[German Society of Urology Congress, Hamburg and the Presidential Medal]. / DGU-Kongress, Hamburg und die Präsidentenmedaille.

The German Society of Urology (DGU) e. V. meeting has been an integral part of knowledge sharing among national and international experts since 1907. Hamburg was the host city for this meeting nine times (until 2015), including the 47th Annual Meeting of the DGU in 1995 under the presidency of Prof. Dr. U. Jonas (Hannover). As part of the 47th conference, a new insignia in the form of the Presidential Medal was given to the designated successor for the first time. The medal, which is in the form of a chain, was made in a small workshop in Idar-Oberstein, Germany.

Metabolic syndrome and the seminal cytokine network in morbidly obese males.

Given the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in males of reproductive age, the objective of this prospective case-controlled study was to investigate the impact of subacute systemic inflammation associated with MetS on seminal cytokines and standard sperm parameters in comparison with healthy men. Between 2011 and 2014, we recruited 27 patients with MetS out of 41 obese patients screened from an internal outpatient clinic. Twenty-seven age-matched healthy controls were enrolled from 54 men requesting vasectomy in a urological outpatient clinic. A multiplex analysis was performed to quantify simultaneously the level of 30 cytokines (Eotaxin, FGF, Fraktalkine, GCSF, GMCSF, Granzyme A, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-21, IP-10, I-TAC, MCP-1, MIG, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß, RANTES, TNF-α, and VEGF) in each 50 µL of blood and seminal plasma during the andrological work-up. Semen analysis was performed according to the WHO (Global status report on noncommunicable diseases, 2010) recommendations, including standard sperm parameters as well as peroxidase-positive leukocytes and polymorphonuclear elastase. Blood levels of C-reactive protein, interleukins 6 and 10 were elevated in MetS (p > 0.001). Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis showed characteristic cytokine networks in semen greatly differing from those in blood, but not between MetS and controls. No deterioration of semen analysis was evident in men diagnosed with MetS. Our results suggest that there is no transmission of the systemic inflammation associated with MetS into semen based on cytokine profiles and that MetS does not impair standard semen parameters to a clinically significant extent.

[Dermatological diseases of the external male genitalia : Part 2: Infectious and malignant dermatological]. / Hauterkrankungen am äußeren männlichen Genitale : Teil 2: Infektiöse und maligne Hauterkrankungen.

The urological and andrological examination of male patients should include inspection of the genital skin in order to detect malignant neoplasms, such as erythroplasia of Queyrat and infectious diseases, such as genital warts (condylomata acuminata). Independent of the incidental finding of relevant dermatological alterations in the genital area, sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis must again be considered more often as the incidence has greatly increased in Germany during the last few years. In addition, urologists should be able to adequately advise patients on all aspects of diseases caused by human papillomavirus. As patients are often alarmed by genital skin lesions and worried that the sex life can be impaired, the initiation of adequate therapy is of great importance.

[Dermatological diseases of the external male genitalia : Part 1]. / Hauterkrankungen am äußeren männlichen Genitale : Teil 1.

The urological examination of male patients includes an inspection of the external genitalia whereby a variety of dermatological alterations can be found. Not all dermatological findings are of clinical relevance. Pearly penile papules and heterotopic sebaceous glands are examples of normal physiological variations. Most penile melanotic macules, angiokeratomas, fibromas and angiomas do not have to be treated; however, penile skin lesions may also be symptoms of other diseases, such as circinate balanitis in Reiter's syndrome and multiple angiokeratomas in Fabry's disease. A typical manifestation of reactions to various drugs is the fixed drug eruption of penile skin. The differential diagnosis of various forms of balanoposthitis may be difficult and requires histological investigations (e.g. plasma cell balanitis or Zoon's disease). In contrast, the clinical manifestation of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is easy to recognize. The clinical relevance of this disease is due to phimosis and problems during sexual intercourse.

[Oswald Schwarz: a pioneer in psychosomatic urology and sexual medicine]. / Oswald Schwarz : Ein Pionier der psychosomatischen Urologie und Sexualmedizin.

Oswald Schwarz, a urologist from Vienna, was a scholar of Anton Ritter von Frisch and Hans Rubritius. As a physician during World War I, he was confronted with numerous bullet wounds to the spinal cord. In 1919, he completed his professorial thesis"Bladder dysfunction as a result of bullet wounds to the spinal cord". Oswald Schwarz was known as a committed surgeon. As an urologist he also treated patients with sexual dysfunction. Besides his practical and scientific urology-related work, he was also interested in psychology and philosophy. He held lectures on both subjects earning himself the nickname, the Urosoph. In the 1920s, Oswald Schwarz belonged to the inner circle of Alfred Adler, the founder of Individual Psychology, and was editor of the first psychosomatic textbook published in German, "Psychological origin and psychotherapy of physical symptoms" (1925). In addition, Schwarz wrote numerous articles and several books on sexual medicine. He also made many valuable contributions to the development of medical anthropology. Altogether, his work includes over 130 publications. Faced with the rise of fascism and National Socialism in Europe, Oswald Schwarz, who was of Jewish origin, emigrated to England in 1934. There he died in 1949. Unfortunately his scientific work has largely been forgotten. The aim of the following article is to remind us of his important contributions to the field.

René Küss (1913-2006)-a transplant pioneer in Paris.

René Küss (1913-2006), an outstanding urologic surgeon, was one of the leading pioneers in kidney transplantation. He suggested and perfected the retroperitoneal placement of the donor kidney into the iliac fossa and its anastomosis to the iliac vessels in the early 1950s. He was one of the first to introduce an immunosuppressive regimen in kidney transplantation a decade later. Küss established the first multiple department of urology at the Paris hospitals, served as General Secretary and later as President for the Société Internationale d'Urologie from 1952 until 1985, and founded "La Société Francaise de Transplantation" as the first scientific society dedicated to transplantation medicine in Europe in 1971. Moreover, Küss was an art connoisseur and collector, an automobiliste, and a medical historian.

[Highlights of the history of onanism]. / Höhepunkte aus der Geschichte der Onanie.

For many societies in the world onanism is taboo because of religious and medical ethics. From ancient times until the present day this type of body sensation is disclaimed by modern communities like a recurrent theme. After the discovery of the mechanism of fertilisation by the biologist Eduard van Beneden (1846-1910) in 1875 the feminine clitoris was declared to be a dispensable organ. The clitoris was suspected of causing hysteria, epilepsy and other forms of insanity. In the eighteenth century masturbation performed by young men was classified as a consumptive disease that caused inevitable death. The following presentation gives an historical overview through the history of onanism that demonstrates the artistic, philosophical and medical point of view on the sexuality of men.

[A brief history of testosterone]. / Eine kurze Geschichte des Testosterons.

The history of testosterone is closely connected with the application of aphrodisiacs, research on sexual differentiation, and several therapies for rejuvenation around the year 1900. Chemical isolation and synthesis of androgens was achieved between 1931 and 1935 and only since then has clinically effective substitution therapy with testosterone for hypogonadism been available.

Urogenital infections and male sexuality: effects on ejaculation and erection.

The relation of urogenital infections and sexual dysfunction in men was largely neglected in the past but has attracted increasing interest recently. Despite direct anatomical and physiological interactions of the pelvic structures, an adverse effect of chronic prostatitis on quality of life and well-being should be considered to be another crucial point for any sexual disorder. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and painful ejaculation are the leading sexual symptoms in urogenital infections. On the other hand, chronic prostatitis has been found with a high frequency especially in men presenting with secondary premature ejaculation and the importance of a careful physical and microbiological examination of the prostate before any pharmacologic or psychosexual therapy for sexual disorder should be considered.

[Gustav Klimt and the field of medicine. Painting of the medical faculty--relationship with the Zuckerkandl family]. / Gustav Klimt und die Medizin. Das Fakultätsbild der "Medizin"--die Beziehung zur Familie Zuckerkandl.

The art nouveau painter Gustav Klimt (1862-1918), a cofounder of the Vienna Secession movement, was commissioned in 1894 to prepare three ceiling paintings for the Great Hall of the University of Vienna portraying the faculties of "Philosophy," "Medicine," and "Jurisprudence." After the first public presentations of these paintings starting in 1900 fierce protests erupted since the artist had not painted a historical allegory but rather had created a modern symbolic picture in the Secessionism style. The controversy over the so-called faculty paintings escalated to the point that in 1905 Klimt irrevocably distanced himself from the commission and bought back his pictures from the state. The paintings were later purchased by the Austrian Gallery and in 1943 placed in storage in Lower Austria at the Immendorf Castle where they were destroyed by a fire in May 1945 when the German troops withdrew. Besides Klimt's preliminary sketches, only black and white photographs of the three paintings now exist as well as a color reproduction of the section depicting Hygieia from the "Medicine" painting. Due to the public rejection of the faculty paintings, Gustav Klimt broke away from official government-commissioned art and focused on private clients from among Viennese society. One of these intensive associations was with the anatomist Emil Zuckerkandl and his wife Berta, who was very active in cultural affairs. During the dispute over the faculty paintings, Zuckerkandl was one of the few university professors who signed a petition in favor of retaining the paintings. His brother, the industrialist Victor Zuckerkandl, was one of the major collectors and patrons of Secessionist art. The third brother, the well-known urologist Otto Zuckerkandl (1861-1921), president of the Second and Third Congresses of the German Society of Urology in 1909 and 1911, was also in close contact with Klimt. A portrait of his wife Amalie was a work in progress between 1913 and 1917, but it remained unfinished.

[Regenerative medicine in andrology: tissue engineering and gene therapy as potential treatment options for penile deformations and erectile dysfunction]. / Medicina regenerativa en andrología: ingeniería tisular y terapia génica como posibles opciones de tratamiento para las deformaciones peneanas y la disfunción eréctil.

Tissue engineering and gene therapy are currently investigated in animal studies for reconstructing penile tissue or treating erectile dysfunction. This review aims to ecamine these experimental efforts from the last years and tries to give a brief introduction to the basic methodology of these new techniques from the field of regenerative medicine.

Medicina regenerativa en andrología: Ingeniería Tisular y terapia génica como posibles opciones de tratamiento para las deformaciones peneanas y la disfunción eréctil / Regenerative medicine in andrology: tissue engineering and gene therapy as potential treatment options for penile deformations and erectile dysfunction

Se están investigando la ingeniería tisular y la terapia génica en estudios en animales para reconstruir el tejido peneano o tratar la disfunción eréctil. En esta revisión se pretende examinar estos esfuerzos experimentales de los últimos años y se intenta ofrecer una breve introducción a la metodología básica de estas nuevas técnicas del campo de la medicina regenerativa

Tissue engineering and gene therapy are currently investigated in animal studies for reconstructing penile tissue or treating erectile dysfunction. This review aims to ecamine these experimental efforts from the last years and tries to give a brief introduction to the basic methodology of these new techniques from the field of regenerative medicine

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy for the treatment of BPH: still a challenger?

Minimally invasive therapies for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) compete with the gold standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Comparisons of efficacy and safety have broadened the knowledge of different treatment modalities. Concerns of quality of life such as unaltered sexual function as well as cost considerations drive the market to develop techniques of lower level invasiveness. Among the competitors the office based transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) provides the broadest scale of scientific data. Numerous manufacturers sell various modifications of this technology. According to different clinical studies TUMT proved to be an effective, safe, and durable therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH. However, TURP still holds the steadier long-term results and is more effective to reduce obstruction as well as other LUTS.

[The male genital in legal medicine]. / Das männliche Genitale in der gerichtlichen Medizin.

Pathomorphological findings for the male genital are an exception among forensic cases. In earlier publications they were usually published as individual cases. A significant percentage are the so-called fertility- and potency medical certificates, which are usually commissioned for doubtful paternity cases. Old forensic writings about genital injuries distinguish--apart from the necessity of a complete dissection--between "deadly as such" and "accidentally deadly" injuries. Another group consists of reports about self-inflicted genital mutilation, e.g. among prison inmates or soldiers of the last world wars to become an invalid. When it was necessary to identify a corpse, e.g. in cases of progressive decomposition, Merkel recommended in 1945 the representation of the so-called "Schnepfenkopf" (snipe head; colliculus seminalis) in the lesser pelvis. In this article a medical and forensic review of forensically relevant findings of the male genital is presented and illustrated with historical cases.

[Diagnosis of male infertility]. / Diagnostik der männlichen Infertilität.

A detailed medical history and clinical examination are important steps in the diagnosis of male infertility. Tests include semen analysis according to WHO standards, laboratory tests (mainly determination of follicle-stimulating hormone) and scrotal sonography. Invasive diagnostic procedures, such as testicular biopsy or investigation of seminal pathway obstruction, are generally combined with therapeutic sperm retrieval for cryopreservation or microsurgical refertilization.

[Sperm stains in legal medicine. An historical review of forensic authentication methods]. / Spermaspuren in der gerichtlichen Medizin. Ein historischer Rückblick über forensische Nachweismethoden.

Furnishing proof of human seminal stains is part of daily forensic work in investigations of sexual crimes. In the last two centuries different methods have been described for confirming putative sperm traces. These methods ranged from identification of the smell and appearance of the stain, to simple chemical reactions such as precipitation of crystals and enzymatic proof of acid phosphatase, which are now enhanced by analytic methods of modern molecular biology. This discourse gives a review of the development of different forensic methods for detection of sperm traces, illustrated with historical case studies.

Testosterone therapy in the ageing male: what about the prostate?

The concerns about testosterone therapy in ageing men with late-onset hypogonadism mainly address the risk of prostatic disease, i.e. either benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer (PCa). Both conditions are highly dependent on androgen action and recent clinical data on the cancer-preventive effect of the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride have supported the possible role of androgens in PCa. However, the clinical data especially on the long-term effects of exogenous androgen substitution in regard to prostate safety are nonconclusive in many respects. As sufficient clinical studies on these risks will not be available in the near future, the approach of testosterone therapy towards prostate complications should be kept on a safe but practical basis. This review includes some recommendations in regard to testosterone therapy and prostate monitoring in patients with BPH and bladder outlet obstruction, with previous history of curative treatment for PCa or with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.