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This report describes development of spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) in two population-based cohorts of white, European children. Predictive factors for myopic growth were explored. Participants were aged 6-7- (n = 390) and 12-13-years (n = 657) at baseline. SER and AL were assessed at baseline and 3, 6 and 9 years prospectively. Between 6 and 16 years: latent growth mixture modelling identified four SER classes (Persistent Emmetropes-PEMM, Persistent Moderate Hyperopes-PMHYP, Persistent High Hyperopes-PHHYP and Emerging Myopes-EMYO) as optimal to characterise refractive progression and two classes to characterise AL. Between 12 and 22-years: five SER classes (PHHYP, PMHYP, PEMM, Low Progressing Myopes-LPMYO and High Progressing Myopes-HPMYO) and four AL classes were identified. EMYO had significantly longer baseline AL (≥ 23.19 mm) (OR 2.5, CI 1.05-5.97) and at least one myopic parent (OR 6.28, CI 1.01-38.93). More myopic SER at 6-7 years (≤ + 0.19D) signalled risk for earlier myopia onset by 10-years in comparison to baseline SER of those who became myopic by 13 or 16 years (p ≤ 0.02). SER and AL progressed more slowly in myopes aged 12-22-years (- 0.16D, 0.15 mm) compared to 6-16-years (- 0.41D, 0.30 mm). These growth trajectories and risk criteria allow prediction of abnormal myopigenic growth and constitute an important resource for developing and testing anti-myopia interventions.

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is common in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). A standardized scale is needed to assess erectile function in clinical practice and research studies., Aim: The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a widely accepted tool for assessing erectile function designed for heterosexual men. We modified the tool for MSM. We present an analysis of internal consistency of the questionnaire in an HIV-positive cohort., Methods: The adapted questionnaire included modified questions within each of the five domains of the IIEF: (i) erectile function, (ii) intercourse satisfaction, (iii) orgasmic function, (iv) sexual desire, and (v) overall satisfaction with sex. MSM at seven European HIV treatment centers completed the questionnaire., Main Outcome Measures: Responses were analyzed for internal consistency using standardized Cronbach's alpha values within each of the five domains. A factor analysis was performed to confirm the domain structure of the questionnaire., Results: Data from 486 MSM were analyzed. The factor analysis supported the domain structure described. Questions about erectile function, orgasmic function, and sexual desire performed well, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.82, 0.83, and 0.89, respectively. Questions concerning intercourse satisfaction were less consistent (Cronbach's alpha 0.55) because frequency of attempts at sexual intercourse did not correlate with other responses. Responses about satisfaction with sex with a regular partner diverged from satisfaction with overall sex life. Frequency of morning erections diverged from other aspects of erectile function, whereas erections with masturbation correlated better., Conclusions: Internal consistency was high overall. This tool is suitable for HIV-positive MSM and can be used in screening, research, and monitoring treatment response.