Low Exercise Tolerance as a Marker of Erectile Dysfunction and Depression among Post-Myocardial Infarction Men.

Evidence has grown recently on the correlation between lifestyle and physical activity, and their impact on the functioning of the entire organism. In addition, a decrease in physical efficiency may be an indicator of the early diagnosis of systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between exercise tolerance and possible erectile dysfunction or mental disorders. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 men in 4 cardiac rehabilitation centers in Poland using the standardized International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires. Erectile dysfunction was directly proportional to the metabolic equivalent of the task (MET) variable. An increase in exercise tolerance by 1 point was associated with an increase in the IIEF-5 score by 1.62 points, indicating a reduction in the severity of erectile dysfunction. The 1-point increase in MET was associated with a 1.8-point decrease in BDI, indicating that an increase in exercise tolerance is associated with a decrease in the severity of depressive disorders. Increasing the tolerance of physical effort has a beneficial effect not only on the general well-being, but also on the sexual and mental health of men. An increase in exercise tolerance is associated with a reduction in the incidence of erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, in patients with depressive disorders, the improvement of exercise tolerance reduces the intensity of depression symptoms. Exercise tolerance can be an early and simple marker at the onset of erectile dysfunction or mood disorders.

Mental and Sexual Health of Men in Times of COVID-19 Lockdown.

Due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19, some restrictions were introduced which could lead to the development of distress and somatic symptoms. This survey aimed to study the mental and sexual health of men during the COVID-19 outbreak. An online questionnaire was conducted to collect data on contact with people suspected of infection/infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, use of stimulants, and perceived mental and sexual health during isolation among Polish men. They were also asked to answer the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire. In total, 606 men with a mean age of 28.46 ± 9.17 years took part in the survey. Fear of contracting the COVID-19 infection had a negative impact on the mental health of 132 men (21.8%). Fear of the health condition of loved ones caused stress and a depressed mood in 253 men (41.7%), and media reports worsened the mental health of 185 men (30.2%). In the BDI, 71.95% of the respondents did not suffer from depressive symptoms, 17.33% were diagnosed with mild depression, 6.11% with moderate depression, and 4.62% had severe depression. The mean score in the IIEF-15 questionnaire in the erectile function domain was 22.27, orgasm-7.63, desire-8.25, satisfaction-10.17, and general satisfaction-6.84. Depressive symptoms indicated more severe sexual functioning disorders (p < 0.001). Fear, following the media, and loneliness were associated with more severe depressive and sexual disorders (p < 0.001). The libido level (p = 0.002) and frequency of sexual activity (p < 0.001) were also lower during the pandemic than before the lockdown. These data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on male mental and sexual health.

Traumatic dental injuries - practical management guide.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) with a prevalence of 25% among school children and 33% among adults are a public health problem and can have a negative influence on the quality of life. The treatment prognosis of some teeth injuries is heavily dependent on the actions taken at the place of injury. The objective was to summarize evidence-based knowledge on the topic of TDIs and present a practical management guide for first aid in an accessible way. The authors searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The review included only papers published in 2013 or later. Tooth injuries are proven to cause physical, social as well as economic consequences. The most frequent type of injury in primary dentition is avulsion, whereas crown fractures are most common in permanent dentition. TDIs occur most often at home and in school. Certain risk factors for TDIs were identified which include, among others, male gender, younger age, obesity. The general community knowledge of correct first aid in case of dental trauma is limited. Guidelines published by the International Association of Dental Traumatology include practical recommendations for first aid after avulsion. Permanent teeth should be replanted immediately at the accident site, whereas primary teeth should not be replanted when avulsed. Broken teeth fragments ought always to be collected if possible. After dental trauma it is vital that the patients seek professional help. Measures preventing TDIs (e.g., mouthguards) should be encouraged. It is of great importance that parents, teachers, guardians or bystanders witnessing a TDI are equipped to assist after a dental trauma or give advice on first aid when needed. Raising public awareness on the topic of dental injuries is a strongly advised general objective.

[Dietary supplements - a temporary trend or an effective help in the fight against obesity and increasing physical performance]. / Suplementy diety ­ chwilowy trend czy skuteczna pomoc w walce z otyloscia i zwiekszeniem wydolnosci fizycznej.

Dietary supplements are products that are intended to supplement deficiencies in diets deficient in vitamins, micro- and macro-ingredients and biologically active substances. More and more preparations appear on the market as a result of the lack of regulations regarding the requirements that must be met by the product before being released on the market. People are increasingly reaching for this type of product, believing in the manufacturers' assurances about their effectiveness in the fight against excessive kilograms or about increasing efficiency during training. However, supplements do not have to undergo any clinical trials and therefore it is not entirely safe to use the same preparations for all people, because an excess of some substances can be even harmful and cause various side effects. The literature review covered the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Mainly articles appeared after 2013. There are many clinical studies that directly indicate the toxic effects of some substances that are found in commonly available dietary supplements on the market. Due to ignorance, very often these preparations are confused with drugs because the labels show similar ingredients. In the case of people struggling with the problem of excess weight, the best way to get rid of obesity is exercise, a healthy diet. The diet of athletes should be adjusted to cover the needs of all micro and macro ingredients. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the growing problem of the abuse of dietary supplements, without finding a deficiency in a given person, we should pay special attention to the preparations consumed by patients, bought without a prescription. This can lead to serious disturbances in the proper functioning of the body.

Internet Addiction and Polish Women's Sexual Functioning: The Role of Social Media, Online Pornography, and Game Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic-Online Surveys Based on FSFI and BSMAS Questionnaires.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between social media use and women's sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected between April and November 2021. Online surveys including the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) questionnaires were distributed to young, sexually active women. Information was collected on their demographics, sexual life, and use of social media. We enrolled 546 women (mean age 23.07 ± 4.69). In general, 5.68% of the women were at high risk of social media addiction. Social media addiction had a negative impact on FSFI scores, while pornography use had a positive effect on women's sexual functioning. Users of dating apps also obtained lower FSFI scores than non-users. No differences in FSFI scores were observed between gamers and non-gamers. The impact of time spent on social media on FSFI scores was not significant. We conclude that social media addiction negatively affected women's sexual functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Fecal calprotectin as a diagnostic marker of inflammatory bowel disease]. / Kalprotektyna w kale jako marker diagnostyczny w nieswoistych zapaleniach jelit.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of diseases characterized by chronic and recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence of IBD has increased significantly in past decades. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the possibility of using fecal calprotectin in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, the assessment of the severity of the disease, the prediction of a relapse and the monitoring of remission. The literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Most of the publications included in the study are from 2013 or later. Laboratory, imaging, endoscopic and histopathological tests are used in the diagnosis of IBD. In order to confirm the diagnosis, an endoscopic examination with the collection and evaluation of histopathological specimens is required. Laboratory tests useful in the diagnosis of non-specific inflammations include non-specific tests such as the white blood cells count, ESR and CRP. Faecal calprotectin is a protein complex produced by neutrophils in the inflamed gut. The studies included in this review have shown the presence of increased levels of fecal calprotectin in patients with relapses in the course of inflammatory bowel disease. Accordingly, determination of this marker may be useful in the diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain and as screening prior to colonoscopy.

Depressive and Sexual Disorders during the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Young Polish Women.

We investigated whether long-term social restrictions and COVID-19 exposure have different impacts on the mental and sexual health of Polish women compared to the effects experienced at the beginning of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among Polish women via Facebook groups. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were compared for the first wave (April-May 2020) and the second wave (November 2020 to February 2021) of the pandemic. We enrolled 1644 participants (mean age 25.11 ± 7.09 years) during the first wave and 720 participants (mean age 23.23 ± 5.34 years) during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Significant differences were observed in libido levels and frequency of sexual activity before and during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (both p < 0.001). The percentage of participants under psychiatric or psychological care increased from 6.5% to 14.44% and those who were anxious about the health conditions of loved ones increased from 57.5% to 65.14%. BDI scores increased significantly from 11 (IQR 5-18) to 12 (IQR 7-20). The change in the FSFI score was not significant (27.01 ± 7.61 vs. 26.38 ± 7.76). The COVID-19 pandemic affected various aspects of human life, including sexual life. The data obtained during the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland showed that female sexual dysfunction did not differ, but depressive symptoms and fear intensified.

Mental and Sexual Health of Polish Women of Reproductive Age During the COVID-19 Pandemic - An Online Survey.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic can cause emotional distress, which can in turn lead to the development of mental and physical symptoms. AIM: We examined the association of the COVID-19 outbreak and the mental, physical and sexual health of the female Polish population. METHODS: Data were collected in an online survey distributed on social media from April 22, 2020 through to May 7, 2020. The data collection began one month after the start of lockdown in Poland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Women were asked to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall, 1644 women (median age 23 years) took part in the survey. They reported a lower frequency of sexual activity (P < .001) and a lower libido level (P < .001) during the pandemic then before it. 57.5% of the study group (n = 944) strongly agreed or agreed that fear of the health condition of loved ones was a source of stress and depressed mood. The average BDI-II total score was 11 (range 0-51; IQR 5-18), which corresponds to minimal depression. The average FSFI total score was 27.01 ± 7.61 (range 2-36). The FSFI and BDI scores were significantly correlated (P < .001). The FSFI score was significantly correlated with the presence of any comorbid chronic disease, the intensity of the fear of infection and fear of health conditions, perceived loneliness, and the being up to date with media news. The BDI score was significantly correlated with age, the intensity of the fear of infection and fear of health conditions, perceived loneliness, being up to date with media news, and the more frequent use of stimulants. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 lockdown setting was associated with a high occurrence of depressive symptoms and increased risk of sexual dysfunction with decreased libido and lower sexual frequency the most commonly reported issues. Szuster E, Kostrzewska P, Pawlikowska A, et al. Mental and Sexual Health of Polish Women of Reproductive Age During the COVID-19 Pandemic - An Online Survey. Sex Med 2021;9:100367.