bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UMOD and the architecture of kidney disease
Authors: Devuyst Olivier , Bochud Murielle , Olinger Eric
Published: July 2022

The identification of genetic factors associated with the risk, onset, and progression of kidney disease has the potential to provide mechanistic insights and therapeutic perspectives. In less than two decades, technological advances yielded a trove of information on the genetic architecture of chronic kidney disease. The spectrum of genetic influence ranges from (ultra)rare variants with large effect size, involved in Mendelian diseases, to common variants, often non-coding and with small effect size, which contribute to polygenic diseases. Here, we review the paradigm of UMOD, the gene coding for uromodulin, to illustrate how a kidney-specific protein of major physiological importance is involved in a spectrum of kidney disorders. This new field of investigation illustrates the importance of genetic variation in the pathogenesis and prognosis of disease, with therapeutic implications.
Feasibility of “cold” triangle robotic pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Kauffmann Emanuele F. , Napoli Niccolò , Ginesini Michael , Gianfaldoni Cesare , Asta Fabio , Salamone Alice , Amorese Gabriella , Vistoli Fabio , Boggi Ugo
Published: July 2022

Background

Triangle pancreatoduodenectomy adds to the conventional procedure the en bloc removal of the retroperitoneal lympho-neural tissue included in the triangular area bounded by the common hepatic artery (CHA), the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and the superior mesenteric vein/portal vein. We herein aim to show the feasibility of “cold” triangle robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (C-Tr-RPD) for pancreatic cancer (PDAC).

Methods

Cold dissection corresponds to sharp arterial divestment performed using only the tips of robotic scissors. After division of the gastroduodenal artery, triangle dissection begins by lateral-to-medial divestment of the CHA and anterior-to-posterior clearance of the right side of the celiac trunk. Next, after a wide Kocher maneuver, the origin of the SMA, and the celiac trunk are identified. After mobilization of the first jejunal loop and attached mesentery, the SMA is identified at the level of the first jejunal vein and is divested along the right margin working in a distal-to-proximal direction. Vein resection and reconstruction can be performed as required.

C-Tr-RPD was considered feasible if triangle dissection was successfully completed without conversion to open surgery or need to use energy devices. Postoperative complications and pathology results are presented in detail.

Results

One hundred twenty-seven consecutive C-Tr-RPDs were successfully performed. There were three conversions to open surgery (2.3%), because of pneumoperitoneum intolerance (n = 2) and difficult digestive reconstruction. Thirty-four patients (26.7%) required associated vascular procedures. No pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery was observed. Twenty-eight patients (22.0%) developed severe postoperative complications (≥ grade III). Overall 90-day mortality was 7.1%, declining to 2.3% after completion of the learning curve. The median number of examined lymph nodes was 42 (33–51). The rate of R1 resection (7 margins < 1 mm) was 44.1%.

Conclusion

C-Tr-RPD is feasible, carries a risk of surgical complications commensurate to the magnitude of the procedure, and improves staging of PDAC.

Graphical abstract
The inverse-electron demand Diels–Alder reaction of tetrazines with cyclic enol ethers
Authors: Schafzahl Bettina , Knall Astrid C. , Slugovc Christian
Published: July 2022

Inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder additions (iEDDA) between 1,2,4,5-tetrazines and suitable unsaturated dienophiles such as olefins, alkynes, or enol ethers provide facile access to pyridazines. Herein the use of cyclic enol ether derivatives for preparing pyridazines bearing 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hyproxypropyl, and 3-oxopropyl substituents at the 4-position is disclosed and second order rate constants for the reactions with 2,3-dihydrofuran, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran, and 2-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran are presented.

Graphical abstract
Intraoperative radiotherapy during awake craniotomies: preliminary results of a single-center case series
Authors: Steininger K. , Kahl K. H. , Konietzko I. , Wolfert C. , Motov S. , Krauß P. E. , Bröcheler T. , Hadrawa M. , Sommer B. , Stüben G. , Shiban E.
Published: July 2022

Awake craniotomies are performed to avoid postoperative neurological deficits when resecting lesions in the eloquent cortex, especially the speech area. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has recently focused on optimizing the oncological treatment of primary malignant brain tumors and metastases. Herein, for the first time, we present preliminary results of IORT in the setting of awake craniotomies. From 2021 to 2022, all patients undergoing awake craniotomies for tumor resection combined with IORT were analyzed retrospectively. Demographical and clinical data, operative procedure, and treatment-related complications were evaluated. Five patients were identified (age (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 65 ± 13.5 years (y)). A solid left frontal metastasis was detected in the first patient (female, 49 y). The second patient (male, 72 y) presented with a solid metastasis on the left parietal lobe. The third patient (male, 52 y) was diagnosed with a left temporoparietal metastasis. Patient four (male, 74 y) was diagnosed with a high-grade glioma on the left frontal lobe. A metastasis on the left temporooccipital lobe was detected in the fifth patient (male, 78 y). After awake craniotomy and macroscopic complete tumor resection, intraoperative tumor bed irradiation was carried out with 50 kV x-rays and a total of 20 Gy for 16.7 ± 2.5 min. During a mean follow-up of 6.3 ± 2.6 months, none of the patients developed any surgery- or IORT-related complications or disabling permanent neurological deficits. Intraoperative radiotherapy in combination with awake craniotomy seems to be feasible and safe.
Association of severe COVID-19 outcomes with radiological scoring and cardiomegaly: findings from the COVID-19 inpatients database, Japan
Authors: Kanayama Atsuhiro , Tsuchihashi Yuuki , Otomi Yoichi , Enomoto Hideaki , Arima Yuzo , Takahashi Takuri , Kobayashi Yusuke , Kaku Koki , Sunagawa Tomimasa , Suzuki Motoi ,   The COVID-19 discharge summary database (CDSD) group, Ajishi Yusuke , Ishii Hiroshi , Ishikawa Satoru , Iwagoe Hajime , Kaneko Yasushi , Kasahara Kei , Kawaguchi Yoji , Masuda Masafumi , Mawatari Momoko , Mishima Yasunori , Nagasaki Yoji , Ohmagari Norio , Okada Kensaku , Satoh Hiroshi , Terai Yasuhiko , Tsujie Katsuya , Watase Haruhito
Published: July 2022

Purpose

We aimed to characterize novel coronavirus infections based on imaging [chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT)] at the time of admission.

Materials and methods

We extracted data from 396 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who were managed at 68 hospitals in Japan from January 25 to September 2, 2020. Case patients were categorized as severe (death or treatment with invasive ventilation during hospitalization) and non-severe groups. The imaging findings of the groups were compared by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), adjusted for sex, age, and hospital size (and radiographic patient positioning for cardiomegaly). Chest X-ray and CT scores ranged from 0 to 72 and 0 to 20, respectively. Optimal cut-off values for these scores were determined by a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The median age of the 396 patients was 48 years (interquartile range 28–65) and 211 (53.3%) patients were male. Thirty-two severe cases were compared to 364 non-severe cases. At the time of admission, abnormal lesions on chest X-ray and CT were mainly observed in the lower zone/lobe. Among severe cases, abnormal lesions were also seen in the upper zone/lobe. After adjustment, the total chest X-ray and CT score values showed a dose-dependent association with severe disease. For chest X-ray scores, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.86–0.97) and an optimal cut-off value of 9 points predicted severe disease with 83.3% sensitivity and 84.7% specificity. For chest CT scores, the AUC was 0.94 (95% CI = 0.89–0.98) and an optimal cut-off value of 11 points predicted severe disease with 90.9% sensitivity and 82.2% specificity. Cardiomegaly was strongly associated with severe disease [adjusted OR = 24.6 (95% CI = 3.7–166.0)].

Conclusion

Chest CT and X-ray scores and the identification of cardiomegaly could be useful for classifying severe COVID-19 on admission.
Micromotives of Vote Switchers and Macrotransitions: The Case of the Immigration Issue in a Regional Earthquake Election in Germany 2018
Authors: Thurner Paul W. , Klima André , Küchenhoff Helmut , Mauerer Ingrid , Mang Stefan , Walter-Rogg Melanie , Heinrich Tassilo , Knieper Thomas , Schnurbus Joachim
Published: July 2022

Which issue-related motives underlie voters’ decision to switch parties at the polls? Do switchers stick to the newly chosen party, or do they oscillate in a short-term way at intermediate elections? Relying on the behavioral theory of elections, we assumed aspiration-based voting of boundedly rational voters. We elicited issue-related switch and stay motives in an open-ended survey question format to identify the individual dominant aspirational frame. We traced the respondents’ voting trajectories over three consecutive elections, including two state (2013 and 2018) elections in Bavaria (Germany) and one German federal election (2017). We focused on one of the most polarizing and salient issues in these elections, namely immigration. The case of reference is the 2018 Bavarian state election. Here, the incumbent majoritarian center-right party Christian Social Union tried to deter the entry of the right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany by adapting to it on the immigration issue in tone and position. The selected case allows assessment of the impact of issue-based adaptive behavior of the incumbent party at the level of the voters’ switch or stay choices. We estimated the direction and number of voter flows for two interelection sequences of different lengths between different types of polls (federal and state). Our transition estimates are based on the hybrid multinomial Dirichlet model, a new technique integrating individual-level survey data and official aggregate data. Our estimates uncover substantial behavioral differences in the immigration issue public.
Isothermal Mashing of Barley Malt: New Insights into Wort Composition and Enzyme Temperature Ranges
Authors: Laus Andreas , Endres Frank , Hutzler Mathias , Zarnkow Martin , Jacob Fritz
Published: July 2022

The basic step in beer production is mashing, during which insoluble starch chains, and to a lesser extent cell walls and proteins are broken down by enzymatic hydrolysis. Since the beginning of the modern brewing process there have been empirical studies into the optimum effective temperatures of the corresponding enzymes, and mashing has been carried out accordingly. The resulting resting temperatures of proteolysis, cytolysis and amylolysis with the maltose and saccharification rest, are now rarely changed, only being adapted to the properties of the raw materials used to a limited extent. New varieties of barley and other raw materials used in breweries, as well as modern processes in malting plants, ensure better enzyme potential and optimized malt gelatinization temperatures. The aim of this paper is to determine enzyme activity in barley malt during mashing. For this purpose, isothermal mashing was used, i.e., a mashing process with a constant resting temperature over the entire mashing period. The obtained worts were analyzed for the attributes of extract, final attenuation, β-glucan, total nitrogen, free amino nitrogen, viscosity, and pH as well as sugar composition and individual amino acids. The change in these attributes indicates the enzyme activity of the malt.
Analytic Torsion of Generic Rank Two Distributions in Dimension Five
Authors: Haller Stefan
Published: July 2022

We propose an analytic torsion for the Rumin complex associated with generic rank two distributions on closed 5-manifolds. This torsion behaves as expected with respect to Poincaré duality and finite coverings. We establish anomaly formulas, expressing the dependence on the sub-Riemannian metric and the 2-plane bundle in terms of integrals over local quantities. For certain nilmanifolds, we are able to show that this torsion coincides with the Ray–Singer analytic torsion, up to a constant.
Will Technology-Aided Creativity Force Us to Rethink Copyright’s Fundamentals? Highlights from the Platform Economy and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Bonadio Enrico , Lucchi Nicola , Mazziotti Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

The platform economy, the move towards artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing importance of new creative and transformative technologies such as 3D printing raise questions as to whether copyright law suffices in its present form. Our article argues that copyright law is malleable enough to fulfil some of its traditional functions in this new technology-aided (and technology-dominated) environment. However, certain adjustments and complementary instruments seem to be necessary to revitalise these functions. For example, moral rights could be more effectively harmonised at international level, and made more easily enforceable, to reflect the global reach of social media and to protect their essential reputational value in a digital economy that prioritises online exposure over remuneration opportunities. We also consider that creators’ rights are difficult, if not impossible, to license and enforce in an environment where contractual practices such as social media terms and conditions impose standard agreements that either do not compensate creators at all or compensate them only marginally. In this context, restoring the bargaining power of creators through the right of access to the platforms’ data seems to have become as important as copyright itself. Finally, doubts remain as to whether requirements such as authorship and originality can continue to apply and trigger copyright protection. To this end, we believe that the distinction between fully generative machines and other technologies that merely assist human creators is essential for the proper identification of “authorless” works. For such works we advocate the adoption of a very short right that would support computational creativity without stifling human ingenuity.
Forensic applications of micro-computed tomography: a systematic review
Authors: Franchetti Giorgia , Viel Guido , Fais Paolo , Fichera Giulia , Cecchin Diego , Cecchetto Giovanni , Giraudo Chiara
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of micro-CT current applications in forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, and neonatology.

Methods

A bibliographic research on the electronic databases Pubmed and Scopus was conducted in the time frame 01/01/2001–31/12/2021 without any language restrictions and applying the following free-text search strategy: “(micro-computed tomography OR micro-CT) AND (forensic OR legal)”. The following inclusion criteria were used: (A) English language; (B) Application of micro-CT to biological and/or non-biological materials to address at least one forensic issue (e.g., age estimation, identification of post-mortem interval). The papers selected by three independent investigators have been then classified according to the investigated materials.

Results

The bibliographic search provided 651 records, duplicates excluded. After screening for title and/or abstracts, according to criteria A and B, 157 full-text papers were evaluated for eligibility. Ninety-three papers, mostly (64) published between 2017 and 2021, were included; considering that two papers investigated several materials, an overall amount of 99 classifiable items was counted when referring to the materials investigated. It emerged that bones and cartilages (54.55%), followed by teeth (13.13%), were the most frequently analyzed materials. Moreover, micro-CT allowed the collection of structural, qualitative and/or quantitative information also for soft tissues, fetuses, insects, and foreign materials.

Conclusion

Forensic applications of micro-CT progressively increased in the last 5 years with very promising results. According to this evidence, we might expect in the near future a shift of its use from research purposes to clinical forensic cases.
Diagnostica genetica dell’infertilità maschile: nuovi approcci
Authors: Calogero Aldo E. , La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita A.
Published: July 2022

Sommario

L’infertilità maschile, caratterizzata dall’alterazione dei parametri spermatici convenzionali e/o biofunzionali, viene riscontrata, da sola o in associazione con quella femminile, in circa il 50% dei casi di infertilità di coppia. Una causa genetica si riscontra in circa il 15% dei pazienti con azoospermia o oligozoospermia. Nonostante un approccio diagnostico approfondito, si stima però che la causa dell’infertilità rimane sconosciuta in una grande percentuale dei partner maschili delle coppie infertili. Recentemente, alcune evidenze hanno suggerito l’esistenza di nuove cause genetiche responsabili di alterazioni della spermatogenesi. Lo scopo di questa Rassegna è quello di valutare le evidenze relative alle alterazioni della spermatogenesi di natura genetica, rivedendo i dati disponibili sia nei modelli animali che nell’uomo. I dati di tale revisione della letteratura ci hanno permesso di suggerire l’uso di un pannello che comprende oltre 60 geni nell’iter diagnostico dei pazienti con alterazioni dei parametri spermatici di natura idiopatica. Alcuni di questi geni sembrerebbero associarsi a uno specifico quadro istologico testicolare. Se confermate, queste evidenze potrebbero in futuro avere un ruolo importante nell’iter decisionale relativo alla gestione del paziente infertile.
A privacy-preserving student status monitoring system
Authors: Wu Haopeng , Lu Zhiying , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: July 2022

Timely feedback of students’ listening status is crucial for teaching work. However, it is often difficult for teachers to pay attention to all students at the same time. By leveraging surveillance cameras in the classroom, we are able to assist the teaching work. However, the existing methods either lack the protection of students’ privacy, or they have to reduce the accuracy of success, because they are concerned about the leakage of students’ privacy. We propose federated semi-supervised class assistance system to evaluate the listening status of students in the classroom. Rather than training the semi-supervised model in a centralized manner, we train a semi-supervised model in a federated manner among various monitors while preserving students’ privacy. We also formulate a new loss function according to the difference between the pre-trained initial model and the expected model to restrict the training process of the unlabeled data. By applying the pseudo-label assignment method on the unlabeled data, the class monitors are able to recognize the student class behavior. In addition, simulation and real-world experimental results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed system outperforms that of the baseline models.
Scoping Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimisation Among a Sample of Gifted Adolescents in Ireland
Authors: Laffan Derek A. , Slonje Robert , Ledwith Catriona , O’Reilly Colm , Foody Mairéad
Published: July 2022

Research has indicated that gifted adolescents experience an increased amount of bullying and cyberbullying compared to their non-gifted peers. However, there has not been a sufficient attempt to investigate the extent of bullying and cyberbullying victimisation among gifted adolescent populations in Ireland. A total of 195 gifted adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 years completed a comprehensive online survey assessing the bullying and cyberbullying prevalence, wellbeing, indicative mental health, and friendship quality outcomes. The results showed considerably higher prevalence rates of bullying and cyberbullying victimisation among gifted adolescents compared to an all-Ireland national prevalence rate. Bullying and cyberbullying victimisation was associated with higher levels of negative outcomes. Females, LGBTI + , and twice-exceptional participants scored significantly lower on satisfaction with life and significantly higher on negative outcomes compared to other gifted participants. The results are discussed alongside recommendations for anti-bullying policies and teacher education provisions.
Cystatin C as Predictor of Long-Term Mortality in Elderly: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tanto Chris , Bawazier Lucky Aziza , Marbun Maruhum Bonar Hasiholan , Rizka Aulia , Renaldi Kaka
Published: July 2022

Prediction of mortality in growing aged population will offer several benefits for health sector. Cystatin C, which has long been known as biomarker to more accurately evaluate glomerular filtration rate in elderly, has also been shown to predict mortality from several studies. Studies regarding its predictive ability were vastly varied, and there has not been systematic review to examine its ability in predicting long-term mortality in elderly population. This study aimed to evaluate cystatin C performance as predictor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among elderly population. A systematic review of prospective cohort studies was performed. Literature searching was done in major databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest. Manual searching was also performed. Inclusion criteria were studies involving elderly age 65 or older, cystatin C serum levels available, all-cause mortality as outcome, and 5-year minimum of follow-up. Study selection was performed according to PRISMA algorithm. Newcastle–Ottawa scale for cohort study was used to assess primary studies’ quality and risk of bias. Study results were presented in descriptive tables and forest plot. Initial searching revealed 609 hits with 12 studies eligible for the review: five studies evaluated all-cause mortality, three studies evaluated cardiovascular mortality, and four studies evaluated both. Meta-analysis showed that high cystatin C levels are increasing risk of long-term all-cause mortality [(HR: 1.74 (95% CI: 1.48–2.04); p < 0.0001)] and cardiovascular mortality [HR: 2.01 (95% CI: 1.63–2.47); p < 0.0001)]. The prognostic ability of cystatin C was considerably moderate [AUC 0.70 (95% CI: 0.68–0.72); p = 0.02]. Cystatin C was able to predict long-term mortality in elderly population.
Biochar and organic substitution improved net ecosystem economic benefit in intensive vegetable production
Authors: Bi Ruiyu , Zhang Qianqian , Zhan Liping , Xu Xintong , Zhang Xi , Dong Yubing , Yan Xiaoyuan , Xiong Zhengqin
Published: July 2022

Biochar amendment and substituting chemical fertilizers with organic manure (organic substitution) have been widely reported to increase crop production and decrease reactive nitrogen (Nr) loss including nitrous oxide (N2O), nitric oxide (NO), and ammonia (NH3) emissions, and N runoff and leaching. However, few comprehensive evaluations have been performed on the environmental and economic aspects of biochar amendment or organic substitution. Here, we studied the comprehensive effects of biochar amendment, organic substitution, and biochar amendment combined with organic substitution on crop production, Nr loss, and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) in intensive vegetable production by integrating life-cycle assessment for Nr footprints, empirical models for NH3 volatilization and N runoff and leaching derived from peer-reviewed publications and validated by the current measurements and direct field measurement for N2O and NO emissions during 5 consecutive years of vegetable crop rotations. Five fertilization treatments were applied (SN: synthetic fertilizer application; SNB: SN plus 20 t ha−1 biochar amendment; SNM: substituting 50% of chemical N fertilizer with organic manure; SNMB: SNM plus 20 t ha−1 biochar amendment; and CK: no fertilizer or biochar addition). Compared with the SN, the SNB increased vegetable yield (28.4%, p < 0.05; interannually varying from − 10 to 74.9%) and nitrogen use efficiency (29.2%, interannually varying from − 39.7 to 150.4%), and decreased field Nr loss (45.4%, p < 0.01; interannually varying from − 40.3 to 78.4%), and thus improved NEEB by 7.1%; meanwhile, the SNM increased vegetable yield (11.6%, interannually varying from − 5.4 to 27.1%) and nitrogen use efficiency (45.7%, p < 0.05; interannually varying from 2.3 to 154%), reduced field Nr loss (34.9%, p < 0.01; interannually varying from 8.4–39.0%), and thus improved NEEB by 17.8% (p < 0.05) compared to the SN, being 56.0 × 103 Chinese Yuan (CNY) ha−1 crop−1. Due to the high foreground Nr loss during organic manure production and high input costs of biochar production, the SNMB decreased the NEEB by 8.0% as compared to the SN. Moreover, the SNB and SNM improved vegetable qualities by increasing protein, soluble sugar, and vitamin C contents while decreasing nitrate content (p < 0.05). Therefore, single application of biochar amendment or organic substitution would achieve better NEEB and product quality in vegetable production.

Graphical Abstract
A Linearized Mathematical Formulation for Combined Centralized and Distributed Waste Water Treatment Network Design
Authors: Broukos Pantelis , Fragkogios Antonios , Shah Nilay
Published: July 2022

Waste water treatment (WWT) is a very important issue affecting both the environment and public health in the twenty-first century. The increasing earth’s population together with the growing urbanism leads to the need of redesigning effective WWT. In this paper, the problem of optimal Waste Water Treatment Network Design (WWTND) is addressed. To this end, various parameters affecting the problem have been taken into consideration, such as the distance between the residential areas and the treatment plants, estimations for future population of towns and costs of expanding existing network or building a new one. The last parameter of cost has a lot of components (pipeline cost, treatment plant cost, etc.), all of which are non-linear functions depending on the amount of waste water produced and treated within the network. The authors have developed a mathematical model for the solution of WWTND problem and have applied piecewise linearization in order to deal with the non-linear terms. The developed model has been implemented on an area in Luxemburg, for which data were collected. The results prove the model’s validity and usefulness, while its solution is computationally affordable.
Methamphetamine-Induced Alterations of Vaginal Blood Flow in Rats
Authors: Mott M , Goeders N
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Those suffering with vaginal dryness, whether experienced once or chronically, frequently experience painful and unpleasurable sexual experiences and diminished self-esteem as a result. Although the physiology of vaginal transudate production is long established, no pharmacological treatment other than estrogen has shown promise in attenuating vaginal dryness. Previously, our lab has shown that methamphetamine (meth) induced vaginal lubrication in adult women and anesthetized rats. The production of these vaginal secretions was shown to be dose-, as well as nitric oxide-dependent. As the secretion of vaginal lubrication is immensely dependent on local hemodynamics and the resulting increased blood flow to the genital tissues, determining meth-induced alterations in blood flow to these tissues is paramount.

Objective

The purpose of the current study is to determine if increased vaginal blood flow correlates with increased vaginal lubrication in response to meth, and to determine if alterations in this blood flow are nitric oxide-dependent.

Methods

Adult female Wistar rats were implanted with chronic indwelling jugular catheters and allowed at least one week to recover from surgery. Rats anesthetized with isoflurane gas were intravenously infused with meth (0.06-0.96 mg/kg) or saline via the implanted catheter. Vaginal blood flow, measured using a Periflux System 5000 and a small laser probe inserted 5-10 mm into the vaginal canal, was continuously recorded before and for at least twenty minutes following drug administration. After establishing meth-induced alterations in vaginal blood flow, pre-treatment with L-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, followed by meth administration following the same procedure for measuring blood flow allowed us to determine the contribution of nitric oxide to the observed changes in blood flow.

Results

Preliminary findings show that an IV infusion of meth induces an immediate increase in vaginal blood flow, followed by decreased blood flow due to vasoconstriction via increased sympathetic tone. We anticipate inhibition of nitric oxide production will reduce the increase in blood flow immediately after meth administration since this decreased vaginal lubrication in response to the same treatment.

Conclusions

These findings provide insight into the meth-induced vaginal lubrication we have previously reported, and that meth, whose sympathomimetic action traditionally induces vasoconstriction, produces increased blood flow in vaginal tissues, which is likely the driving force for the increased transudate produced. This advancement is critical for uncovering a mechanism that may serve as the optimal pharmacological target to treat vaginal dryness.

Disclosure

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Embera NeuroTherapeutics & JanOne
Female Genitalia in Pornography: The Source of Labiaplasty Trends?
Authors: Dubinskaya A , Dallas K , Eilber K , Scott V , Anger J
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Trends in appearance of female genitalia has been influenced by social media, entertainment industry, and even politics. Cosmetic labiaplasty has increased by 56% over the last decade. Wide availability and accessibility of pornography is another source where women and men learn about the anticipated normal appearance of the genitals.

Objective

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current trends in appearance of female genitalia based on the most viewed pornography videos. We hypothesized that pornography may influence such trends in labiaplasty.

Methods

After panel of experts agreed on definitions and classifications of the different genital parts and beautification trends, we reviewed videos from the category “most viewed videos” on the most popular free pornography websites. We analyzed common representations of female genital appearance, including hair grooming (completely shaved, trimmed, natural), hyperpigmentation (natural with hyperpigmented perianal and labial skin vs. bleached with equal hyperpigmentation throughout), appearance of labia majora (thickness, length), appearance of labia minora (presence and length compared to the labia majora), clitoral hood appearance (status post clitoral hood reduction), and width of the genital hiatus.

Results

We reviewed the 25 most viewed videos from the five most popular free pornography websites. Among females and males, complete shaving of the pubic hair was the most common pattern, 56% (14) and 52% (13) respectively, followed by the trimmed pubic hair equally among both genders 40% (10). Only 8% of videos demonstrated labia majora resembling pre-pubertal (surgically enhanced) appearance. 44% of women had labia minora larger than labia majora, 36% had them at equal length, and 16% showed no labia minora. We did not see any dangling labia. 92% of videos demonstrated a normal appearing clitoral hood with no signs of surgical reduction. Bleaching or removal of natural hyperpigmentation was noted in 20% of videos. Wide genital hiatus consistent with vaginal delivery was identified in 16% of videos. No signs of pelvic organ prolapse, piercings, or other abnormalities were noted.

Conclusions

We found that the most popular pornography videos had a range of genital appearances. Pornogaphy definitely influenced hair grooming pattern. The most viewed videos on the most popular pornography sites may create expectations for both genders on the genital appearance of a partner.

Disclosure

No
Azoles May Target Underlying Mechanism(s) of Localized Provoked Vulvodynia
Authors: Flores B , Falsetta M
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Vulvodynia is a crippling disease that drastically reduces the quality of life in women. Chronic, otherwise unexplained pain localized to the vulvar vestibule is the identifying symptom associated with this disease, in which pain lasts greater than three months, often significantly longer, on the order of years. Vulvodynia is difficult to diagnose and assess, let alone deliver adequate treatment due to the disease being poorly understood. We have evidence that suggests the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) family of enzymes is involved in the vulvodynia mechanism and may represent a new therapeutic target.

Objective

Our goal is to identify underlying mechanisms of disease in vulvodynia to develop improved therapeutic strategies. For this investigation, we focused on CYP450 and specifically aimed to narrow down the list of possible enzymes within this nearly 50 member family that might relieve vulvar pain if targeted.

Methods

We used a validated primary human fibroblast culture system where each woman serves as her own control. In this model, fibroblasts are cultured from affected and unaffected sites in patients. In addition, fibroblasts are cultured from the same sites in women without the disease. Pro-inflammatory mediator production, specifically prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are surrogate measures of pain, which we measured via ELISA assays. We evaluated the role of CYP450 in vulvar pain by antagonizing specific family members to (1) determine if CYP450 is a reasonable target for therapeutic intervention, (2) pinpoint family members of interest, and (3) evaluate if azoles used to treat vulvovaginal yeast infection, which are known to target CYP450, would have therapeutic effect for vulvodynia.

Results

We found that azoles commonly used to treat vulvovaginal yeast infection (e.g. miconazole and terconazole) reduced pro-inflammatory mediator production in fibroblasts. Miconazole and terconazole target a similar group of CYPs, suggesting that CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP3A7 may be involved in the vulvodynia mechanism. Global inhibition of the CYP family with 1-aminobenzotriazole also reduced pro-inflammatory mediator production, which may mean that targeting any one CYP or group of CYPs could be effective. This is potentially promising information as it could mean that any azole approved for vulvovaginal use would address vulvodynia symptoms. We are currently investigating this possibility.

Conclusions

As we uncover additional pieces of the vulvodynia mechanism, we identify new avenues for improved patient care. Based on published clinical data and our in vitro findings, azoles may have a role in treating vulvodynia.

Disclosure

No
TranZap: An App for Transgender Folks Seeking Gender Affirming Healthcare Providers
Authors: Chiang T , Bachmann G
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Many transgender individuals seeking healthcare have had at least one negative experience related to being transgender. These experiences included verbal harassment, refusal of treatment, or having to teach Healthcare Providers (HCPs) about transgender people to receive appropriate care. As a result, trans patients may forego seeking healthcare treatment at all or will seek non-traditional healthcare services elsewhere, leading to adverse long-term health outcomes.

Objective

We sought to build a transgender health app, TranZap, to empower transgender individuals who are seeking healthcare to be more informed and knowledgeable regarding available gender-affirming HCPs.

Methods

A prototype of TranZap, a web-based app, was created using Figma. Functions of the app were determined by crowdsourcing input via Instagram from transgender individuals, and those functions were finalized using feedback from HCPs at RWJMS that work with transgender patients. Bootstrap, Python, and Django were used for front-end, back-end, and database development respectively. Advertisement was launched via Instagram.

Results

TranZap is currently undergoing alpha testing and modifications are being made to the app's functions. Advertising has started and TranZap has amassed 224 followers on Instagram.

Conclusions

Once alpha testing is complete, beta testing will commence in partnership with a transgender support group. We anticipate ∼200 people to beta test TranZap. When the app is publicly released, metrics of success will be the total number of people who open the app, how many people search for HCPs, and how many cumulative reviews are written. The anticipated launch is the beginning of January 2022.

Disclosure

No
Religion and Moral Judgments of HIV-related Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Crosby C , Jain N , Mujeres S , Kilcrease A , Browman K , Meston C
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The percentage of individuals diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases yearly, and occurs at disproportionate rates. Previous research suggests that religion may be an important coping mechanism for individuals with HIV, who have lost loved ones to HIV, or who have engaged in risky sexual behaviors (e.g., Pargament et al., 2004). However, research examining the impact that religion has on an individual's moral judgment of engaging in HIV-related sexual behaviors remains unclear.

Objective

To examine the impact of religious beliefs, identity, and practices on women's moral judgements towards scenarios involving potential HIV transmission.

Methods

Women (N = 578) were asked to indicate their moral judgments towards three items separately for male and female actors: (1) having sex with someone who discloses that they have HIV and using condoms; (2) having sex with someone who discloses that they have HIV and not using condoms; and (3) getting diagnosed with HIV and not telling new sex partners.

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed that the more women listened to religious music and participated in behaviors during religious services (e.g., reading scriptures), the more morally wrong they viewed male actors for having sex with someone who discloses that they have HIV and not using condoms. Further, the more women believed in souls, the more morally wrong they viewed male and female actors for getting diagnosed with HIV and not telling new sex partners. These associations held when controlling for important confounds such as age and relationship status.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide further understanding about the relevance of religion on individual's’ perceptions of sexual behavior. Because religious individuals tend to be interested in long-term, highly reproductive lifestyles (e.g., Hone et al., 2021), they may view a host of sexual behaviors-including HIV-related behaviors-as morally wrong as they associate them with promiscuity. Discussion focuses on how an evolutionary perspective of religion may provide insight into aspects of women's moral judgments of sexual behaviors that have yet to be systematically explored.

Disclosure

No
Autobiographical Memory and Narrative in Childhood
Authors: Fivush Robyn
Published: July 2022

This Element delineates how the narrative expression of autobiographical memory develops through everyday interactions that frame the forms and functions of autobiographical remembering. Narratives are both outward and inward facing, providing the interface between how we perceive the world and how we perceive ourselves. Thus narratives are the pivot point where self and culture meet. To make this argument, the author brings together literature from multiple perspectives, including cognitive, personality, evolutionary, cultural, and developmental psychology. To fully understand autobiographical memory, it must be understood how it functions in the context of lives lived in complex sociocultural contexts.
Maintenance of intervention effects: long-term outcomes for participants in a group talk-therapy trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Bass Judith K. , Murray Sarah M. , Lakin Daniel P. , Kaysen Debra , Annan Jeannie , Matabaro Amani , Bolton Paul A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite the growth of psychotherapy trials in low- and middle-income countries, there have been limited follow-up studies of more than 2 years. This study follows up female sexual violence survivors approximately 6 years after completing a 12-session group cognitive processing therapy (CPT) program in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

Baseline trial data were collected in December 2010 from 134 women in 7 study villages randomly allocated to CPT. Study women were over 18 years, reported personally experiencing or witnessing sexual violence, and reported elevated depression, anxiety and/or posttraumatic stress symptoms. Women were followed up (1) post-treatment (6-months after baseline); (2) 6 months later; (3) 12 months later; and (4) in March 2017 (6.3 years after baseline). At the long-term follow-up, 103 women (77%) in 6 of 7 CPT villages were re-assessed; one village was not visited due to ongoing insecurity.

Results

We found strong continued intervention effects; nearly all women maintained treatment impacts over the first two years; at long-term follow-up, approximately half continued to maintain low symptom scores. Relapse rates for probable PTSD and probable depression and anxiety were 20%.

Conclusions

This study extends prior research to show that treatment impacts can be maintained for several years despite experiences of ongoing trauma. The women described continuing to meet with the women in their therapy group and using the skills they learned in the psychotherapy, providing evidence of the potential for these programs to provide valuable social supports and skills that people use as they continue to face adversity.
Reproductive success of Antillean manatees released in Brazil: implications for conservation
Authors: Attademo Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer , Normande Iran Campello , Sousa Glaucia Pereira , Costa Alexandra Fernandes , Borges João Carlos Gomes , de Alencar Ana Emília Barbosa , Foppel Ernesto Frederico da Costa , Luna Fábia de Oliveira
Published: July 2022

Actions to rescue, rehabilitate and release calves of manatees are the main initiatives and strategies for conservation of the species in Brazil. The survival rate of animals in a natural environment and the reproductive success, identified by birth records, are some of the indicators used to estimate the release success for manatees. This study evaluated the effectiveness of releases of West Indian manatees based on the reproductive success of rescued animals that were released back into the wild in Brazil. Twenty-two female manatees were released in the states of Alagoas (into an extinct area) and Paraíba (into an existent population) from 1994–2020. Six females gave birth to 13 calves, all in Alagoas State. The average age of the first calving event was 11.7 (±1.49) years and 8.0 (±1.41) years after release. Among the females that had more than one calving, the average was 3.6 (±1.18) years between each calving. All calves observed were born alive; nevertheless, three (23.1%) died a few weeks after birth. In general, females rehabilitated in captivity and released in the wild were able to reproduce, especially in protected areas. This study emphasizes the need to intensify actions for the conservation of manatees and their habitats in order to achieve healthier wild populations.
Pre-COVID brain functional connectome features prospectively predict emergence of distress symptoms after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pan Nanfang , Qin Kun , Yu Yifan , Long Yajing , Zhang Xun , He Min , Suo Xueling , Zhang Shufang , Sweeney John A. , Wang Song , Gong Qiyong
Published: July 2022

Background

Persistent psychological distress associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been well documented. This study aimed to identify pre-COVID brain functional connectome that predicts pandemic-related distress symptoms among young adults.

Methods

Baseline neuroimaging studies and assessment of general distress using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale were performed with 100 healthy individuals prior to wide recognition of the health risks associated with the emergence of COVID-19. They were recontacted for the Impact of Event Scale-Revised and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist in the period of community-level outbreaks, and for follow-up distress evaluation again 1 year later. We employed the network-based statistic approach to identify connectome that predicted the increase of distress based on 136-region-parcellation with assigned network membership. Predictive performance of connectome features and causal relations were examined by cross-validation and mediation analyses.

Results

The connectome features that predicted emergence of distress after COVID contained 70 neural connections. Most within-network connections were located in the default mode network (DMN), and affective network-DMN and dorsal attention network-DMN links largely constituted between-network pairs. The hippocampus emerged as the most critical hub region. Predictive models of the connectome remained robust in cross-validation. Mediation analyses demonstrated that COVID-related posttraumatic stress partially explained the correlation of connectome to the development of general distress.

Conclusions

Brain functional connectome may fingerprint individuals with vulnerability to psychological distress associated with the COVID pandemic. Individuals with brain neuromarkers may benefit from the corresponding interventions to reduce the risk or severity of distress related to fear of COVID-related challenges.