This study has investigated the interactions between nitric oxide and haem protein radicals. The results demonstrate that nitric oxide interacts with activated ferrylmyoglobin species with reduction to metmyoglobin, but the extent and duration of the reduction depends on the relative concentrations of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide. Ferry1 myoglobin has a much greater relative potential for oxidising polyunsaturated fatty acid side chains in low density lipoproteins than in cell membranes. The peroxidative response can be modulated by nitric oxide: ferry1 myoglobin-mediated peroxidation of LDL may be enhanced or suppressed by nitric oxide depending on the relative concentrations of NO and hydrogen peroxide.

Increasing numbers of women living with HIV are reaching their midlife. We explore the association of HIV status with sexual function (SF) in women aged 45-60 using two national cross-sectional surveys: the third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles ("Natsal-3") and "PRIME", a survey of women living with HIV attending HIV clinics across England. Both studies asked the same questions about SF that take account not only sexual difficulties but also the relationship context and overall level of satisfaction, which collectively allowed an overall SF score to be derived. We undertook analyses of sexually-active women aged 45-60 from Natsal-3 (N = 1228, presumed HIV-negative given the low estimated prevalence of HIV in Britain) and PRIME (N = 386 women living with HIV). Women living with HIV were compared to Natsal-3 participants using multivariable logistic regression (adjusting for key confounders identified a priori: ethnicity, ongoing relationship status, depression and number of chronic conditions) and propensity scoring. Relative to Natsal-3 participants, women living with HIV were more likely to: have low overall SF (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.75 [2.15-6.56]), report ≥1 sexual problem(s) lasting ≥3 months (AOR 2.44 [1.49-4.00]), and report almost all 8 sexual problems asked about (AORs all ≥2.30). The association between HIV status and low SF remained statistically significant when using propensity scoring ). Among women living with HIV (only), low SF was more common in those who were postmenopausal vs. Premenopausal (55.6% vs. 40.4%). This study suggests a negative association between HIV status and sexual function in women aged 45-60. We recommend routine assessment of SF in women living with HIV.

The introduction of digital camera and phone camera without having to develop images by a third party has simplified photography for everyday use. Digital imaging by patients can assist the assessment of medical conditions. We describe four male patients attending our department in whom digital imaging initiated by the patients was deemed to be helpful in supporting the diagnosis and assessing the severity of Peyronie's disease.

A regional audit was undertaken to evaluate current practice in the management of survivors of sexual assault (SA) seen in genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics in the North Thames. The majority of the survivors were women. Most were fast-tracked, or seen in dedicated SA clinics. Over 60% of staff had specific training in management of SA. Core services provided included screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, emotional support, emergency contraception and hepatitis B vaccination. The sexual health needs of these survivors of SA are being met by most clinics. The development and use of a standardized care proforma across the region may be a means to further improve the care provided.

No abstract