Search Results (2,089)

Background: Despite recent advances in new therapies for early-stage breast cancer (eBC), the impact of the current treatment landscape on patients’ quality of life remains poorly understood. This study explored the experiences and unmet needs of women with eBC, leading to the development of a patient-informed conceptual disease model (PI-CDM) that summarizes patient priorities. Methods: This qualitative study used a step-wise approach: (1) a targeted literature review; (2) draft CDM development; (3) interview guide development; (4) semi-structured interviews with women in the United States with a diagnosis of eBC; (5) thematic content analysis of interview transcripts; (6) patient steering committee insights; and (7) PI-CDM finalization. Results: Thirty-six women with eBC (stage I, n = 18; stage II, n = 11; stage III, n = 9) were interviewed between December 2023 and May 2024. Key health concepts included signs and symptoms leading to diagnosis and common treatment side effects. Emotional and psychological impacts were prominent, and 28 participants reported moderate to extremely severe anxiety or depression on the EQ-5D-5L. Other impacts included social life, body satisfaction, daily activities, physical functioning, sexual functioning, and finances. Needs for improved communication from healthcare providers about treatment options and better support were emphasized. These insights, combined with patient steering committee recommendations, resulted in a final PI-CDM. Conclusions: This study highlights the substantial burden women with eBC face and provides a framework for future patient-centric research. A CDM developed with patients summarizes the complexity of the eBC experience and can aid discussions between patients and physicians, facilitating shared decision-making to enhance care. Full article

Triploids are typically formed through the fusion of a haploid gamete from a diploid organism and a diploid gamete from a tetraploid organism or through chromosome doubling in gametes by other means. To circumvent the multi-year flowering wait associated with tetraploid parents in conventional breeding, we developed a novel method for inducing triploid in birch through high-temperature treatment of female inflorescences. This approach integrates sexual hybridization with precise thermal treatment, with success hinging on the precise identification of the pollination window and the optimal treatment parameters. Our study systematically defines the optimal conditions for triploid production in birch via this high-temperature induction technique. The results demonstrate that the optimal period for stigma pollination was between day 5 to 6, immediately following the emergence of the stigma from the enclosing bracts. The most effective pollination was characterized by a bract dehiscence angle exceeding 60° on Day 15 after the pollination marks the phase of megaspore mother cell development. At this stage, the optimum treatment is either 40 °C for 2 h or alternately 42 °C for 1 h. These treatments result in the highest triploid induction rates of 33.82%, calculated with the total number of detected seedlings as the denominator. In addition, a logistic model was established between the ovary length-to-width ratio and the accumulated growing degree hours (GDH), providing a reliable quantitative indicator for determining the optimal timing of the high-temperature treatment. Compared with the conventional approach reliant on tetraploid parents, our method eliminates the lengthy phase of tetraploid induction and flowering wait (approximately 8 years), thereby reducing the triploid breeding cycle by about 6 years. The results substantiated the effectiveness of utilizing high temperatures to induce chromosome doubling in female gametes of birch species, providing a viable pathway for efficient polyploid breeding in this tree species. Full article

HSV-1 is associated with oral lesions and non-sexual transmission; HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and causes genital infections. Understanding the epidemiological dynamics of both viruses is essential for guiding targeted public-health responses. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 177,599 clinical specimens collected between September 2018 and December 2022 from patients with symptoms suggestive of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at healthcare institutions across South Korea. HSV-1 and HSV-2 were identified using a real-time PCR assay; positivity rates were stratified by age, sex, specimen type, and year of testing. The overall positivity rate was 0.26% for HSV-1 and 1.60% for HSV-2. HSV-1 was most prevalent among individuals aged <19 years; HSV-2 showed the highest positivity in females aged 20–29 years, declining with age thereafter. HSV-2 positivity was significantly higher in females than in males. A significant decline in HSV-2 positivity was observed over the 5-year study period, while HSV-1 positivity remained stable. This nationwide PCR-based study reveals distinct age- and sex-related epidemiological patterns of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The findings support the need for age-specific and gender-specific STI screening strategies and health education programs. The declining trend in HSV-2 infection may reflect the impact of recent public-health initiatives. Full article

Aims: To ask UK women with diabetes whether they have discussed sexual health with healthcare professionals (HCPs) during diabetes care, and to explore communication barriers. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed, based on a published HCP communication survey, piloted by six women with diabetes. A total of 163 participants, recruited via social media and HCP network, completed Part 1 by selecting Likert or narrative response options, providing descriptive data. We report proportions with 95% confidence intervals (Wilson); percentages are calculated using the number responding to each item. Item-level missingness is retained as a non-analysed category, and the n is reported per question. No inferential comparisons were planned a priori. After Part 1 completion, participants could choose to finish, or to continue to Part 2 questions regarding vulval anatomy, function, and vocabulary (77 completed 2A: 80 completed 2B). Part 2 data was analysed thematically. Results: During diabetes care, a minority of participants, 44/163 (27%), said they had ever discussed sexual health, or had been advised how to access sexual health support, 28/163 (17%). If an HCP discussed sexual health, many women said they expected to feel surprised, 114/163 (70%), or pleased, 88/163 (54%). Some participants said they expected HCPs would find the topic inappropriate, 56/163 (36%), or annoying, 44/163 (27%). Some participants expressed HCP gender preference (75/163 [46%] female and 4/163 [3%] male) for such discussion. Part 2 findings revealed unmet sexual health literacy needs with potential to impact on communication with HCPs. Conclusions: Women reported infrequent communication about sexual health and diabetes during diabetes care. Findings highlight potential communication barriers for some participants including the following: unmet educational needs regarding diabetes and sexual health, lack of confidence about available support, fear of a negative HCP response, and preference for the gender of the HCP. Whereas in previous research, HCPs feared upsetting women by discussing sexual health, many participants said they expected to respond positively. Full article

Objectives: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynaecological cancer in developed countries, with both incidence and mortality rates continuing to rise globally. For women of reproductive age diagnosed with early-stage disease or endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, fertility-preserving treatment should be considered to maintain the possibility of future childbearing. Effective fertility-sparing management requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes patient education, reduction in risk factors, accurate molecular and histological classification to guide targeted therapies, assisted reproductive technologies to improve early conception rates, and attention to the psycho-sexual well-being of patients to support treatment adherence. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of thirteen patients who received fertility-preserving therapy between 2018 and 2023. Results: The mean age of the patients (n = 13) was 34.4 years, with a range of 20 to 41 years. The overall treatment response rate was 76.9%, including 69.2% complete and 7.7% partial responses. Stable disease was observed in 15.4% of cases, while progression occurred in 7.7%. Among those who achieved complete remission, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was initiated in four cases, with two ongoing as of the time of data analysis. In one of the cases, after two unsuccessful assisted reproductive attempts, spontaneous conception occurred, resulting in the birth of a child. Conclusions: Our findings support the feasibility and success of fertility-preserving treatment in carefully selected patients, allowing the preservation of reproductive potential alongside oncological care. Full article

Even in extremely conservative circles, the question “What is a Woman?” is controversial when one examines the case of persons with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), wherein the person has XY chromosomes and testes, but due to a total inability to respond to testosterone, the person develops in all ways in a feminine fashion (the person will also be infertile). Some Thomist scholars have argued that these people might be sexless, or that we cannot determine what sex they are, or that they are women. Using Thomistic principles of human sexuality, teleology, hylomorphism and the conclusions of biology, I will argue that these persons are ontologically male, albeit with a severe disorder of sexual development (DSD). Thus, these persons are not eligible for Catholic marriage. Then, I will suggest that these men (who have the bodily and psychological features of women) should live as women in society, thus proposing an authentically Thomistic “trans-genderism” which differs totally from the ordinary use of the term. Full article

Fear of sleep may drive the development of trauma-related sleep disturbances but may differ across potentially traumatic events (PTEs). This study tested whether the factor structure of the Fear of Sleep Inventory-Short Form (FOSI-SF) differed between women with a history of sexual traumas (ST: including sexual assault and other sexual traumas) and women reporting other Non-ST PTEs. Two samples of undergraduate women who endorsed a history of PTEs (n = 339 and n = 318) completed a battery of questionnaires including the FOSI-SF, as well as other psychological and sleep screening measures. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis in Sample 1 and a confirmatory analysis in Sample 2. In the sample of women endorsing a history of ST, but not those with Non-ST PTEs, four latent factors adequately fit the data: vigilance, fear of the dark, fear of nightmares, and vulnerability. This structure was replicated in the second sample that included only women with a history of ST and showed appropriate convergent and discriminant validity with other study measures. This study illustrates that fear of sleep may differ across PTE, and that for those with a history of ST, the fear of nightmares appears to be distinct from other facets of the fear of sleep construct. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of Swedish patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) regarding intimacy and sexuality-related issues, and to explore both patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on discussing these topics. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study used two internet-based questionnaires: one targeting patients and the other healthcare professionals. The patient survey examined the impact of IBD and its treatment on relationships and sexuality, as well as expectations on healthcare support. The survey of healthcare professionals focused on experiences of discussing sexuality-related topics with IBD patients. Responses were analyzed using both quantitative and content analysis. Results: A total of 556 IBD patients and 118 healthcare professionals responded. Among patients, 78% reported difficulties related to relationships and sexuality, with physical symptoms like pain, fecal urgency, and bloating, and psychological problems such as fear of leakage and reduced sexual desire. Over half wished for these issues to be addressed in routine care, yet 84% had never initiated such discussions themselves. Among healthcare professionals, 23% never addressed issues of relationship and sexuality with patients, and another 50% did so only occasionally. Only 15% had access to qualified sexologists for referrals, and just 8% offered sexual rehabilitation after pelvic surgery. Conclusions: Sexual health is frequently compromised in IBD patients, especially in women, but remains insufficiently addressed in clinical practice. Both patients and healthcare professionals expressed a need for more open discussions about relationships and sexuality. Improving care requires routine screening, multidisciplinary support, and the development of guidelines for managing sexual dysfunction in IBD. Full article

Sexual consent, although more extensively studied in recent decades, remains a complex and nuanced concept that is often difficult to define and investigate. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual consent, and the ability to interpret complex sexual scenarios with varying characteristics. A voluntary sample of 738 individuals over 18 years of age was recruited, mainly through social networks. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and mean comparison tests. Participants with higher scores for continuous consent, communicative sexuality, and positive attitudes toward consent, as well as lower scores for subtle coercion and (lack of) perceived control, showed more accurate interpretations of sexual assault situations. These findings may contribute to the development and implementation of programs aimed at reducing the use of coercive and violent strategies in sexual relationships. Full article

The aim of this study was to fill in the gap in the existing literature when it comes to investigating stigma towards naturism and the individuals who engage in it by creating a psychometric instrument that considers both the experiences of naturists and the beliefs of non-naturists. This quantitative study was cross-sectional in its nature. For the first part of the study, a total of 151 participants participated. After data cleaning, the final sample size was 126. The participants were aged between 18 and 69. The participants were asked to report their gender, sexual orientation, and previous engagement in naturist activities. For the second part of the study, 347 participants completed the survey. The participants in this section were aged between 20 and 76 years old. An explorative principal axis factor analysis was conducted on the 34 items of the developed beliefs about naturists scale (BANS). The analysis indicated that the items loaded onto three factors, with a total of 46.686% of the variance explained, which broadly related to the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour components of stigma. The first validation indicated that the BANS should be reduced to 29 items. The attitudes factor consisted of 13 items; the beliefs factor consisted of 10 items; and the behaviours factor consisted of six items. A further quantitative study was then carried out to re-evaluate the construct validity of the improved scale and to explore its concurrent validity. The revalidation of the BANS aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity, construct validity, and reliability of the scale. The correlation analysis indicated that the BANS has a high concurrent validity, as it was highly correlated with similar theoretical concepts and empirical predictors of stigma. Although more research is necessary to further evaluate the predictive validity, as well as the validity and reliability across different populations, this preliminary validation suggests a good concurrent and convergent validity, making this the most valid scale in existence to date when it comes to exploring the relationship between stigma and naturism. Full article

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that interact with PIWI proteins and play essential roles in genome stability, gonadal development, and gametogenesis in animals. The Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an important marine culture teleost in North Asia, showing pronounced sexual size dimorphism, where gynogenetic induction of all-female cohorts can markedly enhance production. However, the PIWI/piRNA pathway in gynogenetic diploid P. olivaceus, which often exhibit gonadal dysgenesis, poor gamete quality, and low fertilization rates, remains poorly understood. In this study, RNA-seq and small RNA-seq data from 11 tissues and 6 developmental stages of common P. olivaceus, as well as the gonads of gynogenetic P. olivaceus, were analyzed to characterize the PIWI/piRNA pathway and its roles in transposon and gene regulation within the germline. The results showed that PIWI/piRNA genes were predominantly expressed in gonads and early embryogenesis in common P. olivaceus, with the highest expression in testis. Clustered piRNAs were identified in the testis and early embryos of common P. olivaceus, which targeted multiple transposon and gene families. Intriguingly, gynogenetic P. olivaceus gonads harbored abundant clustered piRNAs not only in the testes but also in the ovaries, both targeting similar transposon families as that in common P. olivaceus. Notably, the DNA transposon Tc1/Mariner family and pim genes were the most heavily targeted by piRNAs in gynogenetic P. olivaceus, with testis-biased expression. Expanded pim genes were identified in P. olivaceus, overlapping with piRNA clusters, and the in vitro test in P. olivaceus testes revealed that the expanded pim genes may be pseudogenes as a piRNA cluster reference to generate piRNAs regulating the conventional pim members. These unique features of the PIWI/piRNA pathway in gynogenetic diploid P. olivaceus may underline their impaired reproductive ability, and have important theoretical and practical implications for teleost gynogenetic breeding. Full article

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of human trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection. This disease is associated with an increased susceptibility to HIV and HPV infections. Currently, resistance to metronidazole (MTZ), the main drug used for treatment, has been reported in up to 9.6% of cases; additionally, the compound is also associated with adverse side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to identify new treatment options. Objective: In this study, we investigated for the first time the in vitro and in silico activity against T. vaginalis of betulin and stigmasterol isolated from Tagetes nelsonii Greenm, as well as their hemolytic activity. Methods: Plant specimen was collected in Chiapas, Mexico. Hexane and methanol extracts were prepared through sonication-assisted maceration. The antiprotozoal and hemolytic activities were evaluated in vitro against Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites and human erythrocytes. The most active extract was fractionated using chromatographic techniques in a bioassay-guided study. The active metabolites were identified by ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy, and their biological activity was further assessed in silico against lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) methionine gamma-lyase (MGL) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) T. vaginalis enzymes. Results: Both triterpenes showed anti-trichomonal activity and no hemolytic activity at 100 µg/mL. Molecular docking studies predicted promising interactions of triterpenes with T. vaginalis drug target proteins, TvpFOR and TvLDH. Conclusions: Our results revealed that betulin and stigmasterol are potential molecules for the development of new trichomonacidal therapies against T. vaginalis. Full article

The British From Harm to Hope drugs strategy seems limited in gender responsiveness. Evidence is presented from a West Midlands case study where a qualitative participatory methodology with thematic analysis was employed. The project was co-designed by academics, women with lived-experience and third-sector research leaders. To identify community drug and alcohol treatment issues and solutions, interviews and focus groups were conducted with female service users (N = 28), a range of drug and alcohol workers and managers, and women’s sector practitioners (N = 17). Frontline professionals (N = 9) also took part in an online-adapted world café to enrich understanding and ascertain solutions. The study found that many women using illicit drugs have trauma and mental health issues linked to (1) adverse childhood experiences, (2) child removal by local authorities, (3) domestic abuse and sexually exploitative relationships, and (4) criminal justice system engagement. Based on findings, the study recommends that women’s public health pertaining to substance use, mental health and the interplay with childhood and adulthood abuse and violence needs better addressing in policy and practice. This paper highlights the need to better address women’s health through developing drug and alcohol services with improved referral pathways to domestic violence and mental health services. Full article

Cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but possess genetically distinct taxa. Alternative splicing (AS) regulates physiological processes, thereby facilitating ecological adaptation and evolution. To explore the sex-specific differences in transcriptional regulation among cryptic species, we profiled both AS and gene expression in two cryptic species of Wiebesia pumilae (WPDZ19 and WPHS), which differ in Wolbachia infection status. The results showed that 101 and 71 differentially alternatively spliced genes (DASs) were identified in female and male groups, respectively. Functional enrichment revealed that female DASs were significantly enriched in mitotic cell cycle process, cytoskeleton organization, cellular component organization, and DNA damage. On the other hand, male DASs were predominantly related to actin, cytoskeleton, and muscle development. Gene set enrichment analysis of DASs also revealed that the regulation of mitotic nuclear division and meiotic nuclear division were enriched in female and male groups, respectively. We identified 4509 DEGs in females and 3645 in males, with minimal overlap between DASs and DEGs. Moreover, RT-PCR has been used to validate the key genes. Our results revealed sexually divergent transcriptional regulation patterns between WPDZ19 and WPHS, suggesting a potential association with Wolbachia persistence. Our findings provide new insights into the study of adaptive evolution of cryptic species. Full article

Huanglongbing (HLB), associated with the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is one of the most destructive diseases affecting citrus. Although some citrus cultivars are tolerant of the disease, no commercially resistant varieties exist to date. Resistance, however, has been identified in the sexually compatible distant relative, the Australian desert lime (C. glauca) and its F₁ hybrids. In an effort to develop commercial varieties with resistance to HLB, we produced interspecific hybrid populations between an HLB-resistant C. glauca × C. maxima F₁ hybrid and two mandarins (C. reticulata). The progenies were evaluated under natural CLas infection conditions in Florida for infection status, disease symptom severity, and growth to determine whether resistance or tolerance was manifested. After four years of evaluations, using two cluster analyses (K-means and hierarchical cluster), three groups were identified: (1) progeny that was uninfected, had very low infection levels or recovered from infection, and also had low defoliation and above average growth, (2) progeny that was infected and showed high defoliation and below average growth, and (3) progeny that was infected with generally high titters, low defoliation and above average growth. Overall, these results indicate the interspecific hybrid progeny in the field segregated into apparent resistant, susceptible and tolerant trees. Full article