Nulliparous Females Research Articles

Mitochondrial physiology varies with parity and body mass in the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus).

The life-history patterns that animals display are a product of their ability to maximize reproductive performance while concurrently balancing numerous metabolic demands. For example, the energetic costs of reproduction may reduce an animal's ability to support self-maintenance and longevity. In this work, we evaluated the impact of parity on mitochondrial physiology in laboratory mice. The theory of mitohormesis suggests that modest exposure to reactive oxygen species can improve performance, while high levels of exposure are damaging. Following this theory, we hypothesized that females that experienced one bout of reproduction (primiparous) would display improved mitochondrial capacity and reduced oxidative damage relative to non-reproductive (nulliparous) mice, while females that had four reproductive events (multiparous) would have lower mitochondrial performance and greater oxidative damage than both nulliparous and primiparous females. We observed that multiple reproductive events enhanced the mitochondrial respiratory capacity of liver mitochondria in females with high body mass. Four-bout females showed a positive relationship between body mass and mitochondrial capacity. In contrast, non-reproductive females showed a negative relationship between body mass and mitochondrial capacity and primiparous females had a slope that did not differ from zero. Other measured variables, too, were highly dependent on body mass, suggesting that a female's body condition has strong impacts on mitochondrial physiology. We also evaluated the relationship between how much females allocated to reproduction (cumulative mass of all young weaned) and mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in the multiparous females. We found that females that allocated more to reproduction had lower basal respiration (state 4), lower mitochondrial density, and higher protein oxidation in liver mitochondria than females that allocated less. These results suggest that, at least through their first four reproductive events, female laboratory mice may experience bioenergetic benefits from reproduction but only those females that allocated the most to reproduction appear to experience a potential cost of reproduction.

Mosquitoes are attracted by the odour of Plasmodium-infected birds

Parasites can manipulate their hosts to increase their transmission success. Avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium) are thought to alter the cues such as host odour, used by host-seeking mosquitoes. Bird odour is affected by secretions from the uropygial gland and may play a role in modulating vector-host interactions. We tested the hypothesis that mosquitoes are more attracted to the uropygial secretions and/or whole-body odour (headspace) of Plasmodium-infected house sparrows (Passer domesticus) than to those of uninfected birds. We tested the attraction of nulliparous (e.g. uninfected mosquitoes without previous access to blood) Culex pipiens females towards these stimuli in a dual-choice olfactometer. We used Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses to assess whether Plasmodium infection is associated with differences in the chemical composition of uropygial secretions. Mosquitoes were more attracted to the odours of infected than uninfected birds, regardless of sex. However, the significant interaction between infection status and the stimuli (uropygial secretion or headspace) showed that mosquitoes were more attracted to the headspace of infected birds; no differences were found in the case of uropygial secretions. The compounds in the volatile lipophilic fraction of the uropygial secretion did not differ between infected and uninfected birds. These results support the host manipulation hypothesis since avian Plasmodium parasites may be capable of altering their host’s body odour, thereby making infected individuals more attractive to mosquitoes.

Biomechanical analysis of the three recommended breastfeeding positions.

For maternal and infant benefits, cradle, cross-cradle and football hold positions have been recommended and widely utilized by mothers during breastfeeding (BF) tasks. There is paucity of data on the biomechanical costs of these BF positions. This study evaluated the trunk lean angles and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the trunk muscles during these BF positions. In this experimental study, 25 nulliparous females carried a 6-kg weighing infant, while simulating BF tasks in each of the three BF hold positions for five minutes respectively. During each task, forward and lateral trunk lean angles were measured with a single inclinometer. Activities of the right and left erector spinae (ES) and external oblique (EO) muscles were also measured via surface electromyography. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze data at a significance level of 0.05. Cross-cradle position resulted in significantly higher anterior trunk lean and right ES and EO muscle activities. Conversely, cradle position significantly elicited highest activities in the left ES and EO muscles. Left trunk lean angles were highest during the football position. Football BF position may pose less risk of BF-related musculoskeletal disorders in nursing mothers, as compared to the cradle and cross-cradle BF positions.

Is there a role for HLA-G in the induction of regulatory T cells during the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy?

Pregnancy remains an immune challenge for the uterus that has to adapt to a semi-allogeneic fetus using various regulatory mechanisms. Both HLA-G and regulatory Tcells(CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ Tregs ) are upregulated in successful pregnancy, but not in abortion. It is unclear if HLA-G plays a role in the upregulation of regulatory cells. We measured the level of both sHLA-G and Treg cells in the blood of healthy pregnant multigravida, unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (URSA) and healthy non-pregnant and nulliparous females. We cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy non-pregnant multigravida females who never had an abortion with lymphocytes of their partners at ratio of 1:1, with and withoutsHLA-Gto detect changes in number ofTreg cells, or relevant cytokines. Soluble HLA-G concentrations and Treg cells percentage were significantly lower in women with URSA as compared to healthy pregnant multigravida women and were comparable to healthy non-pregnant nulliparous women. Percentage of Tregs increased between zero time and mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) in both cultures with and without recombinant sHLA-G but no significant difference between the two cultures. When stimulated with sHLA-G the mean extracellular IL-10 concentration was unchanged, while the mean INF-γ concentration was slightly higher with no significant difference. Intracellular TGF-β was higher in CD4+ cells after incubation with sHLA-G. The results of this study are consistent with previous studies on the role of sHLA-G and Treg cells in inducing immune-tolerance in pregnancy. The results also suggest a possible role for HLA-G in the enrichment of Treg cells.

A Mondrian matrix of seasonal patterns of Culicoides nulliparous and parous females at different latitudes in Spain

Insects from genus Culicoides (Diptera; Ceratopogonidae) transmit arboviruses such as Bluetongue virus (BTV); affecting wild and domestic ruminants. These insects are age graded for monitoring purposes in surveillance programs. Parous females (PF) are the only fraction of the entire population that could effectively transmit viruses in a subsequent blood meal. Data of the Spanish Entomosurveillance National Program from 2008 to 2010 were used to analyse the seasonal pattern of the nulliparous females (NF) and PF of the vector species Obsoletus complex, C. imicola, C. newsteadi and C. pulicaris. Latitude variation on the seasonal abundance patterns of PF was also analysed in trap sites spanning a North-South axis in mainland Spain. The weekly abundance of PF was always highest in summer. The peak of abundance mainly occurred between April and July except for C. imicola that was from September to November. The analysis of the latitudinal seasonal variation of PF in Spain showed that Northern provinces have absence of C. imicola while the Obsoletus species were more present in Northern areas. There were periods of the year were no individuals of any vector species were collected, which should be considered in order to calculate the Seasonally Vector-Free Period (SVFP). Culicoides newsteadi and C. pulicaris exhibited the highest population in Toledo, probably related to their inland preferences. These findings would be of interest for a better understanding of the periods of low and high risk of transmission of BTV in Spain.

Impact Of Hypotensive Action Of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor On Ovarian-Intraovarian Blood Flow And Follicles Development In Goats Hormonally Stimulated With Repeated Fsh-Ecg Treatment

Background: Recent evidence shows that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) participates in important reproductive processes, such as steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation. Several studies have proposed to use an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) as a RAS modulator, aiming to improve reproductive efficiency, however, the presence of the main components of this system in reproductive tissues still need to be further investigated, since the physiological functions seem to be species-specific. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of enalapril-maleate, an ACE inhibitor, during repeated gonadotropins treatment on ovarian blood flow and follicular development in goats. Materials, Methods and Results: Twenty Anglo-Nubian cross-bred goats were equally grouped according to parity (n=10/group): nulliparous and multiparous parity. In each group, five animals were randomly selected to receive 0.4 mg.kg-1 of enalapril-maleate during 11 days of estrus synchronization and gonadotropins treatments. The other animals received the same volume of saline solution. Estrus synchronization of all goats was made by intramuscular administration of PGF2α analog, followed 48 h later by intravaginal insertion of a controlled internal drug release device. Forty-eight hours after device withdrawal, a single dose of 60 mg of FSH plus 300 UI of eCG was administered and repeated every 4 days to complete 3 treatments. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed using pulsed and color Doppler to evaluate Doppler velocimetrics parameters of the ovarian artery and intraovarian blood flow, respectively, and B-mode real-time ultrasound scanner to evaluate the follicular development. In the females treated with enalapril-maleate was observed a significant reduction of systolic and diastolic peak, without difference according to parity. In addition, in the third session of hormonal stimulation, only the groups (nulliparous and multiparous) not treated with enalapril maleate had a significant increase in the intraovarian blood flow (Doppler area). In treated group was also found a greater number of small follicles, a lower proportion of follicle ≥ 5 mm and a smaller follicular size. In the same group, the nulliparous females had a lower proportion of large follicles compared to the saline group, otherwise, there were no differences between the treatments in multiparous goats. In the group treated with enalapril maleate, higher number of large follicles was observed in multiparous animals than in the nulliparous ones.Discussion: In vivo and in vitro studies have shown clear effects of RAS modulation on reproductive aspects. Our results confirmed the hypotensive effect of enalapril maleate on the ovarian artery and intraovarian blood flow, also showing that the administration of the drug reduced the process of follicular depletion and the growth of large follicles. These findings suggest that the hypotensive effects observed in our experiment, result from the treatment with the ACE inhibitor, and that this alteration in hemodynamic parameters may be the main responsible for the lower follicular response observed in animals treated with enalapril-maleate. We suggest that further studies are necessary to elucidate possible effects of the administration of an ACE inhibitor on ovarian activity, especially in the expression of genes associated with follicular, oocyte and embryonic development. Finally, the study conclude that the administration of enalapril-maleate in our experimental condition exhibit a hypotensive effect on ovarian circulatory system but did not show to promote a real benefit of follicular development in goats.

Cattle adapted to tropical and subtropical environments: genetic and reproductive considerations

Efforts to understand biological functions and develop management schemes specific to Bos indicus-influenced cattle raised in tropical and subtropical environments are critical to meet the increasing global demand for protein. In the United States, B. indicus breeds are mostly used to generate B. indicus × B. taurus crosses with increased thermal and parasite tolerance, while retaining some productive characteristics of B. taurus cattle. Although crossbreeding represents a proven strategy to improve cattle adaptation almost immediately, research has also attempted to identify B. taurus genetics that can withstand subtropical and tropical climates. Reduced milk production and delayed reproductive maturation appear to be related with tropical adaptation of B. taurus breeds, as a means to conserve energy under stressful conditions and limited nutrition. Moreover, longevity may be the ultimate adaptation response to unfavorable environments, and retention of bulls and heifers from proven cows is the recommended strategy to improve longevity in B. indicus-influenced herds. Besides selection for longevity, other aspects should be considered when planning reproductive management in tropical and subtropical regions. Bos indicus and B. taurus breeds have multiple differences pertaining to reproductive function, including age at puberty, ovarian dynamics, and pregnancy development. Nutritional strategies such as the stair-step regimen, and use of exogenous progesterone (P4) inserts are options to hasten puberty attainment of late-maturing B. indicus-influenced heifers. Yet, limited pharmacological alternatives are available for reproductive management of B. indicus-influenced females in the United States, which rely on GnRH-based protocols not specifically designed to the reproductive function of B. indicus breeds. In contrast, hormonal protocols based on exogenous P4, estradiol esters, and equine chorionic gonadotropin are available for use in B. indicus females in South America. These include protocols tailored to prepubertal heifers, anestrous cows, and cycling nulliparous or parous females, which often yield pregnancy rates of 50% to fixed-time artificial insemination. The global dairy industry also faces similar challenges in increasing demand and production as the beef industry. Selection of cows capable of sustaining optimal milk yield, reproductive success, and health status in hot and humid conditions is essential for optimal dairy production in subtropical and tropical regions.

Morphometric analysis and key dimensions of the female breast: a baseline study of 500 nulliparous Nigerian females

Context: The female breast is a symbol of femininity. With recent developments in the surgical management of breast pathology, women now demand better aesthetic outcomes. Data on breast morphometry which should guide Nigerian breast surgeons in decision making is scarce. Aims: This study was aimed at measuring morphometric breast values in nulliparous Nigerian females, thus establishing reference data for the region. Settings and Design: This was a prospective and community-based study in which volunteer female students from the study hospital and 3 secondary schools in the community underwent breast measurements in order to establish reference data. Methods and Material: Physical measurements were carried out using measuring tape and meter rule, in the standing position. Statistical Analysis Used: Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and Student’s t-test analysis carried out.Results : Five hundred female volunteers with age range 15–30 years were studied. The average distance from the suprasternal notch to the right and left nipples were 19.76 cm and 20.09 cm respectively. The average distance from right and left nipples respectively to their inframammary folds were 8.13 cm and 8.28 cm. Breast dimensions were symmetrical in >50% of subjects. In the subjects with asymmetry, more were found to have greater left breast dimensions than right. Conclusions: Physical measurements of the Nigerian female breast are comparable with ranges in other parts of the world except for the Inframammary fold to nipple distance which is longer than values in studies on white subjects. This study establishes preliminary morphometric breast reference data for Nigerian females.

Does load position on the trunk affect cardiopulmonary responses of the bearer during simulated front and back infant carrying methods?

Background: The position of the infant on the trunk during back and front infant carrying methods (ICMs) may be a potential factor of maternal physiological changes. Related information is necessary for the establishment of guiding principles for infant carrying tasks. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate cardiopulmonary responses to infant-load positions on the trunk during simulated back and front ICMs. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three nulliparous females completed four trials while walking with a 6 kg simulated infant, being carried in four trunk positions (upper back, lower back, upper front, and lower front). Cardiopulmonary indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate) and rating of perceived exertion were assessed pre- and post-trials. Results: All the cardiopulmonary indices did not change significantly (P > 0.05) as the infant load moved from upper to lower trunk positions during the back and front ICMs. However, marginal differences were observed. Participants perceived the lower back and upper front ICMs as less exerting than the upper back and lower front ICMs. Conclusions: Infant-load position on the trunk is not an important factor in the cardiopulmonary responses to back and front infant carrying tasks, although the lower back and upper front ICMs were perceived to be more comfortable.

Role of three-dimensional ultrasound in females with obstructed defecation (in comparison with defecography)

BackgroundGrowing attention of pelvic floor disorders has led to development of new imaging techniques, with increasing importance of ultrasonography. The 3DUS technique is considered an accessible tool for imaging of the posterior pelvic compartment. The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of 3D ultrasound in evaluation of obstructed defecation in females and comparing the findings with defecography.ResultsStudy included 30 females classified into two groups: (1) 20 patients (case group complaining of obstructed defecation); (2) ten females (control group-normal nulliparous females). All of them were subjected to defecography and 3D ultrasound during resting, squeezing, and straining. Detection rate of rectocele and intussusception with 3D ultrasound was lower than defecography. By US, significant statistical difference between patients and controls in all measurements of levator hiatus, IS, ES, and PRS thickness during straining (P value < 0.001). During straining, cut-off value of 20.75 cm2 for hiatal area gives sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95% and using ARA, cut-off value of 105° gives sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 90% for differentiation between patients and controls.ConclusionUltrasound can be considered a complementary test to defecography in investigation of patients with obstructed defecation. Ultrasound can diagnose levator muscle attenuation and avulsion, thickness of IS, ES, PRS, and distensibility of hiatal area.

Feasibility of successfully breeding rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to obtain healthy infants year-round.

Rhesus monkeys are typically seasonal breeders but can be induced to extend the timing of their mating and births under captive conditions. The following analyses evaluated the potential impact of extending their pregnancies and deliveries year-round. Birth records from a large breeding colony housed in an indoor facility with a constant 14-hr light/10-hr dark cycle were analyzed across 25 years to examine seasonal trends in monkeys that mated in one of two ways: spontaneous in social groups or with a scheduled, timed-mating protocol. The dates of delivery and birth weights for 2,084 infants were used in these analyses. Younger nulliparous females mating in social groups evinced a clear seasonal peak when birthing their first infant. However, older females, both primiparous and multiparous, could be bred continuously, which enable the birth of infants in every month of the year. Based on the live birth rate, infant birth weights, high survival rates, and the normal sex ratio of infants birthed year-round, there were no adverse effects of breeding rhesus monkeys in this way. The continuous availability of infant births can be very advantageous for many types of research programs.

Irregular ovarian cyclicity is associated with adrenal activity in female eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli)

To achieve self-sustaining and genetically diverse populations ex situ, captive breeding programmes must ensure good overall rates of reproduction, and equal contribution across individuals. Previous research in the critically endangered eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) revealed a high incidence of irregular oestrous cyclicity; in particular extended cycle duration among nulliparous females and acyclic periods in parous females that have not bred for several years. Irregular ovarian activity could play a role in reduced reproductive output; however, the mechanisms underlying these anomalies are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to measure faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations and variability prior to and during periods of regular and irregular ovarian activity, and determine if adrenal activity influences the occurrence of different cycle types in this species. Faecal samples were collected every other day from parous (N = 6) and nulliparous (N = 12) females at eight European institutions for periods of 9–15 months. Concentration and variability in fGCM were compared between periods of regular and irregular cyclicity and between different cycle types (<20 days, 20–40 days, >40 days, acyclic) using generalized linear mixed models. Concentrations of fGCM were influenced by season and higher during the luteal than the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Taking this into account, fGCMs were increased during periods of irregular cyclicity (all types combined and during cycles >40 days in length) compared to 20–40 day cycles. This was predominantly driven by nulliparous females. The variation in fGCM concentration also differed between periods of regular and irregular cyclicity; higher standard deviation in fGCM preceded irregular cycles and >40 day cycles compared to 20–40 day cycles. These results suggest that although fGCM concentrations fluctuate across the oestrous cycle in this species, changes in adrenal activity at specific times could be one factor associated with irregular ovarian activity in the black rhinoceros.

Interleukin-1 Receptor-1 Deficiency Impairs Metabolic Function in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Female Mice.

Glucose intolerance during pregnancy is associated with short- and long-term maternal and offspring health consequences. In young male mice, knockout of the major pro-inflammatory mediator interleukin-1-receptor-1 (IL1R1) protects against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced glucose intolerance and metabolic dysfunction. This phenotype has not been examined during pregnancy. The hypothesis that IL1R1 depletion will protect females against HFD-induced glucose intolerance and metabolic dysfunction before, during, and post pregnancy is tested. C57BL/6J control and IL1R1 knockout (IL1R1-/- ) mice are randomized to either a control diet (10%kcal from fat) or HFD (45%kcal from fat), and three distinct cohorts are established: nulliparous, pregnant, and postpartum females. Contrary to the authors' hypothesis, it is found that IL1R1-/- does not protect against glucose intolerance in nulliparous or pregnant females, and while control HFD animals see a resolution of glucose tolerance postpartum, IL-1R1-/- mice remain impaired. These effects are accompanied by adipocyte hypertrophy, hyperleptinemia, and increased adipose tissue inflammatory gene expression. Maternal genotype differentially affects fetal growth in male and female fetuses, demonstrating sexual dimorphism in this genotype prior to birth. These findings suggest that IL1R1 signaling is important for normal metabolic functioning in females, during and outside of pregnancy.

Cardiac hypertrophy with obesity is augmented after pregnancy in C57BL/6 mice

BackgroundOver a third of reproductive-age women in the USA are obese, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rising in premenopausal women. Cardiac hypertrophy is an independent predictor of CVD. In contrast to pregnancy, where transiently increased left ventricular (LV) mass is not associated with cardiac damage, obesity-mediated cardiac hypertrophy is pathological. There is a paucity of data describing the effect of obesity during pregnancy on maternal cardiovascular health. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effect of obesity during pregnancy on cardiac function and structure in mice.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat (HF) or a low-fat (LF) diet for 20 weeks. After 4 weeks, LF- and HF-fed female mice were either crossed with males to become pregnant or remained non-pregnant controls. Following delivery, pups were euthanized, and females maintained on respective diets. After 20 weeks of diet feeding, cardiac function was quantified by echocardiography, and plasma leptin and adiponectin concentrations quantified in LF- and HF-fed postpartum and nulliparous females. mRNA abundance of genes regulating cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling was quantified from left ventricles using the NanoString nCounter Analysis System. Cardiac fibrosis was assessed from picrosirius red staining of left ventricles.ResultsHF-fed postpartum mice had markedly greater weight gain and fat mass expansion with obesity, associated with significantly increased LV mass, cardiac output, and stroke volume compared with HF-fed nulliparous mice. Plasma leptin, but not adiponectin, concentrations were correlated with LV mass in HF-fed females. HF feeding increased LV posterior wall thickness; however, LV chamber diameter was only increased in HF-fed postpartum females. Despite the marked increase in LV mass in HF-fed postpartum mice, mRNA abundance of genes regulating fibrosis and interstitial collagen content was similar between HF-fed nulliparous and postpartum mice. In contrast, only HF-fed postpartum mice exhibited altered expression of genes regulating the extracellular matrix.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the combined effects of pregnancy and obesity augment cardiac hypertrophy and promote remodeling. The rising prevalence of CVD in premenopausal women may be attributed to an increased prevalence of women entering pregnancy with an overweight or obese BMI.

MRI comparative study of levator ani muscle changes in nulliparous and multiparous females

BackgroundPelvic floor dysfunction is known to be among the principal factors influencing public health, regarding frequency, cost and effect on women’s quality of life. Radiographic assessment of the pelvic floor function and anatomy plays a vital role in the recognition of pelvic floor defects. The aim of this study is to detect the postpartum-related levator ani muscle changes thus defining the relationship between the vaginal deliveries and the etiology of pelvic floor dysfunction in order to provide guidelines to decrease the incidence of pelvic floor injuries during parturition and guide the treatment plan.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the puborectalis muscle thickness between the case and control groups in the right puborectalis (P value ≤ 0.001) and in the left puborectalis (P value (≤ 0.001) as well as significant midpoint thickness (P value = 0.03) with 46.2% puborectalis muscle injury in the case group compared with none in the control group.ConclusionPelvic floor MRI is highly recommended as it is a contrast-free modality that allows for both anatomical and functional analysis. Its incorporation in the routine postpartum assessment will allow early detection of abnormalities even in asymptomatic cases thus ensuring proper management and preventing the development of pelvic floor dysfunction predisposed to by repeated vaginal deliveries.

Reluctant males: why blue monkey males reject female sexual advances

Abstract Classical sexual selection theory predicts that males should mate eagerly, yet blue monkey males often reject females’ sexual invitations. We evaluated how males’ responses to female solicitations related to female characteristics, number of males and conceptive females present, and the male’s recent copulations. Using 12 years of data from a wild population, we found that males accepted only 20% of female solicitations. Odds of acceptance (copulation) increased for conceptive females, for females with whom the male copulated recently, and when fewer males were present. Odds of accepting nulliparous females decreased when more conceptive females were available, consistent with market models. Male responses did not relate to female rank or matings with other females the same day. When males responded negatively, nulliparous females were especially likely to receive aggression vs. mere refusal. Overall, males’ decisions to mate with willing females depended both on female characteristics, especially fertility, and on social context.

Sociosexual behavioral patterns involving nulliparous female orangutans (Pongo sp.) reflect unique challenges during the adolescent period.

The primate adolescent period is characterized by a series of changes in physiology, behavior, and social relationships. Orangutans have the slowest life history and the longest period of dependency of all primates. As members of a semisolitary species with high levels of sexual coercion, adolescent female orangutans face a unique combination of challenges when achieving independence from their mother. This study examined the mating behavior of adolescent female orangutans and compared it with that of adult females to assess whether mating behavior reflects distinct strategies at these different points in the life cycle. Data were collected in Gunung Palung National Park on the island of Borneo over 20 years. Mating events from adolescent (n = 19) and adult females (n = 26) were scored and compared. Adolescent female mating events had significantly higher mating scores (indicating more proceptivity) than those of adult females (β = 1.948, p = .001). Adolescent females also engaged in elaborate sociosexual interactions with different flanged males, behaviors that were never observed during mating events of adult females. These interactions involved characteristic behavior on the part of both the adolescent females and the flanged males. Given these findings and the documentation of similar accounts of adolescent female-flanged male mating from the island of Sumatra, we propose that adolescent female orangutans display distinctive behavioral repertoires throughout the genus Pongo which serves to overcome male ambivalence toward nulliparous females, establish familiarity, and evaluate coercive tendencies in flanged males. We suggest that these behavioral patterns are an integral part of female social development in a female philopatric, but highly dispersed species where consistent social support is absent after ranging independence is achieved.

D-Cycloserine and estradiol enhance fear extinction in nulliparous but not primiparous female rats

Female reproductive experience has been shown to alter the hormonal, neurobiological and behavioural features of fear extinction, which is the laboratory basis of exposure therapy. This raises uncertainties as to whether pharmacological agents that enhance fear extinction in reproductively inexperienced females are equally effective in reproductively experienced females. The aim of the current study was therefore to compare the effects of two pharmacological enhancers of fear extinction, d-cycloserine (DCS) and estradiol, between nulliparous (virgin) and primiparous (reproductively experienced) female rats. In Experiment 1, nulliparous and primiparous females received systemic administration of either DCS or saline immediately after extinction training, and were tested for extinction recall the following day. DCS enhanced extinction recall in nulliparous females that showed low levels of freezing at the end of extinction training, but not among those that showed high levels of freezing at the end of extinction training. DCS did not enhance fear extinction in primiparous females, regardless of their level of freezing at the end of extinction training. In Experiment 2, nulliparous and primiparous female rats received systemic administration of either estradiol or vehicle prior to extinction training. Estradiol enhanced extinction recall among nulliparous females, but not primiparous females. Increasing the dose of estradiol administered prior to extinction training did not alter the outcomes in primiparous females (Experiment 3). Together, these findings suggest that reproductive status may be an important individual difference factor associated with the response to pharmacological modulators of extinction in rats. The implications of these findings for the pharmacological augmentation of exposure therapy in clinical populations are discussed.

Assessment of anxiety, stress and depression in primary dysmenorrhic females

Background: Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological complaint, adversely affects the quality life and work productivity in females of reproductive age. Risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea include age, early menarche, low body mass index (BMI), menorrhagia, family history, smoking, nulliparity, depression and stress. This study was carried to find out the pattern of dysmenorrhea in young Pakistani females, and to determine its association with stress, depression and anxiety.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a cross sectional questionnaire based study conducted on 300 female participants of age 20-30 years studying at the local university. Healthy, nulliparous females with the occurrence of dysmenorrhea were included in the study whereas those females who had gynecological, psychological or other medical problems were excluded from the study. Students were asked to provide the information about their socioeconomic status, dysmenorrheal symptoms, mental health status, their habits and other medical characteristics. To evaluate the effect of stress, depression and anxiety, Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used. All statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.&#x0D; Results: Of the total dysmenorrhic females 31% were married, 57% had positive family history of dysmenorrhea, 18% of the subjects had BMI&lt;18Kg/m2 while 39% reported high waist hip ratio (WHR). The incidence of menstrual irregularity and menorrhagia was identified in 67% and71%, respectively while passing of clots were found to be in 71% subjects. Significant differences were observed in terms of anxiety (p=0.025) and stress (p=0.028) between the two groups but there was no statistical difference in the levels of depression (p=0.11). It was found that depression is a common complaint irrespective of presence or absence of dysmenorrhea during periods.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study shows that high stress level and anxiety were positively associated with primary dysmenorrhea in young adolescent females. Therefore, mental health promotion and counselling measures should be taken to lessen the severity of dysmenorrhea.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in female cheerleaders: a cross-sectional study.

Cheerleaders perform high-impact maneuvers that can be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. We hypothesized that female cheerleaders would report more symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and fewer symptoms of premenstrual syndrome than nonathletic women. This cross-sectional study included high-performance female cheerleaders and young nonathletic, nulliparous, and normal-weight females. Demographics, sports practices, and pelvic floor dysfunction data were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Urinary symptoms were collected through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and King's Health Questionnaire. Intestinal symptoms were collected through the use of Criterion F of item C3, referring to functional constipation of Rome III and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Data on sexual function were collected through the Female Sexual Function Index. Data on pelvic organ prolapse were obtained through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS). In addition, questions about premenstrual syndrome-dysmenorrhea, irritability, headache, tiredness, fluid retention, and constipation-were collected through the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire. The comparison between groups of the quantitative variables was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for comparison between groups on the occurrence of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction symptoms. A significance level of 5% was adopted. A total of 156 women (78 cheerleaders and 76 nonathletes) completed the electronic questionnaire. Anal incontinence was the most prevalent symptom of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Cheerleaders were 2.3 times more likely to report symptoms regarding anal incontinence than nonathletic women. For the other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, no statistical differences between the groups were found. Cheerleaders reported fewer symptoms of tiredness and constipation during the premenstrual period than did nonathletic women. Pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly anal incontinence, appears to be more prevalent among cheerleaders than among nonathletic women. In addition, cheerleaders demonstrated fewer symptoms of tiredness and constipation during the premenstrual period.