bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(531) Effect of COVID- 19 on Sexual Function and Activities Among Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Idowu O C , Abdus-Salam R A , Akinlusi F M , Morhason-Bello I O 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The novel SARS corona virus (SARS COV 2) causing the Corona Virus Disease (COVID--19) was first reported in Wuhan, China in 2019 and became a global pandemic in 2020 with severe health and economic consequences forcing nations to declare nationwide lockdown to limit the ragging pandemic. Different patterns of signs and symptoms as well as complications were reported to have followed COVID-19.

Objective
The objectives of the study were to describe the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and pattern of dysfunction and to determine the effect of COVID--19 infection pandemic and lockdown on sexual function and activities among women reproductive age.

Methods
This was a cross sectional study of women in the reproductive age-group evaluating the sexual health function before, during and after the COVID--19 infection pandemic and lockdown. This was assessed using a structured questionnaire and a modified Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was administered to 203 women participants and the information collected included socio-demographic and gynaecologic characteristics, COVID--19 experiences, sexual history and function before, during and after the COVID--19 pandemic lockdown.

Results
Most of the respondents were aged between 20 and 50 years (95%), married (77.7%) and were sexually active at the time of the study (92.6%) and 16.3% of the respondents had COVID-19 infection at least once. Only 43.6% of the sexually active respondents currently have normal overall female sexual function score with the mean FSFI score of 24.5. 71.4% had at least mild hyposexual desire, 54.2% with arousal disorder, 32.1% disorders of lubrication, 43.3% have orgasm related dysfunction, 37.8% have sexual satisfaction related dysfunction and 41.1% have disorders of sexual pain. COVID-19 lockdown may have had effect on sexual activities as 11.3% of respondents were not sexually active before the lockdown, 13.3% during the lockdown whereas only 7.4% after the lockdown suggesting abstinence as a result of the lockdown. Among the sexually active respondents during COVID-19 lockdown mean FSFI score of 23.76 and only 36.9% had normal overall FSFI score.

Conclusions
Female sexual dysfunction is still prevalent with the most common form being disorders of desire and arousal. COVID-19 lockdown resulted in abstinence from sexual intercourse in some women and sexual function also noted to be reduced among the sexually active women with higher incidence of female sexual dysfunction during the lockdown.

Disclosure
No
(534) Sexual Patterns and Practices Among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Ogunbode O , Idowu O C , Bello O O 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Young people are potentially likely to engage in risky sexual behavior and this may be worse in the absence of adequate knowledge. These risky sexual behaviors potentially bear grave consequences on their lives and future.

Objective
The study assessed sexual preferences and practices as well as the knowledge of safe sexual practices and practice of risky sexual behavior among undergraduate students.

Methods
This is a cross sectional study in which the sexual patterns and practices among undergraduate students were accessed with the aid of a structured tested interviewer administered questionnaire. 751 undergraduate students from four different tertiary educational institution. Information on their demographic characteristics, sexual preference and patterns, knowledge and practices of safe sexual practices and risky sexual behavior were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analyzed with IBM SPSS version 25Descriptive statistics such as: mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentages, graphs and charts was used to summarize the result. Level of significance set at p&lt;0.05.

Results
The respondents were young people with ages between 14 to 39years with a mean age of 20.9years. A higher proportion (55.1%) are female and 44.1% are male. Most of the respondents (97%) are single, 2% of were married, and 1% divorced or separated. Of sexual preference, majority of them (83.8%) preferred heterosexual relationship, 14.6% homosexual relationship, and 1.1% consider themselves bisexual. At age 20years, 85.6% of respondents have attained sexual debut. About a quarter (26.6%) have ever engaged in anal sex, 22.9% practice oral sex, 16.5% reported ever having group sex, while only 3.4% always practice anal sex. As many as 88.4% of respondent claimed to have knowledge of safe sex with sources of information comprising of parents, friends, media, health workers, family planning clinics, and community pharmacy store. Media is the largest source of knowledge and family planning contributed the least. Among the sexually active respondents, 33.5% have never used condoms and only 22.9% of them always used condoms. 73.5% of all sexually active respondents were practicing casual sex and a quarter of them (25.2%) engage in alcohol, cocaine or other illicit drug use prior to sexual intercourse.

Conclusions
A significant proportion of young people have preference for homosexual relations. various forms of potentially risky sexual behaviors are also common among these young people. Their sexual preferences must be respected and they must be provided with adequate knowledge to ensure safe practices. The media in all forms provides a good platform for dissemination of information to at risk young people.

Disclosure
No
(537) Transcorporal Cuff vs Standard Cuff Placement of Artificial Urinary Sphincters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chung R , Kurtzman J T , Kerr P , Han D , Brandes S B 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Long-term data suggests 1 in 5 patients will require artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) reoperation due to erosion, infection, or mechanical malfunction prior to the end of the natural lifespan of the device. Men with stress incontinence after radiation or prostatectomy are considered to have "fragile" urethras that are higher risk for AUS erosion. Transcorporal cuff placement (TCC) of artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) is thought to have a protective effect by avoiding direct contact with the urethra and thus avoiding erosion. Stress incontinence can detract from libido and overall sexual health and should be an important consideration in cancer survivorship.

Objective
The objective of the study was to determine if TCC has a protective effect in avoiding complications compared to standard cuff placement for AUS patients.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. The primary outcome was pooled incidence of complication, defined as explant, reoperation/revision, infection, erosion, or mechanical failure. Pooled incidence was calculated using a Der-Simonian-Laird binary random effects model with a Freeman-Tukey arcsine transformation. A total of 14 studies were included, of which 9 provided data for comparative analysis.

Results
Pooled data from 2240 patients revealed a complication rate of 20% (95% CI 0.14-0.28) (Figure 1). Data from 428 patients were included in the comparative analysis, which showed a 2.11 (95%CI 1.29-3.46) higher odds of explant with TCC compared to standard cuff placement (Figure 2). However, TCC was used mainly in patients with “fragile” urethras, a term used to describe patients with prior AUS erosion, radiation therapy, or other urethral surgeries.

Conclusions
The current data suggests that TCC may have a higher complication rate compared to standard cuff placement and is not protective against erosion. However, the TCC approach largely targeted patients with multiple risk factors for erosion. A prospective randomized trial comparing TCC to standard cuff placement in a matched patient population may contribute to a better understanding of whether TCC has a protective effect.

Disclosure
No
(538) Penile Enlargement for Patient with Buried Penis: Pubic Dermolipectomy, Scrotoplasty and Mons Pubis Reconstruction
Authors: Ruffo A , Esposito F , Trama F , Riccardo F , Iacono F , Stanojevic N 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Acquired buried penis is a common condition in obese patients. Abnormal excess fat accumulation under the pubic skin leads to the partially or completely disappearance of the penis. This condition is related to voiding difficulties and sexual dysfunction. The goal of surgical treatment is to expose full penile lengthy by excising the adipose pubic tissue and part of excess pubic skin.

Objective
The aim of this kind of surgery is to make possible to have a normal sexual life to obese patients with buried penis.

Methods
We performed this technique for buried penis in 25 patients aged from 18 to 72 y (mean 48). Preoperatively, the patient is marked for the procedure in the standing position. Two transversal incisions are made on the pubis and joined laterally on both sides towards anterior iliac spines with the care taken to avoid the formation of "dog ears". The suprapubic fat is removed. Following the inner surface of the Scarpas fascia, the fat is also removed from the penoscrotal angle and from the scrotum as much as possible leaving exposed funiculus and testis on both sides. Suspensory ligament of the penis was incised. Penile skin redistribution leads to a better organ exposure. Postoperative vacuum erectile device was used in order to prevent penile retraction.

Results
Follow up was at 6 months. Early postoperative complications were hematoma (7pts), penile skin edema (5pts), seroma (5pts), wound infection (5pts), penile shaft retraction (3pts). Majority of pts (22pts) were satisfied good aesthetical and functional outcome.

Conclusions
Pubic dermolipectomy is a safe procedure with satisfactory results to treat men with buried penis. Surgical exposition of the penile shaft was accomplished in all patients.

Disclosure
No
Abasic site–peptide cross-links are blocking lesions repaired by AP endonucleases
Authors: Yudkina Anna V , Bulgakov Nikita A , Kim Daria V , Baranova Svetlana V , Ishchenko Alexander A , Saparbaev Murat K , Koval Vladimir V , Zharkov Dmitry O 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites are abundant DNA lesions arising from spontaneous hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond and as base excision repair (BER) intermediates. AP sites and their derivatives readily trap DNA-bound proteins, resulting in DNA–protein cross-links. Those are subject to proteolysis but the fate of the resulting AP–peptide cross-links (APPXLs) is unclear. Here, we report two in vitro models of APPXLs synthesized by cross-linking of DNA glycosylases Fpg and OGG1 to DNA followed by trypsinolysis. The reaction with Fpg produces a 10-mer peptide cross-linked through its N-terminus, while OGG1 yields a 23-mer peptide attached through an internal lysine. Both adducts strongly blocked Klenow fragment, phage RB69 polymerase, Saccharolobus solfataricus Dpo4, and African swine fever virus PolX. In the residual lesion bypass, mostly dAMP and dGMP were incorporated by Klenow and RB69 polymerases, while Dpo4 and PolX used primer/template misalignment. Of AP endonucleases involved in BER, Escherichia coli endonuclease IV and its yeast homolog Apn1p efficiently hydrolyzed both adducts. In contrast, E. coli exonuclease III and human APE1 showed little activity on APPXL substrates. Our data suggest that APPXLs produced by proteolysis of AP site-trapped proteins may be removed by the BER pathway, at least in bacterial and yeast cells.
The AnnotSV webserver in 2023: updated visualization and ranking
Authors: Geoffroy Véronique , Lamouche Jean-Baptiste , Guignard Thomas , Nicaise Samuel , Kress Arnaud , Scheidecker Sophie , Le Béchec Antony , Muller Jean 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Much of the human genetics variant repertoire is composed of single nucleotide variants (SNV) and small insertion/deletions (indel) but structural variants (SV) remain a major part of our modified DNA. SV detection has often been a complex question to answer either because of the necessity to use different technologies (array CGH, SNP array, Karyotype, Optical Genome Mapping…) to detect each category of SV or to get an appropriate resolution (Whole Genome Sequencing). Thanks to the deluge of pangenomic analysis, Human geneticists are accumulating SV and their interpretation remains time consuming and challenging. The AnnotSV webserver (https://www.lbgi.fr/AnnotSV/) aims at being an efficient tool to (i) annotate and interpret SV potential pathogenicity in the context of human diseases, (ii) recognize potential false positive variants from all the SV identified and (iii) visualize the patient variants repertoire. The most recent developments in the AnnotSV webserver are: (i) updated annotations sources and ranking, (ii) three novel output formats to allow diverse utilization (analysis, pipelines), as well as (iii) two novel user interfaces including an interactive circos view.
NORMSEQ: a tool for evaluation, selection and visualization of RNA-Seq normalization methods
Authors: Scheepbouwer Chantal , Hackenberg Michael , van Eijndhoven Monique A J , Gerber Alan , Pegtel Michiel , Gómez-Martín Cristina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
RNA-sequencing has become one of the most used high-throughput approaches to gain knowledge about the expression of all different RNA subpopulations. However, technical artifacts, either introduced during library preparation and/or data analysis, can influence the detected RNA expression levels. A critical step, especially in large and low input datasets or studies, is data normalization, which aims at eliminating the variability in data that is not related to biology. Many normalization methods have been developed, each of them relying on different assumptions, making the selection of the appropriate normalization strategy key to preserve biological information. To address this, we developed NormSeq, a free web-server tool to systematically assess the performance of normalization methods in a given dataset. A key feature of NormSeq is the implementation of information gain to guide the selection of the best normalization method, which is crucial to eliminate or at least reduce non-biological variability. Altogether, NormSeq provides an easy-to-use platform to explore different aspects of gene expression data with a special focus on data normalization to help researchers, even without bioinformatics expertise, to obtain reliable biological inference from their data. NormSeq is freely available at: https://arn.ugr.es/normSeq.
Association Between Cycle Threshold Value and Vaccination Status Among Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron Variant Cases in Ontario, Canada, in December 2021
Authors: Ravindran Saranyah , Gubbay Jonathan B , Cronin Kirby , Sullivan Ashleigh , Zygmunt Austin , Johnson Karen , Buchan Sarah A , Parpia Alyssa S 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Increased immune evasion by emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and occurrence of breakthrough infections raise questions about whether coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination status affects SARS-CoV-2 viral load among those infected. This study examined the relationship between cycle threshold (Ct) value, which is inversely associated with viral load, and vaccination status at the onset of the Omicron wave onset in Ontario, Canada.

Methods
Using linked provincial databases, we compared median Ct values across vaccination status among polymerase chain reaction–confirmed Omicron variant SARS-CoV-2 cases (sublineages B.1.1.529, BA.1, and BA.1.1) between 6 and 30 December 2021. Cases were presumed to be Omicron based on S-gene target failure. We estimated the relationship between vaccination status and Ct values using multiple linear regression, adjusting for age group, sex, and symptom status.

Results
Of the 27 029 presumed Omicron cases in Ontario, the majority were in individuals who had received a complete vaccine series (87.7%), followed by unvaccinated individuals (8.1%), and those who had received a booster dose (4.2%). The median Ct value for post–booster dose individuals (18.3 [interquartile range, 15.4–22.3]) was significantly higher than that for unvaccinated (17.9 [15.2–21.6]; P = .02) and post–vaccine series individuals (17.8 [15.3–21.5]; P = .005). Post–booster dose cases remained associated with a significantly higher median Ct value than cases in unvaccinated individuals (P ≤ .001), after adjustment for covariates. Compared with values in persons aged 18–29 years, Ct values were significantly lower among most age groups &gt;50 years.

Conclusions
While slightly lower Ct values were observed among unvaccinated individuals infected with Omicron compared with post–booster dose cases, further research is required to determine whether a significant difference in secondary transmission exists between these groups.
US–Russian Cooperative Threat Reduction to Secure Nuclear Warheads
Authors: Chapman Geoffrey , Moon William M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
United States–Russian cooperation on nuclear warhead security from 1995 to 2013 is historically unique and demonstrates how such partnerships can contribute to enhancing nuclear security—even between former adversaries. This cooperation, however, required a deliberate step-by-step approach to build trust before the states were able to provide comprehensive security enhancements for Russia’s nuclear warhead stockpile. The chapter traces the incremental process by which this trust was built, both between officials in cultural exchanges and through progressively more ambitious nuclear security equipment deliveries. Each step demonstrated that the partners were operating in good faith and allowed for results to be achieved, such as US access to Russian warhead storage sites, which, at the outset of the programme, seemed highly unlikely. Although US–Russian joint warhead security work ended in 2013, this programme served as an important foundational effort in global risk reduction initiatives, particularly for nuclear security and as a model for future efforts for cooperation when addressing the most sensitive instruments of state power.
Risk-Informed Nuclear Security Regulation in the United States
Authors: Jaczko Gregory B. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The commercial nuclear industry in the United States has had regulations governing security at high-risk facilities like nuclear reactors and fuel processing plants since 1979, primarily to protect against terrorist attacks. Two factors drove the evolution of those initial regulations: changes in the external terror threats and the shift from deterministic to risk-informed regulations. The chapter looks at the evolution of the regulatory framework. Starting with the initial development of the design basis threat (DBT) in 1979, the chapter discusses the basic approach to nuclear security that dominated the industry until the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Following the attacks, new threats emerged: aircraft impacts and radiological dispersal devices (RDDs; also known as ‘dirty bombs’). These challenges added significant new nuclear security requirements for nuclear power facilities and producers of radioactive materials. The chapter closes with a look at the emerging threats of cyber-attacks and an examination of the challenges of developing security regulations in a publicly transparent process.
The Fundamentals of Physical Protection
Authors: Grigg Martin , Sterba Johannes H. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Physical protection systems for nuclear facilities have evolved to adapt to new threats and to take advantage of new technology. They are more than just fences and barricades, but rather represent a web of integrated systems that combine people, procedures, and technology to create uncertainty for an assailant. To provide an effective system, it is necessary to consider the threat origin, facility capabilities, and multiple design viewpoints to create mitigation measures that are proportionate to the consequence of an uncontrolled radioactive release or removal of material. The guidance provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes a graded approach to nuclear security based on the concept of defence-in-depth. Adopting this approach enables appropriate and proportionate resources to be applied to target areas. A physical protection system that considers specific high-risk areas can apply multiple layers of incremental protection that increase as a potential adversary gets closer to their target.
Cognigrams
Authors: Haidle Miriam Noël 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The aim of cognitive archaeology is to infer prehistoric mental systems from behavioral systems, the products of which we see in the archaeological record. A prerequisite for this is a detailed reconstruction of the performances associated with an artifact. The archaeological remains have to be translated from a narrow object perspective to a perspective of the behavioral context, taking into account the acquisition of resources necessary for obtaining the artifact, the technical steps for producing it, the requirements of its use, and the resources it makes accessible to the user. Cognigrams offer a framework for systematically encoding reconstructions of perception-and-action sequences, providing a contextualized, detailed procedural understanding of the associated techno-behaviors. This chapter explains the elements and structural organization of cognigrams and shows the potential of the method in different perspectives on tool behavior and comparing performances. The systematic coding permits comparison of the evidence from different contexts and levels of complexity, thus facilitating a developmental perspective. The detailed reconstruction of behavioral architectures in cognigrams represents a metatool to reflect on tool behavior and provides a powerful basis for inferences about prehistoric cognition.
Thinking, For Example In and About the Past
Authors: Whitley David S. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Can archaeology, seemingly limited to preserved material evidence, reconstruct the cognitive systems and intellectual lives of past peoples? Traditional archaeology viewed this goal as beyond the realistic limits of empirical inference. Ideational cognitive archaeology, explicitly concerned with religious beliefs, symbolic systems, and social and ideological structures of “cognitively modern” humans, has, however, developed analytical techniques allowing us to achieve this level of interpretation. Partly employing the Direct Historical Approach, ideational cognitive archaeology is commonly associated with studies of later prehistoric periods. But it also uses cognitive universals and natural constants and models that sometimes provide analytical bridges to deeper prehistoric times, even back to the Upper Palaeolithic. The rock engravings of the Coso Range, California are a rich symbolic corpus that can be deployed to infer the religious and cognitive systems and social lives of hunter-gatherers who occupied this North American region. A detailed ethnographic record provides a clear understanding of the historical origins and primary meanings of these motifs, which is amplified by explication of the natural models illustrated in the corpus. A neuropsychological model based on cognitive universals further contributes to our understanding of the origin and symbolism of the engravings. These strands of independent evidence, based on both different kinds of data and analytical techniques, result in a scientifically robust interpretation of prehistory in this portion of the Great Basin, demonstrating the utility of ideational cognitive archaeology.