bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective excitation of spatio-spectrally distinct quantum dots enabled by chirped pulses
Authors: Kappe Florian , Karli Yusuf , Bracht Thomas K , Covre da Silva Saimon Filipe , Seidelmann Tim , Axt Vollrath Martin , Rastelli Armando , Weihs Gregor , Reiter Doris E , Remesh Vikas
Published: May 2023

Nanoscale bright sources that produce high-purity single photons and high-fidelity entangled photon pairs are the building blocks to realize high security quantum communication devices. To achieve high communication rates, it is desirable to have an ensemble of quantum emitters that can be collectively excited, despite their spectral variability. In case of semiconductor quantum dots, Rabi rotations are the most popular method for resonant excitation. However, these cannot assure a universal, highly efficient excited state preparation, due to the sensitivity to excitation parameters. In contrast, adiabatic rapid passage (ARP), relying on chirped optical pulses, is immune to quantum dot spectral inhomogeneity. Here, we show that the robustness of ARP holds true for the simultaneous excitation of the biexciton states in multiple, spatially separated and spectrally different quantum dots. For positive chirps, we also find a regime where the influence of phonons relax the sensitivity to spectral detunings and lower the needed excitation power. Being able to generate high-purity photons from spatially multiplexed quantum dot sources using the biexciton to ground state cascade is a big step towards the implementation of high photon rate, entanglement-based quantum key distribution protocols.
Queer Men’s Bodies and Digital Media
Authors: Hakim Jamie
Published: May 2023

The politics of queer men’s bodies as they relate to digital media are fraught with ambivalence. A very narrowly defined body type is considered the ideal form of beauty in queer men’s cultures in the Global North: white, masculine, able-bodied, lean, muscular, youthful, and hairless. Other body types are also considered beautiful or desirable or both, but this ideal is the norm against which these other types are defined. The politics of this ideal change across contexts. In some, they render anyone who deviates from it less-than-human. In others, the ability to safely express the desire for this body has provided the basis for networks of belonging, pleasure, and experimentation in an otherwise homophobic and transphobic world.

The various developments that digital media have undergone since the penetration of the internet into everyday life have not fundamentally altered the ambivalence of these politics. They have, however, rearticulated them anew in various ways. The exponential proliferation of networked spaces that the internet has provided for minorities to share information and to produce and consume culture has meant a number of different queer male beauty ideals have been given room to flourish. But so too have their related constraints and ambivalences. These ambivalences have intensified as the internet, once defined by amateurish user-generated content, has been captured by the interests of global capitalism. One result has been that its increasingly visual culture has become as normative and aspirational as possible in a bid to increase its profitability. However, room for critical or deconstructive body projects still persists. The hegemonic struggle over queer men’s body politics may have started long ago, but it continues, and digital media is now the terrain where much of it occurs.
Financial Bubbles in History
Authors: Quinn William , Turner John
Published: May 2023

Financial bubbles constitute some of history’s most significant economic events, but academic research into the phenomenon has often been narrow, with an excessive focus on whether bubble episodes invalidate or confirm the efficient markets hypothesis. The literature on the topic has also been somewhat siloed, with theoretical, experimental, qualitative, and quantitative methods used to develop relatively discrete bodies of research.

In order to overcome these deficiencies, future research needs to move beyond the rational/irrational dichotomy and holistically examine the causes and consequences of bubbles. Future research in financial bubbles should thus use a wider range of investigative tools to answer key questions or attempt to synthesize the findings of multiple research programs.

There are three areas in particular that future research should focus on: the role of information in a bubble, the aftermath of bubbles, and possible regulatory responses. While bubbles are sometimes seen as an inevitable part of capitalism, there have been long historical eras in which they were extremely rare, and these eras are likely to contain lessons for alleviating the negative effects of bubbles in the 21st century. Finally, the literature on bubbles has tended to neglect certain regions, and future research should hunt for undiscovered episodes outside of Europe and North America.
State Responsibility and Commercial Space Activities
Authors: Ireland-Piper Danielle , Fehlhaber Makaela , Bonenfant Alana
Published: May 2023

Commercial activity in outer space has increased. However, space is a dual-use environment, with both military and civilian applications. This raises the important question as to the extent to which a nation-state is responsible for the actions of commercial activities undertaken by corporate entities. The international law principles of state responsibility are complex. However, in some circumstances, these principles do create that potential for states to be liable where, for example, a corporate entity is a de facto organ of the state, or where a corporation acts on the instructions of a state or is under its control. The United Nations Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, or Outer Space Treaty, provides some guidance on this question. Notwithstanding that, this is an uncertain area of the law, not least because of the complexity of space as an operating environment and complications in determining corporate nationality.
Refugee Protection, Securitization, and Liminality
Authors: Rowa Yvonne Jazz
Published: May 2023

The existing scholarship has widely examined security vulnerabilities and challenges within the forced migrant context. A myriad of factors along the complex trajectory of pre- and post-flight have contributed to a dire state of human security. Notably, the protection system has played a major role in the institutionalization of liminality and securitization, and inadvertently intensified refugees’ preexisting vulnerabilities. The literature on global institutions of protection within an evolving global migration landscape exposes the systemic securitization entrenched in the international instruments of protection; for the most part, the protection mechanisms are intrinsically exclusionary. There are also challenges and dilemmas of disentangling security from migration that render conceptual conflations and resultant mechanisms of institutionalization inevitable. Essentially, the architecture of the instruments of protection informs the mechanisms for response. The systemic contradictions within these regimes are therefore likely to be reflected and replicated in their operationalization. The overall dynamics expose humanitarianism and security first, as oppositional imperatives, and secondly, as enduring dilemmas that institutions of protection continuously reconciliate.
Language and Health
Authors: Black Steven P.
Published: May 2023

Defined broadly, the anthropological study of language and health is as old as the field itself. In early writings, medicine and language were often treated as core aspects of cultural traditions. Since these early influences, four anthropological approaches to this topic have developed. The first approach, rooted in cognitive and psychological anthropology, examines cultural models of illness, explanations of illness, and narratives about illness. While this research provides significant insights into the relationship between language and understandings of experiences with illness, much of this work assumes monolingualism or, in some cases, includes multilingual speakers but does not explicitly address multilingualism as a facet of analysis. However, some scholarship examines the linguistic and experiential dynamics that occur when an explanatory model is shifted wholesale from one linguistic and cultural context to another. The second approach, based in medical anthropology, theorizes how medical discourses (in the sense of the limits of what persons might say or could say in specific medical contexts) shape the development of culturally specific subjectivities. In this research, many scholars expand on the idea that medical systems are cultural systems, especially in their analysis of the disjuncture between the authoritative stance of scientific medicine—with claims to be outside of or beyond culture—and the reality that scientific medicine is itself cultural and is embedded in distinct cultural contexts. Here, the bio– prefix (as in biopolitics, biopower, and biosociality) points toward the profound power of scientific medicine to reshape human bodies and thus human relationships, which become mediated by scientific medical discourses. The third approach, connected to linguistic anthropology, sociolinguistics, and conversation analysis, analyzes how health discourses (in the sense of documented linguistic and conversational patterns spoken in recorded health encounters) construct inequities and constitute cultural understandings of health and illness. Anthropological scholarship builds on the examination of the conversational construction of medical encounters in numerous ways, among them a discussion of what happens when individuals from marginalized cultural and linguistic backgrounds enter health care spaces. Finally, a novel framework links elements of the previous three approaches in interdisciplinary configurations to argue that language and health are co-constituted. This includes work on the pragmatics and ideologies of recovery and care, the discursive constitution of public and global health, medical translation, and health/communicative inequities.
The Study of Indigenous Religions
Authors: Alles Gregory D.
Published: May 2023

The most important question to start with in considering the study of Indigenous religions is: What do the terms study, indigenous, religion, and Indigenous religions mean? There is no universally agreed upon definition for any of these terms or their combination, but one common understanding sees the study of Indigenous religions as the examination, in an academic context, of the religions of Indigenous people, prototypically, but not exclusively, people displaced by European settler colonialism. In Western European and North American universities this study has been dominated by scholars whose nations engaged in colonialism, and it has produced any number of theories attempting to understand and explain the religious practices and ideas of people who have generally been deemed “other.” As in other disciplines and fields, the Western European and North American tradition of study has exerted a powerful influence on scholars elsewhere, such as South Asia. Beginning in the late 1990s, however, Indigenous people began to develop their own methods of study, known as Indigenous research methodologies. Among other things, these methodologies emphasize the active involvement of Indigenous people as research participants rather than just objects of study, engage in research that addresses the concerns of Indigenous people, and insist that the benefits of research should be shared with the people being studied. They also often employ various methods and theories rooted in their own traditions. In practice, the mutual relations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars and the people whom they study vary widely, as do the topics that scholars choose to study.
Charles, Millie
Authors: Chaisson Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Millie M. Charles: a social work activist, educator, civil rights leader, and founder of the Millie M. Charles School of Social Work.

Millie McClelland Charles, educator, community leader, social work activist, was a fearless fighter for the marginalized members of the New Orleans community. Charles founded the School of Social Work at Southern University at New Orleans. As founding dean, she promoted community empowerment as an antidote to racial oppression. She created the School of Social Work with knowledge of the transformative impact of education and the critical function of advocacy for all social workers. The school remains known for its themes of empowerment, transformation, and advocacy.
KLK11 ichthyosis: large truncal hyperkeratotic pigmented plaques underscore a distinct autosomal dominant disorder of cornification
Authors: Takeichi Takuya , Ito Yasutoshi , Lee John Y W , Murase Chiaki , Okuno Yusuke , Muro Yoshinao , McGrath John A , Akiyama Masashi
Published: May 2023

Recently, Gong et al. reported two substitutions, p.(Gly50Glu) and p.(Gly50Arg), located at the last amino acid of the estimated signal peptide in kallikrein11 (KLK11) in three independent ichthyosiform erythroderma or erythrokeratoderma pedigrees (Gong et al., Br J Dermatol, 2023). Here, we present a further case of autosomal dominant congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma caused by the p.(Gly50Glu) substitution in KLK11; the patient had sharply demarcated pigmented hyperkeratotic lesions. Thus, p.(Gly50Glu) in KLK11 might represent a recurrent variant underlying this recently reported autosomal dominant disorder of cornification, and the large hyperkeratotic pigmented plaques seen in all patients may represent a pathognomonic part of the phenotype.
NT-proBNP and high intensity care for acute heart failure: the STRONG-HF trial
Authors: Adamo Marianna , Pagnesi Matteo , Mebazaa Alexandre , Davison Beth , Edwards Christopher , Tomasoni Daniela , Arrigo Mattia , Barros Marianela , Biegus Jan , Celutkiene Jelena , Čerlinskaitė-Bajorė Kamilė , Chioncel Ovidiu , Cohen-Solal Alain , Damasceno Albertino , Diaz Rafael , Filippatos Gerasimos , Gayat Etienne , Kimmoun Antoine , Lam Carolyn S P , Novosadova Maria , Pang Peter S , Ponikowski Piotr , Saidu Hadiza , Sliwa Karen , Takagi Koji , Ter Maaten Jozine M , Voors Adriaan , Cotter Gad , Metra Marco
Published: May 2023

Aims

STRONG-HF showed that rapid up-titration of guideline-recommended medical therapy (GRMT), in a high intensity care (HIC) strategy, was associated with better outcomes compared with usual care. The aim of this study was to assess the role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at baseline and its changes early during up-titration.

Methods and results

A total of 1077 patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (HF) and with a >10% NT-proBNP decrease from screening (i.e. admission) to randomization (i.e. pre-discharge), were included. Patients in HIC were stratified by further NT-proBNP changes, from randomization to 1 week later, as decreased (≥30%), stable (<30% decrease to ≤10% increase), or increased (>10%). The primary endpoint was 180-day HF readmission or death. The effect of HIC vs. usual care was independent of baseline NT-proBNP. Patients in the HIC group with stable or increased NT-proBNP were older, with more severe acute HF and worse renal and liver function. Per protocol, patients with increased NT-proBNP received more diuretics and were up-titrated more slowly during the first weeks after discharge. However, by 6 months, they reached 70.4% optimal GRMT doses, compared with 80.3% for those with NT-proBNP decrease. As a result, the primary endpoint at 60 and 90 days occurred in 8.3% and 11.1% of patients with increased NT-proBNP vs. 2.2% and 4.0% in those with decreased NT-proBNP (P = 0.039 and P = 0.045, respectively). However, no difference in outcome was found at 180 days (13.5% vs. 13.2%; P = 0.93).

Conclusion

Among patients with acute HF enrolled in STRONG-HF, HIC reduced 180-day HF readmission or death regardless of baseline NT-proBNP. GRMT up-titration early post-discharge, utilizing increased NT-proBNP as guidance to increase diuretic therapy and reduce the GRMT up-titration rate, resulted in the same 180-day outcomes regardless of early post-discharge NT-proBNP change.
Body weight time in target range and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Menghui , Xu Xingfeng , Chen Xiaohong , Guo Yue , Zhang Shaozhao , Lin Yifen , Zhou Huimin , Li Miaohong , Xie Peihan , Xia Wenhao , Wang Lichun , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liao Xinxue
Published: May 2023

Aims

Prescription of weight loss to individuals is often characterized by weight fluctuations. However, current body weight management metrics may have difficulty characterizing the changes in body weight over time. We aim to characterize the long-term changes using body weight time in target range (TTR) and test its independent association with cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods and results

We included 4468 adults from the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial. Body weight TTR was defined as the percentage of time during which body weight was within the Look AHEAD weight loss goal range. The associations of body weight TTR with cardiovascular outcomes were analysed using multivariable Cox modelling and restricted cubic spline function. Among the participants (mean age 58.9 years, 58.5% women, 66.5% White), there were 721 incident primary outcomes [cumulative incidence: 17.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 16.3–18.8%] during a median of 9.5 years of follow-up. Each 1 SD increase in body weight TTR was significantly associated with a decreased risk of the primary outcome (hazard ratio: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75–0.94) after adjusting for mean and variability of body weight and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Further analyses using restricted cubic spline indicated the inverse association between body weight TTR and the primary outcome in a dose-dependent manner. Similar associations remained significant among the participants with lower baseline or mean body weight.

Conclusion

In adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, higher body weight TTR was independently associated with lower risks of cardiovascular adverse events in a dose–response manner.
Learning and memory using Drosophila melanogaster: a focus on advances made in the fifth decade of research
Authors: Davis Ronald L
Published: May 2023

In the last decade, researchers using Drosophila melanogaster have made extraordinary progress in uncovering the mysteries underlying learning and memory. This progress has been propelled by the amazing toolkit available that affords combined behavioral, molecular, electrophysiological, and systems neuroscience approaches. The arduous reconstruction of electron microscopic images resulted in a first-generation connectome of the adult and larval brain, revealing complex structural interconnections between memory-related neurons. This serves as substrate for future investigations on these connections and for building complete circuits from sensory cue detection to changes in motor behavior. Mushroom body output neurons (MBOn) were discovered, which individually forward information from discrete and non-overlapping compartments of the axons of mushroom body neurons (MBn). These neurons mirror the previously discovered tiling of mushroom body axons by inputs from dopamine neurons and have led to a model that ascribes the valence of the learning event, either appetitive or aversive, to the activity of different populations of dopamine neurons and the balance of MBOn activity in promoting avoidance or approach behavior. Studies of the calyx, which houses the MBn dendrites, have revealed a beautiful microglomeruluar organization and structural changes of synapses that occur with long-term memory (LTM) formation. Larval learning has advanced, positioning it to possibly lead in producing new conceptual insights due to its markedly simpler structure over the adult brain. Advances were made in how cAMP response element-binding protein interacts with protein kinases and other transcription factors to promote the formation of LTM. New insights were made on Orb2, a prion-like protein that forms oligomers to enhance synaptic protein synthesis required for LTM formation. Finally, Drosophila research has pioneered our understanding of the mechanisms that mediate permanent and transient active forgetting, an important function of the brain along with acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. This was catalyzed partly by the identification of memory suppressor genes—genes whose normal function is to limit memory formation.
daf-42 is an evolutionarily young gene essential for dauer development in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lim Daisy S , Kim Jun , Kim Wonjoo , Kim Nari , Lee Sang-Hee , Lee Daehan , Lee Junho
Published: May 2023

Under adverse environmental conditions, nematodes arrest into dauer, an alternative developmental stage for diapause. Dauer endures unfavorable environments and interacts with host animals to access favorable environments, thus playing a critical role in survival. Here, we report that in Caenorhabditis elegans, daf-42 is essential for development into the dauer stage, as the null mutant of daf-42 exhibited a “no viable dauer” phenotype in which no viable dauers were obtained in any dauer-inducing conditions. Long-term time lapse microscopy of synchronized larvae revealed that daf-42 is involved in developmental changes from the pre-dauer L2d stage to the dauer stage. daf-42 encodes large, disordered proteins of various sizes that are expressed in and secreted from the seam cells within a narrow time window shortly before the molt into dauer stage. Transcriptome analysis showed that the transcription of genes involved in larval physiology and dauer metabolism is highly affected by the daf-42 mutation. Contrary to the notion that essential genes that control the life and death of an organism may be well conserved across diverse species, daf-42 is an evolutionarily young gene conserved only in the Caenorhabditis genus. Our study shows that dauer formation is a vital process that is controlled not only by conserved genes but also by newly emerged genes, providing important insights into evolutionary mechanisms.
EEG Reveals Alterations in Motor Imagery in People With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Zhen Yanfen , Gao Lijuan , Chen Jiu , Gu Lihua , Shu Hao , Wang Zan , Liu Duan , Zhang Zhijun
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Motor imagery has been used to investigate the cognitive mechanism of motor control. Although behavioral and electrophysiological changes in motor imagery in people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) have been reported, deficits in different types of imagery remain unclear. To explore this question, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to study neural correlates of visual imagery (VI) and kinesthetic imagery (KI) and their relationship to cognitive function in people with aMCI.

Methods

A hand laterality judgment task was used to induce implicit motor imagery in 29 people with aMCI and 40 healthy controls during EEG recording. Mass univariate and multivariate EEG analysis was applied to explore group differences in a data-driven manner.

Results

Modulation of stimuli orientation to event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes differed significantly between groups at 2 clusters located in the posterior–parietal and frontal areas. Multivariate decoding revealed sufficient representation of VI-related orientation features in both groups. Relative to healthy controls, the aMCI group lacked accurate representation of KI-related biomechanical features, suggesting deficits in automatic activation of KI strategy. Electrophysiological correlates were associated with episodic memory, visuospatial function, and executive function. Higher decoding accuracy of biomechanical features predicted better executive function via longer response time in the imagery task in the aMCI group.

Discussion

These findings reveal electrophysiological correlates related to motor imagery deficits in aMCI, including local ERP amplitudes and large-scale activity patterns. Alterations in EEG activity are related to cognitive function in multiple domains, including episodic memory, suggesting the potential of these EEG indices as biomarkers of cognitive impairment.
Dwork Crystals III: From Excellent Frobenius Lifts Towards Supercongruences
Authors: Beukers Frits , Vlasenko Masha
Published: May 2023

This paper is a continuation of our Dwork crystals series. Here we exploit the Cartier operation to prove supercongruences for expansion coefficients of rational functions. In the process, it appears that excellent Frobenius lifts are a driving force behind supercongruences. Originally introduced by Dwork, these excellent lifts have occurred rather infrequently in the literature, and only in the context of families of elliptic curves and abelian varieties. In the final sections of this paper, we present a list of examples that occur in the case of families of Calabi–Yau varieties.
From Delaunay triangulation to topological data analysis: generation of more realistic synthetic power grid networks
Authors: Dey Asim K , Young Stephen J , Gel Yulia R
Published: May 2023

Assessing novel methods for increasing power system resilience against cyber-physical hazards requires real power grid data or high-quality synthetic data. However, for security reasons, even basic connection information for real power grid data are not publicly available. We develop a randomised model for generating realistic synthetic power networks based on the Delaunay triangulation and demonstrate that it captures important features of real power networks. To validate our model, we introduce a new metric for network similarity based on topological data analysis. We demonstrate the utility of our approach in application to IEEE test cases and European power networks. We identify the model parameters for two IEEE test cases and two European power grid networks and compare the properties of the generated networks with their corresponding benchmark networks.
Estimating a brain network predictive of stress and genotype with supervised autoencoders
Authors: Talbot Austin , Dunson David , Dzirasa Kafui , Carlson David
Published: May 2023

Targeted brain stimulation has the potential to treat mental illnesses. We develop an approach to help design protocols by identifying relevant multi-region electrical dynamics. Our approach models these dynamics as a superposition of latent networks, where the latent variables predict a relevant outcome. We use supervised autoencoders (SAEs) to improve predictive performance in this context, describe the conditions where SAEs improve predictions, and provide modelling constraints to ensure biological relevance. We experimentally validate our approach by finding a network associated with stress that aligns with a previous stimulation protocol and characterizing a genotype associated with bipolar disorder.
(020) Implementing a Virtual Mindfulness-based Group Therapy to Improve Male Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Campbell J , Pignanelli M , Deroches D , Macdonald J
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is almost always multi-factorial. Simultaneous performance anxiety and psychogenic inhibition can impair erectile function even when underlying organic aetiologies are present. Sex therapy should be considered first-line treatment for ED. Mindfulness is a technique to focus on being aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Mindfulness-based therapy programs have been successful at improving female sexual dysfunction and prostate cancer survivors quality of life (QOL).

Objective

To design and evaluate the feasibility of a virtual, mindfulness-based group therapy (vMBGT) program for patients experiencing mild-to-moderate ED. We secondarily assess relationship satisfaction, QOL, and changes in erectile function after intervention.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was taken for this feasibility pilot study. A total of 18 participants (mean age: 42; range 22-69 years) with ED were recruited to participate in a 4-week virtual mindfulness-based group therapy program. Three groups were led by trained facilitators on a weekly basis via Webex platform and ran 1.5-2 hours in length, followed by daily home-practice and sex education between sessions. Participants completed questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Functioning, Erection hardness scale, Relationship Assessment Scale, Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire) as a baseline and 3 months after treatment. Qualitative exit interviews and program feedback was requested from all participants.

Results

The dropout rate for this study was 11%. Two of the eighteen men missed 2 of the 4 sessions; one participant dropped out and one had unanticipated work commitments. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean IIEF scores from baseline 41 to 49 after vMBGT intervention (p < 0.05). There was a clinically significant improvement in SHIM score by 4 points. There was an improvement in EHS at 3 months compared to baseline (p=0.08) Overall, feedback was positive, and all participants responded that they would recommend this program to others. Some participants felt that the material could be lengthened to 6 weeks and/or that an in-person setting would have been more interactive, whereas others appreciate the convenience and comfort of the virtual platform.

Conclusions

This is the first published vMGBT program for patients experiencing mild to moderate ED. This program is feasible, the content was well received, and patients had improvement in their erectile function and QOL. Our pilot study has provoked a change to the treatments we can offer patients with ED and we have modified the program based on feedback. Further studies are needed to compare this to medical management and other psychotherapy interventions.

Disclosure

No
(045) The Importance of Fertility Preservation in the Transgender Population
Authors: Parikh N , Cannon G , Chattha A , Gargollo P , Orwig K , Mcclendon B , Walker D , Granberg C
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The transgender population has long been marginalized by society. Societal stigmata, fear to seek care, and dearth of provider knowledge regarding transgender health issues has caused disparities to widen.

Objective

The purpose of this case study is to call to attention the often-overlooked aspect of pediatric transgender care: the importance of fertility preservation prior to instituting gender-affirming therapy.

Methods

Twenty-one genetically XY females, followed by their multidisciplinary transgender care teams, were interested in starting hormone therapy due to impending onset and/or progression of puberty. Fortunately for these patients, their physicians were aware of fertility struggles after undergoing hormone therapy.

Results

Sperm cryopreservation via open gonadal biopsy, testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC), and semen sample (when age/maturity-appropriate) were discussed. Though requiring surgery, biopsy/TTC relieves patients of the psychological impact of semen sample production. With IRB approval, 20 patients (median age 12 years, range 10-16 years) underwent TTC (Figure 1). One patient (age 16 years) opted for semen sample. All patients had success with spermatogonial stem cells cryopreserved for future patient use.

Conclusions

Gender affirming procedures and hormone therapy affect the long-term reproductive potential of transgender individuals. While cost concerns and insurance coverage regarding oncofertility is a prominent area of discussion, the transgender community is often excluded. With more individuals beginning medical and surgical therapy at a younger age, fertility preservation discussions are essential but often overlooked, depriving these individuals the joy of becoming a biological parent. As health care providers, addressing psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of patients is crucial, and fertility is a key aspect of this care. TTC can be safely done in pediatric populations, though research is necessary to expand beyond current experimental stage of tissue-development.

Disclosure

No
(050) Low Prolactin Level Identifies Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Women With a Reduced Inhibition Profile
Authors: Maseroli E , Verde N , Cipriani S , Rastrelli G , Scairati R , Minnetti M , Maggi M , Vignozzi L
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Data on the role of prolactin (PRL) in the physiologic range in the female sexual response are scanty.

Objective

To investigate the association between PRL and sexual function as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). We explored the presence of a cut-off level of PRL able to identify Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).

Methods

N=264 pre- and post-menopausal women consulting for FSD and sexually active were included in this observational, retrospective study. A clinical, biochemical and psychosexual evaluation was performed. Main Outcome measures: FSFI, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire and Sexual excitation/sexual inhibition scale (SIS/SES). HSDD was diagnosed through a clinical interview.

Results

In a multivariate model, PRL showed a significant, positive correlation with FSFI Desire (p=0.009) and Satisfaction (p=0.011). Women with PRL in the V quintile (14.58-24.59 μg/L) reported significantly higher FSFI Desire scores than those with PRL in the I quintile (5.12-6.53 μg/L). Women with HSDD presented a significantly lower PRL level than those without (p=0.032). A ROC curve analysis for PRL showed an accuracy of 0.610+-0.044 (p=0.014) in predicting HSDD. With a threshold of 9.83 μg/L, sensitivity and specificity for HSDD were 63% and 56%, respectively. Subjects with PRL =9.83 μg/L. The difference in SIS1 score was independent of cortisol.

Conclusions

Among FSD women with normo-PRL levels, those with the lowest levels demonstrated a poorer sexual desire than those with the highest levels. PRL <9.83 μg/L could predict HSDD and a lower sexual inhibitory trait.

Disclosure

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: LV received scientific research grants, advisory board attendance and speaker honoraria from Therascience, Theramex, Bayer Schering Pharma, Intercept, Lipocine, Ibsa.
(053) The Prevalence of Low Sexual Desire Among Premenopausal Women and Their Wish for Drug Treatment
Authors: Reisman Y , Varod S
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Low female sexual desire (HSDD) is one of the most common sexual complaints in women. As a result, many women suffer from sexual dissatisfaction and related distress, which often negatively interferes with their quality of life. Little is known about the underlying biological mechanism of low desire, but it is conceivable that sexual functions are the result of an interaction between biological, psychological, and relational factors, for which neurological and hormonal central and peripheral processes are involved. Women's sexual desires naturally fluctuate over the years and commonly coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship, health status, medication use, and/or major life events. The treatment approach for females with low sexual desire is aimed at the many causes behind this condition. Recommendations may include sex education, counseling, and sometimes medication and hormone therapy mainly for women who go through menopause or post-menopause. So far no medical therapy for HSDD is available in Europe. While some women movements, such as “right to desire” wish to support the development of drugs for HSDD and reduce the distress associated with HSDD, others are against what they call “the pathologizing of variation in the population” and drug developments.

Objective

The aim of this survey was to find the prevalence of HSDD among young, premenopausal, social media active women and their willingness to receive medical therapy.

Methods

A social media survey has been conducted among women between 18 and 50 years old who are regularly using social media apps, in Israel. A country with a mix of cultures, religions, and personal social backgrounds. Women were asked about their sexual desire, current experience with a reduction of their desire for more than 6 months, and the presence of distress. Women who suffer from low desire have been asked about their willingness to receive medical treatment for this condition.

Results

4079 women observed the survey but only 1493 (36.6%) answered the questions. 42% (624) stated that they suffer from a decline in desire for a period longer than 6 months, while 49% (727) said they did not suffer from a decline in sexual desire. 9% (142) of the women answered that they didn’t know. On the question: “would you be interested in drug treatment ‘that ’ was asked only to the women who reported a decline in sexual desire, 22% (138) were interested in drug treatment, 40% (249) were not interested in drug treatment, 12% (75)said they don’t know and 26% (162) stated that their wiliness to use a drug for HSDD depended on the risk and benefits.

Conclusions

HSDD is prevalent even among premenopausal women in a multicultural country. Despite the multifactorial factors involved in the etiology of HSDD, almost half of the women have an interest in using a safe medication for HSDD.

Disclosure

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Freya, Besins, Ohhmed.
(059) Surrogate Treatment- A Case Study of 151 male clients and surrogacy coaching.
Authors: Shyam D A , Kaye D S
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Surrogate Treatment: A retrospective case-based study of 151 male clients obtained from the archives of three professional surrogate coaches. Surrogate Treatment is also known as Sex Surrogate therapy/Partner Therapy was created in the 1960s by the Medical and Sex Research team of Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson. It is significant in aiding clients to improve their social and sexual problems, as well as remedy diagnosed disorders. This research identifies social and sexual barriers which inhibit clients from experiencing healthy relationships and the feeling of sexual well-being. To overcome these barriers, the surrogate treatment enables the client to experience medical, psychological, social, and sexual healing. It is a treatment that combines the integration of physical and mental health. This research defines and examines the surrogate treatment, surrogate coaches, and the clients that participate in this treatment. It also demonstrates the medical and mental health role in Masters & Johnson’s “Triadic model”. The triad consists of body practitioners, therapists, and the patient/client. Inside this examination will include a description of sensate focus body-focused techniques that are the center of M&J’s surrogate treatment.

Objective

The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to evaluate the degree of success in the correction of the client's stated physical and mental problem and 2) the clinical and mental/sexual resolution of their diagnosed social and/or sexual disorder.

Methods

The result of this analysis is presented quantitatively in tables and qualitatively reported in a narrative-expository form. A number of themes emerged based upon the verbal interviews, with the three professional surrogate coaches as well as the data recorded during the medical and psychological clients' history-taking process. These are representational descriptions of the stated problem as self-defined by the clients and/or the referring physician. These themes are categorized as follows: 1) fear of women, 2) lack of social and sexual confidence and experience, 3) shyness and anxiety around social and sexual situations, 4) inability to develop intimate relationships, 5) lack of social and sexual education, 6) inability to perform sexually, 7) emotional and mental pain of childhood abuse and 8) lack of sexual desire.

Results

The implications of this study are that socioeconomics, education, age, religious backgrounds or sexual practices do not limit the success of the sensate focus and socialization techniques in surrogate treatment.

Conclusions

The statistical data demonstrates that clients who complete sensate focus exercises, as well as other body-focused or somatic practices also achieve resolution of their diagnosed disorder.

Disclosure

No
(060) Chronology of Endogenous Testosterone Recovery Following Androgen Deprivation Therapy Cessation – Results From a Prospective Analysis
Authors: Nascimento B C G , Pedrenho Neto R , Zandona P , De Bessa J , Bastos D , Cordeiro M , Coelho R , Nahas W , Hallak J , Mulhall J , Gomes C
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Testosterone (T) recovery after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is reported in the literature from 7 to 96%, with data mainly from retrospective studies using variable definitions for this event. Age, Diabetes and ADT duration may affect the timing and completeness of recovery

Objective

Prospectively evaluate the chronology of T recovery following ADT cessation

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective oncological study designed to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant use of ADT in combination with abiraterone acetate and prednisone with or without apalutamide in patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Both regimens were administered for 3 months before radical prostatectomy (RP). Early morning Total T (TT) levels were collected (immunoassay) at baseline and periodically (3, 6 and 12 months) after ADT cessation. 3 outcomes for T recovery were evaluated: return to non-castrate level (TT >50 ng/dL), to normal T (TT ≥ 300 ng/dL) and back to baseline level (BTB –TT≥ baseline level). We performed a time-to-event analysis and reported the cumulative incidence of each outcome. Multivariable analysis was conducted to investigate predictors of recovery

Results

In this preliminary report, from 64 initially enrolled patients, 1 year follow-up T data from 50 pts were available. Mean age was 64.6 ± 5.89 years, 28% had type 2 diabetes (DM) and 61% hypertension (HTN). Mean TT levels were 450 ± 170ng/dl at baseline, 112. 7± 96.9 at 3m, 208.5 ±197 at 6m, 337.7 ± 170 at 9m and 378.2 ± 166 at 12 m. Figure 1 shows the cumulative incidence of each outcome according to time. Median time to achieve T>50 was 5 m, to achieve T>300 was 9.1m and BTB 13.13 m. At 1 year, 98% had returned back from castrate-level, 76% had TT normalized and 42% had return BTB. In a multivariable analysis including DM, HTN, age and baseline T, only baseline T was associated with a greater chance of recovery, with 88.5% of those with baseline T > 450 ng/dl achieving normal T at 1y vs 46.9% for patients with baseline T < 450 ng/dl (HR: 3.56, p< 0.001)

Conclusions

In this prospective analysis of a population exposed to neoadjuvant short-term ADT, T recovery rates after 1 year showed that the vast majority (98%) had returned back from castrate level (median time 5m), about 2/3 recovered back to normal levels (median time 9,1m) and less than half returned to BTB level. Baseline TT was the only predictor of T recovery

Disclosure

Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Source of Funding: Janssen-Cilag Farmacêutica Ltda

Clarification

Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study
(066) Low Serum Testosterone and Mortality After Solid Organ Transplantation: A Multi-institutional Analysis of the TriNetX Research Network
Authors: Omil-Lima D , Perez J A , Sellke N , Patel A , Thompson A , Khera M , Chavin K , Thirumavalavan N
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Low serum testosterone has previously been suggested as a predisposing factor contributing to mortality after solid organ transplant. Previous studies on this topic stem from single-center retrospective series.

Objective

To determine the impact of low serum testosterone as a risk factor for mortality after solid organ transplantation using TriNetX, a large de-identified, multi-institutional database.

Methods

Data source, Patient Selection, and Outcomes We compiled all clinical data from the TriNetX research network, a health research network (with waiver from Western IRB) that provides de-identified clinical information from 58 health care organizations, and over 80 million patients located within the United States. We selected male patients (age ≥ 18) with a history of lung, kidney, liver, heart, or pancreas transplant. Cases were included if serum testosterone was drawn within one year before transplant. We excluded all patients previously on testosterone therapy. We categorized patients into two groups, based on testosterone levels. We defined patients as having low testosterone (Low T) by the following criteria: total testosterone < 300 (ng/Dl), or a diagnosis of hypogonadism (ICD-10: E29.1). For all patients, clinical characteristics/demographics including comorbidities, laboratory findings, and medication use were compared using descriptive statistics. Our outcomes of interest were mortality at 1-year, 3-year, or at any time. Statistical analyses We evaluated differences in baseline characteristics between testosterone levels (Normal T, or Low T), using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and an independent t-test for continuous data. To address potential confounders that could bias our results, we used a propensity score weighted regression matched on age, race/ethnicity, comorbid conditions, multiple transplant status, and immunosuppressant use. A Cox regression model was used to determine the probability of mortality. All analyses were performed using R version 4.0.4.

Results

A total of 1,762 men were identified with solid organ transplants. Of these, 792 men met criteria for low testosterone (Table 1). Low testosterone correlated with higher rates of mortality at 1 year, 3 years, and all-time mortality (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Low testosterone at the time of transplant is correlated with mortality up to 3 years after organ transplantation. Future work will focus on individual organ transplants and whether modifying this risk factor with testosterone therapy changes outcomes.

Disclosure

No