The paraphilia-related disorders: an empirical investigation of nonparaphilic hypersexuality disorders in outpatient males.

The frequency distribution of nonparaphilic hypersexual behaviors was investigated in an outpatient sample of 206 consecutively evaluated males seeking help for sexual impulsivity disorders (SIDs), either paraphilia-related disorders (PRD; n = 63) or paraphilias (PA; n = 143). Paraphilia-related disorders associated with help-seeking behaviors included compulsive masturbation (sample prevalence, 69%), protracted heterosexual or homosexual promiscuity (51%), pornography dependence (50%), telephone-sex dependence (24%), and severe sexual desire incompatibility (12%). Eighty-six percent of the PA sample reported at least one lifetime PRD. The subgroup of males with both PAs and lifetime PRDs (n = 123) self-reported the greatest number of lifetime SIDs, the highest incidence of physical and sexual abuse, the fewest years of completed education, and the highest likelihood of current unemployment or disability. As well, the subgroup of males with PAs but no lifetime PRDs (n = 20) self-reported the fewest lifetime SIDs; this subgroup was not statistically different from the PRD group on these aforementioned variables. These data suggest that social disadvantage, as assessed in this sample, is associated with the cumulative incidence of SIDs but not necessarily with the diathesis to develop paraphilic disorders.     

Sexual behavior,sexual swelling,and penile evolution in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Functional relationships between the penis, vagina, and cervix during copulation in the chimpanzee were studied. In 11 adult males, penile length during full erection ranged from 10.0–18.0 cm (x ±SD = 14.4 ± 2.02). In 19 parous adult females examined during the early follicular phase of the cycle, or during lactation, vaginal depth (from the introitus to the os cervix) ranged from 9.8–16.5 cm (x ±SD = 12.6 ± 1.69). However, when the sexual skin was maximally swollen, vaginal depth increased by up to 52% in some cases and ranged from 15.2–20.1 cm (x ±SD = 16.9 ± 1.68). Under such conditions males vary in their ability to achieve maximal depth of intromission. Observations made on 6 females after natural matings revealed that in some cases males had deposited copulatory plugs in contact with the cervix, while in others plugs were lower down in the vagina. Direct observations under fluoroscopy using an artificial penis loaded with radio-opaque medium showed that the filiform tip can make contact with the os cervix. However, expulsion of radio-opaque medium under these conditions failed to demonstrate any immediate transfer of fluid through the cervix into the uterus. These studies indicate that, aside from its functions as a visual signal, the female chimpanzee's sexual skin swelling adds considerably to the distance males must negotiate during copulation to place spermatozoa at the cervical os. Evolution of the male's elongated, filiform penis may therefore be the result of sexual selection, to negotiate the long vagina of the female and to penetrate copulatory plugs deposited during previous copulations. The Centre International de Recherches Médicales is funded by the Gabonese government (70%) and Elf Gabon (30%).     

Sexual Health Education for Adolescent Males Who Are Interested in Sex With Males: An Investigation of Experiences,Preferences, and Needs

Purpose

There is a dearth of research to inform sexual education programs to address sexual health disparities experienced by adolescent males who are interested in sex with males (AMSM). The current study sought to determine where AMSM receive sexual health information, clarify their preferences, and explore relations with sexual behavior.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions: Results from a Decade of Research

Ten years of research that has provided data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions is reviewed. A thorough review of the literature identified 52 studies published in the 10 years since an earlier review by Spector and Carey (Arch. Sex. Behav. 19(4): 389–408, 1990). Community samples indicate a current prevalence of 0%–3% for male orgasmic disorder, 0%–5% for erectile disorder, and 0%–3% for male hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Pooling current and 1-year figures provides community prevalence estimates of 7%–10% for female orgasmic disorder and 4%–5% for premature ejaculation. Stable community estimates of the current prevalence of other sexual dysfunctions remain unavailable. Prevalence estimates obtained from primary care and sexuality clinic samples are characteristically higher. Although a relatively large number of studies has been conducted since the earlier review, the lack of methodological rigor of many studies limits the confidence that can be placed in these findings.     

Hypersexuality,Gender, and Sexual Orientation: A Large-Scale Psychometric Survey Study

Criteria for hypersexual disorder (HD) were proposed for consideration in the DSM-5 but ultimately excluded for a variety of reasons. Regardless, research continues to investigate hypersexual behavior (HB). The Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI) is one of the most robust scales assessing HB, but further examination is needed to explore its psychometric properties among different groups. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the generalizability of the HBI in a large, diverse, non-clinical sample (N?=?18,034 participants; females?=?6132; 34.0%; M_age?=?33.6 years, SD_age?=?11.1) across both gender and sexual orientation. Measurement invariance testing was carried out to ensure gender- and sexual orientation-based comparisons were meaningful. Results demonstrated when both gender and sexual orientation were considered (i.e., heterosexual males vs. LGBTQ males vs. heterosexual females vs. LGBTQ females), LGBTQ males had significantly higher latent means on the HBI factors. Results also demonstrated LGBTQ males had the highest scores on other possible indicators of hypersexuality (e.g., frequency of masturbation, number of sexual partners, or frequency of pornography viewing). These findings suggest LGBTQ males may be a group most at risk of engaging in hypersexual behavior, and LGBTQ females are at a higher risk of engaging in hypersexual activities due to coping problems. Given the large-scale nature of the study, the findings contribute to the currently growing body of the literature on hypersexuality.     

Effects of alpha-methyldopa on male sexual function

To determine the frequency and possible mechanism whereby alpha-methyldopa causes disturbances in male sexuality, 105 hypertensive men using this drug were interviewed; serum testosterone was measured in those with diminished sexual functioning (N=36) and a subgroup of subjects with no such alterations (N=30). The occurrence of impotence (N=28) was dose-dependent, with frequencies of 14.3%, 23.4%, and 52.2% in men taking <1.0 g/day, 1.0–1.5 g/day, and 2.0 g/day of alpha-methyldopa, respectively. Serum testosterone concentrations in men using alpha-methyldopa who had impotence (606±23 ng/100 ml, mean±S.E.M.), depressed libido (601±21 ng/100 ml), and normal potency (591±18 ng/100 ml) were similar to healthy adult non-hypertensive males of the same age (624±26 ng/100 ml). Health-care professionals should query all hypertensive patients about sexual symptoms before and during drug therapy, since these are a common potential cause of non-compliance.     

Sexuality and aging in male veterans: A cross-sectional study of interest,ability, and activity

To gather data on sexuality, specifically in male veterans, and to test the hypothesis that aged males remain interested in sexual intercourse yet suffer from erectile failure, veterans age 30 to 99 were surveyed. The mailed survey had 88 questions and was pretested on young potent males and aged impotent males. From 1031 randomly selected subjects, there were 806 replies: 427 completed surveys, 247 refusals, and 132 who were too ill to participate (225 failed to reply). Among responders, sexual interest declined from a mean of 4.4/5 (4 = very interested, 5 = extremely interested) in men age 30–39 years to 2.0/5 (2 = slightly interested) in men age 90–99 (p < 0.0001). Vaginal intercourse was consistently the preferred sexual activity; however, intercourse frequency was diminished from a mean of once per week in 30- to 39-year-olds to once per year in 90- to 99-year-olds (p < 0.0001). Frequency, rigidity, and duration of erections were less in aged compared to younger cohorts (p < 0.0001). With these facts in mind, further research to bridge the libido-potency gap is warranted.This work was completed at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia.     

Maternal Stress is Associated With Bacterial Vaginosis in Human Pregnancy

Objectives: Maternal infection, particularly bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnancy, is one of the leading causes of adverse perinatal outcomes. The determinants of individual differences in susceptibility, or vulnerability, to maternal infections are poorly understood. This study examines whether chronic maternal stress predisposes women to infection during pregnancy, and if so, whether the effects of chronic stress on infection are independent of other established risk factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, clinical prevalence study of chronic maternal stress and BV status in a sample of 454 pregnant women at 14.3 ± 0.3 weeks gestation (±SEM). BV was diagnosed by Gram-stain of vaginal fluid samples; chronic maternal stress was assessed using the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale. Other established risk factors for BV, including maternal age, race/ethnicity, marital status, SES, and behaviors related to feminine hygiene, sexual practices, and substance use, were measured using a structured interview. Results: Of the 454 women enrolled in this study, 224 (49%) were BV positive (Nugent score 7–10), 64 (14%) had intermediate vaginal flora (Nugent score 4–6), and 166 (37%) were BV negative (Nugent score 0–3). BV+ women had significantly higher chronic stress levels than BV– women (24.6 ± 0.5 vs. 22.2 ± 0.6 units (±SEM), respectively; t = 3.19; p < .01). Maternal sociodemographic variables (African-American race/ethnicity) and behavioral characteristics (vaginal douching, number of lifetime sexual partners, and use of illicit drugs) also were significantly associated with the presence of BV. After controlling for the effects of these variables, using a multivariable logistic regression model, chronic maternal stress remained a significant and independent predictor of BV status. Women in the moderate-stress group (third quartile) and high-stress (fourth quartile) group were 2.3 times (95% CI = 1.2–4.3) and 2.2 times (95% CI = 1.1–4.2) more likely to be BV+ than women in the low-stress group (bottom quartile). Conclusions: High levels of chronic stress during pregnancy are associated with bacterial vaginosis. The effect of chronic maternal stress is independent of the effects of other established sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors for BV.     

Concentrated bovine colostrum protein supplementation reduces the incidence of self-reported symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in adult males

Summary.Background: Anecdotal reports suggest that bovine colostrum may prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). There is scant evidence to support such claims, although salivary IgA protects against URTI, and it was recently shown that bovine colostrum increases salivary IgA.Aim of the study: The present invesigation examined whether concentrated bovine colostrum protein (CBC) affected the incidence or duration of self-reported symptoms of URTI in adult males.Methods: We examined logbooks containing self-reported symptoms of illness from previous studies which examined physiological effects of CBC. In these double-blind, placebo controlled studies, subjects had been randomly allocated to consume 60g · day^–1 of CBC (n = 93) or whey protein (WP) (n = 81) for eight weeks. Symptoms were coded using established criteria to identify those related to URTI. Since the incubation period for an URTI is up to five days, symptoms reported during the first week of supplementation (PRE-EXP) were analysed separately to preclude those arising from infection prior to study commencement.Results: During PRE-EXP, there was no difference in the proportion of subjects taking the different supplements who reported symptoms of URTI (CBC, 11%,WP, 5%; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) –14% to 2%; P = 0.16). During the subsequent seven weeks (i. e. the experimental period), a significantly lesser proportion of subjects taking CBC reported symptoms of URTI compared with those taking WP (CBC, 32%,WP, 48%, P = 0.03; 95 % CI –30 % to –2 %), but symptom duration did not differ (CBC, 6.8 ± 4.2 days,WP, 6.0 ± 4.4 days; P = 0.27).Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that CBC may enhance resistance to the development of symptoms of URTI.     

Measurement of human daily physical activity

OBJECTIVES: To validate a new device, Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA), for the measurement of duration, frequency, and intensity of various types of human physical activity (PA). RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The ability of IDEEA to identify and quantify 32 types of PA, including the most common daily exercise and nonexercise PA, was tested in 76 subjects: Subjects included males (N = 33) and females (N = 43) ranging in age from 13 to 72 years with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.7 kg/m(2) (range: 18.4 to 41.0) [43 females: 13 to 72 years old and BMI 18.4 to approximately 41.0 kg/m(2) (mean = 24.7 kg/m(2)); 33 males: 15 to approximately 72 years old and BMI 21.0 to approximately 38.4 kg/m(2) (mean = 25.9 kg/m(2))]. Postures, limb movements, and jumping were tested using a timed protocol of specific activities. Walking and running were tested using a 60-meter track, on which subjects walked and ran at 6 self-selected speeds. Stair climbing and descending were tested by timing subjects who climbed and descended a flight of stairs at two different speeds. RESULTS: Correct identification rates averaged 98.9% for posture and limb movement type and 98.5% for gait type. Pooled correlation between predicted and actual speeds of walking and running was high (r = 0.986, p 相似文献   

The Relationship Between Hypersexual Behavior,Sexual Excitation,Sexual Inhibition,and Personality Traits

The term hypersexuality was introduced to describe excessive sexual behavior associated with a person’s inability to control his or her sexual behavior. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of different personality traits on the degree of hypersexual behavior as measured by the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI). A further aim was to evaluate the association between sexual inhibition and excitation [as described in the Dual Control Model (DCM)] and hypersexual behavior. A sample of 1,749 participants completed an internet-based survey comprised the HBI, the short form of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES-SF) as well as more general personality measures: the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System-scales (BIS/BAS-scales) and a short version of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10). Using the recommended HBI cut-off, 6.0 % (n = 105) of the present sample could be categorized as hypersexual, which is comparable to the results of previous studies about the prevalence of hypersexual behavior in the general population. The results provided strong support for the components of the DCM—sexual excitation and inhibition—to explain hypersexual behavior, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation. Some of the general personality traits also showed significant relationships with hypersexual behavior. Taken together, the results of the present study provide further support for the relevance of research about the relationships between sexual problems and disorders, the DCM, and personality variables.     

Interaction of Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality on Hypertension Prevalence in Adult Chinese Males

Background

Previous studies demonstrated conflicting results about the association of sleep duration and hypertension. Given the potential relationship between sleep quality and hypertension, this study aimed to investigate the interaction of self-reported sleep duration and sleep quality on hypertension prevalence in adult Chinese males.

Methods

We undertook a cross-sectional analysis of 4144 male subjects. Sleep duration were measured by self-reported average sleep time during the past month. Sleep quality was evaluated using the standard Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure level ≥140/90 mm Hg or current antihypertensive treatment. The association between hypertension prevalence, sleep duration, and sleep quality was analyzed using logistic regression after adjusting for basic cardiovascular characteristics.

Results

Sleep duration shorter than 8 hours was found to be associated with increased hypertension, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.25 (95% CI, 1.03–1.52) for 7 hours, 1.41 (95% CI, 1.14–1.73) for 6 hours, and 2.38 (95% CI, 1.81–3.11) for <6 hours. Using very good sleep quality as the reference, good, poor, and very poor sleep quality were associated with hypertension, with odds ratios of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.01–1.42), 1.67 (95% CI, 1.32–2.11), and 2.32 (95% CI, 1.67–3.21), respectively. More importantly, further investigation of the association of different combinations of sleep duration and quality in relation to hypertension indicated an additive interaction.

Conclusions

There is an additive interaction of poor sleep quality and short sleep duration on hypertension prevalence. More comprehensive measurement of sleep should be performed in future studies.Key words: sleep duration, sleep quality, hypertension     

Clinical outcome and emotional-behavioural status after isolated coronary surgery

In order to evaluate clinical and psychosocial results of isolated coronary artery by-pass graft (CABG) we studied 626 consecutive patients, mean age 61±8 years (86% men), in a follow-up (median: 58 months) with a complete questionnaire about cardiosurgical problems (post-operative vital status, angine relapse, infarction, heart failure, PTCA, redo, PM) and psychosocial variables (mood, irritableness, job satisfaction, hobby satisfaction, family relations, sexual activity, general well-being and work status). Global evaluation improvement of psychosocial variables was found in 71% of patients without cardiac events (group A) and 11% of patients with cardiac events (group B); worsening was found in 2% of group A and 1% of group B; no referred variations in 13% and 2% respectively (p0.05. Interests (in work, hobbies and sexual activities) demonstrate an improvement in 20% (group A) and 2% (group B); worsening in 12% (group A) and 4% (group B); no variations in 51% (group A) and 11% (group B) (p0.005). Patients reported a well-being evaluation improvement about 66% in the group returning to work without restriction, 13% in those with limitation, 6% no further working; worse or unchanged well-being evaluation was found in 9% of patients returning to work without restriction, 3% with limitation, 3% no further working (p0.001). In the last 2 years we have collected pre-operative and post-operative data in a sample of 58 patients by using standardized self-evaluated rating scales about state and trait anxiety (STAI X1, STAI X2), depression (ZUNG) and quality of life, examining social relationships, interests and affective disturbances. Trait anxiety had no change (T0=38.69±9.20 vs. T1=38.75±9.90; n.s.); state anxiety improved (T0=41.20±9.30 vs. T1=38.34±9.68;p0.018); depression had significantly worsened (T0=37.90±7.59 vs. T1=46.65±4.75;p0.0005). No statistical differences emerged between pre-operative and post-operative self-evaluation of the quality of life. Cardiac events were reported in 7 out of 58 patients (group B: 12%); these patients were characterized by significantly higher levels of state anxiety than group A patients at the pre-operative evaluation (group A: 39.9±8.2; group B: 49.6±11.8;t=0.933; df=56;p0.005) and at the post-operative evaluations (group A: 36.7±8.4; group B: 48.7±11.4;t=–3.6; df=56;p0.001). The trait anxiety was significantly lower at the postoperative control in the group A patients than in the group B (group A: 37.5±9.3; group B: 46.9±10.5;t=–2.602; df=56;p0.012). The pre-operative depression of group B was higher than group A (group A: 37.1±7.6; group B: 43.1±5.5;t=–2.155; df=56;p0.035). The discordance between the improvement of subjective global evaluation versus the worsening of depression (ZUNG Scale) can be related to the importance of physical improvement as much as to some psychosocial variables. Further hypotheses can be represented by the influence of a short pre-operative period in our institution (maximum 30 days) on anxiety and depression levels, the difference between pre-surgical and post-surgical expectations, the removal of pre-operative psychological state; the stress related to psychosocial reintegration etc. In our opinion, taking into consideration the results of the sample of 58 patients, a high level of pre-operative state anxiety and depression and a post-operative higher status of anxiety could be considered as a possible predictor of functional cardiac complications.     

A seroprevalence study of human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV8) in eastern and Central Africa and in the Mediterranean area

Human herpes virus type 8 (HHV8) is the major determinant of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a neoplasm with wide geographic variations in incidence rates. To assess the prevalence of HHV8 infection among populations with differing rates of KS, we used sera from 1402 persons (Central Africa: Cameroon, n = 293, age range: 5–40; eastern Africa: Uganda, n = 315, age range: 1–64: Mediterranean area: Egypt, n = 236, age range: 13–19: Italy, blood donors n = 134, age range: 20–67: Italy. HIV seroconverters n = 424, age range: 16–65). Serum samples were tested for antibodies to lytic and latent antigens of HHV8 using two immunofluorescence assays. HHV8 prevalence was evaluated according to geographic area, gender and age groups. Overall, the highest prevalence of HHV8 lytic antigens (47.5%) was recorded among children and adults in Africa. Approximately 40% of children and adolescents from Egypt and of Italian HIV-positive persons (39.9%) were HHV8 seropositive. In eastern and Central Africa and in Egypt, no differences emerged between males and females for both types of HHV8 antibodies. Conversely, Italian females were at lower HHV8 risk than their male counterparts. Moreover the prevalence of HHV8 infection tended to increase with age. This investigation partially confirms that HHV8 infection mirrors incidence rates of KS. The high prevalence of HHV8 infection in newborns, children and adolescents in Egypt, in eastern and in Central Africa strongly suggests the existence of transmission modes other than sexual.     

Iron and ferritin in Italian subjects

We studied the iron status of 400 Italian subjects, 200 men and 200 women, equally distributed in four 10-year age groups between 20 and 60 years. The frequency of iron deficiency was elevated in women of childbearing age. On average 13% of the women in the three younger age groups showed low serum ferritin levels and 16–18% a low transferrin saturation index. Only 6% of the women over 50 were iron deficient. Signs of iron deficiency were never observed in more than 2% of the men in the age groups under 50, with the percentage rising slightly in the men over 50.In the women an inverse correlation was found between serum ferritin levels and number of births [log ferritin (ng/ml) vs number of births, b ± SE (b): –0.252 ± 0.088] and between serum ferritin and duration of menstruation [log ferritin (ng/ml) vs duration of menstruation (days), b ±SE (b): –0.160 ± 0.065]. Furthermore, hemoglobin levels were 0.700 (± 0.248, SE) g/dl lower in the women with abundant menstrual flow, and hemoglobin levels correlated inversely with number of births [hemoglobin (g/dl) vs number of births, b ± SE (b): -0.354 + 0.115].Our study showed an elevated frequency of iron deficiency in women of reproductive age. The number of births and abundance of menstrual flow were both important factors in predisposing younger women to developing iron deficiency.     

The diversity of the proline-rich domain of pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA): Potential relevance to a broad-spectrum vaccine

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a surface exposed, highly immunogenic protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Its N-terminal α-helical domain (αHD) elicits protective antibody in humans and animals that can protect mice from fatal infections with pneumococci and can be detected in vitro with opsonophagocytosis assays. The proline-rich domain (PRD) in the center of the PspA sequence can also elicit protection. This study revealed that although the sequence of PRD was diverse, PRD from different pneumococcal isolates contained many shared elements. The inferred amino acid sequences of 123 such PRDs, which were analyzed by assembly and alignment-free (AAF) approaches, formed three PRD groups. Of these sequences, 45 were classified as Group 1, 19 were classified as Group 2, and 59 were classified as Group 3. All Group 3 sequences contained a highly conserved 22-amino acid non-proline block (NPB). A significant polymorphism was observed, however, at a single amino acid position within NPB. Each of the three PRD groups had characteristic patterns of short amino acid repeats, with most of the repeats being found in more than one PRD group. One of these repeats, PKPEQP as well as the NPB were previously shown to elicit protective antibodies in mice. In this study, we found that sera from 12 healthy human adult volunteers contained antibodies to all three PRD groups. This suggested that a PspA-containing vaccine containing carefully selected PRDs and αHDs could redundantly cover the known diversity of PspA. Such an approach might reduce the chances of PspA variants escaping a PspA vaccine’s immunity.     

Eating Behaviour among University Students: Relationships with Age,Socioeconomic Status,Physical Activity,Body Mass Index,Waist-to-Height Ratio and Social Desirability

Eating behaviour is of particular interest for research focusing on body weight status. However, little is known about the relationships of certain factors, especially social desirability, with self-reported eating behaviour such as cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating among young adult males and females. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between eating behaviour and age, socioeconomic status (SES), physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and social desirability among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 353 university students (59.2% females). Eating behaviour was assessed using the 13-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-13). SES and PA were determined using self-reporting, and the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale assessed social desirability. BMI and WHtR were calculated based on measured parameters. Associations between self-reported eating behaviour and other variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate general linear models. Cognitive restraint was positively correlated with BMI and WHtR in both males (r = 0.174, P = 0.036 and r = 0.194, P = 0.020, respectively) and females (r = 0.239, P < 0.001 and r = 0.165, P = 0.017, respectively), and emotional eating was positively correlated with BMI among females (r = 0.184, P = 0.008). Social desirability was negatively correlated with uncontrolled eating (r = −0.287, P < 0.001) and emotional eating (r = −0.301, P < 0.001) among females. There were no significant correlations between eating behaviour and age or socioeconomic status (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that, among males, PA had a main effect on emotional eating (ηp² = 0.044, F = 6.276, P = 0.013). Among females, cognitive restraint was positively associated with PA (ηp² = 0.034, F = 7.127, P = 0.008) and BMI (ηp² = 0.038, F = 7.959, P = 0.005), and emotional eating with BMI (ηp² = 0.032, F = 6.638, P = 0.011). Social desirability had the highest main effect on eating behaviour among females, being negatively associated with uncontrolled eating (ηp² = 0.077, F = 16.754, P < 0.001) and emotional eating (ηp² = 0.082, F = 18.046, P < 0.001). This study showed that PA, BMI, WHtR, and social desirability were associated with self-reported eating behaviour among university students. Social desirability bias should be considered when evaluating uncontrolled eating and emotional eating among females.     

Sexual activities,desire, and satisfaction in males pre- and post-spinal cord injury

Thirty-eight spinal cord injured (SCI) males (median age = 26) completed an 80-item multiple choice questionnaire (median 37 months postinjury) which assessed sexual functioning pre- and post-spinal cord injury in four areas: (i) sexual activities and preferences, (ii) sexual abilities, (iii) sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, and, (iv) sexual adjustment. Frequency of sexual activity decreased following SCI with a reduction in intercourse and increased interest in alternative sexual activities. Of complete quadriplegic subjects 38% reported the ability to have an orgasm accompanied by ejaculation underscoring the need for physiological studies. Partner's desire for sex as perceived by the SCI individual was correlated with frequency of sex and numbers of sexual partners postinjury. Subject's perceptions of their own and partners' sexual desire decreased following SCI. Sexual satisfaction decreased postinjury and was positively correlated with both the patients' and their partners' interest in penile—vaginal intercourse. Of the subjects, 27% reported sexual adjustment difficulties and 74% relationship difficulties but only 22% received counseling. Results indicate the importance of the availability and desire of a sexual partner in the sexual activities and satisfaction of the SCI individual. SCI patient and staff sexual education and counseling continue to be strong needs.This work was supported in part by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey—New Jersey Medical School.     

Incidence and prevalence of the sexual dysfunctions: A critical review of the empirical literature

The research which has assessed the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunctions is reviewed. Twenty-three studies are evaluated. Studies completed with community samples indicate a current prevalence of 5–10% for inhibited female orgasm, 4–9% for male erectile disorder, 4–10% for inhibited male orgasm, and 36–38% for premature ejaculation. Stable community estimates with regard to the current prevalence of female sexual arousal disorder, vaginismus, and dyspareunia are not available. Recent studies completed with clinical samples suggest an increase in the frequency of orgasmic and erectile dysfunction and a decrease in premature ejaculation as presenting problems. Desire disorders have increased as presenting problems in sex clinics, with recent data indicating that males outnumber females. Methodological limitations of these studies are identified and suggestions for future research are offered.     

No effect on adenoma formation in Min mice after moderate amount of flaxseed

Summary Background & aim The mammalian lignan enterolactone (ENL) produced from plant lignans, e. g. secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), may protect against various cancers in humans. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of flaxseed on tumour formation in multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice, a model for colon tumorigenesis. Design Male and female Min mice were fed either with a non–fibre control diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.5 % (w/w) defatted flaxseed meal. Conversion of SDG to the mammalian lignans enterodiol (END) and ENL in the gut, and plasma ENL, were measured by HPLC with coulometric electrode array detector (CEAD) and timeresolved fluoroimmunoassay, respectively. Wild–type mice were also fed with the experimental diets in order to see whether lignan metabolism is different in Min and wild–type mice. Results The total number of adenomas or their size in the small intestine was not different in the flaxseed and control groups. The flaxseed group had a tendency for a decreased number of colon adenomas in both genders. Gender and genotype based differences were found in the intestinal ENL levels. When compared to Min females, Min males in the flaxseed group had several fold higher ENL levels in the small intestine (Min males 125 ± 124.5 nmol/g vs. females 22.8 ± 16.0 nmol/g, P = 0.048) and caecum (47.6 ± 31.6 nmol/g vs. females 14.5 ± 6.6 nmol/g, P = 0.001). Presence of adenomas in the gut influences the intestinal lignan metabolism. Min mice had less intestinal END and ENL as compared with the wild–type mice (P < 0.05). Mean plasma ENL increased 7–fold during the flaxseed feeding (7 nmol/L in control vs. 50 nmol/L in flaxseed group) but no differences between gender and genotype were found. The plasma ENL level did not correlate with adenoma number in the small intestine and colon. Conclusion The number of intestinal adenomas in the Min mouse model is not related to ENL level in plasma nor is it associated with the levels of intestinal lignans. A gender difference in ENL lignan metabolism was found in the gut but not in the plasma.