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Cureus Launches Chinese Website


Cureus Launches Chinese Website to Expand Access to Global Medical Research Cureus, the Springer Nature open-access medical journal known for disrupting academic publishing, is proud to announce the launch of its Chinese-language website. This initiative is a major step forward in Cureus’ mission to democratize medical publishing by eliminating language barriers and empowering researchers around the world, especially in regions with fast-growing scientific output and academic interest like China. Accessible. Inclusive. Author-Driven. The new website provides simplified Chinese navigation and access to essential Cureus resources, making it easier for Chinese-speaking users to: Learn how to publish with Cureus Explore our publishing model and platform benefits Access author guidance While editorial submissions and peer review remain in English, this platform serves as a major gateway for Chinese medical professionals to discover and contribute to Cureus’ global medical community. Why Publish with Cureus? Fast Publishing: Median submission-to-publication time of just 26 days Affordable Pricing: Preferred editing services average only $370 — no hidden fees or inflated APCs Multidisciplinary Scope: Over 60 recognized medical specialties represented Inclusive Article Types: We publish original research, case reports, technical reports, reviews, and editorials Unmatched Visibility: Your work reaches a global audience through our Open Access platform, Springer Nature partnership, and indexing in PubMed, Baidu, CNKI, Google Scholar, and more Trusted Quality and Integrity: Rigorous peer review and strict research integrity policies ensure your work meets international publishing standards A Global Platform, Now More Local As medical science becomes increasingly international, Cureus is dedicated to building bridges. The launch of our Chinese website reflects our commitment to expanding access, promoting integrity, and accelerating discovery across borders.

Jun 13, 2025

Understanding the Overlap: Menopause, Hormonal Changes, and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Women


Sponsored Menopause marks a pivotal shift in a woman’s life, often accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional changes. While hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings are well-known symptoms, one of the less-discussed but equally impactful changes is the decline in sexual desire. This is where Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) enters the conversation. Characterized by a persistent lack of interest in sexual activity, HSDD is a recognized medical condition that can significantly impact a woman’s well-being. As highlighted in the Cureus article, "Understanding Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Women: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment," hormonal fluctuations during menopause play a crucial role in the onset of HSDD. Shifts in estrogen and testosterone levels affect blood flow, sensitivity, and mood, all of which contribute to decreased libido. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that HSDD is not an inevitable consequence of menopause—it is a treatable condition. By raising awareness about the connection between menopause and HSDD, women can be empowered to seek treatment, explore lifestyle modifications, and access the support they need for optimal well-being and sexual health. Understanding Menopause Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average onset around 51. It is defined as the time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. This period is marked by changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms.  Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, and vaginal dryness. Each of these symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. However, one of the more subtle yet profound effects of menopause is HSDD, which often goes unrecognized and untreated. The Link Between Menopause and HSDD The hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause can lead to a decreased libido for many women. Changes in estrogen levels can affect blood flow and sensitivity in the genital area, causing discomfort during sexual activity and leading to a decline in sexual desire. Additionally, psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and body image issues can further contribute to HSDD. It is essential to acknowledge that HSDD in women is not a natural part of aging or menopause. It is a medical condition that can be managed. Women experiencing a significant decrease in sexual desire should consult healthcare providers to explore options for treatment and support. Strategies for Managing Menopause Symptoms and HSDD Managing menopause and HSDD can feel challenging, but understanding your options can make a significant difference. With a mix of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and emotional support, women can effectively navigate these changes and improve their quality of life. Here are some steps you can take: 1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Seeking professional guidance is essential when managing menopause symptoms and HSDD. A healthcare provider can assess your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to provide personalized treatment options. They may recommend blood tests to evaluate hormone levels or discuss medication options, ensuring your care plan is tailored to your unique needs. This approach can help alleviate symptoms and address underlying concerns. 2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Hormone Replacement Therapy is a common treatment for managing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. By supplementing the body with estrogen, progesterone, or both, HRT helps stabilize hormone levels and reduce discomfort. Healthcare providers often weigh the benefits against any potential risks, ensuring that this treatment aligns with your health profile. Many women experience significant improvements in their symptoms with HRT. 3. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly enhance physical and emotional well-being during menopause. Regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or strength training, boosts energy levels and reduces mood swings. A diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports hormonal balance, while adequate hydration prevents fatigue and headaches. Stress management techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or deep-breathing exercises can further alleviate symptoms and promote emotional resilience. 4. Treatment Options for HSDD: For women experiencing Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), flibanserin like Addyi may be an option. This HSDD treatment can work for most women and works by targeting brain chemicals linked to sexual desire. A healthcare provider can help determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. 5. Counseling and Support Groups: Emotional health is just as important as physical well-being during menopause. Therapy can provide a safe space to discuss concerns, process emotions, and develop coping strategies for challenges related to menopause and HSDD. Support groups offer opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar issues, fostering a sense of community and understanding. Many women find it empowering to share their stories and learn from the experiences of others. 6. Sexual Health Education: Gaining knowledge about sexual health and how menopause affects intimacy can empower women to navigate these changes confidently. Understanding one’s body and discussing concerns with a partner or healthcare provider can foster a more fulfilling and open approach to intimacy. Resources like books, workshops, or online forums on sexual wellness can provide valuable insights and support a positive perspective on sexual health during menopause. Conclusion Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life that can present various challenges, including HSDD. However, it is important to recognize that effective management strategies can lead to improved quality of life and sexual health. By consulting with healthcare professionals, exploring treatment options, and adopting a proactive approach to lifestyle changes, women can navigate this phase with confidence and vitality. Empowerment through education and support will enable women to embrace this new chapter while managing menopause symptoms effectively.  

Jan 09, 2025

Understanding Cureus: An Introduction to the Journal


The Cureus Journal of Medical Science was started in 2009 in the basement of a building on Stanford’s School of Medicine campus. Originally named PeerEmed, Cureus is the brainchild of two accomplished academics who had grown disillusioned with what they perceived to be an overly political and opaque medical publishing process. With a goal of eliminating barriers to the publication and dissemination of medical science, Dr. John Adler, a neurosurgeon at Stanford, and Dr. Alexander Muacevic, a neurosurgeon at the University of Munich, Germany, joined forces to create a new way to publish peer-reviewed medical science. With a focus on equity, efficiency and transparency, Cureus was born. Cureus has long aimed to level the playing field by providing clinicians and researchers with equal opportunity and access to legitimate, peer-reviewed research regardless of their perceived status (country, institutional affiliation, and so on). Initially featuring a revenue model focused on online advertising, Cureus later introduced fees for some authors in the form of an editing fee for articles submitted in poor condition. With this change, the journal moved away from an advertising-dependent model while still offering free publication to roughly one-third of all authors. Authors are provided an opportunity to publish original studies, case reports, technical reports and editorials for free and if their articles fall short of this standard, the required editing fees vary according to the amount of editorial work needed and average $370 an article–still an order of magnitude less than typical article processing charges (APCs). Our editing fee is required for review articles as the editing work is more involved and exceeds that of other article types. The ability to provide authors an opportunity for free publication remains paramount as it is consistent with our emphasis on equity and access for authors around the world. The bedrock of this philosophy is our approach to publication standards. While the vast majority of academic journals only publish articles they deem novel or impactful, Cureus takes a different approach. Credible and legitimate science is the standard for publication, assessed by objective, specialist peer reviewers and editors, thereby removing the subjectivity (and, we would argue, inherent unfairness) of anonymous editors determining the so-called importance of articles. This innovative approach has spurred Cureus to incredible heights with some of the fastest growth in the entire academic publishing industry, from a modest total of 86 articles published in 2014 to over 19,000 articles in 2023. By offering equitable, fair and no or low-cost publishing, Cureus has amassed a large audience of devoted authors and, in turn, an equally large pool of ready and willing peer reviewers. All articles require at least two completed peer reviews from reviewers vetted and invited by the journal. Peer reviewers suggested by the authors or invited by channel admins or editors will assist in strengthening the article by providing valuable additional feedback, but these reviews do not count towards the minimum requirement to satisfy peer review. In a unique twist on traditional peer review deadlines, reviewers are pitted against one another in a race to review articles as we’ve found that deadlines just create artificial delays. And lest you think we will accept any peer review regardless of content, all peer reviews are reviewed themselves, and those lacking in critical feedback and thoroughness are summarily rejected. The result is a median turnaround time of just 26 days from submission to publication. Cureus was created to disrupt the medical publishing industry, and judging by the journal’s incredible growth, it’s fair to say we are doing just that. With multiple revenue streams including editing fees, online advertising, sponsored publishing competitions and academic channel subscriptions, Cureus doesn’t rely on often unaffordable APCs, thereby ensuring that all authors, regardless of socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to publish. Academic channels deserve special mention as the journal’s portfolio of channels has grown to include over 80 university and hospital departments, medical schools, and medical societies. Broadly speaking, channels are a branded section of the journal devoted to publishing, highlighting and promoting the scholarly output of channel organizations and their members. Channel administrators (“Channel Admins”) and editors (“Deputy Editors”) take an active role in attracting and reviewing initial submissions and ensuring that journal guidelines are met and post-review revisions are made. Cureus journal editors will still review all submissions and requests for publication, appoint peer-reviewers, determine if authors have applied necessary changes, and remain the final authority on whether to publish or reject each and every channel article. It’s important to note that channels are not independent journals and the ultimate decision on whether to publish these articles resides not with the channel, but with the journal’s editors, who are empowered to act independently. We’d also like to highlight a relatively new addition to the journal, Cureus Collections. Collections feature guest editors vetted and approved by the journal. These guest editors determine whether articles already approved by Cureus journal editors are a good fit for inclusion in their collection. Approved articles will appear within the collection, while articles rejected by the Collection guest editors will still be published, just not in the designated collection. In accordance with our focus on equitable publishing, all articles submitted to Cureus, whether via a channel, competition, collection or none of the above, are subject to the same acceptance and publication criteria and standards. Speed of consideration, peer review and final editorial review and copy editing does not change due to the type of submission. As 2024 draws to a close, Cureus will continue to challenge the established norms of academic publishing by focusing on equitable and efficient publication of credible and legitimate research and access for all, no matter their status. The journal’s growth is a testament to the need for this approach and we do not take it for granted. On behalf of the editors and staff of the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, we thank you for entrusting us with publishing your scholarly and clinical work.

Oct 31, 2024