Central role of ultrasound in the evaluation of testicular function and genital tract obstruction in infertile males.

Background: Scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography and transrectal ultrasonography provide crucial information about the clinical status of testes and male accessory glands.

Objective: To analyze the impact of ultrasound in the evaluation of infertile males.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1120 records from infertile men were retrospectively evaluated (from January 2016 up to June 2020).

Erectile Dysfunction Is a Hallmark of Cardiovascular Disease: Unavoidable Matter of Fact or Opportunity to Improve Men's Health?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an early manifestation of cardiovascular (CV) disease. For this reason, men with ED should be carefully assessed for CV risk factors in order to prevent future major adverse CV events (MACE). Traditional risk factors are not found in all subjects at high CV risk.

Thyroid and heart, a clinically relevant relationship.

Background: Thyroid disorders, both overt and subclinical, are highly prevalent conditions in the general population. Although a clear relationship between overt thyroid dysfunctions and cardiovascular complications has long been established, data regarding subclinical thyroid dysfunction are by far more controversial.

Purpose: The present review will be aimed at providing a summary of most recent evidence coming from meta-analyses regarding the complex relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.

Erectile Dysfunction and Decreased Libido in Klinefelter Syndrome: A Prevalence Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Study.

Background: Only few studies have assessed sexual dysfunction in men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

Aim: To define pooled prevalence estimates and correlates of erectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased libido (DL) in KS.

Methods: A thorough search of Medline, Embase and Web of Science was performed to identify suitable studies.

Choice of access route for artificial nutrition in cancer patients: 30 y of activity in a home palliative care setting.

Objectives: Malnutrition negatively affects the quality of life, survival, and clinical outcome of patients with cancer. Home artificial nutrition (HAN) is an appropriate nutritional therapy to prevent death from cachexia and to improve quality of life, and it can be integrated into a home palliative care program. The choice to start home enteral nutrition (HEN) or home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is based on patient-specific indications and contraindications.

Biochemical predictors of structural hypothalamus-pituitary abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging in men with secondary hypogonadism.

Purpose: Organic conditions underlying secondary hypogonadism (SH) may be ascertained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary region that could not be systematically proposed to each patient. Based upon limited evidence, the Endocrine Society (ES) guidelines suggest total testosterone (T) < 5.2 nmol/L to identify patients eligible for MRI.

Serum sodium alterations in SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection: impact on patient outcome.

Objective: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients and occurs in about 30% of patients with pneumonia. Hyponatremia has been associated with a worse outcome in several pathologic conditions The main objective of this study was to determine whether serum sodium alterations may be independent predictors of the outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Design And Methods: In this observational study, data from 441 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to a University Hospital were collected.

Self-Reported Shorter Than Desired Ejaculation Latency and Related Distress-Prevalence and Clinical Correlates: Results From the European Male Ageing Study.

Background: Few data have looked at the occurrence and clinical correlates of self-reported shorter than desired ejaculation latency (rapid ejaculation, RE) and its related distress in the general population.

Aim: To determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of self-reported RE and RE- related distress in middle age and older European men.

Methods: Subjects were recruited from population samples of men aged 40-79 years across 8 European centers.

Harm Reduction in Sexual Medicine.

Introduction: Strategies of harm reduction (HR) include policies and community-based measures aimed to reduce the risk of self-harm while continuing potentially hazardous behaviors, such as illegal drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.

Objectives: To assess whether and to which extent strategies of HR could have beneficial, or harmful, effects on sexual and reproductive health, for general and at-risk populations.

Methods: A literature research was performed between July 2020 and January 2021, investigating the association between harm reduction strategies and sexual and reproductive health.

Sexual function in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has a deleterious effect on sexual functions and general well-being in men. Despite this evidence, however, patient and couple knowledge about ADT side effects as well as their management is poor. Similar considerations can be made for physician endorsement of management strategies.

Metabolic Syndrome and Reproduction.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and infertility are two afflictions with a high prevalence in the general population. MetS is a global health problem increasing worldwide, while infertility affects up to 12% of men. Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, the possible impact of MetS on male fertility has been investigated by a few authors only in the last decade.

Diabetes is most important cause for mortality in COVID-19 hospitalized patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 was officially documented in Europe at the end of February 2020. Despite many observations, the real impact of COVID-19 in the European Union (EU), its underlying factors and their contribution to mortality and morbidity outcomes were never systematically investigated. The aim of the present work is to provide an overview and a meta-analysis of main predictors and of country differences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection-associated mortality rate (MR) in hospitalized patients.

Sex Disparities in COVID-19 Severity and Outcome: Are Men Weaker or Women Stronger?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global public health issue which has profound effects on most aspects of societal well-being, including physical and mental health. A plethora of studies globally have suggested the existence of a sex disparity in the severity and outcome of COVID-19 patients, mainly due to mechanisms of virus infection, immune response to the virus, development of systemic inflammation, and consequent systemic complications, particularly thromboembolism. Epidemiological data report a sex difference in the severity of COVID-19, with a more favorable course of the disease in women compared to men regardless of age, although the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be similar in both sexes.

Management of premature ejaculation: a clinical guideline from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS).

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent male sexual dysfunction, and the most recently defined. PE is often mistakenly considered a purely psychosexological symptom by patients: the lacking awareness in regards to the pathophysiology and treatments often lead to resignation from the patients' side, making PE the most underdiagnosed sexual complaint. However, an ever-growing body of evidence supporting several organic factors has been developed in the last decades and several definitions have been suggested to encompass all defining features of PE.

Subclinical male hypogonadism.

Introduction: The concept of subclinical or compensated male hypogonadism (SHG), characterized by increased gonadotropins and normal testosterone levels is emerging. However, its real clinical significance is still conflicting. The aim of the present study was to summarize and discuss the available evidence related to the possible definition of SHG and the possible advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

European academy of andrology guidelines on Klinefelter Syndrome Endorsing Organization: European Society of Endocrinology.

Background: Knowledge about Klinefelter syndrome (KS) has increased substantially since its first description almost 80 years ago. A variety of treatment options concerning the spectrum of symptoms associated with KS exists, also regarding aspects beyond testicular dysfunction. Nevertheless, the diagnostic rate is still low in relation to prevalence and no international guidelines are available for KS.

Family History for Cardio-Metabolic Diseases: A Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Men With Erectile Dysfunction.

Background: Family history (FH) of cardiovascular (CV) disease is a known CV risk factor. However, it is rarely considered for CV risk stratification. Furthermore, FH for metabolic diseases is generally overlooked.

Cardiovascular Risks of Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the gold standard treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (PC). Emerging evidence has documented a association between ADT and body composition, along with metabolic profile impairment. These alterations might underpin the observed ADT-related increase in cardiovascular (CV) and thromboembolic (venous thromboembolism, VTE) mortality and morbidity.

Single-step endoscopic ultrasound-guided multiple gateway drainage of complex walled-off necrosis with lumen apposing metal stents.

In this study we analyzed the feasibility and safety of single-step multiple transluminal gateway drainage (MTGD) for complex walled-off necrosis (WON) using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs). Six patients underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided MTGD using two LAMSs. Technical success was 100%.

Short anogenital distance is associated with testicular germ cell tumour development.

Background: Testicular germ cell tumour is a multifactorial disease in which various genetic and environmental factors play a role. Testicular germ cell tumour is part of the testicular dysgenesis syndrome which includes also cryptorchidism, hypospadias, oligo/azoospermia and short anogenital distance.

Objectives: The primary objective was to examine anogenital distance in testicular germ cell tumour cases and healthy fertile controls.

European Society for Sexual Medicine Consensus Statement on the Use of the Cavernous Nerve Injury Rodent Model to Study Postradical Prostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction.

Introduction: Rodent animal models are currently the most used in vivo model in translational studies looking into the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Aim: This European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) statement aims to guide scientists toward utilization of the rodent model in an appropriate, timely, and proficient fashion.

Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for basic science studies, using a rodent animal model, looking into the consequence of pelvic nerve injury on erectile function.

Testosterone treatment in male patients with Klinefelter syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Low testosterone (T) in Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) can contribute to typical features of the syndrome such as reduced bone mineral density, obesity, metabolic disturbances and increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study is to review and meta-analyze all available information regarding possible differences in metabolic and bone homeostasis profile between T treated (TRT) or untreated KS and age-matched controls.

Methods: We conducted a random effect meta-analysis considering all the available data from observational or randomized controlled studies comparing TRT-treated and untreated KS and age-matched controls.

SARS-CoV-2 infection, male fertility and sperm cryopreservation: a position statement of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) (Società Italiana di Andrologia e Medicina della Sessualità).

Purpose: The recent pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to coronavirus (CoV) 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised several concerns in reproductive medicine. The aim of this review is to summarize available evidence providing an official position statement of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) METHODS: A comprehensive Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library search was performed. Due to the limited evidence and the lack of studies, it was not possible to formulate recommendations according to the Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria.