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Introduction: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent sexual dysfunction in men that greatly affects their quality of life. In PE, the duration of sexual performance is considered an important aspect. However, a self‐estimated value of intravaginal ejaculation latency time (perceived IELT, PIELT) as a criterion for diagnosis has not been specified. Aim: This study aimed to determine the validity and a threshold value for PIELT in PE diagnosis. Method: In our cross‐sectional study, we recruited 550 men from March 2019 to January 2020 and interviewed them regarding their general demographic characteristics, sexual habits, PIELT and completed a premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) questionnaire. Eventually, a combination of a clinical diagnosis and PEDT score was used, in which those with PEDT ≥ 11 and diagnosed with possible PE were assigned to the final PE(+) group; those with PEDT score ≤ 8 and diagnosed with no PE were included in the final PE(−) group. Results: Men PE(−) had more frequent sexual intercourse (9.74 ± 5.38 vs. 6.69 ± 5.38 episodes per month, p < 0.001) and had higher marriage rate (72.7% vs. 60.4%, p = 0.002) than PE(+) patients. No significant difference was noted regarding age, smoking habit, age of first sexual experience, and number of sexual partners between the two groups. The mean PIELT of control subjects and PE(+) patients were 11.69 ± 6.83 min and 2.01 ± 1.21 min, respectively. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut‐off value of PIELT of 3.75 min can be used to distinguish PE men (area under the curve = 0.982, sensitivity/specificity = 0.961/0.909), which means that men with a PIELT ≤ 3.5 min is suggestive of PE. Conclusion: The impact of PE is dramatic both from a social and a personal perspective. PE(+) patients married significantly less and have significantly lower sexual activity compared to a PE(‐) population. Furthermore, a PIELT of ≤ 3.5 min predicts PE demonstrating the need to revise its taxonomy and definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melting temperature is a fundamental material property and is defined as the temperature at which the solid and liquid phases have the same free energy. However, there is no systematic study employing atomic simulations to calculate melting temperature using this definition. Here, molecular dynamics simulations and nonequilibrium thermodynamic integration methods are combined to calculate the melting temperature of Al and Cu. Results show that to accurately obtain the melting temperature, the model size should be considered carefully because the free energies of both solid and liquid phases are inversely proportional to the model size, causing a model size dependence on the calculated melting temperature. In addition, the melting temperature for various (semi‐) empirical potential models for Al and Cu is calculated and verified against experimental values to provide guidelines for the choice of potential models for simulation‐based problems relevant to the solid–liquid phase transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free energies of a solid surface and a solid–liquid interface play significant roles in thermodynamics. Due to the limited availability of experimental data, computational methods offer effective alternatives for calculating these properties. This study adopts advanced frameworks of the logarithmic mean force dynamics method to present an enhanced sampling approach for the calculation of the free energy at different temperatures. To achieve this, the free energy profile is constructed along with a pre‐established collective variable within the melting transition and cleavage processes. The values of the solid surface and solid–liquid interface free energies are then extrapolated from the excess free energy related to the formation and persistence of the solid surface or the solid–liquid interface. Furthermore, this methodology is employed to calculate the temperature dependence of the free energy measurements for the (100) and (110) surfaces and interfaces of Cu. It is shown that this methodology is robust and readily applicable in contemporary models of atomic interactions and various systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hypogonadism is associated with a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that can affect the overall health of men. However, in a developing country, there are several imposing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism, including a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition among healthcare providers and patients, limited resources and the high cost of treatment. This review aimed to examine the potential benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and provides a perspective of a developing country on the topic., Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather relevant information on the impact of testosterone deficiency on ageing males and the effectiveness of TRT for treating hypogonadism. Published peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to evaluate the benefits and risks of TRT. Additionally, the unique challenges faced in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism in a developing country were considered., Results: Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for hypogonadism, particularly in symptomatic men with low testosterone levels. It offers potential benefits such as improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life. However, there are associated risks and side effects that need to be considered. In a developing country, challenges such as limited awareness and understanding of hypogonadism, resource constraints, and high treatment costs pose additional barriers to accessing TRT and comprehensive care., Conclusion: In conclusion, TRT holds promise as a treatment for hypogonadism, but its implementation and accessibility face significant challenges in a developing country. Addressing these challenges, including raising awareness, allocating resources, and finding cost-effective solutions, is crucial for ensuring that men with hypogonadism in such settings receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Further research and efforts are needed to improve the management of hypogonadism in developing countries and optimize the potential benefits of TRT for affected individuals.

Testicular size is an important parameter to investigate male reproductive and sexual functions. However, diagnosis and treatments are hindered by the lack of country-specific standard values for testicular volume. We conducted the present retrospective chart review study on 24,440 men who sought consultation at Andrology and Sexual Medicine-Hanoi Medical University Hospital to provide a reference range of testicular volume and to determine the correlations between testicular volume, age and hormonal profiles. These men were classified into groups being healthy fathers, hypogonadal men, unexplained infertile men, men with unknown fertility, testicular pathologies and other andrological condition groups. Hypogonadal men and unexplained infertile men had significantly smaller testicular sizes compared with healthy fathers. The mean value of testicular volume of healthy subjects was 13.64 ± 3.44 ml (left testis: 13.94 ± 3.72 ml; right testis: 13.34 ± 3.61 ml; p < 0.001). Testicular size of Vietnamese men was negatively correlated with LH and FSH (Rho = -0.16 and -0.33, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with testosterone after adjusting for confounding factors. Testicular volume was independent of the subject's age and smoking habits., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)