Hematopoietic Cell-Expressed Endothelial Nitric Oxide Protects the Liver From Insulin Resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Mice genetically deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Nos3-/-) have fasting hyperinsulinemia and hepatic insulin resistance, indicating the importance of Nos3 (nitric oxide synthase) in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Although the current paradigm holds that these metabolic effects are derived specifically from the expression of Nos3 in the endothelium, it has been established that bone marrow-derived cells also express Nos3. The aim of this study was to investigate whether bone marrow-derived cell Nos3 is important in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Approach and Results: To test the hypothesis that bone marrow-derived cell Nos3 contributes to metabolic homeostasis, we generated chimeric male mice deficient or competent for Nos3 expression in circulating blood cells. These mice were placed on a low-fat diet for 5 weeks, a time period which is known to induce hepatic insulin resistance in global Nos3-deficient mice but not in wild-type C57Bl/6 mice. Surprisingly, we found that the absence of Nos3 in the bone marrow-derived component is associated with hepatic insulin resistance and that restoration of Nos3 in the bone marrow-derived component in global Nos3-deficient mice is sufficient to restore hepatic insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of Nos3 in bone marrow-derived component in wild-type mice attenuates the development of hepatic insulin resistance during high-fat feeding. Finally, compared with wild-type macrophages, the loss of macrophage Nos3 is associated with increased inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharides and reduced anti-inflammatory responses to IL-4, a macrophage phenotype associated with the development of hepatic and systemic insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: These results would suggest that the metabolic and hepatic consequences of high-fat feeding are mediated by loss of Nos3/nitric oxide actions in bone marrow-derived cells, not in endothelial cells.

Analysis of the Symptomatology, Disease Course, and Treatment of Postorgasmic Illness Syndrome in a Large Sample.

BACKGROUND: Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare syndrome of unknown etiology where patients experience distressing physical and psychological after ejaculatory sequelae. AIM: To better characterize the epidemiology, symptomatology, disease course, and treatment of POIS, with specific interest placed on examining relationships between disease presentation and measures of disease burden. METHODS: A 30-item questionnaire was distributed to an online community of patients with POIS from June 2019 to January 2020. We assessed diagnostic criteria and clusters of symptomatology described in prior studies. Outcome measures include self-reported measures of symptom severity, disease burden, and behavioral changes. Statistical correlations were assessed with Pearson's chi-squared (χ2) and ordinal regression analyses. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measures of this study are self-reported measures of symptom severity, disease burden, and behavioral changes. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 302 men (mean age: 32.6 ± 11.4 years, mean age of onset: 19.1 ± 7.8 years) with 89% satisfying ≥3 diagnostic criteria. Common symptoms were difficulty concentrating (254, 84%), extreme fatigue (250, 83%), irritability (225, 74%), and muscle weakness (212, 70%). Common symptom clusters were general (219, 72%), muscle (137, 45%), and head (93, 31%). Common behavioral modifications were avoiding masturbation (215, 71%), schedule changes (213, 71%), and abstinence (186, 62%). Head and throat symptom clusters demonstrated worse disease burden outcomes. Professional medical advice was sought by 51% of participants. Attempted treatments included pharmacotherapy, vitamins, supplements, and herbs with variable efficacy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study further characterizes POIS, including how patients respond to the condition, how it is treated in the community, and presentations that may be associated with more severe disease. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the largest study to date that concerns patients suffering from POIS and includes a diverse, global population. Limitations include that the survey was only administered in English and within 1 online community, that results were self-reported, and that the response rate was low (32%). CONCLUSIONS: Characterizing symptom cluster, but not number of diagnostic criteria, may offer prognostic value, and investigation to elucidate pathophysiology and potential treatments for POIS is necessary. Natale C, Gabrielson A, Tue Nguyen HM, et al. Analysis of the Symptomatology, Disease Course, and Treatment of Postorgasmic Illness Syndrome in a Large Sample. J Sex Med 2020;17:2229-2235.

Linking habitat selection to fitness-related traits in herbivores: the role of the energy landscape.

Animals may partially overcome environmental constraints on fitness by behaviorally adjusting their exposure to costs and supplies of energy. Few studies, however, have linked spatiotemporal variation in the energy landscape to behaviorally mediated measures of performance that ostensibly influence individual fitness. We hypothesized that strength of selection by North American elk (Cervus elaphus) for areas that reduced costs of thermoregulation and activity, and increased access to high-quality forage, would influence four energetically mediated traits related to fitness: birth mass of young, nutritional condition of adult females at the onset of winter, change in nutritional condition of females between spring and winter, and neonatal survival. We used a biophysical model to map spatiotemporally explicit costs of thermoregulation and activity experienced by elk in a heterogeneous landscape. We then combined model predictions with data on forage characteristics, animal locations, nutritional condition, and mass and survival of young to evaluate behaviorally mediated effects of the energy landscape on fitness-related traits. During spring, when high-quality forage was abundant, female elk that consistently selected low-cost areas before parturition gave birth to larger young than less-selective individuals, and birth mass had a strong, positive influence on probability of survival. As forage quality declined during autumn, however, lactating females that consistently selected the highest quality forage available accrued more fat and entered winter in better condition than less-selective individuals. Results of our study highlight the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of energy landscapes experienced by free-ranging animals.

Recent technological development of penile prosthesis: a literature review.

Background and Objective: In contemporary Urology, the gold standard for treatment of erectile dysfunction refractory to medical therapy has been implantation with a penile prosthesis. The past 40 years has witnessed evolutions in technology and surgical techniques, which have led to increased patient satisfaction rates and decreased complication and infection rates. This review is an update to a prior review article that evaluates these advancements in the context of patient satisfaction and different rates of complications following surgeries. In addition, the review compares malleable and inflatable prostheses with regard to infection rate, mechanical failure rate, and erosion rate. Methods: A literature search was conducted using Medline and Google Scholar to examine papers from 1973 to the present day. Keywords, such as, "penile prosthesis surgery", "malleable penile prosthesis", "inflatable penile prosthesis", "two-piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP)", and "three-piece IPP" were utilized during the search. A total of 76 papers were included, and all were in English. Key Content and Findings: Studies on the latest models of each of the three prostheses (malleable, two-piece IPP, three-piece IPP) revealed patient satisfaction ratings at or above 75%. Both types of IPPs were associated with greater satisfaction and lower erosion rates while malleable prostheses were associated with lower mechanical failure rates. Although no significant differences in infection rates were noted between the prosthesis types, a history of diabetes, obesity, and smoking were predictive of infection events. Conclusions: The three-piece IPP, if indicated for a suitable patient, is generally accepted as the best type of prosthesis given its biological mimicry to an erect human penis.

The evil corporation master frame: The cases of vaccines and genetic modification.

Employing a qualitative content analysis of online comments made on YouTube and letters to the editor published in US newspapers, we examine the deployment and neutralization of the evil corporation master frame in debates on two distinct biotechnologies, vaccines and genetically modified organisms. This study builds on previous research by outlining three diagnostic components of the evil corporation master frame: dishonesty, greed, and the contamination of authority. It also finds that supporters of vaccines and genetically modified organisms seek to neutralize the evil corporation master frame through aggressive, defensive, endurance, and redemptive framings. This study provides ideational detail for the ways that controversial biotechnology is constructed. The particularly vexing anti-vaccine movement is not dissimilar from other challenges to mainstream science as disparate movements draw on the same master frame. It also demonstrates how defenses of genetically modified organisms and vaccines tend to reify the anti-corporate stigma that sustains challenges to scientific authority.

Molecular mechanisms of penile traction for penile rehabilitation in a bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury rat model.

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common solid-organ malignancy in adult men. Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy (RP) has improved cancer-specific survival but is associated with penile shortening and erectile dysfunction. Penile traction therapy (PTT) has been demonstrated to increase stretched penile length (SPL) prior to penile prosthesis placement and may improve erectile function (EF) in patients with Peyronie's disease. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PTT in preserving penile length and EF after bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI) in a rat model. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 11-13 weeks were randomly assigned to three groups (n=8, each): sham operation with no PTT (Sham), BCNI without PTT (Crush), and BCNI with PTT (Traction). PTT was started on postoperative day 3. A traction force of 1 Newton was applied to the penis for 30 minutes each day for 28 days. After 28 days of traction, the cavernous nerve was stimulated while recording the intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) simultaneously. Cavernosal tissue was excised, and western blot analysis for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was performed. Significance was determined by using ANOVA with Tukey-Kruger post-hoc testing. Results: At 4 weeks after nerve injury, the Traction group had significantly greater SPL compared to the Sham and Crush groups (30 vs. 28 and 27 mm, respectively). The Sham group had significantly greater EF (ΔICP/MAP) compared to the Crush group at 2.5, 5, and 7.5 V. The EF of the Traction group was between that of the Sham and Crush groups and was not significantly different from the Sham group at any voltages. Further downstream analysis revealed that the Traction group had significantly greater eNOS expression in cavernosal tissue compared to the Crush group, which was confirmed on western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Conclusions: Findings from this animal study suggest that PTT has the potential to mitigate penile retraction after RP. While more studies are needed to determine the effect of PTT on preservation of EF, the increased eNOS expression observed in the Traction group offers a potential protective mechanism of action.

E-Cigarette-Associated Endothelial Damage: A Potential Mechanism for Erectile Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have increased in popularity as a potentially less harmful alternative to tobacco smoking; however, the literature suggests "vaping" can cause endothelial damage, which can adversely affect erectile function. While there is a known link between smoking cigarettes and erectile dysfunction (ED), the effect of e-cigs on erectile function has been understudied. OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence for e-cig use causing endothelial dysfunction, to explore endothelial dysfunction as a potential mechanism for ED, and to determine if there is literature to support e-cigs as a cause of ED. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify publications pertaining to e-cig consumption and ED. Publications regarding e-cig consumption and vascular or endothelial damage were also included. The search was conducted through PubMed, MEDLINE database, the Cochrane Library Central Search, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We identified 40+ publications for review, including 6 clinical trials and 3 basic science studies. RESULTS: The literature suggests that e-cig use induces oxidative stress, including the direct formation of reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals, leading to endothelial damage. Endothelial dysfunction is a potential mechanism for ED, but there is a paucity of studies evaluating the relationship between e-cig use and ED. CONCLUSION: E-cig use may cause ED in men, but more studies, specifically clinical trials, are needed to establish a relationship between e-cigs and ED. E-cig-induced endothelial dysfunction is a potential mechanism for ED that is worth exploring further. Pincus J, Sandoval V, Dick B, et al. E-Cigarette-Associated Endothelial Damage: A Potential Mechanism for Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:168-173.

Narrative review of penile prosthetic implant technology and surgical results, including transgender patients.

Over the past 40 years, the technological and surgical advancements in penile prostheses have led to increased patient satisfaction rates and decreased complication and infection rates. In cis males with erectile dysfunction (ED), these technological improvements tremendously improve quality of life. In female to male transgender patients, prostheses provide the ability to engage in penetrative intercourse and to urinate standing. This review evaluates technological and surgical advancements in penile prosthetics in the context of documented patient satisfaction and complication rates from prosthesis surgeries. Retrospective studies of penile implant usage in female to male gender-affirming surgeries report that infection and complication rates are higher than those seen in cis males. There are newer prostheses developed specifically for female to male reassignment surgeries, but outcome data is limited. Continued research and development are needed to develop more efficacious penile implantation options for gender affirmation surgery.

Does Lowering Hemoglobin A1c Reduce Penile Prosthesis Infection: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a glycated form of hemoglobin, develops when glucose is elevated in the blood. It is used as a marker of how well a diabetic patient has been controlling their blood sugar over the previous 3-4 months. Some use HbA1c as a predictor of infection risk during prosthetic surgery, and many surgeons require patients to lower it preoperatively. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to comprehensively review the literature relating HbA1c and penile prosthesis (PP). METHODS: A PubMed search of English-language articles identified studies that investigate the relationship between HbA1c levels and PP infection. Studies were only included if they reported the mean HbA1c of all PP patients and compared patients who did/did not develop a prosthetic infection. References from relevant articles are included. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies, 1992-2020, were identified. 2 studies occurred before the advent of antibiotic-enhanced devices in the early 2000s and have limited applicability to the modern era. Of the 4 studies published after, 2 reported a significant difference in mean HbA1c when comparing patients who developed a prosthetic infection and those who did not (9.1% vs 7.5%, P = .000 and 9.5% vs 7.8%, P < .001). The other 2 studies reported no significant difference in mean HbA1c when comparing patients who developed a prosthetic infection and those who did not (7.0% vs 7.6%, P > .05; and 7.6% vs 7.5%, P = .598). CONCLUSION: Current data regarding HbA1c as a predictor of PP infection are inconclusive, with no consensus. HbA1c is increasingly used as a predictor of postsurgical prosthetic infection, with some urologists requiring patients with elevated HbA1c to acutely lower it before elective surgery. While there are a number of established health benefits of controlling elevated blood sugar, larger randomized controlled trials need to validate whether acutely lowering perioperative HbA1c decreases risk of prosthetic infection. Dick BP, Yousif A, Raheem O, et al. Does Lowering Hemoglobin A1c Reduce Penile Prosthesis Infection: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:628-635.

Application of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Female Sexual and Genitourinary Dysfunction: A Review of Current Practices.

INTRODUCTION: The past 2 decades have witnessed an increased amount of research into botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) as a treatment for various forms of sexual dysfunction and pain syndromes refractory to other medical therapy. BoNT is postulated to reduce pain sensation by inhibiting neuropeptide release in the presynaptic neuron. Dyspareunia, vaginismus, vestibulodynia, and persistent genital arousal disorder are female sexual dysfunctions with cryptic pathophysiology and limited treatment options. BoNT has emerged as a potential treatment for many of these afflictions in women. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature regarding BoNT as a treatment for female sexual and genitourinary dysfunction. METHODS: A PubMed search for English-language articles was performed using the following terms: "Botox," "botulinum toxin," "botulinum toxin A," "Onabotulinum A," "Abobutlinum A," "BoNT," and "BoNT-A." The main outcomes measured by each study were resolution of dysfunction. This entailed reduction of pain with intercourse for dyspareunia, reduction of pain for vestibulodynia, decreased arousal for persistent genital arousal disorder, and ability to tolerate penetration for vaginismus. RESULTS: A total of 12 human studies that evaluated BoNT as a treatment for female sexual disorders were included. Study types included prospective, retrospective, cohort, pilot, and open-label. CONCLUSION: There is growing evidence suggesting that BoNT is a safe and efficacious treatment option for female patients suffering from various sexual and genitourinary disorders. However, more research is needed to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms through which BoNT treats these disorders. Dick B, Natale C, Reddy A, et al. Application of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Female Sexual and Genitourinary Dysfunction: A Review of Current Practices. Sex Med 2021;9:57-63.

The Emerging Critical Role of Telemedicine in the Urology Clinic: A Practical Guide.

INTRODUCTION: Although telemedicine (TM) has been available for several decades, the recent increase in its acceptance due to the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a valuable solution for the delivery of health care that provides easy, affordable, and convenient communication with urologic patients. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to highlight limiting factors and provide successful practical solutions to assist urologists in incorporating and maintaining TM in their practices. METHODS: A thorough literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed, Cochrane library, clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Search terms and keywords included "telemedicine" and "urology." Only articles written or translated into the English language were included. RESULTS: A total of 12 peer-reviewed articles were identified that discussed barriers for incorporation of TM in urology. Articles exclusive to the use of TM during the COVID-19 pandemic were also included, as well as American Urological Association and European Urological Association guidelines and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services statements and policies regarding TM pertinent to urological practice. CONCLUSION: TM is currently a viable option and fills an unmet need for most practicing urologists, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering insight to the relative ease of transition to online clinical practice. OA Raheem, S Brimley, C Natale, et al. The Emerging Critical Role of Telemedicine in the Urology Clinic: A Practical Guide. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:289-295.

Novel Treatments of Erectile Dysfunction: Review of the Current Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Although available treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) have expanded, there has been a concomitant shift in the treatment paradigm. Newer treatment options focus on disease modification and improving overall erectile function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to review the evidence of 3 promising novel ED treatments. METHODS: A thorough review of the literature was divided into sections corresponding to low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT), stem cell therapy (SCT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Search terms included "erectile dysfunction" or "ED" plus "extracorporeal shockwave therapy", "stem cell therapy" or "platelet rich plasma". International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores were the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included peak systolic velocity and intracorporeal pressure. RESULTS: Li-ESWT section includes 1 randomized controlled study, 2 prospective studies, 1 animal study, and 2 meta-analyses. IIEF score improvement was 3.54 (range 1.99-6.40). Authors concluded statistically significant short-term effect and improvement in erectile function (EF) with Li-ESWT. SCT section included 4 case series and 1 open-label study. Intraperitoneal, venous, and cavernosal SCT injections improved EF in animal models. 3 studies (n = 6-8) demonstrated 83-100% and 29-50% of patients regained erection and penetration ability, respectively. 2 studies (n = 12-16) found that all patients improved IIEF scores after SCT. Literature review for PRP yielded 3 animal, 1 retrospective, and 1 prospective study. Animal studies have shown that rats sustaining crush cavernosal injuries treated with PRP significantly improved EF and preservation of cavernous nerve axons. One retrospective analysis on humans showed mean improvement by 4.14 in IIEF scores. One prospective study on humans (n = 75) demonstrated improved peak systolic velocity (P = .005) and IIEF scores (P = .046) with PRP therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This review reveals limited published evidence on current novel ED treatment options. Further research on Li-ESWT, SCT, and PRP therapy is necessary to elucidate the role of these therapies in ED treatment regimens. Raheem OA, Natale C, Dick B, et al. Novel Treatments of Erectile Dysfunction: Review of the Current Literature. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:123-132.

A Systematic Review of Penile Prosthesis Surgery in Organ Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: There is an increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with solid organ transplant (SOT) compared with the general population. Many of these patients may become refractory to medical treatment of erectile dysfunction and penile prosthesis (PP) is often recommended. Concerns regarding the safety of PP in patients with SOT are due to their immunosuppressed state. OBJECTIVE: We aim to review all current literature on the outcomes of patients with SOT who have received PP. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed to identify articles pertaining to the outcomes of PP in patients with SOT. RESULTS: We identified and included 14 studies that report on outcomes of PP placement in 143 patients with SOT and 191 non-SOT controls from interval period from 1979 to 2019. Studies included retrospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports. Compared with non-SOT controls who had PP, aggregate analysis demonstrated that patients with SOT who had PP did not develop significantly increased overall complications. However, they were significantly more likely to experience future surgical complications. CONCLUSION: Our aggregate analysis demonstrated that patients with SOT are not at a significantly increased risk of overall complications when receiving a PP. Nevertheless, there is an increased risk of experiencing PP injury during subsequent surgeries, which may be mitigated by the earlier involvement of a urologist. Given the lack of recent data, large studies are prerequisite to further evaluate the safety and overall outcome of PP surgery in patients with SOT. Dick B, Greenberg JW, Polchert M, et al. A Systematic Review of Penile Prosthesis Surgery in Organ Transplant Recipients. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:636-640.

Application of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Male Sexual Dysfunction: Where Are We Now?

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a recognized therapeutic agent of modern medical care, routinely used to treat medical conditions affecting a variety of organ systems including the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and urological domains. Ongoing research is exploring BoNT's potential role as a therapeutic agent for a variety of male sexual pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To review and analyze the literature regarding BoNT as a treatment option for male sexual dysfunction. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed for English-language articles in peer-reviewed journals between 1970 and 2019 (with one article from 1897). Relevant articles referenced within these texts were also included. One article did not have an accompanied English full-text available. The following search terms were used: "Botox", "Botulinum toxin", "Botulinum toxin A", "Onabotulinum A", "Abobutlinum A", "BoNT", "BoNT-A", "Male sexual health", "Male sexual pathology", "Peyronie's disease", "Premature ejaculation", "Scrotal Pain", "Penile Retraction", "Scrotox", "Erectile Dysfunction", and "Botox in Urology". RESULTS: There is interest in the potential role of BoNT in the treatment of male sexual pathologies. We identified studies that used BoNT to treat chronic scrotal content pain, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, penile retraction, and more. However, despite preclinical/clinical data indicating some potential efficacy and safety in these settings, a lack of robust clinical trial data has resulted in no current Food and Drug Administration-approved indications for the use of BoNT in the treatment of male sexual pathology. As a result, much of the current use of BoNT by today's providers is "off-label," and ongoing clinical trials aim to further elucidate the potential role of this therapeutic agent. CONCLUSION: Current data suggest that BoNT could have a potential role as a treatment option for certain types of male sexual pathologies. However, more randomized controlled trial data regarding its long-term safety and efficacy are necessary before a widespread clinical adoption can take place. Reddy AG, Dick BP, Natale C, et al. Application of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Male Sexual Dysfunction: Where Are We Now?. J Sex Med 2021;9:320-330.

Improving environmental hygiene in 27 intensive care units to decrease multidrug-resistant bacterial transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the thoroughness of terminal disinfection and cleaning of patient rooms in hospital intensive care units and to assess the value of a structured intervention program to improve the quality of cleaning as a means of reducing environmental transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms within the intensive care unit. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, and pre- and postinterventional study. SETTING: Intensive care unit rooms in 27 acute care hospitals. Hospitals ranged in size from 25 beds to 709 beds (mean, 206 beds). INTERVENTIONS: A fluorescent targeting method was used to objectively evaluate the thoroughness of terminal room cleaning before and after structured educational, procedural, and administrative interventions. Systematic covert monitoring was performed by infection control personnel to assure accuracy and lack of bias. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In total, 3532 environmental surfaces (14 standardized objects) were assessed after terminal cleaning in 260 intensive care unit rooms. Only 49.5% (1748) of surfaces were cleaned at baseline (95% confidence interval, 42% to 57%). Thoroughness of cleaning at baseline did not correlate with hospital size, patient volume, case mix index, geographic location, or teaching status. After intervention and multiple cycles of objective performance feedback to environmental services staff, thoroughness of cleaning improved to 82% (95% confidence interval, 78% to 86%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements in intensive care unit room cleaning can be achieved in most hospitals by using a structured approach that incorporates a simple, highly objective surface targeting method and repeated performance feedback to environmental services personnel. Given the documented environmental transmission of a wide range of multidrug-resistant pathogens, our findings identify a substantial opportunity to enhance patient safety by improving the thoroughness of intensive care unit environmental hygiene.

Retained Reservoirs of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: A Systematic Review of the Literature and a Guide to Perioperative Management.

INTRODUCTION: Retained reservoirs can be a complex problem for clinicians who manage patients with inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Although the general safety of retained reservoirs is well documented, data on the long-term outcomes of these foreign bodies is scarce. In recent years, complications associated with retained reservoirs and the subsequent management of these cases have become more recognized. AIM: To review, analyze, and summarize the concept of retained reservoirs and their associated complications with retained reservoirs and to provide a guide for management of complicated retained reservoir patients. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the PubMed database on retained reservoir-related complications and perioperative management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We reviewed all publications that detailed complications associated specifically with retained penile prosthesis reservoirs and analyzed perioperative strategies used by providers. Any publication outlining IPP reservoir-related complication(s) stemming from a reservoir that was part of a functioning IPP was excluded. RESULTS: Although the risk is low, serious complications can and do arise from retained reservoirs. To properly manage these patients, clinicians must have knowledge of the prosthetic history and maintain a low threshold for obtaining cross-sectional imaging. By using methodical perioperative planning, the need for reintervention in patients with complications can be reduced, and improved surgical outcomes can be achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The management of retained reservoirs and their complications can be a clinical challenge for prosthetics providers. As such, more data regarding long-term outcomes and management strategies of retained reservoirs are required to better serve this subset of patients with prostheses. Reddy AG, Tsambarlis PN, Akula KP, et al. Retained Reservoirs of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: A Systematic Review of Literature. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:355-363.

Testosterone positively regulates functional responses and nitric oxide expression in the isolated human corpus cavernosum.

BACKGROUND: Testosterone (T) deficiency is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The relaxant response of T on the corporal smooth muscle through a non-genomic pathway has been reported; however, the in vitro modulating effects of T on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) have not been studied. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of various concentrations of T on nitric oxide (NO)-dependent and nitric oxide-independent relaxation in organ bath studies and elucidate its mode of action, specifically targeting the cavernous NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human corpus cavernosum (HCC) samples were obtained from men undergoing penile prosthesis implantation (n = 9). After phenylephrine (Phe) precontraction, the effects of various relaxant drugs of HCC strips were performed using organ bath at low (150 ng/dL), eugonadal (400 ng/dL), and hypergonadal (600 ng/dL) T concentrations. The penile tissue measurements of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal (n)NOS, and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) were evaluated via immunostaining, Western blot, cGMP and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) assays. RESULTS: Relaxation responses to ACh and EFS in isolated HCC strips were significantly increased at all T levels compared with untreated tissues. The sildenafil-induced relaxant response was significantly increased at both eugonadal and hypergonadal T levels. Normal and high levels of T are accompanied by increased eNOS, nNOS, cGMP, and NOx levels, along with reduced PDE5 protein expression. CONCLUSION: This study reveals an important role of short-term and modulatory effects of different concentrations of T in HCC. T positively regulates functional activities, inhibition of PDE5 expression, and formation of cGMP and NOx in HCC. These results demonstrate that T indirectly contributes to HCC relaxation via downstream effects on nNOS, eNOS, and cGMP and by inhibiting PDE5. This action provides a rationale for normalizing T levels in hypogonadal men with ED, especially when PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective. T replacement therapy may improve erectile function by modulating endothelial function in hypogonadal men.

Population density of North American elk: effects on plant diversity.

Large, herbivorous mammals have profound effects on ecosystem structure and function and often act as keystone species in ecosystems they inhabit. Density-dependent processes associated with population structure of large mammals may interact with ecosystem functioning to increase or decrease biodiversity, depending on the relationship of herbivore populations relative to the carrying capacity (K) of the ecosystem. We tested for indirect effects of population density of large herbivores on plant species richness and diversity in a montane ecosystem, where increased net aboveground primary productivity (NAPP) in response to low levels of herbivory has been reported. We documented a positive, linear relationship between plant-species diversity and richness with NAPP. Structural equation modeling revealed significant indirect relationships between population density of herbivores, NAPP, and species diversity. We observed an indirect effect of density-dependent processes in large, herbivorous mammals and species diversity of plants through changes in NAPP in this montane ecosystem. Changes in species diversity of plants in response to herbivory may be more indirect in ecosystems with long histories of herbivory. Those subtle or indirect effects of herbivory may have strong effects on ecosystem functioning, but may be overlooked in plant communities that are relatively resilient to herbivory.

An update on: long-term outcomes of penile prostheses for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Penile prosthesis placement is the gold standard for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to medical therapy; however, limited data exist on the long-term outcomes of these devices. AREAS COVERED: A PubMed search focused on long-term outcomes of penile prosthetics was performed. Studies with a follow-up of less than 5 years were excluded. Included studies were arranged chronologically by implant date to identify trends in device lifetime. Data were further scrutinized to separate device failure secondary to mechanical malfunction from device failure secondary to infection. EXPERT OPINION: Limited data prevent accurate 15-year predictions for modern prosthetics. The 5- and 10-year overall survival of modern prosthetics is estimated to be 90.4% and 86.6%, respectively. Infection rates are estimated to be 1.5% and 1.8% at 8 and 10 years, respectively. While great strides have been made in device design, there is still potential for advancement in both infection rate reduction and mechanical improvement. The combination of increased collaboration between implanting urologists and engineers from prosthetic device companies and improved, prospectively collected data will usher prosthetic urology into its next era.

Penile Prosthesis Complications: Planning, Prevention, and Decision Making.

INTRODUCTION: Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is an established treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to medical therapy. Standardization of surgical technique and improvements in device construction have reduced all-cause complication rates to less than 5% in recent reports. Nonetheless, complications do exist, and can strongly impact morbidity and the quality of life of patients. Prosthetic urologists must be aware of the constellation of complications that can arise during or after IPP placement. AIM: To provide a comprehensive review of penile prosthesis complications and discuss preventative strategies, as well as proper preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative decision making. METHODS: A review of the available literature from 1973 to 2018 was performed using PubMed with regard to IPP complications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We reviewed publications that outlined preoperative planning strategies and the following IPP complications: hematoma, floppy glans, corporal fibrosis, corporal perforation and crossover, urethral injury, infection, impending erosion, and glandular ischemia. RESULTS: Careful patient and device selection, setting realistic expectations of postsurgical outcomes, and adherence to a perioperative checklist is essential in the preoperative period. Intraoperatively, anticipate corporal fibrosis situations and always dilate laterally during corporal passage to reduce the risk of crossover and urethral injury. Limit perioperative antiplatelet therapy, apply compressive dressing, use a closed suction drain if indicated, and leave the device partially inflated postoperatively to reduce risk of hematoma. After surgery, monitor patients for potential complications that may warrant device explantation or salvage: IPP infection, glans ischemia, and impending erosion. CONCLUSIONS: By using evidence and expert opinion-based decision-making strategies in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period of IPP placement, surgeons can reduce the risk of complications and dissatisfaction, even in ED patients with multiple comorbid conditions. Scherzer ND, Dick B, Gabrielson AT, et al. Penile Prosthesis Complications: Planning, Prevention, and Decision Making. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:349-359.