bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19 Infection Treated within the Intensive Care Units During the Pandemic Surge in NYC
Authors: Menger Richard , Valerio Ian
Published: November 2020

BackgroundCOVID-19 resulted in a worldwide pandemic that at the time of this writing resulted in over 200,000 deaths within the United States. During the pandemic surge in New York City, NY, a number of military Medical Corps (MC) and Nurse Corps (NC) providers were mobilized in direct support of critical care capabilities through expansion intensive care units. In the course of the deployment, high rates of neurological-related manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection were directly observed by our military provider teams which will be described and supporting literature highlighted.Case ReportExperiences of a group of mobilized providers including anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, and other physician specialists were integrated as attending intensive care unit providers as part of the Navy Medicine Support Team (NMST) during the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Defense (DoD) collective response – i.e. Operation Gotham. Various neurological manifestations diagnosed in patients suffering from COVID-19 infection were identified and are reported to illustrate some of the unique considerations in the care of these critically ill patients. The neurological manifestations of COVID-19 varied in presentation and severity. Cerebral vascular injuries documented included strokes, iatrogenic intraparenchymal hemorrhage, hypoxic-related changes and sequalae, as well as acquired diseases secondary to delayed treatment of other primary neurologic disease states. Hypercoagulable and inflammatory markers (d-dimer, CRP, etc) were commonly elevated, and anticoagulation became a key factor in disease treatment and to help mitigate the downstream neurologic sequalae associated with this disease.ConclusionPatients suffering from COVID-19 infection may suffer severe end organ neurologic compromise that should be directly acknowledged and addressed in both the initial and long-term intensive care unit setting. Familiarity and integration of the latest stroke intervention criteria combined with best possible neurologic examination is critical in the medical management and treatment of these patients. Further investigation is warranted with additional studies delving into the pathophysiologic, radiographic, and clinical levels of COVID-19 infection and manifestations.
The effect of newly designed dual-channel elastomeric pump for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomised, double-blind, prospective study
Authors: Oh Seok Kyeong , Kim Heezoo , Kim Young Sung , Lee Chung Hun , Oh Jung Suk , Kwon Dae Hui
Published: November 2020

Background: A newly designed intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device with dual-channel elastomeric infusion pump has been recently introduced. One channel is a continuous line with a constant flow rate basal infusion, while the other channel has an adjustable flow rate and bolus function, and is labeled as a selector-bolus channel. This study compared dual and single channel intravenous PCA in terms of clinical effect and quality of recovery.Methods: Eighty-four patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly allocated to a 1-channel group (n = 41) or a 2-channel group (n = 43). Only the selector-bolus channel was utilised, but the continuous channel was not utilised in the 1-channel group, but both channels were utilised in the 2-channel group. In the 1-channel group, 16 µg/kg fentanyl, 2 mg/kg ketorolac, and 12 mg ondansetron with normal saline was administered to the selector-bolus channel, and normal saline only in the continuous channel for blinding. In the 2-channel group, 16 µg/kg fentanyl was administered to the selector-bolus channel, and ketorolac (2 mg/kg) and ondansetron (12 mg) were administered via the continuous channel. The quality of recovery was evaluated preoperatively and 24 h postoperatively using the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40). Cumulative PCA consumption, postoperative pain rated using the numeric rating scale (NRS; during rest/cough), and postoperative nausea were evaluated 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after surgery. Incidence of vomiting and use of antiemetics and rescue analgesics were measured.Results: The 24-h postoperative QoR-40 score was higher in the 2-channel group than in the 1-channel group (P=0.031). The incidence of nausea at 12 h and 36 h was significantly higher in the 1-channel group (P=0.043 and 0.040, respectively), and antiemetic use was more frequent in the 1-channel group (P=0.049). Patient satisfaction was higher in the 2-channel group (P=0.036). No significant differences were observed in pain scores during resting/cough or cumulative PCA consumption.Conclusions: The 2-channel PCA showed a lower incidence of nausea and antiemetics administration, and consequently higher overall patient satisfaction and quality of recovery with comparable analgesic efficacy to that of the 1-channel PCA after total laparoscopic hysterectomy.Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04082039 on 9 September 2019.
The Increase of Short-term Heat Exposure Temperature at Extreme Range Decreased Phosphofructokinase-1 Activity and AMPK Phosphorylation in Postmortem Chicken Breast Muscle
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Zhai Chaoyu , Luo Xin , Lin Hai , Zhang Minghao , Zhu Lixian , Nair Mahesh N. , Liang Rongrong
Published: November 2020

Preslaughter exposure to high ambient temperature could accelerate postmortem glycolysis and impair chicken breast (pectoralis major muscle) quality. However, previous studies indicated that it might be different when the temperature of short-term heat exposure (SHE) raises to extreme range (above 38°C). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of SHE in the range of extreme temperatures (36°C, 38°C, and 40°C) on the activity of glycolytic enzymes and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in postmortem muscles. The activity of key glycolytic enzymes and phosphorylation of Threonine 172 in AMPK α subunit (p-AMPK-α[Thr172]) during early postmortem (0.1, 1, 2, and 4 h) and the muscle pH decline (0.1, 1, 2, 4, and 24 h) were evaluated. SHE did not affect (P > 0.05) glycogen phosphorylase a (GPa) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activity within 4 h postmortem. However, the phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) activity and phosphorylation of AMPK-α[Thr172] decreased (P < 0.05) as antemortem SHE temperature increased from 36°C to 40°C, which could explain the faster pH decline in the 36°C group at 1 h and 2 h postmortem (P < 0.05), and it could be attributed to proteotoxic stress response resulting from extreme heat exposure. Hexokinase (HK) activity was also affected by the SHE temperature (P < 0.05) with the 36°C group having the highest (P < 0.05) activity within 4 h postmortem. The results of the current study, for the first time, indicated that the increase of antemortem SHE temperature at extreme range does not always accelerate the pH decline rate and increase postmortem glycolytic enzyme activity and AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and that the postmortem metabolism is dependent on SHE temperature. Further research is necessary to explore the biochemical basis of this temperature-dependent pH decline, glycolytic enzyme activity, and AMPK phosphorylation.
Early Life Bacterial Succession Under Different Diet Regime Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Nikouli Eleni , Kormas Konstantinos , Jin Yang , Olsen Yngvar , Bakke Ingrid , Vadstein Olav
Published: November 2020

Backgound: The present study investigated the effect of different lipid source in the feed on the colonization and the bacterial succession in early life stages (fertilized eggs until 93 days post first feeding) of S. salar. The two diets used in this study, FD (fish oil based diet) and VD (vegetable oil based diet), were formulated to cover the fish nutritional requirements and except the lipid source the components were identical between them. Hindgut samples collected at 0, 35, 65 and 93 days post first feeding (dpff). Moreover, fertilized eggs, yolk sac larvae, rearing water and feed were also sampled in order to assess a possible contribution of their microbiota to the colonization of the gut. To analyze the composition of the bacterial communities, the Illumina MiSeq platform was used.Results: S. salar growth variables (mean wet weight and total length) did not differ significantly during the experiment (p> 0.05) across replicate tanks and between dietary treatments. The analysis of the 16S rDNA sequencing data revealed a total of 4548 unique OTUs, affiliated in 21 bacterial phyla. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant bacterial phyla. 13 OTUs were shared among all S. salar samples independent of life stage and diet treatment. Similarity percentages analysis (SIMPER) based on Bray–Curtis distance, showed that the average dissimilarity among the groups of the same life stages was 76.0%, whereas the average dissimilarity within groups of the same dietary treatment was 78.5% (FD) and 83.6% (VD).Conclusion: Feeding on either fish oil or vegetable oil-based diets, did not result in significant differences in the intestinal microbiota. The composition of gut microbiota did not differ significantly between the two dietary treatments, but changed with age, and each stage was characterized by different dominant bacteria. These OTUs are related to species that provide different functions and have been isolated from a variety of environments. Finally, this study revealed the occurrence of a core microbiota independent of the studied life stages and diet during the early life stages of Atlantic salmon.
Crossing the Boundaries? Implementing Relationships and Sexuality Education in Irish Schools
Authors:   Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland, Murphy C. , Nic Gabhainn S. ,   Health Promotion Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Published: November 2020

Objective: Using a conceptual model of school-based implementation, this study aimed to explore teachers’ implementation of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in a school context. Design and Method: A model of school-based implementation was derived from a review of the literature and a mixed methods approach was employed to examine components of the model. The components included: program model; quality of delivery; target audience; participant responsiveness; pre-planning; quality of materials; technical support model; quality of technical support; implementer readiness and factors relating to the context (classroom, district, school and community). Data were drawn from lesson plans, questionnaires, self-report forms, nonparticipant observation, and semi-structured interviews. Results: Students rated lesson resources highly (quality of materials) and more than three-quarters of students found RSE classes interesting (participant responsiveness). All teachers valued the importance of RSE (implementer readiness) but overcomplicated lessons prevented teachers from achieving lesson aims (pre-planning). Didactic, as opposed to facilitative approaches, were employed to implement RSE which opposes the core principle of the program (quality of delivery). The study also found that school leadership and management have a major role to play in the implementation of RSE through, for example, the appointment of teachers to the delivery of RSE and controlling access to RSE training (contextual level factors). Conclusions: The implementation of RSE is more contentious than other school-based health education programs. Stringent pre-planning and whole-school support is essential for successful implementation.
Pornography as a Source of Sex Education and Genital-Related Satisfaction
Authors:   National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland, Dawson K. , Nic Gabhainn S. ,   National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Published: November 2020

Objective: To examine whether use of pornography as a source of sex education predicted male and female genital dissatisfaction, within a social comparison framework. Design and Method: This study is based on cross-sectional survey data from 2162 University students, of whom 47% were female. Data were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire, which included pornography consumption and frequency and context of use. A combination of eight items from the Male Genital Self-Image Scale and Female Genital Self-Image Scale assessed genital satisfaction. Results: Pornography consumption was reported by 99.7% of males and 89.6% of females, with 72% males and 65% females reporting sex education as a frequent context of their use. For males, those who frequently used pornography for sex education were most likely to report very positive feelings about their genitals (92%), high levels of comfort with a sexual partner looking at their genitals (90%) as well as genital size-related satisfaction (84%), when compared with those who reported that they never used pornography for sex education. For females, frequent use for sex education was associated with genital appearance-related dissatisfaction (40%), compared to females who did not (20%). Conclusions: High proportions of Irish University students use pornography for sex education purposes. The findings suggest that, in terms of genital self-image, males are more likely than females to be positive outcomes of such use. This highlights the importance of the context of pornography use and suggests a potential positive purpose for ‘porn literacy’.
Autism, Sexuality & Anxiety – Multi Directional Connections
Authors:   Argaman Institue, Tel Aviv, Israel, Argaman R.
Published: November 2020

Objective: People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have diverse sexual needs and interests, like others without autism. However, people with autism report on sexual confusion, difficulties and ambivalence. Difficulties in interpersonal communication, restricted interests, social deprivation, anxiety and sensory sensitivity that characterize autism harm the ability to exercise sexual and social needs in a positive, safe, and healthy way. The presentation will include: Design and Method: Overview of the multi-directional connections between sexuality and anxiety in children, adolescents and adults with autism, based mainly on case studies and clinical experience as well as the existing literature. Results: Through case studies, we can see that many of the anxieties around sexuality begin at childhood and connect to the development of personal identity. Conclusions: There is great importance of socio-sexual education and designated therapy, in order to enable social and sexual well-being.
Personality Organization and Paraphilic Interests in Women
Authors:   Milan-Bicocca State University, Milano, Italy, Prunas A. , Di Pierro R. ,   Milan-Bicocca State University, Milano, Italy, Bernorio R. ,   Aispa, Milano, Italy
Published: November 2020

Objective: According to Kernberg’s psychodynamic model of personality organization (2012), identity integration, defense mechanisms and reality testing allow the classification of personality functioning in three main organizations lying on a continuum of severity. A specific relation is hypothesized to exist between the continuum of personality organization and the spectrum of sexual pathology, ranging from some degree of sexual inhibition in the presence of the capacity for a stable love relationship (neurotic personality organization), to inordinate and chaotic sexual life combined with paraphilic features (borderline personality organization). The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between features of BPO and the clinical relevance of paraphilic interests in a sample of women from the community. Design and Method: We sampled 224 women voluntarily recruited through adds posted on different websites. Volunteers were invited to participate in a research project on the “relationship between personality characteristics and sexual life”. After providing consent, all participants were invited to fill in a set of questionnaires including: - the Inventory of Personality Organization (Lenzenweger et al., 2001), to assess the main domains of personality structure according to Kernberg’s model; - a modified version of the Paraphilia Scale (Dawson et al., 2014). Results: We found that the presence of three markers of borderline personality organization (Instability of self/others, Instability of behaviour and Psychosis) is associated, in a linear fashion, to the presence and clinical relevance of paraphilic interests. Conclusions: Results support the importance of an accurate assessment of sexual life in order to obtain essential clinical information on personality functioning in clinical settings.
Alexithymia, Depressive Traits, Patients Suffering from Bladder Exstrophy Complex - Epispadias Sex-Life Versus Individuals not Suffering from Uro-Genital Malformations
Authors:   University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy, Di Grazia M. , Rigamonti W. ,   Irccs Burlo Garofolo University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
Published: November 2020

Objective: The EEC exstrophy-epispadias complex represents a spectrum of malformations with an incidence of 1/35,000 live births occurring at varying degrees of bladder exstrophy and anatomical-functional alterations of the external genitalia. The appearance of the psycho sexual development has a significant role on the growth of an independent adult self. To compare the presence of alexithymia or depressive traits, difficulties in sexual assertiveness and / or in sex-lives and the life quality in people with EEC with a cohort consisting of unaffected peers. Design and Method: The retrospective case-control observational study included a cohort of EEC cases and a cohort of control groups of subjects not suffering from any urogenital malformation. The criteria for inclusion of cases: confirmed diagnosis of EEC, age>16 years; sex M-F; completion of informed consent and privacy forms. The inclusion criteria of the controls: the absence of any urogenital malformation, age>16; sex M-F; completion of informed consent and privacy forms. The following questionnaires were administered to 35 cases and 35 controls: BDI-II, TAS-20, SF-36, SHF, SAQ. Results: A significant presence of alexitmia and depressive traits has been highlighted in the case cohort. The life quality in the cases score lower in both physical health and mental health compared to the control cohort; while the sex life experiences of the EEC cases significantly differ from the controls also in terms of sexual assertiveness in all four sub-cases Conclusions: The findings raise awareness on the implementation of interventions aimed at improving the verbalization of emotions, the support of depressive discomfort, and sexual assertiveness.
Chronic Abuse and Acute Abuse: The Differences and Similarities Among Women Treated in a Public Hospital
Authors:   Public Hospital Presidente Vargas, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Poerner Scalco S. Cr. , Riva Knauth D. ,   Ufrgs - University of Rio Grande Do Sul., Porto Alegre, Brazil, Pertile P.
Published: November 2020

Objective: The goal of the present study was to access the biological and social profile of victims of sexual violence, assisted by a multidisciplinary health team in a public hospital and to analyze the type of violence: chronic and acute abuse. Design and Method: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study. Data were collected using a specially designed questionnaire, based on an instrument used in the Hospital. All women admitted between 02/28/2013 and 02/27/14, were eligible. Children below 12 years of age were excluded. T-student, Pearson’s chi-squared and Fischer’s exact were used in statistical analyses. Results: During the period 154 women were treated, 62,9% of which for acute abuse and 37,1% for chronic abuse. Acute and chronic abuse was more prevalent in women with aged 15 years or less, (61,4% and 56.9%) but acute abuse is distributed among different age group. Younger aggressors, unknown and interestingly, known to the victim, are associated to acute violence. The women that had suffered chronic abuse had older men and family-acquaintance individuals as aggressors. The mother is the main person, for who the victim tells about abuse, in both groups. Conclusions: The present study found significant differences between the characteristics of victims of chronic and acute abuse. The knowledge related to sexual violence identified situations to develop prevention strategies. The danger in this case is not always distant or in the person of a stranger, but many times in the home or in victim’s close acquaintances. Orientation and reports are the tools for confronting sexual violence.
A Social Experiment: The Notion of ‘Gender’ in Italy
Authors:   Casa dei Diritti - Comune di Milano, Milano, Italy, Grimoldi M. , Cacioppo R. ,   Associazione Rainbow - Psicologi per i Diritti, Milano, Italy
Published: November 2020

Objective: This paper aims to highlight the danger posed by the “autotropic” thinking (ed Luigi Zoja), always present in the totalitarian ideologies, in hindering, by ideological dissemination, the circulation of prevention of discrimination and gender-based violence, and rights culture. Design and Method: Real social experiment in vivo. Results: News of the spread of the so-called ‘gender ideology’, which is designed to transform sex education in schools through a practice in which children are ‘instigated to homosexuality, invited to masturbation since early infancy, forced to attend pornographic films screenings and to have carnal relations with children of the same sex.’, circulated in Italy since summer 2015. Despite being unfounded and far-fetched, these news have spread against all expectations, generating a social resistance against programs of prevention, diversity education, and gender or sex education. Conclusions: Following the idea formulated by Luigi Zoja in ‘Paranoia’, the epidemic dissemination of a non-existent ‘gender ideology’ is linked to a fourfold characteristic system of the information itself, which will be analyzed in this work. In this light, ‘autotropia’ is the last and final step of paranoid thinking: a mechanism that, once set in motion, contributes to paranoia being able to feed itself.
Lesbians Have More Fun: Phallocentrism and Its Effects on Desire And Satisfaction in Women
Authors:   School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Peleg-Sagy T. ,   Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel, Gelbard A. ,   School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Weber M. ,   School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Stoler E. ,   School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Joel D. ,   School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Joel D. ,   Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Published: November 2020

Objective: to study sexual desire, satisfaction, and orgasm in women who have sex with men (WSM) and women who have sex with women (WSW), as a function of the practices used and the mutuality of the sexual activity. Design and Method: 1000 women (WSM=878, WSW=122) completed a selfreport online questionnaire regarding sexual desire, sexual practices, and frequency of solitary and partnered orgasms. Results: There was no difference between the two groups on the frequency of orgasm during solitary sex. Compared to WSM, WSW reported having more sexual desire, more mutual and varied partnered sex, and more frequent orgasms during partnered sex. Conclusions: Our results suggest that diminished desire in some WSM may be related to the sexual practices themselves and not to a general inability to enjoy sex.
Sexual Health Counselling and Sexual Therapy via Video Link or Internet for University Students in Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS)
Authors:   Finnish Student Health Services, Tampere, Finland, Tossavainen M.
Published: November 2020

Objective: A need for sexual counseling and therapy is very common among both male and female university students. More than twenty percent of students are unsatisfied with their sexual life and ten percent of students suffer from sexual dysfunctions. There are fourteen Student Health Service units for university students in Finland, but only a few of them have personnel specialized in sexual counseling. Since 2013 FSHS has offered a free nationwide secure internet-based counseling service and sexual therapy for students not having it in their local Student Health Service. This presentation introduces the prevalent causes for asking to be treated in virtual sexual therapy and some case examples of the treatment. Design and Method: Selected data collected from September 2013 till April 2016 in internet-based counseling services: Case examples and descriptive statistics. Results: Erectile dysfunction, female genital pain, fear or disgust of any sexual activities and lack of interest in sexuality were causes for participating in internetbased sexual therapy. Most students reported the virtual contact was informative and encouraging enough to ease their concerns. In cases with comorbidity of mental or physical symptoms and diseases the internet- based contact served mainly as a facilitator to seek out the proper face-to-face health care in local health services. Conclusions: The secure internet-based sexual counseling and therapy services are an excellent alternative and addition to traditional appointments and services especially in cases of mild problems and in need for support or evaluation of the mind-related reasons for sexual concerns.
Threesomes: An Exploratory Survey
Authors:   University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Zsok F. , Scoats R. ,   University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom, Anderson E. ,   University of Winchester, Winchester, United Kingdom
Published: November 2020

Objective: Threesomes, sexual acts involving three people, seem to become more popular. Their appearance in film, TV, press media, and blogs has increased, and there is even a mobile app facilitating such encounters. However, little to nothing is known how they come about, who is involved in them, and what sexual activities they include. This study´s goal is to explore these questions. Design and Method: An online survey will be distributed among users of 3rnder, the threesome app, participants with threesome experience from another study, the social networks of the researchers, and undergraduate students. It will assess experience with threesomes, preferences for them, and reasons for (not) engaging in them. For participants who have been involved in at least one, there will be more detailed questions about their most recent threesome: how it came about, who was involved in it, why they engaged in it, and what sexual behaviours it included. The response formats include tick boxes as well as open ended questions. Results: Results will provide the first picture of contemporary threesomes from a scientific perspective. Conclusions: This study will inform future investigations regarding the construal of sexuality and monogamy, and sexual behaviour more generally.
Discovery of Orgasmic Pleasure Sensing Taste Roseas of Repruductive Organs: Experimental Study
Authors:   Medical Faculty of Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey, Aydin M. , Aydin N. ,   Bakirkoy Mental Disease Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, Gundogdu C. ,   Medical Faculty of Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
Published: November 2020

Objective: Basic mechanism of orgasmic pleasure hasn’t yet been elucidated, although there is broad similarity between taste and orgasmic sensation. Taste buds of tongue information has been established as important regulator of nutrition; however, very little is known regarding how orgasmic pleasure sensation is created and perceived in orgasm. Design and Method: Thus, we investigated whether there were taste bud-like structures stimulated by seminal fructose in the male urethra and glans penis. To confirm this hypothesis, we examined the urethral tissues of 22 male rabbits using the last modern histological stereological and histochemical techniques. Results: We discovered that the male urethra and glans penis contained many taste bud-like structures similar to the morphological features of the taste buds of the tongue. Interestingly, these taste bud-like structures resembling those of the tongue were detected in the intramural openings of the urethral lacunae and glandular surfaces. These structures have neuron-like appendages at the apical ends of rose buds in the wall of the urethra and glans. Moreover, each urethral plica contained some taste buds that were particularly more dense in the distal urethra, glans penis and vaginal surfaces. Conclusions: We discovered that pudendal nerves convey orgasmic sensation from the urethral taste buds to the taste information-computing centers in the brain. We postulated that urethral taste buds are stimulated by seminal fructose, and taste buds innervating nerves may play a predominant role in the creation of orgasmic sensation, which has not yet been studied so far.
“What Women Want” Sexual Imagination and Sexual Satisfaction in a Lesbian Women Sample
Authors:   Istituto Internazionale di Sessuologia - I.R.F. Istituto Ricerca e Formazione, Firenze, Italy, Milloni D. , Morandi S. ,   Istituto Internazionale di Sessuologia - I.R.F. Istituto Ricerca e Formazione, Firenze, Italy, Giommi R. ,   Istituto Internazionale di Sessuologia - I.R.F. Istituto Ricerca e Formazione, Firenze, Italy
Published: November 2020

Objective: Imagination is an important driving force of sex. We present some data on sexual imagination and sexual satisfaction collected in an ongoing research project at our Institute. Our aim is to explore the world of imagination and sexual reveries in lesbian women in autoeroticism and during the intercourse with a partner and to reflect on thematic nucleus of feminine’ sexual imagination activity. Design and Method: To this end, we consider a sample of 65 lesbian women that shared their sexual fantasies and their level of sexual satisfaction. We used the Index of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire and we collect sexual fantasies by a verbal description in an anonymous way by submitting an online questionnaire. Results: Results show that lesbian women have a high level of sexual satisfaction and a great number of fantasies when they imagine themselves as a man or in a man-style sexual practice in order to penetrate their partner. Many women aim to transfer in their real world the fantasy that appears in autoeroticism activities. Conclusions: By exploring the narrative contents and themes in fantasies, we found some similarities with the past literature but also some differences related to the idea of feminine mental sexual activity and stereotypes.
Adolescence Sexual Orientation: Comparison between Two Case Reports
Authors:   Association of School of Sexology (asst), Turin, Italy, Colombo M. , Baietto C. ,   Scdu Infant Neuropsychiatry Oirm, Turin, Italy, Bechis D. ,   Scdu Infant Neuropsychiatry Oirm, Turin, Italy, Viola S. ,   Scdu Infant Neuropsychiatry Oirm, Turin, Italy
Published: November 2020

Objective: According to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation “refers to a stable pattern of emotional, romantic and / or sexual appeal towards men, women, or both sexes.’ The sexual orientation is the result of a complex interaction of environmental and cultural factors, as well as biological elements. Literature confirms that adolescents with homosexual and bisexual orientations have a higher levels of psychological distress (including depression and suicide) than other adolescents. This epidemiological pattern is largely due to the interpersonal problems that sexual minorities experience at home and at school. Design and Method: We describe and compare two young girls who came to our clinic. Results: parents of the first girl (J, 15 years old) asked for help for her homosexual relationship, that they didn’t accept. During the therapy she also had a heterosexual relationship. She suffered of eating disorders and self- injures. Parents are freezing, father sometimes is aggressive. Her homosexual relationship could be a reaction to a negative man’s image. The second girl (E, 16 years old) had a typical gender identity and had a heterosexual relationship. Now she doesn’t feel ease in her female body, she would transit to the other sex and she’s living a homosexual experience. Conclusions: therapy’s aim is to help them not to feel alone in this difficult travel, helping teenagers to integrate their sexual orientation in their own personality, developing a positive self-image, return them the possibility of stand in uncertainty and overcoming any forms of bias present in the society.
Attitudes towards Same-Sex Marriage and Parenting: Association with Sexism, Homophobia and Internalized Sexual Stigma
Authors:   Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy, Aversa F. , Tripodi F. ,   Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy, Nimbi F. M. ,   Department of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, Baiocco R. ,   Department of Development and Socialization Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, Simonelli C. ,   Department of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Published: November 2020

Objective: Several researches investigated the attitudes of heterosexuals and LGBT people towards marriage and parenting of lesbians and gays. The objective of the present study is to explore the correlation between these attitudes and levels of sexism, social homophobia and internalized sexual stigma. Design and Method: The participants were 826 (534 F, 292 M), aged between 17 and 70. 59,8% defined him/her-self as “exclusively heterosexual”, 29,2% as “exclusively homosexual” and 11% as “bisexual”. The following tests have been administered: Questionnaire on socio-demographic Information, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory; Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gays; Modern Homophobia Scale, The Katuzny Same-sex Marriage Scale; D’Amore and Green Same-sex Parenting Scale. Results: Positive correlations have been found between: sexism and homophobia (r = .378; p < .01) and sexism and internalized sexual stigma (r = .320; p < .01). Male subjects obtained higher scores in sexism (F(1,559) = 15,555; p < .01) and homophobia (F(1,559) = 44,977; p < .01). Heterosexuals were significantly less favorable regarding gay and lesbian marriage (F(1,821) = 96,936; p < .05) and parenthood (F(1,821) = 84,260; p < .05) compared to the non-heterosexuals. Heterosexual males were the most unfavorable towards parenting (F(1,821) = 4,786; p < .05). Conclusions: The results offer a contribution to scientific research which still has significant gaps regarding the attitude-associated variables towards marriage and parenting of people of the same gender. Sexual education at schools and clinic supervision interventions should take these evidences into account.
A Sexodynamic Approach to Sexual Malfunctions
Authors:   Isa, Istituto Italiano Sessoanalisi, Salerno, Italy, Trotta D. , Strepetova T. ,   Isa, Istituto Italiano Sessoanalisi, Salerno, Italy, Gorga F. ,   Isa, Istituto Italiano Sessoanalisi, Salerno, Italy, Otranto L. ,   Isa, Istituto Italiano Sessoanalisi, Salerno, Italy, Florio G. ,   Isa, Istituto Italiano Sessoanalisi, Salerno, Italy
Published: November 2020

Objective: From a psychosexual point of view sexuality is the result of an integration of the biological and the erotical body. A complex integration that justify the complexity of human sexual life and his prowess to sexual malfunction. When sexuality is disturbed and no biological cause is found a specific psycho sexological and clinical methodology is required. Design and Method: Our approach is centered on a sexodynamic methodology and involves a careful investigation of the sexual objective behavior as well sexual fantasies and the imaginative world. We also compare the actual sexual behavior with the inner sexual erotic map. The sexual manifest reality is usually easily grasped from the individual and/or couple history. More cumbersome and tricky is the access to the inner emotional and reality. Through the investigation of sexual and dream fantasies as well as their potential development and a focus on gender identity, sexual attitude and relationship to the other and the other sex, the patient, in many cases, is able to better define the boundaries of his personal sexual likes and dislikes and to correlate them with his actual sexual behavior. In this way he can verify his willingness and possibility to go or not beyond his personal and sexual limits. Results: Our approach in very interesting and often allow us to cast a light where others approach seems to have more limitations. Conclusions: Our method allows to confront the problems difficult to investigate with other sexological approaches. In particular, allows the access to the intrapsychic mechanisms with profound impact on sexuality.
Advances in Medical Hypnosis-Hypnotherapeutic Treatment of Female Sexual Disfunction
Authors:   Institute for Human Resource Development, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Perat M. , Starc A. ,   Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Published: November 2020

Objective: Medical hypnotherapy has been recognized as a valid and successful treatment for a vast variety of physical and psychological disorders. It is well documented and researched, that it adds a significant value to all psychotherapeutic modalities and approaches. Clinical hypnotherapy has significant advantages in treating psychosomatic (somatoform disorders) and related issues, because its interventions bypass the critical factor of the mind. Hypnosis also gives us an advantage of reframing cognitive aspects of those resistant attitudes, which may serve as the secondary gain in the prevention of desired behavioural change. Hypnotic language can be regarded as language of primary thinking. Metaphors and visualization techniques play a major role in hypnotic communication. Design and Method: Qualitative case study. Results: Treatment outcome. Conclusions: The complex and multidimensional nature of female sexual disorder(s), allow us to learn how to tap at different hidden internal resources and at the same time cover the widest possible range of hypnotherapeutic interventions. In the given presentation, we will explain how to establish solid rapport with the patient and how to communicate troubled content. We will also explain the nature of sedation without medication, and how to control the pain, and other psychosomatic dysfunctions with the internal resources of the mind. Most learned intervention will also be applicable to a wide variety of psychological and medical conditions, ranging from anxiety reduction to chronic and acute pain management.
Discontinuation of Dapoxetine Treatment in Patients with Premature Ejaculation: A 2-Year Prospective Observational Study
Authors:   Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea, Park H. , Park N. ,   Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
Published: November 2020

Objective: Although dapoxetine is the only oral agent approved for premature ejaculation (PE) and is very effective, its discontinuation rate is high compared to PDE5 inhibitors for ED treatment. We assessed discontinuation rate of dapoxetine in PE and the reasons for discontinuation. Design and Method: The study enrolled 182 patients (mean age 38.2). The PE type (life-long or acquired), self-estimated intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), IIEF-EF questionnaire, and medical history were checked in all patients. The patients were evaluated 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after initiating therapy regarding the treatment status and the reasons for treatment discontinuation. Results: Of the patients, 9.9% were still in treatment after 2 years. The discontinuation rates at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 26.4, 35.2, 17.6, 8.2, and 2.7%, respectively. Cumulatively, 79.1% of the patients discontinued the treatment within 6 months. After 12 months, however, the discontinuation rate dropped sharply. The reasons for discontinuation were cost (29.9%), disappointment that PE is not a curable disease and dapoxetine was needed whenever he had sex (25%), side effects (11.6%), low efficacy (9.8%), to seek other treatment options (5.5%), and unknown (18.3%). Patients with acquired PE (vs. life-long), IELT >2 min before treatment, older than 50 years, taking PDE-5 inhibitors, and IIEF-EF <26 tended to discontinue early and had high drop-out rates. Conclusions: Only 9.9% patients continued treatment after 24 months, while 79.1% discontinued within 6 months. The main reasons for discontinuation were not related to its side effects or low efficacy.
PDE5i as a Cure for Older Adults: An Indicator of Ageist Practices among Physicians
Authors:   The Louis and Gaby Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel, Gewirtz- Meydan A. , Mock M. ,   Sex and Couple Therapy Unit, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel, Ayalon L. ,   The Louis and Gaby Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
Published: November 2020

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine whether physicians have an age bias regarding sexual dysfunction in older vs. younger patients in terms of diagnosis, attributed etiology, proposed treatment and perceived prognosis. Design and Method: An on-line survey consisting of one of two, randomly administered, case vignettes, which differed only by age (28 or 78). In both cases, the patient was described as suffering from occasional erectile dysfunction with a clear psychosocial indication. A total of 236 physicians responded to the survey. Overall, 110 physicians received an old patient vignette and 126 physicians received a young patient vignette. Results: Even though both cases presented with a clear psychosocial etiology, the young patient vignette was more likely to be diagnosed with performance anxiety, whereas the old patient vignette with erectile dysfunction. The old patient vignette dysfunction was more likely to be attributed to hormonal changes, health problems and decreased sexual desire. Physicians were more likely to recommend hormonal and PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i; such as Sildenafil; Vardenafil; Tadalafil) treatment as well as urology referral to the old patient vignette. The young patient vignette was more often referred to a sexologist and received a more positive prognosis than the older patient. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an age bias among physicians regarding sexuality in later life. Of particular note is the increased prescription of PDE5i to the older patient, despite the clear psychosocial indication presented in the case vignette.
Benefits from Fruit/Vegetable Consumption on Erectile Dysfunction among Diabetic Albanian Men
Authors:   Central Polyclinic, Tirana, Albania, Drasa K. , Bruka L. ,   Central Polyclinic, Tirana, Albania, Dani E. ,   Central Polyclinic, Tirana, Albania, Vasili V. ,   Central Polyclinic, Tirana, Albania
Published: November 2020

Objective: The aim of our study was to establish the association between ED and the consumption of fruit/vegetables (F/V) among diabetic Albanian men. Design and Method: In the survey, the daily consumption of F/V was estimated on the basis of a series of questions: How often do you eat F/V per day? The responses were: “Less than 3 / 3 to 5/ more than 5 times (serving) per day”. The association between F/V consumption and ED was examined using logistic regression. Results: 475 diabetic men, average age of 60 years (range, 20-70). 205 cases(43.1%) were identified with ED. 89.1% having type 2 diabetes, 7.3% type 1 diabetes and 3.6% were unclassifiable. 82% were overweight or obese. Higher proportions of patients with ED reported poor/fair health, long durations of diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, formerly smokers, divorced and not consuming enough F/V(<2serving). An inverse association was found between ED and F/V consumption. The rate of ED decreased by 13% with each increase of 1 serving consumption of F/V. Conclusions: ED is common among diabetic Albanian men. The occurrence of ED among diabetic men is fairly common. ED is inversely significantly associated with the consumption of F/V in the diabetic populations. Our findings suggest that adopting a healthy diet, healthy lifestyle, reducing or controlling BMI and activities that help consume more F/V would reduce the risk of developing ED and would be beneficent for diabetic men with ED.
Brief Screening Approach To Female Sexual Dysfunctions – (BRISA-F)
Authors:   Public Hospital Presidente Vargas, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Poerner Scalco S. C. , Riva Knauth D. ,   Ufrgs - University of Rio Grande Do Sul., Porto Alegre, Brazil
Published: November 2020

Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the creation of a brief questionnaire to screening in clinical practice, able to diagnose female sexual dysfunction. 2. Implement a score that detects the need for referral to a specialist. Design and methods: This is a screening for FSD, with only four questions that include the variables: sexual frequency, orgasm, pain and sexual initiative, in a Likert scale. The applicability was demonstrated in a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients. They were seen in Sexology Clinic of a Public Hospital, setting a score and cut-off. Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used; significant level (p= 0.05). Results: The score ranged from 4 to 16 points. The average of the patients before the sex therapy was 7.5 (± 2.4) points and after the sex therapy they increased for 10.9 (± 3.3); (p <0.001). The patients, who had experienced sexual violence or with primary anorgasmia, had a poorer prognosis and those with higher levels of education or good levels of orgasms, had better prognosis. The development with treatment showed a significant raise of the score. (p = 0.013). Conclusions: The instrument provided an opportunity to approach sexuality by general practitioners and FSD detection through a score. The patients had a good understanding of the issues and their demands were attended.
How Communication Could Improve Sexual Satisfaction: The Komaja’s Theater of Truth
Authors:   Komaja Society for the development of the Art of Living, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, Sazdanovska B. , Milicevic Makaja F. ,   Komaja Foundation for the Promotion of Physical and Psychic Health, Gersau, Switzerland
Published: November 2020

Objective: The main objective of this research is to explore how verbal and nonverbal communication during sex influences the sexual satisfaction. Particularly, the study examines how much and how the original Komaja’s technique The Theater of Truth contributes to improvement of sexual communication and satisfaction. Design and Method: Different theoretical approaches and perspectives were applied to research the mutual confession of love partners which takes place during sexual act, where all ones essential needs, wishes, fears and alike are expressed spontaneously as they enter the consciousness. Therefore, 55 people who are practicing Komaja’s tantra, were surveyed about their perceptions for communication during sex. A validated Sexual Communication Satisfaction Scale and Sexual Communication Style Scale were used to measure the communication that occurs during sexual interactions. Additionally, the general questionnaire with partially openended questions was applied. Descriptive analyze and qualitative content analysis was used for the collected data. Results: The research demonstrates that the participants communicate with their partners during sex, in both manners, verbally and non-verbally. Overall, the majority of the participants reported that the Theater of Truth helps them to experience more sexual satisfaction and to improve their sexual self-confidence. Additionally, this technique contributes them to achieve spiritual experience through sexual encounters. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study confirm the subjective impression of the participants that this technique is very promising and effective. The research stresses the need of effective communication skills to be used during sexual encounters, through partners’ verbal and nonverbal interactions.