Introduction Recent studies have reported that the quarantine imposed in several countries around the world due to Covid-19 affected the sexual function and relationship quality. On the March 23, 2020 the Greek government imposed a national quarantine to contain the spread of the pandemic. The impact of such conditions on sexual function and relationship quality of couples is unknown. Aim To investigate sexual function and relationship quality of couples during the quarantine. Methods An online anonymous survey was conducted one month post-impose of the quarantine, between the April 21 and the May 3, 2020. Adult respondents in a relationship completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, structured inquiries regarding sexual activity and quality of relationship, anxiety level, and mood during the quarantine, as well as the IIEF and FSFI indices. Outcomes Sexual function was assessed using the Greek versions of the FSFI and IIEF for females and males respectively. Sexual activity using 5 statements regarding frequency of sexual thoughts, masturbation, and intercourse, quality of intercourse and general estimation of the level of sexual function. Participants graded their level of agreement. Relationship quality was assessed using 5 questions regarding communication, company, understanding, tension and general estimation of companionship. Participants graded their level of agreement. Two additional statements were used in order to evaluate mood and the level of anxiety. Results A sum of 299 adult heterosexual participants in a relationship participated. Little or no negative impact on sexual function was reported. Increased anxiety and deficient mood were reported only for those with no access to their partner. Being in a steady relationship and living with their partner, but only for couples without children, resulted in satisfaction by sexual activity and enhanced emotional security. Conclusion Sexual function and relationship quality appeared as not affected by the quarantine and by the measures of social distancing. Sotiropoulou P, Ferenidou F, Owens D, et al. The Impact of Social Distancing Measures Due to COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Function and Relationship Quality of Couples in Greece. Sex Med 2021;9:100364.

T he present paper is describing a case of persistent genital arousal disorder that developed to a 55-year-old woman, shortly after the initiation of zolpidem. Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a clinical entity that appears with a relatively low frequency in women, and is characterized by persistent or recurrent, unwanted and bothersome feelings of genital arousal, which often do not resolve with orgasm and are not associated with sexual desire (sexual interest, thoughts or fantasies). Women who experience PGAD often have feelings of shame, guilt and distress. Although its exact etiology remains unclear, various etiological factors have been proposed, central or peripheral, which may be psychological, vascular, dietary, pharmacological or neurological. Additionally, its presence has been associated to restless legs syndrome and overactive bladder syndrome. Likewise, multiple therapeutic interventions have been proposed and tried in patients with PGAD, either pharmacological (SSRIs, SNRIs, antiandrogens, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsive agents) or other (ECT, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, nerve stimulation). Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine indirect GABA A receptor agonist, which has lately been used as a therapeutic agent for PGAD in some cases. Nevertheless, in our patient, receiving zolpidem for insomnia seemed to be timely connected to the onset of PGAD symptomatology. The aim of the present paper is to highlight the need for more research into the possible factors that may contribute to PGAD.

Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of natural or artificial lipids and are used as drug carriers. However, their surface needs modification with ligands to target specific tissues. Cell-derived vesicles (CVs) are bioinspired drug carriers, as they are derived from cells by physical methods. Therefore, they preserve the topology and composition of the molecules present in the plasma membrane of the parental cell, enabling in vivo organotropism and specific drug delivery. The aim of this study is the investigation of the mechanisms by which liposomes and autologous CVs are internalized by three different breast cancer cell lines. The elucidation of the mechanism is likely to result in their optimization as drug carriers and the comprehension of their sub-cellular fate. More specifically, liposomes and CVs were produced, characterized, and loaded with the fluorescent dye FITC-dextran. Uptake experiments were performed using inhibitors of the clathrin-dependent or caveolin-dependent endocytic pathways and after incubating the cells at 4 °C, where energy dependent processes are inactivated. The results indicate that the endocytosis of CVs is active, mainly via the caveolin pathway, whereas liposomes are internalized actively by both pathways and also passively, as their uptake at 4 °C is not significantly hampered.