Discovery of Novel Effector Protein Candidates Produced in the Dorsal Gland of Adult Female Root-Knot Nematodes.

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) (Meloidogyne spp.) represent one of the most damaging groups of plant-parasitic nematodes. They secrete effector proteins through a protrusible stylet to manipulate host cells for their benefit. Stylet-secreted effector proteins are produced within specialized secretory esophageal gland cells, one dorsal gland (DG) and two subventral glands (SvG), whose activity differ throughout the nematode life cycle. Previous gland transcriptomic profiling studies identified dozens of candidate RKN effectors but were focused on the juvenile stages of the nematode, when the SvGs are most active. We developed a new approach to enrich for the active DGs of M. incognita adult female RKN for RNA and protein extraction. Female heads were manually cut from the body, and a combination of sonication and vortexing was used to dislodge contents inside the heads. DG-enriched fractions were collected by filtering, using cell strainers. Comparative transcriptome profiling of pre-parasitic second-stage juveniles, female heads, and DG-enriched samples was conducted using RNA sequencing. Application of an established effector mining pipeline led to the identification of 83 candidate effector genes upregulated in DG-enriched samples of adult females that code for proteins with a predicted signal peptide but lack transmembrane domains or homology to proteins in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In situ hybridization resulted in the identification of 14 new DG-specific candidate effectors expressed in adult females. Taken together, we have identified novel candidate Meloidogyne effector genes that may have essential roles during later stages of parasitism. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Diastasis recti abdominis in adult women based on abdominal computed tomography imaging: Prevalence, risk factors and its impact on life.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to obtain the incidence of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and analyse possible risk factors in adult females. Moreover, the relationships between DRA and lower back pain, pelvic floor function and quality of life were also analysed. BACKGROUND: Diastasis recti abdominis is a separation of the abdominal muscles at the linea alba. Currently, studies on the prevalence rates, risk factors and consequences of DRA are varied. In particular, reports on DRA among adult women are lacking. DESIGN: A one-sample questionnaire study design is used following the STROBE checklist. METHODS: The inter-rectus distance was measured by computed tomography in 644 women. Custom questionnaires, the Oswestry Disability Index, The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to investigate personal information, the subjects' back pain, pelvic floor function and quality of life, respectively. RESULTS: The incidence of DRA was 28.4%. Age, the number of pregnancies, BMI and diabetes were influencing factors for DRA. After age stratification, pregnancy and diabetes were found to be risk factors for DRA in young women, and obesity and diabetes were risk factors for DRA in older women. This study showed that the association between DRA and low back pain was highly significant. CONCLUSIONS: Diastasis recti abdominis is common in adult women. Avoiding multiple pregnancies, preventing diabetes and controlling weight may prevent DRA, which may be beneficial for decreasing low back pain in women. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings have important implications for the health of adult women which can provide the basis for appropriate nursing implementation for DRA patients. The application of specific prevention and intervention measures for the risk factors may reduce the severity of low back pain.

The Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Urinary Incontinence Among Adult Women in Al Medina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common clinical problem. It has an impact on an individual's social, professional, psychological, and physical elements of life. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of UI and associated risk factors among Saudi women in Al Medina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire among 430 women aged 18-60 in Al Medina Al Munawara. The participants completed the validated Arabic version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) to assess the prevalence of UI and its associated factors. Results Among the participants, 64.8% did not experience urine incontinence, while 17.8% reported slight, 14.0% reported moderate, and 3.3% reported severe incontinence. Stress incontinence caused by coughing or sneezing was the most common cause (48.6%), followed by before reaching the toilet (urge incontinence) (34.5%) and after urination (15.5%). Significant associations were found between age, marital status, number of children, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract diseases, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, obesity, constipation, and menopausal symptoms. However, no significant association was found between pregnancy and urine incontinence. Conclusions This study reveals a moderate prevalence of UI among Saudi women in Al Medina Al Munawara. The findings highlight the importance of early detection, treatment, and education on pelvic floor exercises to address UI. Factors such as age, marital status, number of children, and various medical conditions are associated with this condition, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management strategies.

Claims for Contraceptive Services and Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing Among Insured Adolescent and Young Adult Females in the United States.

Objective: To examine claims for reversible prescription contraceptives and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing among commercially and Medicaid-insured adolescent and young adult (AYA) females in the United States. Methods: Using IBM MarketScan Research Databases, we identified sexually active, nonpregnant AYA (15- to 24-year-old) females enrolled in 2018. We examined claims for reversible prescription contraceptives and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing, using drug names and diagnosis/procedure codes, by age-group in commercially and Medicaid-insured separately and by race/ethnicity in Medicaid-insured. Results: Among 15- to 19-year-old and 20- to 24-year-old females, 67.2% and 67.9% of commercially insured and 57.3% and 54.0% of Medicaid-insured, respectively, had claims for reversible prescription contraceptives in 2018. Across insurance types among both age-groups, the most common claim for contraceptives was prescription for combined oral contraceptives. Among Medicaid-insured 15- to 19-year-olds, claims for contraceptives ranged from 42.6% for Hispanic females to 63.4% for non-Hispanic White females; among Medicaid-insured 20- to 24-year-olds, claims ranged from 50.4% for non-Hispanic Black females to 57.0% for non-Hispanic White females. Approximately half of the commercially and Medicaid-insured females had claims for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. Non-Hispanic Black females had the highest percentages of claims for chlamydia testing (56.3% among 15- to 19-year-olds and 61.1% among 20- to 24-year-olds) and gonorrhea testing (61.6% among 15- to 19-year-olds and 64.9% among 20- to 24-year-olds). Conclusion: Approximately, two-thirds of commercially insured and more than half of Medicaid-insured, sexually active, nonpregnant AYA females had claims for reversible prescription contraceptives. Race/ethnicity data were available for Medicaid-insured females, and there were differences in claims for contraceptives and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing by race/ethnicity. Half of the AYA females had claims for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing suggesting missed opportunities.

High impact of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine across racial/ethnic groups: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2006 and 2015-2018.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical as well as other cancers. Racial and ethnic disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the United States are well documented. HPV vaccination has been recommended in the United States since 2006 and is expected to prevent HPV-attributable cancers in all racial/ethnic groups. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine-type (HPV6/11/16/18) and nonvaccine-type cervicovaginal HPV prevalences were estimated from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 2015-2018 (vaccine era) and 2003-2006 (prevaccine era) data. Prevalence ratios comparing 2015-2018 to 2003-2006 were calculated among sexually experienced Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Mexican American (MA) females aged 14-24 years. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine-type prevalence declined 82% (CI: 60%-92%) among NHW, 86% (CI: 64%-95%) among NHB, and 100% among MA females, forecasting future reductions in cervical cancer across racial/ethnic groups.

The Impact of Body Composition on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adult Females.

INTRODUCTION:  This study investigates the impact of body composition on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adult females, focusing on factors such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max). It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle for achieving CRF. Previous research links CRF to protection against metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the impact of body composition as specified by body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rates (BMRs) on CRF in adult females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult females aged 19-24 participated in this prospective cross-sectional experimental study (n=110). The study excluded those with specific health conditions. Anthropometric measurements, bio-impedance analysis, and a Balke treadmill test were conducted to assess VO2 max and, hence, the CRF. Nutrient intake was assessed, and energy requirements were calculated. The data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). The test statistics deployed were mean (± SD), ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, post-hoc Bonferroni test, and regression analysis. RESULTS:  The study revealed significant differences in anthropometry among BMI categories. Energy intake showed no significant variation. Body mass distribution, BMRs, and vital signs significantly differed among BMI groups. Most participants exhibited poor CRF; a negative correlation between BMI and VO2 max was observed. CONCLUSION: Body compositions, particularly BMI and FFM, body fat percentage, and BMR, influence CRF in young adult females. Poor CRF was prevalent among participants, indicating a potential impact on cardiovascular health. The findings underline the importance of addressing lifestyle factors in promoting better cardiorespiratory health among young adult females.

The Prevalence of Stress Fractures and the Associated LEAF-Q Responses, Self-Reported Exercise Volume and Dietary Behaviors in Female Recreational Runners.

Previous research suggests a high prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) and stress fractures (SF) among competitive female endurance athletes. However, much less is known about these issues among recreational female runners. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and number of self-reported SF and risk of LEA among noncompetitive, recreationally active female runners, aged 18 - 25 years. Additionally, it compared characteristics between females with a history of multiple SF vs. one or no SF, and between those 'at risk' vs. 'not at risk' of LEA. Female recreational runners (n=485) completed an online survey that included the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and the Disordered Eating Screening Assessment (DESA-6). Thirty-three percent of participants reported ≥ 2 SF. Eighty-two percent of the ≥ 2 SF group were classified as 'at risk' of LEA (LEAF-Q score ≥ 8). In addition, ≥ 2 SF was associated with higher total LEAF-Q score, self-reported intentional food restriction for weight loss, and self-reported current eating disorder while weekly exercise duration was inversely associated with ≥ 2 SF. In conclusion, one-third of participants had multiple SF with a majority (82%) of this group classified as 'at risk' of LEA. Screening tools such as the LEAF-Q and DESA-6 are useful tools to identify characteristics associated with multiple SF in this demographic, especially questions regarding food restriction and the presence of a current or previous eating disorder.

Women's Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Breast Cancer in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women globally, contributing significantly to cancer-related deaths. In Saudi Arabia, it ranks as the second most common cancer among women. Studies have highlighted a lack of awareness about breast cancer, negatively impacting breast self-examination practices. The Eastern Province has particularly high incidence rates. Knowledge of risk and protective factors can aid in prevention and early detection. While some studies show good awareness, this research aims to assess women's knowledge and attitudes about breast cancer risk factors and warning signs in the Eastern Province. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province from June to October 2023 to assess breast cancer awareness among adult females. Data were collected via an online survey. Data were cleaned in MS Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). Results Our study assessed breast cancer awareness in 697 participants in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. Most were aged 20-24 years (30.3%), married (49.2%), and Saudi nationals (97.6%), with higher education (59.4%). Significantly, 69.2% received education on breast cancer risk factors/signs. Some had personal breast cancer diagnoses (5.0%), and 31.7% had affected family members. Participants showed good awareness of various risk factors and warning signs. Significant associations were found between nationality, personal breast cancer diagnosis, and knowledge and attitudes about risk factors. Age, marital status, occupation, education on breast cancer, and personal breast cancer diagnosis influenced knowledge and attitudes about warning signs. Conclusion Our study findings indicate generally good awareness of breast cancer risk factors and warning signs among participants. Age, marital status, occupation, education on breast cancer, and personal breast cancer diagnosis influenced knowledge and attitudes about risk factors and warning signs. Educational efforts should target lesser-known risk factors to enhance prevention and early detection.

Intraspecific Variability in Trionymus aberrans Goux, 1938 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) with Description of the Second-Instar Nymph.

The morphological characteristics of adult females of Trionymus aberrans Goux, 1938 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) collected from post-industrial wastelands and other habitats in Poland and other countries were studied. Distinctive morphological variations were observed in the specimens from post-industrial wastelands in Poland. Scanning electron micrographs of the morphological characters of T. aberrans are provided. The presence of unusual pores, each with four loculi, was demonstrated for the first time in a species of Pseudococcidae. The importance of introducing additional morphological characters into the species description is discussed. New data on the frequency and host preferences of T. aberrans are also provided. This research is the first long-term study on scale insect species in post-industrial wastelands. The second-instar nymph of T. aberrans is described and illustrated and the presence of translucent pores on the hind coxae of this developmental stage is reported for the first time.

P300, a tool for cognitive assessment in women with iron deficiency anemia: A systematic review.

Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common nutritional disorder and an important risk factor for the development of mild cognitive impairment that may progress to dementia, if untreated. The anemic status due to iron deficiency (ID) alters the electrogenesis in the central nervous system. P300 is a cognitive evoked potential (CEP) used as an objective tool to assess cognitive function. Mild cognitive impairment is indicated by prolonged P300 wave latency and reduced amplitude. IDA is highly prevalent among women particularly in the reproductive phase and data on cognitive assessment using P300 in them are sparse. This review aims to analyze the evidence from recent literature regarding the effect of IDA on evoked potentials like P300 in women. A systematic literature review was conducted and databases, like PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched for studies from the last 20 years. We selected research papers that compared P300 between anemic women and controls of the same age, and evaluated the effects of iron supplementation on P300 in anemic women. Based on the inclusion criteria, three studies were found. The studies demonstrated impaired P300 potentials in anemic women that improved following iron supplementation. Promoting screening of anemic women with P300 aids in the early detection of subclinical cognitive decline. Ensuring adequate iron treatment can prevent mild cognitive impairment from progressing to severe forms like dementia and other neuropsychological disorders. Further studies utilizing P300 as a cognitive tool need to be encouraged to establish definite conclusions regarding its efficacy in detecting cognitive dysfunctions in anemia.

Sexual Functioning and Satisfaction Among College Survivors of Sexual Violence: Examining PTSD Symptoms and Sexual Schemas.

Decreased sexual functioning is prevalent among female survivors of sexual violence yet psychological factors that contribute to sexual impairments in this population are understudied. To extend research in this area, the current study examined two psychological factors as they relate to sexual functioning concerns among 148 female survivors of sexual violence: severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) and sexual self-schemas. Four domains of sexual functioning were examined: sexual desire, sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, and orgasm functioning. It was predicted that PTSSs would be associated with a more negative sexual schema, which in turn, would be associated with decreased sexual functioning across the four domains. Using path analysis, PTSSs were found to be indirectly associated with decreased sexual satisfaction (b = -.08, SEb = .04, p = .035), sexual arousal (b = -.01, SEb = .001, p = .02), and reduced orgasm functioning (b = -.01, SEb = .001, p = .002). Results also supported significant direct paths from PTSS to all sexual functioning variables. These results support that negative sexual self-schemas may be relevant to the co-association of PTSSs and reductions in sexual functioning and satisfaction.

Exposure to phthalate esters in Japanese females in Kyoto, Japan from 1993 to 2016: Temporal trends and associated health risks.

Phthalates are used as plasticizers in many products used in daily life worldwide. Due to industrial and economic developments, exposure among general population to phthalates may vary geographically and temporally. However, studies are lacking for investigating temporal changes in phthalate exposure in the Japanese population. In the present study, the temporal trends in exposure to various phthalates were assessed among a group of Japanese adult female population over 1993-2016 and derived associated risks. For this purpose, urine samples of healthy Japanese females in Kyoto, Japan (N = 132) collected in 1993, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2011, and 2016, were employed and measured for the concentrations of 18 phthalate metabolites. Over this period, the detection rates of mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) and monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP) decreased, and the geometric means of the urinary concentrations of mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) showed a significant decreasing trend. Cumulative risk due to exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) showed a dramatic decrease only between 1993 and 2000. The maximum hazard quotient (HQM) was attributed to DEHP in most subjects regardless of sampling year. This study showed the temporal trend of the exposure of Japanese females to several phthalate esters over two decades. As of the late 2010's, DEHP was still the predominant component of phthalate ester exposure in the population. The HI value, however, indicates that direct risk due to phthalate exposure was unlikely among the studied population.

Management of anticoagulation associated reproductive tract bleeding in adolescent and young adult females - Results of a multinational survey.

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive tract bleeding (RTB) is an important outcome in menstruating females on anticoagulant therapy (AC). The diagnosis and management of AC-RTB in adolescent and young adult (AYA) females is unknown. AIMS: The aim of this study was to survey the contemporary patterns of diagnosis and management of AC-RTB in AYA females. METHODS: SurveyMonkey® questions were sent to members of 1) Pediatric and Neonatal Thrombosis Hemostasis Subcommittee and Women's Health Subcommittee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis and 2) Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society. Results are reported using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Response rate was 33% (251 out of 753). AC-RTB was infrequently reported. Menstrual history was not routinely reviewed prior to initiation of AC. Respondents indicated a differential risk of AC-RTB, most frequently with Rivaroxaban. Respondents continued hormonal therapy (HT) if an AYA female was on it at the start of AC. When AC-RTB occurred, management strategies were variable with initiation of HT or antifibrinolytic therapy being the most frequent. The timing of AC-RTB after the thrombotic event influenced the respondents' choice of therapy. Differences were seen in the management strategies between US and non-US participants, with more US respondents initiating HT while more non-US respondents modifying the AC regimen. Respondents uniformly reported complications with AC-RTB and with its treatment. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights the need to review menstrual history at the start of and during AC and for future research into choosing the optimal AC in AYA females. The results can inform the design of future studies.

Family members' lived experiences of non-compliance to psychiatric medication given to female adults living with depression.

BACKGROUND: Family members face the burden of adult females living with depression who do not comply with psychiatric medication. Discomfort, tension, anxiety, frustration, and related feelings of hopelessness and dysfunction were identified by family members. There have also been records of financial problems, physical ill-health, limitations on social and recreational opportunities and a general deterioration in their quality of life. There is a shortage of published literature and information on the reasons for non-compliance to psychiatric medications. The existing body of information needs to be strengthened and future approaches encouraged. The study aimed to improve compliance of adult females dealing with depression to psychiatric medical treatment and the effect it has on family members caring for adult females living with depression. OBJECTIVES: To describe family members' lived experiences of non-compliance to psychiatric medication by adult females living with depression. METHOD: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study design was used. A purposive sample of family members aged between 20 and 45 years was made. Data were collected by conducting eight in-depth, phenomenological interviews, and field notes were taken. The interviews focused on the central question: 'Tell me your experiences of living with your wife, mother, sister and daughter living with depression and not taking their medication as ordered by the doctor?' Tesch's method for data analysis was used, and an independent coder analysed the data and met with the researcher for a consensus discussion of the results. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were applied and ethical principles were adhered to. RESULTS: The three themes identified were: experienced psycho-social effects, experienced treatment refusal and experienced challenges in caring for adult females living with depression who are non-compliant to psychiatric medication. As a result, the absence of social help, disturbance of family working, shame, separation and troublesome conduct of the adult females who are non-compliant to psychiatric medication developed as principal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that family members experienced debilitation because they needed information about their relatives living with depression who are non-compliant to psychiatric medication. More information about the management of non-compliance of psychiatric medication was needed; a comprehensive awareness of the ramifications of the findings, treatment and care are required from mental health care professionals and service providers.

Exposure of Chinese adult females to parabens from personal care products: Estimation of intake via dermal contact and health risks.

Parabens are added into foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PCPs) as additives extensively due to their excellent antiseptic and antibacterial effects. In the past decade, parabens have raised great concerns on their potential harm to humans. Existing studies have suggested positive correlations between PCP application and urinary paraben concentrations in females, but little is known about paraben exposure levels and health risks arising from PCP use. In this study, 150 PCP samples covering eleven categories were collected from South China and measured for the concentrations of five parabens, including methyl paraben (MeP), ethyl paraben (EtP), propyl paraben (PrP), butyl paraben (BuP) and benzyl paraben (BeP). Parabens were widely detected in PCPs, with a detection frequency of 100%, 99.3%, 80.0%, 74.0% and 13.3%, for MeP, EtP, PrP, BuP and BeP, respectively. The median concentration of Σ5parabens was 126 µg/g with a range of 6.38-424 µg/g across all PCP samples. The contents of MeP, EtP and PrP measured in leave-on PCPs were obviously higher than those in the rinse-off ones (p < 0.05). MeP and PrP were the main paraben analogues, together accounting for 93.6% of Σ5parabens in all PCPs. The daily intakes of parabens through dermal absorption by Chinese adult females estimated by measurements obtained in the present study were 0.15 and 83.2 µg/kg-bw/day on basis of the application of rinse-off and leave-on PCPs, respectively. Among the eleven categories, sunscreen, body lotion and mask constituted the main exposure sources of parabens to females. The hazard quotients of parabens were far less than 1, indicating no considerable health risk for Chinese adult females.

Isometric, concentric, and eccentric neck strength in the sagittal and coronal planes of motion for adult females.

OBJECTIVE: Assess strength in adult females using multiple positions, motions, and contraction types, to better understand strength production of young and non-symptomatic of adult female subjects to help assess and improve the biofidelity of anthropomorphic test devices and human body models. METHODS: Fifteen adult females (25.4 ± 6.3 years) were recruited for this study. Strength measurements were collected for the sagittal and coronal planes during isometric, concentric, and eccentric muscle contractions in neutral and mid-range of motion anatomical positions. RESULTS: For both planes, subjects were strongest during eccentric muscle contractions and weakest in concentric muscle activations. In the sagittal plane, subjects were stronger in extension for all muscle activation types and anatomical positions. In the coronal plane, there were no side differences in isometric nor concentric strength. CONCLUSIONS: Neck strength of adult females depends on muscle activation type and anatomical positions. Future computational models should account for muscle activation type when quantifying responses of female subjects.

An Overview of the Pathophysiology of Metabolic Changes and Their Sequence of Occurrence in Obese Diabetic Females: A Narrative Review.

Obesity and diabetes both mediate their effects through insulin resistance and frequently co-exist. Insulin resistance is one of the key factors in the development of the metabolic syndrome. Adult females tend to develop obesity more frequently than males. One of the factors causing this difference is the pattern of changes that occur as females age from pre-menopausal to the post-menopausal stage, causing a change in the pattern of accumulation of fats. Several studies have explored and described the association between obesity and metabolic syndrome and their effect on type II diabetes. We conducted our literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar as our primary databases. We selected a total of 49 articles for review after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and removing the duplicate articles. We chose the full-text articles that were published in the English language only. The selected studies were randomized controlled trials and review papers. The reviewed articles showed that visceral fat, central obesity, and fasting blood sugar of post-menopausal is higher than in pre-menopausal women and needs adequate management. More studies are needed in the future to explore the patterns of the metabolic changes in obese females to provide early and better management of diabetes and prevent related complications.

Females have more complex patterns of childhood adversity: implications for mental, social, and emotional outcomes in adulthood.

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been identified as an important public health problem with serious implications. Less well understood is how distinct configurations of childhood adversities carry differential risks for mental health, emotional, and social outcomes later in life. Objective: To determine if distinct profiles of childhood adversities exist for males and females and to examine if unique associations exist between the resultant latent profiles of childhood adversities and multiple indicators of mental health and social and emotional wellbeing in adulthood. Method: Participants (N = 1,839) were a nationally representative household sample of adults currently residing in the USA and the data were collected via online self-report questionnaires. Latent class analysis was used to identify the optimal number of classes to explain ACE co-occurrence among males and females, separately. ANOVAs, chi-square tests, and t-tests were used to compare male and female classes across multiple mental health, emotional, and social wellbeing variables in adulthood. Results: Females were significantly more likely than males to report a range of ACEs and mental health, social, and emotional difficulties in adulthood. Two- and four-class models were identified as the best fit for males and females, respectively, indicating more complexity and variation in ACE exposures among females. For males and female, ACEs were strongly associated with poorer mental health, emotional, and social outcomes in adulthood. Among females, growing up in a dysfunctional home environment was a significant risk factor for adverse social outcomes in adulthood. Conclusions: Males and females have distinct patterns of childhood adversities, with females experiencing more complex and varied patterns of childhood adversity. These patterns of ACEs were associated with numerous negative mental, emotional, and social outcomes among both sexes.

Antecedentes: Las experiencias adversas infantiles (ACEs en su sigla en inglés) se han identificado como un problema de salud pública importante, con serias implicaciones. Menos comprendido es el cómo distintas configuraciones de adversidades infantiles acarrean riesgos diferenciales para los resultados de salud mental, emocional y social.Objetivo: Determinar si existen distintos perfiles de adversidades infantiles para hombres y para mujeres y examinar si existen asociaciones únicas entre los perfiles latentes resultantes de adversidad infantil y múltiples indicadores de salud mental y bienestar social y emocional en la adultez.Método: Los participantes (N = 1,839) fueron una muestra representativa de hogares de adultos actualmente residiendo en los Estados Unidos y los datos se recolectaron en cuestionarios de auto-reporte vía online. El análisis de clases latentes se utilizó para identificar el número óptimo de clases que explican la co-ocurrencia de ACEs entre hombres y mujeres, separadamente. Se empleó pruebas de ANOVA, chi-cuadrado y t para comparar clases de hombres y mujeres a través de múltiples variables de salud mental y bienestar social y emocional en la adultez.Resultados: Las mujeres fueron significativamente más propensas que los hombres a reportar un rango de ACEs y dificultades de salud mental y dificultades sociales y emocionales en la adultez. Modelos de dos y cuatro clases se identificaron como los de mejor ajuste para hombres y mujeres, respectivamente, indicando mayor complejidad y variación de exposición a ACEs en las mujeres. Para hombres y mujeres, las ACEs se asociaron fuertemente a resultados más pobres en salud mental, emocionales y sociales en la adultez. En las mujeres, crecer en un ambiente de hogar disfuncional fue un factor de riesgo significativo para resultados sociales adversos en la adultez.Conclusiones: Los hombres y mujeres tienen distintos patrones de adversidad infantil, en tanto las mujeres experimentan más complejos y variados patrones de adversidad infantil. Estos patrones de ACEs se asociaron con numerosos resultados negativos mentales, emocionales y sociales entre ambos sexos.

Breastfeeding in Women Having Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse.

BACKGROUND: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can have a serious effect on general and obstetric health. Breastfeeding includes several triggers for memories of abuse experiences, which will likely influence decisions about breastfeeding and its implementation in daily life. This is important since breastfeeding improves maternal well-being and bonding with the child. Research aim: As breastfeeding strongly influences the long-term health of children, we investigated experiences with breastfeeding in women with a history of CSA. METHODS: Data on breastfeeding were collected within a research project designed to compare labor and delivery experiences in women with a history of CSA to women without such antecedents. Data from 85 women having experienced CSA and 170 controls pair-matched for maternal age, children's age, and nationality were evaluated. The clinical record of pregnancy and a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data. RESULTS: Although the prevalence of breastfeeding was similar in women with and without CSA experiences (96.5% vs. 90.6%), women exposed to CSA more often described complications associated with breastfeeding (77.7% vs. 67.1%, p = .08). Mastitis (49.4% vs. 27.6%, p < .01) and pain (29.4% vs. 18.8%, p = .15) were reported significantly more often by women after CSA. For 20% of women after CSA, breastfeeding was a trigger for memories of CSA. Furthermore, 58% of women with CSA reported dissociation when breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: In addition to the growing list of potential health consequences of CSA experience, this experience seems to be associated with an increased number of problems when breastfeeding. However, most women with a history of CSA intend to breastfeed despite particular challenges related to CSA. A support protocol tailored to the specific needs of these women during pregnancy and the lactation period may help to improve breastfeeding and the early mother-child relationship.

Individual niche trajectories in nesting green turtles on Rocas Atoll, Brazil: an isotopic tool to assess diet shifts over time / Trajetórias de nicho individual em tartarugas verdes do Atol das Rocas, Brasil: uma ferramenta isotópica para verificar trocas de dieta ao longo do tempo

Abstract In this study, multi-tissue (yolk and carapace) stable isotope analysis was used to assess individual isotopic niche trajectories of nesting green turtles on Rocas Atoll, off northeastern Brazil, and to reveal a diet shift in the temporal dimension. The diet trajectories of individual green turtles were highly directional, with a stronger component towards decreasing values of δ15N from carapace to yolk. When the green turtles are in their foraging sites (temporal window measured by the yolk samples), they are more herbivores. Conversely, in a broader temporal window, the green turtles demonstrate a carnivore-omnivore strategy, such as represented by heavier δ15N values in the carapace. This finding confirms a temporal diet shift. This is the first study that applies trophic niche trajectories for sea turtles, adding a new isotopic tool to understand the trophic ecology of these migrant animals.

Resumo Neste estudo, a análise de isótopos estáveis em múltiplos tecidos (vitelo e carapaça) foi usada para avaliar as trajetórias individuais de nicho isotópico de tartarugas verdes em nidificação no Atol das Rocas, nordeste do Brasil, e para revelar uma mudança de dieta na dimensão temporal. As trajetórias individuais da dieta de tartarugas verdes foram altamente direcionais, com um componente mais forte na direção de valores decrescentes de δ15N da carapaça ao vitelo. Quando as tartarugas verdes estão em seus locais de forrageamento (janela temporal medida pelas amostras de vitelo), elas são mais herbívoras. Por outro lado, em uma janela temporal mais ampla, as tartarugas verdes demonstram uma estratégia carnívora-onívora, representada por valores mais elevados de δ15N na carapaça. Os resultados confirmam uma mudança temporal na dieta. Este é o primeiro estudo que aplica trajetórias de nicho trófico para tartarugas marinhas, adicionando uma nova ferramenta isotópica para entender a ecologia trófica desses animais migrantes.