scholarly journals The Potential Associations of Pornography Use with Sexual Dysfunctions: An Integrative Literature Review of Observational Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Diana Dwulit ◽  
Piotr Rzymski
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Dysfunctions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Delayed Ejaculation ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Existing Data

This paper reviews the associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunction based on evidence from observational studies. The existing data in this regard mostly derive from cross-sectional investigations and case reports. There is little if no evidence that pornography use may induce delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, although longitudinal studies that control for confounding variables are required for a full assessment. The associations between pornography use and sexual desire may differ between women and men although the existing data is contradictory and causal relationships cannot be established. The strongest evidence is available for the relation of pornography use with decreased sexual satisfaction, although the results of prospective studies are inconsistent. The paper outlines future research prospects beneficial in understanding the nature of associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunctions in men and women.

scholarly journals Entre l’individuel et le social : les motivations d’usage de pornographie

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maude Lecompte ◽  
Simon Corneau ◽  
Kim Bernatchez
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Methodological Framework ◽  
Identity Exploration ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Intrinsic And Extrinsic Motivations

Background  Although pornography use is widespread, motivations for use may differ depending on certain identity categories.Analysis  This article presents the motivations related to pornography use identified following a metasynthesis as a methodological framework. Using theoretical notions of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, the metasynthesis allowed us to combine results derived from thirteen qualitative studies that examined motivations for pornography use among various audiences.Conclusions and implications  The motivations identified are: entertainment, sexual satisfaction, fantasy and identity exploration, creation and strengthening of social or emotional ties, learning and information, transgression, and protection. Our results demonstrate that pornography use can be motivated by both social and personal considerations, and suggest that future research should consider the importance of gender and sexual orientation.Contexte  Bien que l’usage de pornographie soit répandu, les motivations pour son usage peuvent différer en fonction de certaines catégories identitaires.Analyse  Cet article présente les motivations d’usage de pornographie documentées au moyen d’une métasynthèse comme cadre méthodologique. Utilisant les notions théoriques de motivation intrinsèque et extrinsèque, la métasynthèse a permis la mise en commun des résultats de treize études qualitatives réalisées auprès de publics variés.Conclusions et implications  Les motivations recensées sont : le divertissement, la satisfaction sexuelle, l’exploration fantasmatique et identitaire, la création et le renforcement de liens sociaux ou affectifs, l’apprentissage et l’information, la transgression et la protection. Les résultats montrent que l’usage de pornographie peut être motivé tant par des considérations sociales que personnelles et soulèvent l’importance de considérer le sexe et l’orientation sexuelle dans les recherches futures.

scholarly journals The Epidemiology of Tobacco Use among Khat Users: A Systematic Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Kassim ◽  
Mohammed Jawad ◽  
Ray Croucher ◽  
Elie A. Akl
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Electronic Database ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Khat Use ◽  
Current Tobacco

Khat, an “amphetamine-like green leaf,” may influence the consumption of tobacco. This study reviews the epidemiology of tobacco use among khat users. Electronic database searches using appropriate keywords/terms were conducted to identify observational studies of khat use. Assessment of quality and risk of bias of all included studies was conducted, and the results were synthesised descriptively. Nine eligible cross-sectional studies were identified. All assessed self-reported tobacco among khat users and were carried out in Africa and the Middle East. Eight reported cigarettes and one reported waterpipes as the mode of use. Methods of tobacco use prevalence assessment varied. Prevalence of “current” tobacco use among students and university teachers ranged from 29 to 37%; “lifetime” tobacco use in university teachers was 58% and “undefined” tobacco use in nonspecific adults and students ranged from 17 to 78%. Daily tobacco use among adults was reported as 17% whilst simultaneous tobacco and khat use was reported as between 14 and 30% in students. In conclusion, tobacco prevalence among khat users appears significant. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to self-reported tobacco use, diversity in questions assessing tobacco use, and type of tobacco consumption. Future research should address the methodological shortcomings identified in this review before appropriate policy interventions can be developed.

scholarly journals Is Non-Chlamydial Non-Gonococcal Urethritis Associated with Significant Clinical Complications in Men? A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra E.L. Fairhead ◽  
Alexander Hampson ◽  
Louis Dwyer-Hemmings ◽  
Nikhil Vasdev
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Reactive Arthritis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gonococcal Urethritis ◽  
Clinical Complications

Background: It is estimated that between 50 and 89% of non-gonococcal urethritis is not caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Associations between non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU) with balanoposthitis, epididymo-orchitis and reactive arthritis have been suggested, but evidence to support these often-theoretical relationships is sparse and further investigation is called for. Concerns over increasing antimicrobial resistance has rendered the need for clarity over this question ever more pressing in recent years. A review of the current evidence on the complications of NCNGU in men is therefore urgently warranted. Objective: This systematic review summarizes and evaluates the available evidence that NCNGU, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, causes the significant complications that are already well-recognized to be associated with non-gonococcal urethritis. These significant complications are epididymo-orchitis, balanoposthitis, and sexually-acquired reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome) including arthritis or conjunctivitis. Summary: We conducted a systematic review and qualitative synthesis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and British Nursing Index) were searched. We included studies that measured clinical outcome after diagnosis of NCNGU in men. Bias was assessed using variations of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were extracted and entered into a pre-written data abstraction proforma. Seven peer-review studies were included. This included 2 retrospective cohort studies, 1 case series, 2 case reports and 2 cross-sectional studies. The studies described and analyzed 3 types of complication: balanitis, posthitis and/or meatitis; reactive arthritis and/or conjunctivitis; and epididymitis. All studies reported one or more complications. Key Messages: This review identifies an important avenue for future research: while the available evidence suggests that NCNGU has the potential to cause significant complications in men, with the strongest evidence existing for balanitis, posthitis and/or meatitis, the nature and significance of these relationships is far from clear. The findings of this review suggest that prospective, adequately powered research into whether there is a causal link between NCNGU and significant clinical complications in men would be highly worthwhile. The findings of this review raise important questions about the utility of the term NCNGU in research and clinical practice.

scholarly journals Inflammatory Markers in Anorexia Nervosa: An Exploratory Study

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethan Dalton ◽  
Iain Campbell ◽  
Raymond Chung ◽  
Gerome Breen ◽  
Ulrike Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Percentage Body Fat ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Clinically Significant

Inflammation has been suggested to play a pathophysiological role in anorexia nervosa (AN). In this exploratory cross-sectional study, we measured serum concentrations of 40 inflammatory markers (including cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in people with AN (n = 27) and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 13). Many of these inflammatory markers had not been previously quantified in people with AN. Eating disorder (ED) and general psychopathology symptoms were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) and body composition data were obtained. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 concentrations were significantly elevated and concentrations of BDNF, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A were significantly lower in AN participants compared to HCs. Age, BMI, and percentage body fat mass were identified as potential confounding variables for several of these inflammatory markers. Of particular interest is that most of the quantified markers were unchanged in people with AN, despite them being severely underweight with evident body fat loss, and having clinically significant ED symptoms and severe depression and anxiety symptoms. Future research should examine the replicability of our findings and consider the effect of additional potential confounding variables, such as smoking and physical activity, on the relationship between AN and inflammation.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Treatment and Cognitive Function: The Current State of Evidence, Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Treatments

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 503-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Vodermaier
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Menopausal Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Wide Range

Within the last decade, several studies have investigated whether adjuvant treatment of breast cancer affects cognitive function. A number of prospective studies have demonstrated inconsistent results regarding whether chemotherapy affects cognitive function. Approximately half of the studies demonstrated subtle cognitive decline in a wide range of domains among some breast cancer patients following chemotherapy, and half did not. Concomitant changes in brain structure and function have been identified in neuroimaging and neurophysiologic studies. Estrogenic therapy has been specifically associated with deterioration in verbal memory and processing speed. However, evidence is mostly based on smaller studies with cross-sectional data. Breast cancer patients who underwent both chemotherapy and estrogenic therapy showed the most deterioration and the most persistant decline in cognitive function. Since cognitive impairment is subtle, if evident at all, discrepant findings are due to hormonal, physiological, psychological or temporal confounding variables and differences in study design. Neuropsychological training has been demonstrated to improve cognitive dysfunction experienced by breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. Future research may examine the unique impact of endocrine therapy on cognitive function with prospective, controlled trials, as well as the role of further confounding variables (e.g., menopausal status, cytokine deregulation, cortisol and concurrent medication).

scholarly journals But What’s Your Partner Up to? Associations Between Relationship Quality and Pornography Use Depend on Contextual Patterns of Use Within the Couple

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Kohut ◽  
Kiersten A. Dobson ◽  
Rhonda N. Balzarini ◽  
Ronald D. Rogge ◽  
Amanda M. Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Sex Drive ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Use Behavior

It is commonly assumed that exposure to pornography harms relationships because pornography changes the way that individuals think, feel, and behave in problematic ways. In the current research, we contribute to a small but growing body of work that challenges this assumption by carefully scrutinizing the relational context of pornography use. In contrast to dominant theoretical explanations in this field, we argue that at least some of the apparent negative “impacts” of pornography use on relationship quality may reflect partner dissimilarity in pornography use behavior rather than the consequences of exposure to such materials. Moreover, we further examine a particular type of pornography use – shared use with a partner – which previous evidence suggests may be positively associated with relationship quality. To this end, we sought to test whether dyadic patterns of pornography use, and related attributes, were associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction in two cross-sectional (N1 = 200; N3 = 207) and two longitudinal (N2 = 77; N4 = 277) samples of heterosexual couples. Across these samples, we found consistent evidence that partners who watch pornography together report higher relationship and sexual satisfaction than partners who do not, and notably, this association was not moderated by gender. Independent of this association, we also found evidence of a similarity-dissimilarity effect, such that the solitary pornography use of one partner was negatively associated with their own relationship and sexual satisfaction, but only in cases where their romantic partners used little or no pornography alone. Further consideration of several correlates of pornography use established comparable patterns of results for dissimilarity in attitudes toward pornography, erotophobia-erotophilia, sexual preferences, and sex drive. Importantly, only dissimilarity in sex drive statistically accounted for dissimilarity in solitary pornography use, suggesting that differences in sex drive may be implicated in the associations between pornography use and relationship quality. These findings demonstrate that links between pornography use and relationship health are partially a function of different dyadic patterns of pornography use within couples and do not always suggest relational harm.

scholarly journals Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Retinal and Choroidal Thickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian-Ke Yang ◽  
Xiao-Gang Huang ◽  
Jing-Yan Yao
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Thickness Change ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Quantitative Synthesis

Background. Cigarette smoking has been regarded as a risk factor for the incidence of a wide variety of chronic illness; however, its effect on thickness of the retina or choroid is still unknown. Methods. A consummate literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase up to January, 2018. The quantitative synthesis was conducted by Stata 12.0. Results. A total of 13 observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. In this meta-analysis of all available observational studies, no significant effect of tobacco smoking on retinal or choroidal thickness change was detected. However, advanced analyses showed that smoking would influence the thickness of RNFL (average: SMD, −0.332; 95% CI, −0.637 to −0.027; inferior: SMD, −0.632; 95% CI, −1.092 to −0.172; and superior: SMD, −0.720; 95% CI, −0.977 to −0.463) and GCL (superior: SMD, −0.549; 95% CI, −0.884 to −0.215; inferior: SMD, −0.602; 95% CI, −0.938 to −0.265). Meanwhile, subgroup analyses demonstrated that the results based on studies in some regions (America and Africa) and cross-sectional studies showed a reduced choroidal thickness in smokers. No publication bias was detected in this study. Conclusion. In conclusion, no significant effect of tobacco smoking on retinal or choroidal thickness change was detected. However, smoking would influence the thickness of RNFL and GCL. Future research on this field would help in the prevention and treatment of smoking-associated disorders.

scholarly journals Helicopter emergency medical services in sudden-onset major incidents ; Patterns of use

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Siri Johnsen
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Major Incident ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Major Incidents

Major incidents happen infrequently and challenge the health care system by demanding more resources than are readily available. Critically injured patients need rapid treatment and swift transport to the right hospital to prevent unnecessary death and disability. Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are incorporated into emergency medical systems in Norway and other countries around the world. Anecdotally, HEMS have become integrated in the immediate management of sudden-onset major incidents and case reports depict that helicopters may play a key operational role. Although the amount of research on benefits and challenges of HEMS is rapidly growing, the optimal use in major incidents remains unanswered. The main aim of this thesis is to explore the use of HEMS in sudden- onset major incidents in a systematic way from different angles. The thesis focus on optimizing HEMS role in sudden-onset major incident management by sharing experiences for policy makers to improve major incident preparedness. This is done through four studies, a systematic review, a cross-sectional study, a Delphi study and a retrospective observational study. With these studies, we found that previous research published on HEMS role in sudden-onset major incident management are mainly case reports and that little systematic research has been done. In the cross-sectional study and the retrospective observational studies, we found that HEMS participation in sudden-onset major incidents are rare in Norway. The cross-sectional study showed that HEMS personnel were experienced but only a little more than half of the crew members had attended a major incident within the previous five years. Further, the retrospective observational study showed that in a major incident, HEMS treat more patients on-scene than they transport to definite care. In this complex environment, the participation of multiple emergency services that not necessarily cooperate on a daily basis makes communication and coordination (including with HEMS) challenging. These challenges deserve focus in major incident training and planning. To provide a better knowledge base for future research, data collection from major incidents and major incident exercises should be done systematically. The template developed in the Delphi study would enable other clinicians and researchers to submit structured open access reports, to share lessons learnt, collate data and compare major incident responses. The lack of a universally accepted definition of major incidents and removal of barriers in recruiting reports to the template remain important areas for future research. To enhance the knowledge on HEMS in major incidents, it remains pivotal that the pre-hospital environment acknowledges and address these challenges.

scholarly journals Benefits of Exercise on Influenza or Pneumonia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Song ◽  
Feng Ren ◽  
Dong Sun ◽  
Meizi Wang ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Asian Martial Arts

A coronavirus pandemic has recently become one of the greatest threats the world is facing. Older adults are under a high risk of infection because of weaker immune systems. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the recent scientific evidence that outlines the effects of exercise on influenza or pneumonia in older adults. An electronic literature search was conducted using the WEB OF SCIENCE, SCIENCEDIRECT and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases using the following keywords, “Exercise,” “Older adult,” “Influenza,” and “Pneumonia.” Any randomized control trials, cross-sectional and observational studies that related to this topic were all included. Twenty studies met the eligibility criteria for this review. Thirteen randomized control trials investigated the effects of exercise on the immune responses to influenza or pneumonia vaccination: seven trials employed moderate aerobic exercise, three employed resistance exercise, and the remaining three used Asian martial arts or special home-based exercises. Five cross-sectional and two observational studies examined the associations between exercise/physical condition and influenza/pneumonia. Most of the current studies suggested that prolonged moderate aerobic exercise may help to reduce the risk of influenza-related infection and improve the immune responses to influenza or pneumonia vaccination in older adults. In addition, training in traditional Asian martial arts was also found to be beneficial. Future research should focus on the different effects of moderate and vigorous exercise on influenza-related diseases.

scholarly journals Solitary and joint online pornography use during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal: Intrapersonal and interpersonal correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Casual Partner ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Online Pornography ◽  
Pornography Use

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced several people into social isolation and research has shown a paradoxical effect on people’s sexual functioning. Some people experienced decreases in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, whereas others experienced heightened sexual desire and made new additions to their sexual repertoire, including more online pornography use, during the lockdown. Yet, studies failed to examine its interpersonal and intrapersonal correlates, distinguish between solitary and joint use, or explore differences between partnered and single people. We examined if changes in solitary or joint online pornography use since the lockdown were associated with sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, perceived health, and sleep quality. We conducted an online cross-sectional study with convenience sampling in Portugal (N = 303 participants; 56.3% men; Mage = 31.32, SD = 10.55; 71.0% in a relationship) during May and July 2020. Partnered participants who reported increases in solitary online pornography use also reported decreases in their sex life quality. For partnered and single participants, increases in joint online pornography use were associated with increases in sex life quality. Single participants who reported increases in solitary online pornography use also perceived better health and sleep quality, and those who reported increases in joint online pornography use also reported more intimacy with casual partner(s) and better sleep quality. These findings suggest that online pornography might have beens used as a sexual pleasure tool to connect with a stable or casual partner(s) in a time when social interactions were restricted.

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