bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Titers of Pooled Plasma Derived From Donors in Japan: A Potential Tool for Mass-Immunity Evaluation
Authors: Yunoki Mikihiro , Kubota-Koketsu Ritsuko , Imada Teruaki , Furuyama Kazuhiro , Sasaki Takahiro , Ohashi Shinichi , Shioda Tatsuo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The anti-spike (S), anti-nucleocapsid (N), and neutralizing activities of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) of pooled plasma derived from donors in Japan from January 2021 to April 2022 were evaluated. Anti-S titers and neutralizing activities showed a wave-like trend affected by daily vaccinations and/or the number of reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections, whereas anti-N titers remained at negative levels. These results suggest that anti-S and neutralizing titers would fluctuate in pooled plasma in the future. Pooled plasma may be potentially used for mass-immunity evaluation, and titer estimation in intravenous immunoglobulin, a derivative of pooled plasma.
A Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA Polymerase Multidrug Resistance Mutation Identified in a Patient With Immunodeficiency and Confirmed by Gene Editing
Authors: Schalkwijk Hanna Helena , Georgala Aspasia , Gillemot Sarah , Temblador Arturo , Topalis Dimitri , Wittnebel Sebastian , Andrei Graciela , Snoeck Robert 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Herpes simplex virus 1 can cause severe infections in individuals who are immunocompromised. In these patients, emergence of drug resistance mutations causes difficulties in infection management.

Methods
Seventeen herpes simplex virus 1 isolates were obtained from orofacial/anogenital lesions in a patient with leaky severe combined immunodeficiency over 7 years, before and after stem cell transplantation. Spatial/temporal evolution of drug resistance was characterized genotypically—with Sanger and next-generation sequencing of viral thymidine kinase (TK) and DNA polymerase (DP)—and phenotypically. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to introduce the novel DP Q727R mutation, and dual infection-competition assays were performed to assess viral fitness.

Results
Isolates had identical genetic backgrounds, suggesting that orofacial/anogenital infections derived from the same virus lineage. Eleven isolates proved heterogeneous TK virus populations by next-generation sequencing, undetectable by Sanger sequencing. Thirteen isolates were acyclovir resistant due to TK mutations, and the Q727R isolate additionally exhibited foscarnet/adefovir resistance. Recombinant Q727R mutant virus showed multidrug resistance and increased fitness under antiviral pressure.

Conclusions
Long-term follow-up of a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency revealed virus evolution and frequent reactivation of wild-type and TK mutant strains, mostly as heterogeneous populations. The DP Q727R resistance phenotype was confirmed with CRISPR/Cas9, a useful tool to validate novel drug resistance mutations.
Successful Detection of Delta and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2 by Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Participants in an Interlaboratory Comparison Exercise
Authors: Deng Kaiping , Nemser Sarah M , Frost Kirstin , Goodman Laura B , Ip Hon S , Killian Mary Lea , Ulaszek Jodie , Kiener Shannon , Kmet Matthew , Uhlig Steffen , Hettwer Karina , Colson Bertrand , Nichani Kapil , Schlierf Anja , Tkachenko Andriy , Miller Megan R , Reddy Ravinder , Tyson Gregory H 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, veterinary diagnostic laboratories have tested diagnostic samples for SARS-CoV-2 both in animals and over 6 million human samples. An evaluation of the performance of those laboratories is needed using blinded test samples to ensure that laboratories report reliable data to the public. This interlaboratory comparison exercise (ILC3) builds on 2 prior exercises to assess whether veterinary diagnostic laboratories can detect Delta and Omicron variants spiked in canine nasal matrix or viral transport medium.

Methods
The ILC organizer was an independent laboratory that prepared inactivated Delta variant at levels of 25 to 1000 copies per 50 µL of nasal matrix for blinded analysis. Omicron variant at 1000 copies per 50 µL of transport medium was also included. Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) RNA was used as a confounder for specificity assessment. Fourteen test samples were prepared for each participant. Participants used their routine diagnostic procedures for RNA extraction and real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. Results were analyzed according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 16140–2:2016.

Results
Overall, laboratories demonstrated 93% detection for Delta and 97% for Omicron at 1000 copies per 50 µL. Specificity was 97% for blank samples and 100% for blank samples with FIPV. No differences in Cycle Threshold (Ct) values were significant for samples with the same virus levels between N1 and N2 markers, nor between the 2 variants.

Conclusions
The results indicated that all ILC3 participants were able to detect both Delta and Omicron variants. The canine nasal matrix did not significantly affect SARS-CoV-2 detection.
The Systemic Risk Council in Denmark: Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses
Authors: Jensen Svend E Hougaard , Sangill Thomas 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT
Like similar bodies in several other countries, the Systemic Risk Council in Denmark was established in response to the global financial crisis. This article first outlines the Council’s design and performance, and then discusses the need for changes to the Council’s remit, governance, powers, and communication with the public. While the design of systemic risk councils varies a lot across countries, and without a consensus on what constitutes an optimal design of a macroprudential policy framework, the Danish experience contributes to the literature on what works, and what does not, in relation to managing systemic risks.
What is Sexual about Sexual Violence?
Authors: Laverty Ciara 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Responding to the wider concern with how to understand the connections between sex and violence in the context of conflict-related sexual violence, this article examines how international criminal law constructs what is sexual about sexual violence. The article adopts a narrative expressivist approach to the knowledge generating effects of international criminal proceedings, using a discourse analysis of judgments and trial transcripts to demonstrate how ‘the sexual’ in sexual violence emerges in the judgments of international criminal courts primarily as a social question, in how sexual violence injures the conjugal order of the community to which victims belong. Drawing on the concept of sexual subjectivity, the article nevertheless reveals how some testimonies during the proceedings of international criminal trials go beyond this dominant narrative, offering instead a perspective that captures the specifically sexualized harm inflicted on individuals by sexual violation. The article ultimately exposes how the dominant narrative of sexual violence that emerges through the judgments of international criminal courts tends to overlook the injury to individual sexual subjectivity inflicted by sexual violence and, in doing so, functions to discount victims’ full subjectivity, including in their sexual lives.
Secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma in the absence of active multiple myeloma: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction
Authors: Boyapati Nikitha , Trivedi Anand 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A 75-year-old woman with a history of multiple myeloma in remission presented with signs, symptoms and imaging findings consistent with a small bowel obstruction secondary to an intussusception. She underwent operative management, and intraoperative findings were consistent with an intussusception of mid small bowel as the cause of the small bowel obstruction. The offending portion of small bowel was resected, and histopathology confirmed a plasmacytoma deposit in the small bowel at the lead point of the intussusception.
Secondary extramedullary plasmacytomas in the gastrointestinal system are rare but can have significant consequences like small bowel obstruction requiring operative management. We present a rare case that emphasizes the need to be highly suspicious for uncommon sequelae of multiple myeloma like secondary extramedullary plasmacytomas when managing patients with history of multiple myeloma in remission with concerning abdominal symptoms.
Not just a GIST: an unclassifiable neoplasm in the genomics era
Authors: Martin Olivia A , Sopha Sabrina C , Boutros Cherif N 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Unclassifiable primary tumors despite adequate tissue for pathologic examination are quite rare. We present a case of a 72-year-old female who was found to have an abdominal mass after she reported to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain with spasms, bloating and nausea. Computed tomography scan demonstrated a 12.3 × 15.7 × 15.9 large multilobulated mass, abutting and compressing the stomach, compatible with neoplasm. She underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with findings concerning for gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The patient underwent en bloc resection of the mass. The neoplasm was unable to be classified on pathologic examination despite a comprehensive workup and multiple consultations with specialized pathologists from local institutions, as well as national specialists. Final pathology was unclassified malignant neoplasm displaying calretinin expression only. This presents a difficult clinical entity to treat. Even in the genomics era, there are tumors that cannot be even broadly classified on pathologic examination.
(014) Impact of Vaginal Prasterone on the Rate of Urinary Tract Infections in GSM Patients and those on Aromatase Inhibitors: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Rubin R S , Moyneur E , Dea K , Labrie F , Dury A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is attributed to a decline in the levels of circulating sexual steroids which often results in increased vaginal pH, atrophic urogenital changes, elevated amount of post-void residual urine, and changes in the vaginal microbiome with a shift towards a predominance of fecal gram-negative bacteria rather than lactobacilli, which is believed to create a potential reservoir for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Current guidelines to prevent recurrent UTIs include vaginal estrogens. Intravaginal prasterone is converted locally in the vaginal tissue into androgens which are subsequently aromatised into estrogens. It is indicated to treat moderate to severe dyspareunia in postmenopausal women in the US.

Objective
The objective of this study was to assess, through real world evidence data, the potential of vaginal prasterone to be used in postmenopausal GSM women with recurrent UTIs as prophylaxis to reduce the future UTI risk. As a sensitivity analysis, women using aromatase inhibitors, medications that stop the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women typically prescribed to women with a history of breast cancer, were analyzed.

Methods
This retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted using the Integrated Dataverse (IDV®) - an open-source claims database from Symphony Health Solutions with data from February 2015 through January 2020. 22,245 women treated with prasterone for a minimum of 12 weeks were matched to women without any prescribed VVA-related treatment. Within each of these two groups, 286 matched patients were taking aromatase inhibitors.

Results
Across all age groups, women treated with prasterone have a significantly lower UTI prevalence compared to those untreated (6.58% and 12.3%, respectively; p˂0.0001). The highest difference in UTI prevalence among the prasterone treated and untreated women was observed in those aged 65-74 (7.15% and 16.2% respectively; p˂0.0001). Consistent with the above, among aromatase inhibitor users, women treated with prasterone have a significantly lower UTI prevalence (4.90% vs. 9.79%; p=0.008).

Conclusions
This study suggests that intravaginal prasterone may be a good candidate for prophylaxis in postmenopausal women with recurrent UTIs to reduce future UTI risk, including for patients taking aromatase inhibitors and having contraindications for estrogen-based therapies. This study is however based on real-world evidence and warrants further investigation in a prospective clinical setting.

Disclosure
Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Endoceutics
Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study
Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Endoceutics
(016) Outpatient, Multimodal Neuromuscular Treatment Reduces Pain and Improves Functionality for Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain and Vulvodynia
Authors: Augusta Shrikhande A , Rains A , Ahmed T , Mamsaang M , Vyas R , Natarajan J , Moody E , Reutter C , Leishear K , Tailor Y , Sandhu-restaino S , Liu L , James N , Filart R , Kapaida R , Haverland R , Zirolli M , Park D 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Characterized by chronic pain and/or discomfort around the opening of the vulva, Vulvodynia is known to affect up to 16% of adult women. Vulvodynia may present as constant or intermittent pain which negatively impacts patients’ personal and working lives, as well as mental health and relationships. The cause of Vulvodynia is unknown, and treatment is not widely agreed upon.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a multimodal neuromuscular treatment protocol in treating the symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain and Vulvodynia, improving pain and function.

Methods
59 patients ages 20-79 who presented to an outpatient clinic for treatment of pelvic pain and Vulvodynia symptoms. These symptoms had persisted for an average of 6 years. All patients underwent a once weekly, six-week treatment consisting of ultrasound-guided pelvic floor musculature trigger-point injections and peripheral nerve blocks. To measure the effects of this treatment, a 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure pelvic pain intensity, and the Functional Pelvic Pain Scale (FPPS) was used to measure function across multiple areas. These measures were taken at patients’ first visit to a clinic, and three months after treatment began.

Results
VAS scores improved by an average of 51%. Before treatment, the mean VAS score was 7.93 (SD=1.61) (a=0.05; CI 7.52-8.34) and the posttreatment mean VAS score was 3.9 (SD=2.19) (a=0.05; CI 3.34-4.46) (P&lt;0.0001). Pelvic pain functionality improved by 23% after three months. Pretreatment FPPS scores averaged at 12.34 (SD=5.8) (a=0.05; CI 10.86-13.82), decreasing to 9.53 (SD=5.43) (a=0.05; CI 8.14-10.91) after treatment (P&lt;0.0001). FPPS functions which showed the greatest improvement were Sleep, which improved by 39%, Intercourse, which improved by 28%, and Walking, which improved by 28%.

Conclusions
These results indicate that a six-week treatment consisting of once-weekly ultrasound-guided pelvic floor musculature trigger-point injections and peripheral nerve blocks combined with once-weekly pelvic floor physical therapy was very effective at relieving pain and improving function for patients with Vulvodynia.

Disclosure
No
(046) Postpartum Sexuality: Gender Inequality in Scientific Research
Authors: Choucroun D 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Sexuality in the postpartum period is very important and may be involved in global future dysfunctions of the couple. Studies are numerous, improving the knowledge of functioning and vulnerabilities of the female body at this time. But what about the male partner? What are his desires, fears and expectations? Scientific research on postpartum sexuality overwhelmingly concerns the woman's body, placing the responsibility for couple sexual distress on her.

Objective
Highlight the gender inequality in the scientific research about postpartum sexuality Demonstrate that the almost interest in the woman's body in the postpartum period can be deleterious to the woman, potentially ignoring a male sexual dysfunction secondary to birth, change in family status, change in the partner's body, or due to another cause.

Methods
Literature review on PubMed with the keywords: for the past year women, sex, postpartum and men, sex, post partum intercourse in postpartum sexual dysfunction in women in postpartum sexual dysfunction in men in postpartum

Results
the keywords sexual dysfunction in men in postpartum found no result for the past year For the research with the keywords women, sex, postpartum and intercourse in postpartum, the literature review finds 85% to 93% of the results concerning only the women.

Conclusions
Female sexual dysfunction is quite wellknown for the postpartum period: lower sexual desire and lower sexual satisfaction, less orgasms and more dyspareunia, physical and psychological change such bad self-esteem because of the body's change, sadness, vaginal dryness and decreased sexual response. Dyadic coping exists, and sometimes the couple can find himself some answers to this difficult period: acceptance, self-care, couple time, good communication. But no relevant element is really found in the scientific research to assess the role of the male partner in this situation: what are his emotions and his feelings, how is his erection after attending the birth? What is his desire when the female body is so different and when the woman is becoming a mother? All these questions are mostly important, and the future answers will allow the woman to feel less alone in the ordeal of matrescence, learning that the man is also not spared by this stage of the couple.

Disclosure
No
(051) Can Vibrator use Improve Well-being?
Authors: Dubinskaya A , Kohli P , Shoureshi P , Breese C , Eilber K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual, pelvic, and mental health are important and interconnected components of overall health and well-being. As such, the function of one area of health can affect health in general. It has been shown that vibrator use improves sexual function in females.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effect of regular topical vibrator use on sexual, pelvic, and mental health and overall well-being.

Methods
We performed a prospective pilot study among women aged 18 and 99 years recruited from our urogynecology clinic. Study participants were instructed to use a vibrator for five to ten minutes two to three times a week for three months on their external genitalia with a focus on the duration of application. Demographics, pelvic floor function, and mental health were assessed at the initial and 3- months follow-up appointments using physical exams and validated questionnaires. To determine the effect of vibrator use on pelvic and mental health, statistical analysis was performed with paired t-tests (continuous data) or McNemar’s test (dichotomous data).

Results
Of 79 women enrolled in the study, 57 (72.2%) women completed the study. The mean age of participants was 54.7 years (range 19 – 80 years), and most were Caucasian (74.7%), menopausal (60.8%), and not on systemic hormone replacement therapy (79.7%) or vaginal estrogen therapy (79.7%). Half (53.2%) of the participants were engaged in partnered sexual activity, and 49.4% used or had used vibrators in the past. Sexual function domains such as arousal (p=0.007), orgasm (p=0.018), and satisfaction (p=0.027) were significantly improved after the completion of the study, as well as genitourinary pain scores (p=0.037). However, symptoms related to pelvic organ prolapse (p=0.59), urinary incontinence (p=0.15), and fecal incontinence (p=0.15) were not significantly improved. Rates of depression significantly decreased (p=0.020), while health-related quality of life significantly improved (p=0.014).

Conclusions
Vibrator use was associated with improved sexual health, genitourinary pain, and health-related quality of life. Depression was subjectively improved, along with a positive trend in depression scores. Recommendation of regular vibrator use should be considered for certain conditions as it might have a significant influence on women’s well-being.

Disclosure
Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Abbvie, Coloplast.
(115) Prevalence of Clitoral Adhesions in Patients who have Undergone Breast Cancer Care
Authors: Burris B , Hoelscher G , Brown J , Lees B , Davenport S 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The incidence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in patients who have undergone breast cancer care is approximately 66-83% 1,2. Clitoral phimosis is a congenital or acquired condition in which the clitoral hood cannot be fully retracted and can be associated with sexual pain and impaired orgasmic capability. A paper by Aerts et al. in 2018 demonstrated a prevalence of clitoral adhesions/phimosis in patients presenting to their sexual medicine practice to be 22%3. Our sexual health clinic has observed that a large majority of patients who are diagnosed with FSD after treatment for breast cancer also have clitoral phimosis. This may remain underdiagnosed and undertreated since examination of the clitoris and clitoral hood is still not considered a routine portion of the gynecologic examination.

Objective
There is an increased prevalence of clitoral adhesions in patients who underwent breast cancer care.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study. Data was collected from our IRB approved Sexual Health Clinic registry from August 2021 to November 2022. All female patients presenting to our clinic over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of breast cancer who underwent a pelvic exam were included. Patients who did not undergo treatment with an estrogen modulator for their breast cancer were excluded.

Results
A total of 25 patients presented to the clinic during this time period with a diagnosis of breast cancer. 24 patients underwent a pelvic exam. 23 patients previously underwent treatment with an estrogen modulator. Of these 23 patients, 15 patients (65%) had findings of clitoral adhesions, whereas 8 patients (35%) did not have evidence of clitoral adhesions. Table 1 presents severity of adhesions and associated diagnoses in patients with findings of clitoral adhesions.

Conclusions
This study serves as preliminary data from our clinic that would indicate that those with a diagnosis of breast cancer that were treated with an estrogen modulator have a higher incidence of clitoral adhesions than the general population. It is therefore our recommendation that all women who have a diagnosis of breast cancer should have a comprehensive vulvar exam including an inspection of the clitoral glans and prepuce. If the prepuce cannot be easily retracted, a diagnosis of clitoral adhesions should be considered. A pilot grant application has been submitted to further investigate prevalence, associated symptoms, severity and treatment efficacy over a longer period.

Disclosure
No
Master Surgical Scheduling via Answer Set Programming
Authors: Mochi Marco , Galatà Giuseppe , Maratea Marco 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The problem of finding a Master Surgical Schedule (MSS) consists of scheduling different specialties to the operating rooms (ORs) of a hospital clinic. To produce a proper MSS, each specialty must be assigned to some ORs, where the number of assignments is different for each specialty and can also vary during the considered planning horizon. The problem is enriched by considering resource availability such as beds, surgical teams and nurses. Realizing a satisfying schedule is of upmost importance for a hospital clinic, since a poorly scheduled MSS may lead to unbalanced specialties availability and increase patients’ waiting list, thus negatively affecting both the administrative costs of the hospital and the patient satisfaction. In this paper, we present compact solutions based on Answer Set Programming (ASP) to the MSS problem. We tested our solutions on different scenarios: experiments show that our ASP solutions provide satisfying results in short time, also when compared to other logic-based formalisms. Finally, we describe a web application we have developed for easy usage of our solution.