Female Sterilization Research Articles

Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding practices of male and female surgical sterilization procedures in Lebanon

ObjectiveSurgical sterilization, including vasectomy in males and tubal ligation in females, is a highly effective but underutilized contraception method. Adoption rates vary globally mostly due to misconceptions by both the general public and practicing physicians. Our survey aims to explore physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about surgical sterilization techniques in Lebanon.Study designA web-based survey was sent to residents and attending physicians of different specialties in Lebanon between April 2022 and April 2023. The survey included 21 multiple-choice questions divided in four parts (demographics, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs) and required around 8 min to complete. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. A descriptive analysis was performed using the chi-square test for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables.ResultsOne hundred eighty-three physicians specialized in Urology, OB/GYN, Family medicine and Internal medicine filled the survey. The majority were resident physicians (79%), male (57%), single (72%) and did not receive training in family planning (73%). Knowledge assessment showed an average score of 5/7. After setting this as a passing score, 60.7% of participants passed the assessment with higher likelihood of passing among attending physicians (84.6%), OB/GYN physicians (94.4%), married participants (80.8%), and physicians who received training in family planning (91.8%). Lower likelihood of passing was among Family Medicine (60%), and Internal Medicine (72.5%) physicians. Recommendations varied among specialties. Most physicians perceived the general public preferring tubal ligation as a sterilization method (98%).ConclusionLebanese primary care physicians have a lower level of knowledge of surgical sterilization procedures compared to specialists. This, coupled with low levels of family planning training and negative perception of patient beliefs may impact attitudes and recommendations. Ongoing education and family planning training is needed to increase awareness among physicians, especially primary care physicians, to allow them to provide more adequate counseling to patients.

A female sterilization method for use in field-based behavioral studies of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis).

Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky), a wood borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) native to China, has been unintentionally and repeatedly introduced to North American and European landscapes as a stow-away in the wood packing material commonly used in international trade. Asian longhorned beetle causes extensive damage and mortality in multiple deciduous tree species and in response, countries in both North America and Europe have adopted policies of eradication. Models that integrate patterns of Asian longhorned beetle dispersal with records of infested trees are critical in optimizing survey and eradication efforts and tracking eradication progress. While these tools continue to be developed, they have been limited by the availability of experimental dispersal data. Existing data is restricted to observations made in the beetle's native range in China or based on inference of dispersal in invaded landscapes. Direct observation of beetle dispersal behavior in invaded landscapes could provide critical behavioral information, but the experimental release of gravid females has been incompatible with eradication program efforts. To fill this knowledge gap, there is a need to identify field-portable methods of effectively sterilizing mated females that do not alter ovipositional behavior. Here, we present a protocol for cauterizing a beetle's ovipositor to prevent successful oviposition. Results of lab trials demonstrate the efficacy of ovipositor cauterization in inhibiting successful oviposition without altering the egg-laying behavior of gravid Asian longhorned beetle females. This method enables research to inform models of beetle dispersal and infestation risk without adding to actual or perceived risk of exacerbating infestations in an eradication program.

Functions of the Bloom Syndrome Helicase N-terminal Intrinsically Disordered Region.

Bloom Syndrome helicase (Blm) is a RecQ family helicase involved in DNA repair, cell-cycle progression, and development. Pathogenic variants in human BLM cause the autosomal recessive disorder Bloom Syndrome, characterized by predisposition to numerous types of cancer. Prior studies of Drosophila Blm mutants lacking helicase activity or protein have shown sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, defects in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), female sterility, and improper segregation of chromosomes in meiosis. Blm orthologs have a well conserved and highly structured RecQ helicase domain, but more than half of the protein, particularly in the N-terminus, is predicted to be intrinsically disordered. Because this region is poorly conserved across metazoa, we compared closely related species to identify regions of conservation that might be associated with important functions. We deleted two Drosophila-conserved regions in D. melanogaster using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and assessed the effects on several Blm functions. Each deletion had distinct effects. Deletion of either conserved region 1 (CR1) or conserved region 2 (CR2) compromised DSB repair through synthesis-dependent strand annealing and resulted in increased mitotic crossovers. In contrast, CR2 is critical for embryonic development but CR1 is less important. Loss of CR1 leads to defects in meiotic crossover designation and patterning but does not impact meiotic chromosome segregation, whereas deletion of CR2 does not result in significant meiotic defects. Thus, while the two regions have overlapping functions, there are distinct roles facilitated by each. These results provide novel insights into functions of the N-terminal region of Blm helicase.

Impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization on Female Sterilization Rates at a Texas Military Medical Center, a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Female sterilization is a common form of contraception in the United States. On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court eliminated the federal standard protecting a woman's right to abortion via Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Since that time, there have been anecdotal increases in sterilization requests across the country, although there are no publications demonstrating this change. This study hypothesized that there would be increased female sterilization rates at a Texas military hospital post-Dobbs decision due to state restrictions as compared with a Washington military hospital. This study retrospectively reviewed female sterilization rates from March 2022 to April 2023. The average rate of sterilization procedures performed pre-Dobbs decision was compared to the average rate following the Dobbs decision in a Texas and Washington military facility due to different state restrictions. The rates of sterilization were also stratified among demographic groups at the Texas military facility. Female sterilizations encompassed 24/230 (10.4%) of the gynecologic surgeries performed pre-Dobbs compared to 110/629 (17.5%) cases performed post-Dobbs (P = .01) in Texas. However, sterilization rates in Washington state remained the same, with 15/80 (18.7%) benign gynecologic surgeries pre-Dobbs and 28/185 (15.1%) post-Dobbs (P = .59). The average age of sterilization pre-Dobbs was 35 years compared to 33 years post-Dobbs (P = .04). Post-Dobbs group was less likely to use a barrier method prior to sterilization (P = 0.01). The reproductive health of military medical beneficiaries at one military hospital was significantly impacted by the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. Rates of female sterilization increased significantly. In addition, patients choosing permanent sterilization were younger and were less likely to use alternative, reversible contraceptive methods prior to surgery. This study demonstrates a significant change in contraceptive choices toward methods that incur greater surgical risks and potential for regret, as well as greater financial costs to the military health system.

Honeybee Cultivation Training Apis Mellifera with Forest Farmers Group (KTH) Wana Lestari, Rejo Sari Village, Megang Sakti District, Musi Rawas Regency

Honey bees are social insects that live in colonies. A bee colony consists of around 10,000 to 60,000 bees. The colony consists of a queen (fertile female), hundreds of drones and thousands of worker bees (sterile females). Honey bee cultivation is currently not only oriented towards the economy but also on the aspect of maintaining sustainable forests. The Wana Lestari Forest Farmer Group (KTH) in Rejo Sari Village, Megang Sakti District, Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province, which is supervised by the Lakitan Bukit Cogong Forest Management Unit (KPH), is developing Apis mellifera bee cultivation. The Community Partnership Program activity partners were carried out at the Lakitan Bukit Cogong KPH Office and at the Wana Lestari Forest Farmer Group (KTH) location in Rejo Sari Village, Megang Sakti District, Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province on May 27, 2024 - May 31, 2024. The activities carried out were honey bee cultivation training with the initial step of preparing materials for beekeeping and training in the bee breeding process. From the results of this training activity, it can be concluded that the honey bee cultivation training activity at KTH Wana Lestari can be beneficial for KTH members so that it can increase the income of farmer groups.

Design optimization of a self-expanding polymeric microstent for the treatment of Fallopian tube occlusions

Abstract Involuntary childlessness represents a sensitive and emotionally moving topic. Depending on the method, reproductive treatments are associated with significant physical, psychological and financial burdens. Female sterility is caused by Fallopian tube occlusions in one of three cases. Our previously described microstent technology opens up new therapeutic possibilities to restore the lumen of the Fallopian tube without surgery. In this work, Finite Element Analysis was performed for design optimization of a polymeric selfexpanding microstent which had a limited crimping diameter by self-contact resulting in challenging loading behavior during application preparation. Three different stent designs were investigated. A bilinear constitutive material model considering isotropic hardening was used for modeling of the microstent. To evaluate the stent variations, the following criteria were defined: self-contact, maximum stresses (von Mises stress) and volume of stress above 45 MPa. All microstent designs were crimped to a diameter of 1.0 mm using Finite Element Analysis. Stent design version 1 and 2 were limited to crimping diameter considering self-contact. The wave-shaped cell design of version 3 completely prevented self-contact up to a diameter of 1.0 mm. Consequently, stent design version 3 offers the greatest potential for a self-expanding polymeric microstent for minimally invasive treatment of Fallopian tube occlusions.

Modern contraceptive use among currently married non-pregnant women (aged 15–49 years) in West Bengal, India: a reflection from NFHS-5

BackgroundThere is a dearth of research on modern family planning practices in high focus states like West Bengal in India with diverse population groups and distinct health needs. Thus, this study aims to investigate the latest picture of modern contraceptive use and its associated socio-demographic factors among currently married non-pregnant of reproductive aged (15–49 years) women in West Bengal.MethodsThe study is based on secondary data, collected from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5; 2019-20). A total of 15,841 currently married non-pregnant women were included into this study. With the overarching goal of understanding the determinants and patterns of modern contraceptive use, the study employed a combination of bi-variate and multivariate analyses, including logistic regression.ResultsThe results reveal that female sterilization is the most common modern contraceptive method across the state. Contraceptive use varies by district, from 43% in Puruliya to 77.3% in Birbhum. Women aged 30–34 were significantly more likely to use contraception (OR = 1.47), while those aged 45–49 were less likely to use it (OR = 0.74). Women with mixed gender composition of living children (OR = 1.48) were more likely to use contraception, compared to women with no children (OR = 0.21) or daughters only (OR = 0.80). SC women (OR = 1.63) and Christians (OR = 2.17) showed higher usage. Wealthier women (OR = 1.26) and urban residents also reported higher use. Moreover, son preference continues and women married after 18 are less likely to adopt modern methods. These findings highlight the need to improve reproductive health outcomes and overcome barriers to increasing contraceptive uptake.ConclusionTargeted interventions focusing on education, awareness-building, and improving access to diverse contraceptive options are recommended to empower women in making informed reproductive choices and advancing reproductive rights and health equity. Also, effective modern contraceptive services must overcome legal policy, social, cultural and structural barriers to benefit more women.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows and buffaloes

Brucellosis poses a significant zoonotic risk to humans and animals, and is caused by the Gram-negative bacteria of the Brucella species. In cows and buffaloes, infection is typically attributed to Brucella abortus, often resulting in abortion during late pregnancy and posing a subsequent risk of sterility in females. The current study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows and buffaloes in district Kasur, Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were randomly collected from cows and buffaloes in the district. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was initially employed for screening the blood serum samples of each animal, with Indirect ELISA serving as a confirmatory test. Higher seroprevalence rates were observed in females compared to those in males in both tests. Sex-wise, higher incidence of brucellosis in cows was observed, with a prevalence of (7%)/(5%) in females compared to that (2%)/(1%) in males, as detected by the RBPT and iELISA tests, respectively. Similarly, buffaloes exhibited a higher prevalence of brucellosis in females, with rates (10%)/ (8%) compared to (3%)/(1%) in males, via RBPT and iELISA, respectively. A total of 200 cow and 200 buffalo samples were analyzed, that revealed a seroprevalence of (4.5%)/(3%) in cows and (6.5%)/(4.5%) in buffaloes, respectively, using RBPT and iELISA. Overall, out of a total of 400 serum samples, 22 from cows and buffaloes were tested positive through RBPT, while 15 samples from both species were seropositive via iELISA. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in the district was found to be 5.5%/3.75% through RBPT and iELISA, respectively. This study highlights a significant challenge for the livestock being rared in district Kasur.

Unravelling the role of mitochondrial DNA in hybrid incompatibility within species of the Anopheles gambiae complex

Isolation mechanisms between mosquito species of the Anopheles gambiae complex, which includes major malaria vectors, remain poorly understood. In some cases, pre-zygotic barriers have been shown to limit gene flow between species of the complex, leading to a low level of hybridisation in nature. Post-zygotic mechanisms manifest with F1 hybrid males fully sterile and F1 hybrid females with reduced fertility. Genetic approaches combined with DNA sequencing techniques have highlighted the involvement of genomic regions in hybrid incompatibility with a predominant role of the X chromosome. In addition, differences in the phenotype of F1 hybrid males have been identified depending on the directionality of the parental cross used to generate them. All these studies have focused on the interaction of nuclear DNA elements in hybrid individuals. Given the role that mitochondrial DNA plays in genetic incompatibilities within other organisms and its unique inheritance pattern, commonly maternal, we conducted a genetic study that relied on the introgression of mitochondrial DNA between Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis. The findings indicate that the mitochondrial switch does not appear to restore the fertility of F1 hybrid males, suggesting that mitochondrial DNA may not play a role in hybrid incompatibilities in these Anopheles species.

The Lost art of Tubal Ligation,Suture or Technique?

Birth spacing is required to bring improvement in women’s quality of life. Contraception and birth spacing by the permanent method of female sterilization i. ebilateral tubal ligation, holds an important place in this regard. This case series deals with patients, reporting to Gynaecology Outpatient Department with surprise unexpected pregnancy /suspicion of pregnancy or secondary amenorrhea after permanent bilateral tubal ligation at time of last cesarean section. Basic objective was to identify the cause of failure of sterilization: Improper technique, wrong suture or wrong timing of procedure. Efforts were made to make proper technical recommendations for this procedure.

Central role of squid gene during oocyte development in the Hemiptera Rhodnius prolixus

Oocyte polarity establishment is a conserved and crucial phenomenon for embryonic development. It relies on the precise spatial localization of maternal factors deposited during oocyte development, which is essential for establishing and maintaining cell polarity and subsequently specifying embryonic axes. The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) encoded by the squid (sqd) gene has been implicated in mRNA localization and embryonic axis establishment in Drosophila melanogaster. Comparative genomics allowed for the identification of a homologue in Rhodnius prolixus. In this study, we investigated the function of Rp-sqd during oogenesis and early embryonic development. We observed persistent expression of Rp-sqd during oocyte development, with localization in the cytoplasm of ovary germarium and growing oocytes in previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages. A Parental RNA interference (RNAi) experiment targeting Rp-sqd resulted in female sterility. The ovaries showed disrupted oocyte development, disarray of follicular epithelium, and affected nurse cells integrity. Immunostaining and microscopic techniques revealed microtubule disarray and a reduction in the presence of organelles in the trophic cords that connect the germarium with the oocytes. The Rp-sqd depletion impacted the transcript expression of maternal mRNAs involved in apoptosis, axis formation, oogenesis, and cytoskeleton maintenance, indicating a pleiotropic function of Rp-sqd during oogenesis. This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of R. prolixus oogenesis, highlighting the crucial role of Rp-sqd in oocyte development, fertility, and germarium integrity. These findings contribute to our understanding of insect developmental processes, provide a foundation for future investigations into reproduction, and reveal the regulatory mechanisms governing the process.

A stage structured model for mosquito suppression with immigration.

The incompatible insect technique based on Wolbachia is a promising alternative to control mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika, which drives wild female mosquitoes sterility through a mechanism cytoplasmic incompatibility. A successful control program should be able to withstand the perturbation induced by the immigration of fertilized females from surrounding uncontrolled areas. In this paper, we formulated a system of delay differential equations, including larval and adult stages, interfered by Wolbachia-infected males. We classified the release number of infected males and immigration number of fertile females, to ensure that the system displays globally asymptotically stable or bistable dynamics. The immigration of fertile females hinders the maximum possible suppression efficiency so that the wild adults cannot be reduced to a level below $ A^*_\infty $. We identified the permitted most migration number to reduce the wild adults to a target level. To reduce up to $ 90\% $ of wild adults in the peak season within two months, an economically viable strategy is to reduce the immigration number of wild females less than $ 0.21\% $ of the carrying capacity of adults in the control area.

Sharp decline in male fertility in F2 hybrids of the female-heterogametic silk moth Bombyx.

Sexual selection drives rapid evolution of morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits, especially in males, and it may also drive the rapid evolution of hybrid male sterility. Indeed, the faster male theory of speciation was once viewed as a major cause of Haldane's rule in male-heterogametic XY taxa, but is increasingly being replaced by the genetic conflict hypothesis partly because it cannot explain the faster evolution of hybrid female sterility in female-heterogametic ZW taxa. The theory nonetheless predicts that there should be more genes for hybrid male sterility than for hybrid female sterility even in such taxa, but this remains untested. Thus, finding evidence for the faster male theory of reproductive isolation beyond the F1 generation in ZW systems still represents a challenge to studying the impact of sexual selection. In this study, we examined F2 hybrids between the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori and the wild silk moth Bombyx mandarina, which have ZW sex determination. We found that although only females showed reduced fertility in the F1 generation, the F2 hybrid males had a significant reduction in fertility compared with the parental and F1 males. Importantly, 27% of the F2 males and 15% of the F2 females were completely sterile, suggesting the presence of recessive incompatibilities causing male sterility in female-heterogametic taxa.

N318L Blocks the Interaction of Fluralaner but Not Broflanilide or Fipronil with the Insect GABA Receptor In Vivo.

Fluralaner is a novel insecticide targeting the ionotropic GABA receptor (GABAR) subunit, RDL. A recent study revealed that N316L, a substitution of asparagine (N) with leucine (L), in the second transmembrane (M2)-spanning region reduced the antagonist action of fluralaner on the housefly Musca domestica RDL (MdRDL) in vitro. To verify the impact of N316L in vivo, the corresponding mutation (N318L) in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster RDL (DmRDL) was constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. The homozygous DmRDLN318L mutant showed a 9.87-fold resistance to fluralaner compared with w1118 while still being highly sensitive to broflanilide and fipronil, which is consistent with those findings observed in the electrophysiology assays of the homomeric DmRDLWT or DmRDLN318L channel. Moreover, DmRDLN318L led to malformed ovaries, stunted eggs, and sterility in homozygous females. These results highlighted N318 as a molecular site for fluralaner in vivo and in vitro and might elucidate the resistance mechanisms of insects against fluralaner.

A REVIEW STUDY ON ROLE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AND THEIR VARIOUS TYPES.

Contraception is the process used to stop unwanted pregnancy and control birth rate. Contraceptives reduces the chances of pregnancy after sexual intercourse. Contraceptives prevent pregnancies by interfering with the procedure of fertilization. Contraceptives reduces the chances of abortion by preventing unintended pregnancies on their partners, in which 842 million (44%) are modern using modern methods of Contraceptives are accessible in huge varieties and types . Numerous contraceptives are available, 790 million (42%) are traditional method users according the statistical data of 2019. The most common contraceptive techniques that are use of contraceptives are increasing day by day, 922 million of women of reproductive age used worldwide are female sterilization and male condoms, female sterilization are used in 219 million users (24%), male condoms are used in 189 million users (21%) according the data of 2019. The use of traditional methods and IUDs has reduced worldwide since 1994. According to WHO, The only form of birth control is a condom,that can prevent both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. The need of family planning is increased globally up to 77% from 2015 to 2020.. Over the past 20 years, the number of women using family planning methods has grown, rising from 900 million in 2020 to 2000 million. Use of modern contraceptive methods is also increased from 663 million to 851 million with the prevalence rate of 47.7% to 49.0%. Numerous contraceptive methods exist, including hormonal methods like CHC vaginal ring, CHC transdermal patch, and combination hormonal contraceptives. Progestin-only techniques include hormonal male contraceptives, progestin-only pills, DMPA injections, implants, and progestin-only IUDs. The other approach is non-hormonal and consists of vaginal pH modulators, barrier techniques like condoms, and copper IUDs. Traditional methods, such as the LAM method, the fertile cycle method, and the withdrawal approach, comprise the third type of contraception. Herbal contraceptives, which use a variety of herbs and plant preparations, are the fourth technique of birth control.

Cytological analysis of flower development, insights into suitable growth area and genomic background: implications for Glehnia littoralis conservation and sustainable utilization

BackgroundGlehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq., an endangered plant species with significant medicinal, edible, and ecological value, is now a central concern for conservation and sustainable utilization. Investigating the physiological and ecological mechanisms leading to its endangerment and elucidating its genetic background constitutes the foundation for conducting in-depth research on G. littoralis.ResultsOur observations have revealed a significant degree of floral sterility in wild populations of G. littoralis. The inflorescences of G. littoralis are classified into three types: completely fertile, completely sterile, and partially fertile compound umbels. Moreover, the flowers of G. littoralis can be categorized into fertile and sterile types. Sterile flowers exhibited abnormalities in the stigma, ovary, and ovules. This study is the first to discover that the presence or absence of a giant cell at the funiculus during the initiation of ovule primordium determines whether the flower can develop normally, providing cytological evidence for female sterility in G. littoralis. Conversely, both fertile and sterile flowers produced normally developed pollen. Field observations have suggested that robust plants bear more fertile umbels, while weaker ones have fewer or even no fertile umbels, indicating a close relationship between flower fertility and plant nutritional status. Our model correctly predicted that the eastern coastal regions of China, as well as prospective areas in Neimenggu and Sichuan, are suitable environments for its cultivation. Additionally, Using flow cytometry and genome survey, we estimated the genome size of G. littoralis to be 3.06 Gb and the heterozygosity to be 4.58%.ConclusionThe observations and findings presented in this study were expected to provide valuable insights for further conserving its genetic resources and sustainable utilization of G. littoralis.

Population suppression by release of insects carrying a dominant sterile homing gene drive targeting doublesex in Drosophila

CRISPR homing gene drives can suppress pest populations by targeting female fertility genes, converting wild-type alleles into drive alleles in the germline of drive heterozygotes. fsRIDL (female-specific Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal) is a self-limiting population suppression strategy involving continual release of transgenic males carrying female lethal alleles. Here, we propose an improved pest suppression system called “Release of Insects carrying a Dominant-sterile Drive” (RIDD), combining performance characteristics of homing drive and fsRIDL. We construct a split RIDD system in Drosophila melanogaster by creating a 3-gRNA drive disrupting the doublesex female exon. Drive alleles bias their inheritance in males, while drive alleles and resistance alleles formed by end-joining cause dominant female sterility. Weekly releases of RIDD males progressively suppressed and eventually eliminated cage populations. Modeling shows that RIDD is substantially stronger than SIT and fsRIDL. RIDD is also self-limiting, potentially allowing targeted population suppression.

Comparative Analysis of Laparoscopic and Open Tubal Ligation: Insights from a Retrospective Study in a Tertiary University Hospital

Background: Female sterilization remains a prevalent contraceptive method globally, despite a declining trend in prevalence over the past decades. Methods: To compare the outcomes of tubal ligation between laparoscopic and open surgical approaches, conducted at the Jordan University Hospital from 2010 to 2021. Results: 242 females underwent tubal ligation with 131 had open surgery and 111 had laparoscopic surgery. The median follow-up period for the cohort was 8 years. For the entire study cohort, the mean age at the time of surgery was 37.77 years (standard deviation (SD) = 4.589). A statistically significant (p < 0.0001) difference in age was found, with mean age being older in the laparoscopy group. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gravidity (p = 0.9499) or parity (p = 0.4867). Remarkably, only two pregnancies were documented during the follow-up period, both of which were observed in the laparoscopic surgery group. Overall free-from-pregnancy rate at 8 years was 98.79%; 97.59% in the laparoscopy group and 100% in the open surgery group. Conclusions: Both open and laparoscopic tubal sterilization are equally effective permanent contraceptives. While our study contributes to the understanding of tubal ligation outcomes, further research, particularly in developing countries like Jordan, is warranted to address the unique needs and challenges of diverse populations in reproductive healthcare.

Integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health Equity Into Public Health Goals and Metrics: Comparative Analysis of Healthy People 2030's Approach and a Person-Centered Approach to Contraceptive Access Using Population-Based Data.

The Healthy People initiative is a national effort to lay out public health goals in the United States every decade. In its latest iteration, Healthy People 2030, key goals related to contraception focus on increasing the use of effective birth control (contraceptive methods classified as most or moderately effective for pregnancy prevention) among women at risk of unintended pregnancy. This narrow focus is misaligned with sexual and reproductive health equity, which recognizes that individuals' self-defined contraceptive needs are critical for monitoring contraceptive access and designing policy and programmatic strategies to increase access. We aimed to compare 2 population-level metrics of contraceptive access: a conventional metric, use of contraceptive methods considered most or moderately effective for pregnancy prevention among those considered at risk of unintended pregnancy (approximating the Healthy People 2030 approach), and a person-centered metric, use of preferred contraceptive method among current and prospective contraceptive users. We used nationally representative data collected in 2022 to construct the 2 metrics of contraceptive access; the overall sample included individuals assigned female at birth not using female sterilization or otherwise infecund and who were not pregnant or trying to become pregnant (unweighted N=2760; population estimate: 43.9 million). We conducted a comparative analysis to examine the convergence and divergence of the metrics by examining whether individuals met the inclusion criteria for the denominators of both metrics, neither metric, only the conventional metric, or only the person-centered metric. Comparing the 2 approaches to measuring contraceptive access, we found that 79% of respondents were either included in or excluded from both metrics (reflecting that the metrics converged when individuals were treated the same by both). The remaining 21% represented divergence in the metrics, with an estimated 5.7 million individuals who did not want to use contraception included only in the conventional metric denominator and an estimated 3.5 million individuals who were using or wanted to use contraception but had never had penile-vaginal sex included only in the person-centered metric denominator. Among those included only in the conventional metric, 100% were content nonusers-individuals who were not using contraception, nor did they want to. Among those included only in the person-centered metric, 68% were currently using contraception. Despite their current or desired contraceptive use, these individuals were excluded from the conventional metric because they had never had penile-vaginal sex. Our analysis highlights that a frequently used metric of contraceptive access misses the needs of millions of people by simultaneously including content nonusers and excluding those who are using or want to use contraception who have never had sex. Documenting and quantifying the gap between current approaches to assessing contraceptive access and more person-centered ones helps clearly identify where programmatic and policy efforts should focus going forward.

Morphology and Inheritance of Wavy Flower Form in Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don).

Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) is renowned for its diverse colors and resilience to harsh climates. Still, most commercial cultivars predominantly display flat petals. Using cultivars representing non-wavy, medium-wavy, and extreme-wavy flower forms, we examined morphological differences in both their mature leaves and floral organs. Phenotypes of self-pollinated (S1) and cross-pollinated (F1, F2) populations further underscored their morphological distinctions. Specifically, the extreme-wavy type displayed elliptical leaves, broader than the non-wavy type, with a pronounced acute apex and a notably wrinkled blade surface. The non-wavy type also bore intensely wavy petal margins and exhibited a smaller flower diameter, with a notable absence of a functional pistil, indicating female sterility. The insights gained allowed for early differentiation during the seedling period. This study suggests that the inheritance of these flower forms is regulated by an allele WAVY (Wv), which exhibits incomplete dominance. Concretely, the non-wavy form arises from a recessive homozygous expression (wvwv), the extreme-wavy from a dominant homozygous expression (WvWv), and the medium-wavy from a heterozygous expression (Wvwv). This study provides clarity on morphological descriptions and inheritance patterns of wavy flower forms, facilitating strategic breeding of diverse flower forms in periwinkle.