bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P003 Genital c. trachomatisinfections last longer in men than women, but are less likely to become established
Authors: Lewis Joanna , J. Price Malcolm , J. Horner Paddy , J. White Peter 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionRigorous estimates for the duration of untreated chlamydia infection are important for understanding its epidemiology and designing control interventions, but are only available for women. We have estimated the duration of untreated infection in men.MethodsData came from published studies in which untreated, chlamydia-infected men were re-tested at a later date. We used analysis methods that had previously been applied to data from women, which allow for a new infection to take one of multiple courses, each clearing at a different rate. We determined the optimal number of possible courses. Parameter estimates were obtained using a Bayesian statistical framework.ResultsThe best-fitting model had two different courses of infection: ‘slow-’ and ‘fast-clearing’, as had been the case for women. In men only 68% (57%–78%) (median sample; 95% credible interval) of incident infections were ‘slow-clearing’, compared with 77% (69%–84%) in women. The posterior median estimate for the mean infection duration in men was 2.84 (0.87-18.79) years, compared with 1.35 (1.13–1.63 years) in women.DiscussionOur estimated infection duration in men is longer than has previously been assumed. Male infections are less likely to become established (slow-clearing) than those in women but once established, tend to last longer. Long-term, asymptomatic infections in men – in whom chlamydia screening rates are lower – could be sustaining chlamydia prevalence in both sexes. This study provides an improved description of chlamydia’s natural history to better inform public health decision-making. We advocate further data collection to reduce uncertainty in estimates.
O05 Evaluation of the implementation of an express ‘test-and-go’ hiv/sti testing service for men who have sex with men in sexual health centre
Authors: Chow Eric , Fortune Ria , Dobinson Sheranne , Read Tim , Chen Marcus , Bradshaw Catriona , Fehler Glenda , Fairley Christopher 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionMen who have sex with men (MSM) who are asymptomatic and do not require treatment are eligible to use the new express HIV/STI testing service called ‘Test-And-GO’ (TAG) or the general clinic service for an asymptomatic screen. We aimed to evaluation the utilisation of the TAG service.MethodsMSM attending the clinic for a TAG service or a general clinic service between 5 August 2015 and 1 June 2016 were analysed. A general estimating equation regression model was constructed to examine the association between the use of TAG service and demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, and HIV/STI diagnoses.ResultsOf the 4,212 consultations, 750 (17.8%) were TAG consultations and 3,462 (82.2%) were routine consultations for asymptomatic MSM at the general clinic. MSM were more likely to use the TAG service if they were aged >30 years (OR=1.32 [95% CI 1.10–1.58]), were born in Australia (OR=1.40 [95% CI 1.16–1.70]), and had ≤4 male partners in the last 12 months (OR=1.30 [95% CI 1.12–1.52]) but there was no significant difference between condom use in the last 12 months. MSM who used the TAG service had less syphilis but there were no differences in detection of gonorrhoea, chlamydia and HIV diagnoses between the two services.DiscussionDemographic and some behavioural characteristics differed between the two services but other than syphilis there was no difference in STIs. The TAG service required less clinician time and hence created additional clinical capacity at the general clinic to see patients at higher risk.
P004 Prospective comparison of charcoal swabs versus near-patient direct culture plate inoculation for the culture of gonorrhoea in high-risk patients. a repeat audit
Authors: Parker Luke , Maxwell Helen , McSorley John , Brook Gary 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionGonorrhoea culture is required to monitor antibiotic resistance and is recommended for all patients known or suspected to be infected. In July 2016 a retrospective comparison of near-patient direct plating and transported charcoal swabs found that the culture positive rate was 24% lower for charcoal swabs. Since this audit, the laboratory service implemented an urgent transport system for charcoal swabs, in order to improve the reliability of this method.MethodsBetween July 2016 and January 2017 all patients who had a positive GC NAAT or were otherwise at high risk had two culture swab specimens taken from the infected site (cervical, male urethra, rectum, pharynx): 1. a charcoal swab sent to the laboratory for plating within two hours and 2. specimen directly plated onto VCAT GC selective agar.ResultsOf 139 positive NAATs across all sites, 47 were followed by both direct plating and charcoal swab. Of these 47 pairs of cultures, there were only 2 discrepancies between culture types (one with direct plating positive, charcoal negative, the other vice-versa).Abstract P004 Table 1Culture +ve rate by method and siteSiteCervixUrethraPharynxRectumTotalNo. of positive NAATs28503625139No. of patients in whom both methods of culture/transport used5249947No. (%) +ve by direct plate4 (80%)21 (88%)2 (22%)7 (77%)34 (72%)No. (%) +ve charcoal swab4 (80%)21 (88%)2 (22%)7 (77%)34 (72%)DiscussionWith the implementation of the new urgent transport system, there is no difference in the culture positive rates of direct plating versus charcoal swabs for GC culture. Provided the same high standards of transport are maintained, a change in practice, moving to charcoal swabs transported to the lab for GC culture and stopping direct plating, is recommended.
P016 Clinical utility of a mycoplasma genitalium (mg) referral detection assay in selected sexual health clinic attendees
Authors: Bull Lauren , Barber Tristan , Nwokolo Nneka , Jones Rachael , Rayment Michael 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionRoutine testing for MG in the UK is limited by a lack of assays. New assays are becoming available, with many detecting antimicrobial resistance. We reviewed our use of an MG PCR test, and our treatment of MG, to inform a new, broader testing strategy.MethodsThe clinical database was interrogated for all MG requests from November 2016-February 2017. Data collected: demographics, indication, test result, and treatment.Results85 samples were sent from 81 individuals: 79 (93%) were male, [39 (49%) MSM]. Indications for testing were: dysuria +/- discharge in 63 (74%), testicular/pelvic pain in 11 (13%), test of cure in 5 (6%), and contacts of infection in 3 (4%). 88% were tested on the second or greater attendance and 22 (26%) had already had received at least two antimicrobial treatments.18/85 tests (21%) were positive for MG, of whom 17 (94%) had persistent or recurrent urethral discharge +/- dysuria. The remaining case was a female contact of recurrent NGU. Of the 17, 15 (88%) had previously been treated for NGU with azithromycin 1g (6, 40%) or doxycycline (5, 29%) or both (4, 24%). Eleven (61%) were treated with extended azithromycin (despite 5, (45%) having received azithromycin 1g already) and 4 (22%) with moxifloxacin.DiscussionTesting for MG in our service is performed mainly in men with persistent/recurrent NGU. Prevalence of MG in this selected group was high. Despite the likelihood of resistance, many patients received repeat courses of macrolides. Earlier testing for MG may reduce time with symptoms and improve antimicrobial prescribing behaviour.
P023 Investigating the clinical value of treponema pallidum PCR within a UK gum clinic
Authors: Parsloe Alice , White David , Smit Erasmus 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionSyphilis is a multistage STI caused by Treponema pallidum. The classic lesion of primary syphilis is a chancre – a single, painless, indurated ulcer with a clean base. The number of cases is on the rise, and it has been historically difficult to diagnose due to its variable presentation, requiring clinical correlation and multiple investigations. PCR use has increased recently in investigation of these ulcers. However, how crucial is PCR testing in primary syphilis, when cheaper investigations can lead to a diagnosis?MethodsInvestigation results were collected from 58 patients presenting between January and December 2015 who were treated for primary syphilis, including presentation, serology and PCR status. How they were diagnosed as having primary syphilis was noted and whether this was on presentation, follow up or via PCR.Results47 patients had a positive PCR, 11 patients had a negative PCR but were treated for primary syphilis. We found 3 patients would have not been picked up as having primary syphilis if there was no PCR performed. The sensitivity and specificity of Treponema pallidum PCR was 81% and 100% respectively.DiscussionPCR was essential in diagnosing 3 patients with syphilis who would have been missed, therefore PCR is a crucial tool in contributing to the diagnosis of primary syphilis. The potential implications of missing syphilis diagnosis are serious, as patients can develop progressive disease and unknowingly affect sexual partners.
P027 Re-testing of patients with positive chlamydia results in primary care
Authors: McConnell Sarah , Hutchinson Jane , Symonds Merle 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionWe aimed to establish how many young people (aged 15–24 years) diagnosed with genital Chlamydia infection in General Practice (GP) in 2015 in an inner city area had Partner Notification (PN) discussed with them and were offered repeat testing three-six months after initial diagnosis in line with BASHH guidelines.MethodsWe identified young people with positive Chlamydia diagnoses made in GP in 2015 by searching the Chlamydia screening dataset from the hospital laboratory. We cross referenced with subsequent data sets for the year 2015 onwards to see if/when the patient was retested and where they were re-tested. For those re-tested in local GU clinics, we checked their records for evidence of PN initiated in primary care.ResultsPreliminary data from January – June 2015 shows that sixty nine 15–24 year olds were diagnosed with Chlamydia in GP; 11 re-tested within six months, seven of these between one and three months post-initial infection of which one was positive. Three of the 11 re-tested in GU clinics; two of these reported PN initiated by GP.DiscussionResults so far show less than 1 in 5 young people diagnosed with Chlamydia in GP are being re-tested appropriately. It is possible that patients are travelling outside the area for re-testing and are missed by our sampling. Recommendations should include routine recall in GP for re-testing after three months to increase re-test rates.
P036 Improving larc uptake: a retrospective study into the role and impact of enhanced sexual health services in community pharmacies
Authors: Peacham Anthony , Symonds Merle , Sarner Liat 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionUnwanted pregnancies and low uptake of LARC continues to be problematic in 15–44 year olds in an East London Borough. Between April 15 and March 16, 45 pharmacies were commissioned, as part of the local enhanced sexual health service (LES) to provide emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) and contraception advice with the aim of increasing LARC uptake in <25s and others at high risk of unwanted pregnancy. Pharmacies taking part in the pilot received PGD and safeguarding training and pathways into LARC were refreshed.MethodsAnalysis of self-sample STI tests via the Doctor’s Laboratory and consultations documented via PharmOutcomes, and corresponding search of PreView for attendances for contraceptive/LARC care during time period.Results35/45 pharmacies (77.8%) dispensed 324 Levonorgestrel (1500 microgram) doses to women resident in the borough >13 years (average age 24.9 years; range 14.2-49.6 years). 100% of <16s had Fraser competency assessed (4). 6.2% (20/324) women had >1 attendance for EHC. 16 women (4.9%) subsequently attended local CaSH/GUM services for LARC; 8 (2.5%) for implant; 4 (1.2%) for injectable; 4 (1.2%) for IUD.DiscussionPharmacy delivered EHC and signposting to LARC services in primary and secondary care is feasible. There were limitations in the ability to gather data regarding women accessing LARC in primary care following contact with pharmacy so these numbers may under report the actual figures of those accepting LARC following pharmacy contact. Online booking systems should be accessible to pharmacists to facilitate LARC referral. Further work looking at acceptability of this strategy should be conducted.
P042 Emergency, implantable & intrauterine contraception use among under 18s in an integrated sexual health service
Authors: Forbes Kimberley , Cassidy Seán , West Richard 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionTeenage pregnancy can be reduced by timely access to emergency contraception (EC), implants, intrauterine (IU) devices and systems and quick-starting. Routine practice is to offer <18s all contraceptive methods, emergency IU contraception and quick-starting where appropriate.MethodsIn the financial year 2015–16 there were 1975 attendances of 998 individuals <18 at a sexual & reproductive health service. Data was analysed using an electronic report.Results526 were White British (52.71%). 691 (69.24%) of <18s and 153 (79%) of <16s lived in the local authority area. 824 (82.6%) were female. 86 (10%) of first attendances in those <18 were for EC. 18 (20.1%) were <16, of whom 12 (67%) were quick-started a hormonal method.15/193 (7.8%) of those 13–15 and 39/805 (4.8%) of those 16–17 years were fitted with an implant. 9/805 (1.1%) of those aged 16-17 were fitted with an IU device, no insertions in 13–15 years.As a proportion of all ages IU contraception and implant insertions in <18s accounted for 9/1065 (0.85%) and 54/627 (8.6%) respectively.DiscussionThe majority of <18 service users were local residents highlighting the importance of the availability of local services for people. Insertions of IU contraception in those <18 contributed a small proportion of total insertions undertaken. Further exploration of the acceptability and availability of IU contraception including EC for <18s is needed. We also suggest a review of those not quick-started after having EC to identify any barriers to access.
P051 Evaluation of the acceptability and impact of an online booking tool
Authors: Horn Kate , Hawkins Michelle , Kilvington Emily 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionFinding smarter ways of working which meet the needs of increasingly IT-savvy clients and support their busy lifestyles is always a priority and provides an opportunity to innovate.Informed by focus groups, we developed an on-line booking system, designed to be mobile-first, empowering people to book and manage their own appointments through a secure server.MethodsWe monitored use of the online booking system and impact on DNA rates, as well as user acceptability, through online feedback and continued engagement with user focus groups.ResultsIn the first 5 months we have seen: Average 11% of all bookable appointments made on-line, with majority completed out of hours. 75+% users accessing from a mobile device. 10% reduction in call volumes to services, saving 213 hours of admin time. Improved patient experience and choice as evidenced through user survey: Very easy or easy to book an appointment online: 84%; Very likely or likely to use the website again: 95%. As yet DNA rates have been unaffected.DiscussionThe ability to book and manage appointments online has been well received by users and has reduced administrative time. Further tweaks have included a ‘text to cancel’ system which we anticipate will have a positive impact on DNA rates.Investigation of different uptake rates between services has led to shared learning and it is anticipated that the average uptake of bookable appointments made online will reach the target of 20% within the next 3 months.
P052 Using modern technology to improve the management of initial presentation of herpes simplex virus infection – communication with patients and delivering pcr results
Authors: Metcalfe Rebecca , Caulfield Pauline , Fargie Fiona 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe first presentation of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) may be distressing, with severe symptoms and associated stigma pertaining to the diagnosis. Initial audit confirmed clinic staff were inconsistent with how the initial clinical diagnosis was relayed to patients, the amount of information given and how follow up and PCR test results would be provided. Best practice dictates that detailed information and uncertainties around diagnosis should be communicated.MethodsStaff training was delivered using workshop style sessions and local protocol changed to highlight ‘10 key points’ to be communicated. An SMS used to deliver positive HSV PCR results was changed to include a bitlink to clinic website ‘Genital Herpes’ page and link to BASHH patient information leaflet. The automated results line was changed for PCR negative results, providing information for follow up if symptoms remained. A GP letter was created for PCR positives.ResultsAudit cycles were comparable in gender, age distribution, HSV type and PCR negativity rate. There was a significant improvement in the number of patients who received written information (p=0.0043), discussion on PCR sensitivity (p<0.0001), discussion on disclosure (p<0.0001) and significant reduction positive PCR results with no record of result being given (p=0.0091). There number of patients requiring follow up appointment for same episode of HSV did not change.DiscussionUsing modern technology can improve communication of important information to the patient and ensure the patient receives the result appropriately. Altering electronic resources can give more information and provide a back up when the diagnosis is unclear.
Generalized Lomb–Scargle analysis of 22 years of super-Kamiokande solar $$^8$$B neutrino data
Authors: Pasumarti Vibhavasu , Desai Shantanu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe apply the generalized Lomb–Scargle periodogram to 22 years data of solar$$^{8}$$8B neutrino fluxes detected by Super-Kamiokande. The primary motivation of this work was to check if the sinusoidal modulation at a frequency of 9.43/year (with a period of 38 days), which we had found to be marginally significant with the first 5 years of Super-K data, persists, with the accumulated data. We use four different metrics for the calculation of significance of any peaks in the Lomb–Scargle periodogram, which could be indicative of periodicities. We do not find any evidence for periodicity at the aforementioned frequency or any other frequency with the updated data. Therefore, the observed peak at 9.43/year with the first 5 years of Super-Kamiokande data was only a statistical fluctuation and its significance is negligible with the updated data.
Model Virtues in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors: Heijnen Saskia , Sleutels Jan , de Kleijn Roy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
There is an abundance of computational models in cognitive neuroscience. A framework for what is desirable in a model, what justifies the introduction of a new one, or what makes one better than another is lacking, however. In this article, we examine key qualities (“virtues”) that are desirable in computational models, and how these are interrelated. To keep the scope of the article manageable, we focus on the field of cognitive control, where we identified six “model virtues”: empirical accuracy, empirical scope, functional analysis, causal detail, biological plausibility, and psychological plausibility. We first illustrate their use in published work on Stroop modeling and then discuss what expert modelers in the field of cognitive control said about them in a series of qualitative interviews. We found that virtues are interrelated and that their value depends on the modeler's goals, in ways that are not typically acknowledged in the literature. We recommend that researchers make the reasons for their modeling choices more explicit in published work. Our work is meant as a first step. Although our focus here is on cognitive control, we hope that our findings will spark discussion of virtues in other fields as well.
Performing a Motor Action Enhances Social Reward Processing and Modulates the Neural Processing of Predictive Cues
Authors: Di Bernardi Luft Caroline , Atchoum Iman , Beyer Frederike 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Associative learning affects many areas of human behavior. Recently, we showed that the neural response to monetary reward is enhanced by performing an action, suggesting interactions between neural systems controlling motor behavior and reward processing. Given that many psychiatric disorders are associated with social anhedonia, a key open question is whether such effects generalize to social rewards, and in how far they affect associative learning. We developed a novel task in which participants (n = 66) received social reward feedback and social punishment either by pressing a button or waiting. Predictive cues were linked to feedback valence with 80% accuracy. Using EEG, we measured the neural response to both predictive cues and social feedback. We found enhanced reward positivity for social reward preceded by an action, and an enhanced N2 for cues predicting negative feedback. Cue-locked P3 amplitude was reduced for cues associated with negative feedback in passive trials only, showing a modulation of outcome anticipation by performing a motor action. This was supported by connectivity analyses showing stronger directed theta synchronization, in line with increased top–down modulation of attention, in active compared with passive trials. These findings suggest that actively obtaining social feedback enhances reward sensitivity and modulates outcome anticipation.
An integrated study of Atopobathynella (Parabathynellidae, Bathynellacea) species reveals restricted distributions in a complex hydrogeological setting: two new species from the Pilbara (Australia)
Authors: Perina Giulia , Camacho Ana I. , White Nicole E. , Callan Shae K. , Abello Jenny S. , Morgan Liesel , Guzik Michelle T. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The Pilbara bioregion (Western Australia) has become a hotspot for subterranean fauna as a consequence of many surveys conducted to comply with Western Australian environmental regulation requirements. In this bioregion, mining developments can have major implications for subterranean fauna and their conservation. However the diversity and species distributions of most taxa are still poorly known, including the crustacean family Parabathynellidae. Recent studies on a widespread genus of this family (Atopobathynella) from the Pilbara highlighted several undescribed taxa with interesting patterns of distribution. In the Gudai Darri locality, the northern flank of the Hamersley Range occurs as a stepped escarpment intersected by dykes and gullies, with groundwater occurring within fractured rocks abutting the Fortescue River valley, where a separate regional aquifer occurs. This investigation aimed to observe whether stygofauna species distributions (1) reflected the separation between the two major aquifers within the Hamersley Range and the Fortescue Valley; and (2) were influenced by the presence of dykes. We examined the Atopobathynella species occurring in the study area using morphological and molecular data. The results reflected the hydrogeological complexity of the study area with six new lineages of Atopobathynella, recorded mainly in different gullies, that do not share a most recent common ancestor. Two species are described here A. pagetae sp. nov. and A. lythei sp. nov., and four additional species are delineated through preliminary morphological analyses and molecular data. This study will improve future environmental impact assessments and the understanding of Parabathynellidae taxa distribution in hydrogeological complex areas.