[Pathogenesis, prevention and management of edema after prepuce surgery]

Prepuce diseases are very common conditions in urology and andrology, and quite a few cases need to be treated by surgery. Preputial edema is a common complication after prepuce surgery, with a higher incidence rate in children than in adults. Although preputial edema is just moderate symptom and does not affect urination, it worries or even distresses the patient both physically and psychologically. In recent years, rapid achievements have been made in prepuce surgery, as in prepuce circumcision, preputial neoplasm excision, and penile degloving repair, which can now be accomplished with shorter time and higher efficiency. Despite constant improvement in the methods and techniques for prepuce surgery, postoperative edema remains difficult to be totally prevented. Pathogenic factors for postoperative preputial edema vary from disturbance of blood circulation to inflammatory factor-induced change in capillary permeability, lymphatic circulation disorders, and neurogenic edema. Elimination of the pathogenic factors and precautionary measures after surgery count significantly to the prevention and management of postoperative preputial edema. This review focuses on the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of edema after prepuce surgery.

[Guide for the classification of clinical research articles for the International Journal of Andrology]

The classification of knowledge is essential for understanding between researchers and the advancement of science. In this article a brief classification of clinical research methods is presented. The advantages that researchers use the same nomenclature are recalled, which enables improved communication among researchers, facilitates replication of studies and searches in databases, and helps to establish the aspects that can affect the different research models. They are grouped into four broad categories: epidemiological articles, articles of qualitative methodology, mixed methodology articles and review articles.

[RNA simultaneous and amplification testing versus the culture method for detecting Ureaplasma urealyticum infection]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of real-time RNA simultaneous amplification and testing (SAT) in the detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) in the semen of infertile males and its clinical significance.

METHODS

We collected semen samples from 542 infertility patients and 120 normal fertile men as controls in the Andrology Clinic of Nanjing General Hospital from March to September 2015. We detected UU infection in the samples using the culture method and SAT technology, respectively.

RESULTS

All the UU positive cases (except 4 false positive cases) detected by the culture method were also shown to be positive in SAT. The UU detection rate of SAT was significantly higher than that of the culture method both in the infertility patients (54.1 vs 19.7%, P<0.05) and in the normal controls (42.5 vs 12.5%, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SAT is a rapid and accurate method for detecting UU infection in semen samples, with a higher sensitivity and accuracy than the culture method, and it can also be used to evaluate the therapeutic effects. However, the culture method has its own advantages, such as low requirement of technical equipment, easy operation, and possibility of drug sensitivity test at the same time. Therefore, SAT and the culture method can be used alternatively according to the clinical need.

Resolution of erectile dysfunction after an andrological visit in a selected population of patients affected by psychogenic erectile dysfunction

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether some patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (PED) who chose psychotherapy spontaneously improved their sexual function immediately after diagnosis. Two hundred eighty-five patients with PED were retrospectively studied. Complete resolution of PED was analyzed regarding age, primary or secondary PED, marital status, domestic status, prevailing attitude of the female partner to the dysfunction, duration of their partnership, social status, duration of PED, International Index of Erectile Function score, and prevailing attitude of the patient after a diagnosis of PED. The data were analyzed using post-hoc tests. PED was resolved in 32.3% of the patients immediately after diagnosis. These patients were older, more frequently affected by secondary ED, more frequently living with their partner, and more frequently resigned or happy with the diagnosis of PED than the patients who did not resolve their PED. A nonchalant or cooperative female attitude to PED improved the possibility of PED resolution. The other variables did not influence PED resolution. Our data showed that a clear-cut diagnosis of psychogenic erectile deficiency and some psychosocial factors were critical for the management of some patients with PED.

[Correlation between premature ejaculation diagnostic tool and International Index of Erectile Function-15 in different types of premature ejaculation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) in different types of premature ejaculation (PE).

METHODS

We performed a cross-section survey among 352 PE patients received in the andrology clinic from December 2014 to December 2015 and 104 healthy men from the health examination center using basic demographic information (as on age, height, weight, education status, occupation, income, etc.), PEDT results, and IIEF-15 scores of the subjects.

RESULTS

The PE patients had remarkably higher PEDT and lower IIEF-15 scores than the healthy men (P<0.01). The PEDT score of the PE patients was negatively correlated with their total IIEF-15 score as well as with the scores in the domains of erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction after adjusted for age (P<0.01). The patients with acquired PE (APE) showed a lower IIEF-15 score than those with lifelong PE (LPE) (P<0.01). The PEDT score of the APE patients was correlated negatively with the total IIEF-15 score (r=－0.391, P<0.01) and the scores in the domains of erectile function (r=－0.362, P<0.01) and overall satisfaction (r=－0.621, P<0.01), but not correlated with intercourse satisfaction, sexual orgasm, or sexual desire. The PEDT score of the LPE group was correlated negatively with intercourse satisfaction (r=－0.286, P<0.05) but not correlated with either the total IIEF-15 score or the scores in the domains of erectile function, overall satisfaction, sexual orgasm, or sexual desire.

CONCLUSIONS

PE patients have a higher PEDT score and a lower IIEF-15 score than normal males. The PEDT score of APE patients is significantly correlated with the total IIEF-15 score, while that of LPE patients is correlated not with the total IIEF-15 score but with intercourse satisfaction.

[Surgical repair and reconstruction of male external genitals]

One of the challenges in andrology nowadays is the diagnosis and treatment of external genital abnormalities and defects along with the consequent voiding, sexual, and reproductive dysfunctions, for which no guidelines are yet available. Hitherto, surgical repair and reconstruction are efficient for these diseases. The key to these operations is to individualize surgical strategies according to the specific local lesion and dysfunction, usually involving flap and graft techniques. This article presents our experience in the surgical treatment of penile and scrotal abnormalities and defects with urological and andrological techniques and microsurgical strategies, focusing on the external repair and functional reconstruction. Satisfactory treatment outcomes pivot on a precise evaluation of the disease, a rational design of surgical procedures, and an earnest communication with the patient. Some cases are rather complicated and challenging, usually with complications, and therefore deserve further researches for more effective treatment strategies in clinical practice.

[Gynecological theories and prescriptions for andriatric diseases]

Andrology and gynecology have a similar or the same theoretical basis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Andrology has a history of less than 3 decades in China, while TCM gynecology has developed for over a thousand years. The development of andrology could be greatly promoted with the guidance of the theories and prescriptions of gynecology.

[Bibliometric analysis of Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue (National Journal of Andrology)]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the characteristics of the articles published in Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue (National Journal of Andrology, NJA) and the distribution of the authors in the andrological world.

METHODS

Articles published in NJA between 2009 to 2012 were collected and analyzed using statistic and bibliometric methods. The indicators include cooperation degree, core authors, distribution of grant articles, and geographical distribution of authors.

RESULTS

During the 4 years, 1064 articles were published in NJA, of which 998 (93.80%) were coauthored, with a cooperation degree of 4.72. Totally, 909 authors, including 792 (87.13%) of the first authors, published 1 article each; 272 (25.56%) papers were written by 117 (12.87%) core authors, and 396 granted by 619 foundations. There were 13 high-productivity institutions, which published a total number of 257 (24.15%) articles. As for geographical distribution, Jiangshu, Guangdong and Beijing ranked as the top three, contributing 215 (20.21%), 105 (9.87%) and 102 (9.59%) of the published papers, respectively. Among the published papers, 132 were cited for 185 times by 119 journals in SCI, and another 418 cited for 701 times by 94 journals in CSCD.

CONCLUSION

NJA has a high cooperation degree and a wide geographical distribution of authors, with Jiangshu, Guangdong and Beijing as the top three areas in andrological research, though the overall geographical distribution is not well balanced. NJA is receiving more and more attention from both domestic and international researchers.

Thinking big by thinking small: application of microfluidic technology to improve ART

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) laboratories often carry a penchant to resist change while in the pursuit of maintaining consistency in laboratory conditions. However, implementation of new technology is often critical to expand scientific discoveries and to improve upon prior successes to advance the field. Microfluidic platforms represent a technology that has the potential to revolutionize the fundamental processes of IVF. While the focus of microfluidic application in IVF has centered on embryo culture, the innovative platforms carry tremendous potential to improve other procedural steps and represents a possible paradigm shift in how we handle gametes and embryos. The following review will highlight application of various microfluidic platforms in IVF for use in maturation, manipulation, culture, cryopreservation and non-invasive quality assessment; pointing out new insights gained into functions of sperm, oocytes and embryos. Platform design and function will also be discussed, focusing on limitations, advancements and future refinements that can further aid in their clinical implementation.

Management of erectile dysfunction: great progress, greater promise

Sexual medicine, exemplified by the management of erectile dysfunction, is a traditional pillar of andrology. Erectile dysfunction has received the greatest attention within the specialty area and its management models the progress of the field more generally. This review provides a perspective of the history and contemporary practice of erectile dysfunction management, highlighting aspects of basic science research, epidemiology, and clinical care. Furthermore, the impact of this field as a major health concern in correlation with basic aspects of wellness and disease is acknowledged. The field continues to evolve as a legitimate discipline in medicine and is worthy of ongoing scientific support and activity.

Parting messages from current and former editors of the Journal of Andrology

The proposal to produce this final commemorative issue for the Journal of Andrology arose during our regular discussions as current editors soon after it was announced that the Journal would complete its own life course and merge into a new publication (to be named Andrology) with the International Journal of Andrology. We considered the momentous occasion to be one that should be celebrated with an enduring tribute in recognition of the Journal's exceptional 33-year existence. Among the various contributions sought for inclusion in this issue, we envisioned an article assembling collected short essays from all living former editors drawing on notable events and highlights, if not less well-known challenges and successes arising during their editorship eras. We thought that any such production of musings, viewpoints, and most of all words of wisdom from those who have had major roles in the direction and accomplishments of the Journal would offer an illuminating read for the society's members and friends and provide all readers another venue to share in and enjoy the Journal's great history. We are enthralled to have gathered these collections, all personal compositions of the former editors-in-chief, and for their effort that has helped us complete this special endeavor we express to them our tremendous gratitude. Serving as the Journal's last editors, we are also grateful to contribute our essay at the very end as part of this joyous chronicle.

[Effective English writing for tables and figures in andrological papers]

Tables and figures play a critical role in enhancing the quality of an andrological paper. As visual elements, well-presented tables and figures can reduce the length of the manuscript and meanwhile efficiently capture a large amount of information by clear and concise display of detailed results and complex relationships, patterns and trends, offer explicit statistical or graphical support to important ideas, and add to the value of the whole paper. The effectiveness of a table or figure lies not only in its well-crafted structural design, but even more in its language presentation. This article presents some essential and practical guidelines to effective English writing of the title, body and footnotes of tables and figures in andrological papers.