Gender disparities among publications within international sexual medicine urology journals and the impact of blinding in the review process.

BACKGROUND: While female urologists are known to publish at less frequency than their male peers, The Journal of Sexual Medicine was reported to have among the highest growth in female authorship from 2002 to 2020 in urology journals. AIM: We sought to assess the frequency of female authorship in sexual medicine journals worldwide and the factors that affect this, including the blinded/unblinded review process. METHODS: Eleven sexual medicine journals were assessed for geographic location, peer review method, and SCImago Journal Rank citation index (a metric of citation frequency and prestige). Journals were grouped into top, middle, and bottom quartiles based on metric score. Web of Science was used to access the publications' first, second, last, and corresponding authors from the past 5 years. An internet search or Gender-API.com was used to determine the gender identities of authors. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were performed. OUTCOMES: Outcomes included the likelihood of female authorship (first, second, last, and corresponding) based on journal location and ranking, the clustering of female authors, the journal's peer review process, and the frequency of female editorial board members. RESULTS: Overall, 8938 publications were identified. Women represented 30.7%, 31.3%, 21.3%, and 18.7% of the first, second, last, and corresponding authors, respectively; gender was unable to be assessed for 2.6%, 17.2%, 7.3%, and 2.7%. On univariate analysis, journals from North America, in the top quartile, and with a double-blind review process were more likely to have female authors (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, articles were more likely to have a female first author if they had a double-blind peer review process (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.40), a female second author (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.26-2.85), or a female corresponding author (OR, 7.80; 95% CI, 6.69-9.10). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Gender-concordant mentoring and universal double-blind manuscript review processes may minimize the impact of gender bias and increase female authorship rates, in turn producing more diverse research. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study assessing female authorship in sexual medicine journals. Limitations include not assessing every author listed on articles and being unable to determine gender identities for some authors. CONCLUSION: Female authorship rates are higher than reported rates of practicing female urologists but still lower than their male peers. Female authors were more likely to be published in journals with double-blind peer review processes and when publishing with additional female authors.

Partial-gland Cryoablation Outcomes for Localized Prostate Cancer in Patients with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-visible and MRI-invisible Lesions.

Background: Expert consensus recommends treatment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible prostate cancer (PCa). Outcomes of partial-gland ablation (PGA) for MRI-invisible PCa remain unknown. Objective: To compare recurrence-free survival, adverse events, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes following cryoablation of MRI-visible vs invisible PCa. Design setting and participants: We analyzed data for 75 men who underwent cryoablation therapy between January 2017 and January 2022. PCa identified on MRI-targeted and/or adjacent systematic biopsy cores was defined as MRI-visible, whereas PCa identified on systematic biopsy beyond the targeted zone was defined as MRI-invisible. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The primary outcome was recurrence at 12 mo after PGA, defined as the presence of clinically significant PCa (grade group [GG] ≥2) on surveillance biopsy. Adverse events were captured using the Clavien-Dindo classification and HRQoL was captured using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index-Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) tool. Results and limitations: Of the 58 men treated for MRI-visible and 17 treated for MRI-invisible lesions, 51 (88%) and 16 (94%), respectively, had at least one surveillance biopsy performed. There were no statistically significant differences in age, race, body mass index, biopsy GG, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, or treatment extent between the MRI-visible and MRI-invisible groups. Median follow-up was 44 mo (interquartile range 17-54) and did not significantly differ between the groups. The recurrence rate at 12 mo did not significantly differ between the groups (MRI-visible 39%, MRI-invisible 19%; p = 0.2), and log-rank survival analysis demonstrated no significant difference in recurrence-free survival (p = 0.15). Adverse event rates did not significantly differ (MRI-visible 29%, MRI-invisible 53%; p = 0.092); no man in the MRI-visible group had a Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III complication, while one subject in the MRI-invisible group had a Clavien-Dindo grade III complication. Median EPIC-CP urinary and sexual function scores were similar for the two groups at baseline and at 12 mo after PGA. Study limitations include the retrospective design and small sample size. Conclusions: We observed similar cancer control, adverse event, and HRQoL outcomes for MRI-visible versus MRI-invisible PCa in the first comparison of partial-gland cryoablation. Longer follow-up and external validation of our findings are needed to inform patient selection for PGA for MRI-invisible PCa. Patient summary: Patients with prostate cancer lesions that are not visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans who undergo partial gland ablation may have similar treatment outcomes compared to patients with cancer lesions that are visible on MRI.

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion outcomes in patients with single vs. double renal unit: A 2:1 matched-pair analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative and functional outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion (UD) in patients with a single kidney (SK) vs. double kidneys (DK). METHODS: We reviewed records of patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer with a history of prior or concurrent nephrectomy at USC between 2004 and 2020. Patients with chronic kidney disease who were already on dialysis were excluded. UD, perioperative complications, and postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the SK group were compared with a group of patients who underwent RC with DK using 2:1 matching with respect to age, sex, preop GFR, and tumor stage. RESULTS: We included 186 patients (SK = 62 and DK = 124). Half of the SK patients underwent continent UD. SK patients had a higher length of hospital stay compared to the DK group; however, 90-day complications, readmission, and mortality rates were similar. In patients with continent diversion, SK vs. DK showed similar 90-day complications (71% vs. 69%, P = 1.0). SK patients had significantly lower GFRs at discharge, 3-, and 12-month following RC compared to the DK group. Postoperative GFRs of the SK patients with continent vs. incontinent UD were statistically similar. On multivariable analysis, UD (i.e. continent vs. incontinent) was not associated with post-op GFR decline at discharge, 3- and 12-month following RC. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative outcomes of radical cystectomy patients with single kidney are similar to double kidney patients, except for more GFR decline in single kidney cases. Continent urinary diversion in single kidney is as safe as double kidney patients.

The effect of testicular trauma on male infertility.

We aim to evaluate the effect of testicular trauma on male reproductive outcomes. The electronic medical record was retrospectively searched using diagnosis codes for testicular trauma and procedure codes for testicular trauma repairs, at Los Angeles County and Parkland Hospitals, for males aged 18-55 years. Charts were reviewed for trauma details, reproductive hormones, and semen analyses. Men were contacted by phone for a fertility and sexual performance survey. Fifty-six patients were identified as having testicular trauma. Twelve were reached by telephone, of which 33.3% had blunt and 66.7% had penetrating traumas. The mean duration since trauma was 41 months. One quarter reported new-onset erectile dysfunction post-trauma, 16.7% endorsed new-onset dysuria, 8.3% endorsed long-term testicular pain. Only two males (16.7%) attempted paternity post-trauma, both with primary infertility. One patient (8.3%) was attempting paternity post-trauma and experiencing primary infertility for 42 months. Two patients (16.7%) had undergone semen analysis testing, both patient-reported as 'normal'. None of the 12 patients we reached were under the care of a urologist. Both short and long-term urologic follow-up is crucial for testicular trauma patients. Despite some experiencing lasting consequences, none of these men were under the care of a urologist.

Systematic Review: The Neovaginal Microbiome.

We reviewed neovaginal colonization and inflammatory patterns, and factors that may impact this. A systematic review of the neovaginal microbiome was conducted in concordance with PRISMA guidelines through October 2021. Thirteen articles were included, totaling 458 patients. Neovaginal constructions were most commonly performed with penile and scrotal skin grafts, sigmoid segments, and peritoneal grafts. The neovaginal microflora identified were generally polymicrobial and shared similarities with the native tissue. Nine studies identified Lactobacillus: 5 of 6 for penile skin, 1 of 3 for sigmoid, 1 of 1 for peritoneum, and 2 of 3 for other graft types, suggesting that the neovagina may support Lactobacillus either innately, via rectal migration or oral probiotic supplementation. A polymicrobial, bacterial vaginosis-like environment was found in 9 studies. Inflammatory markers were also described: 2 of 6 for penile skin, 2 of 3 for sigmoid, 0 of 1 for peritoneum, and 1 of 3 for other graft types. Scant data were available on the impact of postsurgical duration, oral hormones, dilating, sexual practices, or douching on the neovaginal microbiome. Understanding and optimizing the polymicrobial neovaginal microenvironment may improve surgical outcomes, specifically inflammatory, pain, and infectious. Future research should focus on standardizing testing, classification systems, and treating neovaginal dysbiosis.

Frequency of episiotomy and complications in the obstetrics service of Hospital Universitario San José, Popayán (Colombia), 2016. Exploration of maternal and perinatal factors associated with its performance / Frecuencia de la realización de episiotomía y complicaciones en el servicio de obstetricia del Hospital Universitario San José, Popayán (Colombia), 2016. Exploración de factores maternos y perinatales asociados a su realización

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the frequency with which episiotomy is performed, explore factors associated with its performance, and describe maternal and perinatal outcomes in the obstetric service of San José University Hospital in the city of Popayán (Colombia) during the first semester of 2016. Materials and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with secondary analysis which included pregnant women with more than 37 weeks of gestation delivered during the first semester of 2016 in a high complexity public referral centre in the Department of Cauca Colombia, which serves patients covered by both the contributive as well as the subsidised health insurance regimes. Simple random sampling was used with a sample size of 197 deliveries and a margin of error of 5%. Maternal and childbirth variables, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed. The frequency of episiotomy was estimated and the factors associated with its performance were explored by means of bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The frequency with which episiotomy was performed was 30.45% (n = 60; 95% CI: 24.1-37.3), and the most frequent complication was perineal tear at 29% (95% CI: 22.9-35.5). In terms of risk factors, nulliparity was the only factor associated with the need to perform episiotomy (aOR = 16.11; 95% CI: 6.46-42.81). Conclusion: Episiotomy is performed more frequently in this institution than recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Strategies should be considered for reducing this frequency to the expected levels.

RESUMEN Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de la realización de la episiotomía, explorar los factores asociados a esta, y describir resultados maternos y perinatales en el servicio de obstetricia del Hospital Universitario San José de Popayán (Colombia) en el primer semestre del año 2016. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, con análisis secundario; se incluyeron gestantes con embarazo mayor de 37 semanas cuyos partos fueron atendidos el primer semestre del año 2016, en un hospital público de alta complejidad, centro de referencia del departamento del Cauca (Colombia), el cual atiende población del aseguramiento contributivo y subsidiado. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple, con tamaño de muestra de 197 partos, y margen de error del 5 %. Se evaluaron variables maternas, del parto, de resultado materno y neonatal. Se estimó la frecuencia de episiotomía y se realizó exploración de los factores asociados a esta por medio de análisis bivariado y multivariado. Resultados: la frecuencia de la realización de episiotomía fue de 30,45 % (n = 60; IC 95 %: 24,1-37,3), la complicación más frecuente fue el desgarro perineal, con 29 % (IC 95 %: 22,9-35,5). En cuanto a los factores de riesgo, la nuliparidad fue el único factor asociado al uso de la episiotomía (Ora = 16,11; IC 95 %: 6,46-42,81). Conclusión: el uso de la episiotomía en esta institución es superior a lo recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se deben evaluar estrategias para reducir su frecuencia a los niveles esperados.

[HER2/neu expression in Venezuelan patients with locally advanced breast cancer]. / Expresión del HER2/neu en pacientes venezolanas con cáncer de mama localmente avanzado.

To know the prognosis of a patient with cancer allows choosing the most appropriate therapeutic. The expression of the oncogen HER2/neu has been related to an unfavourable prognosis in patients with infiltrating breast carcinoma, for this reason, the purpose of this work was to analyze its predictive and prognostic value in patients with locally advanced breast cancer, treated in the Oncological Institute "Dr Miguel Perez Carreño". Information about personal data of 58 patients was compiled, as well as the received treatment, clinical response data of the biopsy report, histological grade, nuclear grade, node status and evolution of the patient. The determination of the HER2/neu expression was made by inmunohistochemistry, using the avidina-estreptavidin-peroxidasa technique. For the interpretation of the HER2/neu, an agreed score from 0 to 3+ was assigned, using the guidelines of interpretation of the Hercep-Test (DAKO). 37.9% of the cases displayed expression of the HER2/neu in the membrane of the tumour cells. The node state and the hormonal receptors state turned out to be significant to predict the disease-free interval. Patients with strong oncoprotein expression seem to have a quimioresistant tendency to the FAC (5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide) regime. The expression of the HER2/neu receptor is related to a reduction of the disease-free interval and global survival in patients with infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma locally advanced, confirming, in this work, to be a good prognostic factor.

Expresión del HER2/neu en pacientes venezolanas con cáncer de mama localmente avanzado / HER2/neu expression in Venezuelan patients with locally advanced breast cancer

Conocer el pronóstico de un paciente con cáncer permite elegir la terapéutica más apropiada. Se ha relacionado la expresión del HER2/neu con un pronóstico desfavorable en pacientes con carcinoma infiltrante de mama, razón por la cual, se plantea como propósito analizar su valor pronóstico y predictivo en pacientes con cáncer de mama, localmente avanzado, tratadas en el Instituto de Oncología “Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño”. Se recopiló información de 58 pacientes, acerca de sus datos personales, así como del tratamiento recibido, su respuesta clínica, los datos del reporte de biopsia, grado histológico, grado nuclear, estado ganglionar y evolución de la paciente. La determinación de la expresión del HER2/neu se realizó mediante inmunohistoquímica, utilizando la técnica de avidina-estreptavidina-peroxidasa. Para la interpretación del HER2/neu se asignó una puntuación de 0 a 3+ acorde con las pautas de interpretación del Hercep-Test (DAKO); 37,9 por ciento de los casos presentó expresión del HER2/neu en la membrana de las células neoplásicas. El estado ganglionar y el estado de los receptores hormonales resultaron ser variables pronósticas significativas para predecir el intervalo libre de enfermedad. Las pacientes con fuerte expresión de la oncoproteína parecieran tener una tendencia a la quimiorresistencia con el régimen FAC (5-fluoracilo-doxorrubicina-ciclofosfamida). La expresión del receptor HER2/neu está relacionada con una reducción del intervalo libre de enfermedad y la sobrevida global, en las pacientes con carcinoma ductal infiltrante de mama, localmente avanzado, lo cual confirma que es un buen factor pronóstico.

Informática en el estudio de interacciones medicamentosas en un servicio de hospitalización pediátrica / Application of a data processing program for the study of drug interactions in a service of pediatric hospitalization

A nivel hospitalario ingresan niños con múltiples patologías que conducen al médico a prescribir diversas asociaciones de fármacos, con riesgo de suscitar interacciones medicamentosas con el consiguiente alto potencial de generar reacciones adversas, siendo si detección oportuna de vital importancia. Determinar y caracterizar la ocurrencia de potenciales interacciones medicamentosas en un servicio pediátrico mediante la aplicación de un programa informático. Los datos se obtuvieron de indicaciones médicas de pacientes hospitalizados durante dos meses continuos, procesados en el programa informático “Praxis Médica”, detectando y caracterizando las interacciones medicamentosas. Los datos obtenidos se procesaron estadísticamente con el paquete comercial SPSS 10 para Windows, expresándose los resultados en cuadros y gráficos. Se evaluaron 750 indicaciones médicas, detectándose 450 interacciones medicamentosas, promediando 0,6 interacciones y 4,3 fármacos por indicación.. En la fase farmacodinámica se detectó la mayoría de las interacciones con 70,7 por ciento (Chi² 337; p<0.01), representando el sinergismo su principal vía de producción con 78,9 por ciento (Chi² 337; p<0.01). La vía metabólica constituyó el principal mecanismo de interacciones farmacocinéticas con 70 por ciento (Chi² 80,2; p<0,01). Las interacciones con potencial para producir consecuencias adversas en el organismo fueron mayores, que las beneficiosas, en un 68,9 por ciento (Chi² 64; P<0.01). Los antimicrobianos fueron los fármacos más implicados tanto en interacciones potencialmente beneficiosas 38,5 por ciento (Chi² 54; p<0,01) como en interacciones potencialmente adversas 33.5 por ciento (Chi² 134; p<0.01), y en un 44,3 por ciento (Chi² 248.4; p<0,01) en interacciones por sinergismo. Los medicamentos del Sistema Nervioso Central participaron en la mayoría de las interacciones farmacocinéticas, con 33,3 por ciento (Chi² 53.5 P<0,01)