See you later: roost fidelity of the "Boomerang Bats",Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) (Mammalia, Chiroptera) / Até mais tarde: fidelidade de abrigo dos "Morcegos Boomerang", Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) (Mammalia, Chiroptera)

Animals exhibit sociability behaviors and spatial use patterns that are important for species survival. Bats are animals that exhibit complex patterns of aggregation of individuals, which can vary according to sex and age. Aggregation can be explained by active or passive mechanisms. In this behavioural note, we report a group of female Artibeus lituratus in the reproductive stage that exhibits aggregation behavior supporting the active mechanism hypothesis. The females returned to the same roost, for two reproductive season, maintaining the aggregation with the same individuals with which the social bonds were already established.

Os animais exibem comportamentos de sociabilidade e padrões de uso espacial que são importantes para a sobrevivência das espécies. Os morcegos são animais que apresentam padrões complexos de agregação de indivíduos, que podem variar de acordo com o sexo e a idade. A agregação pode ser explicada por mecanismos ativos ou passivos. Nesta nota comportamental, relatamos um grupo de fêmeas de Artibeus lituratus em fase reprodutiva que exibe comportamento de agregação apoiando a hipótese do mecanismo ativo. As fêmeas retornaram ao mesmo poleiro, por duas estações reprodutivas, mantendo a agregação com os mesmos indivíduos com os quais os laços sociais já foram estabelecidos.

The miRNA-mRNA modules enhance juvenile hormone biosynthesis for insect vitellogenesis and egg production.

In addition to preventing precocious larval metamorphosis, juvenile hormone (JH), synthesized in corpora allata (CA), is known to stimulate female reproduction of insects. JH titer is extremely low or absent during metamorphosis, but thereafter rapidly increases in the previtellogenic stage and rises to a peak in the vitellogenic phase. However, the mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of high levels of JH in adults remain unclear. We found in this study that 12 genes involved in JH synthesis pathway were highly expressed in the CA of adult locusts. By transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time - polymerase chain reaction validation, a total of 106 evolutionary conserved micro RNAs (miRNAs) and 163 species-specific miRNAs were identified in locust CA. Dual-luciferase assay revealed that 17 miRNAs bound to 10 JH synthesis genes (JHSGs) and downregulated their expression. These miRNAs were expressed in low levels during vitellogenic stage, which was oppositive from that of targeting JHSGs. Six miRNAs including miR-971-3p, miR-31a, miR-9-5p, miR-1-3p, miR-315, and miR-282 were selected for function study. Co-application of agomiRs resulted in significantly decreased levels of targeting JHSGs, accompanied by significantly reduced vitellogenin expression as well as arrested ovarian development. The data suggest that multiple miRNAs expressed synchronously at low levels in the vitellogenic phase, thereby ensuring the high levels of JHSG expression to facilitate JH biosynthesis required for JH-dependent female reproduction. The findings provide important information for deciphering miRNA-messenger RNA modules for JH biosynthesis as well as JH regulation of insect metamorphosis and reproduction.

The influence of occupational noise exposure on blood pressure and hearing loss among female workers of childbearing age.

OBJECTIVES: Women exposed to occupational noise experience adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we initiated a large, population-based, cross-sectional study to further investigate the effects of occupational noise on hearing and blood pressure among female workers of childbearing age. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A total of 6981 childbearing-aged female workers were selected for this cross-sectional study. Basic characteristics of participants were analyzed by comparing the exposed and control groups. Logistic regression models were employed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidences intervals (CIs) for the associations of occupational noise with levels of hearing loss and blood pressure. The associations were further explored through stratification by age and duration of noise exposure. RESULTS: Compared with participants not exposed to occupational noise, increasing years of occupational noise exposure were independently associated with an elevated risk of hypertension after adjustment of age, industry classification, enterprise size and economic type. Compared to participants not exposed to occupational noise, only the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss was significantly higher after adjustments for age, industry classification, enterprise size and economic type. Compared with those with normal hearing, the ORs and 95% CIs were 1.97 (0.95-4.07), 2.22 (1.05-4.68) and 1.29 (1.06-1.57) for bilateral, unilateral and any ear hearing loss, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational noise exposure is positively associated with both hypertension and bilateral hearing loss among female workers of childbearing age. Those exposed to occupational noise show an increased risk of hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders.

Challenges in Orthopedic Surgical Decision-Making for Multilevel Vertebrae Fractures.

Vertebral fractures commonly occur in postmenopausal women due to decreased bone density, a condition known as osteoporosis. They can occur after minimal trauma or even during routine activities. Vertebral fractures occur predominantly in individuals with a high fall risk. This case report explores the clinical complexities surrounding a 65-year-old female patient with a history of multilevel vertebrae fractures compounded by a history of chronic smoking, osteoporosis, multiple falls, and evident signs of osteopenia on X-ray. These risk factors complicate the decision to perform surgery and highlight the importance of constantly weighing the benefits and possible risks. This paper aims to emphasize the gender-specific challenges healthcare providers encounter when assessing surgical risks in the context of postmenopausal females with significant comorbidities. It underlines the need for tailored and comprehensive care strategies to manage orthopedic conditions in high-risk female individuals, further aligning with one of the World Health Organization's concerns on addressing gender-specific health considerations.

Case report: Report of a case of female adnexal malignant tumor of Wolffian origin.

A 33-year-old young woman with a rare female appendage tumor of suspected Wolffian origin was initially diagnosed with a benign lesion after the resection of a tubal lesion due to the benign cytomorphology of the tumor tissue. However, 1 year after surgery, she was diagnosed with stage IV fallopian tube cancer due to a recurrence, which presented with substantial ascites and invasion of multiple organs, including the bilateral ovaries, intestines, pelvic peritoneum, greater omentum, and appendix. After tumor cytoreduction, the patient responded well to treatment, which included a regimen of platinum-based drugs combined with docetaxel, aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole, antihormonal therapy, and targeted therapy with bevacizumab.

Endometrial cancer and endometrial changes in transgender men: Insights from Japanese individuals on testosterone.

AIM: Endometrial changes in Japanese transgender men (TGM) on testosterone use remain elucidated. This study aims to present TGM with endometrial cancer and insights from a literature review of similar cases. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between endometrial cancer and severe obesity in TGM who underwent gender-affirming surgery. METHODS: Between July 2020 and April 2023, two groups were assessed: 2 TGM with endometrial cancer and 43 TGM without cancer who underwent gender-affirming surgery. A literature review for TGM with endometrial cancer was conducted. Clinical data were retrospectively collected, and histopathological evaluation of female genital organs was performed. RESULTS: Two TGM with endometrial cancer and an additional four similar cases were identified through a literature search. These TGM had severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) and long-term testosterone use, indicating a possible link between endometrial cancer and these factors. Subsequently, we investigated the 43 TGM without cancer. We revealed 30% with obesity (BMI ≥25), only three cases of severe obesity (BMI ≥30), and a significant correlation between testosterone use duration and BMI in TGM without cancer. Histological examination revealed focal proliferative endometrium in 51% of cases and polycystic ovarian changes in 77%. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest a potential link between severe obesity, prolonged testosterone use, and endometrial cancer in transgender men. Histological changes in the female genital tract highlighted frequent focal proliferative endometrium, even under testosterone therapy. Further research should focus on larger, multi-institutional studies to confirm these findings and establish endometrial cancer screening for Japanese TGM.

Differences in Mental Health Characteristics of Japanese Athletes in Outpatient Clinics Pre- and Post-Covid-19: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Purpose: To investigate the differences in characteristics between Japanese athletes who visited mental health outpatient clinics before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: Athletes who visited various healthcare facilities between 2018 and 2022 were considered. The independent variable was the timing of outpatient mental health clinic visits-either before or after COVID-19. The primary outcome was the F classification based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision. We collected data on clinical psychiatric diagnoses, age, sex, referral pathway, and sports-related information such as the type of sport, level of contact, individual/team sport, involvement duration, and athletic competition level. Between-group comparisons were performed among the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups using the t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and chi-square test. Results: Eighty-six athletes (37 before COVID-19 and 49 after COVID-19) were deemed eligible for the study. No significant differences were detected between the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups. However, subgroup analyses revealed a significant increase in anxiety-related disorders among female athletes and in participation in individual sports among male athletes in the post-COVID-19 group compared with the pre-COVID-19 group. Conclusion: The increased anxiety among female athletes and the increased participation in individual sports among male athletes suggest that these groups should be a high-priority target for early intervention and prevention strategies. This study contributes to our understanding of how COVID-19 has affected the mental health of athletes seeking medical treatment in Japan, and it highlights which segments of the Japanese athlete population may be more vulnerable to mental health issues in the post-COVID-19 era. Although the sample size is small, this study also provides valuable insights for practitioners on how to target specific segments of the athlete population for the implementation of interventions aimed at mitigating the development of mental health issues after COVID-19.

Effects of 17α-methyltestosterone and letrozole on growth and gonadal development in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmodies).

In order to optimize the parameters for reversing masculinization and establish the techniques for sex induction of pseudo-males and creation of all-female fry in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmodies, LMB), 15-day-old LMB (1.00 ± 0.10 cm in length, 0.10 ± 0.01 g in weight) were fed a diet supplemented with either 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) or letrozole (LE) and their combination. The experimental groups were M20 (20 mg/kg MT), L20 (20 mg/kg LE) and M10L10 (10 mg/kg MT and 10 mg/kg LE). The control group, named C, was not feed MT or LE. After 60 days, exogenous hormone in the diets was stopped and the effects of MT and LE on growth, male ratio, and gonadal development in LMB were evaluated. At 12-month-old, blood and gonadal tissue samples were collected to measure sex steroid hormones levels, analyze expression levels of dmrt1 and cyp19a1a genes, as well as examine the gonads morphology. The results showed no significant differences in growth between the experimental groups and the control group after a 60-day feeding period with the formulated diet (p > 0.05). The sex reversal ratio of M20, L20, M10L10 were 95.00%, 80.00%, 76.47%, respectively. The gonadal tissue sections showed that the gonadal structure of masculinized fish morphologic resembled that of control male fish. At 12-month-old, the sex reversal ratio in M20, L20, M10L10 and C groups were 100%, 86.67%, 73.33% and 50.00%, respectively. The testicular of pseudo-male fish in the M20 group exhibited well-developed morphology similarities to that of the control group males. However, the testes of pseudo-male fish in the L20 and M10L10 groups were smaller size Estradiol (E2) levels in the experimental groups was significantly lower than those in the control group females (p < 0.05), while testosterone (T) levels were significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Compared to the female fish in the control group, pseudo-male fish from all experimental groups showed significantly upregulated expression of dmrt1 (p < 0.05), and significantly downregulated expression of cyp19a1a (p < 0.05). Pseudo-males selected from group M20 exhibited a significantly higher proportion of female offspring (92.00%) compared to the control group (46.50%). In summary, 20 mg/kg MT was the optimal inducing concentration.

Breast carcinoma in a dog: sensitivity and specificity between cytopathology and histopathology.

This study evaluated the accuracy of mammary carcinoma diagnoses in female dogs through cytological exams (FNA) compared to histopathological diagnoses. The presence of neoplasia and the effectiveness of procedures at the Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of the FMVZ of Unesp Botucatu, were analyzed. Between 2015 and 2020, a total of 1100 mammary neoplasms were identified, of which 569 were mammary carcinomas. Fifty cytological samples were selected and analyzed to determine occurrence, age at presentation, and the most affected breeds, as well as to verify the obtained diagnoses. Mammary carcinoma constituted for 51.72% of the registered cases. A higher occurrence was observed in mixed-breed female dogs, at 40.42%, followed by Poodles at 17%. The most common age at diagnosis was 10 years, and in 65.55% of cases, the dogs had not been previously spayed. 9.31% of the animals had received contraceptives, while 14% had given birth and 14.58% had presented symptoms of pseudopregnancy at some point in their lives. In the test results, a 70% agreement between cytology and histology was observed, with a 30% disagreement between them. Statistically, a sensitivity of 79.32% and a specificity of 57.14% were reflected. Intact and older female dogs represent a significant risk of developing mammary carcinoma. Although the protocol for processing and interpreting cytological samples is well established, the results do not reach the level of excellence observed in previous studies.

O estudo avaliou a precisão dos diagnósticos de carcinoma mamário em cadelas por meio de exames citológicos (PAAF) em comparação com diagnósticos histopatológicos. Foi analisada a presencia da neoplasia e a eficácia dos procedimentos no Laboratório de Patologia do Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ da Unesp, Botucatu. Foram registradas 1100 neoplasias mamárias entre 2015 e 2020, das quais 569 foram carcinomas mamários. Cinquenta amostras citopatológicas foram selecionadas e analisadas para determinar a ocorrência, idade de apresentação e raças mais afetadas, além de verificar os diagnósticos obtidos. O carcinoma mamário representou 51,72% dos casos registrados. Observou-se maior ocorrência em cadelas SRD, com 40,42%, seguidas por Poodles com 17%. A idade mais comum de diagnóstico foi de 10 anos, e em 65,55% dos casos as cadelas não haviam sido castradas previamente. 9,31% dos animais haviam recebido contraceptivos, enquanto 14% já haviam dado à luz e 14,58% apresentaram sintomas de pseudociese em algum momento de suas vidas. Nos resultados dos exames, foi observada uma concordância de 70% entre citologia e histologia, com 30% de discordância entre eles. Estatisticamente, foi refletida uma sensibilidade de 79,32% e uma especificidade de 57,14%. Cadelas intactas e mais velhas representam um risco significativo no desenvolvimento de carcinoma mamário. Embora o protocolo de processamento e interpretação de amostras citopatológicas esteja bem estabelecido, os resultados não alcançam o nível de excelência observado em estudos anteriores.

Effect of a honey-sweetened beverage on muscle soreness and recovery of performance after exercise-induced muscle damage in strength-trained females.

Background: This study explores a novel approach to mitigating delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a common issue among strength-trained females. By investigating the potential of a honey-sweetened beverage, which contains anti-inflammatory properties, we aim to enhance muscle recovery after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Method: A randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded study was conducted with sixteen female strength athletes. Firstly, the baseline measurements were recorded, and participants were randomly divided into two conditions: honey-sweetened beverage (HSB; 70 g of honey in 250 mL water with a concentration of 28%) and placebo (PLA; 250 mL of water with 70 g of artificial sweetener). The HSB and PLA were consumed 90 min before the EIMD started (200 vertical jumps with 10% body-weighted vests). Recovery monitoring of performance indicators and DOMS was performed after EIMD. The results of wall-sit, V-Sit and reach flexibility test (VSFT), vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and one repetition maximum (IRM) tests were recorded 48 h after EIMD. Also, DOMS was recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS) before the start of the test and immediately, 12, 24, and 48 h after EIMD. A one-week interval was considered a washout period for each condition. The collected data were analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test and dependent t-test at P ≤ 0.05 level. Results: Compared to PLA, HSB ingestion improves wall-sit performance (p = 0.003), 1RM (p = 0.019), and RPE (p = 0.003) after EIMD. However, no significant differences were observed between BL, PLA, and HSB in VJH (p = 0.384), VSFT (p = 0.840), and PPT (p = 0.151) after EIMD. Furthermore, HSB, compared to PLA, considerably decreased the values of DOMS immediately, 12, 24, and 48 h after EIMD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings illustrated that ingesting HSB in strength-trained females can be a helpful strategy for improving recovery indicators such as muscle strength, endurance, and muscle soreness after EIMD.

Influences on ethnic minority women's experiences and access to contraception in the UK: a systematic qualitative evidence synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Accessible contraception is critical for promoting the health and well-being of women and their families. In the UK, contraception is free at the point of access, but only 55% of pregnancies are planned, with negative implications for maternal and infant outcomes. In general, women from ethnic minorities use contraceptives less than white women. Barriers to the uptake of contraceptives have been identified, including perceived poor information from healthcare professionals and concerns about side effects. However, most studies do not include representative proportions of women from ethnic minorities. Evidence suggests that ethnic minority (EM) women feel targeted and coerced by healthcare professionals regarding contraception. METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO via Ovid, CINAHL, and Web of Science was conducted to identify primary qualitative and mixed-methods studies exploring ethnic minority women's experience of contraception in the UK. The data were charted using thematic analysis, using both summary and synthesis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, including the perspectives of 717 participants from an ethnic minority. Four overarching themes were developed: contraceptive knowledge, beliefs, family, and services. Similar to women in general, ethnic minority women have concerns about side effects, especially infertility, value the perspectives of their peers and male partners, and express a preference for female healthcare professionals. Novel perspectives included conflicting ideas about the influence of religion and stereotyping of ethnic minority women. Culturally competent consultations and a better understanding of hormonal hesitancy are essential.

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: characteristics of female patients and young adult patients based on a 12-year retrospective and prospective multicenter clinicoepidemiological cohort study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEGJ) is most common in men and the elderly, but the disease is becoming more common in female and young adult persons. We have investigated the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of female and young adult patients with AEGJ and the 12-year trends in the Kurashiki area for young adult patients with AEGJ. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with AEGJ in 12 hospitals between January 2008 and December 2019 were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups by age (young adult [≤50 years], middle-aged [51 to 70 years], and elderly [>70 years]). Factors associated with AEGJ such as obesity, smoking, hiatal hernia and male, which were reported in our previous study, were identified. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-eight AEGJ patients, including 36 females and 20 young adults, were characterized. There was no significant change in the annual incidence of AEGJ among female (p=0.078) and young adult patients (p=0.89). Female patients without any associated factors, accounting for 53% (19/36) of the female patients and young adult patients, had significantly more histologically undifferentiated cancers than patients with at least one associated factor (58% [11/19] vs. 30% [50/169], p=0.025) and middle-aged and elderly patients (60% [12/20] vs. 30% [25/83] vs. 28% [24/85], p =0.026). Smoking was significantly less common in women than in men (8% [3/36] vs. 57% [87/152], p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between ages in the proportions of these associated factors. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically undifferentiated AEGJ cancers were more frequent in female patients without any associated factors and in young adult patients. Factors associated with AEGJ may differ between women and men, but they are similar in young adults and older adults. No increase in young adult patients with AEGJ was observed in the 12-year study.

Hybrid high and low molecular weight chains of hyaluronan for clitoral injection is an effective modality treatment for increasing female sexual satisfaction: an interventional, randomized-controlled parallel study.

Introduction: Hormonal, behavioral, psychological, surgical, and pharmacopsychological treatment approaches contribute to female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Aim: The study is conducted to assess the effectiveness of hyaluronan high and low molecular weight hybrid cooperative complexes (hybrid H-HA/L-HA) in treating females with SD and to compare the female sexual function index (FSFI), dermatological life quality index (DLQI), and female genital self-image scale (FGSIS) before and after therapy. Methods: We divided the 60 female participants into two groups. Hybrid H-HA/L-HA was administered to form pili of 0.25 cc around the clitoris in the direction of clock positions of 12, 3, 6, and 9. In Skene's gland; 0.25 cc for each and 0.5 cc into the corpus/body of the clitoris. Two treatments were held 30 days apart.The same procedure was repeated on the control group, but with saline as a placebo. Outcomes: Women completed self-report questionnaires assessing sexual functioning using the FSFI, DLQI, and FGSIS before and after therapy. Result: There was a significant (P = 634.152; P < .05) increase in the study group's weekly sexual interactions compared with the controls. The study group showed statistically significant amelioration in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction domains, overall score, and a decrease in pain following the first and second injection sessions (P = .014, .031, .003, .001, .011, .004, and .011, respectively). A comparison of the results between the two groups revealed significant improvement were found (P = .025).There were significant improvements in the domains of the FGSIS compared with the controls (P = .026). The study group showed a substantial improvement in satisfaction with the way their genital area looked, comfort level when allowing a sexual partner to view their genital area, belief that their genitals smell perfectly fine without being self-conscious about them, and overall score (P = .022, .031, .003, .001, and .004, respectively) (P < .05).The hybrid H-HA/L-HA sessions resulted in significantly greater positive perceptions and feelings, leisure activities, interpersonal interactions, and general assessments (P = .021, .021, and .020, respectively) (P < .05). Clinical Implications: Female individuals with SD experience sexual improvements after hybrid H-HA/L-HA injection. Strengths and Limitations: This is the first study focusing on female individuals with SD. We recommend conducting the study on a larger population and including their partners. Conclusion: Hybrid H-HA/L-HA injection for rejuvenating the clitoral injection appears to be a reliable and safe method for enhancing female genital self-image, sexuality, and quality of life.

Evidence-based clinical recommendations for hypofractionated radiotherapy: exploring efficacy and safety - Part 3. Genitourinary and gynecological cancers.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) has become a trend in the modern era, as advances in RT techniques, including intensity-modulated RT and image-guided RT, enable the precise and safe delivery of high-dose radiation. Hypofractionated RT offers convenience and can reduce the financial burden on patients by decreasing the number of fractions. Furthermore, hypofractionated RT is potentially more beneficial for tumors with a low α/ß ratio compared with conventional fractionation RT. Therefore, hypofractionated RT has been investigated for various primary cancers and has gained status as a standard treatment recommended in the guidelines. In genitourinary (GU) cancer, especially prostate cancer, the efficacy, and safety of various hypofractionated dose schemes have been evaluated in numerous prospective clinical studies, establishing the standard hypofractionated RT regimen. Hypofractionated RT has also been explored for gynecological (GY) cancer, yielding relevant evidence in recent years. In this review, we aimed to summarize the representative evidence and current trends in clinical studies on hypofractionated RT for GU and GY cancers addressing several key questions. In addition, the objective is to offer suggestions for the available dose regimens for hypofractionated RT by reviewing protocols from previous clinical studies.

Sampling Strategies for Assessing Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in Public Health Research: A Compilation of Global Evidence.

Clients of Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are major bridge population in HIV transmission. Any research among them remains challenging because they are hidden within society. The objective of this review was tocompile the global evidence on different sampling strategies used to access male clients of female sex workers for research purpose, the challenges faced during the sampling process andpossible sources of bias. Original articles and reports published globally in last 10 years, in English language and those with full text freely available online were included in this scoping review. A comprehensive search was carried out among the electronic peer-reviewed literature database (Pubmed and Web of Science) using a pre-designed peer reviewed search strategy. Narrative synthesis was applied out across all such articles. A total of 36 articles were finally included in this review. The common sampling techniques used include convenience sampling, referral by FSWs/ pimp/brothel manager/clients, time location cluster sampling, use of virtual network, anonymous telephone survey, referred by clinicians of STI clinic etc. Overall response rate varied between 35 and 90%. Major challenges in participant recruitment included non-response, feasibility issue specially to cater non-brothel-based clients, safety issue for investigators, over-representation of clients with lower socio-economic status, higher refusal rate for known HIV positive clients to provide biological sample etc. As different sampling techniques have comparable response rate, it can be recommended that a pilot study should be carried out in local context to finalise appropriate participant recruitment technique for a given population.

Robotic female artificial urinary sphincter implantation vs. male artificial urinary sphincter implantation for non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: Previous studies suggested better functional outcomes and longer device survival for female artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation compared to male AUS implantation. We hypothesized that the adoption of robotic approaches for female implantation might have influenced these comparisons. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of robotic female AUS and male AUS implantation for non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of male patients who had AUS implantation and female patients who underwent robotic AUS implantation for non-neurogenic SUI between 2010 and 2022 at a single center. Prior AUS implantations were exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was continence status at 3 months, categorized as complete resolution of SUI (0 pad), improved SUI (1pad), or unchanged SUI (>1pad). RESULTS: After excluding 79 patients, 171 were included: 70 women and 101 men. Operative time was shorter in males (126.9 vs. 165.5 min; p < 0.0001). Postoperative complication rates were similar (17.3% vs. 22.9%; p = 0.38). Continence status at 3 months and last follow-up favored females. The ICIQ-SF decrease at 3 months was greater in females (-7.2 vs. -4.6; p < 0.001). The 5-year estimated explantation-free survival was similar (78.6% vs. 73.7%; p = 0.94) as was the revision-free survival (67.4% vs. 61.7%; p = 0.89). Multivariate analysis showed that female gender was associated with better continence at last follow-up (OR = 4.3; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Robotic female AUS implantation is associated with better functional outcomes than male AUS implantation, with similar morbidity and survival rates.

Shock Waves for Hair Growth and Regeneration in Patients With Female Pattern Hair Loss.

BACKGROUND: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is women's most common form of alopecia. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and regeneration in women with FPHL. METHODS: A prospective single-center noncontrolled study was conducted in patients with FPHL who underwent eight treatment sessions with C-Actor, a shock wave applicator. Outcome measures included total hair count, number of follicular units (FUs)-single FUs, double FUs, triple and bigger FUs-the average thickness, cumulative hair thickness, and changes in the Derived Sinclair scale, assessed with Tricholab (Fotofinder System). Patients completed a survey to assess their subjective perceptions of hair improvement regarding softness, hair loss, quality, and volume. RESULTS: Twenty women were included with a mean age of 43 (SD = 5.65). The mean increase in total hair count was 8.9% (p < 0.00001), in number of FUs 4.6% (p = 0.00031), in number of triple and bigger FUs 18.4% (p = 0.0004), in cumulative hair thickness 8.0% (p < 0.00001), with a decrease of 5.7% in mean Derived Sinclair scale value by 2.2-2.1 (p < 0.0001). After 3 months, 85% of patients perceived improvement in hair volume. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and capillary regeneration in women with FPHL showed statistically significant outcomes, and all patients reported an improvement in hair characteristics.

An overview of lncRNA NEAT1 contribution in the pathogenesis of female cancers; from diagnosis to therapy resistance.

Despite the ongoing progress in detecting and treating cancer, there is still a need for extensive research into the molecular mechanisms involved in the emergence, progression, and resistance to recurrence of female reproductive tissue-specific cancers such as ovarian, breast, cervical, and endometrial cancers. The nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that exhibits increased expression in female tumors. Moreover, elevated levels of NEAT1 have been associated with poorer survival outcomes in cancer patients. NEAT1 plays a pivotal role in driving tumor initiation through modulating the expression of genes involved in various aspects of tumor cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, chemoresistance, and radio-resistance. Mechanistically, NEAT1 acts as a scaffold RNA molecule via interacting with EZH2 (Enhancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit), thereby influencing the expression of downstream effectors of EZH2. Additionally, NEAT1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by microRNAs (miRNAs) sponging, consequently altering the expression levels of their target genes during the development of female cancers. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the latest insights regarding the expression pattern, biological functions, and underlying mechanisms governing the function and regulation of NEAT1 in tumors. Furthermore, particular emphasis is placed on its clinical significance as a novel diagnostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for female cancers.

Laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to update evidence on the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Data sources: Manuscripts published until May 2023 were systematically searched in PubMed; Embase; Scopus; Web of Science; CENTRAL; CINAHL; and clinical trial databases (www.trialscentral.org, www.controlled-trials.com, and clinicaltrials.gov), with no language and year of publication restriction. Studies selection: RCTs with women diagnosed with GSM, and the intervention was vaginal laser therapy (CO2-laser or Er: YAG-laser) comparing with placebo (sham therapy), no treatment or vaginal estrogen therapy. Data collection: Two authors evaluated the publications for inclusion based on the title and abstract, followed by reviewing the relevant full-text articles. Disagreements during the review process were addressed by consensus, with the involvement of a third author. Data synthesis: Twelve RCTs, representing a total of 5147 participants, were included in this review. Vaginal health index (VHI) significantly improved in the carbon dioxide laser (CO2-laser) therapy group (MD=2.21; 95% CI=1.25 to 3.16), while dyspareunia (MD=-0.85; 95% CI=-1.59 to -0.10), dryness (MD=-0.62; 95% CI=-1.12 to -0.12) and burning (MD= -0.64; 95% CI=-1.28 to -0.01) decreased. No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: CO2-laser increases VHI score and decreases dyspareunia, dryness and burning, especially when compared to sham-laser. However, the certainty of the evidence is low, thus preventing the recommendation of laser therapy for GSM management.