Active Men Research Articles

Effect of Aerobic Training on the Relationship Between Loading Rate and Quadriceps Muscle Activities in Men With Diabetic Neuropathy: A Clinical Trial

Background and Aims The increase in loading rate is associated with lower limb injuries such as tibial stress fracture. Quadriceps muscle activities absorb ground reaction force (GRF) shocks by eccentric activation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of aerobic training on the relationship between loading rate and quadriceps muscle activities in men with diabetic neuropathy (DN). Methods In this double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial, participants were 40 men with DN who were selected by a convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of training (n=20, age: 54.9±7.3, body mass index: 28.4±5.4) and control (n=20; age: 54.1±7.3, body mass index: 28.5±5.1). The GRF data was recorded using a force plate system during walking. The electrical activity of selected lower limb muscles was recorded using electromyography method. The training group performed aerobic training for 12 weeks (three sessions per week). Results The results showed an increase in the negative relationship between vertical loading rate and vastus lateralis activities after training (P=0.028). The activities of vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles showed no significant relationship with loading rate after training (P>0.05). Conclusion Aerobic training can improve the relationship between vastus lateralis muscle activity and vertical loading rate in men with DN.

Associations Among Alcohol-Related Factors and Men's Nonconsensual Condom Removal Perpetration.

Nonconsensual condom removal (NCCR) is a form of sexual violence that a significant minority of men use to obtain unprotected sex. Experiencing NCCR is associated with serious physical and mental health consequences, such as sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies, anxiety, and depression. Alcohol use is known to be associated with sexual violence in general; however, limited research has been done on the association between alcohol-related factors and NCCR specifically. Thus, the present study examined the associations between event-level drinking, daily drinking, drinking motives, alcohol expectancies, and NCCR. Young, single, heterosexually active men (N = 96) completed cross-sectional measures of their NCCR behavior, event-level drinking, drinking motives, and alcohol expectancies. A total of 19 (19.8%) participants reported successfully engaging in NCCR at least once since age 14. Results showed that consuming more alcohol during the event, having more highly intoxicated partners, drinking to enhance sex, and holding more negative alcohol expectancies were associated with increased likelihood of NCCR. To effectively decrease the rates of NCCR, prevention efforts could aim to decrease event-level alcohol consumption for both men and their partners and to challenge men's beliefs regarding alcohol's role in sexual behavior. Given the current study's limitations, future studies should consider employing an ecological momentary assessment design to avoid recall bias and include more diverse samples to increase the generalizability of findings.

Muscle Function and Thickness Are Not Associated with Responsiveness to Post-Activation Performance Enhancement

There is great variability in responsiveness to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). Factors such as greater expression of type II muscle fibers and experience with strength training are associated with greater responsiveness to PAPE. We investigated whether there is an association between markers of muscular function and morphology and responsiveness to PAPE in untrained individuals. Sixty-six active men (22 ± 2 years, 74 ± 11 kg, and 172 ± 27 cm) participated in the study. Their countermovement jump (CMJ) heights were measured before and four minutes after a pre-activation protocol consisting of five squats with a 5RM load. Isometric knee extensor peak torque (IPT), CMJ power (POCON), and thickness of the vastus lateralis muscle (VLMT) of the participants were also determined in an unpotentiated condition. Change in CMJ height (ΔCMJ) following the pre-activation protocol was calculated and its associations with baseline CMJ height (CMJCON), POCON, IPT, and VLMT were tested. Linear stepwise multiple regression models were also applied to screen for predictors of ΔCMJ among the dependent variables. No significant change (p = 0.28) in CMJ height was observed after the PA protocol (pre: 30.8 ± 5.1 cm; post: 31.0 ± 5.5 cm). No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between ΔCMJ and IPT, VLMT, POCON, and CMJCON (r = 0.29, 0.18, 0.09, and 0.01, respectively). Linear stepwise multiple regression analyses did not result in any significant models for ΔCMJ prediction. Although we confirmed the high individual variability in response to PA, no associations between neuromuscular performance/morphology and responsiveness to PAPE were found.

Relationship between Coach’s Leadership Style and Motivation of Male Athletes

Each coach has a distinctive leadership style, and each coach's leadership style has its advantages and disadvantages. Trainers have several leadership behaviors/actions in training. There are several coach-style behaviors, i.e., training/instruction, authoritarian, democracy, social support, and feedback. This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between the coach's leadership style and male athletes’ motivation. This research method uses a descriptive correlation research design. The samples in this study were active student members of the men's futsal student activity unit of the Indonesian Education University. The data collection technique used a random sampling technique. The instruments used were The Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS) to measure the coach's leadership style and SMS (Social Motivation Scale) to measure male athletes’ motivation. This study was analyzed using parametric statistical analysis with the Pearson correlation test. The results of the data analysis Moreover, the authority leadership style attains a sig value (ρ) of 0.006 <0.05. Hence, H0 is rejected. It is assumed that the coach's leadership style has a significant relationship with the motivation of male athletes of the Futsal Student Activity Unit of the Indonesian Education University. Meanwhile, the sig. value (ρ) of democratic leadership style is 0.031 < 0.05. Thus, H0 is rejected. It means that the democratic coach's leadership style has a significant relationship with the motivation of male athletes of the Futsal Student Activity Unit of the Indonesian Education University. Moreover, the social support leadership style indicates a sig (ρ) value of 0.033 <0.05. Hence, H0 is rejected.indicate that there is a significant relationship between the coach's leadership style and male athletes’ motivation. Keywords: Coach’s Leadership Style, Motivation

Occult, Incomplete, and Complete Posterior Labral Tears Without Glenohumeral Instability on Imaging Underestimate Labral Detachment

To introduce a classification of posterior labral tear and describe clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) findings, arthroscopic findings, and outcomes after arthroscopic repair for patients with posterior labral tears without glenohumeral instability. Sixty patients with posterior labral tear who underwent arthroscopic repair were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with shoulder instability were excluded. Tear patterns were classified into 3 types; occult (type 1), incomplete (type 2), and complete (type 3) based on MRI/MRA studies. A visual analog scale score for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score for satisfaction, and return to sports were evaluated at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Computed tomography arthrography was performed at a year follow-up for assess labral healing. The diagnosis was confirmed in arthroscopy, and arthroscopic labral repair without capsular plication was performed. The mean patient age was 30.4 ± 6.9 years, and all patients were male. Forty-four patients (73.3%) were participating in sports. MRI/MRA studies identified 10 patients with type 1, 18 with type 2, and 32 with type 3 tears. Type 1 tear patients showed a significantly longer symptom duration than those with type 3 (32.5 ± 17.2 vs 18.2 ± 17.1 months; P= .015). In arthroscopic findings, 70% of type 1 tear was confirmed as incomplete or complete tears. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 79.6 ± 10.3 to 98.1 ± 3.7, and pain was relieved from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 0.2 ± 0.5 at the last follow-up visit with high labral healing rate (95%). Thirty-nine (88.6%) patients returned to sports at preinjury levels. In active young men with shoulder pain during daily activities or sports despite programmed conservative treatment, posterior labral tears should be considered even when MRI/MRA findings are ambiguous. Arthroscopic posterior labral repair without capsular plication provided satisfactory clinical outcomes and a high labral healing rate. Level Ⅳ, case series.

Analysis of regional features of the tibial plateau fractures in the Rostov region

Background. The prevalence of tibial plateau fractures reaches 51.7 per 100,000 population per year, accounting for approximately 1% of all fractures, and is associated with the development of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis in 25-45% of cases.
 The aim of this study was to investigate the regional features, including frequency, structure, and outcomes, of S82.1 fractures.
 Methods. An anonymized sample was obtained from the regions database, covering the period from 2017 to 2021, using the ICD-10 codes S82.1, Z47.0, M17.2, and M17.3. Data Science principles and software were applied for analysis.
 Results. A total of 14,705 records were obtained. The average prevalence of tibial plateau fractures in the region was 24 per 100,000 population per year. The frequency of fractures was highest among the working-age population, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.02:1.00. There was a shift in the age group of knee osteoarthritis occurrence to individuals over 60 years old. Since 2018, a decrease in the number of fractures has been observed among elderly individuals. Out of the total sample, 1,017 patients were hospitalized, and 1,752 operations were performed. Open injuries accounted for 1.9% of cases, and the complication rate was 5.3%. Moderate correlations were found between open fractures, complicated course, and inpatient treatment costs (0.42r0.3). The probability of developing knee osteoarthritis within a five-year period was 0.0161. The average age of men with knee osteoarthritis was 517 years, while for women, it was 607 years. The younger age of osteoarthritis onset in men may be associated with a higher prevalence of severe fractures. The average cost of inpatient treatment increased from 26,533 rubles in 2017 to 34,682 rubles in 2021, significantly exceeding the cost of outpatient treatment.
 Conclusion. Tibial plateau fractures (S82.1) predominantly occur among economically active men. The decrease in the proportion of elderly individuals with fractures in the years 2019-2021 may be explained by a decrease in the elderly population in the region and the impact of pandemic-related restrictions. The compulsory health insurance system incurs the highest costs during inpatient care. It is advisable to include classification features of fractures according to the OA/OTA system in databases to facilitate more accurate planning and differentiation of treatment expenses.

СОЦИАЛЬНО-ГИГИЕНИЧЕСКАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ У ЮНОШЕЙ ЗДОРОВЬЕСБЕРЕГАЮЩЕГО ПОВЕДЕНИЯ В ОБЛАСТИ РЕПРОДУКТИВНОГО ЗДОРОВЬЯ

The ultra-low birth rate in modern society is the leading cause of depopulation. Changing the standard of youth sexual behavior should be regarded as one of the main ways to preserve the reproductive potential and social stability of the state. The development of methods of preventive work on the formation of health-saving behavior in the reproductive sphere in most works concerns girls. The absence of a socio-hygienic model for the formation of health-saving behavior in the reproductive sphere among young men was the rationale for the development of such a model by the specialists of the children’s polyclinic. The purpose of this work was to present the experience of developing and implementing a socio-hygienic medical-organizational technology for the formation of health protection in young men in the reproductive sphere. Results. The rationale for the development of a socio-hygienic model was the results of a preliminary medical and sociological study – a survey of young men and their parents: a high proportion of sexually active young men with an early sexual debut, using unprotected intercourse, the prevalence of promiscuity against the background of a low level of knowledge about reproductive health, motivation for health protection in the reproductive sphere and the insufficient role of the family in the issues of sexual education of adolescents; a high level of agreement among the parents of young men about the need to involve competent specialists, doctors and psychologists, in the systematic and planned work on the sexual education of their sons. The social and hygienic model was developed on the basis of an interdepartmental and interprofessional approach with the participation of children’s polyclinic doctors, teachers, psychologists and social workers. Structurally and functionally, the model corresponds to the educational cluster, assumes a stage-by-stage implementation of activities, and includes as the main component the innovative educational program “Young Gentleman’s School” within the framework of the School of Reproductive Health for Boys, implemented on the basis of secondary schools territorially attached to the children’s polyclinic. Participation in the program of the School of Reproductive Health for Boys during one academic year was accompanied by an increase in the level of knowledge about reproductive health and a ranked level of motivation of adolescents to preserve health in the reproductive sphere, a smaller increase in the proportion of sexually active boys and a relative increase in those who use protected sexual intercourse among them. Conclusion. The development and implementation of a social and hygienic model for the formation of health savings in the reproductive sphere among young men and the implementation of the innovative educational program “Young Gentleman’s School” are medical and organizational technology for managing health savings in this area. Increasing the level of motivation of young men to preserve reproductive health through obtaining reliable and complete information from competent specialists – a pediatric urologist-andrologist and a psychologist, contributes to the formation of health-saving sexual behavior.

Erectile function and androgen and estrogen beta receptor gene polymorphisms in acromegalic men

PurposeSexual dysfunctions are often experienced by male patients with acromegaly, due to a combination of hypogonadism and other comorbidities, but are a scarcely investigated complication. Erectile dysfunction is also closely related to cardiovascular diseases through endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, this project aimed to assess the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in a population of acromegalic men and evaluate its association with cardio-metabolic disorders, also exploring associations with androgen and estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms.MethodsSexually active men aged 18–65 with previous diagnosis of acromegaly were recruited. Clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected. Each patient also provided a blood sample for AR and ERβ gene polymorphisms analyses and filled out the IIEF-15 questionnaire.ResultsTwenty men with previous diagnosis of acromegaly (mean age 48.4 ± 10.0 years) were recruited. 13/20 subjects (65%) had erectile dysfunction, but only four had a concurrent biochemical hypogonadism, with no significant correlation with IIEF-15 scores. Total testosterone negatively correlated with sexual intercourse satisfaction domain (ρ = − 0.595; p = 0.019) and general satisfaction domain (ρ = − 0.651; p = 0.009). IGF-1 levels negatively correlated with biochemical hypogonadism (ρ = − 0.585; p = 0.028). The number of CAG and CA repeats in AR and ERβ receptors genes was not significantly associated with IIEF-15 scores or with GH/IGF-1 levels, but a negative correlation between CA repeats and the presence of cardiomyopathy (ρ = − 0.846; p = 0.002) was present.ConclusionsMen with acromegaly have a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction, but it does not appear to be correlated with treatments, testosterone levels and AR/ER-beta signaling. Nonetheless, a shorter CA polymorphic trait (ERbeta) is associated with the presence of cardiomyopathy. If confirmed, these data may suggest an association between an incorrect hormonal balance and increased cardiovascular risk in acromegaly subjects.

Cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time improves intermittent exercise performance in the heat

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time (HT) on intermittent exercise performance and thermoregulation by imitating intermittent athletic games in the heat. In a randomized crossover design, 11 physically active men performed the first half (first and second block) and second half (third and fourth block) intermittent cycling exercise protocol, which consisted of a 5-s maximal power pedalling (body weight × 0.075 kp) every minute separated by 25-s of unloaded pedalling and rest (30 s) in the heat (33°C, 50% relative humidity). The two-halves were separated by a 15-min HT. During HT, the participants were assigned to the CON (sedentary resting) or COOL (immersion of hands and forearms in cold water at 15–17°C) condition. The mean power output in the second half was significantly greater (third and fourth block:p< 0.05) in the COOL than in the CON condition. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the rectal (0.54 ± 0.17°C,p< 0.001) and mean skin (1.86 ± 0.34°C,p< 0.05) temperatures of the COOL condition during HT. Furthermore, the heart rate (16 ± 7 bpm,p< 0.05) and skin blood flow (40.2 ± 10.5%,p< 0.001) decreased at the end of HT in the COOL condition. In the second half, thermal sensation was more comfortable in the COOL condition (p< 0.001). Cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during HT improved physiological and reduced perceived heat stress. Moreover, it prevented a reduction in intermittent exercise performance in the second half.

Effect of Whole Body Parameters on Knee Joint Biomechanics: Implications for ACL Injury Prevention During Single-Leg Landings

Background: Previous studies have examined the effect of whole body (WB) parameters on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) strain and loads, as well as knee joint kinetics and kinematics. However, articular cartilage damage occurs in relation to ACL failure, and the effect of WB parameters on ACL strain and articular cartilage biomechanics during dynamic tasks is unclear. Purposes: (1) To investigate the effect of WB parameters on ACL strain, as well as articular cartilage stress and contact force, during a single-leg cross drop (SLCD) and single-leg drop (SLD). (2) To identify WB parameters predictive of high ACL strain during these tasks. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Three-dimensional motion analysis data from 14 physically active men and women were recorded during an SLCD and SLD. OpenSim was used to obtain their kinematics, kinetics, and muscle forces for the WB model. Using these data in kinetically driven finite element simulations of the knee joint produced outputs of ACL strains and articular cartilage stresses and contact forces. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between WB parameters and ACL strain and cartilage biomechanics. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic curve analyses and multivariate binary logistic regressions were used to find the WB parameters that could discriminate high from low ACL strain trials. Results: Correlations showed that more lumbar rotation away from the stance limb at peak ACL strain had the strongest overall association (ρ = 0.877) with peak ACL strain. Higher knee anterior shear force (ρ = 0.895) and lower gluteus maximus muscle force (ρ = 0.89) at peak ACL strain demonstrated the strongest associations with peak articular cartilage stress or contact force in ≥1 of the analyzed tasks. The regression model that used muscle forces to predict high ACL strain trials during the dominant limb SLD yielded the highest accuracy (93.5%), sensitivity (0.881), and specificity (0.952) among all regression models. Conclusion: WB parameters that were most consistently associated with and predictive of high ACL strain and poor articular cartilage biomechanics during the SLCD and SLD tasks included greater knee abduction angle at initial contact and higher anterior shear force at peak ACL strain, as well as lower gracilis, gluteus maximus, and medial gastrocnemius muscle forces. Clinical relevance: Knowledge of which landing postures create a high risk for ACL or cartilage injury may help reduce injuries in athletes by avoiding those postures and practicing the tasks with reduced high-risk motions, as well as by strengthening the muscles that protect the knee during single-leg landings.

Navigating imperfect policies to donate plasma: Survey on plasma donation and a pilot plasma donation program among men who have sex with men in Canada.

In 2021, Canada implemented a pilot plasma program allowing some sexually active men who have sex with men (including but not limited to gay and bisexual men; gbMSM) to donate plasma. Changes to plasma donation policy could help address inequities in access to plasma donation and increase Canada's domestically collected plasma supply if more gbMSM donate as a result. We aimed to (1) examine views regarding plasma donation and the pilot program prior to implementation and (2) identify modifiable theory-informed predictors of gbMSM's intention to donate plasma. We developed, piloted, and disseminated a questionnaire informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). We recruited gbMSM in London (ON) and Calgary (AB) to an anonymous, online cross-sectional survey. A total of 246 gbMSM completed the survey. On scales from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), general intention to donate was high (mean = 4.24; SD = 0.94). The pilot program itself was mostly acceptable (mean = 3.71, SD = 1.16), but the intention to donate under the unique requirements of the pilot program was lower than general intention (mean = 3.58; SD = 1.26). Two domains from the theoretical domains framework (TDF) (beliefs about consequences of donating plasma and social influences) were independently associated with general intention to donate. The pilot plasma program as an incremental step toward more inclusive policies was mostly viewed as acceptable by the impacted communities. Historical and ongoing exclusions create unique barriers to donation. There are clear opportunities for developing theory-informed interventions to support gbMSM to donate plasma as policies continue to become more inclusive and more become eligible to donate.

(101) Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are Accurate for Suspected Penile Fracture

Abstract Introduction Penile fracture (PF) is a rare but potentially catastrophic injury due to the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile curvature in young, sexually active men. The diagnosis is commonly made by clinical examination only but may be inaccurate in 15% of men. Despite this, penile ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains poorly utilised. Objective This study aims to correlate for the first time imaging suggestive of PF with intraoperative findings as the gold standard comparator in order to calculate the sensitivity and specificity as accurately as possible. Methods Retrospective analysis (electronic and paper records) of all men referred for imaging querying penile fracture over ten years at a single centre (January 2010 - December 2020). All men with suspected PF on US and/or MRI were included. Same day MRI was performed in equivocal cases or to further define the extent of injury. Imaging findings were correlated with intraoperative findings. Results 114 men underwent surgical exploration for PF over 10 years with a median age of 39 years (range 16-74). Pre-existing ED was reported in 9 men and 6 men reported pre-existing Peyronie’s disease. Most men had a pre-operative doppler US (92.6%, n=112) with subsequent MRI in 13 men (11.6%). Two men were surgically explored after MRI only. Table 1 summarises the strong correlation between imaging and intraoperative findings. PF was not identified on US in 8 men (7.1%). MRI upgraded equivocal US findings to PF or showed a greater extent of injury in 76.5% (n=13). All PF were identified on MRI but there was a single false positive where PF was not found on exploration. MRI may have been confounded by Peyronie’s plaque calcification. Urethral injury was identified in 24 men intraoperatively but US only identified 10 with a further 4 identified on subsequent MRI. Conclusions Penile US has a high sensitivity and PPV for PF when compared to the gold standard of intraoperative findings. MRI has excellent specificity for both PF and urethral injury and should be considered in equivocal cases. The combination of US and MRI is useful to avoid unnecessary surgery and can characterise complex/atypical injuries to guide choice of incision and surgical planning. Imaging should be routinely offered to all men prior to surgical exploration. Disclosure No

(521) The Impact of Donor Robotic Partial Hepatectomy on Sexual Function in Sexually Active Men: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Introduction Donor robotic partial hepatectomy is evolving as a low morbidity method for liver transplantation. However, we have noticed that two of our patients complained of de novo sexual dysfunction following their surgery. Factors that may lead to the dysfunction are liver dysfunction and stress. Objective We set out to objectively evaluate the impact of robotic partial hepatectomy on sexual function in sexually active men. Methods This prospective study involved a cohort of married men with no prior sexual dysfunction who consecutively presented for a liver donation from Jan 2021 to Mar 2022. Robotic partial hepatectomy was performed using three ports and a Da Vinci XI system, and a small Pfannenstiel incision was used to deliver the specimen. We performed a preoperative assessment of sexual function using the IIEF-15 questionnaire [1], liver function using the CLDQ-29 questionnaire [2], and perceived stress PSS-14 questionnaire [3]. Lab investigations included hormonal profile, liver function, and renal function. The postoperative assessment was repeated after three months. Continuous data were compared using paired t-test.

A review on the versatility of Carica papaya seed: an agrogenic waste for the removal of organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants in water

AbstractThe advent of civilization, coupled with growing industrialization in many countries, is placing more demand on the available water sources. At the same time, the daily surge in wastes generated by man's anthropogenic activities has led to microbial, organic and inorganic contamination of water sources. Based on available evidence, significant research efforts are being made into the use of low‐cost agricultural materials such as Carica papaya seed (CPS) in the removal of these contaminants from water sources in a bid to provide clean water. In the present review, the organic, inorganic and microbial contaminants in waters were elucidated. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the CPS was illustrated. The adsorption capacity and efficiency of CPS and their composites in the remediation of the selected contaminants were discussed while identifying the various factors affecting the adsorption efficiency. Finally, the reusability of this agricultural material was discussed. Solution pH was identified as a major factor influencing the sorption process. The high removal efficiency reported in the studies that adopted CPS showed its vast potential in the elimination of contaminants from water sources. Also, the regenerative potential of the adsorbent over several cycles indicated its long‐term use. The economic feasibility and environmental sustainability afforded by using CPS chart a path for further investigation into the use of other low‐cost agricultural materials in the elimination of environmental contaminants. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Reliability and Validity of a Portable Traction Dynamometer in Knee-Strength Extension Tests: An Isometric Strength Assessment in Recreationally Active Men.

the study determined the validity and reliability of measurements obtained using the portable traction dynamometer (PTD) (E-Lastic, E-Sports Solutions, Brazil) and the reproducibility between evaluators (precision) in the evaluation of the isometric muscle strength of the knee extensors of healthy male adults, compared to measurements obtained with the "gold standard" computerized dynamometer (CD) (Biodex System 3, Nova York, NY, USA). we evaluated sixteen recreationally active men (29.50 ± 7.26 years). The test-retest reliability of both equipment to determine quadriceps strength, agreement analysis, and the minimal important difference were verified. excellent test-retest interrater reliability was observed for absolute and relative measurements, with a low absolute error for both sets of equipment and excellent validity of the PTD against the CD, as verified by linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient. PTD is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the isometric strength of knee extensors, with results similar to the isometric CD "gold standard".

Management of Urinary Trauma in the Urology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry

Objective: to highlight the epidemiological, lesional and therapeutic aspects of urinary trauma in the urology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry. Material and methods: this was a retrospective study that took place over a period of 5 years, during which we collected all cases of urinary trauma in the urology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry. The variables studied were socio-demographic, anatomical-clinical and therapeutic. Results: we collected 75 cases of urinary trauma, representing 15.5% of abdomino-pelvic trauma admitted to hospital during the study period. The average age of patients was 29 years old with extremes of 8 and 66 years. Men were the most affected with a gender ratio of 25. Road traffic accidents were the most frequent etiologies. The consultation time was less than 24 hours in 92% of cases. Trauma involved the urethra in 80% of cases, the bladder (10.7%) and the kidney (9.3%). The mechanism of trauma to the urethra was dominated by astride falls on the perineum in 52% of cases. Posterior urethra ruptures were associated with pelvic trauma in 20/25 cases and bladder trauma in 5/8 cases. The treatment was carried out according to the type of lesion. Conclusion: urinary trauma is not uncommon in our practice. They are the prerogative of young men in full activity. They are dominated by urethral ruptures, followed by trauma to the kidney and bladder. Treatment should be as conservative as possible in closed kidney trauma and peritoneal ruptures of the bladder.

Barriers to the participation of men in reproductive health care: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

BackgroundDespite emphasizing the importance and benefits of men's active engagement in reproductive health programs, their engagement in reproductive health care is low. Researchers have identified different barriers to men's avoidance of participation in various aspects of reproductive health in different parts of the world. This study provided an in-depth review of the hindrances to men’s non-participation in reproductive health.MethodsThis meta-synthesis was conducted using keyword searches in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ProQuest until January 2023. Qualitative English-language studies that investigated barriers to men's participation in reproductive health were included in the study. The critical appraisal skills program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the articles' quality. Data synthesis and thematic analysis were done using the standard method.ResultThis synthesis led to the emergence of four main themes such as failure to access all inclusive and integrated quality services, economic issues, couples' personal preferences and attitudes, and sociocultural considerations to seek reproductive healthcare services.ConclusionHealthcare system programs and policies, economic and sociocultural issues, and men’s attitudes, knowledge, and preferences, influence men's participation in reproductive healthcare. Reproductive health initiatives should focus on eliminating challenges to men's supportive activities to increase practical men's involvement in reproductive healthcare.

Site-specific tissue lipolysis and fat metabolism differs between men and women during a treadmill-based heat tolerance test without differences in circulating biomarkers

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that measures of lipid metabolism and substrate utilization differ between men and women exposed to extreme exercise-heat stress. Methods: Physically active men (n=6, 30±8 yrs, 78.8±11.0 kg, body fat 19.4±9.8%, VO2max 49.9±2.9 mL -1· kg -1· min -1 ) and women (n=6, 25±3 yrs, 60.6±4.1 kg, 25.2±6.8%, 46.3±4.5mL -1· kg -1· min -1 ) completed a treadmill-based heat tolerance test (HTT) (2 hours, 3.1 mph, 2% grade in extreme environmental conditions (104°F, 40% relative humidity). Differences (pre-, post-, change, percentage change, mean difference (MD)) within and between groups were analyzed with nonparametric inferential statistical tests. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAAT) interstitial glycerol concentration and adipose tissue blood flow (i.e., ethanol Output: Input (O:I)) pre-exercise, every 30 minutes (min) of exercise, and during recovery was measured with microdialysis and assay of biofluids. Circulating concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), epinephrine (EPI), and norepinephrine (NE), and cortisol were measured with commercially available kits. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured pre- and post-exercise using a metabolic cart. Exercising substrate utilization and metabolic heat production (MHP) were collected during 30 and 90 mins of the HTT. Results: Despite no sex differences in markers associated with stress-related metabolic signaling (cortisol, EPI, NE), endocrine response (IGF-1, insulin), or systemic concentrations of NEFAs, fat oxidation (g·min -1 ) was higher in men (vs. women) at 30 min of HTT (men (M), women (W): 0.56±0.03, 0.45±0.05, p=0.005) and at 90 min of HTT (0.61±0.05, 0.48±0.12, p=0.05). SCAAT interstitial glycerol and O:I were similar across all time points between sexes (baseline glycerol ranges (mmol·L -1 ): 92.8-530.7 (W), 321.8-588.8 (M); O:I ratio ranges: 0.42-0.79 (W), 0.55-0.77 (M). However, women had significantly greater percent change in interstitial glycerol concentration from baseline (vs. M) (W vs. M: 275 ± 287.56% vs. -8.69 ± 32.41%, p=0.003). Pre- and post-exercise REE were 16.9% (MD:371.6 kcal·day -1 , p=0.003) and 15.5% (MD:343.5kcal·day -1 , p=0.050) lower in W compared to M. Mean MHP was higher in men (MD 85W). Conclusion: Fat oxidation and SCAAT lipolysis rates were higher in men vs. women after an acute bout of strenuous exercise-heat stress. Ongoing analyses are investigating sex, energy expenditure, and heat production contributions to differences between men and women observed in our study. Our findings suggest potential for sex-specific dietary recommendations during stress exposures. DoD BA200299, HRPO E02882.1a This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The role of spine curvatures in the sagittal plane in physical performance among team sports players.

Spine shapes determine the body posture, which could also be impacted by specific sports training. However, the meaning of spine curvatures in physical performance remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of spine curvatures in the sagittal plane in physical performance regarding team sports training. The study sample included 21±2.1 years old males: 19 team sport players (TSP) and 17 average physically active men (comparison group, CG). The spine curvatures in the sagittal plane were assessed using the photogrammetric method (Moire), and physical performance tests were conducted. The sacrolumbar spine position was positively related to speed abilities only in TSP. The sacrolumbar spine inclination angle (α) increase by one unit was associated with improving the time in the 20 m linear speed and agility t-test measured change of direction speed (CODs) by 0.02 s and 0.07 s, respectively. The downsized lumbar lordosis angle by a one-unit caused improvement by 0.01s in 20 m linear speed. In CG, it was revealed that a higher thoracolumbar spine inclination angle (β) was associated with a worse ability to maintain static balance. In TSP, sacrolumbar spine position is associated with speed abilities. The flattened spine curves are not conducive to linear speed and CODs. There is a need to keep proper spine curvatures to develop and maintain high physical performance. Indicated sagittal plane spine curvatures could predispose to better speed performance. Measurement of these parameters could be valuable in prediction speed and CODs abilities.

The COVID‐19 pandemic and caring masculinity: New prospects or a wasted opportunity?

AbstractThe early data regarding gender implications of COVID‐19 suggest that men are more likely to die as an effect of infection while women are those who suffer the social consequences of pandemic as they dominate in care‐oriented professions and bear the consequences of increased caring needs at home. The latter includes caring for children, who, in many (European) countries have been subjected to homeschooling. However, the lockdown resulted in the fact that also men (usually white‐collar workers from middle class) changed their work organization and habits and have started working from home. Some studies suggest that this specific situation results in the increase of involvement of fathers into caring activities at home. Hence, the main goal of our paper is an attempt to answer the question if pandemic opened new opportunities for larger involvement of men in caring activities. The study will locate research outcomes in the context of gender regime in Poland in order to investigate if lockdown, online work and care responsibilities enabled to challenge or to reproduce existing gender relations, with a special focus on masculinities patterns. It will be done by analyzing data from Poland, namely, semi‐structured qualitative interviews collected in two waves – during spring lockdown 2020 and during late autumn and winter 2020/2021 with men and women working online at home and caring for underage children. By doing so, we expect to add more nuanced, crisis‐related theoretical understandings of caring masculinity concept.