Does perception of female cues modulate male short-term fitness components in Drosophila melanogaster?

Phenotypic plasticity in reproductive behavior can be a strong driver of individual fitness. In species with high intra‐sexual competition, changes in socio‐sexual context can trigger quick adaptive plastic responses in males. In particular, a recent study in the vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster) shows that males derive net fitness benefits from being shortly exposed to female cues ahead of access to mating (termed sexual perception), but the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain unknown. Here, we investigated the short‐term effects of female perception on male pre‐ and post‐copulatory components of reproductive performance: (a) mating success, (b) mating latency and duration, (c) sperm competitiveness, and (d) ejaculate effects on female receptivity and reproductive rate. We found that brief sexual perception increased mating duration, but had no effect on the other main pre‐ and post‐copulatory fitness proxies recorded. This suggests that perception of female cues may not yield net fitness benefits for males in the short‐term, but we discuss alternative explanations and future avenues of research.

Particularities of the Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Ovipositing Behavior: Practical Applications

The industrial rearing of Hermetia illucens offers sustainable solutions to the acute challenges of modern society associated with the accumulation of increasing amounts of organic waste, the substantial reduction of natural ocean fish stocks, and the imminent food crisis. Detailed knowledge of the reproductive particularities and reproductive behavior of the species is essential for increasing the efficiency of the breeding technology. This study aimed to identify the affinity shown by females regarding the size of the oviposition slots (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm), the vertical distribution of the ovipositing rate, and the influence of the substrate’s moisture on ovipositing behavior (dry matter/water: 1:0.5; 1:1; 1:1.5; 1:2). Over 90% of females oviposited in the 1-, 2- and 3-mm slots, with most of the eggs (58.57%) being oviposited in the 1-mm slots. There was a positive correlation between the size of the oviposition slots and the average weight of the clutches (r = 0.985). The vertical distribution of ovipositing followed a fluctuating trend, with a tendency to oviposit closer to the attractive substrate. The females avoided ovipositing close to substrates with low humidity (1:0.5); indeed, only 6.8% oviposited under these conditions, the differences being significant compared to substrates with higher humidity (p < 0.001). The vast majority of females (43.2%) oviposited on substrates with an average humidity of 1:1 (p < 0.001). These results provide new insights into the ovipositing behavior of H. illucens, which allow for a differentiated harvest of large-sized clutches, providing practical applications with significant impact on the economic efficiency of the species’ industrial growth technology.

The pheromone affects reproductive physiology and behavior by regulating hormone in juvenile mice

Pheromones could promote hormone secretions and regulate sexual behavior. It was unclear whether multiparous pheromone could induce variations in puberty. The aim was to ascertain whether pheromone in urine of multiparous females induced central precocious puberty (CPP) in juvenile C57BL/6J females. The precocious puberty was examined by vaginal smear, lordosis reaction, HE stain, and ELISA analysis. Results suggested that the first vaginal opening and the first estrus were significantly earlier. The time interval of the first vaginal opening and estrus was significantly shortened. It was interesting that the first estrus was significantly correlated with the first vaginal opening and the time interval of the first estrus. In the first estrus, female lordosis reaction, the number of mature follicles, and the weight of the ovary and uterus significantly increased. The level of luteinizing hormones also significantly increased. Thus, multiparous pheromone can regulate sex hormone to induce CPP in juvenile C57BL/6J females.

Number of Births and Risk of Diabetes in China's Older Women

As an important life event in individuals' life, childbirth will affect the health of women to different degrees. More and more attention has been paid to whether the number of births will affect the incident diabetes in elderly women, but there are few related studies. Based on the data of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2018, 6,159 older women are selected as the study population. Logistic regression analyses are used to estimate the relationship between the number of births and diabetes risk. For each additional birth, the odds ratio of maternal diabetes will decrease by 6.9% and the result is significant at the 1% level, especially among mothers having four children or less. The conclusion is equally applicable in the sample of fathers and urban mothers, but the increase in the number of births will increase the risk of diabetes in rural mothers, although this result is not statistically significant. Later age at first birth, later age at last birth, the longer childbearing period, and birth interval will significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.

The abortion and contraceptive behavior: results of the all-Russian Research

The problem of abortion is actual in all spheres of public life. Despite the fact that in Russia, according to the Ministry of Health, the number of abortions has decreased by 30% over the past five years, there is demand from society and public authorities to strengthen the national demographic security, to search for corresponding reserves and to strengthen positive dynamics of demographic indices on permanent long-term basis. The abortions significantly and negatively affect birth rate and woman health. To make proper managerial decisions in this area requires analyzing such complex social phenomenon as abortion behavior and its alternatives, including contraceptive behavior based on family planning technologies. The purpose of study is to analyze characteristics of abortive and contraceptive behavior and their relationship with matrimonial and reproductive behavior in Russia to strengthen national demographic security. The official public data of Rosstat, Minzdrav of Russia, etc. was used. Also the data of the All-Russian sociological study "Demographic well-being of Russia" was attracted. The methodology included questionnaire survey in late 2019 - early 2020 carried out in 10 Subjects of the Russian Federation: Moscow, Republic of Bashkortostan, Republic of Tatarstan, Vologda Oblast, Volgograd Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, etc. The total sampling consisted of 5 616 respondents. The study implemented such scientific research methods as: analysis, synthesis, generalization, statistical analysis, sociological analysis. The state policy implementation related to the decrees of the President of the Russian Federation "On measures to implement the Demographic Policy of the Russian Federation" (2012): "On national goals and strategic objectives of the development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2024" (2018, national project "Demography"), Government orders "On approval of the Concept of State family Policy in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025" (2014), "On the basics of State youth policy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025" (2014), etc. On national level, it resulted in decreasing of the number of abortions and increasing attention of society and the public authorities to problems of the family. in Russia, since 2007, the absolute number of abortions has been declining, and from 2015 to the present, the absolute number of abortions has decreased below the millionth value. The leaders in positive rate of abortions decreasing are the North Caucasus, the Central and Southern Federal Okrugs. The higher rates of abortions remain In the Far Eastern, Siberian and Ural Federal Okrugs. It is established that abortion and reproductive behavior depends on aging of motherhood, low contraceptive culture at early start of sexual life and various social economic factors. A significant part of Russian population is characterized by low awareness of reproduction issues and contraceptives. The study revealed certain relationship between contraceptive and matrimonial and reproductive behavior. The hypothesis was confirmed for the Republics of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan. The additional research in this area is required to identify effective measures to fully implement demographic potential of the Russian family. Even though the official statistics of Russia indicate positive trends in population abortion behavior, abortions make up significant part of reproductive losses. For majority of Russians, abortion remains acceptable mean of regulating childbearing. Russia has the highest rate of abortions in the age ranges of 30-34 and 35-39 years. In Russia, improvement of medical and contraceptive literacy and formation of responsible health self-attitude will increase quality of life, implement population's demographic potential and improve demographic security.

Understanding the rationales behind childbearing: A qualitative study based on extended theory of planned behavior

BACKGROUND

Childbearing is the most important determinant of population fluctuations and its studies are more important than other population phenomena. Many factors are associated with childbearing, but individual factors associated with it have been less studied in a specific framework. The present study aimed to explore and identify the factors related to childbearing based on extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This qualitative study was conducted among married women <35 years of age and married men whose spouses were under 35 years of age and lived in the City of Hamadan, Iran, in 2019. The data were collected by semistructured and face-to-face in-depth interviews and continued until the data saturation was reached. Overall, 15 interviews were conducted with 17 people. The data were analyzed, using a directed content analysis approach.

RESULTS

The data analysis resulted in the extraction of 28 main codes, 9 subcategories, and 4 themes, which were correspond to constructs of the theory, consisting of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and social support in the field of childbearing. The main predictors were attitude toward childbearing and perceived control.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed that ETPB has a potential to explain the intention and behavior of childbearing. The ETPB makes it possible to understand many of the factors associated with childbearing. The results of this study could be the basis for designing appropriate data collection instrument in quantitative studies and vast surveys.

Short interpregnancy interval: circumstance or choice?

INTRODUCTION

Despite the knowledge of pregnancy risks attributable to inadequate birth spacing, over one-third of pregnancies occur within 18 months of a preceding birth. In this qualitative study we sought to interview women with a short interpregnancy interval (sIPI) to explore their knowledge of contraception and birth spacing and their experience of counselling on these themes.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth interviews with women with a sIPI (live-birth less than 18 months prior to conception of current pregnancy) at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Canterbury Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Women were recruited at the second antenatal visit or day 3 postpartum. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. The six-phase thematic analysis framework described by Braun and Clarke was used to perform qualitative data analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty women were interviewed (IPI range: 3-18 months). The three central themes that arose were that perceptions of IPIs are shaped by individual circumstances, a lack of information from healthcare providers (HCPs) on IPI and contraception limited women's ability to make informed decisions, and that reproductive life planning is an important element of pregnancy care.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, women with a sIPI did not feel informed about birth spacing, had poor knowledge of reliable contraceptives, and remained at risk of further closely spaced pregnancies. There was a desire among women with a sIPI to receive clear and consistent education on these topics. HCPs need to do more to educate women in the antenatal and postnatal period to help them space their pregnancies appropriately.

Explaining the pattern of childbearing behaviors in couples: Protocol for a focused ethnographic study

BACKGROUND

One of the most basic life events is fertility or reproduction, which, although known as a social phenomenon, is a complex and multidimensional concept with economic, cultural, political, and religious significance. The present study aims to explain the pattern of childbearing behaviors in couples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a focused ethnographic qualitative research. Participants of this study will be 20-35 years old couples who, using purposeful sampling method, will be selected from comprehensive health centers, ultrasound centers, laboratories, premarital counseling centers, offices of obstetricians and midwives, universities, shopping centers, cinemas, parks, restaurants, and entertainment centers in Isfahan, Iran. Sampling will continue considering the strategy of maximum variation in terms of age, occupation, education, and economic status until data saturation is reached. Data will be collected through semi-structured and in-depth individual interviews, focus group discussions, observation, field notes, daily notes, and document analysis. Simultaneous with data collection, the data will be analyzed using the thematic analysis method based on Braun and Clarke's approach.

CONCLUSION

This present study is expected to lead to a deep understanding and identification of the attitudes, beliefs, and values of couples with regard to childbearing. Moreover, by understanding the pattern of childbearing behaviors of couples, useful information will be provided to the policymakers and planners for effective planning in the field of healthy childbearing. The findings can also be used in reproductive health counseling for newly married couples and community-based interventions.

Identification of neurohypophysial hormones and the role of VT in the parturition of pregnant seahorses (Hippocampus erectus)

Neurohypophysial hormones regulate the reproductive behavior of teleosts; however, their role in the gestation and parturition of ovoviviparous fishes with male pregnancy (syngnathids) remains to be demonstrated. In the present study, the complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of arginine vasotocin (VT) and isotocin (IT) from the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) were cloned and identified. We observed that the mature core peptides of seahorse VT and IT were conserved among teleosts. In the phylogenic tree, seahorse VT and IT were clustered independently with teleost VT and IT. The tissue distribution patterns of VT and IT were similar, and both were highly expressed in the brain, gills, and gonads. Interestingly, they were also expressed to some extent in the brood pouch. In situ hybridization revealed that VT and IT messenger RNA (mRNA) signals in the brain were mainly located in the preoptic area region of the hypothalamus. Intraperitoneal administration of the VT core peptide to pregnant seahorses induced premature parturition, stimulated gonadotropin release, increased serum estrogen levels, and decreased prolactin secretion. Moreover, VT injection upregulated the mRNA expression of the membrane estrogen receptor in the brood pouch. In summary, neurohypophysial hormones promote premature parturition by regulating estrogen synthesis through the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis.

Could routine pregnancy self-testing facilitate earlier recognition of unintended pregnancy? A feasibility study among South African women

INTRODUCTION

We explored whether routine pregnancy self-testing is feasible and acceptable to women at risk of late recognition of pregnancy as a strategy to facilitate early entry into either antenatal or abortion care.

METHODS

A feasibility study among South African sexually active women not desiring pregnancy within 1 year, and not using long-acting or injectable contraceptives. At recruitment, we provided five free urine pregnancy tests for self-testing on the first day of each of the next 3 months. We sent monthly text reminders to use the tests with requests for no-cost text replies. Our main outcome was the proportion of participants self-testing within 5 days of the text reminder over three consecutive months. Other outcomes were ease of use of tests, preference for self-testing versus clinic testing, acceptability of routine self-testing (all binary responses followed by open response options) and response to text messages (four-point Likert scale).

RESULTS

We followed up 71/76 (93%) participants. Two confirmed new pregnancies at the first scheduled test and completed exit interviews, and 64/69 (93%) self-reported completing all three monthly tests. Self-testing was easy to do (66/71, 93%); advantages were convenience (21/71, 30%) and privacy (18/71, 25%), while the main disadvantage was no nurse present to advise (17/71, 24%). Most would recommend monthly testing (70/71, 99%). Text reminders were generally not bothersome (57/71, 80%); 35/69 (51%) participants replied with test results over all three months.

CONCLUSION

Providing free pregnancy tests to women at risk of late recognition of pregnancy is feasible to strengthen early confirmation of pregnancy status.

[LINES OF REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR]

The article analyzes the lines of reproductive behavior of the population, which are one of the important indicators of actions to implement reproductive attitudes. The analysis of the lines of reproductive behavior was carried out on the basis of the results of two studies: «Selective observation of reproductive plans of the population» conducted by Rosstat in 2012 and the first wave of the All-Russian study «Demographic well-being of Russia» conducted by IDR FCTAS RAS in 2019-2020. If the 2012 study showed that almost 2/3 of one-child women did not have contraception and did not have abortions before the birth of their first child, then according to the results of the 2019-2020 study. Equally distributed were those who had and those who had not been protected from pregnancy before the first birth. Depending on the lines of reproductive behavior, on average, the values ​​of the time interval between the registration of marriage and the first birth differ, and the time intervals between the first births and the second are noticeably different. The dependence of the lines of reproductive behavior on the importance of the birth and upbringing of children is manifested not so much with the lines of reproductive behavior in relation to children who have already been born, but with their behavior aimed at childbirth or refusal to give birth.

Cannibalism and protective behavior of eggs in Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)

From video recordings of spawning events, we quantified protective and cannibalistic behavior of Arctic charr occurring immediately after spawning. The number of fish cannibalizing on stray eggs was examined regarding (a) whether more than one male shed milt during the spawning event, that is, whether sperm competition occurred, (b) whether the sperm competition included few or many males, that is, the intensity of sperm competition, and (c) the density of fish at the spawning site. Response behavior toward egg cannibalism was also examined among females and dominant males in order to determine any parental investment toward protecting the eggs after spawning. Cannibalistic behavior was seen in almost 50% of the spawnings, and the multiple spawning events showed the highest numbers of fish cannibalizing on eggs. Both the number of males releasing milt and the number of fish approaching the spawning site were positively correlated with egg cannibalism. Sperm competition was, however, not a prerequisite for egg cannibalism. Although we also observed partial filial cannibalism, protective behavior of eggs was seen both among dominant males and females, suggesting that charr actually conduct parental care.

Bioacoustics as a tool to monitor the estrus cycle in a female slow loris (Nycticebus sp.)

Evidence-based husbandry leading to increased reproductive success and strengthening of ex situ populations of slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) living in zoos is highly important. Better fulfillment of their social needs is one of the main priorities in achieving these objectives. We performed 21-month long acoustic monitoring of a zoo-kept female slow loris (Nycticebus sp.) housed either singly or with one of two males to examine whether her estrus cycle potentially could be detected based on her vocal activity. We found a regular cycle of remarkably increased whistle production that lasted approximately 31.2 days in a nocturnal exhibit and approximately 39 days in an off-show room. The regular cycle of increased vocal activity corresponded to a previously described estrus cycle of slow lorises and was observable in the presence of both males as well as when the female was housed singly. Additionally, vaginal smears collected from the female close to the peak period of her vocal activity showed signs of proestrus and estrus. The acoustic properties of the whistles, specifically that they did not overlap with or were loud enough to exceed background noise commonly occurring in zoos, made them perfect candidates for analyses involving automatic processing of a large number of recordings. We conclude that bioacoustics represents a promising, completely noninvasive and relatively easily applicable tool that allows detection and anticipation of the estrus cycle in some females, thus improving the social management of slow lorises living in zoos.

Preventing first births among adolescents in Mexico City's public abortion programme

INTRODUCTION

We examined parity and age among women seeking an abortion in Mexico City's public first-trimester abortion programme, Interrupcion Legal de Embarazo (ILE). We hypothesised that younger women, especially students, used abortion to prevent first births while older women used abortion to limit births.

METHODS

We used clinical data from a sample of 47 462 women who had an abortion between 2007 and 2016 and classified them as nulliparous or parous according to previous births prior to the abortion. We used logistic regression to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with using abortion to prevent a first birth (nulliparous) versus limiting births (parous) and calculated absolute multivariable predicted probabilities.

RESULTS

Overall, 41% of abortions were in nulliparous women seeking to prevent a first birth, and 59% were in women who already had one or more children. The adjusted probability of using abortion to prevent a first birth was 80.4% (95% CI 78.3 to 82.4) for women aged 12-17 years and 54.3% (95% CI 51.6 to 57.0) for women aged 18-24 years. Adolescents (aged 12-17 years) who were employed or students had nearly 90% adjusted probability of using abortion to prevent a first birth (employed 87.8%, 95% CI 82.9 to 92.8; students 88.5%, 95% CI 82.9 to 94.1). At all ages, employed women and students had higher probabilities of using abortion to prevent a first birth compared with unemployed women and women who work in the home.

CONCLUSION

Legal first-trimester abortion services in Mexico can help prevent first births in adolescents, especially students.

Recurrence, postponing pregnancy, and termination rates after hyperemesis gravidarum: Follow up of the MOTHER study

Introduction

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) complicates 1% of pregnancies and has a major impact on maternal quality of life and well‐being. We know very little about HG’s long‐term impact after an affected pregnancy, including recurrence rates in future pregnancies, which is essential information for women considering subsequent pregnancies. In this study, we aimed to prospectively measure the recurrence rate of HG and the number of postponed and terminated subsequent pregnancies due to HG. We also aimed to evaluate if there were predictive factors that could identify women at increased risk for HG recurrence, and postponing and terminating subsequent pregnancies.

Material and methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study. A total of 215 women admitted for HG to public hospitals in the Netherlands were enrolled in the original MOTHER randomized controlled trial and associated observational cohort. Seventy‐three women were included in this follow‐up study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Recurrent HG was defined as vomiting symptoms accompanied by any of the following: multiple medication use, weight loss, admission, tube feeding or if nausea and vomiting symptoms were severe enough to affect life and/or work. Outcome measures were recurrence, postponing, and termination rates due to HG. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors associated with HG recurrence, and postponing and terminating subsequent pregnancies.

Results

Thirty‐five women (48%) became pregnant again of whom 40% had postponed their pregnancy due to HG. HG recurred in 89% of pregnancies. One woman terminated and eight women (23%) considered terminating their pregnancy because of recurrent HG. Twenty‐four out of 38 women did not get pregnant again because of HG in the past. Univariable logistic regression analysis identifying possible predictive factors found that having a western background was associated with having weight loss due to recurrent HG in subsequent pregnancies (odds ratio 12.9, 95% CI 1.3–130.5, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

High rates of HG recurrence and a high number of postponed pregnancies due to HG were observed. Women can be informed of a high chance of recurrence to enable informed family planning.

Male Impact on Female Reproductive Performance of the Larval Tephritid Parasitoid Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a larval parasitoid that has been mass-reared for augmentative biological control against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii and other regions. To improve performance of female wasps in biological control programs, we conducted a series of experiments to investigate male wasp reproductive performance and its role in female reproductive success. The results showed that D. tryoni males remained close to the emergence (release) site following release. Males emerged earlier than females and male's capacity to inseminate females reached the highest level (inseminated 9.2 ± 0.4 females/day) on the second day after eclosion in synchronization with female emergence peak; allowing males encountering most receptive females to enhance their mating success. Mating rates under normal rearing conditions (200 pairs per cage) reached optimum 100% insemination after 5 d. However, oviposition experience prior to mating impaired female's receptivity as a percentage of inseminated females reduced to 17.5 ± 4.8%, while 70.0 ± 4.1% females without prior oviposition experience accepted mating. Mating reduced male's survivorship and the potential lifetime fecundity of females, although multiple mating increased percentage of female offspring. Overall, influence of male density on the female oviposition rate and offspring sex ratio was not detected under captive rearing conditions. These results suggest that local and early mating is important for male's reproductive success and females must be allowed to mate before they are exposed to hosts or released in the field to achieve their full reproductive potential.

Assessing saddle-billed stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) pair-bonds and breeding behavior using behavior observed during multiple breeding seasons

Despite the fact that saddle-billed storks (SBS) are housed in zoos around the world, few successful hatches have been recorded. At Disney's Animal Kingdom® we conducted observations on two pairs of SBS during multiple reproductive periods to assess the relative strength of their pair-bonds and their reproductive success. We accomplished this through observations of rates of social behaviors, such as wing displays and aggression, rates of nest construction, time on and near the nest, and egg production. We determined that one pair was more successful than the other because it produced and incubated eggs during all breeding seasons. We found that the male from this more successful pairing displayed higher rates of nest presence, nest construction, and time on the nest than all other individuals. The more successful pairing also spent more time in close proximity than the less successful pair. During incubation, the male and female from the more successful pair spent similar amounts of time at the nest and incubating the eggs, but this pair never successfully hatched an egg during our study period. Ultimately, our results suggest that the pair-bond between the more successful pair was stronger than that of the other pair because they spent more time in close proximity and performed higher rates of nesting behaviors. This study highlights the lack of understanding of the factors that lead to successful SBS pairings in zoos, and emphasizes the need for future studies of their nesting behavior and pair compatibility to increase reproductive success.

Reproductive Potential and Outcomes in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Clinical Profile and Therapeutic Implications

There are scarce data available regarding the impact of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) on fertility, course and outcome of pregnancy and risk associated with treatments. The aims of this study are (1) to describe the clinical profile of HS women of childbearing age with and without accomplished reproductive desires and (2) to describe the prescribed treatments based on the fulfillment of reproductive intentions. We conducted a prospective observational study that included 104 HS women of childbearing age, 50.96% (53/104) with unfulfilled reproductive desires. These women were younger (29.08 vs. 42.06 years, p < 0.001), less frequently married and higher educated than women with fulfilled reproductive desires. Their age of disease onset was lower, but disease duration was shorter, in concordance with a lower International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) and lower number of draining tunnels. Combined oral contraceptives were more frequently prescribed in women with unfulfilled reproductive desires (30.19% vs. 9.80%, p = 0.013) while biologics were less used in this group (3.77% vs. 13.73%, p = 0.08). In conclusion, a higher educational level and an earlier disease onset, with potential implications in finding a partner, may make the fulfillment of reproductive desires difficult for patients with HS. This study could help clinicians to achieve a better understanding of the specific characteristics of HS during childbearing age and consider reproductive desires when making treatment decisions.

North Korean women's reproductive health experience

OBJECTIVES(S)

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women's reproductive health in North Korea through statements from North Korean female refugees.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using Colaizzi's methods. Through purposive and snowball sampling, a total of eight North Korean women refugees were recruited.

MEASURES

Data were collected through in-depth, unstructured interviews with individual participants.

RESULTS

A total of 18 themes, eight theme clusters, and three categories emerged. The three categories of North Korean women's reproductive health experience were: distorted sexual concepts, internalization of sexual repression, and threat of women's health rights. The study on the reproductive health experiences of North Korean women was based on the premise that their "right to health was threatened due to the internalization of sexual repression by distorted sexual concepts."

CONCLUSION

The reproductive health of North Korean women must be approached as a fundamental right, and as a human and health right.

Investigating Reproductive Life Plan in Pregnant Women Referred to Teaching Hospitals of Mashhad, Iran

Background:

Reproductive Life Planning (RLP) is a person-centered approach that investigates the reproductive needs, values, and priorities of each person and not only reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancies but also improves pregnancy outcomes and childbirth by investigating the health behaviors and underlying diseases of each individual. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess RLP in pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 1019 pregnant women who were referred to outpatient clinics of teaching hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, during May–August 2019. The participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. The data collection tool used was a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software.

Results:

The results of this study showed that about two-thirds of the participants had a plan for their reproductive years. The age range of the participants was 13–47 years. Among the women, 38.60% had experienced failure of contraceptive method, and 32.20% had an unmet need for family planning. Moreover, only one-third of the women had been referred for preconception care, but 88.70% of the pregnant women had their initial prenatal care visit in their first trimester.

Conclusions:

Given the considerable number of unwanted pregnancies and unmet needs for family planning in the present study, the modification of family planning policies seems necessary. Various strategies have been proposed to prevent unintended pregnancies such as RLP. The long-term goals of RLP are to plan pregnancies and improve maternal and infant outcomes.

Investigation of Drosophila fruitless neurons that express Dpr/DIP cell adhesion molecules

Drosophila reproductive behaviors are directed by fruitless neurons. A reanalysis of genomic studies shows that genes encoding dpr and DIP immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) members are expressed in fru P1 neurons. We find that each fru P1 and dpr/DIP (fru P1 ∩ dpr/DIP) overlapping expression pattern is similar in both sexes, but there are dimorphisms in neuronal morphology and cell number. Behavioral studies of fru P1 ∩ dpr/DIP perturbation genotypes indicate that the mushroom body functions together with the lateral protocerebral complex to direct courtship behavior. A single-cell RNA-seq analysis of fru P1 neurons shows that many DIPs have high expression in a small set of neurons, whereas the dprs are often expressed in a larger set of neurons at intermediate levels, with a myriad of dpr/DIP expression combinations. Functionally, we find that perturbations of sex hierarchy genes and of DIP-ε change the sex-specific morphologies of fru P1 ∩ DIP-α neurons.

Trade-offs between fighting and breeding: a social network analysis of bison male interactions

In most polygynous species, males compete for access to females using agonistic interactions to establish dominance hierarchies. Typically, larger and stronger males become more dominant and thus gain higher mating and reproductive success over subordinate males. However, there is an inherent trade-off between time and energy invested in dominance interactions versus courtship and mating activities. Individuals may overcome this trade-off by selectively engaging in more effective mating tactics. North American bison (Bison bison) are a species of conservation concern that exhibit female-defense polygyny with two predominant mating tactics: (1) tending individual females; or (2) challenging tending males as a satellite and then mating opportunistically. Here, we use social network analysis to examine the relationship between position in the agonistic interaction network of bison males and their mating, reproductive success, and reproductive tactics and effort. To assess the potential for social network analysis to generate new insights, we compare male (node) centrality in the interaction network with traditional David's score and Elo-rating dominance rankings. Local and global node centrality and dominance rankings were positively associated with prime-aged, heavy males with the most mating success and offspring sired. These males invested more effort in the "tending" tactic versus the "satellite" tactic, and they tended more females for longer periods during peak rut, when most females were receptive. By engaging in the most effective mating tactic, dominant males may mitigate the trade-off between allocating time and energy to agonistic interactions that establish dominance, versus courtship and mating. While less dominant males participated more in the alternative mating tactic, network analysis demonstrated that they were still important to the interaction network on both a local and global scale.

Neural and Hormonal Control of Sexual Behavior

Gonadal hormones contribute to the sexual differentiation of brain and behavior throughout the lifespan, from initial neural patterning to "activation" of adult circuits. Sexual behavior is an ideal system in which to investigate the mechanisms underlying hormonal activation of neural circuits. Sexual behavior is a hormonally regulated, innate social behavior found across species. Although both sexes seek out and engage in sexual behavior, the specific actions involved in mating are sexually dimorphic. Thus, the neural circuits mediating sexual motivation and behavior in males and females are overlapping yet distinct. Furthermore, sexual behavior is strongly dependent on circulating gonadal hormones in both sexes. There has been significant recent progress on elucidating how gonadal hormones modulate physiological properties within sexual behavior circuits with consequences for behavior. Therefore, in this mini-review we review the neural circuits of male and female sexual motivation and behavior, from initial sensory detection of pheromones to the extended amygdala and on to medial hypothalamic nuclei and reward systems. We also discuss how gonadal hormones impact the physiology and functioning of each node within these circuits. By better understanding the myriad of ways in which gonadal hormones impact sexual behavior circuits, we can gain a richer and more complete appreciation for the neural substrates of complex behavior.

[The reproductive health and sexual behavior of HIV-infected women: the review]

The increased access to effective anti-retroviral treatment (ART) has made HIV comparable to chronic disease in terms of life expectancy. The advances in scientific knowledge and, in particular, in management of HIV-infected pregnant woman have reduced the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The analysis of current research demonstrates that HIV has been a problem in terms of sexuality and reproduction. The needs related to sexuality and reproduction are crucial ones to overall health and well-being of HIV-infected population. The future research is to focus not only on how sexual relations and relationships of HIV-positive women are manifested, but also on how health care system is to provide adequate support to women in relation with sexuality and reproduction. The purpose of study was to apply analysis of current research on sexuality, sexual and contraceptive behavior and implementation of reproductive function in HIV-infected women and the conditions affecting this realization. The review of national and international scientific publications concerning such areas as gynecology, reproductive health, sexuality and reproductive behavior of HIV-positive women from indexed on-line journals and relevant websites using such search engines as PubMed and Google in 1997-2019. The sample included 34 peer-reviewed qualitative studies, which covered 9523 HIV-positive surveyed women. The technique of interpretative meta-synthesis was applied to generalize and evaluate how experiences of HIV-positive women in sexuality and reproduction behavior have been described in qualitative studies. The effective anti-retroviral treatment has made HIV comparable to chronic disease in terms of life expectancy. The analysis of current research on this topic established that HIV was a problem in terms of sexuality and reproduction. The conditions that make the burden of HIV more severe are: HIV is an obstacle for starting and continuing relationship, providing sense of fear and loss. At the same time motherhood, spiritual beliefs, and supportive relationships made the burden of HIV easier. The HIV-positive test in women makes their sexual and reproductive health more complicated because of HIV status. Therefore, women face such unique challenges as problems in partnerships, sexual satisfaction and childbearing. The study results are important for developing optimal medical care to alleviate the burden of HIV infection. In addition to medical care, health care workers should consider social and psychological needs to support HIV-positive patients in improving their health and their sexual and reproductive health as well.