Alcohol has been a central part of human culture for millennia and is closely linked to sexual behavior, a relationship portrayed in both negative and positive terms, from impaired performance to enhanced desire. Its influence on male sexual function is complex, shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors, as well as patterns and levels of consumption.

This review aims to summarize current evidence on the effects of acute and chronic alcohol consumption on male sexual function, highlighting mechanisms, patterns of use, and clinical implications.

A PubMed search using MeSH terms and keywords related to alcohol and male sexual dysfunction (SD) yielded 599 articles. Relevant studies were selected for inclusion in this non-systematic narrative review, integrating findings from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical research.

Alcohol exerts complex pathophysiological and psychological effects-ranging from cardiovascular, hormonal, and neurological alterations to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes-that together shape its multifaceted impact on male sexual function. Social and cultural factors may further modulate this relationship. Light-to-moderate intake can have neutral or modestly protective effects on erectile function and may facilitate sexual activity. In contrast, heavy or binge consumption is consistently associated with erectile dysfunction, may contribute to ejaculatory disorders, and is linked to a reduced overall sexual quality of life. Chronic alcohol abuse, as seen in Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD), exacerbates sexual impairment through physiological toxicity, psychosocial stressors, and psychiatric comorbidities, while SD can, in turn, promote maladaptive drinking behaviors, creating a bidirectional relationship.

Alcohol's impact on male sexual function is dose- and context-dependent. While moderate intake appears benign, excessive consumption leads to significant SD that might, in turn, contribute to AUD. The systems sexology framework provides a holistic lens to understand how 4 interrelated domains (mind, body, experience, and society) interact in shaping alcohol-sex relationship, informing prevention and therapeutic strategies.

Background: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a well-established inflammatory biomarker with significant implications in the pathogenesis and prognostic assessment of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential value of serum PTX3 as a circulating biomarker when combined with the high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) for identifying carotid vulnerable plaque (CVP) and its specific vulnerable features. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 86 patients with carotid atherosclerosis who underwent HR-VWI. Patients were classified into CVP and non-carotid vulnerable plaque (NCVP) groups, and CVP was divided into unilateral carotid vulnerable plaque (UCVP) and bilateral carotid vulnerable plaque (BCVP). CVP was defined as meeting ≥ 1 major criteria: lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) maximum area percentage > 40% combined with thin fibrous cap (FC), intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), FC discontinuity, and focal inflammation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors influencing CVP and the formation of specific vulnerable features. Results: Serum PTX3 levels progressively increased across the NCVP, UCVP, and BCVP groups (median 638.23, 858.52, 1113.62 pg/mL; p < 0.001). PTX3 independently predicted the presence of CVP (OR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.16-8.91; p = 0.039) and specific vulnerable features, including FC discontinuity (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.32-4.63; p = 0.005) and focal inflammation (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.18-4.32; p = 0.014) with high diagnostic performance for these conditions. PTX3 levels exhibited a moderate positive correlation with the number of vulnerable features (r = 0.610, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Elevated serum PTX3 levels were significantly associated with HR-VWI-defined carotid plaque vulnerability and its severity, serving as a reliable circulating biomarker for identifying FC discontinuity and focal inflammation.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIA-U) is an important cause of childhood and adult visual impairment. Advances in surveillance approaches and treatment have improved outcomes, yet delayed detection and treatment-refractory disease remain substantial challenges. This review summarises recent developments across disease stratification, imaging, pharmacologic management, and psychosocial support, following the natural history of disease from inception to adulthood.

Risk-stratified screening based on antinuclear antibody status, JIA subtype, and age at arthritis onset is now standard, but many cases present outside screening windows. Novel biomarkers, including S100A8/A9, S100A12, and genetic risk alleles, offer promise for earlier identification. Ocular imaging modalities such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography enable objective, child-friendly detection of inflammation and subclinical vascular changes, potentially extending specialist-level assessment to community settings. Early initiation of immunomodulatory therapy in children with JIA is now prevalent care, reducing uveitis incidence and improving outcomes in childhood, although the consequence may be new challenges later in the lifecourse. Anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy has changed the management of JIA-U for the better, although precision strategies, such as anti-drug antibody monitoring, dose individualisation, and tapering approaches are needed to further optimise care. For refractory disease, biologics and other emerging therapies are under investigation, but new therapeutic targets are needed. Beyond ocular health, JIA-U imposes a heavy psychosocial burden on children and families, exacerbated by treatment side-effects and frequent medical visits. Validated tools, such as the EYE-Q questionnaire, and co-developed educational and self-management resources will be key to addressing mental health and quality-of-life concerns.

JIA-U remains a lifelong, vision-threatening condition despite advances in screening, diagnostics, and treatment. Integration of biomarker-based risk stratification, advanced imaging, and precision pharmacology holds promise for earlier detection and personalised care. Addressing psychosocial impacts through family-centred, multidisciplinary frameworks is essential. Future priorities include validating predictive biomarkers, refining tapering protocols, and ensuring equitable access to novel diagnostics and therapeutics to optimise lifelong outcomes.

Neurological sequelae from acute meningitis are estimated to affect more than 30% of survivors worldwide, though often underreported or undetected due to inadequate follow-up, limited access to healthcare services, and diagnostic challenges. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the time of administered health assessments for the detection of meningitis-related sequelae associated with acute meningitis diagnosis in adult and pediatric populations.

A literature review was conducted in three databases. Studies documenting the time frame of sequelae detection after an acute episode of all-cause meningitis were included. Descriptive analysis and meta-analysis of pooled prevalence for neurological outcomes were performed, with subgroup analysis per timepoint of healthcare assessment.

A total of 89 studies met inclusion criteria, reporting 9311 adult and 18,658 pediatric meningitis cases. Among adults, 7301 (78.4%) underwent sequelae assessment, with 1339 (18%) diagnosed. The most frequently reported sequelae were hearing loss, followed by focal neurological deficits, psychological after-effects, neurocognitive impairments, seizures, hydrocephalus, speech disorders, vision impairment, and limb loss. While more were assessed before discharge (5270 vs. 2711), the proportion of sequelae diagnoses was higher post-discharge. The pooled prevalence of sequelae was 24.8% (95% CI 20.5-29.2%) at discharge, compared to 41.5% (95% CI 25.7-57.3%) within 3 months and 31.9% (95% CI 18.5-45.3%) beyond 3 months post-discharge. In children, 14,826 (79%) were assessed, and 3484 (24%) had sequelae, with the most common sequelae being hearing loss, followed by focal neurological deficits, seizures, neurocognitive, and neurodevelopmental impairments. More were assessed post-discharge (8298 vs. 7180), with a higher pooled prevalence of sequelae diagnoses post-discharge. At discharge, the pooled prevalence of sequelae was 28.9% (95% CI 20.8-37%), compared to 29.9% (95% CI 19-40.8%) within 3 months and 38.2% (95% CI 30.3-46.1%) beyond 3 months after discharge.

Meningitis-related sequelae significantly impact quality of life. This review highlights variability and critical gaps in their evaluation, detection, and management, underscoring the need for routine monitoring from discharge through consistent follow-up assessments, as recommended by the new WHO guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Men often exhibit lower rates of healthcare utilization. Particularly vulnerable groups-such as men belonging to gender minority groups and men with a migration background-may face additional barriers in accessing care. This study examined healthcare utilization patterns across diverse male gender subgroups in Switzerland, with attention to the role of migration status, while accounting for key sociodemographic factors.

We analyzed a subset of the Swiss Health Survey (SHS) 2022, a nationally representative dataset of the general Swiss population. Our sample included individuals falling into one of the three groups: cisgender men, transgender men and gender diverse assigned male at birth (AMAB) individuals (assigned male at birth and identifying as nonbinary or another gender). Healthcare utilization was assessed through the number of general practitioner (GP) and specialist physician (SP) visits, use of mental health services, and utilization of complementary medicine. Additionally, we evaluated perceived quality of care for GP and SP visits. Four regression models were conducted to examine associations between healthcare utilization, gender identity, migration background and sociodemographic characteristics.

After weighting, our study comprised 3,505,801 male cases, representing an unweighted sample size of N = 8,699. Among gender subgroups, transgender men showed higher utilization across all types of health care services, including GP and SP visits and mental health care compared to cisgender men. Gender diverse AMAB individuals reported lower use of GP and SP services, as well as complementary medicine, but higher use of mental health services. Perceived quality of GP and SP care was more often moderate or poor among gender diverse AMAB individuals. First-generation migrants used GP services slightly more frequently but accessed other services less often than men without migration background. Second-generation migrants showed similar patterns to those without migration background, except for lower use of complementary medicine. Key sociodemographic variables were associated with notable differences in health care utilization.

Healthcare utilization in Switzerland differs by male gender identity and migration background. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive, identity-sensitive healthcare with a focus on gender diverse AMAB individuals. Addressing structural and access-related barriers is essential to ensure equitable healthcare utilization among male migrant populations, especially first-generation migrants.

Healthcare professionals provide essential services to populations in the criminal justice system, often at the expense of their own well-being. This review synthesized literature findings on mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals working in the US forensic-correctional settings since the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the prevalence of mental health conditions, their risk-protective factors, the impacts of these mental health issues on workplace retention, and highlighted relevant recommendations.

This study followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of major databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase) was conducted and supplemented with citation chaining to identify eligible reports spanning January 1st 2020 up to March 18th, 2025. Article screening, full-text review, and data extraction were completed by two independent investigators. Study quality was assessed using the NIH tool for quantitative studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) framework for qualitative studies.

A total of 10,005 identified reports were screened, with seven fair-to-good eligible studies included in the final review. Both quantitative (n = 4) and qualitative (n = 3) studies were included, and spanned multiple states, with most studies (n = 3, 42.9%) conducted in California. Healthcare workers reported various mental health conditions such as depression (48%), anxiety (18.8-51.1%), sleep disorders (17.4%), burnout (47.2%) and PTSD (49.3%), albeit significant heterogeneity constrains comparative analysis. Qualitatively, workers experienced considerable isolation, personality shifts, and cognitive dissonance. Risk factors predictive of mental health conditions included increased workload (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), workplace conflict (β = 0.15, p < 0.001), female sex (β = 0.10, p = 0.04), younger age, chronic medical conditions (β = 0.09, p = 0.03), fears around COVID-19 (β = 0.14, p < 0.001), and a lack of pandemic safety training (p = 0.033). Protective factors included resilience, administrator and peer support, access to needed resources, and a sense of fulfilment and purpose from working with populations in forensic-correctional settings.

Systemic reforms including decreased mandatory overtime, staffing, workload distribution, organizational support, training, improved communication, access to adequate resources and psychosocial interventions may help promote wellness and optimize the ability of healthcare workers to provide care in forensic-correctional settings. However, the preliminary nature of the study findings suggests caution in their interpretations. Further high-quality research is needed to support evidence-informed decision-making and translation.

Endocannabinoid (eCB) signalling is pivotal for brain programming, including the reward system neurodevelopment. Prenatal exposure to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabis psychoactive component, can perturb eCB tone via CB1 receptor and alter the response to salient stimuli.

We hypothesise that prenatal THC exposure disrupts the eCB-dopamine nexus in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), predisposing the offspring to excessive alcohol drinking.

Using a 3-week intermittent access (IA) two-bottle choice paradigm, we tested binge-like alcohol drinking in prenatally exposed to THC (pTHC) rats of both sexes from early adolescence. NAc gene expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), eCB enzymatic machinery (DAGLα, N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)), and D2 receptor was quantified before and after alcohol drinking.

pTHC females consumed higher alcohol levels than controls from the first session onward. In contrast, pTHC males initially drank less than controls but progressively escalated alcohol consumption, although they did not reach females' drinking levels. Prior to drinking, pTHC females showed increased D2 and DAGLα mRNA expression when compared to controls and to pTHC males. pTHC males displayed CB1R upregulation and reduced DAGLα expression compared to controls and to pTHC females. Following alcohol drinking, both sexes displayed CB1R downregulation and increased NAPE-PLD expression; pTHC males exhibited DAGLα mRNA upregulation; pTHC females showed higher NAPE-PLD expression than pTHC males.

Prenatal THC exposure selectively predisposed the female offspring to alcohol vulnerability. The accumbal insight suggests a D2-driven reduced avoidance pathway in the females and a CB1R-driven avoidance behaviour in the males. Over the IA-paradigm, the potentiation in eCB synthesis plays a critical role in excessive alcohol drinking in pTHC offspring of both sexes.

Physical activity is a well-established intervention for improving mental health outcomes, yet its integration into psychological practice remains under-researched. Psychologists, as mental health professionals, are well-positioned to promote physical activity. This Short Communication describes the case for physical activity promotion within psychological practice. We explore both clinical and ethical considerations for incorporating physical activity promotion into psychological practice, practical strategies using the '5As model' and a case study to guide psychologists, addressing barriers to change and enhancing client motivation. Importantly, we discuss the need for further training and development for psychologists to ensure safe, impactful physical activity promotion is implemented in practice. By providing actionable recommendations, we aim to support psychologists in integrating physical activity promotion into their clinical practice, ultimately enhancing mental health care.

Mental health conditions impact a significant portion of the population, with many facing barriers to affordable care. Smartphone applications as therapeutic interventions offer a promising direction for mental health care. This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the effectiveness of app-based interventions for managing mental health symptoms.

PubMed was searched for randomized controlled trials from January 2019 to October 2023. Interventions involved therapeutic smartphone apps designed to manage mental health conditions compared to waitlist or attention controls. Participants were ≥ 18 years old with or without a formal diagnosis. We calculated mean differences (MD) in post-intervention scores using validated symptom measures. This study is IRB exempt and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023438620).

35 studies (N = 10,824) were included, comprising of 14 studies for depression, 15 for anxiety, 11 for stress, and 8 for well-being. The app intervention group exhibited lower post-intervention depression scores [Mean Difference (MD): -0·58, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0·72, -0·43] (P < 0⋅001; I² = 94%), anxiety scores [MD: -0⋅56, 95% CI: -0⋅73, -0⋅39] (P < 0⋅001; I² = 82%), and stress scores [MD: -3⋅24, 95% CI: -3⋅35, -3⋅14] (P < 0⋅001; I² = 99%). Well-being scores were significantly higher in the app group [MD: 1⋅63, 95% CI: 1⋅57, 1⋅70], (P < 0⋅001; I² = 99%). Most studies had low risk of bias, with limitations in participant and personnel blinding.

Smartphone interventions were associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and improved well-being. Our conclusions are strengthened by the large sample size. Limitations include high heterogeneity. These results support smartphone applications as effective tools in mental health management.