Birth Control Research Articles

The Effect of Post-Placental Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices on Decreasing in Uterine Fundus Height in Postpartum SC Mothers

Introduction: Contraception and family planning services are an essential part of reproductive health. Postpartum IUDs in SC postpartum have a much lower expulsion rate than vaginal delivery. Objective: to determine the effect of post-placental intrauterine devices on the decrease in fundus uteri. Methods: Using a correlational analytical research design, the research design used is a prospective cohort with a sample size of 30 for the treatment group and 30 for the control group. Result: It can be concluded that the effect 2 hours after the installation of post-placental IUD is known (p-value = 0.279), which indicates that there is no influence between the variable of post-placental IUD installation of SC delivery mothers and the decrease in fundus uteri height. The effect of post-placental IUD insertion on the decrease in fundus uteri height in SC postpartum mothers at Karanganyar Regional Hospital on day 3 shows a p-value of 0.262, and it shows that there is no influence between the variable post-placental IUD insertion of SC mothers and the decrease in fundus uteri height. On day 7, the p-value = 0.008 means that the p-value is smaller than the value of α = 0.05 (p-value < 0.05) and that there is an influence between the variable of post-placental IUD insertion of SC mothers and the decrease in fundus uteri height. Post-placental IUD is a reference for making birth control choices during the postpartum period without interfering with breast milk. Conclusion: The conclusion does not prove the hypothesis in part because the rapid effect on the decrease in TFU in SC postpartum mothers is only after 7 days from the insertion of the IUD, while at 2 hours of IUD insertion and day 3 of IUD insertion, it does not have a rapid effect on reducing TFU in SC postpartum mothers. implications for the management of maternity women who plan to postpone the next pregnancy and this research can be used as empirical evidence that a post-placental intrauterine device acceptor has the potential to increase uterine contractions and accelerate the decrease in fundus uteri height on day 7.

My Body, My Choice: An Adapted Sexual Health Intervention for Youth with Histories of Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Youth with commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) histories experience high rates of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, with few interventions targeting their needs. We therefore piloted an evidence-based sexual health education intervention tailored for CSE-impacted youth, My Body, My Choice (MBMC). MBMC was implemented in two rounds between March and October 2021 with a total of 37 youth who completed a baseline questionnaire, engaged in a 13 to 16-hour online course over two to three weeks, and then assessed the course’s likability and feasibility via a post-course evaluation survey. To measure sexual health knowledge retention and attitudes, follow-up questionnaires were administered at baseline, 1-month, and 3-months post-course. Descriptive and bivariate analyses examined demographic characteristics and differences between timepoints. Most participants identified as female (92%), and Latinx (57%) or Black (27%). Overall, youth had an improved understanding of sexual health concepts over time, with significantly increased knowledge regarding birth control methods such as IUDs and condoms. Youth expressed high rates of satisfaction with MBMC, with 93% seeking continued course access. Findings underscore the utility and acceptability of MBMC and may inform future interventions to reduce health disparities and improve sexual health outcomes among youth with CSE histories.

Associations between child marriage and reproductive and maternal health outcomes among young married women in Liberia and Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional study.

Child marriage has been associated with a range of negative maternal and reproductive health outcomes. This study explored these associations in Liberia and Sierra Leone and examined how child marriage intersected with other measures of social disadvantage. Data were derived from 631 and 1,325 married or cohabitating women aged 20-24 interviewed in the 2019-2020 Liberia and 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Surveys, respectively. Analyses were stratified by country. Regression models examined associations between age at first marriage (<15, 15-17, and 18+ years) and reproductive and maternal health outcomes, as well as interactions between child marriage and measures of social disadvantage. Multivariable regression results were presented as adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Over half of currently married/cohabitating women aged 20-24 in Liberia (52%) and Sierra Leone (54%) married before age 18, and over one in 10 married before age 15. In both countries, after adjusting for other factors, being married before the age of 18 was significantly associated with early fertility, high fertility, and low fertility control. Associations were particularly strong among women who first married before age 15. In Liberia, women who married at age 15-17 had significantly lower odds of skilled attendance at delivery and institutional delivery if they lived in the North Central region. Sierra Leonean women who married before age 15 had lower odds of institutional delivery and lower odds of four or more ANC visits if they lived in the North Western region. This study found clear associations between child marriage and negative reproductive health outcomes in Liberia and Sierra Leone, with stronger associations among women married in early adolescence. Child marriage and region of residence intersected to shape young women's access to skilled attendance at birth and institutional delivery. These findings call for further investigation and targeted intervention.

Compliance with the pregnancy prevention program among women initiating isotretinoin treatment between 2014 and 2021: Anationwide cohort study on the French Health Data System (SNDS).

Despite the French pregnancy prevention program (PPP), a considerable number of pregnancies are potentially exposed to oral isotretinoin. New measures were taken by the French Medicines Agency, including the restriction of initial isotretinoin prescriptions to dermatology specialists in May 2015 and a new information campaign on teratogenicity in January 2019. The aims were to: describe, between 2014 and 2021, compliance with PPP recommendations: isotretinoin use as a second-line treatment, first prescription by a dermatology specialist, monthly prescription renewal and pregnancy testing (PT); assess the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance; and identify the determinants of PT noncompliance. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women aged 11-50 years initiating isotretinoin between 2014 and 2021 using the French Health Data System. PT compliance corresponded to pregnancy test completion and specific delays between prescription and dispensation. Time series analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance, and log-binomial and Poisson multivariate regression models were used to identify the determinants of PT noncompliance. Isotretinoin was prescribed as a second-line treatment in 64% of initiations, mainly by dermatology specialists (92%). A new monthly prescription was observed in 98% of dispensations. PT compliance reached 61%, 72% and 25% at initiation, renewals and end of treatment, respectively. The 2015 measure was associated with better PT compliance at initiation and renewals. The 2019 measure had no significant effect on PT compliance at the initiation or end of treatment but was associated with a decrease in PT compliance at renewals. Age, low socioeconomic level, initiation by a nondermatology specialist and during summer were associated with PT noncompliance. Understanding factors associated with PT noncompliance could help to target specific subpopulations of women treated with isotretinoin.

How to plan and provide general anesthesia for a troop of 98 hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) for contraceptive and preventative health interventions.

Present an approach to the safe and efficient provision of anesthesia and birth control measures to a large group of primates. 98 hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) held in a German zoological institution. A group of 12 veterinarians, 2 zookeepers, and 6 volunteers anesthetized all animals within 2 days. The baboons were orally premedicated with midazolam (0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg) and anesthetized with medetomidine (40 to 60 µg/kg, IM) and ketamine (2 to 4 mg/kg, IM); isoflurane at rates of 1.5% to 2% was used for maintaining anesthesia if necessary. All animals received a physical examination, prophylactic medication, and tuberculin testing. For population management, the animals received a contraceptive implant (adult females), orchiectomy (young males), or vasectomy (breeding males). Young males received intratesticular blocks with lidocaine. All animals received atipamezole (125 to 150 µg/kg) before recovery. Premedication resulted in anxiolysis, which facilitated separating and darting. Median time from darting to access to the animal was 10 minutes. Mean anesthetic times were 25 minutes for females and 55 minutes for males. The depth of anesthesia was appropriate for the procedures. No fatalities were recorded. One animal was injured by other baboons but recovered after treatment. Health management and birth control measures are necessary in baboon troops under human care. Anesthesia and/or contraception of individual animals often leads to intraspecific aggression. This case series describes how to provide anesthesia and contraception to an entire troop as an alternative approach that can be adopted to future similar interventions.

Contraceptive Use Following Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: A Systematic Review.

To systematically review the effect of contraceptive methods following gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) on timing of beta-hCG remission, risk of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), risk of unintended incident pregnancy, and interactions between contraceptive methods and disease treatment. We conducted a search of primary literature with search terms related to GTD and contraception through April 2023 in PubMed and extrapolated our search to other platforms. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies and case reports were eligible for inclusion if they reported on patients with known GTD who received a contraceptive method for pregnancy prevention. Data was abstracted on our main outcomes of interest: timing of beta-hCG remission, risk of post-molar GTN, risk of unintended incident pregnancy, and interactions between contraceptive methods and cancer-directed systemic disease treatment (e.g. chemotherapy). At least two authors reviewed manuscripts at each screening stage with consensus reached before data extraction. Quality assessment checklists were used to assess risk of bias for the different study types. 5,105 studies were identified in the database search, of which 42 were included for analysis. 8,294 participants were evaluated. Over half of the studies were case reports and only two were randomized controlled trials. While there was sparse data on all outcomes, no differences were noted in beta-hCG monitoring, risk of post-molar GTN or incident pregnancies between different contraceptive types. Interactions between contraceptive methods and cancer-directed systemic disease treatment (e.g. chemotherapy) or specific adverse events of contraceptive methods were not identified. Data on contraceptive use following GTD is limited, but use of both hormonal and non-hormonal modern contraceptive methods appears safe. Counseling patients on the full range of contraceptive methods is important to help patients achieve their reproductive health goals and minimize the risk of disease progression through incomplete beta-hCG monitoring prior to future pregnancy. Hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive options may be used by patients following gestational trophoblastic disease without apparent changes in beta-hCG regression or risk of post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Sporophytic control of tapetal development and pollen fertility by a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in rice.

Tapetum, the innermost layer of the anther wall, provides essential nutrients and materials for pollen development. Timely degradation of anther tapetal cells is a prerequisite for normal pollen development in flowering plants. Tapetal cells facilitate male gametogenesis by providing cellular contents after highly coordinated programmed cell death (PCD). Tapetal development is regulated by a transcriptional network. However, the signaling pathway(s) involved in this process are poorly understood. In this study, we report that a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade composed of OsYDA1/OsYDA2-OsMKK4-OsMPK6 plays an important role in tapetal development and male gametophyte fertility. Loss of function of this MAPK cascade leads to anther indehiscence, enlarged tapetum, and aborted pollen grains. Tapetal cells in osmkk4 and osmpk6 mutants exhibit an increased presence of lipid body-like structures within the cytoplasm, which is accompanied by a delayed occurrence of PCD. Expression of a constitutively active version of OsMPK6 (CA-OsMPK6) can rescue the pollen defects in osmkk4 mutants, confirming that OsMPK6 functions downstream of OsMKK4 in this pathway. Genetic crosses also demonstrated that the MAPK cascade sporophyticly regulates pollen development. Our study reveals a novel function of rice MAPK cascade in plant male reproductive biology.

Polycystic ovary syndrome increases risks of infertility: Role of a well-planned diet and other factors

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder causing menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, and infertility. Treatment options include medical treatments and lifestyle modifications. The guideline suggests various balanced strategies, including diet, exercise, behavioral interventions, and sleep. This article aimed to review the multiple diets, nutrients, and other factors responsible for PCOS-induced infertility, which is growing nowadays. The primary motive to recover PCOS is to reduce the risk of infertility among women. PCOS treatment involves birth control pills, diabetes medication, and estrogen receptor modulators. Lifestyle changes like resistance training and yoga can improve body composition and reduce fat. Traditional lifestyles, such as alcohol and tobacco, can hinder fertility. Weight loss improves PCOS status regardless of dietary composition. Low glycemic index diets reduce weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce risk factors. The DASH diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy, is recommended for managing PCOS. In conclusion, PCOS should be taken care of for young women with the help of diet, exercise, and medication, if needed, to avoid infertility under the supervision of a dietitian and physician.

Adsorption and inhibition of lipid oxidation of curcumin embeded egg ovalbumin/ sodium carboxymethylcellulose nanoparticles at the oil-in water interface

In this study, the adsorption and inhibition of lipid oxidation propertises of curcumin embeded ovalbumin (OVA)/sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were investigated. The results demonstrated that the adsorption of curcumin and OVA/CMC particles at the oil-water interface might form a dual protection. The larger emulsion droplets were formed at an OVA/CMC ratio of 1:2 (pH 4.4) due to bridging flocculation. In the other two ratios (1:1, 2:1), the emulsions showed good stability after 32 days of storage. At the ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, the oxidation rate of the oil in the emulsion stabilized by OVA/CMC and OVA/CMC-Cur particles reduced by 16.2% and 37.9%, 4.9% and 38.9%, and 8.8% and 35.8%, respectively, than the pure oil. At the ratios of 1:1 and 2:1, the emulsion stabilized by the OVA/CMC-Cur particles demonstrated excellent antioxidant resistance and storage stability, particularly at the ratio of 1:1.

“Sex Out of Boredom”: Key Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Teen Pregnancy Prevention in Emerging Immigrant Latino Rural Communities

Abstract Introduction Teen pregnancy (TP) rates are 1.5 times higher among Latina youth than the United States national average and one-third times higher in rural counties. The Socio-Ecological framework recognizes the myriad of issues that impact TP, including four bidirectional levels of influence on teenagers’ behaviors: macro, community, institutional, and interpersonal levels. We aim to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the influence of key community stakeholders living in rural, Latino-majority communities shaping Latino/a, immigrant adolescents’ TP-related environments. Methods A purposive sample of 48 key stakeholders was drawn from three rural counties (Finney, Ford, and Seward) in southwestern Kansas from 2016 to 2017; participants completed a brief demographic survey and a semi-structured qualitative interview. Qualitative data analysis followed grounded theory within a Socio-Ecological framework, and we used descriptive statistics to analyze survey data. Results Respondents (N = 48) included 5 public health department staff, 8 community health workers, 8 healthcare workers, 9 community members, and 18 high school/college administrators. The mean age was 43 years (SD = 15.5) and 50% self-identified as Latino/a. Recommendations included developing TP prevention education programs for parents, utilizing ongoing events and familiar venues, and keeping content consistent with local culture and norms. Conclusions Key stakeholders’ perceptions regarding TP are often unaccounted for but play a role in shaping youth’s decision-making environments. Policy Implications This information could inform the development of culturally specific TP prevention interventions, especially considering the controversial politics centered on immigration to the U.S. and its negative impact on the overall health of Immigrant Latinos living in the U.S.

Prevention of Anaemia in Pregnancy: A Five-Year Scoping Review

Abstract: Approximately 50% of pregnant women globally suffer from pregnancy-related anaemia, which is a serious issue for reproductive health and can lead to a number of complications, including low birth weights, premature deliveries, foetal deformities, and feto-maternal mortality. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the suggested strategies to prevent anaemia in pregnancy through a 5-year scoping review (November, 2017 to November, 2022). Methods: A comprehensive list of keyword combinations linked to anemia prevention in pregnancy and pertinent approaches to inform the search strategy were evaluated. Significant events, including pregnancy and anemia, were cross-referenced with the frequency and variability of terms across time. Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, PLOS One, and Cochrane database were reviewed. Results: Evidence-based preventative therapy options for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy include prophylactic iron supplementation, food fortification with iron and folate, and health education. There is a wealth of research on the effects of these therapies on the occurrence of anaemia during pregnancy. However, these prospects are endangered by several variables, such as inadequate health facilities, low maternal health literacy, low utilisation of maternal health care in developing countries, a dearth of resources for health education, and lack of a government policy that prevents anaemia during pregnancy. Conclusion: If the highlighted challenges are appropriately addressed through the provision of health education material, the effectiveness of anaemia prevention in pregnancy could be sustained.

Breaking the misery wheel? Fertility control, social mobility, and biological well-being in rural Spain (1835–1959)

Abstract Fertility control strategies became widespread in rural Spain through the twentieth century: a significant number of parents decided to reduce their marital fertility once the advantages of control strategies became widely known. This paper explores the impact of those practices on children through a comparative study of the heights and occupations of grandparents, parents, and children. We analyze more than 1,200 individuals from three different generations born between 1835 and 1959 in 14 rural Spanish villages, studying whether the advantages associated with fertility control were maintained over time favoring a better family status or whether they were diluted in the next generation. The largest increases in height were among children whose parents controlled their fertility by stopping having children before the mother's 36th birthday. However, it does not seem that this increase in biological well-being was accompanied by major episodes of upward social mobility.

Enhancing nutrient uptake and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) growth through soil application of beneficial bacteria (Bacillus spp.)

The term plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) refers to a root-associated bacteria that possesses several benefits for soil and the plant. The increasing demand for sustainable food production necessitates a shift towards agricultural practices that mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has raised concerns, prompting a surge of interest in harnessing the potential of beneficial soil microorganisms, particularly plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. This study explores the impact of soil inoculation with PGPR treatments on grapefruit seedlings, including a commercial strain of Bacillus velezensis, a fresh inoculum of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a mixture of three selected citrus endophytic Bacillus spp. isolates, inorganic fertilizers, and combinations thereof. The aim was to test their ability to enhance growth and nutrient uptake reducing the input of chemical fertilization. Results indicated that the combination of Bacillus velezensis and inorganic fertilization significantly improved soil nutrient availability and enhanced plant growth, surpassing both negative (water) and positive (inorganic fertilization) controls. Shoot and root system biomass showed significant increases from Bacillus velezensis plus inorganic fertilization compared to other treatments. These findings provide insights into management methods that can reduce chemical inputs while promoting plant productivity. The demonstrated benefits of PGPR on grapefruit seedlings highlight a promising approach for future research and applications in sustainable citrus cultivation.

Linkages between economic growth, health expenditures, education, and environment: dynamic analysis of Nigeria

The study comprehensively analyzed the nexus between economic growth, health expenditures, education, and the environment in Nigeria, using data obtained from Central bank of Nigeria and World Bank. By utilizing a robust dataset spanning from 1981 to 2021, the study employed autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to uncover intricate relationships. Results, both short-run and long-run analyses, reveal that health and education spending, and gross fixed capital formation positively correlated with economic growth. Conversely, the findings demonstrated that population growth and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) exerted detrimental effects on economic growth due to the negative impact on the health of the working population. Additionally, the inverted U-shaped relationship between the macroeconomic footprint and income confirms the validity of Nigeria's Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) phenomenon. Lastly, the findings of this study hold important policy implications, emphasizing the need for technological advancements and innovative solutions to address the challenges associated with economic growth, health expenditures, education, and the environment in Nigeria. Policy measures promoting birth control through contraception and family planning should be embraced to effectively manage the country's rapidly growing population.

Patterns in Female Permanent Contraception After the Dobbs v. Jackson Ruling [ID 2683406

INTRODUCTION: On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court reversed the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs v. Jackson. We aimed to explore changes in interval female permanent contraception procedures before and after the Dobbs ruling. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of interval female permanent contraception procedures at a large academic center between June 24, 2019, and May 25, 2023, using relevant CPT codes. Procedure counts pre- and post-ruling were compared. Chi-squared and difference-in-mean-proportions tests were used to explore differences across periods by patient characteristics. Institutional review board approval was waived for this study. RESULTS: There were 913 procedures performed during the observation period: 611 in the 3 years pre-ruling (June 24, 2019 to June 23, 2022) and 302 in the 11 months post-ruling (June 24, 2022 to May 25, 2023). There was a 49.5% increase in procedures between the pre-ruling and post-ruling timeframes. A higher proportion of patients who identify as White underwent procedures post-ruling compared to non-White counterparts (P&lt;.001). Chi-squared testing indicated a relationship between insurance status and post-ruling procedures (P&lt;.001). The largest proportion of patients who had procedures post-ruling were privately insured. Patients who had procedures post-ruling had lower gravidity compared to those who had procedures pre-ruling (P&lt;.001). CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in interval female permanent contraception procedures post-Dobbs ruling with significant differences found by race, insurance, and gravidity—notably, in a state without restrictive contraception or abortion legislation. As state abortion and contraception laws evolve, both state and national trends in female permanent contraception should be monitored.

Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Individuals' Assigned Female at Birth Experiences and Preferences With Gendered Advertisement and Packaging of Contraception [ID 2683586

INTRODUCTION: Transgender and gender nonbinary individuals assigned female at birth (TGNB-AFAB) use contraceptives for a variety of reasons including menstrual suppression or pregnancy prevention. However, the use of contraceptives could trigger gender dysphoria and deter use. Our goal is to determine the effect of gendered advertisement on the use of contraceptives in this population. METHODS: TGNB-AFAB individuals, ages 18 and older, participated in an online anonymous survey about their experiences with sexual and reproductive health care. The study was IRB approved by Emory University. RESULTS: Ninety-two TGNB-AFAB individuals responded. The mean age was 34 (SD 7.8). The majority of respondents identified as White (89.3%) and non-Hispanic (94.0%). 66 (78.6%) were college educated. 33 (38.4%) respondents currently use contraception. Primary forms of contraception include oral contraceptives (15.6%), condoms (21.9%), intrauterine devices, and implants (21.9%). 38 (45.2%) reported gendered advertisement or packaging makes them less likely to use contraceptives and 62 (73.8%) believed gendered advertisement makes other TGNB-AFAB individuals less likely to use contraceptives. 36 (42.9%) respondents said they would be more likely to use contraceptives if the packaging were gender neutral or gender inclusive and 33 (39.3%) if it was marketed specifically for trangender and gender-diverse individuals. The data from this study are preliminary. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive use is common in TGNB-AFAB; however, gendered advertising and packaging can be a deterrent for these individuals. Gender-neutral and/or gender-inclusive advertisement could potentially increase the use of contraceptives in this population.

Attentional, anticipatory and spatial cognition fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle: potential implications for female sport

Current research suggests that menstruating female athletes might be at greater risk of musculoskeletal injury in relation to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. A separate body of work suggests that spatial cognition might also fluctuate in a similar manner. Changes in spatial cognition could, in theory, be a contributing risk factor for injury, especially in fast-paced sports that require precise, millisecond accuracy in interactions with moving objects in the environment. However, existing theories surrounding causes for increased injury risk in menstruating females largely focus on biomechanical mechanisms, with little consideration of possible cognitive determinants of injury risk. Therefore, the aim of this proof-of-principle study was to explore whether menstruating females exhibit fluctuations in cognitive processes throughout their cycle on a novel sport-oriented cognitive test battery, designed to measure some of the mental processes putatively involved in these sporting situations.A total of 394 participants completed an online cognitive battery, a mood scale and a symptom questionnaire twice, 14 days apart. After exclusions, 241 eligible participants were included in the analyses (mean: 28 ± 6 years) (male = 96, female(menstruating) = 105, female(contraception) = 47). Cycle phase for menstruating females was based on self-reported information. The cognitive battery was designed to measure reaction times, attention, visuospatial functions (including 3D mental rotation) and timing anticipation. Three composite scores were generated using factor analysis with varimax rotation (Errors, Reaction Time, Intra-Individual Variability). Mixed model ANOVAs and repeated measures ANOVAs were performed to test for between and within-subject effects.There was no group difference in reaction times and accuracy between males and females (using contraception and not). However, within subject analyses revealed that regularly menstruating females performed better during menstruation compared to being in any other phase, with faster reaction times (10ms c.ca, p < .01), fewer errors (p < .05) and lower dispersion intra-individual variability (p < .05). In contrast they exhibited slower reaction times (10ms c.ca, p < .01) and poorer timing anticipation (p < .01) in the luteal phase, and more errors in the predicted ovulatory phase (p < .01). Self-reported mood, cognitive and physical symptoms were all worst during menstruation (p < .01), and a significant proportion of females felt that their symptoms were negatively affecting their cognitive performance during menstruation on testing day, which was incongruent with their actual performance.These findings suggest that visuospatial and anticipatory processes may fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle in the general population, with better performance during the menstrual phase and poorer performance during the luteal phase. If these extend to associations between phase-specific cognitive performance and injury incidence, they would support a cognitive theory of determinants of injury risk in cycling female athletes, opening an opportunity to develop mitigation strategies where appropriate.

Pema Tseden's Balloon: Reincarnation of a Semi-transparent Envelope

Abstract Buddhism provides the vocabulary for film auteur Pema Tseden to express a psychological dimension in his Amdo-Tibetan stories. Drawing on the Tibetan Buddhist concept of bardo, the transitional space between sleep and waking, or death and rebirth, his works encapsulate surrealist flow of consciousness of the characters as they are torn between religious principles, modern imperatives, and conscience. Specifically, Balloon exposes an Amdo woman's choice between having an abortion in compliance with China's 1990s birth control policy or enabling the prophesized rebirth of a family forebear. The film extends Pema Tseden's earlier experiment in Jinpa, which enacts an intrapsychic dialogue in a dream, by using a religiously inflected visualization of the state of mind in the threshold between death and the next life. Balloon's passionate reenactment of a luminous afterlife landscape and its reflexive and even questioning attitudes toward the concept of reincarnation create an intriguing tension. Its central imagery, the inflated condom balloon, is a “semi-transparent envelope,” to borrow British novelist Virginia Woolf's phrase, which suggests the inscrutability of the characters’ internal experiences. The balloon is also a “semi-transparent filter” of the director's ambiguous affects, encapsulating cultural intimacy and cultural contemplation within a non-dual framework.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Dispensing Practice of Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Community Pharmacists: A Cross-sectional Survey

Background: The improper or incorrect usage of birth control results in unintended pregnancy. In India, 78% of pregnancies are accidental, with unwanted pregnancies accounting for about 25% of all pregnancies. The family, society, and country may all be financially impacted by such pregnancies. Community pharmacists must have a good attitude and sufficient knowledge of emergency contraception pills (ECPs) in order for women to receive them in a timely manner and as a result, have fewer unintended pregnancies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and, practices of community pharmacy practitioners towards ECPs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on retail pharmacies located in Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai. A standardized questionnaire was used in 164 community pharmacies to interview about CPPs using a convenience sampling technique. The survey evaluated the CPP's dispensing procedures, knowledge, attitude, and demographic profile. Data analysis was carried out by using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 164 registered pharmacists participated in the study, which included 76.1 % (n=124) males and 23.9% (n=39) females. Among all the participants, 73.0% of them had a diploma in pharmacy (D Pharm) education, and half of the study participants had a working experience between 1-5 years. In this study, 56.64 %, 27.6%, and 16% of participants had average knowledge, sound knowledge, and poor knowledge, respectively. Results showed that 90.2% (147) of pharmacists came under the positive attitude category, 5.5% of pharmacists had a negative attitude, and 4.3% had a neutral attitude. A moderate positive linear relationship (0.401) existed between the knowledge and attitude of the pharmacist in this study. Attitude and dispensing of emergency OC as OTC to people older than 18 years old and less than 18 years old showed a moderate negative linear relationship. After adjusting the possible confounder variables, age and years of experience significantly affected the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EC. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study has shown that there is generally a lack of knowledge and poor attitude toward emergency contraceptive medicines among community pharmacists. Therefore, it is recommended that improving pharmacist's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) through proper training and counseling about EC can enhance the appropriate use of drugs.

How to decrease teenage pregnancy: rural perspectives in Ecuador.

This study aimed to understand the sociocultural context of teenage pregnancy in an Ecuadorian city with a large indigenous population, to gauge the acceptability of a multifaceted pregnancy prevention program for adolescents, and to elicit perspectives on the optimal program design from adolescents and adult key informants. We ascertained qualitative data via an online, electronic survey administered from August to September 2020. Open- and closed-ended questions elicited perspectives relating to burden of adolescent pregnancies, acceptability of pregnancy prevention programs, and optimal design of future programs. Twenty-four adolescents (13-19 years of age) and 15 adult key informants working in the healthcare, business, and education sectors in Cotacachi completed the survey. Survey responses were analyzed using a structural and in vivo coding, and an inductive approach to consensus-building around key themes. Most adolescent survey respondents (75%) believed that teen pregnancy is "fairly common" in Cotacachi, and 41.7% believed differences in teen pregnancy rates are not associated with ethnicity. In comparison, 66.7% of adult survey respondents said teen pregnancy disproportionately occurs among indigenous teenagers. Additionally, 45.8% of adolescent and 80% of adult survey respondents believed that a comprehensive sexual education program would help reduce teenage pregnancy rates by imparting reliable sexual health knowledge. Adult respondents noted that the past programs were unsuccessful in preventing teenage pregnancy because of these programs' inability to fully engage teenagers' attention, very short time duration, or inappropriate consideration of cultural context. In Cotacachi, Ecuador, a sexual health education program is both desired and feasible according to adult and teenager key informants. A successful program must adapt to the cultural context and engage youth participation and attention.