Sexual Activity Research Articles

Human Trafficking from the Islamic Perspective

This study examines human trafficking from the Islamic perspective, exploring its fundamental principles, historical background, ethical considerations, and contemporary challenges. This study utilizes a qualitative approach which employs both doctrinal and socio-legal approaches. The doctrinal approach allows researchers to understand the Islamic principles of exploitation, while the socio-legal approach scrutinizes the application of Islamic rulings in society. The findings reveal the prohibition of seven types of exploitation, as emphasized in Islamic jurisprudence, which includes exploitation in slavery, transactions, labour, sexual activities, human organs, adoption and acts of injustice. Furthermore, this study explores the principle of non-punishment for victims and the types of punishment for the offender. This study emphasizes the need for collective action to combat exploitation, promote justice, and protect the rights and dignity of all individuals. It strongly encourages individuals, communities, religious leaders, policymakers, and international organizations to work together to eradicate exploitation, uphold justice, and safeguard every individual’s dignity and rights in alignment with Islamic principles and universal human values.

The Frequency and Associated Factors of Restless Leg Syndrome among Pregnant Women in 3rd Trimester

Background: Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, often occurring at the onset of sleep, which triggers an irrepressible urge to move the legs. This condition is particularly prevalent among pregnant women, with symptoms typically worsening during the third trimester. Despite its impact, many pregnant women are unaware of RLS, attributing their discomfort to normal pregnancy symptoms. Objective: To assess the frequency and associated factors of RLS in pregnant females during the third trimester and to evaluate its impact on their quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 250 pregnant females in their third trimester, recruited from Shalimar Hospital, Nawaz Sharif Hospital, Zahida Welfare Trust, Alshad Clinic, Ali Hospital, Ahsan Hospital, Nargis Clinic, Manawa Government Hospital, and Sultan Medical Center. Participants aged 15-45 years were included, while those with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus were excluded. Data were collected using structured questionnaires incorporating the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Ethical approval was obtained, and the study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki principles. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics, frequencies, and graphical representations employed to summarize and analyze the data. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.32 years (SD = 5.08). The prevalence of RLS in the third trimester was found to be 89.2%. The age group most affected was 18-23 years. Factors associated with RLS included inadequate calcium intake (40.4%), insufficient daily water intake (40.4%), poor food intake (48%), mood disturbances (89.2%), lack of movement or light exercise (78%), caffeine consumption (16%), disturbances in sexual activities (48%), and disruption in daily activities (45.2%). Conclusion: RLS is highly prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, significantly impacting their quality of life. Despite its prevalence, many women remain unaware of RLS, mistaking it for typical pregnancy discomfort. Raising awareness and implementing screening and management strategies during prenatal care could improve the quality of life for affected women.

Sexual Function After Gender Affirming Surgery

Abstract Purpose of Review Sexual function and satisfaction in the transgender community is a nascent field with a paucity of data due to the fast paced nature of improving upon surgical technique and variety of patient experiences. The authors aim to review the current literature for areas of success as well as areas of improvement in order to better the sexual health of the transgender community. Recent Findings Gender dysphoria is a feeling of distress experienced by those whose gender assigned at birth is not in line with their gender identity. While social transition to the desired gender can suffice for some, medical and surgical interventions are often sought out to achieve gender euphoria, the decrease or absence of gender dysphoria. Often, issues with sexual function and satisfaction can trigger gender dysphoria, especially prior to social, medical, or surgical transition. Summary Surgical genital gender affirmation has been the most studied in terms of sexual function and improvement of gender dysphoria. Surgical complications, hormonal changes, and other organic causes of sexual dysfunction can still interfere with one’s overall sexual satisfaction. A validated measure of sexual function for trans men and trans women is needed to better assess outcomes.

Personal genital satisfaction is associated with differences in perception of male and female sexual anatomy and function.

Prior studies primarily of men correlated low personal genital satisfaction (PGS) with decreased sexual activity; however, the association between PGS and genital anatomy perceptions is unknown, and there is a paucity of studies examining women. We assessed the relationship between genital satisfaction, survey respondent sexual activity, and perceptions of anatomy and function. A 54-item REDCap survey was distributed to any-gendered volunteers ≥18 years of age through ResearchMatch from January to March 2023. Responses were split into (1) high PGS and (2) low PGS. Analysis was performed using chi-square tests on survey responses and a Mann Whitney U test on median satisfaction level. Outcomes were genital anatomy perceptions, sexual activity, and respondents' PGS. Of the 649 respondents who started the survey, 560 (86.3%) completed it. Median PGS was 7 of 10, forming subgroups of high (≥7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 317 of 560 [56.6%]) and low (<7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 243 of 560 [43.4%]). The mean age was 45.8 ± 16.8 years, and demographics were notable for 72.1% women (n = 404 of 560), 83.2% White (n = 466 of 560), 47.9% married (n = 268 of 560), and 75.5% bachelor's degree holders (n = 423 of 560). Comparing high- and low-PGS groups, more low-PGS respondents felt normal flaccid penis length to be <2 inches (11.1% vs 5.1%; P = .008). High-PGS respondents more often responded that it is normal for women to have orgasms over half the time (20.8% vs 13.2%; P = .0002) or to identify as being sexually active (81.1% vs 71.6%; P = .008). Women were more likely than men to report larger normal testicle sizes as 60.1 to 90 mL (24.5% vs 10.3%; P < .0001), whereas more men felt that normal testicle size was 7 to 15 mL (26.3% vs 11.4%; P < .0001). Orgasm length perceptions also differed: more women felt female orgasm length was 2.6 to 5 seconds (36.6% vs 16.7%; P < .0001), and more men believed female orgasms to be longer, at 7.6 to 10 seconds (29.5% vs 17.3%; P = .002), 10.1 to 12.5 seconds (11.5% vs 5.2%; P = .0008), and >12.5 seconds (12.2% vs 5.7%; P = .009). Respondents' views on their genitalia differed by gender, with women more likely to feel that their genitals are normal compared with men (89.4% vs 75.0%; P < .0001). PGS may be a useful screening tool given its association with sexual activity. Our large-scale survey assesses public perceptions of genital anatomy and function. Limitations include a lack of gender nonbinary perceptions. Gender and PGS interact with perceptions of male anatomy and female sexual activity, and the frequency of sexual activity was higher among high-PGS respondents; however, the direction of these interactions remains unclear and requires future causal analysis.

En] Exploring safety and agency in social media: a case study of online crossdressing

Introduction. Are there safe spaces for the construction of online communities with diverse gender identities and sexual desires? What makes some online spaces safer than others? And for whom? Does the architecture of these spaces influence the ways in which users navigate the Internet? Methodology. To address these questions, we conducted a digital ethnography on a social media platform oriented towards the Spanish-speaking crossdresser community. Findings and analysis. Our analysis suggests that this platform acts as a digital counterpublic, as it allows users to inhabit a safe environment for self-expression, building support networks, organizing as a collective, and articulating their sexual intimacies. Based on these findings, we infer that online safety and agency are closely interrelated, the latter being a result of the first. In addition, we found that the concept of online safety should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the feminist perspective, where online safety is always construed in a situated manner and conceives the subjects of study as active agents involved in the definition of the concept itself. Ethical considerations. The research process raised ethical questions of great relevance to the conclusions of this study, suggesting that the same factors to be considered when conducting research in digital platforms should be contemplated when designing and navigating online safe spaces. We thus propose that, both in carrying out online qualitative research and in the construction of online safe spaces, the following aspects should be taken into consideration: the implications of the privacy settings offered by the platform, the vulnerability of the users that populate it, the sensitivity of the topics covered by the platform’s community and, last but not least, an ongoing negotiation and reaffirmation of consent in the utilization of the users’ personal data.

Sexual health of women using combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol and drospirenone: A prospective observational study

Aim. To evaluate the effect of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estetrol and drospirenone on the sexual function of women using it. Materials and methods. A total of 251 women aged 21–35 years (mean age, 25.30±2.82 years) referred for contraceptive fitting were included in the study (ICD-10: Z30.0 General contraceptive advice and counseling, Z30.4 Contraceptive drug monitoring). Women in the study cohort used the original formulation containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenone in a 24+4 regimen for contraceptive purposes, according to the current instructions. All female participants (n=251) were assessed for sexual function at baseline, 6 and 12 months using FSFI (The Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS-R (The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised) and SQoL-F (The Sexual Quality of Life-Female) scales. Study design. An open, independent, prospective observational study. Results. Women taking COC containing estetrol 15 mg and drospirenone 3 mg maintained a baseline high level of sexual satisfaction (p0.05) throughout the study, as assessed by FSFI, SQoL-F and FSDS-R scales. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate that there is no negative effect of COC containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenonone on the sexual function of women. High contraceptive efficacy of the drug was confirmed.

Sexual and Mental Health in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Exploring the Role of Meaning-Centered Coping

Abstract Introduction The acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the sexual function and mental health of healthcare workers worldwide. However, the extent to which sexual health, including its relational dimension, was affected among different healthcare services and the protective coping strategies employed at that time is currently unclear. The present study aimed to investigate these two issues, exploring for the first time the role of meaning-centered coping on sexual health. Method The sample consisted of 109 healthcare workers divided into two groups: a high-exposure group (Intensive Care Unit service, 63 participants) and a low-exposure group (gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics services, 46 participants). One year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants completed an online survey comprised of sociodemographic and COVID-19 exposure variables, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short Form, and the Meaning-Centered Coping Scale. Results (1) High-exposure participants reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms, (2) anxiety, depression and stress were associated with decreased sexual health after the pandemic, (3) High-exposure participants reported a higher decrease in their sexual health, (4) High-exposure workers reported higher levels of meaning-centered coping, and (5) higher levels of meaning-centered coping predicted higher sexual health in both groups. Policy Implications Various healthcare services pose distinct risks regarding the detrimental effects of collective health crises on mental and sexual health, and therefore they should be differently treated. The promotion of meaning-centered coping is a sensible policy to improve preparedness in healthcare contexts, especially in vulnerable services and subpopulations.

Sexual behaviour among women using intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device, or a levonorgestrel implant for contraception: Data from the ECHO randomized trial

Background Contraceptive use has complex effects on sexual behaviour and mood, including those related to reduced concerns about unintended pregnancy, direct hormonal effects and effects on endogenous sex hormones. We set out to obtain robust evidence on the relative effects of three contraceptive methods on sex behaviours, which is important for guiding contraceptive choice and future contraceptive developments. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) randomized trial in which 7,829 HIV-uninfected women from 12 sites in Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia seeking contraception were randomly assigned to intramuscular depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) or the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. Data collected for 12 to 18 months using 3-monthly behavioural questionnaires that relied on recall from the preceding 3 months, were used to estimate relative risk of post-baseline sex behaviours, as well as sexual desire and menstrual bleeding between randomized groups using modified Poisson regression. Results We observed small but generally consistent effects wherein DMPA-IM users reported lower prevalence of specified high risk sexual behaviours than implant users than Cu-IUD users (the ‘&gt;‘ and ‘&lt;‘ symbols indicate statistically significant differences): multiple sex partners 3.6% &lt; 4.8% &lt; 6.2% respectively; new sex partner 3.0% &lt; 4.0% &lt;5.3%; coital acts 16.45, 16.65, 17.12 (DMPA-IM &lt; Cu-IUD); unprotected sex 65% &lt; 68%, 70%; unprotected sex past 7 days 33% &lt;36%, 37%; sex during vaginal bleeding 7.1%, 7.1% &lt; 8.9%; no sex acts 4.1%, 3.8%, 3.4% (DMPA-IM &gt; Cu-IUD); partner has sex with others 10% &lt; 11%, 11%. The one exception was having any sex partner 96.5%, 96.9% &lt; 97.4% (DMPA-IM &lt; Cu-IUD). Decrease in sexual desire was reported by 1.6% &gt; 1.1% &gt;0.5%; amenorrhoea by 49% &gt; 41% &gt;12% and regular menstrual pattern by 26% &lt;35% &lt; 87% respectively. Conclusions These findings suggest that women assigned to DMPA-IM may have a modest decrease in libido and sexual activity relative to the implant, and the implant relative to the Cu-IUD. We found more menstrual disturbance with DMPA-IM than with the implant (and as expected, both more than the Cu-IUD). These findings are important for informing the contraceptive choices of women and policymakers and highlight the need for robust comparison of the effects of other contraceptive methods as well.

Age-specific reference scores for the PISQ-12 on female sexual functioning in the Netherlands: a retrospective population-based survey.

Female sexual dysfunction is common in the general population, with age emerging as a significant determinant of sexual activity and functioning. To establish age-specific reference scores for the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) in the general Dutch female population. A retrospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Netherlands. The study population comprised 2518 Dutch-speaking women aged ≥18years, representing a cross section of the general Dutch population. The PISQ-12 was used to assess sexual functioning in heterosexual women. The Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence questionnaire was utilized to demonstrate demographic factors. We established age-specific reference scores for the PISQ-12 in the general Dutch population. Of the 2518 women, 1592 (63.2%) were sexually active and 926 (36.8%) were not. Further analysis focused on the sexually active group: we found a decrease in mean total PISQ scores, ranging from 38.34 among 18- to 34-year-olds to 36.98 among ≥65-year-olds. Older women scored lower in the behavior domain, specifically pertaining to sexual desire (P < .001) and sexual excitement (P <.001). They also had lower scores in the partner-related domain regarding partner problems of erection (P < .001) and orgasm perception (P < .001). With increasing age, negative emotional reaction scores were higher (P <.001). In the physical domain, we observed significantly different scores for pain during sexual intercourse (P < .001) and restrictions in sexual activity due to fear of urinary leakage (P < .001), with the lowest scores in the youngest group. These age-specific references scores of the PISQ-12 provide an overview of sexual functioning of a general population, which enables caregivers to assess and interpret patients' individual scores more accurately. We included only sexually active women in our subanalyses, potentially introducing selection bias for older women with better physical conditions. The study's strength lies in its extensive sample size, representing a cross section of the general Dutch population. Furthermore, the self-administered questionnaire approach helped minimize embarrassment and obtain realistic responses. Our study demonstrated age-specific PISQ-12 reference scores and highlighted associations between aging and diminishing scores of sexual desire, sexual excitement, erection problems, and orgasm perception, while women aged 18 to 34years reported the lowest scores for pain during intercourse and limited sexual activity due to fear of urinary leakage.

Exploring risky health behaviors and vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases among transnational undocumented labor migrants from Bangladesh: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, remittances constitute a substantial portion of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and serve as a primary source of income. However, a considerable number of Bangladeshi citizens reside overseas without proper documentation, exposing them to significant challenges such as limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic opportunities. Moreover, their irregular migration status often results in engaging in risky health behaviors that further exacerbate their vulnerability. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the risky health behavior and HIV/STI susceptibility of Bangladeshi irregular international migrants residing across the globe with undocumented status.MethodsUsing a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), 25 illegal migrants were interviewed who are currently living illegally or returned to their home country. The author used a thematic approach to code and analyze the data, combining an integrated data-driven inductive approach with a deductive approach. Concurrent processing and coding were facilitated by employing the Granheim model in data analysis.ResultsThe study identified four risky health behaviors among irregular Bangladeshi migrants: hazardous living conditions, risky jobs, suicidal ideation, and tobacco consumption. Additionally, the authors found some HIV/STI risk behavior among them including engaging in unprotected sex, consuming alcohol and drugs during sexual activity, and having limited access to medical facilities.ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be used by health professional, governments, policymakers, NGOs, and concerned agencies to develop welfare strategies and initiatives for vulnerable undocumented migrant workers.

Global Re-emergence of Monkeypox: A Synoptic Review

AbstractAs the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues to rage, the unprecedented manifold increase in monkeypox (mpox) cases throughout the world is raising qualms about a possible pandemic. As of January 2024, the disease has been reported in around 116 countries, with nearly 92,500 confirmed cases and 170 deaths. In this mini-review, we have endeavored to cover multiple aspects of the mpox disease. Mpox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic in certain African countries. Until recently, however, the disease was rarely reported in Europe and the United States. In contrast to the previous outbreaks outside Africa, reported cases in the 2022 outbreak did not travel to the endemic areas. Superspreading events at mass gatherings, multiple-partner sexual encounters, and international travel were major drivers of the recent global outbreak of mpox. The 2022 mpox virus may have undergone accelerated evolution. It diverges from the related 2018 to 2019 viruses by around 50 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, some of which brought about amino acid changes in immunogenic surface glycoprotein B21. Differential diagnosis for mpox could be quite challenging since it can masquerade as a wide variety of illnesses. Worse still, some patients may be asymptomatic or show subtle symptoms. The infection is confirmed by conventional or real-time polymerase chain reaction on lesion material. Although there is no specific therapy approved for mpox infections, two antivirals (tecovirimat and brincidofovir) and vaccinia immune globulin may be used. Vaccines also provide protection against mpox when properly administered prior to exposure. Finally, the implementation of preventive measures is of paramount importance, especially in regions where mpox transmission is widespread and among high-risk populations.

Early Inflatable penile prosthesis implantation offers superior outcomes compared to delayed insertion following ischemic priapism: a narrative review.

Ischemic priapism is a urological emergency which may lead to irreversible erectile dysfunction. One of the accepted treatments is penile prosthesis implantation. Given the scarcity of studies directly comparing timing of penile prosthesis insertion after ischemic priapism, consensus remains elusive. We aim to compare different studies in the literature concerning advantages and disadvantages of early versus delayed inflatable penile prosthesis following ischemic priapism. We analyzed 8 articles that investigated immediate and delayed inflatable penile prosthesis placement after ischemic priapism. Early inflatable penile prosthesis placement is associated with better outcomes, including pain relief, priapism resolution, penile shortening prevention, and quicker sexual activity resumption. However, it still carries a high risk of complications like edema, infection, and distal perforations. Delayed inflatable penile prosthesis insertion poses surgical challenges due to the potential for extensive corporal fibrosis. Comparative analyses have shown elevated complication rates in patients with ischemic priapism who undergo delayed inflatable penile prosthesis insertion, as opposed to those with early insertion. In studies reporting complications rates, the total complication rate in the early group was 3.37%, significantly lower than the delayed group (37.23%). Most studies support the superiority of early inflatable penile prosthesis placement following ischemic priapism over delayed placement. Further research is, however, needed to establish a global consensus on timing of prosthesis insertion.

Crosstalk between human immunodeficiency virus infection and salivary bacterial function in men who have sex with men

BackgroundEngaging in anal sexual intercourse markedly increases the risk of developing HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM); oral sexual activities tend to uniquely introduce gut-derived microbes to salivary microbiota, which, combined with an individual’s positive HIV status, may greatly perturb oral microecology. However, till date, only a few published studies have addressed this aspect.MethodsBased on 16S rRNA sequencing data of bacterial taxa, MicroPITA picks representative samples for metagenomic analysis, effectively revealing how the development and progression of the HIV disease influences oral microbiota in MSM. Therefore, we collected samples from 11 HIV-negative and 44 HIV-positive MSM subjects (stage 0 was defined by HIV RNA positivity, but negative or indeterminate antibody status; stages 1, 2, and 3 were defined by CD4+ T lymphocyte counts ≥ 500, 200–499, and ≤ 200 or opportunistic infection) and selected 25 representative saliva samples (5 cases/stage) using MicroPITA. Metagenomic sequencing analysis were performed to explore whether positive HIV status changes salivary bacterial KEGG function and metabolic pathway in MSM.ResultsThe core functions of oral microbiota were maintained across each of the five groups, including metabolism, genetic and environmental information processing. All HIV-positive groups displayed KEGG functions of abnormal proliferation, most prominently at stage 0, and others related to metabolism. Clustering relationship analysis tentatively identified functional relationships between groups, with bacterial function being more similar between stage 0-control groups and stage 1-2 groups, whereas the stage 3 group exhibited large functional changes. Although we identified most metabolic pathways as being common to all five groups, several unique pathways formed clusters for certain groups; the stage 0 group had several, while the stage 2 and 3 groups had few, such clusters. The abundance of K03046 was positively correlated with CD4 counts.ConclusionAs HIV progresses, salivary bacterial function and metabolic pathways in MSM progressively changes, which may be related to HIV promoting abnormal energy metabolism and exacerbate pathogen virulence. Further, infection and drug resistance of acute stage and immune cell destruction of AIDS stage were abnormally increased, predicting an increased risk for MSM individuals to develop systemic and oral diseases.

Deaths during Sexual Activity

Background: Deaths during sexual activities are a rarely identified phenomenon in forensic medicine practice. Most often, such deaths are classified as accidents or deaths due to the manifestation of certain diseases during sexual activity. It is important to rule out homicide or suicide as the cause of death when investigating sexual deaths. Determining the cause of death requires a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and circumstances and should not be based solely on autopsy findings. When determining the cause of death, it is necessary to evaluate the circumstances of the discovery, important evidence found near the body, the position of the deceased, the place where the deceased was found, and the characteristics of the environment. Cases: Case 1: A 65-year-old male was clothed in women’s underwear and was found hanging in a noose in a bedroom after a house fire. The autopsy revealed a ligature mark on the neck, bruises in neck muscles, tears in carotid arteries, and signs of acute pulmonary distension. The cause of death was determined to be suffocation due to neck compression by a ligature, compounded by significant alcohol intoxication, with additional postmortem burns covering 30% of the body surface area likely occurring after death. Case 2: A 55-year-old naked male was found without external injuries but with a plastic tube inserted into the rectum, causing a 2.5 cm rupture in the ileum. The perforation led to complications, including purulent diffuse peritonitis, intoxication, and acute cardiac and respiratory failure, resulting in death within 3-6 hours after insertion. Concurrent findings included atherosclerotic changes in the heart, internal organ hyperemia and edema, hepatic steatosis, renal cyst, and a lack of ethyl alcohol in blood but 0.17 ‰ presence in urine according to toxicology analysis. Conclusions: A detailed evaluation of all the evidence is very important in the forensic examination of the deceased during sexual activity. Therefore, to determine the cause of death, not only the autopsy data, toxicological and microscopic examinations of the deceased are important, but also the evaluation of all findings at the scene. The most common cause of death of an autoerotic nature is asphyxia, and the most commonly identified group of the dead are men aged around 40 years.

Trait hedonic capacity correlates with sexual pleasure and motives for sexualized drug use in young adults

AbstractAlthough pleasure is a primary motivator for sexual activity, research into the mechanisms facilitating pleasurable sexual experiences is limited. The present research adopts a self-regulatory perspective on sexual pleasure, investigating individuals? capacity to shield hedonic activities from distracting thoughts (trait hedonic capacity) as a correlate of sexual pleasure and sexualized drug use. Study 1 (N?=?247) demonstrates that young adults with higher trait hedonic capacity experience more sexual pleasure and are less prone to cognitive distraction during partnered sexual activities. Pre-registered Study 2 replicates these findings while accounting for demand effects (N?=?182, n?=?86). Expanding on these findings, pre-registered Study 3 (N?=?903) shows that young adults with lower trait hedonic capacity are more inclined to use alcohol as a means of coping with cognitive distraction during sexual activity. Exploratory moderation analyses suggest that this is particularly true for women and individuals with higher levels of stress. In summary, low trait hedonic capacity is associated with lower sexual pleasure and a tendency to use alcohol with the motivation to cope with distracting thoughts during partnered sexual activity.

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS B INFECTION ATTENDING THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory profile of patients with hepatitis B infection-attending outpatient departments of tertiary care hospitals in northeast India. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care medical institute situated in northeast India. Eighty patients infected with hepatitis B (on the basis of serological markers) were included in this study on the basis of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic details such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status of all the patients were noted. A detailed history was taken including any history of intravenous drug use, tattooing, sexual contacts, history of blood transfusions, and familial liver disease. Clinical and laboratory profiles (liver function test and serological markers) of all the patients were studied. Ultrasound imaging was done in all the cases. p&lt;0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of 80 studied cases, there were 49 (61.25%) males and 31 (38.75%) females. The mean age for males and females was 32.30±8.03 and 34.70±13.52 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in mean age between males and females (p=0.3218). Mother-to-child transmission was evenly distributed with 7 males (8.75%) and 9 females (11.25%) affected. Other risk factors, such as dental implants and surgeries, showed a lower prevalence, with dental implants impacting 2 males (2.5%) and 3 females (3.75%) and surgeries concerning 5 males (6.25%) and 3 females (3.75%). Majority of the patients (52.5%) were asymptomatic and were found to be hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive incidentally. HBsAg was positive in all cases. 12 (15%) patients showed the presence of hepatitis B e antigen suggestive of high infectivity. Anti-HBc and anti-HBe were positive in 68 (85%) patients each. Hepatomegaly was seen in 23 cases (28.75%) on ultrasound. Moderate fibrosis on elastography was seen in 2 (2.5%) cases. Conclusion: In cases of hepatitis B, the majority of the patients remained asymptomatic, and many cases no risk factor for hepatitis B virus infection could be identified. It is therefore important to screen the general population for hepatitis B infection.

HIV Screening Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Women in New Orleans, LA.

There are significant disparities in HIV acquisition, with Black individuals facing disproportionately more new diagnoses. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people aged 13-64 should be tested at least once in their lifetime, and men at increased risk (e.g., those who have male sexual contact, multiple partners, have partners with multiple partners, or share drug injection equipment) should be tested annually. The study included young Black men who have sex with women (MSW), aged 15-26, and who live in New Orleans, LA. Survey data was used to elicit the frequency and factors associated with three self-reported outcomes: (1) history of ever HIV testing, (2) HIV screening in the last year among those who were recommended per CDC, and (3) HIV positivity. Of the 1321 men included, 694/1321 men (52.5%) reported ever having been HIV tested. There were 708/1321 (54.2%) men who met the recommendation for annual screening and 321/708 (45.3%) of these eligible men reported being tested in the previous year. Of those ever tested, 44/694 (6.3%) self-reported testing positive. In logistic regression analysis, older age (OR: 1.27, p < 0.001), prior STI testing (OR: 6.45, p < 0.001), and prior incarceration (OR:1.70, p = 0.006) were positively associated with having ever received an HIV test, and ever having a male partner (OR: 3.63, p = 0.014) was associated with HIV positivity. Initiatives to improve HIV testing rates among young Black men who have sex with women are needed to reduce the burden of HIV and help the End the Epidemic initiative.

Epidemic characteristics of local HIV-2 transmission across Hunan province, China

ObjectiveTo elucidate the epidemiological features of HIV-2 in Hunan Province, China, utilizing sequence analysis. MethodsThirteen individuals diagnosed with HIV-2 infection in Hunan Province, China, from 2017 to 2023 were included in this study. Amplification of HIV-2 env and pol regions was conducted, followed by Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic and molecular transmission network analyses were performed to delineate molecular features and transmission dynamics. ResultsAll 14 individuals contracted HIV-2 through heterosexual intercourse, comprising 7 males and 7 females, with a median age of 58 years. Among them, three couples (HN001 and HN013, HN010 and HN011, HN008 and HN009) were identified, along with commercial sexual activity engagement reported for subject HN004. Notably, subjects HN001, HN003, HN008, and HN010 engaged in commercial sexual activities at the same location as subject HN004. Phylogenetic analysis of the pol gene revealed close proximity of sequences from all subjects to reference sequences from Gambia (Sub-type A). Employing a genetic distance threshold of 1.5%, eight out of the 14 subjects formed a molecular transmission network, with HN002 and HN004 identified as central nodes. ConclusionFrom 2017 to 2023, all HIV-2-infected individuals in Hunan Province, China, acquired the virus through identifiable routes, indicating transmission of similar HIV-2 strains among them.

Predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples affected by endometriosis and infertility.

Endometriosis and infertility are associated with impaired partnership and sexuality of the patients, but also of their male partners. Also, endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility, resulting in a large overlap of both pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the association of different predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples with endometriosis and infertility. A cross-sectional study was conducted with n = 62 women with endometriosis and n = 46 partners, including a total of n = 44 couples, some of whom were affected by infertility. The questionnaire included items on partnership, sexuality, depression, social support, and desire for a child. Multiple linear regression and the actor-partner-interdependence-model were used for analysis. Significant dyadic effects only occurred in couples with both endometriosis and infertility. Depression showed a significant negative actor effect in men for partnership satisfaction and a negative actor and partner effect in women for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). For women, social support showed a significant positive actor effect for partnership satisfaction (p < .05), age showed a significant actor and partner effect for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). The results show a significant association of endometriosis and infertility with partnership and sexuality satisfaction. Infertility could be a decisive factor. However, the large overlapping of both endometriosis und infertility in many couples support the importance of further studies to differentiate between the both effects. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014362 on the 29.03.2018.

No skin paddle, no problem: burying DIEP flaps in the immediate setting is safe in select patient populations.

Because immediately burying a free flap forgoes the incorporation of a monitoring skin paddle it may be associated with an increased risk of flap loss or other perfusion-related complications, such as fat necrosis. We hypothesized that fully de-epithelialized breast free flaps were not associated with an increased complication rate, reduced the need for future revision surgery, and had superior patient reported outcomes. A single institution retrospective review of 206 DIEP flaps in 142 patients was performed between June 2016 and September 2021. Flaps were grouped into buried or non-buried categories based on the absence or presence of a monitoring paddle. Patient reported outcomes were assessed postoperatively using the BREAST Q breast reconstruction module. Electronic medical record data included demographics, comorbidities, flap characteristics, complications, and revision surgery. The buried flap patients (N= 46) had a lower median BMI (26.9 vs 30.3, p=0.04) and a lower rate of hypertension (19.5% vs 37.5%, p=0.04) compared to non-buried flap patients (N=160). Burying flaps was more likely in an immediate or a delayed-immediate fashion compared to delayed reconstruction (p=0.009). There was one flap loss in the non-buried group; complication rates were similar. There was a significantly greater revision rate in the non-buried flap patients (92% vs 70%; p=0.002). Buried flap patients exhibited a greater satisfaction with breasts (84.5  13.4 vs. 73.9  21.4; p=0.04) and sexual satisfaction (73.1 22.4 vs. 53.7  29.7; p=0.01) compared to non-buried flap patients. Burying breast free flaps in appropriately selected patients does not appear to have a higher complication rate when compared to flaps with an externalized monitoring paddle. Furthermore, this modification may be associated with a better immediate aesthetic outcome and improved patient satisfaction, as evidenced by a lower rate of revision surgery and superior Breast Q scores amongst buried DIEP flaps.