Predisposing factors for erectile dysfunction and response to treatment in younger males: Are they different from those of older men? An observational-comparative study

We aimed to correlate the predisposing demographic and clinical factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men and treatment response in these men with data from older men. The patients were divided into two groups: <40 years (group I, n = 58) and ≥40 years (group II, n = 73). ED was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire was used to evaluate mood status. The number of patients with morning rigidity and normal libido was higher in group I (70.7% vs. 16.4%, p = .039 and 72% vs. 37%, p = .047). The increase in scores other than IIEF-Orgasmic Function and Sexual Desire domain scores after treatment was higher in the first group (p = .029, p = .035 and p < .001 respectively). In multivariate analysis, the factors predicting the low IIEF-Erectile Function domain score in young men were testosterone level and BDI score (p = .026 and p = .034). Although psychogenic factors contribute significantly to the aetiology of ED, hormone profile is more preserved in young men than in older men.     

Bisphenol A induce ovarian cancer cell migration via the MAPK and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways

Bisphenol A (BPA), is present in a multitude of products, including food and water containers, food can linings, dentistry sealants, and thermal paper. BPA can induce the growth of human ovarian cancer cell lines. Reduction of adhesion and the initiation of metastasis are important events in cancer progression; therefore, this study investigated the effects of BPA (0.1–100 nM) on the migration of OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells and the expression levels of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cadherins. The oestrogenic compound 17β-estradiol (40 nM) was used as a positive control for estrogenic properties of bisphenol A. BPA stimulated cell migration, and the effect of BPA was similar to that of 17β-estradiol. BPA-induced cell migration was accompanied by up-regulation of the migration-related factors MMP-2, MMP-9 and N-cadherin, but E-cadherin expression and activity was unaffected. The stimulatory effects of BPA on cell migration were abolished by pre-treatment of the cells with inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways (PI3K). In conclusion, the results presented here show that BPA induces OVCAR-3 cells migration by activating MAPK and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways.     

Elderly deaths in Ankara,Turkey

According to World Health Organization, the life expectancy at birth is increasing. An increase in life expectancy might result in increased morbidity and mortality in elderly. The increase in the elderly population also leads to an increase in medico-legal problems, as well. Autopsy is of high importance for determination of cause of death in clinical and forensic cases. The purpose of this study was to find out general characteristics elderly deaths by examining forensic autopsy records.     

“Vanishing liver metastases”—A real challenge for liver surgeons

Expanded surgical intervention in colorectal liver metastasis (LM) and improved chemotherapy led to increasing problem of disappearing liver metastases (DLM). Treatment of those continues to evolve and poses a real challenge for HPB surgeons. This review discusses a clinical approach to DLM, emphasizing crucial steps in clinical algorithm. Particular issues such as imaging, intraoperative detection and surgical techniques are addressed. A step-by-step algorithm is suggested.