bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(88) PREVALENCE AND PREDICTING FACTORS FOR COMMONLY NEGLECTED SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS TO LOW-DOSE RATE BRACHYTHERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Authors: Dr. Sami Beji , Dr. Alexander B Nolsøe , Dr. Christian F Jensen , Peter B Østergren , Jens Sønksen , Rasmus Bisbjerg , Henrik Jakobsen , Mikkel Fode 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate orgasmic dysfunction, urinary incontinence during sexual activity (UIS), changes in penile morphology, and sensory disturbances in the penis following Low-dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR-B) for prostate cancer.

Methods
Questionnaire-based study in patients who underwent LDR-B at Herlev Hospital from March 2010 through February 2020. The questionnaire included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and a series of questions on orgasm, UIS, changes in penile morphology, and sensory disturbances in the penis

Results
Overall, 178 patients responded to the questionnaire. The median age was 70 years (51 to 83 years), and the median time since LDR-B was 93 months (21 to 141 months).
Overall, 142 (80%) were sexually active and 126 (70.8%) had erectile dysfunction (ED). Of the sexually active patients, 8 (5.6%) reported anejaculation and 7 (4.9%) reported anorgasmia. Another 67 (46.9%) had decreased orgasmic intensity, while 69 (49.3%) reported an increased time to orgasm. Twenty-six patients (18.3%) had experienced orgasm associated pain with a median visual analog pain score of 2. Considering overlap 44 patients (31.0%) had an unchanged orgasmic function.
Six (3.3%) patients had experienced UIS at least a few times. Penile length loss was reported by 45 patients (25.2%). Seventeen (9.6%) patients reported an altered curvature of their penis and 9 (5%) reported that they had experience painful erection. Thirty-three patients (18.5%) had experienced decreased sensitivity in the penis.
On multivariate analyses ED was the only independent risk factor for altered perception of orgasm (OR of 6.6, p&lt;0.0001), orgasmic pain (OR 5.5, p=0.008), and penile shortening (OR 4.2, p&lt;0.0056). No independent risk factors were identified for UIS or sensory penile disturbances.

Conclusions
Orgasmic dysfunction, changes in penile morphology, and sensory disturbances in the penis are common side effects of LDR-B for prostate cancer. Meanwhile, UIS is only experienced by a small minority.

Conflicts of Interest
None
(64) INTEGRATION OF THE PSYCHO-SEXOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN THE MEDICAL TREATMENT OF A PERSON WITH SYPHILIS INFECTION
Authors: Dr. Mylene Bolmont , Julie Cloppet Mouchet , Mélanie Michaud , Penelope Bornhauser , Laurence Toutous-Trellu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Syphilis bears the image of a great sexually transmitted disease. Sexual health of the infected person may be affected. Yet, no study explored this aspect. The aim of the present research is to investigate the sexological impact of syphilis in order to improve our knowledge on this aspect, and consequently, to improve the quality of care for our patients and messages on prevention.

Methods
43 patients, with confirmed syphilis were recruited at the venerology consultation of University Hospital of Geneva. They had to participate in a two-step experiment. First, they had to fill in questionnaires concerning their sexual function. Participants were then invited to discuss with the psycho-sexologist during a semi structured interview, to collect detailed qualitative data on the way they experienced their infection sexologically. The study was accepted in the local ethical committee.

Results
All the patients full filled the questionnaires. 8 women and 35 men, aged from 20 to 57 (39.12±10.56) were included. 13/43 were co-infected with HIV.
The results showed that 25/43 (58.1 %) of the patients reported a negative impact of syphilis on sexual life: blockage feeling for a new sexual intercourse, lack of sexual desire, loss of confidence in the actual and or future sexual partners. We also noted changes in sexual practices for 20/43 (46.51%) of the patients, with safer sex or abstinence, but all these changes only lasted for the duration of the treatment. However, results revealed that only 7/43 of the patients (16.3%) reported a short-term impact of syphilis on mental health, and especially feeling of anxiety, limited to the announcement of the diagnosis.

Conclusions
Because there is a short term impact of syphilis on the sexual sphere of the patients, offering an urgent sexological counselling during the early treatment phase will allow better resilience of people encountering sexual difficulties.

Conflicts of Interest
no conflicts of interest.
(300) SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: AN UPDATED SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Hester Pastoor , Hanneke Bolt , Tania Burgert , Jillian Tay , Aya Mousa , Prof. Helena Teede 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To present a comprehensive review of the evidence on sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to women without PCOS.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature was conducted. Eight databases were searched from inception to August 24th 2022. Two authors independently screened articles based on pre-defined inclusion (e.g. adequate PCOS diagnosis) and exclusion criteria (e.g. hyperandrogenism caused by other diseases) and assessed their quality, including grading the certainty of the evidence. Meta-analyses, forest plots and publication bias were assessed using Review Manager.

Results
Twenty-seven articles were included, of which 23 used questionnaires and four used visual analogue scales (VAS). The questionnaires showed worse sexual function across most domains in women with PCOS, including arousal (weighted mean difference [WMD]= -0.36, P= 0.002), lubrication (WMD= -0.47, P &lt;0.001), and orgasm (WMD= -0.35, P &lt;0.001). Total sexual function was also significantly lower in PCOS (WMD= -2.42, P &lt;0.001), as was sexual satisfaction (WMD= -1.48, P &lt;0.001). VAS results were not pooled in meta-analysis due to using the same control group across the included studies. However, effects within individual VAS studies demonstrated the negative impact of excess body hair on sexuality, lower sexual attractiveness and lower sexual satisfaction in women with PCOS compared with controls, with no differences in the perceived importance of a satisfying sex life. Certainty of evidence was graded low for all included studies.

Conclusions
Women with PCOS place similar importance on sexual satisfaction as women without PCOS, yet have lower sexual function and sexual satisfaction across a number of domains. Sexual function assessment, and where relevant, psychosexual counseling should be considered as part of standard care in women with PCOS. Findings from this review have directly informed the international PCOS guideline on sexual function assessment and management.

Conflicts of Interest
HP, JB, TSB, CTT, AM, HJT: no conflicts to report.
(323) SEXUAL FUNCTION AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH ANDROGEN LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Authors: Hester Pastoor , Dr. Stephanie Both , Prof. Ellen Laan , Prof. Joop Laven 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate sexual function in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the relationship with androgen levels.

Methods
Heterosexual women with clinically diagnosed PCOS (n=68), aged 18-40 years, in a committed relationship and healthy controls (n=67) were included. All women went through a medical and endocrine screening using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry and completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale Revised (FSDS-R).

Results
All endocrine and medical measures were as expected, with higher androgen levels, biochemical hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, acne, polycystic ovaries and irregular menstrual cycles in the PCOS group. The PCOS group was slightly older, had a significantly longer relationship, and used less often oral contraceptive pills.
The PCOS group scored significantly lower on all FSFI scales, except for pain and showed lower sexual function (FSFI total P&lt;0.001, partial η2 = 0.104), and higher sexual distress (FSDS-R total P&lt;0.001, partial η2 = 0.090). Also, more women with PCOS than controls complied with the definition of sexual dysfunction (41.2% vs 11.9%, p&lt;0.001) and reported clinically sexual distress (51.5% vs 19.4%, p&lt;0.001).
Regression analysis adjusted for confounders showed only few and weak associations between androgen levels and sexual function, with each model explaining less than 15%.
Analyses for both groups separately showed no significant associations in the PCOS group. The control group showed associations between testosterone and FSFI pain (β=-6.022, P=0.044, Adj R2=0.050), FAI and FSFI orgasm (β=-3.360, P=0.023, Adj R2=0.049) and androstenedione and clinical sexual distress (β=-7.293, P=0.036, exp(β)=0.001).

Conclusions
Sexual function is impaired in women with PCOS. Contrary to general belief, endocrine perturbations seem to have minimal impact on sexual dysfunction. Addressing sexuality and offering psychosexual counseling is important in the clinical care for women with PCOS.

Conflicts of Interest
HP, SB, EL: no conflicts to report
JL: received unrestricted research grants from the following companies (in alphabetical order): Ansh Labs, Ferring, Merck Serono and Roche Diagnostics. He also received consultancy fees from Ansh Labs, Ferring, Gedeon Richter, Titus Healthcare, Roche Diagnostics.
(159) PROPERLY DEALING WITH SEXUALITY/INTIMACY IN HIGH-RISK PREGNANCIES
Authors: Gabrijela Simetinger 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
In complicated and high-risk pregnancies, health care professionals (HCPs) must carefully balance between sexual restrictions (avoiding damage to pregnancy, mother or baby) and recommendations to continue sexuality and intimacy (aiming at the sexual health of the couple).

Methods
In the scarce literature on this area geared to non-sexual medicine professionals, we investigated how much proactive attention is paid to sexuality and intimacy in complicated and high-risk pregnancies. We then developed detailed recommendations related to specific pregnancy pathologies. That process also yielded valuable general recommendations.

Results
Regarding complicated and high-risk pregnancies, there is minimal information for midwifery and obstetric HCPs that deals with sexuality and intimacy. The little available literature mainly addresses the dangerous aspects without paying attention to the variety of sexual behaviour. Besides, it focuses on restrictions without recommending what is allowed.
We then tried to separate the various elements of sexuality with their potential beneficial and adverse effects on pregnancy, baby or mother and apply that knowledge to each of the common pregnancy pathologies: threatening miscarriage, early bleeding, hyperemesis, short cervix, painful contractions, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, placenta previa, uterine scars, urinary tract infection, vaginal infection, hypertension, poor fetal growth, and twin pregnancy.

Conclusions
When dealing with threatening pregnancy complications, it is vital to proactively address the not-asked questions on sexuality and intimacy, be very explicit and clear about what is better to renounce, and always add what is sexually allowed or recommended to consider.
Ref: Simetinger G, Gianotten WL. Sexual aspects of high-risk and complicated pregnancy. In Geuens S, Mivšek AP, Gianotten WL (eds). Springer Nature OA 2023.

Conflicts of Interest
No conflict of interest.
(209) SELECTED PERSONALITY TRAITS OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DISCRIMINATION ON THE GROUNDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY
Authors: Katarzyna Zborowska , Bożena Chrapkiewicz , Daria Jorg 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The conducted research touches on a very important topic in the field of selected personality traits of people experiencing discrimination and homophobia on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This work is innovative in the empirical dimension, so far the literature on the subject has not analyzed the personality traits of non-heteronormative people in the dimension of conformism-nonconformism, narcissism or disposition to forgive. Self-esteem and the phenomenon of discrimination in the LGBTQIA + community is described quite widely.

Methods
Features such as (non) conformism, narcissism, self-esteem and forgiveness were analyzed in detail. 104 homosexuals and 100 transgender people were surveyed using the following questionnaires: KANH III Creative Behavior Questionnaire, NPI (Narccistic Personality Inventory), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES); Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS) and an original survey on experienced discrimination and homophobia.

Results
The obtained results indicate that the respondents did not differ from each other in the dimension of conformism-nonconformity. For the narcissism level variable, there was a difference in the self-sufficiency scale. This study confirmed that non-heteronormative persons are characterized by low self-esteem and that transgender persons are characterized by a higher tendency to positive self-forgiveness than the homosexual respondents. Moreover, homosexual and transgender people differ in terms of experienced discrimination and homophobia. The results of the research indicate that transgender persons experienced a greater intensity of discrimination than homosexual persons.

Conclusions
The pervasive stigma and discrimination against LGBTQIA + people affect the health of non-heteronormative people throughout their lives, especially when it comes to mental health and well-being.

Conflicts of Interest
No Conflicts of Interest.
Mapping the Galactic magnetic field orientation and strength in three dimensions
Authors: Hu Yue , Lazarian A 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
The mapping of the Galactic magnetic field (GMF) in three dimensions is essential to comprehend various astrophysical processes that occur within the Milky Way. This study endeavours to map the GMF by utilizing the latest MM2 technique, the velocity gradient technique (VGT), the column density variance approach, and the Galactic Arecibo L-band Feed Array HI survey of neutral hydrogen (H i) emission. The MM2 and VGT methods rely on an advanced understanding of magnetohydrodynamics turbulence to determine the plane-of-the-sky magnetic field strength and orientation, respectively. The H i emission data, combined with the Galactic rotational curve, give us the distribution of H i gas throughout the Milky Way. By combining these two techniques, we map the GMF orientation and strength, as well as the Alfvén Mach number MA in 3D for a low-galactic latitude (b &lt; 30o) region close to the Perseus Arm. The analysis of column density variance gives the sonic Mach number Ms distribution. The results of this study reveal the sub-Alfvénic and subsonic (or trans-sonic) nature of the H i gas. The variation of mean MA along the line of sight approximately ranges from 0.6 to 0.9, while that of mean Ms is from 0.2 to 1.5. The mean magnetic field strength varies from 0.5 to 2.5 µG exhibiting a decreasing trend towards the Galaxy’s outskirt. This work provides a new avenue for mapping the GMF, especially the magnetic field strength, in 3D. We discuss potential synergetic applications with other approaches.
The Gaia alerted fading of the FUor-type star Gaia21elv
Authors: Nagy Zsófia , Park Sunkyung , Ábrahám Péter , Kóspál Ágnes , Cruz-Sáenz de Miera Fernando , Kun Mária , Siwak Michał , Szabó Zsófia Marianna , Szilágyi Máté , Fiorellino Eleonora , Giannini Teresa , Lee Jae-Joon , Lee Jeong-Eun , Marton Gábor , Szabados László , Vitali Fabrizio , Andrzejewski Jan , Gromadzki Mariusz , Hodgkin Simon , Jabłońska Maja , Mendez Rene A , Merc Jaroslav , Michniewicz Olga , Mikołajczyk Przemysław J , Pylypenko Uliana , Ratajczak Milena , Wyrzykowski Łukasz , Zejmo Michal , Zieliński Paweł 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
FU Orionis objects (FUors) are eruptive young stars, which exhibit outbursts that last from decades to a century. Due to the duration of their outbursts, and to the fact that only about two dozens of such sources are known, information on the end of their outbursts is limited. Here we analyse follow-up photometry and spectroscopy of Gaia21elv, a young stellar object, which had a several decades long outburst. It was reported as a Gaia science alert due to its recent fading by more than a magnitude. To study the fading of the source and look for signatures characteristic of FUors, we have obtained follow-up near-infrared (NIR) spectra using Gemini South/IGRINS, and both optical and NIR spectra using VLT/X-SHOOTER. The spectra at both epochs show typical FUor signatures, such as a triangular shaped H-band continuum, absorption-line dominated spectrum, and P Cygni profiles. In addition to the typical FUor signatures, [O i], [Fe ii], and [S ii] were detected, suggesting the presence of a jet or disc wind. Fitting the spectral energy distributions with an accretion disc model suggests a decrease of the accretion rate between the brightest and faintest states. The rapid fading of the source in 2021 was most likely dominated by an increase of circumstellar extinction. The spectroscopy presented here confirms that Gaia21elv is a classical FUor, the third such object discovered among the Gaia science alerts.
Optical spectral observations of three binary millisecond pulsars
Authors: Bobakov A V , Karpova A V , Zharikov S V , Kirichenko A Yu , Shibanov Yu A , Zyuzin D A 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
We present the results of optical spectroscopy of stellar companions to three binary millisecond pulsars, PSRs J0621+2514, J2317+1439, and J2302+4442, obtained with the Gran Telescopio Canarias. The spectrum of the J0621+2514 companion shows a blue continuum and prominent Balmer absorption lines. The latter are also resolved in the spectrum of the J2317+1439 companion, showing that both are DA-type white dwarfs. No spectral features are detected for the J2302+4442 companion; however, its broad-band magnitudes and the spectral shape of the continuum emission imply that this is also a DA-type white dwarf. Based on the spectral analyses, we conclude that the companions of J0621+2514 and J2317+1439 are relatively hot, with effective temperatures Teff = 8600 ± 200 and 9600 ± 2000 K, respectively, while the J2302+4442 companion is significantly cooler, Teff&lt;6000 K. We also estimated the distance to J0621+2514 of 1.1 ± 0.3 kpc and argue that its companion and the companion of J2317+1439 are He-core white dwarfs providing constraints on their cooling ages of $\lesssim$2 Gyr.
Explanation Good, Grounding Bad
Authors: Daly Chris 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Grounding is not required for explanation in metaphysics, and, more generally, in philosophy. An account independent of grounding is available. Grounding claims do not provide the explanations that they are alleged to. The case for displacing supervenience in favour of grounding is mistaken. Grounding is a zombie idea: it staggers on in philosophical culture despite being thoroughly discredited.
An Epistemic Approach to Ground
Authors: Hall Ned 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecent enthusiasm for grounding often begins by observing that inquiry in metaphysics (and other areas) features a distinctive species of noncausal explanation. Having labeled this species “grounding explanation,” it’s a short step to the conclusion that we need a philosophical theory of grounding itself: an allegedly fundamental relation of metaphysical dependency between facts, such that a “grounding explanation” of some fact succeeds by providing information about what “grounds” that fact. This short step is hasty. For another live option is to accept that grounding explanation is a legitimate form of explanation, but to give it a thoroughly epistemic treatment, one that does not see it as involving any sort of special metaphysical relationship or structure at all. This paper sketches such a treatment, drawing inspiration from reflections on explanatory structure in mathematics.
Time, Grounding, and Esoteric Metaphysics
Authors: Deng Natalja 
Published: July 2023

AbstractI examine the relation between naturalistically motivated and other critiques of grounding and similar critiques of the contrast between A- and B-theoretic views of time. I argue that even the combined dialectical upshot of nonunity objections in the latter case is not what it is in the former. I sympathetically discuss the objection that the notion of grounding is not intelligible and part of ‘esoteric’ metaphysics; this objection turns out to be just as serious in the case of the A/B contrast. I then consider whether grounding is needed to draw the A/B contrast in the first place and answer this question in the negative. Finally, I comment on the costs of esotericism in both cases.
How does less public spending affect the motivation of citizens to contribute to nature conservation?
Authors: Richter Andries , Reinhard Stijn 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Contributions to public goods, such as nature areas, are often made by private actors, as well as governmental agencies. Typically, the motivation of citizens to voluntarily contribute depends on how the distribution of such tasks has evolved between public and private actors, and wider contextual factors. Therefore, it is unclear whether decreased public spending on nature areas affects private funding. We conduct an economic experiment in The Hague Forest in the Netherlands and ask citizens to perform a task that generates funding for the forest. In the treatment condition, we describe the ongoing policy changes, which implies less state funding and greater dependency on private actors. We find that highlighting a greater need for private funding reduces individual contributions significantly, which is mostly due to a drop in motivation of frequent visitors. Overall, our study suggests that decreasing public spending may have unexpected repercussions on citizens’ motivation to contribute.
Feeding in mixoplankton enhances phototrophy increasing bloom-induced pH changes with ocean acidification
Authors: Flynn Kevin J , Mitra Aditee 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Plankton phototrophy consumes CO2, increasing seawater pH, while heterotrophy does the converse. Elevation of pH (&gt;8.5) during coastal blooms becomes increasingly deleterious for plankton. Mixoplankton, which can be important bloom-formers, engage in both photoautotrophy and phagoheterotrophy; in theory, this activity could create a relatively stable pH environment for plankton growth. Using a systems biology modelling approach, we explored whether different mixoplankton functional groups could modulate the environmental pH compared to the extreme activities of phototrophic phytoplankton and heterotrophic zooplankton. Activities by most mixoplankton groups do not stabilize seawater pH. Through access to additional nutrient streams from internal recycling with phagotrophy, mixoplankton phototrophy is enhanced, elevating pH; this is especially so for constitutive and plastidic specialist non-constitutive mixoplankton. Mixoplankton blooms can exceed the size of phytoplankton blooms; the synergisms of mixoplankton physiology, accessing nutrition via phagotrophy as well as from inorganic sources, enhance or augment primary production rather than depressing it. Ocean acidification will thus enable larger coastal mixoplankton blooms to form before basification becomes detrimental. The dynamics of such bloom developments will depend on whether the mixoplankton are consuming heterotrophs and/or phototrophs and how the plankton community succession evolves.