Search Results (147)

This literature-based review draws on studies of thirty-four fish species; most are from northern temperate regions. Fish have flexible and indeterminate growth, and often they do not reach their growth and size potential. They may become stunted with impaired growth and early maturity, chiefly as a phenotypically plastic reaction. The main causes of stunted growth are negatively density-dependent food availability and keen intraspecific competition leading to environmental stress. Typically, their growth levels off early in life as energy consumptions approach energy costs of maintenance. Females typically attain maturity soon after the energy surplus from feeding starts to decrease. Males are often more variable in size at maturity owing to alternative mating strategies, and their size at maturity depends on both species-specific mating behaviours and environmental opportunities. In polyphenic/polymorphic populations, one phenotype may be stunted and the other phenotype non-stunted; stunted individuals do not perform the required ontogenetic niche shift needed to grow larger. The adult morphology of stunted fish is typically like the morphology of juveniles. Their secondary sexual characters are less pronounced, and they phenotypically retain adaptation to their early feeding niche, which is different from that of large-growing individuals. There are open questions regarding to what extent genetics and epigenetics regulate the life histories of stunted phenotypes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally and is linked to the development of various cancers. While several international studies have investigated the incidence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) in bladder cancers, no such research has been conducted within the UK. Conflicting results in previous studies leave uncertainty regarding the role of HR-HPV in bladder cancer. This study aimed to assess the presence of HR-HPV DNA in bladder cancer specimens from the UK. Methods: A total of 55 fresh bladder specimens, including 4 benign and 51 malignant samples, were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing to detect 12 HR-HPV types. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to confirm the expression of the HPV E7 protein in HR-HPV-positive samples. Results: HR-HPV DNA was detected in 33% of bladder cancer specimens, with HPV16, HPV35, and HPV52 being the most prevalent types. None of the benign samples tested positive for HR-HPV. IHC confirmed HPV E7 protein expression in 81% of HR-HPV DNA-positive cancer samples. Conclusions: The findings suggest that HR-HPV may play a role in a subset of bladder cancers in the UK. The absence of HR-HPV in benign bladder specimens supports its potential involvement in cancer progression. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanistic role of HR-HPV in bladder cancer development. Full article

Background/Objectives: High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase HIV transmission risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. AGYW prefer discreet self-testing options for HIV and pregnancy; however, other STI self-testing options are currently unavailable in this region. Methods: Seven Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) assays were validated for AGYW self-test use (using self-collected vaginal samples) in a cross-sectional study (PROVE). Paired GeneXpert^® NG/CT (Cepheid_®, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and OSOM^® Trichomonas test (Sekisui Diagnostics, Burlington, MA, USA) results from nurse-collected samples served as reference results to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV). One test, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test device (Visby Medical™, San Jose, CA, USA), was validated for accuracy of positive test results using self-collected samples and home-based testing in a longitudinal follow-up study enrolling AGYW aged 16–18 years. Paired GeneXpert^® NG/CT and TV results from nurse-collected vaginal samples served as reference tests. Results: In PROVE, 146 AGYW contributed 558 paired samples. The Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test exhibited moderate to high sensitivity (66.7–100%), specificity (80–100%), NPV (66.7–100%), and PPV (66.7–100%) for NG, CT, and TV. The remaining tests’ performances were markedly lower. In the longitudinal study, 28 AGYW contributed 84 paired samples, and the Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test demonstrated 100% accuracy of positive results for CT, NG, and TV. Conclusions: The Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test demonstrated high reliability as a potential option for AGYW to discreetly self-test for multiple STIs concurrently. Testing of its acceptability, utility, and feasibility in a larger sample of AGYW is in progress. Full article

The rate of reported syphilis cases is increasing worldwide, particularly among men who have sex with men. In this scenario, malignant syphilis is a rare, severe form of secondary syphilis, typically observed in immunocompromised individuals and characterized by rupioid skin lesions, together with systemic symptoms that could lead to potentially life-threatening complications. We report the complex case of a 42-year-old man, previously diagnosed with HIV infection, presenting with a five-day history of fever and multiple lymphadenopathies. His immunovirological status was well controlled, and he was fully adherent to antiretroviral therapy. His clinical presentation was severe and ambiguous, with neurological involvement being progressively excluded. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological tests, while histopathological examination of an excised lymph node revealed disrupted architecture with multiple granulomas. Differential diagnosis, including lymphoma and other potential etiologies, was performed. After completion of antibiotic therapy, clinical symptoms completely resolved. No Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction occurred. We also provide an updated review of the current literature, with a focus on HIV coinfection, which is frequently associated with the development of malignant syphilis, and discuss the need for enhanced interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections, as well as the importance of judicious use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. Full article

Bystander intervention and sexual assault research typically rely on self-reported intent to intervene. However, predicted behaviour can be considerably different from actual behaviour. Hypothetical scenarios are often utilised to remove extenuating circumstances, limiting insight into actual behaviour where those circumstances impact intervention. This paper discusses the development and evaluation of an innovative methodology to measure actual bystander behaviour when witnessing signs of an impending sexual assault. With careful attention paid to ethical considerations and participant safety, 13 participants were directly deceived about the true aim of the research. Utilising observational data and a funnelling debrief, the findings demonstrated varied reactions to sexual assault cues, from not noticing and therefore not intervening, to noticing and (in)directly intervening. Participants’ responses indicated they remained unaware of the deception until it was formally revealed, suggesting the methodology effectively realised the study’s aims. The funnelling debrief mitigated the adverse effects of the deception, with some participants reporting more confidence and motivation to intervene in the future. Further development of this methodology could create more interactive bystander intervention programmes that teach people to identify signs of a sexual assault, develop skills to safely intervene, and raise awareness about sexual violence. Full article

Recent legal reforms incorporating the concept of sexual consent into the Penal Code, alongside high-profile scandals involving male idol groups and comedians, have heightened societal attention to sexual crimes in Japan. Although studies have extensively examined this topic, findings have been predominantly from Western or English-speaking countries, which raises questions regarding their applicability to other cultural contexts. To address this gap, this study examined whether the results of prior research could be generalized to Japan. This study examined six hypotheses derived from previous studies. Using a vignette-based online survey (N = 748), participants read a hypothetical sexual assault case and answered questions on sentencing, negative social reactions, and victim/perpetrator blaming. An analysis revealed that only one hypothesis was supported: respondents recommended longer sentences for perpetrators when the victim was male rather than female. Additionally, women were more likely to exhibit egocentric reactions, such as expressing more anger toward the perpetrators than the victims, than men. No other hypothesized gender-based differences, which included victim-blaming or harsher sentencing by male observers, were supported. These findings highlight the risks of generalizing research findings across cultural contexts and emphasize the importance of conducting culturally specific studies. Full article

Background: 16S rRNA analysis has been used in various diseases to identify pathogenic bacteria. In particular, pathogens that are difficult to cultivate or previously unknown can be detected with great certainty. In chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), a distinction between bacterial and non-bacterial genesis is essential with regard to categorization and therapy. The objective of this study is to investigate the value of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis in the routine management of patients with CP/CPPS especially after failure to detect a pathogen in conventional culture and polymerase chain reaction for sexually transmitted diseases (STI-PCR). Methods: In total, 228 patients with CP/CPPS were prospectively enrolled and received a comprehensive andrological work-up. Microbial analysis consisted of standard bacterial cultures and the detection of sexually transmitted pathogens by PCR using urine specimens from a 2-glass test and semen analysis. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was performed in patients with urine and semen of patients without bacterial pathogens in microbiological culture and STI-PCR. Results: In 184 of 199 (92%) patients with negative ejaculate culture and negative STI-PCR, no pathogen could be detected by 16S rRNA analysis and in the case of a positive result, the analysis only showed non-pathogenic bacteria of the normal flora. There was no statistical association between the 16S rRNA analysis and the inflammatory markers or the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) scores. Conclusions: At least in our study cohort, the 16S rRNA analysis provided no additional benefit following microbiological culture and STI-PCR in the categorization of patients with CP/CPPS. Full article

Reaction GIFs and reaction images appear as common multimodal linguistic objects in digitally mediated communication. While past research has tended to focus on the paralinguistic functions of these communicative devices, less attention has been paid to how these digital tools enable their users to strategically enact and embody particular social identities on social media. This article offers a stance-based computer-mediated discourse analysis of a small, gay UK- and Ireland-based Twitter community of practice. Through qualitative analyses of the eight members’ tweets containing reaction GIFs and images (n = 991), as well as their responses to an online survey, this article demonstrates how these self-identified gay men construct four distinct feminine-coded personae: the Sassy Queen, the Hun, the Battle-Axe and the Flamboyant Queer. Each persona exhibits linguistic (e.g., features from British English or African American Language) or stance-based collocations. This analysis identifies common qualities or traits that all four personae possess that these Twitter users may identify with or value, potentially motivating their recurrent constructions. The ability of these non-traditional linguistic resources to conduct identity work is discussed. More broadly, this study foregrounds the significance of social media as a series of digital platforms where online identities are continually developed, (co-)constructed and negotiated. Full article

The inability to distinguish males from females in young birds is a major obstacle for pair formation in reintroduction–restocking programs and commercial–amateur breeding. Several techniques are employed to address this problem, but not all of them are suitable for juvenile subjects. Among the various tests applied for sex determination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the genetic tools that seems to be most effective (rapid, not invasive and cheaper). In this study, DNA was extracted from down and feathers to make the procedure less stressful for nestlings. The DNA was amplified by PCR, and the amplicon was subjected to the restriction endonucleases procedure when the gender was not clearly identified by PCR alone. One hundred and fifty-three avian species were sexed using this procedure, including 27 for the first time. In all the nestlings and juveniles tested, sex was correctly identified; in fact, all pairs that reached sexual maturity during this study gave offspring. Full article

Background. This study examines the behavioral responses of adolescents to online sexual harassment based on their roles as victims, perpetrators, both, or neutral participants. Methods. Data from a national sample of Croatian high school students (N = 2016) were used to investigate the influence of these roles on reaction patterns. This study explores coping strategies among students involved in online sexual harassment as victims, perpetrators, or both. Results. Students with dual roles rarely sought help from parents, teachers, or helplines, while perpetrators avoided confiding in friends or siblings. Conversely, uninvolved students were most likely to seek support from these sources. Victims often confided in friends and responded by blocking, confronting, deleting content, or avoiding the harasser. Dual-role students commonly mirrored the harassment they experienced, suggesting a cycle of retaliation and blurred victim–perpetrator boundaries. Interestingly, no significant role-based differences were found for passive responses like ignoring harassment or reporting on social media platforms. Conclusion. These results underline the critical need for targeted interventions to foster digital resilience and tailor support mechanisms based on adolescents’ experiences and roles in online interactions. This research contributes to the understanding of role-specific behavioral dynamics in the digital sphere, offering actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals to enhance online safety and support systems for youth. Full article

Syphilis, a global healthcare burden, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, a spiral-shaped, Gram-negative obligate human pathogen. Despite its easy identification and treatability, the disease affects over 50 million people worldwide, with 8 million new cases in the 15–49 age group annually, as per the WHO 2024 report. If left untreated, syphilis progresses through its primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages, causing severe complications like neurosyphilis, congenital syphilis, and organ damage. The first-line treatment, penicillin, faces challenges, including logistical issues, shortages, allergic reactions, and patient non-compliance. Secondary treatment options are sparse, and there are reported cases of T. pallidum strains resistant to those antibiotics. The absence of an effective vaccine for syphilis has led to efforts to control its spread through sexual education, condom usage, and post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline, which raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The continued reliance on penicillin and the increasing rates of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) use have both contributed to concerns about AMR development. Recent works pointing to emerging antibiotic resistance and treatment failures highlight the urgent need for new antibiotics to manage syphilis effectively and reduce dependency on penicillin. This review has focused on the shortcomings and limitations of penicillin treatment, recently identified antimicrobial-resistant strains of T. pallidum, and case studies where its application failed to treat the disease adequately. Full article

People are increasingly turning to online settings to disclose very personal experiences, such as unwanted sexual encounters. Whilst the barriers to disclosure of such experiences and the positive effects of disclosure are well documented, little is known about the online disclosure experiences of survivors and victims of sexual violence, and no research has assessed differences between online and offline disclosures. This study assessed experiences of online and offline disclosures (N = 369; 86.4% female), focusing on people’s reasons for (non-)disclosure, the severity of people’s unwanted sexual experiences, the reactions they received to their disclosures, and how they felt about the disclosure. The results indicated differences between online and offline disclosures, with offline disclosures more strongly associated with negative responses than online disclosures. Moreover, people felt more positively about an online disclosure than they did about an offline disclosure. The interplay between these various factors and how people felt about their disclosure showed a different pattern across online and offline contexts. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. Full article

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection remains high in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), constituting a public health problem in view of the fatal complications it causes, notably cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the situation of viral hepatitis B in the DRC and in particular its implications for public health. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) group guidelines. Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate were used as databases. The review essentially analyzed the viral hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination status of study subjects, diagnostic means, HBV genotypes in DR Congo, seroprevalence of HBV infection, subjects’ level of knowledge and perceptions of HBV, co-infection/comorbidity with HBV infection, factors associated with HBV infection and public health issues raised by HBV infection. Results: The vast majority of studies (69%) were carried out to determine the seroprevalence of HBV infection. The Determine rapid test was the most widely used test (10 studies), sometimes combined with ELISA (3 studies) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (1 study, for genotyping). Some of the public health issues raised by hepatitis B virus infection were identified in the course of the included studies, in relation to co-infection, comorbidity, associated factors, and individuals’ level of knowledge and perceptions of HBV. Certain factors were identified as being closely associated with HBV, notably healthcare professions (e.g., doctor, laboratory technician) and having several sexual partners. In terms of perception of HBV, the hepatitis B virus is recognized as dangerous, and the majority of people questioned in the various studies were aware that vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention. Conclusions: Hepatitis B is a highly contagious infectious disease present in the DRC, with a higher prevalence among healthcare professionals, sex workers, patients with certain diseases including HIV, and people with a history of blood transfusion. The surveillance system within the national blood transfusion program needs to be strengthened. Raising public awareness of the seriousness of viral hepatitis B, offering vaccination to at-risk populations, and systematically screening pregnant women and blood donors for HBV infection could help reduce the prevalence of viral hepatitis B. Full article

Flamingos (Phoenicopteridae) are among the oldest birds worldwide and are loved by people for their bright red feathers. In addition, flamingos are sexually monomorphic birds, and distinguishing between males and females is difficult. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used for sex identification. However, the PCR method requires a precise thermal cycler in the laboratory and is time-consuming. Therefore, developing a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method to identify the sex of flamingos is crucial. In this study, we established a sex identification system using a recombinase-aided amplification-Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (RAA-PfAgo) technique for greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). The greater flamingo-RAA-PfAgo system can identify unknown-sex greater flamingos in less than 1 h and can be visualized using a fluorescent detector or blue light. The results showed that optimal RAA-PfAgo conditions could detect 0.6 ng of genomic DNA and effectively differentiate between males and females. Random sample evaluations revealed that the system had a 100% coincidence rate compared with conventional PCR. In conclusion, this study provides a sensitive, specific, and accurate reference method for greater flamingo sexing. Full article

Emotion recognition through artificial intelligence and smart sensing of physical and physiological signals (affective computing) is achieving very interesting results in terms of accuracy, inference times, and user-independent models. In this sense, there are applications related to the safety and well-being of people (sexual assaults, gender-based violence, children and elderly abuse, mental health, etc.) that require even more improvements. Emotion detection should be done with fast, discrete, and non-luxurious systems working in real time and real life (wearable devices, wireless communications, battery-powered). Furthermore, emotional reactions to violence are not equal in all people. Then, large general models cannot be applied to a multi-user system for people protection, and health and social workers and law enforcement agents would welcome customized and lightweight AI models. These semi-personalized models will be applicable to clusters of subjects sharing similarities in their emotional reactions to external stimuli. This customization requires several steps: creating clusters of subjects with similar behaviors, creating AI models for every cluster, continually updating these models with new data, and enrolling new subjects in clusters when required. An initial approach for clustering labeled data compiled (physiological data, together with emotional labels) is presented in this work, as well as the method to ensure the enrollment of new users with unlabeled data once the AI models are generated. The idea is that this complete methodology can be exportable to any other expert systems where unlabeled data are added during in-field operation and different profiles exist in terms of data. Experimental results demonstrate an improvement of 5% in accuracy and 4% in F1 score with respect to our baseline general model, along with a 32% to 58% reduction in variability, respectively. Full article