<0.05)correlated with oviduct length and pubic space.The host genes of non-additive circRNAs harbored in the 4 modules were associated with MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway.Furthermore,competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNA)network analysis characterized non-additive circRNAs gal-FGFR2_0005 and galMAPKAP1_0004 could interact with gga-miR-1612 and gga-miR-12235-5p to regulate CNOT6,COL8A1,and FHL2,which were essential for ovary development,indicating that the non-additive circRNAs involved in the formation of sexual maturation heterosis through regulating genes related to the reproductive and developmental process.The findings would provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying sexual maturation heterosis from a novel perspective.展开更多
Sex-specific neurons play pivotal roles in regulating sexually dimorphic behaviors.In insects,the sex determination gene doublesex(dsx)establishes major sexual dimorphism of the nervous system,in which male-specific d...Sex-specific neurons play pivotal roles in regulating sexually dimorphic behaviors.In insects,the sex determination gene doublesex(dsx)establishes major sexual dimorphism of the nervous system,in which male-specific dsx^(M)promotes neuronal development,while female-specific dsx^(F)inhibits neuronal development by promoting neuronal apoptosis.In this study,we find that dsx regulates the number of dsx-expressing central neurons in Drosophila in cell-specific manners.Although dsx^(M)overall promotes an increase in the number of dsx neurons,it inhibits the emergence of specific pC1 neurons.dsx^(F)reduces the number of different pC1/pC2 subtypes,but promotes the formation of pC1d.We also find that dsx^(M)and dsx^(F)barely affect the number of some pC2 neurons.Changes in the number of pC1/pC2 neurons alter their roles in regulating different behaviors,including courtship,aggression,and locomotion.Our results illustrate the multifaceted functions of dsx in sexually dimorphic neuronal development and behaviors.展开更多
Frontal osteitis complicated with bone necrosis is rare.In addition,the condition has various etiologies,such as frontal sinusitis,penetrating head injury,postoperative complications after sinus surgery,and hematogeno...Frontal osteitis complicated with bone necrosis is rare.In addition,the condition has various etiologies,such as frontal sinusitis,penetrating head injury,postoperative complications after sinus surgery,and hematogenous spread from distant sites.In frontal osteitis,early diagnosis is important,and fistulization of pus in the scalp or on the traumatized forehead may raise the suspicion of osteitis in one of the skull bones.The exclusion of osteonecrosis is such cases is an emergency;hence,a magnetic resonance imaging and a computed tomography scan are required in the absence of skull radiography.Early administration of the appropriate treatment in the immediate post-trauma period ensures effective prevention of frontal osteitis;however,the treatment of bone necrosis involves debridement and antibiotic therapy to prevent fatal intracranial complications.This report presents the case of a 16-year-old female patient who experienced sexual and physical assault that resulted in undetected frontal trauma complicated with frontal osteonecrosis.Thorough clinical examination of the patient was performed,and follow-up and multidisciplinary management enabled the social integration of the patient.展开更多
Group living is widespread across diverse taxa,and the mechanisms underlying collective decision-making in contexts of variable role division are critical for understanding the dynamics of group stability.While studie...Group living is widespread across diverse taxa,and the mechanisms underlying collective decision-making in contexts of variable role division are critical for understanding the dynamics of group stability.While studies on collective behavior in small animals such as fish and insects are well-established,similar research on large wild animals remains challenging due to the limited availability of sufficient and systematic field data.Here,we aimed to explore the collective decision-making pattern and its sexual difference for the dimorphic Tibetan antelopes Pantholops hodgsonii(chiru)in Xizang Autonomous Region,China,by analyzing individual leadership distribution,as well as the joining process,considering factors such as calving stages and joining ranks.The distinct correlations of decision participants’ratio with group size and decision duration underscore the trade-off between accuracy and speed in decision-making.Male antelopes display a more democratic decision-making pattern,while females exhibit more prompt responses after calving at an early stage.This study uncovers a partially shared decision-making strategy among Tibetan antelopes,suggesting flexible self-organization in group decision processes aligned with animal life cycle progression.展开更多
Sexual dimorphism in the brain underlies behavioral differences between sexes.The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis(BNST)is a complex nucleus that differs between males and females,but the sexual dimorphism in cytoa...Sexual dimorphism in the brain underlies behavioral differences between sexes.The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis(BNST)is a complex nucleus that differs between males and females,but the sexual dimorphism in cytoarchitecture and the connectome of its oval subdivision(ovBNST)remains largely unexplored.By combining snRNA-seq and transgenic labeling,we found a higher density of ovBNST proenkephalin(ovBNSTPENK)neurons in male than female mice.Anatomically,we virally mapped the efferents and afferents of ovBNSTPENK neurons,finding reciprocally dimorphic connections with the hypothalamus and striatum.Gene enrichment analysis suggests that ovBNSTPENK neurons are modulated by the upstream dopamine pathway.Functionally,by applying caspase-3-mediated depletion of ovBNSTPENK neurons,we found that loss of these neurons enhanced locomotor activity in male but not female mice,without altering the anxiety-like phenotypes in either sex.Our study may pave the way for a better understanding of the anatomical and functional profiles of ovBNSTPENK neurons from a sexually dimorphic perspective.展开更多
Aggression,an evolutionarily conserved social behavior,is essential for animals to compete for valuable resources like food,territory,and mates,and to protect kin.Although aggression is required for the survival of bo...Aggression,an evolutionarily conserved social behavior,is essential for animals to compete for valuable resources like food,territory,and mates,and to protect kin.Although aggression is required for the survival of both sexes,it is often displayed in a sexually dimorphic manner,with males typically exhibiting higher levels of aggression than females.展开更多
Male fiddler crabs own an enlarged claw which is a weapon and an ornament.The enlargement of this claw begins from the juvenile stage and continues throughout life.Males may voluntarily lose(i.e.,autotomize)this claw....Male fiddler crabs own an enlarged claw which is a weapon and an ornament.The enlargement of this claw begins from the juvenile stage and continues throughout life.Males may voluntarily lose(i.e.,autotomize)this claw.After several molts males may regenerate a new claw,called leptochelous,which acquires a similar length but a lower muscle mass area than the original one,called brachychelous.In some species,regenerated claws develop permanently as leptochelous,the population having 2 discrete claw morphologies.Other species present morphological variations with leptochelous and brachychelous being 2 ends of a continuum.In the species Leptuca uruguayensis,we studied the morphological variation of this enlarged claw,whether it may be caused by its regeneration at different male sizes,and its consequences on mating success.We found that claws could not be discriminated as discrete morphs,suggesting a morphological continuum from brachychelous to leptochelous.Regenerated claws in the laboratory were initially small and proportional to body size,although a field experiment confirmed that claw size is recovered after several molts.Morphological variation may be caused by energetic limitations where males of different sizes must differently trade-off between restitution of claw length(ornament function)or claw muscle area(weapon function).Fiddler crabs use 2 mating tactics with different levels of female choice.However,regardless of the mating tactic,leptochelous males were at a disadvantage at high densities,although not at low densities,suggesting that the consequences of autotomy and regeneration on mating success may depend on the social context.展开更多
Androgen deprivation therapy(ADT)can negatively affect sexual function,and only a minority of patients report sexual activity.We reviewed the existing literature regarding the proportion of men who remained sexually a...Androgen deprivation therapy(ADT)can negatively affect sexual function,and only a minority of patients report sexual activity.We reviewed the existing literature regarding the proportion of men who remained sexually active during and after ADT.The PubMed database was searched for studies published over the past 20 years.We selected and reviewed randomized clinical trials that provided sexual function data at baseline and during and after ADT.The primary outcome measure was the sexual function.Studies assessed sexual function using quality of life patient-reported outcome measures,which included sexual potency/activity evaluation.Information from 2947 patients was analyzed in this review.The median age of patients was 70 years.At baseline,a median of 49.9%(95%confidence interval[Cl]:49.1%-50.7%)of the patients reported being sexually active.At 6 months,12 months,and 2 years or later of ADT treatment,a median of 10.3%(95%Cl:10.2%-10.5%),8.9%(95%Cl:8.6%-9.2%),and 8.3%(95%Cl:8.2%-8.5%)of the patients reported being sexually active,respectively.Considering that half of the patients were sexually active at baseline,it seems probable that more than 10%of the patients who were sexually active before starting ADT remained sexually active when undergoing ADT.In conclusion,despite the common belief that ADT eliminates sexual activity,this analysis found that approximately 1 in 10 men are sexually active when on ADT,and this proportion is likely increased in men who are sexually active before starting ADT.Attention to sexual activity should not be dismissed in men on ADT.展开更多
Dear Editor,Major depressive disorder(MDD)is associated with a high rate of suicide attempts(SA).Previous reports have identified risk factors for SA in MDD patients,including sex and metabolic disorders[1].However,to...Dear Editor,Major depressive disorder(MDD)is associated with a high rate of suicide attempts(SA).Previous reports have identified risk factors for SA in MDD patients,including sex and metabolic disorders[1].However,to our knowledge,the impact of sex differences on the association between body mass index(BMI)status and SA in patients with MDD has not been investigated.Th is study aimed to investigate:1)the sex diff erence in the prevalence of recent SA in Chinese drug-naïve fi rst-episode(DNFE)MDD patients,and 2)the eff ect of sex diff erence on the relationship between higher BMI(overweight or obese)and recent SA.Patients were recruited from the First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University from January 2015 to December 2017.All patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria described in previous studies[2].展开更多
BACKGROUND End-stage renal disease(ESRD)is associated with a multitude of physical,psychological,and social health challenges,including a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health.Among males with ESRD,erectil...BACKGROUND End-stage renal disease(ESRD)is associated with a multitude of physical,psychological,and social health challenges,including a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health.Among males with ESRD,erectile dysfunction(ED)is highly prevalent due to factors such as underlying comorbidities,including diabetes and hypertension,and the physiological effects of long-term dialysis.Kidney transplantation(KTx)has been proposed as a potential intervention to mitigate the effects of ED by restoring renal function and improving hormonal balance.However,the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of KTx in improving sexual function,specifically erectile function(EF),remains inconclusive.This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of KTx on sexual dysfunction(SexDys),particularly ED,in male ESRD patients.AIM To evaluate the benefits and potential harms of KTx compared to other forms of renal replacement therapy in improving EF in adult males with ESRD,assessed using the international index of EF(IIEF),to survey the prevalence of SexDys in this population,and to assess the correlation between various factors and SexDys through regression analysis.METHODS A systematic search of PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,Scopus,Clinical-Trials.gov,and Google Scholar was conducted,following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.Prospective and retrospective cohort studies,as well as cross-sectional studies assessing EF pre-and post-transplantation,were included.These studies used validated tools such as the IIEF to measure EF.Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to estimate standardized mean differences(SMD)and hazard ratios(HR)with 95%confidence intervals(CI).Heterogeneity was assessed using the I²statistic,and publication bias was evaluated with a funnel plot and the Egger’s test.RESULTS A total of 2419 studies were identified,with 362 abstracts screened and 193 full-text articles reviewed.Ultimately,11 studies were included for qualitative analysis and 7 for quantitative synthesis.The random effects model for SMD yielded a combined estimate of 0.43(95%CI:-0.20-1.07),indicating a small but non-significant improvement in EF post-transplantation.The heterogeneity across studies was substantial(I²=90%),reflecting significant variability in outcomes.Subgroup analysis showed greater improvements in EF among living-donor transplant recipients compared to those receiving organs from deceased donors.Despite this trend,the overall result for changes in EF was not statistically significant(P=0.15).Additionally,the combined HR from the meta-analysis was 2.87(95%CI:1.76-4.69),suggesting that KTx significantly increases the likelihood of improved EF,though variability between studies persisted(I²=63%).CONCLUSION While KTx offers some promise for improving EF in male ESRD patients,the overall evidence remains inconclusive due to high heterogeneity between studies and a lack of statistical significance in the combined results.Despite this,individual studies suggest that KTx may lead to significant improvements in EF for certain subgroups,particularly living-donor recipients.Future research should focus on larger,well-designed cohort studies with standardized outcome measures to provide more definitive conclusions.Addressing SexDys as part of routine care for ESRD patients undergoing KTx is crucial to improving their overall quality of life.However,adjunct therapies such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors may be necessary for those who do not experience adequate improvements post-transplantation.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a benign neoplasm that develops from the constituent elements of the prostate. It is a common age-related condition, with more than 50% of men over 50 years old exhibiting symptoms indicative of BPH. It is the main cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive and longitudinal study over a six-month period from December 15, 2023, to May 15, 2024. All patients admitted for BPH and who received medication treatment during this period were included in the study. Results: The average age of patients was 65.4 years, with the 60 to 69-year age group being the most represented (37.18%). There was no statistical link between the level of education and the occurrence of erection dysfunction ED. 66.67% of patients suffered from ED before treatment. Age was a major risk factor. 94.87% of patients were treated with Alpha-blockers due to their tolerance and effectiveness. 14.10% of patients had a history of inguinal herniorrhaphy, often due to the strain of urination and physical labor. 46.16% of patients had hypertension. No significant link was found between comorbidities and ED. 38.45% of patients consumed tobacco or alcohol. Tobacco was a significant risk factor for ED. 57.67% of patients suffered from ED after treatment, indicating an improvement compared to 66.67% before treatment. However, 24.36% did not ejaculate during sexual intercourse. Conclusion: Medication treatment is the first-line treatment for BPH. However, it can lead to retrograde ejaculation, negatively impacting ejaculatory function. The results showed that the treatment improves patients’ sexuality (IIEF-5 score), but age and tobacco consumption increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.
文摘Background: The sexual function is an essential aspect of life for women irrespective of age because it is closely correlated with overall wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a common public health issue that is defined as one or more problems of female sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and/or sexual pain/discomfort that leads to significant distress. Aim: This study aimed to assess the female sexual function among Libyan women. Methods and materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Tripoli University Hospital over six months duration between January and June 2024. It included 314 female participants who attended the hospital during that period. The data underwent analysis and prescription via a computerized program of SPSS version 24. Results: The most frequent age range was between 26 to 35 years accounting for 54.8% (172). The mean duration of marriage was 7.42 years ± 7.228 SD. The majority of participants were multipara accounting for 79.9% (251). Based on the classification of female sexual dysfunction severity, 41.7% (131) of participants had mild to moderate severity followed by 32.2% (101) had mild severity with an overall female sexual dysfunction rate of 81.2% (255). Based on female sexual function characteristics, 28.3% (89) had abnormal desire, 22% (69) had abnormal arousal, 55.4% (174) had abnormal lubrication, 24.5% (77) had undetected orgasm, 23.2% (73) had inappropriate satisfaction and 19.1% (60) had pain. Conclusion: The overall rate of female sexual dysfunction among Libyan women was (81.2%) which is considered high but with low severity, (41.7%) had mild to moderate dysfunction followed by (32.2%) with mild dysfunction. These findings had significant effects on sexual life and marital status which require a basic strategy approach to increase sexual awareness and marital counseling among couples and to avoid adverse sexual dysfunction consequences such as divorce, marital problems, insufficient sexual satisfaction, and psychosocial concern.
文摘Clinical inertia(CI)is common in clinical practice.Sexual health issues are common in society,and CI is ubiquitous in sexual medicine practice.CI influences all aspects of healthcare,including prevention,diagnosis,and treatment.In this short review,we briefly describe the various aspects of CI in sexual medicine practice and ways to tackle them.
基金support was provided by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(Grant 31772444 and 31471987)。
文摘Sexual dichromatism represents a major form of phenotypic differentiation between the sexes in birds,and its evolution is likely shaped by the interplay between sexual and natural selection.The genus Ficedula,widely distributed across Eurasia,exhibits pronounced interspecific variation in both sexual dichromatism and migratory behavior,making it an ideal study system for investigating the evolutionary patterns and drivers of avian sexual dichromatism.In this study,we conducted a phylogenetic comparative analysis of plumage complexity and sexual dichromatism across 32 Ficedula species.We further explored how life-history traits influence the evolution of sexual dichromatism.Our results reveal a strong positive correlation between male plumage complexity and the degree of sexual dichromatism,with males evolving plumage complexity at significantly faster rates than females.Migratory species exhibit significantly higher levels of dichromatism.Furthermore,compared to monochromatic species,sexually dichromatic species are characterized by higher latitudinal occurrence,broader geographic distributions,and greater flight capacity.These findings demonstrated how sexual and natural selection jointly drive evolution of sexual dichromatism in Ficedula within phylogenetic constraints,advancing our understanding of the evolutionary drivers of avian sexual dichromatism.
文摘The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health,influencing diverse physiological processes,including those related to sexual health.Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and sexual health,mediated by its impact on systemic inflammation,hormonal regulation,and immune function.A balanced gut microbiota supports optimal levels of sex hormones,such as estrogen and testosterone,which are critical for sexual function and reproductive health.Additionally,gut-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids contribute to maintaining mucosal barrier integrity and regulating immune responses,which are essential for protecting against infections that may impair sexual health.Conversely,dysbiosis,an imbalance in gut microbial composition,has been linked to conditions such as erectile dysfunction,polycystic ovary syndrome,and reduced libido,emphasizing its role in sexual dysfunction.Lifestyle factors,including diet,stress,and antibiotic use,can modulate the gut microbiota and,consequently,sexual health outcomes.Recent therapeutic approaches,such as probiotics,prebiotics,and fecal microbiota transplantation,offer potential for restoring gut balance and improving sexual health.This review highlights the central role of the gut microbiota in sexual health,emphasizing its importance as a target for therapeutic interventions to enhance overall well-being.
基金supported by the Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Virology(No.202002AG070062)the Key Projects of Yunnan Province Science and Technology Department(No.202302AA310044)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82060664).
文摘This study primarily aimed to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)and other common pathogens of sexually transmitted infections(STIs)in spermatozoa of infertile men and their effects on semen parameters.These pathogens included Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureus.A total of 1951 men of infertile couples were recruited between 23 March 2023,and 17 May 2023,at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province(Kunming,China).Multiplex polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis were used for HPV genotyping.Polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis were also used to detect the presence of other STIs.The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 12.4%.The top five prevalent HPV subtypes were types 56,52,43,16,and 53 among those tested positive for HPV.Other common infections with high prevalence rates were Ureaplasma urealyticum(28.3%),Ureaplasma parvum(20.4%),and Enterococcus faecalis(9.5%).The prevalence rates of HPV coinfection with Ureaplasma urealyticum,Ureaplasma parvum,Chlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma genitalium,herpes simplex virus 2,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Enterococcus faecalis,Streptococcus agalactiae,and Staphylococcus aureus were 24.8%,25.4%,10.6%,6.4%,2.4%,7.9%,5.9%,0.9%,and 1.3%,respectively.The semen volume and total sperm count were greatly decreased by HPV infection alone.Coinfection with HPV and Ureaplasma urealyticum significantly reduced sperm motility and viability.Our study shows that coinfection with STIs is highly prevalent in the semen of infertile men and that coinfection with pathogens can seriously affect semen parameters,emphasizing the necessity of semen screening for STIs.
基金supported by COBRE(P30GM149367)the Puerto Rico Science&Technology Trust(2022-00125)+1 种基金MBRS-RISE Program(R25 GM061838)SC1GM144032 program(all to JDM)。
文摘In addition to the loss of motor function,~60% of patients develop pain after spinal cord injury.The cellular-molecular mechanisms are not well understood,but the data suggests that plasticity within the rostral,epicenter,and caudal penumbra of the injury site initiates a cellularmolecular interplay that acts as a rewiring mechanism leading to central neuropathic pain.Sprouting can lead to the formation of new connections triggering abnormal sensory transmission.The excitatory glutamate transporters are responsible for the reuptake of extracellular glutamate which makes them a critical target to prevent neuronal hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity.Our previous studies showed a sexually dimorphic therapeutic window for spinal cord injury after treatment with the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen.In this study,we investigated the anti-allodynic effects of tamoxifen in male and female rats with spinal cord injury.We hypothesized that tamoxifen exerts anti-allodynic effects by increasing the expression of glutamate transporters,leading to reduced hyperexcitability of the secondary neuron or by decreasing aberrant sprouting.Male and female rats received a moderate contusion to the thoracic spinal cord followed by subcutaneous slow-release treatment of tamoxifen or matrix pellets as a control(placebo).We used von Frey monofilaments and the“up-down method”to evaluate mechanical allodynia.Tamoxifen treatment decreased allodynia only in female rats with spinal cord injury revealing a sexdependent effect.The expression profile of glutamatergic transporters(excitatory amino acid transporter 1/glutamate aspartate transporter and excitatory amino acid transporter 2/glutamate transporter-1)revealed a sexual dimorphism in the rostral,epicenter,and caudal areas of the spinal cord with a pattern of expression primarily on astrocytes.Female rodents showed a significantly higher level of excitatory amino acid transporter-1 expression while male rodents showed increased excitatory amino acid transporter-2 expression compared with female rodents.Analyses of peptidergic(calcitonin gene-related peptide-α)and non-peptidergic(isolectin B4)fibers outgrowth in the dorsal horn after spinal cord injury showed an increased calcitonin gene-related peptide-α/isolectin B4 ratio in comparison with sham,suggesting increased receptive fields in the dorsal horn.Although the behavioral assay shows decreased allodynia in tamoxifen-treated female rats,this was not associated with overexpression of glutamate transporters or alterations in the dorsal horn laminae fibers at 28 days post-injury.Our findings provide new evidence of the sexually dimorphic expression of glutamate transporters in the spinal cord.The dimorphic expression revealed in this study provides a therapeutic opportunity for treating chronic pain,an area with a critical need for treatment.
文摘In Burkina Faso, recent dengue outbreaks were exacerbated by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have developed resistance to conventional insecticides. This study investigates the potential of Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26, a fungus from Burkina Faso, for controlling both endophilic and exophilic Aedes mosquitoes. Traditional interventions are less effective against mosquitoes resting outdoors, and the ability of the fungus to be sexually transmitted could enhance its efficacy. Aedes mosquitoes were reared and exposed to various concentrations of Metarhizium pingshaense to assess its virulence. The fungus showed significant efficacy, with lethal times (LT80) ranging from 8.67 to 11.83 days depending on the concentration. Furthermore, bioassays demonstrated effective sexual auto-dissemination, with substantial transmission of fungal spores between infected and uninfected mosquitoes, leading to lower survival rates in uninfected mates. This study highlights Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26 as a promising tool for controlling both indoor and outdoor Aedes populations, complementing existing vector control strategies such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Wolbachia-based approaches. Future research should explore integrating this fungus with other control methods for a comprehensive vector management strategy.
文摘Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted genital infections by traditional methods as culture remains extremely delicate, difficult or impossible (to find extremely fragile organisms that can be cultured). Thus, molecular techniques constitute an alternative to improve accurate diagnostic, personalized patient treatment, and public health. A total of 83 clinical samples including urethral discharge and urine samples from individual patients with symptoms of urethritis received were analyzed using traditional methods and a commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) method. Out of 83 urethritis patients, n = 55 (66.26%) were positive for at least one of the STI pathogens detected by qPCR. qPCR assay was more sensitive (50/83, positive cases) compared to culture (15/83, positive cases) and light microscopy (28/83, positive cases). The most prevalent NTD pathogen in the suspected patients was N. gonorrhoeae with 60.24% (50/83) based on real-time PCR diagnosis. Among the positive cases of STI pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae had the highest frequency 49/55 (89.01%) followed by low frequencies of Trichomonas vaginalis 4/55 (7.27%) and Chlamydia trachomatis 1/55 (1.82%). This highlights the high prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in male urethritis patients and a very important misdiagnosis using traditional routine methods in Burkina Faso by medical laboratories. Thus, this situation may negatively impact patients’ personalized treatment and care and public health with the possible rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. This study also highlights the urgent need to optimize culture for the diagnosis of NTD pathogens in Burkina Faso and the usefulness and the need for the introduction of molecular diagnostic methods in routine diagnosis for the detection of NTD pathogens in the medical laboratories in Burkina Faso.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172721)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40)+1 种基金the Central Publicinterest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,China(2021-YWF-ZYSQ-12)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ASTIP-IAS04)。
文摘Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between White Leghorn and Beijing You chicken to evaluate the phenotypes related to sexual maturation,and profiled the ovary circRNAs of purebreds(WW,YY)and crossbreds(WY,YW)to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis for sexual maturation.Pubic space and oviduct length exhibited positive heterosis,and age at first egg(AFE)exhibited negative heterosis in the crossbreds.We identified 3,025 known circRNAs and 624 putative circRNAs,which were mainly derived from the exons.Among these circRNAs,141 and 178circRNAs were specially expressed in WY and YW,respectively.There were 52.38 and 64.63%of total circRNAs in WY and YW exhibited non-additive expression pattern,respectively.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the host genes of non-additive circRNAs were mainly involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway,oocyte development,ATPase activator activity,oocyte meiosis,progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and GnRH signaling pathway.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified that 4 modules were significantly(P<0.05)correlated with oviduct length and pubic space.The host genes of non-additive circRNAs harbored in the 4 modules were associated with MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway.Furthermore,competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNA)network analysis characterized non-additive circRNAs gal-FGFR2_0005 and galMAPKAP1_0004 could interact with gga-miR-1612 and gga-miR-12235-5p to regulate CNOT6,COL8A1,and FHL2,which were essential for ovary development,indicating that the non-additive circRNAs involved in the formation of sexual maturation heterosis through regulating genes related to the reproductive and developmental process.The findings would provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying sexual maturation heterosis from a novel perspective.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFA1101300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32371067 to Y.P.)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation from Jiangsu Province(BK20231418 to Q.P.)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2242023R40054 to Q.P.).
文摘Sex-specific neurons play pivotal roles in regulating sexually dimorphic behaviors.In insects,the sex determination gene doublesex(dsx)establishes major sexual dimorphism of the nervous system,in which male-specific dsx^(M)promotes neuronal development,while female-specific dsx^(F)inhibits neuronal development by promoting neuronal apoptosis.In this study,we find that dsx regulates the number of dsx-expressing central neurons in Drosophila in cell-specific manners.Although dsx^(M)overall promotes an increase in the number of dsx neurons,it inhibits the emergence of specific pC1 neurons.dsx^(F)reduces the number of different pC1/pC2 subtypes,but promotes the formation of pC1d.We also find that dsx^(M)and dsx^(F)barely affect the number of some pC2 neurons.Changes in the number of pC1/pC2 neurons alter their roles in regulating different behaviors,including courtship,aggression,and locomotion.Our results illustrate the multifaceted functions of dsx in sexually dimorphic neuronal development and behaviors.
文摘Frontal osteitis complicated with bone necrosis is rare.In addition,the condition has various etiologies,such as frontal sinusitis,penetrating head injury,postoperative complications after sinus surgery,and hematogenous spread from distant sites.In frontal osteitis,early diagnosis is important,and fistulization of pus in the scalp or on the traumatized forehead may raise the suspicion of osteitis in one of the skull bones.The exclusion of osteonecrosis is such cases is an emergency;hence,a magnetic resonance imaging and a computed tomography scan are required in the absence of skull radiography.Early administration of the appropriate treatment in the immediate post-trauma period ensures effective prevention of frontal osteitis;however,the treatment of bone necrosis involves debridement and antibiotic therapy to prevent fatal intracranial complications.This report presents the case of a 16-year-old female patient who experienced sexual and physical assault that resulted in undetected frontal trauma complicated with frontal osteonecrosis.Thorough clinical examination of the patient was performed,and follow-up and multidisciplinary management enabled the social integration of the patient.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant no.32101237)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant no.2021M691522)+1 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program(Grant no.2022YFC3202104)the Tibet Major Science and Technology Project(Grant no.XZ201901-GA-06).
文摘Group living is widespread across diverse taxa,and the mechanisms underlying collective decision-making in contexts of variable role division are critical for understanding the dynamics of group stability.While studies on collective behavior in small animals such as fish and insects are well-established,similar research on large wild animals remains challenging due to the limited availability of sufficient and systematic field data.Here,we aimed to explore the collective decision-making pattern and its sexual difference for the dimorphic Tibetan antelopes Pantholops hodgsonii(chiru)in Xizang Autonomous Region,China,by analyzing individual leadership distribution,as well as the joining process,considering factors such as calving stages and joining ranks.The distinct correlations of decision participants’ratio with group size and decision duration underscore the trade-off between accuracy and speed in decision-making.Male antelopes display a more democratic decision-making pattern,while females exhibit more prompt responses after calving at an early stage.This study uncovers a partially shared decision-making strategy among Tibetan antelopes,suggesting flexible self-organization in group decision processes aligned with animal life cycle progression.
基金supported by research grants from the STI2030-Major Projects(2021ZD0203000 and 2021ZD0203002)the Major Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82090033)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32200825,32471074,and 32100792)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2022QC173)the Shandong Provincial Taishan Scholars Project(tsqn202306174)the Shandong Province Major Basic Research Project(ZR2019ZD35).
文摘Sexual dimorphism in the brain underlies behavioral differences between sexes.The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis(BNST)is a complex nucleus that differs between males and females,but the sexual dimorphism in cytoarchitecture and the connectome of its oval subdivision(ovBNST)remains largely unexplored.By combining snRNA-seq and transgenic labeling,we found a higher density of ovBNST proenkephalin(ovBNSTPENK)neurons in male than female mice.Anatomically,we virally mapped the efferents and afferents of ovBNSTPENK neurons,finding reciprocally dimorphic connections with the hypothalamus and striatum.Gene enrichment analysis suggests that ovBNSTPENK neurons are modulated by the upstream dopamine pathway.Functionally,by applying caspase-3-mediated depletion of ovBNSTPENK neurons,we found that loss of these neurons enhanced locomotor activity in male but not female mice,without altering the anxiety-like phenotypes in either sex.Our study may pave the way for a better understanding of the anatomical and functional profiles of ovBNSTPENK neurons from a sexually dimorphic perspective.
基金supported by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation and the Key R&D Program of Zhejiang(2024SSYS0016).
文摘Aggression,an evolutionarily conserved social behavior,is essential for animals to compete for valuable resources like food,territory,and mates,and to protect kin.Although aggression is required for the survival of both sexes,it is often displayed in a sexually dimorphic manner,with males typically exhibiting higher levels of aggression than females.
基金funded by the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica(PICT-2019-2385)Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas(PIP-11220200102466CO)Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata(EXA953/20).
文摘Male fiddler crabs own an enlarged claw which is a weapon and an ornament.The enlargement of this claw begins from the juvenile stage and continues throughout life.Males may voluntarily lose(i.e.,autotomize)this claw.After several molts males may regenerate a new claw,called leptochelous,which acquires a similar length but a lower muscle mass area than the original one,called brachychelous.In some species,regenerated claws develop permanently as leptochelous,the population having 2 discrete claw morphologies.Other species present morphological variations with leptochelous and brachychelous being 2 ends of a continuum.In the species Leptuca uruguayensis,we studied the morphological variation of this enlarged claw,whether it may be caused by its regeneration at different male sizes,and its consequences on mating success.We found that claws could not be discriminated as discrete morphs,suggesting a morphological continuum from brachychelous to leptochelous.Regenerated claws in the laboratory were initially small and proportional to body size,although a field experiment confirmed that claw size is recovered after several molts.Morphological variation may be caused by energetic limitations where males of different sizes must differently trade-off between restitution of claw length(ornament function)or claw muscle area(weapon function).Fiddler crabs use 2 mating tactics with different levels of female choice.However,regardless of the mating tactic,leptochelous males were at a disadvantage at high densities,although not at low densities,suggesting that the consequences of autotomy and regeneration on mating success may depend on the social context.
文摘Androgen deprivation therapy(ADT)can negatively affect sexual function,and only a minority of patients report sexual activity.We reviewed the existing literature regarding the proportion of men who remained sexually active during and after ADT.The PubMed database was searched for studies published over the past 20 years.We selected and reviewed randomized clinical trials that provided sexual function data at baseline and during and after ADT.The primary outcome measure was the sexual function.Studies assessed sexual function using quality of life patient-reported outcome measures,which included sexual potency/activity evaluation.Information from 2947 patients was analyzed in this review.The median age of patients was 70 years.At baseline,a median of 49.9%(95%confidence interval[Cl]:49.1%-50.7%)of the patients reported being sexually active.At 6 months,12 months,and 2 years or later of ADT treatment,a median of 10.3%(95%Cl:10.2%-10.5%),8.9%(95%Cl:8.6%-9.2%),and 8.3%(95%Cl:8.2%-8.5%)of the patients reported being sexually active,respectively.Considering that half of the patients were sexually active at baseline,it seems probable that more than 10%of the patients who were sexually active before starting ADT remained sexually active when undergoing ADT.In conclusion,despite the common belief that ADT eliminates sexual activity,this analysis found that approximately 1 in 10 men are sexually active when on ADT,and this proportion is likely increased in men who are sexually active before starting ADT.Attention to sexual activity should not be dismissed in men on ADT.
基金supported by the Guangzhou Municiple Health Commission(2023 C-TS26)the Opening Foundation of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration,Nanjing Medical University(KF202202)+1 种基金the Plan on Enhancing Scientific Research in Guangzhou Medical University(02-410-230221XM,GMUCR2024-02025)the Project of Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau(2023A03J0835).
文摘Dear Editor,Major depressive disorder(MDD)is associated with a high rate of suicide attempts(SA).Previous reports have identified risk factors for SA in MDD patients,including sex and metabolic disorders[1].However,to our knowledge,the impact of sex differences on the association between body mass index(BMI)status and SA in patients with MDD has not been investigated.Th is study aimed to investigate:1)the sex diff erence in the prevalence of recent SA in Chinese drug-naïve fi rst-episode(DNFE)MDD patients,and 2)the eff ect of sex diff erence on the relationship between higher BMI(overweight or obese)and recent SA.Patients were recruited from the First Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University from January 2015 to December 2017.All patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria described in previous studies[2].
文摘BACKGROUND End-stage renal disease(ESRD)is associated with a multitude of physical,psychological,and social health challenges,including a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health.Among males with ESRD,erectile dysfunction(ED)is highly prevalent due to factors such as underlying comorbidities,including diabetes and hypertension,and the physiological effects of long-term dialysis.Kidney transplantation(KTx)has been proposed as a potential intervention to mitigate the effects of ED by restoring renal function and improving hormonal balance.However,the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of KTx in improving sexual function,specifically erectile function(EF),remains inconclusive.This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of KTx on sexual dysfunction(SexDys),particularly ED,in male ESRD patients.AIM To evaluate the benefits and potential harms of KTx compared to other forms of renal replacement therapy in improving EF in adult males with ESRD,assessed using the international index of EF(IIEF),to survey the prevalence of SexDys in this population,and to assess the correlation between various factors and SexDys through regression analysis.METHODS A systematic search of PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,Scopus,Clinical-Trials.gov,and Google Scholar was conducted,following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.Prospective and retrospective cohort studies,as well as cross-sectional studies assessing EF pre-and post-transplantation,were included.These studies used validated tools such as the IIEF to measure EF.Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to estimate standardized mean differences(SMD)and hazard ratios(HR)with 95%confidence intervals(CI).Heterogeneity was assessed using the I²statistic,and publication bias was evaluated with a funnel plot and the Egger’s test.RESULTS A total of 2419 studies were identified,with 362 abstracts screened and 193 full-text articles reviewed.Ultimately,11 studies were included for qualitative analysis and 7 for quantitative synthesis.The random effects model for SMD yielded a combined estimate of 0.43(95%CI:-0.20-1.07),indicating a small but non-significant improvement in EF post-transplantation.The heterogeneity across studies was substantial(I²=90%),reflecting significant variability in outcomes.Subgroup analysis showed greater improvements in EF among living-donor transplant recipients compared to those receiving organs from deceased donors.Despite this trend,the overall result for changes in EF was not statistically significant(P=0.15).Additionally,the combined HR from the meta-analysis was 2.87(95%CI:1.76-4.69),suggesting that KTx significantly increases the likelihood of improved EF,though variability between studies persisted(I²=63%).CONCLUSION While KTx offers some promise for improving EF in male ESRD patients,the overall evidence remains inconclusive due to high heterogeneity between studies and a lack of statistical significance in the combined results.Despite this,individual studies suggest that KTx may lead to significant improvements in EF for certain subgroups,particularly living-donor recipients.Future research should focus on larger,well-designed cohort studies with standardized outcome measures to provide more definitive conclusions.Addressing SexDys as part of routine care for ESRD patients undergoing KTx is crucial to improving their overall quality of life.However,adjunct therapies such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors may be necessary for those who do not experience adequate improvements post-transplantation.
