Exceptional Early Jurassic fossils with leathery eggs shed light on dinosaur reproductive biology

Our understanding of pre-Cretaceous dinosaur reproduction is hindered by a scarcity of evidence within fossil records. Here we report three adult skeletons and five clutches of embryo-containing eggs of a new sauropodomorph from the Lower Jurassic of southwestern China, displaying several significant reproductive features that are either unknown or unlike other early-diverging sauropodomorphs, such as relatively large eggs with a relatively thick calcareous shell formed by prominent mammillary cones, synchronous hatching and a transitional prehatching posture between the crocodilians and living birds. Most significantly, these Early Jurassic fossils provide strong evidence for the earliest known leathery eggs. Our comprehensive quantitative analyses demonstrate that the first dinosaur eggs were probably leathery, elliptical and relatively small, but with relatively long eggshell units, and that along the line to living birds, the most significant change in reptilian egg morphology occurred early in theropod evolution rather than near the origin of Aves.

Associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and women's fertility intentions: a multi-country, cross-sectional (I-SHARE) study

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic, together with the subsequent social distancing measures, could lead to shifts in family and fertility planning. This study aimed to explore the associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in fertility intentions among an international sample of reproductive-aged women.

METHODS

A multi-country, cross-sectional study based on data from 10 672 women aged 18-49 years who participated in the International Sexual Health And REproductive Health (I-SHARE) study, which organised an international online survey between July 2020 and February 2021. Factors associated with changes in fertility intentions were explored using multinomial probit regression models. Cluster-robust standard errors were used to calculate model parameters.

RESULTS

Of 10 672 included reproductive-aged women, 14.4% reported changing their fertility intentions due to the pandemic, with 10.2% postponement and 4.2% acceleration. Women who had ever been isolated/quarantined were more likely to postpone their fertility intentions (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.41; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.69) compared with those who had not; women who lived with a steady partner were more likely to want children sooner (AOR=1.57; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.23) compared with those who did not; and those who reported a higher frequency of getting angry, feeling frustrated, or worrying about their finances were more likely to postpone their fertility intentions. The main findings were robust in the sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women who changed fertility intentions because of the pandemic have postponed intentions to expand their families. The pandemic-induced exposures were associated with these postponements.

Neural control of reproduction in reptiles

Reptiles display considerable diversity in reproductive behavior, making them great models to study the neuroendocrine control of reproductive behavior. Many reptile species are seasonally breeding, such that they become reproductively active during their breeding season and regress to a nonreproductive state during their nonbreeding season, with this transition often prompted by environmental cues. In this review, we will focus on summarizing the neural and neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling reproductive behavior. Three major areas of the brain are involved in reproductive behavior: the preoptic area (POA), amygdala, and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). The POA and VMH are sexually dimorphic areas, regulating behaviors in males and females respectively, and all three areas display seasonal plasticity. Lesions to these areas disrupt the onset and maintenance of reproductive behaviors, but the exact roles of these regions vary between sexes and species. Different hormones influence these regions to elicit seasonal transitions. Circulating testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) peak during the breeding season and their influence on reproduction is well-documented across vertebrates. The conversion of T into E2 and 5α-dihydrotestosterone can also affect behavior. Melatonin and corticosterone have generally inhibitory effects on reproductive behavior, while serotonin and other neurohormones seem to stimulate it. In general, there is relatively little information on the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in reptiles compared to other vertebrate groups. This review highlights areas that should be considered for future areas of research.

Relationship between reproductive health literacy and components of healthy fertility in women of the reproductive age

BACKGROUND AND AIM

One of the key factors affecting women's behavior with fertility issues is their health literacy, but this topic has been less addressed in the existing studies. We aimed to determine the relationship between reproductive health literacy and components of healthy fertility in women of reproductive age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2019 to September 2014 on 230 married women who were referred to comprehensive health centers in Lordegan city. Data were collected using a reproductive health literacy questionnaire, demographic and fertility information checklist, and components of healthy fertility. Data analysis was done using SPSS software, version 20. Pearson, Spearman, and independent t-tests were used as appropriate.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD reproductive health literacy score in the participants was 43.80 ± 18.99 depicting an average literacy level in more than half of the women. Also, the reproductive health literacy score had a statistically significant relationship with the use of low-failure contraceptive methods (P < 0.001) and planned pregnancy (P = 0.03). However, this relationship was not significant regarding pre-pregnancy care (P = 0.88) and observing the interval between pregnancies (P = 0.57).

CONCLUSION

We found a relationship between the level of reproductive health literacy and the use of family planning methods with low failure and planned pregnancy. Hence, it seems that interventions to improve reproductive health literacy are effective in reducing the occurrence of high-risk pregnancies and unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Therefore, it is suggested that the health system consider and provide education related to reproductive health literacy as a part of healthy reproductive services.

Reproductive Seasonality, Estrous Cycle, Pregnancy, and the Recurrence of Postpartum Estrus Based on Long-Term Profiles of Fecal Sex Steroid Hormone Metabolites regarding Zoo-Housed Female Golden Takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi)

This study investigates the non-invasive monitoring of the endocrine ovarian activities of captive female golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) based on long-term fecal sex steroid hormone metabolite dynamics. Fecal progesterone (P4) metabolite dynamics were monitored in nine females for 0.5-15 years between 2004 and 2022. Fecal estradiol-17β (E2) and estrone (E1) metabolites were measured during certain estrous cycles, and fecal E1 metabolite concentrations were measured during all gestation periods. The breeding season of the captive animals was mainly between May and December, and they were polyestrous animals whose breeding season begins during the long-day period. The onset of the breeding season occurred slightly earlier as age increased. The mean age (±SD) at puberty based on fecal P4 metabolite dynamics was 4.1 ± 2.9 years. The first conception ages ranged from 2.3-10.2 years. The mean estrous cycle period (±SEM) was 25.4 ± 1.1 days, and mounting and mating occurred in periods of low fecal P4 metabolite levels during the breeding season. The mean gestation period (±SD) from the estimated mating date to the calving date was 253.9 ± 5.7 days, and the fecal P4 metabolite distribution during pregnancy was bimodal. Fecal estrone metabolite levels gradually increased 21 weeks before delivery, peaked during the week of delivery, and then markedly decreased in the first week after delivery. Estrus resumed in the first April-August period after delivery (mean ± SD; 103.5 ± 40.9 days) or in May of the year after delivery (421.0 ± 16.5 days). This study revealed that the estrous cycle and pregnancy of female golden takins can be determined by fecal progesterone metabolite dynamics and that fecal estrone metabolite dynamics increases toward parturition and are useful for predicting the date of delivery. This endocrinological information is important for planned breeding efforts for the golden takins.

Ritualized ink use during visual courtship display by males of the sexually dimorphic cuttlefish Sepia andreana

Visual display is a crucial aspect of courtship, and their success relies on both display quality and the surrounding environment, such as the visual background. Cephalopods may release ink when attacked by predators or during aggressive interactions with conspecifics. Here, we report that ink is used as a part of the courtship display by males of the cuttlefish species Sepia andreana. Males of this species engage in a highly ritualized multimodal courtship using a pair of markedly long sexually dimorphic arms. At the climax of the courtship, the male releases a diffuse backdrop of ink near himself and then performs the specific courtship display by extending his sexually dimorphic arms and altering his body pattern to pale in front of this ink backdrop, and then proceeds to mate. This novel use of cephalopod ink could make the surroundings darker and more homogeneous, potentially serving as a temporary modification of the visual environment for courtship display.

Independent and synergistic effects of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the reproductive social behavior of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)

Microplastics (MPs) have become an environmental concern in recent years, with most research focused on the physiological effects of exposure. Comparatively little consideration has been given to the potential behavioral impacts of exposure, which may also have fitness consequences for individuals. Moreover, MPs can serve as vectors for endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other locally co-occurring contaminants known to impair behavioral responses. This project aimed to determine whether MPs alone or in association with a common environmental EDC (17-alpha ethinyl estradiol; EE2) alter reproductive behavior and decision-making in fish. Male and female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to MPs associated with either a low (10 ng/L; MPEE2 10) or high (50 ng/L, MPEE2 50) concentration of EE2, or MPs without EE2 (MPvirgin) for 30 days via a dietary feeding protocol. Behavioral trials were conducted on Day 31 to determine the effects of exposure on male-female social interactions. The expression of male sexually selected traits, including courtship, was unaffected by exposure. However, non-exposed females in all treatment groups trended toward discrimination against exposed males, which reached statistical significance for the MPEE2 50 group. Female fish exposed to MPs, alone or in association with EE2, were equally likely to approach and associate with non-exposed and exposed males. The results from this study suggest that MPs may alter social behavior in fishes and that the behavioral impacts of exposure may be more strongly pronounced in females than males. Such individual-level changes in fitness have the potential to impact population size, with downstream effects on the broader aquatic community.

[The social hygienic aspects of reproductive behavior of women aged 40-45 years]

In the context of forecasted decreasing of natality, actuality of studying its causes for organizational decision-making increases. The purpose of the study was to determine factors affecting reproductive behavior of women aged 40-45 years residing in areas with different natality levels in 2020-2021. The cohort, analytical, sociological methods were applied. The results of study demonstrated that in areas with high natality level most of urban women with higher education and high income resides in conditions of dormitory or mortgage flat and working in profile of their specialty. They are characterized by belated marriage that results in postponed child-bearing. The areas with low natality are characterized by dwelling of rural women with secondary or secondary specialized education. They reside in their own homes and work in other occupations than their specialty. The analysis of social status of women of different age groups will permit more selective approach in developing measures of increasing natality in modern conditions.

Selected Aspects of Reproductive Behavior of American Mink (Neovison vison) under Artificial Conditions

Observation and behavioral analysis of animals can be one of the factors taken into consideration when assessing the welfare of animals kept in artificially created breeding conditions. Disturbed welfare and prolonged exposure to stress can lead to the emergence of abnormal behaviors, including reproductive issues. The aim of this study was to examine the mating behavior of male American mink, with regard to the duration of mating and any potential differences with regard to time of day, mating period, number of mating attempts, and time spent with the female. The study material consisted of 12 one-year-old male American minks with pearl coloring and 60 two-year-old females. Observations were conducted using images captured using externally mounted cameras. The video material capturing the activity of males and females during the mating period was analyzed using the Behawior program. The obtained results indicate the presence of individual differences in copulation duration. It was observed that the copulation time increases with successive days of the breeding season and with number of copulations. It was also observed that a longer time spent with the female to initiate copulation, and behaviors such as rubbing or sniffing the female, were associated with a shorter copulation time. The above-mentioned studies provide specific guidelines regarding the management of matings on the farm, demonstrating the feasibility of conducting matings both in the hours before and after noon.

Women's needs for lifestyle risk reduction engagement during the interconception period: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy lifestyle is responsible for many chronic conditions, and antenatal engagement with women about lifestyle behaviours can be too late to prevent some adverse pregnancy outcomes and subsequent childhood risks. To reduce the risk of future adverse outcomes, the interconception period is an opportunity to implement positive health changes. The aim of this scoping review was to explore women's needs for lifestyle risk reduction engagement during the interconception period.

METHODS

The JBI methodology guided our scoping review. Six databases were searched for peer-reviewed, English-language research papers published between 2010 and 2021 on topics including perceptions, attitudes, lifestyle, postpartum, preconception and interconception. Title-abstract and full text screening was independently undertaken by two authors. Included papers' reference lists were searched to find additional papers. The main concepts were then identified using a descriptive and tabular approach.

RESULTS

A total of 1734 papers were screened and 33 met our inclusion criteria. Most included papers (82%, n=27) reported on nutrition and/or physical activity. Papers identified interconception through postpartum and/or preconception. Women's self-management needs for lifestyle risk reduction engagement during interconception included: informational needs, managing competing priorities, physical and mental health, self-perception and motivation, access to services and professional support, and family and peer networks.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a range of challenges for women to engage in lifestyle risk reduction during interconception. To enable women's preferences for how lifestyle risk reduction activities can be enacted, issues including childcare, ongoing and tailored health professional support, domestic support, cost and health literacy need to be addressed.

MAIN PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE FORMATION OF THE WELL-BEING OF YOUNG RUSSIAN FAMILIES: ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE ALL-RUSSIAN SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

The paper presents the findings of a study conducted using a mass questionnaire survey of members of young families (n = 893). The purpose of the study is to identify what problems affecting well-being are faced by members of young families. In the sample, young families are represented by two groups - families with children and families without children. It was revealed that the assessment of the significance of problems in family life is different in families with children and childless families, including the number of children in the family that affects the situation. Ratings of family problems were built according to the following criteria - self-assessment of men and women and parenting experience. It is concluded that, according to a number of criteria (both material and non-material), well-being is formed.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Reproductive Autonomy Scale for use in the UK

BACKGROUND

Reproductive autonomy-control over outcomes including contraceptive use and childbearing-is a human right and vital to women's empowerment. Those whose reproductive autonomy is threatened by the structures and relationships in their lives are at risk of coercion and unplanned pregnancy and could benefit from additional services. The Reproductive Autonomy Scale (RAS) was developed in the USA to assess women's reproductive autonomy; this study evaluates the RAS for use in the UK.

METHODS

After testing, the RAS was incorporated into an online survey of women of reproductive age. Those who were sexually active were asked to complete the RAS, which was evaluated according to classical test theory. Reliability was assessed via internal consistency and a 3-month test-retest. Construct validity was assessed using hypothesis testing and confirmatory factor analysis.

RESULTS

For 826 women the RAS was highly acceptable, with a response rate of >97.7%. Almost the whole range of reproductive autonomy scores were captured. Internal consistency was good, with a Cronbach's α of 0.75. Test-retest reliability was fair-good with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.67. Construct validity analysis found the scale to be valid based on our hypothesis that among women who want to avoid pregnancy, those with higher reproductive autonomy will be more likely to use contraception. The three-factor structure of the scale was confirmed on confirmatory factor analysis.

CONCLUSION

The RAS is valid and reliable for use in the UK. This tool holds potential utility across research, clinical practice, health interventions and policy development.

Triatoma pallidipennis (Stål, 1872) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and its potential for infestation in Tecozautla, Hidalgo state, Mexico

Triatoma pallidipennis is an exclusive and widely distributed species in Mexico and one of the three main vectors that transmit Chagas disease in the country. The state of Hidalgo is an endemic area for Chagas disease where the presence of several species of triatomines has been reported. The objective of our work was to describe the morphology, colonization process, and reproductive behavior of T. pallidipennis in Guadalupe, Tecozautla, two years after the first collection of a specimen in this region. A total of 28 specimens was collected at both domicile and peridomicile, showing a 17.8% infection rate. The main collection site was a woodshed, and despite the collection of adults in the dwelling, we did not find eggs, exuviae, or nymphs. One female monitored from collection day until death laid 566 eggs, with a hatching rate of 95%, showing an increase of oviposition when cohabited with a male. The results showed the capacity that T. pallidipennis has to infest areas (mainly human dwellings) when it settles down, which would imply a risk for the population that lives in the locality.

Alternative Evolutionary Pathways in Paspalum Involving Allotetraploidy, Sexuality, and Varied Mating Systems

The genetic systems of Paspalum species have not been extensively studied. We analyzed the ploidy, reproductive mode, mating system, and fertility of four Paspalum species-Paspalum durifolium, Paspalum ionanthum, Paspalum regnellii, and Paspalum urvillei. An analysis of 378 individuals from 20 populations of northeastern Argentina was conducted. All populations of the four Paspalum species were pure tetraploid and had a sexual and stable reproductive mode. However, some populations of P. durifolium and P. ionanthum showed low levels of apospory. Populations of P. durifolium and P. ionanthum had low seed sets under self-pollination but were fertile under open pollination, showing that self-incompatibility likely caused self-sterility. In contrast, populations of P. regnellii or P. urvillei showed no evidence of apospory, and seed sets in both self- and open pollination conditions were high, suggesting that they are self-compatible due to the absence of pollen-pistil molecular incompatibility mechanisms. The evolutionary origin of the four Paspalum species could explain these differences. This study supplies valuable insights into the genetic systems of Paspalum species, which could have implications for their conservation and management.

Spawning ecology of the Saint Paul's Gregory Stegastes sanctipauli, a damselfish endemic to the remote St. Peter and St. Paul's Archipelago

We studied the spawning ecology of Stegastes sanctipauli, a damselfish endemic to the small and remote St. Peter and St. Paul's Archipelago (Brazil), aiming to determine the main correlates of reproductive success, as inferred from rates of egg losses along a spawning season. New clutches appeared mostly in the last quarter moon, when egg predation intensified. Predation by heterospecifics, particularly Halichoeres radiatus (Linnaeus, 1758), accounted for most egg losses, while filial cannibalism showed negligible influence. Predation pressure was highest for larger nests with higher initial density of eggs. Hatching of eggs occurred close to the new moon (i.e. ~5 days after spawning). Most nests occur in shallow reefs (<16 m depth), where main food resources for adults (turf algae) are concentrated, but abundance of egg predators, particularly H. radiatus, is also highest. This later result suggests that the spawning activity of S. sanctipauli is influenced by the trade-offs between food accessibility by adults and egg predation risk. The patterns recorded here are similar to those known for other tropical damselfish species and may reflect strategies for attenuating predation pressure over new fry and eggs.

Resistance Monitoring of Nilaparvata lugens to Pymetrozine Based on Reproductive Behavior

On the basis of the inhibition effects of pymetrozine on the reproductive behavior of N. lugens, we established a bioassay method to accurately evaluate the toxicity of pymetrozine in N. lugens and clarified the level of pymetrozine resistance of N. lugens in the field. In this study, pymetrozine's effects on the fecundity of N. lugens were evaluated using the topical application method and rice-seedling-dipping method. Moreover, the resistance of N. lugens to pymetrozine in a pymetrozine-resistant strain (Pym-R) and two field populations (YZ21 and QS21) was determined using the rice-seedling-dipping method and fecundity assay methods. The results showed that treatment of N. lugens third-instar nymphs with LC₁₅, LC₅₀, and LC₈₅ doses of pymetrozine resulted in a significantly reduced fecundity of N. lugens. In addition, N. lugens adults treated with pymetrozine, using the rice-seedling-dipping and topical application method, also exhibited a significantly inhibited fecundity. Using the rice-stem-dipping method, pymetrozine resistance levels were shown to be high in Pym-R (194.6-fold), YZ21 (205.9-fold), and QS21 (212.8-fold), with LC₅₀ values of 522.520 mg/L (Pym-R), 552.962 mg/L (YZ21), and 571.315 (QS21) mg/L. However, when using the rice-seedling-dipping or topical application fecundity assay method, Pym-R (EC₅₀: 14.370 mg/L, RR = 12.4-fold; ED₅₀: 0.560 ng/adult, RR = 10.8-fold), YZ21 (EC₅₀: 12.890 mg/L, RR = 11.2-fold; ED₅₀: 0.280 ng/adult; RR = 5.4-fold), and QS21 (EC₅₀: 13.700 mg/L, RR = 11.9-fold) exhibited moderate or low levels of resistance to pymetrozine. Our studies show that pymetrozine can significantly inhibit the fecundity of N. lugens. The fecundity assay results showed that N. lugens only developed low to moderate levels of resistance to pymetrozine, indicating that pymetrozine can still achieve effective control on the next generation of N. lugens populations.

Desire for children among male survivors of childhood cancer: A DCCSS LATER study

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the desire for children among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) is scarce. This study evaluated the desire for children in male CCSs in comparison with male siblings.

METHODS

A nationwide cohort study was conducted as part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER study: 1317 male CCSs and 407 male sibling controls completed a questionnaire addressing the desire for children. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the independent association between survivorship status and the desire for children. Furthermore, additional analyses were performed to identify which cancer-related factors were associated with the desire for children in male CCSs.

RESULTS

After adjustments for the age at assessment, the percentage of men who had a desire for children was significantly lower among CCSs compared with the siblings (74% vs. 82%; odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.82; p = .001). The association between survivorship status and the desire for children was attenuated after adjustments for marital status, level of education, and employment status (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.61-1.14; p = .250). The percentage of men who had an unfulfilled desire for children remained significantly higher among CCSs compared with the siblings after adjustments for sociodemographic factors (25% vs. 7%; OR, 5.14; 95% CI, 2.48-10.64; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of male CCSs have a desire for children. The likelihood of having to deal with an unfulfilled desire for children is 5 times higher among CCSs compared with their siblings. This insight is important for understanding the needs and experienced problems of CCSs regarding family planning and fertility issues.

Contactin-6-deficient male mice exhibit the abnormal function of the accessory olfactory system and impaired reproductive behavior

INTRODUCTION

Contactin-6 (CNTN6), also known as NB-3, is a neural recognition molecule and a member of the contactin subgroup of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Gene encoding CNTN6 is expressed in many regions of the neural system, including the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) in mice. We aim to determine the effect of CNTN6 deficiency on the function of the accessory olfactory system (AOS).

METHODS

We examined the effect of CNTN6 deficiency on the reproductive behavior of male mice through behavioral experiments such as urine sniffing and mate preference tests. Staining and electron microscopy were used to observe the gross structure and the circuitry activity of the AOS.

RESULTS

Cntn6 is highly expressed in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the AOB, and sparsely expressed in the medial amygdala (MeA) and the medial preoptic area (MPOA), which receive direct and/or indirect projections from the AOB. Behavioral tests to examine reproductive function in mice, which is mostly controlled by the AOS, revealed that Cntn6^-/- adult male mice showed less interest and reduced mating attempts toward estrous female mice in comparison with their Cntn6^+/+ littermates. Although Cntn6^-/- adult male mice displayed no obvious changes in the gross structure of the VNO or AOB, we observed the increased activation of granule cells in the AOB and the lower activation of neurons in the MeA and the MPOA as compared with Cntn6^+/+ adult male mice. Moreover, there were an increased number of synapses between mitral cells and granule cells in the AOB of Cntn6^-/- adult male mice as compared with wild-type controls.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that CNTN6 deficiency affects the reproductive behavior of male mice, suggesting that CNTN6 participated in normal function of the AOS and its ablation was involved in synapse formation between mitral and granule cells in the AOB, rather than affecting the gross structure of the AOS.

Childbearing decisions and related factors in the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review study

The COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable consequences in many areas of life, including the social area and childbearing plans. The present narrative review aimed to examine the childbearing decisions and its related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review was conducted by searching in scientific databases, including Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, ProQuest, Scientific Information Database (SID), Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc) and Iranian Journal Database (Magiran) in June 2022. The search resulted in 111 sources, of which 16 were in line with the research objective. Couples have mainly cancelled or delayed their previous plans related to childbearing decisions. There are two groups of direct and indirect factors related to childbearing decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic: The former includes (1) well-being-related factors such as economic conditions, interpersonal relationships and gender roles in terms of task division; and (2) health-related factors, including health emergencies and physical and psychological health. The latter includes factors such as social distancing and social media. Based on the results, governments should facilitate childbearing by adjusting existing policies, addressing economic insecurity and protecting the livelihoods of those affected by the crisis. Health policymakers and planners must also prioritize women's access to reproductive health services in a safe environment while promoting equity in access. It is also necessary to promote the quality and quantity of indirect care and virtual counseling based on the needs of women in crisis.

Mating-Induced Common and Sex-Specific Behavioral, Transcriptional Changes in the Moth Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) in Laboratory

The intermediate process between mating and postmating behavioral changes in insects is still poorly known. Here, we studied mating-induced common and sex-specific behavioral and transcriptional changes in both sexes of Spodoptera frugiperda and tested whether the transcriptional changes are linked to postmating behavioral changes in each sex. A behavioral study showed that mating caused a temporary suppression of female calling and male courting behavior, and females did not lay eggs until the next day after the first mating. The significant differences on daily fecundity under the presence of males or not, and the same or novel males, suggest that females may intentionally retain eggs to be fertilized by novel males or to be fertilized competitively by different males. RNA sequencing in females revealed that there are more reproduction related GO (gene ontology) terms and KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathways (mainly related to egg and zygote development) enriched to upregulated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) than to downregulated DEGs at 0 and 24 h postmating. In males, however, mating induced DEGs did not enrich any reproduction related terms/pathways, which may be because male reproductive bioinformatics is relatively limited in moths. Mating also induced upregulation on soma maintenance (such as immune activity and stress reaction) related processes in females at 0, 6 and 24 h postmating. In males, mating also induced upregulation on soma maintenance related processes at 0 h postmating, but induced downregulation on these processes at 6 and 24 h postmating. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that mating induced sex-specific postmating behavioral and transcriptional changes in both sexes of S. frugiperda and suggested that the transcriptional changes are correlated with postmating physiological and behavioral changes in each sex.

Flehmen, Osteophagia, and Other Behaviors of Giraffes (Giraffa giraffa angolensis): Vomeronasal Organ Adaptation

The size of adult male giraffes (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) far exceeds the size of the females. At the Namutoni waterholes in Etosha National Park, bulls were seen many times each day screening adult females for their pending sexual receptivity by provoking them to urinate; this mainly involved sniffing their genitalia. If the female accedes to the male's invitation, she widens her hindleg stance, braces her body, and then urinates, usually for at least five seconds. The male places his muzzle and tongue in the urine stream, and then performs flehmen, often raising his head high in the air. Males never investigated urine on the ground. The bilateral papillae on the giraffe's hard palate connect with the nasopalatine ducts, which enter the bilateral vomeronasal organ (VNO). Unlike many mammals, the giraffe's VNO lacks a prominent connection to the nasal cavity and its connections to the oral cavity are primarily via the incisive papillae. Most days, some giraffes were observed searching for bones for extended periods, chewing them, and sometimes being troubled by a bone stuck in their mouth. A giraffe killed by lions was frequented for several days by a procession of giraffes investigating the carcass. A very dark-colored bull giraffe emitted loud pulsed growls that drove off most of the surrounding giraffes.

Air pollution and timing of childbirth: a retrospective survey analysis based on birth registration data of Chinese newborns

Objectives

Currently, there is a lack of research on whether people will take action to avoid the harm of air pollution and the heterogeneous behavior of different groups. The goal of this paper is to examine the effects of air pollution on the resulting differential effects on newborns and the timing of pregnancy.

Methods

Based on a survey of newborns in a total of 32 hospitals in 12 cities across China in 2011, and after matching with city-level air pollution data, a multiple regression statistical method is then used to examine how the pollution level in a certain period is related to the number of conceptions in that certain period, after controlling for region and season fixed effects.

Results

We first demonstrate that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in adverse birth outcomes. Most importantly, the empirical results show that the number of conceptions decreased significantly during periods of severe air pollution.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that air pollution may be causing some families to delay conception to reduce the possible adverse impact on neonatal outcomes. This helps us to understand the social cost of air pollution more, and then make more accurate environmental policies.

Investigating the relationship between attitudes toward fertility and childbearing and the value of children with attitudes toward fertility control in married women aged 15-45 in Isfahan

BACKGROUND

The family is one of the important social institutions and the function of childbearing is one of the important functions of the family. The decision to have children depends on the individual's attitude about the consequences of having another child and their perceived norms. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between attitudes toward fertility and childbearing and the value of children with attitudes toward fertility control in married women aged 15 to 45 years in Isfahan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional correlational study that was performed on 500 married women with at least one child in health centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data collection tools in this study were standard questionnaires. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22.

RESULTS

The mean score of attitude toward fertility control was 40.43 ± 9.03. The area of security in old age and the area of procrastination had the highest mean values of children and attitudes toward fertility and childbearing, respectively. Analysis of data by Spearman test showed that there is a significant relationship between all dimensions of child value and attitudes toward fertility and childbearing with attitudes toward fertility control (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A positive attitude toward the child increases the likelihood of having children and believing in the negative impact of the child on freedom reduces the likelihood of having a desire for fertility. Changing attitudes of societies toward childbearing and less desire to have children should not be sought only in material, economic, or social reasons but also cultural factors should be considered in this area.

Asymmetric Male Mating Success in Lek-Breeding Rhinella arenarum

Mate choice is the attempt of an individual to gain higher reproductive fitness by preferring to mate with some individuals and not with others. We studied the role of mate choice in the mating system of the neotropical toad Rhinella arenarum by assessing male reproductive tactics for mate acquisition and the contribution of female choice for pair formation. In a shallow pond in central Argentina, we estimated male mating success and the corresponding reproductive tactics by focal observation. The variation of phenotypic and genotypic traits (size and shape, longevity, vocalization features, heterozygosity) was related to the observed mating success in 110 males. The phonotactic response of 21 reproductive females to conspecific advertisement call features was tested in arena experiments. Mating success was limited to 32 males, pair formation was size-assortative. The dominant reproductive tactics were advertising from call positions near suitable breeding sites and pre-mating fights with intruding males, whereas the interception of amplectant pairs and the displacement of mated males were never observed. Female phonotaxis was directed to conspecific choruses but complex and simple call structures were not distinguished. We conclude that the mating system is a lek combining pre-mating fights among males and female choice of slightly smaller males. Fights interfere with female choice, undermining size-assortative mating. This is a unique system in the R. marina species group, in which interception behavior dominates reproduction.

Principal Factors Affecting Couples' Childbearing Policies: A Roadmap for Policymaking

BACKGROUND

The concept of negative population growth, population aging, and the need to implement child-encouraging policies is an important concern in many countries. As this issue is completely cultural and country-based, this study is designed to assess and prioritize the perception of newly married couples to the policies that may have a crucial role in the childbearing intention around the world.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Through a descriptive cross-sectional study, 300 couples were selected by a simple random sampling method. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used for investigating the relationships among dimensions of family policies, socio-demographic variables, and childbearing intention.

RESULTS

Childbearing perception positively correlated with education and permanent job in both genders, maternal age range of 25-35, the higher length of marriage, having more children, and living in a government settlement. The most important family policies that couples preferred were contextual requirements (mean rank of 4.50%). Positive childbearing perception negatively correlated with higher age categories in women, the number of children, rental housing status, no insurance access, higher educational attainment, and low employment ranks in both men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

This study cleared that family policies affect the childbearing intention of young couples. Polices involved contextual requirements, supporting couples to integrate work and home, health promotion plans, child-centered social support, and promoting the level of social and cultural relations.

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.