World Journal of Mens Health最新文献

{"title":"Coping with Complications that Occur after Prostate Biopsy for Satisfactory Evaluation of Call Service Using Artificial Intelligence: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Yong Nam Gwon, Ukrae Cho, Seung Ryong Chong, Ji Yeon Han, Do Kyung Kim, Seung Whan Doo, Won Jae Yang, Kyeongmin Kim, Sung Ryul Shim, Jaehun Jung, Jae Heon Kim","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.240191","DOIUrl":"10.5534/wjmh.240191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To assess whether an artificial intelligence (AI)-based reassurance-call can inform patients about potential complications and provides reassurance following a prostate biopsy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>From October 2022 to December 2023, 42 patients aged 40 to 70 years undergoing their first prostate biopsy were recruited. The 'Reassurance-call' service was utilized to inform and monitor patients for complications. Participants were randomized into three groups: AI-assisted Reassurance-call service (Group 1), human-assisted Reassurance-call service (Group 2), and no call (Group 3). The primary outcome measured was patient satisfaction with the Reassurance-call service, assessed using a Likert scale. Secondary outcomes included satisfaction with complication management and anxiety levels, evaluated using the Likert scale, visual analog scale (VAS), and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Satisfaction with Reassurance-call averaged 4.20 (standard deviation [SD] 0.56) for Group 1 and 4.71 (SD 0.47) for Group 2, showing a statistically significant difference. Satisfaction regarding complication management using Likert scale was 4.13 (SD 0.52) for Group 1, 4.43 (SD 0.76) for Group 2, and 3.79 (SD 0.80) for Group 3 with no statistically significant differences. Satisfaction regarding complication management using VAS averaged 8.33 (SD 1.23) for Group 1, 8.57 (SD 1.45) for Group 2, and 7.07 (SD 1.86) for Group 3, indicating significant differences. Anxiety levels using STAI averaged 40.00 (SD 10.54) for Group 1, 39.14 (SD 8.29) for Group 2, and 35.00 (SD 9.46) for Group 3, showing no significant differences. Anxiety levels using VAS averaged 5.07 (SD 2.79) for Group 1, 2.21 (SD 2.64) for Group 2, and 3.50 (SD 2.28) for Group 3, with significant differences observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>AI demonstrated potential in enhancing patient reassurance and managing complications post-prostate biopsy, although human interaction proved superior in certain aspects. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to verify the effectiveness of AI-based tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":"934-943"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex and Gender Differences in Obesity: Biological, Sociocultural, and Clinical Perspectives.","authors":"Hyeyoon Kim, Sung-Eun Kim, Mi-Kyung Sung","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250126","DOIUrl":"10.5534/wjmh.250126","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sex and gender differences significantly influence the prevalence of obesity, patterns of fat distribution, metabolic health outcomes, and responses to treatment. While women generally exhibit a higher overall prevalence of obesity, men are more susceptible to visceral fat accumulation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and other obesity-related complications. This review examines the biological, genetic, and sociocultural foundations of sex-based differences in obesity. Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating subcutaneous fat deposition and brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity in women, whereas men tend to accumulate more visceral fat and demonstrate reduced BAT thermogenic function. Genetic investigations, including genome-wide association studies, have identified sex-specific loci associated with central adiposity and fat metabolism. Additionally, emerging research indicates distinct gut microbiome profiles between obese men and women. Sociocultural and psychosocial factors, such as gender norms, body image perception, and healthcare-seeking behavior, also influence the risk and management of obesity. Women are more inclined to seek treatment and participate in structured weight-loss programs, while men often face under diagnosis due to stigma and limited healthcare access. These sex-based differences are evident in comorbidities, with women being more vulnerable to obesity-related cancers and mental health disorders, whereas men experience an earlier onset of CVD and diabetes. Despite these distinctions, most obesity interventions lack gender-specific considerations. This review underscores the necessity for sex- and gender-tailored strategies in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity. A more nuanced understanding of these differences can improve clinical outcomes and inform policy development for equitable obesity care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":"758-772"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12505483/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preoperative Varicocele Severity and Sperm Concentration Are Associated with Absence of Internal Spermatic Vein Reflux in Patients Undergoing Varicocele Embolization: Results from A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Ludovico Maria Basadonna, Federica Passarelli, Irene Fulgheri, Edoardo Sorba, Giorgio Graps, Fabio Ciamarra, Damiano Dagnino, Franco Gadda, Valentina Parolin, Giancarlo Albo, Elisa De Lorenzis, Anna Maria Ierardi, Gianpaolo Carrafiello, Emanuele Montanari, Luca Boeri","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250180","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To assess the prevalence and predictors of absence of internal spermatic vein (ISV) reflux during varicocele embolization in infertile male.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Demographic, clinical and laboratory data from 237 infertile males treated with percutaneous varicocele embolization between January 2017 and November 2024 were analyzed. Each patient underwent color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and semen analysis, both repeated 6 months post-procedure. Semen analysis values were based on 2021 World Health Organization reference criteria. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between predictors and embolization failure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median age was 28 (IQR 22-34) years. Median preoperative semen parameters included sperm concentration of 22 (10.0-44.5) ×10⁶/mL, progressive motility of 35% (25%-40%), and normal morphology of 3% (2%-5%). Nearly half (48.9%) had CDUS grade ≥4 varicocele. Venous access was achieved via the right internal jugular vein in 46.4% and right common femoral vein in 53.6% of cases. Treatment was not performed in 1.3% of patients due to failure in catheterizing the spermatic vein and in 10.5% due to absence of ISV insufficiency during Valsalva. ISV reflux was more frequently absent in patients with grade III <i>vs.</i> grade IV-V varicocele (72.0% <i>vs.</i> 48.3%, p=0.02). After 2020, expert-driven ultrasound reduced the rate of phlebography-negative varicoceles (40% <i>vs.</i> 60%, p=0.03). Patients with confirmed varicocele had lower sperm concentration (20×10⁶/mL <i>vs.</i> 26 ×10⁶/mL, p=0.02). Grade III varicocele (OR 5.2; p=0.01) and higher sperm concentration (OR 1.1; p=0.03) were independent predictors of absent ISV reflux. Those with grade III varicocele and sperm count >20 ×10⁶/mL had a 96% likelihood of reflux absence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Grade III varicocele and higher preoperative sperm concentration independently predicted the absence of ISV reflux, highlighting their role in patient selection. After expert-driven US implementation, the rate of no varicocele at phlebography significantly decreased.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sexual Orientation Disparities in Mental Health Vulnerabilities: Exploring Body Image Dissatisfaction and Desired Changes in Physical Attributes among Cisgender Heterosexual, Homosexual, and Bisexual Men in Taiwan.","authors":"Jiun-Hau Huang, Michelle Wang, Jen-Hao Chu","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Little is known about Asian cisgender men's body image dissatisfaction (BID) and its variation among heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual men. This study aimed to explore and better understand their specific BID concerns regarding various body parts and desired changes in physical attributes (DCPA), shedding light on the intersection of BID and sexual orientation among Asian men.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted among participants recruited through the popular online forum, PTT, which attracts a large youth population in Taiwan. The inclusion criteria were: cisgender men; aged 18 years or older; Taiwanese citizens. The prevalence and levels of BID for nine specific body parts and prevalence of DCPA were compared by sexual orientation. Pairwise mean differences and multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for age and body mass index, were estimated for subgroup comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 632 participants, 376 self-identified as heterosexual, 185 as homosexual, and 71 as bisexual. The overall BID score and four body-part BID scores (<i>i.e.</i>, facial features, skin, muscles, and penis) significantly differed by sexual orientation, with homosexual and bisexual men exhibiting higher BID than heterosexual men. Further DCPA analysis found significant sexual orientation differences regarding 27 DCPA items. Homosexual men most often reported desiring to change 18 of these DCPA, whereas bisexual men most often endorsed the remaining nine DCPA (<i>e.g.</i>, an upward curve of the penis, a larger glans).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings reveal sexual orientation disparities in BID and DCPA, providing valuable insights for addressing body image concerns among Asian men.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of <i>Prunella vulgaris</i> on Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Tae Hyung Kim, Soomin Kim, Hwajong Lee, Sae Woong Kim, Youn Gil Kwak, Mi Ran Jang, Dongho Shin, Woong Jin Bae","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of <i>Prunella vulgaris</i> (PV) extract in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 men aged 40-75 years with moderate LUTS (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] ≥8 and ≤19) were randomized to receive PV extract (600 mg/day) or placebo. The primary outcome was the change in total IPSS from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes included changes in IPSS subscores, quality of life (QoL), uroflowmetry, and prostate volume. Safety was assessed by adverse events and laboratory parameters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 75 participants completed the trial (PV group, n=39; placebo group, n=36). At week 12, the PV group showed a significantly greater reduction in total IPSS compared to placebo (-5.2±4.6 <i>vs.</i> -2.8±4.3; p=0.014). Significant improvements were also observed in voiding subscore (-3.3±3.7 <i>vs.</i> -1.6±3.2; p=0.020) and QoL (-1.2±1.4 <i>vs.</i> -0.7±1.3; p=0.044). There were no significant differences in maximum flow rate or prostate volume. The incidence of adverse events was low and similar between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PV extract improved LUTS and QoL in men with LUTS was well tolerated. These findings suggest its potential as a safe and effective phytotherapeutic option for managing male LUTS.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Biomolecular Effects of Finasteride on Male Rat Brain during Administration and after Discontinuation.","authors":"Young Hyo Choi, Hee Youn Kim, Seung Ho Yang, Jun Sung Koh, Jin Bong Choi, Dong Sup Lee","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the biomolecular effects of finasteride on rat brain tissue during and after discontinuation.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Twenty-four 14-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (finasteride-treated), and Group 3 (finasteride-withdrawn). Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were measured at the end of the study period. Brain tissues were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, with c-Fos employed as a non-specific biomarker of neural cellular activity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Group 2, serum dihydrotestosterone levels, 5-alpha reductase type 1 protein expression, and c-Fos phosphorylation showed a decreasing trend (p=0.067, p=0.015, p=0.123, respectively, versus Group 1), but rebounded in Group 3 (p=0.044, p=0.033, p=0.049, respectively, versus Group 2). In contrast, 5-alpha reductase type 2 protein expression was significantly reduced in Group 2 (p=0.017 <i>vs.</i> group 1) and remained suppressed in Group 3 (p=0.029 versus Group 1, p>0.999 versus Group 2). The mean intensity of immunohistochemistry revealed decreased 5-alpha reductase type 2 and c-Fos protein levels in Group 2 (p=0.008 and p=0.017, respectively). After withdrawal, c-Fos protein levels recovered in Group 3 (p=0.031 versus Group 2), whereas 5-alpha reductase type 2 levels remained unchanged (p=0.682 versus Group 2).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Suppression of c-Fos-related neural activity in rat brain tissue could be temporarily maximized by both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha reductase inhibition by finasteride administration, and this suppression could be relieved by the restoration of 5-alpha reductase type 1 expression after finasteride discontinuation.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145234085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seminal Immature Germ Cells As a Predictor of Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction for Development of a Combined Predictive Model.","authors":"Nengqing Liu, Jie Chen, Xiaowu Fang, Zhanhui Ou, Shaoge Luo, Changming Cai, Xiaojun Wen, Jing Du, Jiaqi Wu, Wanna Ke, Shuyuan Liu, Xiufeng Lin","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250156","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To investigate the relationship between immature spermatogenic cells (IGC) in semen and sperm retrieval (SR) rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>95 patients with NOA who underwent m-TESE between 2019 and 2024 were included. These patients underwent comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and histopathological evaluations. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between several variables and m-TESE success rate in patients with NOA, and a predictive model was developed. Model validity and stability were assessed through five-fold cross-validation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A positive SR was observed in 40.0% of patients undergoing m-TESE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified mean testicular volume (TV) (p=0.023, odds ratio [OR]=1.382, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.046-1.826, area under the ROC curve [AUC]=0.681), IGC in semen (p<0.001, OR=13.757, 95% CI=3.663-51.671, AUC=0.785), and Johnsen score (p=0.005, OR=2.642, 95% CI=1.339-5.213, AUC=0.707) as significant predictors of positive SR, with IGC demonstrating the strongest predictive value. Four predictive models were constructed using the three factors: models A (Mean TV+Johnsen score, AUC=0.726±0.039), B (Mean TV+IGC, AUC=0.859±0.021), C (Johnsen score+IGC, AUC=0.864±0.029), and D (Mean TV, Johnsen score+IGC, AUC=0.874±0.028). Models showed significant improvements in predictive performance. The validity and stability of models B, C, and D containing IGC were better than those of model A without IGC (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The presence of IGC in the semen of patients with NOA may serve as a predictive factor for successful SR using m-TESE. Models incorporating IGC significantly enhanced stability and validity, highlighting their potential clinical utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global Burden of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections in Older Men: A Trend Analysis Study.","authors":"Yongtao Hu, Ruijie Hu, Qiao Qi, Shuchen Liu, Kun Tang, Kaixuan Zhang, Changsheng Zhan, Chaozhao Liang","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Literature on the trends in the disease burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older men remains sparse. We aim to investigate the burden and trends of these diseases at the global, regional, and national levels.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 were used to analyze the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and the age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years rate (ASDR) due to HIV and other STIs in older men. We calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) to analyze the 1990-2021 temporal trends.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Globally, the ASIR of HIV in older men showed a downward trend (AAPC, -1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.11 to -1.86). The ASDR of HIV increased from 1990 to 2004, and then gradually declined after reaching a peak in 2004. The increase in the ASIR of other STIs between 1990 and 2021 was slight (AAPC, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.09) but the ASDR of other STIs decreased substantially (AAPC, -1.42; 95% CI, -1.48 to -1.36). Regionally, Sub-Saharan Africa and Caribbean had the highest ASIR and ASDR of HIV and other STIs. The largest regional-level increase in the ASIR of HIV between 1990 and 2021 was observed in Oceania (AAPC, 10.6; 95% CI, 9.43 to 11.79). Nationally, the trends in the burden of these diseases in older men varied significantly across 204 countries and territories.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Significant advancement has been achieved in alleviating the global burden caused by HIV and other STIs over the past three decades. With population growth and aging, HIV and other STIs in older men remain health challenges worldwide. Our findings are useful for policymakers to understand the epidemiology of these diseases and establish efficient strategies for prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic Measurement of Membranous Urethral Length Using a Cross-Reference System: A Study on Interrater Variability.","authors":"Jongkyou Kwon, Sungun Bang, Jinhyung Jeon, Dokyung Kim, Hong Seon Lee, Eun-Suk Cho, Kang Su Cho","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of a cross-reference system (CRS) in improving the reproducibility of membranous urethral length (MUL) measurements by reducing the interrater variability.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 100 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and preoperative MRI were enrolled. MUL measurements were independently performed by two urologists with different levels of experience, both before and after CRS implementation. The radiological reference MUL served as the baseline for comparison. Interrater variability and agreement with the radiological reference were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean MUL values measured by both raters and the radiological reference showed no significant difference after CRS implementation. However, interrater measurement error was substantially reduced after CRS implementation, and Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated markedly narrower limits of agreement. At 6 months, preoperative MUL showed no significant association with continence (area under the curve [AUC] and Brier score unaffected by CRS). By 12 months, MUL remained a significant predictor of continence (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.79, p=0.003; adjusted OR: 0.76, p=0.001), and CRS modestly improved discrimination (ΔAUC +0.02) and calibration (ΔBrier: -0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A systematic CRS-based measurement approach improved MUL reproducibility by reducing interrater variability. These findings emphasize the need for standardized MUL measurements to enhance the anatomical accuracy and continence prediction after RARP.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145233914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Therapeutic Effect of Micro-Energy Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Hao Li, Wenchao Xu, Tao Wang, Jihong Liu, Meiliyang Wu","doi":"10.5534/wjmh.250151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.250151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>As an emerging therapeutic option for erectile dysfunction (ED), micro-energy treatment (MET) including low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and electromagnetic fields, has attracted increasing attention. We summarized the current literature to assess the therapeutic effect and find optimal treatment scheme of MET for ED.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to April 2025 was performed. Studies reporting on ED treated with various METs were included. The International Index of Erectile Function and the Erection Hardness Score were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the influence of energy type, treatment course, treatment frequency, patients' characteristics, combination therapy, and setup parameters on efficacy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 32 randomized controlled trials with 1,986 patients were enrolled. MET group demonstrated better erectile function than control at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed among different energy types, treatment courses, or setup parameters. Patients' comorbidities and responsiveness to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors did not influence efficacy. Treatment twice weekly was superior to once (p<0.05). Vasculogenic ED responded better than neurogenic ED (p<0.05). Combination with other basic therapies enhanced efficacy of MET (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MET was effective for various types of ED, especially vasculogenic ones, with efficacy lasting up to 1 year and no discrepancy among different energy forms. Twice-weekly treatment with course no more than 4 weeks was an appropriate therapeutic protocol. Moreover, combining MET with other therapies could produce synergistic effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":54261,"journal":{"name":"World Journal of Mens Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145234078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}