UNASSIGNED: Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) has become the major HIV transmission route. However, limited research has been conducted to investigate the association between transactional sex (TS) and HIV incidence in China.
UNASSIGNED: This study aims to investigate HIV incidence and distinguish sociodemographic and sexual behavioral risk factors associated with HIV incidence among MSM who engage in TS (MSM-TS) in China.
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a prospective cohort study using a WeChat-based platform to evaluate HIV incidence among Chinese MSM, including MSM-TS in Ningbo, recruited from July 2019 until June 2022. At each visit, participants completed a questionnaire and scheduled an appointment for HIV counseling and testing on the WeChat-based platform before undergoing offline HIV tests. HIV incidence density was calculated as the number of HIV seroconversions divided by person-years (PYs) of follow-up, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted to identify factors associated with HIV incidence.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 932 participants contributed 630.9 PYs of follow-up, and 25 HIV seroconversions were observed during the study period, resulting in an estimated HIV incidence of 4.0 (95% CI 2.7-5.8) per 100 PYs. The HIV incidence among MSM-TS was 18.4 (95% CI 8.7-34.7) per 100 PYs, which was significantly higher than the incidence of 3.2 (95% CI 2.1-5.0) per 100 PYs among MSM who do not engage in TS. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, factors associated with HIV acquisition were MSM-TS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.93, 95% CI 1.29-11.93), having unprotected sex with men (aHR 10.35, 95% CI 2.25-47.69), and having multiple male sex partners (aHR 3.43, 95% CI 1.22-9.64) in the past 6 months.
UNASSIGNED: This study found a high incidence of HIV among MSM-TS in Ningbo, China. The risk factors associated with HIV incidence include TS, having unprotected sex with men, and having multiple male sex partners. These findings emphasize the need for developing targeted interventions and providing comprehensive medical care, HIV testing, and preexposure prophylaxis for MSM, particularly those who engage in TS.

UNASSIGNED: fluctuation in serum levels of thyroid hormones or thyroid-associated dysfunction can negatively affect the sexual behaviors or performance, and disruption in couples` relationship or satisfaction. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis study was aimed to investigate the global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with thyroid gland disorders (TGD).
UNASSIGNED: this systematic review and meta-analysis study conducted based on PRISMA statement criteria regarding the available evidences representing the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with TGD. The initial searching process was applied on July, 2023. In this era, the main keywords of \"Prevalence\", \"Sexual disorders\", \"Sexual disorder\", \"Sexual dysfunction\", \"Male sexual dysfunction\", \"Erectile dysfunction\", \"Males\", \"Men\", \"Thyroid disorders\", \"Thyroid diseases\", \"Hyperthyroidism\", \"Thyroid\", and \"Thyroiditis\" were hired. Also, \"AND\" and \"OR\" operators were used for keywords combination. All intended studies were searched using the databases of Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Embase. Random effects model was used to perform the analysis and the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed through I2 index. Data analysis was applied with CMA software (v.2).
UNASSIGNED: following the assessment of 17 eligible studies with a sample size of 501 individuals, the global prevalence of male sexual dysfunction with TGD was found 51.5% (95% CI:38.7-64). Also, the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cases was 59.1% (95% CI:37.2-77.8) and 41.5% (95% CI:25.9-59.1), respectively. The meta-regression analysis showed that following incremental trend in sample size, the global prevalence of male sexual dysfunction with TGD decreases. This assessment also revealed that the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction increases with the year of study conduction, significantly (p < 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: the global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with TGD was found relatively high. also, the highest prevalence of sexual disorders was reported in hypothyroid cases. Thus, health policymakers are suggested to inform the individuals prone to this pathology regarding the negative effects of TGD on sexual dysfunction. Besides, TGD-affected cases can prevent sexual disorders and unpleasant consequences through timely medical treatments.

UNASSIGNED: A growing number of advanced neuroimaging studies have compared brain structure and function in long term meditators to non-meditators. The goal is to determine if there may be long term effects on the brain from practicing meditation. In this paper, we present new data on the long term effects of a novel meditation practice in which the focus is on clitoral stimulation. The findings from such a study have implications for potential therapeutic uses with regard to various neurological or psychiatric conditions.
UNASSIGNED: We evaluated the cerebral glucose metabolism in 40 subjects with an extended history (>1 year of practice, 2-3 times per week) performing the meditation practice called Orgasmic Meditation (OM) and compared their brains to a group of non-meditating healthy controls (N = 19). Both meditation and non-meditation subjects underwent brain PET after injection with 148 to 296 MBq of FDG using a standard imaging protocol. Resting FDG PET scans of the OM group were compared to the resting scans of healthy, non-meditating, controls using statistical parametric mapping.
UNASSIGNED: The OM group showed significant differences in metabolic activity at rest compared to the controls. Specifically, there was significantly lower metabolism in select areas of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, as well as the anterior cingulate, insula, and thalamus, in the OM group compared to the controls. In addition, there were notable distinctions between the males and females with the females demonstrating significantly lower metabolism in the thalamus and insula.
UNASSIGNED: Overall, these findings suggest that the long term meditation practitioners of OM have different patterns of resting brain metabolism. Since these areas of the brain in which OM practitioners differ from controls are involved in cognition, attention, and emotional regulation, such findings have implications for understanding how this meditation practice might affect practitioners over long periods of time.

UNASSIGNED: many young people globally grapple with early pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STD), especially in regions like Africa and particularly Niger due to high poverty rates. Various sexual and reproductive health (SRH) projects aim to address these challenges. This study evaluated the JADES 2 project\'s implementation of SRH services provided focusing on the quality of these services in Niger in 2021.
UNASSIGNED: a cross-sectional evaluative study was conducted based on Donabedian and Bruce\'s theory from March 10 to August 15, 2021, in Niger. The evaluation was carried out through the analysis of supervision data, administration of questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews in 9 Integrated Health Centers and Youth-Friendly Centers. Across these sites, 203 adolescents and young people, as well as 9 healthcare workers involved in providing SRH services, were interviewed. The composite indicator in the field developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000 was used.
UNASSIGNED: the quality score estimated for the project was 67% indicating that the services provided was of good quality. The majority (56%) of surveyed people were very satisfied with the services received, and 65% were aware of at least two methods of preventing Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and three methods of preventing early pregnancies.
UNASSIGNED: the SRH services implemented are of acceptable quality. The study identified gaps in the process of service provision, particularly regarding confidentiality and the availability of inputs and medications.

UNASSIGNED: The basic objective of any civilization is to preserve a happy family. The quality of one\'s sexual encounters is crucial to a happy marriage. Couples\' dissatisfaction in this area may be the cause of several social, psychological, and medical issues. The way reality is interpreted, which shapes behaviors and emotions, is established by beliefs. These beliefs, which are among the most frequent causes of male sexual problems, include those relating to high performance, women\'s sexual enjoyment, and sexual conservatism.
UNASSIGNED: To identify the misconceptions about sexuality among psychiatry patients. Method This cross-sectional study was carried out at the School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University. We enrolled 200 samples and it is assessed through Sexual Beliefs Questionnaire (Male version).
UNASSIGNED: Sexual beliefs were assessed in different domains as well as overall sexual belief score was also estimated. The different domains in which the sexual beliefs were scored were sexual conservatism, female sexual power, macho belief, beliefs about women\'s sexual satisfaction, restrictive attitude toward sex, and sex as an abuse of men\'s power.
UNASSIGNED: The development of both psychiatric and sexological care will benefit from the early identification of the intricate relationships between psychopathology, the adverse effects of antipsychotic medicines, and sexuality. However, longitudinal studies are needed to anticipate the relationship more accurately between sexual dysfunction and sexual beliefs at a larger sample size. Sexual beliefs are significant contributors to sexual dysfunction.

UNASSIGNED: Sexual satisfaction is directly related to marital sustainability and quality of life. This study assessed the magnitude of sexual satisfaction and associated factors among married women.
UNASSIGNED: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18 to June 8/2021 using mixed data collection methods. The sample was calculated using single population proportion formula for the quantitative part while data saturation was applied for the qualitative part. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to get participants for the quantitative and the qualitative parts respectively. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25, and the qualitative data were analyzed manually. Ordinal logistic regression was applied to explore the model. P-value <0.05 and AOR with a 95%CI were used to identify the statistical significance of the association.
UNASSIGNED: About 398 married women participated in the study, making a response rate of 94.3% and 44.7% of them were moderately satisfied with their sexual life. Sexual satisfaction among the married women was significantly associated negatively with attending elementary education 99.9% [AOR=0.1, 95%CI:0.0,0.4)], positively with having social responsibility 19[AOR=19.3, 95%CI: 1.8, 28.3], and negatively with having poor sexual attitude 97%[AOR=0.1, 95%CI: 0.0, 0.3]. The qualitative finding showed that the majority of women engage in sexual intercourse for the satisfaction of their partners, without their needs.
UNASSIGNED: Sexual satisfaction among married women was low in the study area. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health awareness and strengthening of the prevention of harmful traditional practices are recommended.

UNASSIGNED: Despite the legal acceptance of homosexuality in India, it remains a social taboo, resulting in various challenges being faced by homosexual males. These challenges mainly include issues such as addiction/drug use and inconsistent and/ or incorrect condom usage which increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among them. This study was thus conducted with the objective of studying the patterns of addiction/drug use and condom usage among homosexual males.
UNASSIGNED: The study was conducted at outreach sites of a non-governmental organization (NGO). A total of 240 participants, consisting of homosexual and bisexual males aged 18-24 years who were residing in the metropolitan city of Mumbai for at least 1 year, were enrolled. Data about addiction/drug use and patterns of condom usage was collected, compiled, entered into Microsoft Excel, and subsequently analyzed using SPSS.
UNASSIGNED: Out of the total participants, 171 (71.2%) reported engaging in addiction/drug use, Among those participants, 105 (61.4%) engaged in alcohol consumption prior to sexual contact to enhance pleasure or delay climax. Cigarette smoking was the most common type of addiction. Statistically significant association was found between habitual addiction/drug use (P=0.0023), use of ecstasy/aphrodisiac drugs (P=0.00654) and, inconsistent and/or incorrect condom use among the participants. However, planned addiction/drug use only before sexual contact did not show a significant association (P=0.066).
UNASSIGNED: Habitual addiction/drug use among homosexual males increases the likelihood of engaging in inconsistent and/ or incorrect condom use, thereby elevating the risk of acquiring STIs and HIV. To mitigate this risk, interventions targeting addiction/ drug use prevention should be initiated during adolescence to address this issue at an earlier stage of life.

BACKGROUND: Sexual changes in breast cancer occur after diagnosis and treatment, including a mastectomy. Sexual assertiveness is an effective factor in sexual satisfaction, which means the ability to convey sexual feelings, beliefs, and thoughts. Given the limited studies on sexual assertiveness in breast cancer and different client participation, this study was conducted to compare the effect of sexual counseling based on two models of PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestion, Intensive Therapy) and BETTER (Bring Up, Explain, Tell, Time, Education, Record) on sexual assertiveness in women after mastectomy.
METHODS: This quasi-experimental intervention was conducted in 2021 in Mashhad, Iran. Seventy-eight mastectomized women with breast cancer were assigned to the BETTER (n = 39) and PLISSIT (n = 39) groups using permuted block randomization with a block size of 4 and an allocation ratio of 1:1. Both groups received four individual counseling sessions, one week apart. The research tools included a demographic information form and the Hulbert index of sexual assertiveness. Changes in the mean scores of sexual assertiveness between the two groups were evaluated before and four weeks after the intervention, and the mean changes were compared between the groups. Data analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square tests using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (P < 0.05).
RESULTS: The results of the study showed that before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the score of sexual assertiveness in both groups (P = 0.253). The mean score of sexual assertiveness changes before and after the intervention in the BETTER group (8.07 ± 4.9) was significantly higher than in the PLISSIT group (5.58 ± 4.7) (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that BETTER sexual counseling was more effective in increasing the sexual assertiveness of mastectomized women than PLISSIT counseling. Due to its simplicity and client-centeredness, this model can be used in breast cancer care programs.

BACKGROUND: Although Huntington\'s disease (HD) is usually thought of as a triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms, there is growing appreciation of HD as a systemic illness affecting the entire body.
OBJECTIVE: This review aims to draw attention to these systemic non-motor symptoms in HD.
METHODS: We identified relevant studies published in English by searching MEDLINE (from 1966 to September 2023), using the following subject headings: Huntington disease, autonomic, systemic, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, sexual and cutaneous, and additional specific symptoms.
RESULTS: Data from 123 articles were critically reviewed with focus on systemic features associated with HD, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, sexual and sweating.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review draws attention to a variety of systemic and autonomic co-morbidities in patients with HD. Not all of them correlate with the severity of the primary HD symptoms or CAG repeats. More research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology and treatment of systemic and autonomic dysfunction in HD.

Oxytocin supports reproduction by promoting sexual- and nursing behavior. Moreover, it stimulates reproductive organs by different avenues. Oxytocin is released to the blood from terminals of oxytocinergic neurons which project from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland. Concomitantly, the dendrites of these neurons discharge oxytocin into neighboring areas of the hypothalamus. At this location it affects other neuroendocrine systems by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Moreover, sensory processing, affective functions, and reward circuits are influenced by oxytocinergic neurons that reach different sites in the brain. In addition to its facilitating impact on various aspects of reproduction, oxytocin is revealed to possess significant anti-inflammatory, restoring, and tranquilizing properties. This has been demonstrated both in many in-vivo and in-vitro studies. The oxytocin system may therefore have the capacity to alleviate detrimental physiological- and mental stress reactions. Thus, high levels of endogenous oxytocin may counteract inadequate inflammation and malfunctioning of neurons and supportive cells in the brain. A persistent low-grade inflammation increasing with age-referred to as inflammaging-may lead to a cognitive decline but may also predispose to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer\'s and Parkinson. Interestingly, animal studies indicate that age-related destructive processes in the body can be postponed by techniques that preserve immune- and stem cell functions in the hypothalamus. It is argued in this article that sexual activity-by its stimulating impact on the oxytocinergic activity in many regions of the brain-has the capacity to delay the onset of age-related cerebral decay. This may also postpone frailty and age-associated diseases in the body. Finally, oxytocin possesses neuroplastic properties that may be applied to expand sexual reward. The release of oxytocin may therefore be further potentiated by learning processes that involves oxytocin itself. It may therefore be profitable to raise the consciousness about the potential health benefits of sexual activity particularly among the seniors.