American Journal of Men's Health最新文献

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the application of freehand transperineal prostate biopsy (FTPB) under local anesthesia (LA) versus systematic transperineal prostate biopsy (STPB) in an outpatient setting without antibiotics. A total of 218 biopsy-naive patients with suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa) based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) were retrospectively analyzed. Suspicious areas on mpMRI were graded using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PI-RADS v2.1). FTPB was performed for each suspicious lesion, followed by a 12-core STPB under LA. Histopathological outcomes, complications, and tolerability were recorded. The results showed that PCa was detected in 129 (59.17%) patients, with 104 (47.71%) being clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). There was agreement between FTPB and STPB in 94 (72.88%) patients. FTPB diagnosed fewer PCa cases but more csPCa cases than STPB. LA-FTPB was well-tolerated with no severe complications. The conclusions suggest that FTPB under LA in an outpatient setting without antibiotics is safe, feasible, and efficient.

SPC25 is associated with unfavorable outcomes in various cancers, but its role in prostate cancer (PRAD) is unclear. More research is needed on glycolysis and ferroptosis targets in PRAD. Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze SPC25 expression disparities. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified pathways enriched by SPC25 and its correlation with glycolytic proteins. SPC25 mRNA transcriptional activity was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while protein levels of SPC25, glycolytic markers, and ferroptosis markers were assessed using Western blot. CCK-8 was used to evaluate the effects of SPC25 on cell survival. Ferroptosis levels were measured by flow cytometry and assays for Fe²⁺ and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Glycolytic capacity was assessed using glucose uptake assays, lactate tests, and a Seahorse XF analyzer. In PRAD tissues and cells, SPC25 was notably upregulated and correlated with adverse outcomes. It enhanced cancer cell vitality. GSEA showed SPC25's strong association with ferroptosis and glycolytic pathways, while Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between SPC25 and glycolytic proteins. Overexpression of SPC25 in cell lines noticeably curbed the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species, MDA formation, and Fe²⁺ content, while it augmented the protein expression of ferroptosis markers. SPC25 stimulated an increase in cellular extracellular acidification rate, glucose uptake, and lactate secretion, while it dampened oxygen consumption rate, and this effect could be counteracted by 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG). Conversely, 2-DG mitigated the ferroptosis indicators that were diminished by SPC25 downregulation, including the reduction of ferroptosis marker protein expression. By upregulating glycolysis in PRAD cells, SPC25 suppresses the occurrence of ferroptosis.

Black same-gender-loving (SGL) men (BSGLM) bear a disproportionate burden of depression. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been found to predict depression among this group. However, little research has examined the mechanisms that may account for this relationship. This study aimed to examine how stress appraisal explained the association between ACEs and depression. This cross-sectional study leveraged survey data from 169 BSGLM residing in the United States. Utilizing Hayes' PROCESS Macro (Model 4), we found that five different dimensions of stress appraisal were significant partial mediators of the association between ACEs and depression. Specifically, ACEs predicted lower levels of stress appraisal dimensions consistent with an optimal worldview, which in turn were inversely associated with depressive symptoms. ACEs predicted higher levels of stress appraisal dimensions consistent with a suboptimal worldview, which in turn were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Effects sizes ranged from small to large. Implications of these findings for clinical care and research with BSGLM were discussed.

Asthma is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, and inflammatory factors can damage vascular endothelial cells, thus impairing erectile function (ED). Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) can inhibit inflammation and promote angiogenesis, which in turn improves asthma as well as ED, but its exact mechanism of action is not yet clear. This study investigates the mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of XFZYD on asthma-associated ED. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the constituents of XFZYD, and network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the target genes of XFZYD. Sprague-Dawley rats in the asthma model with erectile dysfunction were divided into the model, XFZYD low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.09, 6.17, and 12.34 g/kg), with drug intervention for 8 weeks. We assessed the interleukin 6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) protein levels in the penile tissue. We discovered that after treatment with XFZYD (3.09, 6.17, and 12.34 g/kg), the number of erections significantly increased (1.17 ± 0.41, 1.50 ± 0.55, and 1.67 ± 0.52), the density of endothelial cells in the corpus cavernosum of the penis increased, the expression level of IL-6 was reduced (7.5%, 21.2%, and 24.4%), the expression level of VEGFA was reduced (7.8%, 25%, and 28.4%), and the expression level of TNF was reduced (13.5%, 30.6%, and 32.4%). The in vivo experiments indicate that XFZYD may improve ED in asthma model rats by inhibiting inflammation and reducing vascular permeability. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of action of XFZYD in the treatment of asthma leading to ED.

Infertility was reported in approximately 15% of all heterozygous couples, with the male factor accounting for nearly half of the cases. This typically occurs due to low sperm production, sperm dysfunction, and sperm delivery obstruction. In this randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial, 90 infertile male subjects diagnosed with oligospermia, hypospermia, asthenozoospermia, or necrozoospermia were recruited. Semen samples were obtained with the masturbation method and an assessment of semen volume, sperm count, and motility was performed. Five milliamps of electrical shock was delivered to the participants through the fertility improvement device. Semen analysis was collected 4 months post-intervention from all subjects. Data were collected and an analysis of pre- and post-intervention results was performed. There was an improvement in the count, volume, and motility of the patient's sperm after electrical shock treatment compared with the control group. By using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, there were statistically significant differences between the first and the second seminal analysis results (<.05). All other results were found to be independently correlated. This study demonstrated that using a painless, convenient at-home device, which is designed to contain all the testis tissue as a cup and then extend to include the scrotal roots reaching the penile root to include the epididymis, could significantly improve sperm motility and count. This device can be utilized to tackle the significant issue of infertility in a cost-effective, safe, and efficacious manner. An ultrasound was done before and after using the device as well as years after with no changes noted.Clinical Trial's Registration Number: NCT04173052.

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study investigates the factors influencing Thai fathers' involvement in early childhood Childcare. In the quantitative phase (n = 230), fathers' involvement in Childcare was assessed using a Childcare involvement scale to identify key contributing factors. The qualitative phase (n = 20) further elaborated on these quantitative findings through content analysis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that fathers' perceived Childcare skills, division of Childcare responsibilities, and marital satisfaction explained 53% (p < .001) of the variance in paternal involvement. The qualitative phase expanded on these findings, identifying fathers' involvement experiences, and revealing three central themes: responsible involvement, father-child interaction, and discipline training. These results offer valuable insights for health care professionals into the support needs of Thai fathers engaged in Childcare, facilitating better strategies for encouraging active fatherhood.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychotherapeutic interventions, specifically cognitive-behavioral sexual therapy, using the example of erectile dysfunction in a cohort of 58 Ukrainian men under the age of 40 years. To achieve this goal, questionnaire methods were employed, including questions from the International Index of Erectile Function and the Perceived Stress Scale, along with statistical data processing and subsequent discussion. Psychotherapeutic intervention demonstrated its effectiveness from the short-term perspective and over a period of 6 months, with a significant improvement in erectile function indicators and a reduction in distress scores in the group of patients undergoing combined therapy (p < .05). Monotherapy with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, as first-line drug choices, also proved effective. However, considering that erectile dysfunction had an established psychogenic nature, the symptoms of the condition returned to the baseline level after 6 months. Providing psychosexual education and studying adaptive sexual responses with the disruption of maladaptive cognitive patterns should be a key goal in the treatment of psychogenic sexual dysfunctions. It is important to note that men may encounter difficulties in the practical application of various cognitive-behavioral sexual therapy techniques. Nevertheless, psychotherapy is considered a promising approach to treatment, especially in the context of countries where the topic of sexual education remains taboo, and the number of men seeking professional psychological help is very low, as is the case in Ukraine.

This descriptive, cross-sectional survey study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination, related diseases, vaccination status, and attitudes toward vaccination among Turkish male health care workers (HCWs). The study was planned between June 20 and 30, 2023. A questionnaire was developed by reviewing similar studies to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about HPV, vaccination, and attitudes toward vaccination. A total of 322 volunteers (doctors, male nurses, and other allied health personnel such as cleaning staff, patient carers, and technicians) completed the questionnaire. Participants generally provided accurate answers to questions about HPV but often provided incorrect answers regarding vaccination. In addition, the overall HPV knowledge score was significantly higher among vaccinated participants or those willing to be vaccinated than those who were unvaccinated participants and those who were unwilling to be vaccinated (p < .05). There was a significant and moderately strong relationship between HPV vaccine knowledge level and willingness to be vaccinated. In addition, the relationship between vaccination status and knowledge level was substantial. Factors such as medical position, age, alcohol use, and regular physical activity were more likely to affect the HPV knowledge levels of assistant HCWs negatively. Vaccine hesitancy was also higher in the 27 to 40 age group. Knowledge about HPV, medical position, number of sexual partners, social habits, views on vaccination, cost, and religious and cultural values directly affect the rate of HPV vaccination and willingness to be vaccinated.

We report a case of a very rare association of adrenal adenoma, unilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and bilateral renal artery stenosis. A 61-year-old man with a remarkable history of two severe strokes was admitted to the Nephrology department with hypertension associated with severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Doppler of renal arteries was not conclusive, so contrast-enhanced scanning was done revealing a left adrenal adenoma, right adrenal hyperplasia, and bilateral moderate renal artery stenosis. After control of blood pressure with central anti-hypertensive drugs and calcium channel blockers and normalization of kalemia under potassium supplementation, the hormonal analysis was done showing an elevated plasma aldosterone concentration at 1,568 pmol/L, with a direct renin concentration below the detection level. Primary aldosteronism was confirmed and the prescription of an anti-aldosterone agent led to the control of blood pressure and potassium plasmatic levels. In front of arterial hypertension with hypokalemia, we recommend the assessment of secondary and primary hyperaldosteronism in a systematic way since the association of two or even three etiologies of hyperaldosteronism is possible and an appropriate diagnosis is essential for adequate treatment.

There remains a paucity of research examining the barriers to reporting sexual assault among gay and bisexual male assault survivors, despite much higher sexual assault victimization rates for gay and bisexual men. Few researches have examined barriers for gay Latino and/or Black male sexual assault survivors, specifically focusing on the role of racism and homophobia. To address this gap in literature, our study examined the specific barriers to reporting sexual assault for gay Latino (including Black) male sexual assault survivors, with a focus on how their multiple marginalized identities influenced their decision-making process. The study consisted of 14 gay Latino sexual assault survivors from six cities in the United States who participated in one-on-one semistructured in-depth interviews. Our data revealed three themes: (a) Bias and Discrimination, which describes how racism, homophobia, and gendered ideology serve as barriers to reporting sexual assault; (b) the Unjust Reporting Process focuses on the unnecessarily difficult, complex, and unclear timely reporting process; and (c) Retraumatization, which describes how participants were likely to be retraumatized by reporting. Content analysis was conducted and methodology consistent with this analysis was completed. Our findings provide recommendations to enhance the reporting process for gay Latino male sexual assault survivors which include law enforcement practices (e.g., Training tailored for engaging with LGBTQIA+ individuals and male survivors) as well as agency-wide practices (e.g., trainings and groups specifically for gay and bisexual men of color). All practices should be survivor centered and trauma-informed.