Female Behavior Research Articles

A Hypothalamic Circuit that Modulates Feeding and Parenting Behaviors.

Across mammalian species, new mothers undergo considerable behavioral changes to nurture their offspring and meet the caloric demands of milk production1-5. While many neural circuits underlying feeding and parenting behaviors are well characterized6-9, it is unclear how these different circuits interact and adapt during lactation. Here, we characterized the transcriptomic changes in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the mouse hypothalamus in response to lactation and hunger. Furthermore, we showed that heightened appetite in lactating mice was accompanied by increased activity of hunger-promoting agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons in the ARC. To assess the strength of hunger versus maternal drives, we designed a conflict assay where female mice chose between a food source or a chamber containing pups and nesting material. Although food-deprived lactating mothers prioritized parenting over feeding, hunger reduced the duration and disrupted the sequences of parenting behaviors in both lactating and virgin females. We discovered that ARCAgRP neurons directly inhibit bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) neurons in the MPOA, a population that governs both parenting and satiety. Selective activation of this ARCAgRP to MPOABRS3 circuit shifted behaviors from parenting to food-seeking. Thus, hypothalamic networks are modulated by physiological states and work antagonistically during the prioritization of competing motivated behaviors.

Role of Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mediating Host Selection, Biology, Behavior, and Management of Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae).

Non-insecticidal control strategies using entomopathogens, nematodes, and endophytes provide sustainable and safer alternatives for managing crop pests. This study investigated the potential of different fungal endophytes, specifically Beauveria bassiana strains, in colonizing cotton plants and their efficacy against tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris. The effect of endophytes on plant growth parameters and cotton yield were measured during different plant growth stages. The entomopathogenicity of these fungi was studied in diet cup bioassays using L. lineolaris adults. The behavior of adult males and females toward endophytic cotton squares was analyzed using olfactometer assays. The experiments showed that the fungal endophytes colonized the plant structures of cotton plants, which resulted in an increase in the number of cotton squares, plant height, and weight compared to control plants. B. bassiana strains/isolates such as GHA, NI-8, and JG-1 caused significant mortality in Lygus adults compared to controls. Also, male and female Lygus adults exhibited repellence behavior towards endophytic cotton squares containing JG-1 isolate of B. bassiana and to other B. bassiana strains such as NI-8, GHA, and SPE-120. No differences were observed in the survival and development of L. lineolaris second-instar nymphs on endophytic cotton, and no yield differences were observed in the field experiments.

Female Rat Behavior Effects from Low Levels of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]) in Drinking Water Evaluated with a Toxic Aging Coin Approach

We are facing a critical aging crisis, with geriatric populations (65+) growing to unprecedented proportions and ~4 million people (a 6.5-fold increase) expected to become centenarians by 2050. This is compounded by environmental pollution, which affects individuals of all ages and contributes to age-related diseases. As we have a limited understanding of how environmental pollutants affect older populations distinctly from younger populations, these longer-lived geriatric populations present a key knowledge gap. To address this knowledge gap, we employ a “Toxic Aging Coin” approach: heads consider how age impacts chemical toxicity, and tails consider how chemicals act as gerontogens—or how they accelerate biological aging. We employed this approach to investigate hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) impacts on female rats exposed to 0.05 or 0.1 mg Cr(VI)/L in drinking water for 90 days; these are the maximum contaminant levels (i.e., the highest levels permitted) from the World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, respectively. During exposure, rats performed a battery of behavior assays to assess grip strength, locomotor coordination, anxiety, spatial memory, sociability, and social novelty preference. We observed age differences in Cr(VI) neurotoxicity, with grip strength, locomotor function, and spatial memory in middle-aged females being particularly affected. We further compared these results in females to results in males, noting many sex differences, especially in middle-aged rats. These data emphasize the need to consider age and sex as variables in toxicology and to revisit drinking water regulations for Cr(VI).

Beyond gender: The evolving significance of pink in the contemporary marketing

This study investigates the influence of pink in marketing, focusing on its impact on female consumer behavior, particularly in light of the Barbie movie’s recent popularity. It analyzes the psychological and historical significance of pink, and its economic implications in marketing strategies. This study conducts an in-depth literature review and case study analysis to explore the cultural and psychological significance of the color pink in marketing and its influence on consumer behavior beyond different genders. The originality of this study lies in its multifaceted exploration of the interplay between the color pink and female consumer behavior, particularly through the lens of cinematic imagery. By focusing on the cultural and psychological significance of pink in films and its subsequent impact on fashion trends and marketing strategies, this research uniquely bridges the gap between color symbolism and contemporary consumer behavior.

A Female-Biased Chemosensory Protein PxutCSP19 in the Antennae of Papilio xuthus Tuned to Host Volatiles and Insecticides.

Chemosensory protein (CSP) genes significantly enriched in the female antennae are potential molecular candidates for mediating female oviposition behaviors. In this study, we presented the interaction mechanisms of a female-antenna-biased PxutCSP19 in Papilio xuthus to 47 host volatiles, four biopesticides and 24 synthetic insecticides. Using a bioinformatics-based homology search, 22 genes orthologous to PxutCSP19 were identified from 22 other Papilio butterflies with high sequence identities to each other (73.20~98.72%). Multiple alignment analyses revealed a particularly extended N-terminus of Papilio CSP19s (an average of 154 residues) compared to insects' typical CSPs (approximately 120 residues). The expression profiles indicated that PxutCSP19 was significantly enriched in the female antennae, with a 31.81-fold difference relative to the male antennae. In ligand-binding assays, PxutCSP19 could strongly bind six host odorants with high affinities, ranging from dissociation constant (Ki) values of 20.44 ± 0.64 μM to 22.71 ± 0.73 μM. Notably, this protein was tuned to a monoterpenoid alcohol, linalool, which generally existed in the Rutaceae plants and elicited electrophysiological and behavioral activities of the swallowtail butterfly. On the other hand, PxutCSP19 was also capable of binding eight insecticides with stronger binding abilities (Ki < 12 μM) compared to host odorants. When an extended N-terminal region of PxutCSP19 was truncated into two different proteins, they did not significantly affect the binding of PxutCSP19 to ligands with high affinities, suggesting that this extended N-terminal sequences were not involved in the specificity of ligand recognition. Altogether, our study sheds light on the putative roles of PxutCSP19 enriched in the female antennae of P. xuthus in the perception of host volatiles and the sequestering of insecticides, and it complements the knowledge of butterfly CSPs in olfaction and insecticide resistance.

First zoeal stage of the Indian Ocean hydrothermal vent crab, Austinograea rodriguezensis Tsuchida &amp; Hashimoto, 2002 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Bythograeidae)

First stage zoeas of the vent crab Austinograea rodriguezensis Tsuchida &amp; Hashimoto, 2002 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Bythograeidae) were collected by a remotely operated vehicle from the Kairei Hydrothermal Vent, Central Indian Ridge, in January 2016 during the INDEX2016 cruise of the French registered RV Pourquoi Pas? The zoeal appendages are illustrated using confocal laser scanning microscopy and described. A comparison between first stage zoeal morphology of Gandalfus yunohana (Takeda, Hashimoto &amp; Ohta, 2000) and A. rodriguezensis is made and, although remarkably similar, they can be distinguished by dorsal pleonal spinulation. Tdhe number of possible zoeal stages of A. rodriguezensis is discussed and considered to be four. Several deep-water brachyuran zoea 1 have been described with distinct elongated dorsal carapace and pleonal spinulation, including A. rodriguezensis, G. yunohana, Calocarcinus africanus Calman, 1909, Dorhynchus thomsoni Thomson, 1873. These are compared with the zoeas of three species of Geryoninae Colosi, 1924 for which the larval phases are described. These geryonine crabs are also deep-water species, but their zoeas are only described with rostral, dorsal and lateral carapace spines and are without the elongated dorsal spinulation of the carapace and pleomeres. This is attributed to the fact these geryonines have an extensive distribution range compared to those of A. rodriguezensis, G. yunohana, C. africanus and D. thomsoni, which are restricted to discrete habitats. The elongated dorsal spinulation of the carapace and pleomeres of these latter four species is attributed to the fact that the length of these spines increases the effective size of these without extra cost of growth and help the dispersal of the zoeal stages. Videos of A. rodriguezensis female behaviour with respect to aeration of eggs and the subsequent hatching near vent plumes are provided as supplementary information.

Loss of transient receptor potential channel 5 causes obesity and postpartum depression

Hypothalamic neural circuits regulate instinctive behaviors such as food seeking, the fight/flight response, socialization, and maternal care. Here, we identified microdeletions on chromosome Xq23 disrupting the brain-expressed transient receptor potential (TRP) channel 5 (TRPC5). This family of channels detects sensory stimuli and converts them into electrical signals interpretable by the brain. Male TRPC5 deletion carriers exhibited food seeking, obesity, anxiety, and autism, which were recapitulated in knockin male mice harboring a human loss-of-function TRPC5 mutation. Women carrying TRPC5 deletions had severe postpartum depression. As mothers, female knockin mice exhibited anhedonia and depression-like behavior with impaired care of offspring. Deletion of Trpc5 from oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus caused obesity in both sexes and postpartum depressive behavior in females, while Trpc5 overexpression in oxytocin neurons in knock-in mice reversed these phenotypes. We demonstrate that TRPC5 plays a pivotal role in mediating innate human behaviors fundamental to survival, including food seeking and maternal care.

Tapping for love: courtship, mating, and behavioral asymmetry in two aphid parasitoids, Aphidius ervi and Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae).

Understanding the biology and ecology of parasitoids can have direct implications for their evaluation as biological control agents, as well as for the development and implementation of mass-rearing techniques. Nonetheless, our current knowledge of the possible influence of lateralized displays (i.e., the asymmetric expression of cognitive functions) on their reproductive behavior is scarce. Herein, we characterized the behavioral elements involved in courtship, and quantified the durations of 2 important aphid parasitoids, Aphidius ervi Haliday and Aphidius matricariae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae). We quantified the main indicators of copulation and examined the occurrence of lateralized traits at population level. Results indicated that A. matricariae exhibited longer durations of wing fanning, antennal tapping, pre-copula and copula phases compared to A. ervi. Postcopulatory behavior was observed only in A. matricariae. Unlike other parasitoid species, the duration of wing fanning, chasing, and antennal tapping did not affect the success of the mating of male A. ervi and A. matricariae. Both species exhibited a right-biased female kicking behavior at the population level during the pre-copula. Our study provides insights into the fundamental biology of aphidiine parasitoids and reports the presence of population-level lateralized mating displays, which can serve as useful benchmarks to evaluate the quality of mass-rearing systems.

Probiotics Alter the Microbial and Behavioral Consequences of Methamphetamine Exposure in a Sex-Selective Manner

Methamphetamine use disorder (MuD) is a global health problem, with no FDA-approved medications. Our prior work demonstrated that repeated methamphetamine exposure alters the gut microbiota in male rats and results in depressive-like behaviors. In this study, we extend our findings to females and determine whether probiotics block these effects. Male and female rats were administered methamphetamine (2 mg/kg; SC) or saline twice daily with either a combination of two probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) or placebo solution for 14 days. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and other days after treatment cessation. Tests of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors were conducted using open-field and forced-swim assays. Methamphetamine induced anxiety-like behavior in females and anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in males. Probiotics blocked the depressive-like effect in males but did not alter anxiety-like effects in either sex. Methamphetamine exposure decreased levels of alpha diversity in both sexes, but sex differences were seen in the ability of probiotics or methamphetamine to alter levels of various bacteria. These findings support the role of the gut–brain microbiome in the depressive effects of repeated methamphetamine exposure in males, suggesting that probiotics may be a viable treatment option for MuD.

Sexually antagonistic coevolution of the male nuptial gift and female feeding behaviour in decorated crickets.

The evolution of nuptial gifts has traditionally been considered a harmonious affair, providing benefits to both mating partners. There is growing evidence, however, that receiving a nuptial gift can be actively detrimental to the female. In decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus), males produce a gelatinous spermatophylax that enhances sperm transfer but provides little nutritional benefit and hinders female post-copulatory mate choice. Here, we examine the sexually antagonistic coevolution of the spermatophylax and the female feeding response to this gift in G. sigillatus maintained in experimental populations with either a male-biased or female-biased adult sex ratio. After 25 generations, males evolving in male-biased populations produced heavier spermatophylaxes with a more manipulative combination of free amino acids than those evolving in female-biased populations. Moreover, when the spermatophylax originated from the same selection regime, females evolving in male-biased populations always had shorter feeding durations than those evolving in female-biased populations, indicating the evolution of greater resistance. Across populations, female feeding duration increased with the mass and manipulative combination of free amino acids in the spermatophylax, suggesting sexually antagonistic coevolution. Collectively, our work demonstrates a key role for interlocus sexual conflict and sexually antagonistic coevolution in the mating system of G. sigillatus.

WOMEN AS THOUGHTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE CONSUMERS OF TOURISM: GENDER DIFFERENCES IN TOURISM CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS TOURISM

A particularly important area of research in tourism management is the study of consumer habits and attitudes towards tourism. With this in mind, an online survey was conducted in 2018 to investigate the attitudes and consumption habits of the Hungarian population towards tourism. The survey is representative of the Hungarian population aged 15–74 by gender, age groups (10-year intervals), and region of residence. Five variables were included in the analysis: gender, generations, type of municipality of residence, level of education, and subjective perception of income status. This study focuses on gender differences in. The aim of the study was to call attention to the disparate tourism consumption patterns and attitudes of females and males. Based on the statistical analysis of a representative sample of 1,085 respondents, our hypotheses about statistically verifiable differences between female and male tourism consumption behaviours were confirmed. It was found that women are more open than men to adopting environmentally responsible consumer behaviours when travelling.

Time-Restricted Feeding (16/8)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-hour time-restricted feeding (TRF) on body weight, biochemical parameters, diet quality, and eating behavior in overweight females. In the TRF group, there was a statistically significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, and waist and hip circumference (P &lt; .05). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant greater decrease in blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the TRF group (P &lt; .05). TRF did not affect eating behavior or diet quality (P &gt; .05), but it led to a decrease in fiber intake (P &lt; .05). These findings suggest that consuming food within an 8-hour window may facilitate weight loss in individuals with obesity. Longitudinal studies with larger samples are needed to confirm this.

Oxytocin receptor function regulates neural signatures of pair bonding and fidelity in the nucleus accumbens.

The formation of enduring relationships dramatically influences future behavior, promoting affiliation between familiar individuals. How such attachments are encoded to elicit and reinforce specific social behaviors in distinct ethological contexts remains unknown. Signaling via the oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) facilitates social reward as well as pair bond formation between mates in socially monogamous prairie voles 1-9 . How Oxtr function influences activity in the NAc during pair bonding to promote affiliative behavior with partners and rejection of other potential mates has not been determined. Using longitudinal in vivo fiber photometry in wild-type prairie voles and those lacking Oxtr, we demonstrate that Oxtr function sex-specifically regulates pair bonding behaviors and associated activity in the NAc. Oxtr function influences prosocial behavior in females in a state-dependent manner. Females lacking Oxtr demonstrate reduced prosocial behaviors and lower activity in the NAc during initial chemosensory investigation of novel males. Upon pair bonding, affiliative behavior with partners and neural activity in the NAc during these interactions increase, but these changes do not require Oxtr function. Conversely, males lacking Oxtr display increased prosocial investigation of novel females. Using the altered patterns of behavior and activity in the NAc of males lacking Oxtr during their first interactions with a female, we can predict their future preference for a partner or stranger days later. These results demonstrate that Oxtr function sex-specifically influences the early development of pair bonds by modulating prosociality and the neural processing of sensory cues and social interactions with novel individuals, unmasking underlying sex differences in the neural pathways regulating the formation of long-term relationships.

Environmentally relevant estrogens impaired spermatogenesis and sexual behaviors in male and female zebrafish

Environmental estrogens (EEs) are found extensively in natural waters and negatively affect fish reproduction. Research on the reproductive toxicity of EEs mixtures in fish at environmentally relevant concentrations is scarce. In this study, adult male zebrafish were exposed for 60 days to EES (a mixture of EEs), EE2-low (5.55 ng/L, with an estrogenic potency equal to EES), and EE2-high (11.1 ng/L). After exposure, the expression levels of vtg1, vtg3, and esr1 in the livers in EES-treated fish remained unaltered, whereas they were significantly increased in EE2-treated fish. Both EE2-high and EES exposures notably reduced the gonad somatic index and sperm count. A disrupted spermatogenesis was also observed in the testes of EE2-high- and EES-exposed fish, along with an alteration in the expression of genes associated with spermatogonial proliferation (pcna, nanog), cell cycle transition (cyclinb1, cyclind1), and meiosis (aldh1a2, cyp26a1, sycp3). Both EE2 and EES significantly lowered plasma 11-ketotestosterone levels in males, likely by inhibiting the expression level of genes for its synthesis (scc, cyp17a1 and cyp11b2), and increased 17β-estradiol (E2) levels, possibly through upregulating the expression of cyp19a1a. A significant increase in tnfrsf1a expression and the tnfrsf1a/tnfrsf1b ratio in EE2-high and EES-treated males also suggests increased apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway. Further investigation showed that both EE2-high and EES diminished the sexual behavior of male fish, accompanied with reduced E2 levels in the brain and the expression of genes in the kisspeptin/gonadotropin-releasing hormone system. Interestingly, the sexual behavior of unexposed females paired with treated males was also reduced, indicating a synergistic effect. This study suggests that EES have a more severe impact on reproduction than EE2-low, and EEs could interfere not only with spermatogenesis in fish, but also with the sexual behaviors of both exposed males and their female partners, thereby leading to a more significant disruption in fish reproduction.

Prevalence and associated factors of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among high school students in Finote Selam town, northwest Ethiopia.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the most prevalent but neglected psychiatric disorder, with somatic symptoms that are severe enough to markedly affect usual daily activities and have a negative impact on mental health and quality of life by affecting female patients' behavior and cognition. Studies regarding premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among high school students in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of PMDD among high school students, and this is pivotal in further investigation. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 25 to April 17, 2023 using a simple random-sampling technique to select a sample of 564 participants. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Self-administered standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. A total of 548 study participants participated, with a 97.2% response rate. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among high school students was found to be 33.03% (95%CI: 29.20-37.09). In a multivariable analysis, irregular menstruation cycle (AOR = 4.242, 95%CI = 2.182-8.246), depression (AOR = 5.272, 95%CI = 2.779-10.002), having greater than 4 days of menstruation bleeding duration (AOR = 2.138, 95%CI = 1.105-4.138), and high perceived stress (AOR = 3.468, 95%CL = 1.217-9.880) were the factors significantly associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The overall prevalence of PMDD which was one-third among high school students was high. Moreover, long duration of menstruation bleeding, depressive symptoms, irregular menstruation cycle, and high perceived stress were significant factors in PMDD. Therefore, it needs early screening and intervention in primary healthcare settings, especially for those who have high perceived stress, having depression, having a long duration of menstruation bleeding, and having an irregular menstruation cycle, so as to have good academic achievement and psychological wellbeing.

Developmental exposure to environmentally relevant doses of phthalates alters the neural control of male and female reproduction in mice

The present study aims to analyze the effects of developmental exposure to phthalates at environmentally relevant doses on the neural control of male and female reproduction. For this purpose, C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to di-(2-ethylexyl) phthalate (DEHP) alone (5 or 50 μg/kg/d), or DEHP (5 μg/kg/d) in a phthalate mixture. Exposure through diet started 6 weeks before the first mating and lasted until weaning of litters from the second gestation (multiparous dams). Analyses of offspring born from multiparous dams exposed to DEHP alone or in a phthalate mixture showed that females experienced a delayed pubertal onset, and as adults they had prolonged estrous cyclicity and reduced Kiss1 expression in the preoptic area and mediobasal hypothalamus. Male littermates showed a reduced anogenital distance and delayed pubertal onset compared with controls. However, in adulthood the weight of androgen-sensitive organs and hypothalamic Kiss1 expression were unaffected, suggesting normal functioning of the male gonadotropic axis. Developmental exposure to DEHP alone or in a phthalate mixture reduced the ability of intact males and ovariectomized and hormonally primed females to attract a sexual partner and to express copulatory behaviors. In addition, females were unable to discriminate between male and female stimuli in the olfactory preference test. Social interaction was also impaired in females, while locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior in both sexes were unaffected by the treatment. The sexual deficiencies were associated with reduced expression of the androgen receptor in the preoptic area and progesterone receptor in the mediobasal hypothalamus, the key regions involved in male and female sexual behavior, respectively. Thus, the neural structures controlling reproduction are vulnerable to developmental exposure to phthalates at environmentally relevant doses in male and female mice. Adult females had an impaired gonadotropic axis and showed more affected behaviors than adult males.

Heart rate variability: A primer for alcohol researchers

Problem alcohol drinking remains a major cost and burden for society. Also, rates of problem drinking in women have dramatically increased in recent decades, and women are at risk for more alcohol problems and comorbidities. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the potential utility of cardiac measures, including heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV), as markers of individual and sex differences in the drive to drink alcohol. We recently used cardiac telemetry in female and male adult rats to determine whether different cardiac markers, including HR and HRV, would differently predict alcohol and anxiety-like behavior across the sexes. Indeed, female behaviors related to HRV measures that indicate more parasympathetic (PNS) influence (the “rest and digest” system). In contrast, male behaviors are associated more with sympathetic (SNS) indicators (the activation system). Remarkably, similar sex differences in PNS versus SNS engagement under challenge are seen in several human studies, suggesting strong cross-species convergence in differential autonomic regulation in females and males. Here, we describe the larger challenges that alcohol addiction presents, and how HRV measures may provide new biomarkers to help enhance development of more individualized and sex-specific treatments. We briefly explain the physiological systems underlying cardiac PNS and SNS states, and how specific HRV metrics are defined and validated, especially why particular HRV measures are considered to reflect more PNS versus SNS influence. Finally, we describe hormonal influences and sex differences in brain circuits related to cardiac autonomic regulation. Together, these findings show that HR and HRV have potential for uncovering key underlying mechanisms of sex and individual differences in autonomic drivers, which could guide more personalized treatment.

Arginine-Vasotocin Neuronal System in Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) and Its Influence on Artificially Induced Spawning in Captivity

This study summarizes new data on induced spawning of Steindachneridion parahybae, focusing on the aggressive behavior of females. This study characterizes the vasotocinergic system using immunohistochemistry, highlighting the potential influence of arginine-vasotocin (AVT) on reproductive physiology. Two experimental groups were proposed: (A) control, with one female in the aquarium, and (B) experimental, with two females in the same aquarium. Dominant (D) females presented a more aggressive behavior and did not show any injury. They apparently had a length and body mass higher than injured nondominant (ND) females. The analysis identified positive AVT immunoreactive (ir) neurons exclusively within the preoptic area, including parvocellular, magnocellular, and gigantocellular subpopulations, containing fibers-ir extending into the pituitary gland. Cellular and nuclear areas were greater in D compared to ND in the magnocellular subpopulation. There were no differences between parvocellular and gigantocellular subpopulations. There was a difference on the steroid plasma profile of cortisol (more in ND than in D) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (more in D than in ND). Furthermore, control and D females presented higher optical densities for AVT-ir, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-ir, and luteinizing hormone-ir than ND. In general, there were no differences in the results of female (control group) with D females. The AVT system is highly complex, possibly counting multiple sites of action during artificial reproduction and acting directly and/or indirectly associated with behavioral and physiological changes in S. parahybae females when induced to spawning.

Empowering Mexican Women in Behavior Analysis

AbstractConsidering empowerment as a circumstance under which power is extended, this article describes the elements of a metacontingency that allow such a function transfer to occur. Particular interest is placed on the empowerment of Mexican women in higher education and its unsatisfactory state. Mentoring is proposed as a tool for the empowerment of women in behavior analysis. In particular, the article presents an outline of a 2-year mentoring program that will promote interlocked behavioral contingencies and their products, which can be selected by the proper academic environment. This program also promotes the development of the mentee's agency and a set of data related to the products being created. Finally, this article highlights the possibility that such a mentorship program can empower female behavior analysts in Mexico and begin to change the cultural practices that uphold inequality for women.

(076) IMPACT OF AN ONLINE EDUCATION INTERVENTION ON HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS' SELF-EFFICIENCY FOR ASSESSMENT AND CARE OF CLIENTS EXPERIENCING FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Abstract Introduction In the United States, nearly half of all women will report having at least one type of female sexual dysfunction at any given point in their lives. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is defined as a disturbance in sexual desire, psychophysiological changes that characterize the sexual response cycle, and marked sexual distress and interpersonal difficulty. Most women feel their healthcare provider should discuss their sexual concerns, yet few report being asked or screened about their sexual health. Women may seek care to address their sexual health concerns because sexual concerns can affect their quality of life. Objective The specific aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online educational intervention about female sexual dysfunction on the knowledge and self-efficacy of healthcare providers. Methods The project is a single-arm effectiveness study that used a pre-test/post-test design, aiming to improve self-efficacy of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse-midwives who provide gynecological care. Participants were recruited via convenience and snowball sampling. The participants provided demographic and pre-test data before viewing the educational intervention and completed the post-test immediately following. Results Forty-three participants completed responses to the entire questionnaire, including pre and post-test. The majority of participants identified as female (91%), Caucasian (51%), nurse practitioners (81%) providing gynecological care for 6-15 years (53%) and live in the South (58%). Following the intervention, participants demonstrated a significant increase in confidence in their ability to communicate about sex with older adults (p &amp;lt; 0.001, d 0.51) and with those who have differing sexuality from their own (p &amp;lt;0.00, d 0.53). There was an increase in confidence in the knowledge to care for patients with religious/spiritual convictions about sexuality (p &amp;lt; 0.006, d 0.40) and sexual problems related to a medical, pharmacological, or surgical treatment (p &amp;lt; 0.009, d 0.38). Participants reported fewer learning needs following the educational module with a moderate to large effect size across different competencies. Conclusions Educating health care providers using an online educational module may lead to more confidence in the healthcare providers’ communication with, knowledge of, and attitudes related to female sexual concerns. Healthcare providers can provide the necessary support and care for the women they serve by educating themselves to properly obtain sexual health history screening, physical exams, diagnoses, and treatment options. Online educational modules have enhanced healthcare providers' knowledge on various topics. The results of this study can be useful in creating education for healthcare providers in caring for FSD. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term effect of online education modules on the screening of female sexual dysfunction, attitudes and behaviors, effect on the self-efficacy of healthcare providers. Disclosure No.