bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimising CT-guided biopsies of sclerotic bone lesions in cancer patients
Authors: Donners Ricardo , Fotiadis Nicos , Figueiredo Ines , Blackledge Matthew , Westaby Daniel , Guo Christina , Fenor de la Maza Maria de los Dolores , Koh Dow-Mu , Tunariu Nina
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Investigate the laboratory, imaging and procedural factors that are associated with a tumour-positive and/or NGS-feasible CT-guided sclerotic bone lesion biopsy result in cancer patients.

Methods

In total, 113 CT-guided bone biopsies performed in cancer patients by an interventional radiologist in one institution were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-five sclerotic bone biopsies were eventually included and routine blood parameters and tumour marker levels were recorded. Non-contrast (NC) biopsy CTs (65), contrast-enhanced CTs (24), and PET/CTs (22) performed within four weeks of biopsy were reviewed; lesion location, diameter, lesion-to-cortex distance, and NC-CT appearance (dense-sclerosis versus mild-sclerosis) were noted. Mean NC-CT, CE-CT HU, and PET SUVmax were derived from biopsy tract and lesion segmentations. Needle diameter, tract length, and number of samples were noted. Comparisons between tumour-positive/negative and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-feasible/non-feasible biopsies determined significant (p < 0.05) laboratory, imaging, and procedural parameter differences.

Results

Seventy-four percent of biopsies were tumour-positive. NGS was feasible in 22/30 prostate cancer patients (73%). Neither laboratory blood parameters, PET/CT availability, size, nor lesion-to-cortex distance affected diagnostic yield or NGS feasibility (p > 0.298). Eighty-seven percent of mildly sclerotic bone (mean 244 HU) biopsies were positive compared with 56% in dense sclerosis (622 HU, p = 0.005) and NC-CT lesion HU was significantly lower in positive biopsies (p = 0.003). A 610 HU threshold yielded 89% PPV for tumour-positive biopsies and a 370 HU threshold 94% PPV for NGS-feasible biopsies. FDG-PET and procedural parameters were non-significant factors (each p > 0.055).

Conclusion

In cancer patients with sclerotic bone disease, targeting areas of predominantly mild sclerosis in lower CT-attenuation lesions can improve tumour tissue yield and NGS feasibility.

Key Points

• Areas of predominantly mild sclerosis should be preferred to areas of predominantly dense sclerosis for CT-guided bone biopsies in cancer patients.

• Among sclerotic bone lesions in prostate cancer patients, lesions with a mean HU below 370 should be preferred as biopsy targets to improve NGS feasibility.

• Laboratory parameters and procedure related factors may have little implications for CT-guided sclerotic bone biopsy success.
Diagnostik und Behandlung der okulären Toxoplasmose
Authors: Taghavi-Eraghi A. , Garweg J. G. , Pleyer U.
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Die okuläre Toxoplasmose (OT) ist die häufigste infektiöse Ursache einer posterioren Uveitis. Diese Erhebung soll das derzeitige diagnostische und therapeutische Vorgehen bei OT in Deutschland evaluieren.

Material und Methoden

Ein detaillierter Fragebogen mit spezifischen Patientenbeispielen wurde im Juli 2021 an die Mitglieder der Sektion Uveitis der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft (DOG) und der Retinologischen Gesellschaft (RG) versandt.

Ergebnisse

Der Fragebogen wurde von 53 (29 RG und 24 DOG) Ophthalmologen beantwortet. Sechzehn (30 %) Befragte arbeiten in einer Praxis, 18 (34 %) in einer Klinik und 19 (36 %) in einer Universitätsklinik. Neun (17 %) Augenärzte (AÄ) betreuen weniger als 50, 28 (53 %) 50 bis 200 und 16 (30 %) mehr als 200 Uveitispatienten pro Jahr. Der klinische Befund gilt weiterhin als Goldstandard (87 %) für die Diagnose der OT und wird bei Erstmanifestation in 60 % durch spezifische serologische Antikörperuntersuchungen unterstützt. Eine Diagnose allein anhand des klinischen Befundes stellen 10 von 53 (19 %) AÄ, 25 (47 %) Befragte stützen sich auf einen Ig(Immunglobulin)M-Test, 6 (11 %) erwarteten einen IgG-Titer-Anstieg und einer (2 %) den Nachweis spezifischer IgA-Antikörper. Die Mehrheit (n = 28 [53 %]) der AÄ würde die Diagnose im Zweifelsfall durch eine Vorderkammerpunktion sichern; dabei präferieren 20 (38 %) die Polymerasekettenreaktion (PCR), 3 (6 %) die Bestimmung des Goldmann-Witmer-Koeffizienten und 5 (9 %) eine Kombination beider Verfahren. Zur Therapie wurde am häufigsten Clindamycin eingesetzt (n = 21 [40 %]), gefolgt von Pyrimethamin/Sulfadiazin (n = 17 [32 %]) und Trimethoprim + Sulfamethoxazol (TMP/SMX) (n = 10 [19 %]); Letzteres wird auch (n = 40 [75 %]) zur Sekundärprophylaxe eingesetzt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Ergebnisse lassen neben dem klinischen Befund als „Goldstandard“ zur Diagnosestellung kein einheitliches Vorgehen zu Diagnose und Therapie der OT erkennen. Die hohe Nachfrage nach Serum-IgM-Antikörpern weist auf eine weitverbreitete Unsicherheit über die Bedeutung serologischer Befunde hin. Dies ist angesichts der weiterhin hohen Seroprävalenz in Deutschland kritisch zu werten.
The impact of rehabilitation sport on breast cancer-related lymphoedema and quality of life
Authors: Boeer Bettina , Seller Anna , Schoenfisch Birgitt , krainick-Strobel Ute , Dietrich Andreas , Brucker Sara Y. , Wallwiener Diethelm , Niess Andreas , Hahn Markus
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Surgery and radiotherapy as part of breast cancer treatment can lead to lymphoedema of the upper extremities (breast cancer-related lymphoedema = BCRL) and reduce the quality of life (health-related quality of life = HRQoL). The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of paddling in a dragon boat (PP) on HRQoL and BCRL in breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods

Between April and October 2017, a prospective case–control study evaluated the effects of PP compared to a control group. In the paddle group (n = 28), weekly arm circumference measurements were taken at four defined anatomic areas of the arm before and after training; in the control group (n = 70), the measurements were taken once a month. At the beginning and end of the study, questionnaires from both groups (SF 36, EORTC QLQ C30) were evaluated to understand the differences in HRQoL.

Results

The paddle group started with a higher HRQoL compared to the control group. Most interesting, whether the affected or unaffected arm, whether before or after training—the arm circumference decreased over time in the paddling group. A pre-existing lymphoedema was not negatively influenced by paddling. In the paddle group, the physical health was constant over the season, while the physical health of the control group decreased significantly over time.

Conclusion

PP in a dragon boat does not lead to the development or worsening of pre-existing lymphoedema due to breast cancer therapy, and seems to have a positive effect on the quality of life.
Post-hepatectomy venous thromboembolism: a systematic review with meta-analysis exploring the role of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Karunakaran Monish , Kaur Ramneek , Ismail Simi , Cherukuru Sushma , Jonnada Pavan Kumar , Senadhipan Baiju , Barreto Savio George
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Patients undergoing hepatectomy are at moderate-to-high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study critically examines the efficacy of combining pharmacological (PTP) and mechanical thromboprophylaxis (MTP) versus only MTP in reducing VTE events against the risk of hemorrhagic complications.

Methods

A systematic review of major reference databases was undertaken, and a meta-analysis was performed using common-effects model. Risk of bias assessment was performed using Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to assess the precision and conclusiveness of the results.

Results

8 studies (n = 4238 patients) meeting inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Use of PTP + MTP was found to be associated with significantly lower VTE rates compared to only MTP (2.5% vs 5.3%; pooled RR 0.50, p = 0.03, I2 = 46%) with minimal type I error. PTP + MTP was not associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic complications (3.04% vs 1.9%; pooled RR 1.54, p = 0.11, I2 = 0%) and had no significant impact on post-operative length of stay (12.1 vs 10.8 days; pooled MD − 0.66, p = 0.98, I2 = 0%) and mortality (2.9% vs 3.7%; pooled RR 0.73, p = 0.33, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Despite differences in the baseline patient characteristics, extent of hepatectomy, PTP regimens, and heterogeneity in the pooled analysis, the current study supports the use of PTP in post-hepatectomy patients (grade of recommendation: strong) as the combination of PTP + MTP is associated with a significantly lower incidence of VTE (level of evidence, moderate), without an increased risk of post-hepatectomy hemorrhage (level of evidence, low).
Market Clearing and Krusell-Smith Algorithm in an Economy with Multiple Assets
Authors: Bakota Ivo
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a novel method to compute the Krusell and Smith (1997, 1998) algorithm, used for solving heterogeneous-agents models with aggregate risk and incomplete markets when households can save in more than one asset. When used to solve a model with more than one asset, the standard algorithm has to impose equilibria for each additional asset (find the market-clearing price) in each period simulated. This procedure entails root-finding in each period, which is computationally expensive. I show that it is possible to avoid root-finding at this level by not imposing equilibria each period, but instead temporarily suspending market clearing. The proposed method then updates the law of motion for asset prices by using the information on the excess demand for assets via a Newton-like method. Since the method avoids the root-finding for each time period simulated, it leads to a significant reduction in computation time. In the example model with two assets, the proposed version of the algorithm leads to an 80% decrease in computational time, even when measured conservatively. This method is potentially useful in computing general equilibrium asset-pricing models with risky and safe assets, featuring both aggregate and uninsurable idiosyncratic risk, since methods that use linearisation in the neighborhood of the aggregate steady state are considered to be less accurate than global solution methods for such models.
DeTi: A Decentralized Ticketing Management Platform
Authors: Rafati Niya Sina , Bachmann Simon , Brasser Claudio , Bucher Michael , Spielmann Nicolas , Stiller Burkhard
Published: July 2022

Event tickets being sold in their electronic instances are subject to counterfeiting, profiteering, and black markets. Therefore, suitable service management mechanisms are required to overcome such deficits. This work designs, develops, and evaluates the approach of a Decentralized Ticketing platform—called DeTi—for managing the distribution of electronic event tickets and “regulating” the aftermarket. DeTi offers a dedicated service management functionality by operating through Smart Contracts of Ethereum, such that users can verify tickets’ validity for a given event. Especially, a new mechanism for users to detect fraudulent events is introduced, too. The evaluation performed indicates that DeTi invalidates or validates tickets efficiently via its decentralized and BC-based service management approach. By securing technically a set of underlying processes, DeTi obviates forging, replication, and scalping of tickets, allowing for a well-managed resale ecosystem of tickets based on and limited to the organizers’ initial pricing.
The Spiritual Supporter Scale as a New Tool for Assessing Spiritual Care Competencies in Professionals: Design, Validation, and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Fopka-Kowalczyk Małgorzata , Best Megan , Krajnik Małgorzata
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to design, validate and standardize the Spiritual Supporter (SpSup) Scale, a tool designed to assess competency to provide spiritual care including knowledge, sensitivity to spiritual needs and spiritual support skills. This instrument can be used by all those engaged in or training for caregiving roles. The study was conducted in Poland in the Polish language. The SpSup Scale demonstrates high overall reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.88), a satisfactory diagnostic accuracy (0.79), and a satisfactory discriminatory power of the items. Given the psychometric properties of SpSup Scale demonstrated here, the scale is recommended for the assessment of the competency to provide spiritual care in both clinical and research settings in Poland.
Cracks identification using mask region-based denoised deformable convolutional network
Authors: Kee Kia Wei , Lim King Hann , Lim Chin Hong , Lim Wen Loong , Yap Huei Ee
Published: July 2022

Cracks are one of the critical structural defects in building assessment to determine the integrity of civil structure. Structural surveying process using computer vision is required to automatically identify cracks. The application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) is limited by its fixed geometric kernels to extract the irregular shape of cracks. In this paper, a mask Region-based Denoised Deformable Convolutional Network (R-DDCN) is proposed to detect cracks for accurate instance segmentation and image classification. Denoised deformable convolution is introduced to improve the modeling capability of convolution layer. It adopts the existing deformable convolution, with non-local means as a denoising mechanism to optimize the augmentation of spatial sampling locations with filtered offsets. Experimental results show that the proposed mask R-DDCN has lower validation loss and improved mean accuracy precision of mAP75 from 66.7% to 76.7% as compared to the mask R-CNN. Mask R-DDCN can perform better modeling capability in cracks identification.
The Privileged Life of a Theoretical Observer
Authors: Gough Douglas
Published: July 2022

This is a summary of my scientific career, biased by my personal view of events and unashamedly concentrating on those aspects of some of the scientific developments to which I have contributed. A selective unbiased alternative has been written by Christensen-Dalsgaard and Thompson (A selective overview. In: Thompson, M.J., Christensen-Dalsgaard, J. (Eds.) Stellar Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, pp. 1 – 19, 2003), followed by some further remarks by Christensen-Dalsgaard (Unsolved Problems in Stellar Physics: A Conference in Honour of Douglas Gough, American Institute of Physics Conference Series, 948, xii, 2007).
Early career experiences of international medical program graduates: An international, longitudinal, mixed-methods study
Authors: Brouwer Emmaline E. , Van Rossum Tiuri R. , Frambach Janneke M. , Driessen Erik W.
Published: July 2022

Introduction Increasingly medical students pursue medical education abroad. Graduates from International Medical Programs (IMPs) practice globally, yet how to prepare students for an unknown international environment is complex. Following IMP graduates throughout their early careers, this study offers insights into gaps in current undergraduate education. Methods In this international, longitudinal, mixed-methods study, 188 graduates from seven IMPs completed baseline surveys on career choice and job preparedness. Forty-two participants completed follow-up until three years after graduation. Nine graduates participated in semi-structured interviews on individual experiences and the evolution of their perspectives. The multiphase, sequential design allowed data collected at baseline to inform further data collection instruments. Results Two typical student profiles emerged. The first depicts a student who, despite the challenges of studying abroad, pursues a medical degree ‘anyhow’, with a common aim of practicing in their home country. The other deliberately selects an IMP while envisaging an international career. Two years after graduation, the majority (> 70%) of our participants were practicing in a country other than their country of training. They reported challenges around licensing, the job application process and health system familiarization. Participants’ experiences point towards potential curriculum adaptations to facilitate cross-border transitions, including career guidance, networking and entrance exam preparation.
Application of biochar-based photocatalysts for adsorption-(photo)degradation/reduction of environmental contaminants: mechanism, challenges and perspective
Authors: Lu Yin , Cai Yawen , Zhang Sai , Zhuang Li , Hu Baowei , Wang Suhua , Chen Jianrong , Wang Xiangke
Published: July 2022

The fast increase of population results in the quick development of industry and agriculture. Large amounts of contaminants such as metal ions and organic contaminants are released into the natural environment, posing a risk to human health and causing environment ecosystem problems. The efficient elimination of contaminants from aqueous solutions, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants or the in-situ solidification/immobilization of heavy metal ions in solid phases are the most suitable strategies to decontaminate the pollution. Biochar and biochar-based composites have attracted multidisciplinary interests especially in environmental pollution management because of their porous structures, large amounts of functional groups, high adsorption capacities and photocatalysis performance. In this review, the application of biochar and biochar-based composites as adsorbents and/or catalysts for the adsorption of different contaminants, adsorption-photodegradation of organic pollutants, and adsorption-(photo)reduction of metal ions are summarized, and the mechanism was discussed from advanced spectroscopy analysis and DFT calculation in detail. The doping of metal or metal oxides is the main strategy to narrow the band gap, to increase the generation and separation of photogenerated e−-h+pairs, to produce more superoxide radicals (·O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), to enhance the visible light absorption and to increase photocatalysis performance, which dominate the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and (photo)reduction of high valent metals to low valent metals. The biochar-based composites are environmentally friendly materials, which are promising candidates in environmental pollution cleanup. The challenge and perspective for biochar-based catalysts are provided in the end.

Graphical Abstract
Adaptive Bird-Like Genome Miniaturization During the Evolution of Scallop Swimming Lifestyle
Authors: Li Yuli , Liu Yaran , Yu Hongwei , Liu Fuyun , Han Wentao , Zeng Qifan , Zhang Yuehuan , Zhang Lingling , Hu Jingjie , Bao Zhenmin , Wang Shi
Published: July 2022

Genome miniaturization drives key evolutionary innovations of adaptive traits in vertebrates, such as the flight evolution of birds. However, whether similar evolutionary processes exist in invertebrates remains poorly understood. Derived from the second-largest animal phylum, scallops are a special group of bivalve molluscs and acquire the evolutionary novelty of the swimming lifestyle, providing excellent models for investigating the coordinated genome and lifestyle evolution. Here, we show for the first time that genome sizes of scallops exhibit a generally negative correlation with locomotion activity. To elucidate the co-evolution of genome size and swimming lifestyle, we focus on the Asian moon scallop (Amusium pleuronectes) that possesses the smallest known scallop genome while being among scallops with the highest swimming activity. Whole-genome sequencing of A. pleuronectes reveals highly conserved chromosomal macrosynteny and microsynteny, suggestive of a highly contracted but not degenerated genome. Genome reduction of A. pleuronectes is facilitated by significant inactivation of transposable elements, leading to reduced gene length, elevated expression of genes involved in energy-producing pathways, and decreased copy numbers and expression levels of biomineralization-related genes. Similar evolutionary changes of relevant pathways are also observed for bird genome reduction with flight evolution. The striking mimicry of genome miniaturization underlying the evolution of bird flight and scallop swimming unveils the potentially common, pivotal role of genome size fluctuation in the evolution of novel lifestyles in the animal kingdom.
Are Endogenous Androgens Linked to Female Sexuality? A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Maseroli E , Ravelli SA , Rastrelli G , Cipriani S , Vignozzi L
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The benefits of treatment with testosterone (T) in women with loss of desire suggest that low androgens may distinguish women with sexual dysfunction (SD) from others; however, evidence on this point is lacking.

Objective

To answer the question: is there an association between endogenous levels of androgens and sexual function in women?

Methods

An extensive search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and PsycInfo. Four separate meta-analyses were conducted for total T, free T, Free Androgen Index (FAI) and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). Cohort, cross-sectional and prospective studies were included.The main outcome was the association between endogenous androgens and sexual desire. Global sexual function was considered as a secondary outcome. The effect measure was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results

The meta-analysis on total T included 34 studies involving 3268 women, mean age 36.5 years. In 11 studies, a significant association was found between sexual desire, measured by validated psychometric instruments, and total T [SMD=0.59 (0.29; 0.88), p<0.0001], with a moderate effect. The association with global sexual function (n=12 studies) was also significant [SMD=0.44 (0.21; 0.67), p<0.0001]. Overall, total T was associated with a better sexual function [SMD=0.55 (0.28; 0.82), p<0.0001], with similar results obtained when Poor quality studies were removed. No association was found between total T and sexual function in PCOS or healthy women. Age showed a negative relationship with the overall outcome. No differences were found when stratifying the studies according to menopausal status, relationship status, method for T measurement (immunoassays, radioimmunoassays or mass spectrometry) or phase of the menstrual cycle. The meta-analysis of T derivatives (free T and FAI) also showed a significant, moderate association with sexual desire. In contrast, DHEAS seems not to exert any significant influence on desire, whilst showing a positive association with global sexual function.

Conclusions

There appears to be a moderate association between total T levels and sexual desire/global sexual function, which is confirmed, although weak, in studies employing LC-MS. Similar results on desire were obtained for free T and FAI. DHEAS only showed a positive association with global sexual function. More research is needed.

Disclosure

No
Is it Time for FPMRS to Prescribe Vibrators?
Authors: Dubinskaya A , Horwitz R , Shoureshi P , Anger J , Scott V , Eilber K
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Only recently, the stigma of women using vibrators for sexual pleasure has started to fade. However, for many it still remains a taboo and surrounded with anxiety despite a variety of potential health benefits from its use. Due to the sensitive nature of the conditions Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) specialists treat, they are best suited to review and recommend vibrators to women as a health maintenance intervention.

Objective

The aim of this review is to evaluate the current utilization and recommendations of vibrator use.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, Ovid and the Cochrane databases from inception to January 2021. The search was based on the keywords: "sex toy woman", "pelvic vibrator", "sexual stimulation vibrator", "vaginal vibrator” "vibrator pelvic floor", “vibrator incontinence”. Five hundred forty-nine relevant articles were identified. Studies that met inclusion criteria (original research, female subjects, vibrators studied for health benefit) were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included expert opinion or content was not related to our aims. A total of 17 original studies met the criteria and were reviewed in depth.

Results

The studies naturally fell into four topics: sexual function (8), pelvic floor muscles (2), incontinence (6), and vulvodynia (1) . Among the identified studies, vibrators were considered as an accepted modality to enhance a woman's sexual experience, positively correlated with increased sexual desire, satisfaction, and overall sexual function. Vibratory stimulation can improve pelvic floor muscles strength, vulvodynia, and incontinence.

Conclusions

Vibrators are not well studied and given the promising benefits demonstrated in the articles identified, more research efforts should be directed towards investigating their utility. Considering the potential pelvic health benefits of vibrators, their recommendation to women should be included in our pelvic floor disorder treatment armamentarium.

Disclosure

No
Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Reddit Analysis of the Lost Libido
Authors: Belcher R , Sim D , Meykler M , Owens-Walton J , Hassan N , Rubin R , Malik R
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) encompasses difficulties with sexual desire, libido, arousal, orgasm and pain. These medical problems are often multi-factorial in origin and can cause significant distress to patients. FSD can be a particularly sensitive topic to discuss, and patients may not feel comfortable seeking help from healthcare providers.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the experience of women with low libido on Reddit, an anonymous forum-based platform that allows users to interact with a global audience, to gain a better understanding of how FSD affects patients.

Methods

The subreddit “TwoXChromosomes” was queried using the Reddit Application Programming Interface (API) for posts using the keywords “libido” and “sex drive”. Posts that were deleted, archived or unrelated to themes of FSD were excluded. Threads were qualitatively analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Five independent researchers read and coded each thread identifying dominant themes and emergent concepts.

Results

Qualitative analysis of eighty five threads and approximately 2,900 comments resulted in 5 preliminary themes: medications effects on libido, the interplay between libido and relationships, the purpose of sex, the psychological impact of FSD, and challenges with healthcare. Users frequently described a decrease in libido secondary to medications, particularly antidepressants and hormonal birth control, with resolution upon stopping or switching medications. Users with low libido also reported positive sexual/romantic relationships, suggesting that their sexual dysfunction is unrelated to their partner; however, many posters discussed the challenges navigating a relationship with mismatched libido. Users discussed the role sex plays in relationships, whether as way to develop intimacy between partners or to achieve orgasm. Additionally, users described feeling distressed and anxious about their FSD. Finally, posters expressed dissatisfaction with healthcare providers and the healthcare system when trying to address their concerns.

Conclusions

Reddit serves as a resource and support group for users experiencing FSD. Posters share their experiences with low libido and its effect on their relationships. Many women discussed various psychological consequences of FSD, which suggests that a patient-centered approach is critical in managing FSD. Similarly, our research demonstrates a gap between provider based sexual health care concerns and patient concerns, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of and improved provider education about FSD.

Disclosure

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Sprout (Raliegh, NC), Absorption Pharmaceuticals, Urovant Sciences, Inc.
#Menopause: The Menopause Ontology Project
Authors: Davenport A , Elissa T , Kingsberg S , Iglesia C
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Medical professionals and patients increasingly utilize social media to connect and share healthcare information. Twitter is a popular social media platform with 186 million users in 2020 alone. Twitter users employ hashtags-terms or phrases proceeded by the “#” symbol-to aggregate data about related subjects. Hashtag ontologies are groups of hashtags used to standardize terminology and facilitate easier communication.

Objective

To create a hashtag ontology specific to menopause.

Methods

This study analyzed tweets including the hashtag #menopause between November 2019 and November 2021 to identify co-occurring hashtags related to menopause. Tweets performed by the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, North American Menopause Society, International Menopause Society, and International Society of Sexual Medicine amongst others were included in analysis. To analyze hashtag utilization amongst all Twitter users, hashtags from the “Top” tweets Twitter search function from October 2021 were also analyzed. Co-occurring hashtags were recorded as well as the type of user who performed the tweet during the “Top” tweets analysis. The Society of Gynecologic Surgeons hashtag ontology was also reviewed as a cross reference and for completeness. Social media influencers and experts reviewed and edited the hashtag list. The hashtags were then grouped by subject and the ontology was finalized.

Results

We analyzed three-hundred eighty-two tweets with #menopause. Major societies produced 231 tweets and expert influencers produced 53 tweets. Using the “Top” tweets search function from October 2021, we identified 98 additional tweets. Of the users included in the “Top” tweets, 40% were patient advocates or advocacy groups; 38% were medical professionals, academics, societies, or journals; and 22% were general users. In total, 123 unique hashtags were identified. After social media influencer and expert review, 32 hashtags were included in the final ontology. The ontology was then grouped into the following categories based on subject matter: general, premature menopause, hormones, sexual function, and genital disorders. The finalized ontology appears in Table 1.

Conclusions

Social media is an important tool for medical professionals and patients. Our study is the first to develop a hashtag ontology specific to menopause. Adoption of a hashtag ontology with standardized terminology by medical professionals may facilitate easier communication with peers and patients.

Disclosure

No
Sextual Relationships: Is Sexting a Relationship Enhancer in Intimate Partner Relationships?
Authors: Baker A
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Humans have expressed erotic desires with written words for millennia, and sexting has become one of the newest ways of expressing these desires. A few scholars have investigated the association between sexting and satisfaction within a relationship, and this study seeks to add to the ongoing literature. Previous studies have demonstrated a significant relationship between sexting and relationship/sexual satisfaction.

Objective

Sexting and attachment styles have also been studied showing that each attachment style utilizes sexting in different ways. This study examined relationships between sexting and (a) sexual satisfaction, (b) relationship satisfaction, (c) sexual communication, and (d) general communication.

Methods

A convenience sample of 465 adults completed an anonymous online survey discussing their intimate partner relationship.

Results

This study found that the frequency of sexting had a positive association with all relationship outcomes. It was also found that individuals who were more securely attached sexted less frequently. Whereas higher levels of sexual communication and general communication predicted higher sexting frequency.

Conclusions

This study explored the positive impact sexting can have on these important relationship constructs. This research provides clinicians and educators alike with reliable data that can assist them with informing adult clients on ways they can utilize sexting in a meaningful and positive way.

Disclosure

No
Myocardial Infarction: Need for Sexual Counseling for Both Partners
Authors: Bachmann GA , Hutchinson-Colas J , Tarabey S , Kostis J
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Data suggest that sexual function issues are not uniformly addressed in individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction (MI). Fewer sex counseling opportunities are offered to the spouse/sexual partner (who also may have health issues) regarding the stress they may experience in engaging in a sexual relation with a partner who underwent this event. The CDC reported that over a five-year period (2012-2016), there were more than 10 million MI/stroke admissions in the US. Many individuals develop sexual dysfunction after an MI. Not only is the MI survivor affected, but the marital dyad is negatively affected as well. These data suggest that sexual counseling should be routinely provided to both the individual who has had an MI and to their sexual partner.

Objective

This literature review aims to review and assess the consistency and adequacy of sexual counseling that is offered to MI survivors and their partners. It also aims to review the possible benefits of sexual counseling for MI survivors and their partners.

Methods

A literature review was conducted on sexual function of MI survivors with the specific focus on sexual counseling provided to these individuals and to their sexual partners. PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar were used with keyword combinations that included, “sexual function after MI/stroke,” “sexual satisfaction,” and “sexual counseling”.

Results

In the 12-month period after an MI, ∼36-48% of men and ∼46-59% of women reported a decrease in sexual activity. Reasons for diminished sexual activity included not only fear of triggering another MI that may be fatal, but also emotional issues, such as depression, and physical limitations. However, sexual relations after an MI do not appear to increase mortality to a significant degree. That is, maintaining or increasing sexual activity frequency after the first six months after MI is associated with improved survival, as shown by studies such as the Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients’ Health Status (TRIUMPH) registry. Despite these data, it appears that few clinicians include sexual health counseling for this population. Of even greater concern, MI survivors are often told to restrict sexual activity. Also of concern, there are no data that address the need for partners to have counseling as well in order to address their sexual needs and concerns. Partners also should be counseled, as many may be concerned about sexual activity triggering an MI recurrence in their partner.

Conclusions

With all the benefits of sexual activity, including emotional wellness, improved physical fitness, reduction of inflammation and cortisol response to stress, sexual health and wellness discussions should be included as part of the post-MI visits. Partners also should be offered sexual counseling by the clinician as well. Sexual wellness for both partners may positively impact a stronger relationship and decrease marital stress.

Disclosure

No
Beneficial Effects of Intrarosa® (Vaginal Prasterone) on the Vaginal Histology of Women With VVA Treated or not With Aromatase Inhibitors: A Breakthrough in the Understanding of the Role of Androgens in Vaginal Health
Authors: Bouchard C , Ouellet J , Coté I , Dumas M , Dury A
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The vaginal mucosa relies on a constant turnover of its epithelium to remain healthy. Epithelial parabasal cells divide and fill up with glycogen as they get pushed towards the vaginal lumen. They end up desquamating and releasing glycogen for the resident lactobacilli to feed on and acidify the medium. The stimulation required for this quintessential mechanism to go on has historically been attributed to estrogens, however, growing clinical evidence supports that androgens may play a role. Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are used in breast cancer survivors to completely inhibit the synthesis of estrogens. Administering a steroid precursor such as prasterone (DHEA) to patients suffering from vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and taking AI will therefore only result in local synthesis of androgens, but no estrogens.

Objective

We set out to compare the histological changes an atrophic vaginal mucosa goes through with prasterone treatment, with and without exclusion of the estrogenic benefits by AI.

Methods

A Wittner punch was used to collect biopsies both before and after 12 weeks of treatment with 6.5 mg intravaginal prasterone daily (Intrarosa®). Upon collection, samples were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded for further processing. Morphological assessment of the biopsies was conducted using Masson's trichrome staining. Six menopausal women suffering from VVA and meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited, as well as two breast cancer survivors on AI.

Results

The degree of epithelial atrophy visible at baseline histology for VVA patients was variable, but all six patients had the histological characteristics of a thick, healthy epithelium by the end of the study.  At baseline, both patients on aromatase inhibitors had a very thin, flattened epithelium. Following treatment with prasterone and despite the aromatase inhibitors, the epithelium showed striking histological improvements, regaining thickness, ridges and glycogen synthesis.

Conclusions

Although there is some level of clinical evidence in the literature suggesting that androgens can help treat symptoms of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), data presented here are believed to be the first demonstration of profound beneficial effects of androgens on VVA, independently from estrogens. While further studies are warranted to better understand the respective contributions of androgens and estrogens to the benefits observed with prasterone in the treatment of GSM, the data presented here strongly suggests that androgens play a significant role in the physiopathology of VVA.

Disclosure

Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endoceutics
The Eclipse of Classical Thought in China and The West
Authors: Gordley James
Published: July 2022

For centuries, the starting points for serious thought about ethics, justice, and government were traditions founded, in China by Confucius, and in the West by his near contemporary Socrates. In both classical traditions, norms were based on human nature; to contravene these norms was to deny part of one's humanity. The Chinese and Western philosophical traditions have often been regarded as mutually unintelligible. This book shows that the differences can only be understood by examining where they converge. It describes the role of these traditions in two political achievements: the formation of the constitutions of Song dynasty China and the American Republic. Both traditions went into eclipse for similar reasons but with quite different consequences: in China, the growth of absolutism, and in the West, the inability of modern political and ethical thought to defend the most fundamental values.
Education through smoke and ash: thinking without method and the argument for a post-growth education
Authors: White Ricky John , Wolfe Melissa Joy
Published: July 2022

This paper speculates as to the material consequences of the ecological crisis for the current objectives of the education system in the State of Victoria. Drawing upon new materialist thought, it presents a post-qualitative inquiry into the lead author’s experiences as an educator during a 2014 fire event in the Latrobe Valley region of Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, known as the Hazelwood Coal Mine Fire. By engaging in thinking without method it unfolds an argument that a political preference for certain theories has resulted in economic growth becoming a key objective of Victoria’s education system. It explores alternative theoretical perspectives, including the theory that there are limits to growth. This theoretical shift implies that any meaningful response to the ecological crisis will require a transition to a post-growth society. The paper considers the implication of this alternative theory for the current objectives of the education system in the State of Victoria. In so doing, it considers what it might mean if we accepted our response-ability to educate for a post-growth society rather than for a society surrounded by smoke and ash.
On the structure of (personal) pronouns in Inuktut
Authors: Compton Richard
Published: July 2022

This article examines the internal structure of personal pronouns in Inuktut. Building on previous work on syntactic variation and universals in personal pronoun systems (Harley and Ritter 2002, Ghomeshi and Massam 2020) and drawing on arguments that these and demonstrative pronouns are structurally complex (Déchaine and Wiltschko 2002, Leu 2015), it is argued that Inuktut pronouns are morphosyntactically complex, with exponents realizing multiple functional heads as well as an overt root. In particular, it is claimed that (local) person is represented twice, both as a root and in a higher functional projection. Previous arguments that Inuktut pronouns should instead be analyzed as D heads based on Adnominal Pronoun Constructions are also addressed (Yuan 2018, 2021).
Bricolage and Innovation in the Emergence and Development of the Spanish Tourism Industry
Authors: Hernández-Barahona Jorge , San Román Elena , Gil-López Águeda
Published: July 2022

Following the seminal work of Lévi-Strauss, developed by Baker and Nelson and Duymedjian and Rüling, this paper analyzes the role that entrepreneurial bricolage played as an innovation tool in the origins and growth of four important Spanish tourism companies: Meliá, Barceló, Iberostar, and Riu. Their development has been deeply embedded in the island of Majorca (Spain), whose historical market conditions shaped and drove the companies’ bricolage actions. Entrepreneurial bricolage has generally been studied from a short-term perspective; however, this work adopts a dynamic approach that, instead of focusing on the concept of bricolage, aims to explain its evolution over time. To this end, four historical and qualitative case studies are used. The main contribution made by this paper is that the four companies did not limit their bricolage actions to contexts of scarcity but made this type of entrepreneurship a regular mechanism in their business practices, as the island’s tourism context thrived. However, the resulting innovations, as well as their main drivers, did indeed change over time.
When Do First Ladies Run for Office? Lessons from Latin America
Authors: Arana Araya Ignacio , Guerrero Valencia Carolina
Published: July 2022

Between 1999 and 2016, 20 former first ladies ran 26 times for the presidency, vice presidency, or Congress in Latin America. Despite the growing importance of this unique type of candidate, political analysts routinely describe them as mere delegates of ex-presidents. We argue that this view has overlooked the political trajectory of former first ladies, and we claim that women with elected political experience should be regarded as politicians who use the ceremonial role of first lady as a platform to enhance their careers. We hypothesize that first ladies with elected political experience are more likely to run for office as soon as they leave the executive branch. We test our argument by analyzing the 90 former first ladies who were eligible to become candidates in 18 Latin American countries from 1999 to 2016. The results support our argument, opening a new research agenda in the study of women’s representation.
The Importance of Being Serious
Authors: Ladd Marco
Published: July 2022

What exactly is operetta? As a genre it seems defined by its lack of definition, by its inherent in-betweenness. On an aesthetic scale defined by opera at one end and music hall, revue and burlesque at the other, it lies somewhere in the middle. But where? True, it is difficult to disentangle operetta from the various kinds of variety theatre; it shares their fondness for a chorus line and a catchy refrain. On the other hand, the name operetta suggests a love–hate relationship with opera, its high-brow relative. ‘Little opera’ is generally shorter than opera (though what about concise classics of ‘big opera’ such as La bohème?), funnier than opera (though what about comic touchstones such as Il barbiere di Siviglia?) and less serious than opera (though the satirical bent of some operettas can be taken seriously). Perhaps, then, the difference is that it takes itself less seriously, with fewer pretensions to grandeur and more concessions to popular taste. Capitalising unashamedly on its popularity through promotional tie-ins, flaunting musical numbers poised to become well-known hits on the bandstand or on the mechanical piano, and almost invariably giving spectators the happy ending they desire: operetta is selling out, in all senses of the phrase.
Writing the History of Postwar European Democracy
Authors: Nielsen Philipp
Published: July 2022

In 1998, Mark Mazower concluded his Dark Continent: Europe's Twentieth Century with the thought that Europeans rest content to be no longer at the centre of history and politics. They should enjoy the economic and political stability they had gained instead. ‘If Europeans can give up their desperate desire to find a single workable definition of themselves and if they can accept a more modest place in the world, they may come to terms more easily with the diversity and dissension which will be as much their future as their past’.1 As the title of Mazower's book suggested, this scholar of southeastern Europe writing in the wake of the Yugoslav civil war was not sanguine about the history of democracy on the continent. Contested and weak in the first half of the twentieth century, its liberal parliamentary kind continued to find a strong challenger in the people's democracy of the Eastern Bloc, which at least gave it a mission. Post 1990, Mazower saw disorientation about the continent's future political direction, and predicted instead the victory of capitalism. Indeed, to him the European Union was more a concession by its constituent states in order to maintain or regain prosperous national economies than a bold democratic endeavour.2
Locating a cultural identity in the use of metaphorical proverbs among the Tai Ahoms of Assam: a study through oral literature
Authors: Phukan Khammoun , Nath Arup K.
Published: July 2022

This article is an attempt to explore the role of Tai Ahom proverbs as a marker of cultural identity in the realm of postmodern society. Using or choosing culturally driven speech in communication is a linguistic behaviour which reflects the character of the people, their worldview, and thus their uniqueness or difference from the ‘other’. In another way, this might be a conscious way of projecting self. This qualitative study on proverbs of Tai Ahom language and culture adopts the methods of ethnography and textual analysis. A cultural hermeneutic model, along with the participant observation method, was used to collect the data. Finally, the Tai Ahom community of Sivasagar district of Assam, India was chosen as the locus for the research. The findings show that the proverbs are deeply woven by the Ahom community's cultural heritage, history, pride, advice, and satire. Hence, this article provides an insight into Tai Ahoms’ way of living and their worldview. In locating the Tai Ahom's cultural identity within the homogenised bigger community of ‘Assamese’ or akhomiya, this study could help in understanding the differences or uniqueness of the Tai Ahom and thereby the Assamese identity in the present context.