Sexual Skin Research Articles

Can We Use the Study of Introspection to Assess Decision-Making and Understand Consciousness in Cephalopods? A Reply to Kammerer and Frankish

Kammerer and Frankish (this issue) suggest we evaluate introspection of mental states to examine consciousness, but in cephalopods we can only judge internal actions by behaviour output. We can look for mental states — perceptions, beliefs, and intentions — where the tight input–action linkage that is true for reflexes, instincts, and well-learned actions is discontinuous. Here the animal is internally evaluating the sensory input from previous information and making a decision before acting. Perceptions: the octopus motion parallax head bob and wound tending. Beliefs: the cuttlefish delay of gratification. Intentions: use of previous information for future strategies in octopus win-switch foraging and carrying a coconut for future shelter. Intentions are also used in skin displays, their widespread directional lateralization, the octopus 'passing cloud' to startle an immobile prey, the cuttlefish eyespot dot production to repel only visual predators, and the cuttlefish males' deceptive use of the female skin display. These examples allow us to assume in what situations introspection might be used but tell us little about the process of these actions. However, the quantitative variation, laterality, and combination of different displays suggest that cephalopod sexual skin displays are a special case of linkage of internal evaluation to external output that needs further behavioural and neurophysiological assessment.

Oxytocin and testosterone administration amplify viewing preferences for sexual images in male rhesus macaques.

Social stimuli, like faces, and sexual stimuli, like genitalia, spontaneously attract visual attention in both human and non-human primates. Social orienting behaviour is thought to be modulated by neuropeptides as well as sex hormones. Using a free viewing task in which paired images of monkey faces and anogenital regions were presented simultaneously, we found that male rhesus macaques overwhelmingly preferred to view images of anogenital regions over faces. They were more likely to make an initial gaze shift towards, and spent more time viewing, anogenital regions compared with faces, and this preference was accompanied by relatively constricted pupils. On face images, monkeys mostly fixated on the forehead and eyes. These viewing preferences were found for images of both males and females. Both oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide linked to social bonding and affiliation, and testosterone (TE), a sex hormone implicated in mating and aggression, amplified the pre-existing orienting bias for female genitalia over female faces; neither treatment altered the viewing preference for male anogenital regions over male faces. Testosterone but not OT increased the probability of monkeys making the first gaze shift towards female anogenital rather than face pictures, with the strongest effects on anogenital images of young and unfamiliar females. Finally, both OT and TE promoted viewing of the forehead region of both female and male faces, which display sexual skins, but decreased the relative salience of the eyes of older males. Together, these results invite the hypothesis that both OT and TE regulate reproductive behaviours by acting as a gain control on the visual orienting network to increase attention to mating-relevant signals in the environment.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours’.

Do female bonobos (Pan paniscus) disperse at the onset of puberty? Hormonal and behavioral changes related to their dispersal timing

Natal dispersal is a milestone in an animal's life history, but its timing in developmental trajectories may differ between species. Although the two Pan species exhibit a similar pattern of female-biased dispersal, female bonobos (P. paniscus) leave their natal groups at an earlier age than female chimpanzees (P. troglodytes). As a preliminary step to explore the dispersal strategies of female bonobos, this study aimed to determine the relations of sexual swelling development, behavioral and hormonal activation, and first ovulation relative to dispersal timing. We measured levels of urinary estrone conjugates (E1C) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) from 14 nulliparous females in wild bonobo groups at Wamba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and recorded their copulations with mature males. When close to dispersal, female bonobos exhibited swelling of the sexual skin (labia minora and perianal region) that did not reach the mature stage. Urinary E1C levels and copulation rates increased slightly before dispersal and greatly increased after dispersal. Ovulatory or gestatory signs implied by daily hormone profiles were not detected until one to two years after dispersal. Our findings indicate that female bonobos disperse at an early pubertal stage before ovulatory cycling is established. This earlier dispersal than sexual maturation could allow female bonobos to postpone reproduction-related energy costs until they become familiar with their new group or gain more time finding the group more suitable for successful reproduction in the future before actually settling. Further demographic and genetic data from dispersal to reproduction will help clarify their dispersal strategies.

Physical, behavioral, and hormonal changes in the resumption of sexual receptivity during postpartum infertility in female bonobos at Wamba

The operational sex ratio (OSR) is used as a predictor for the intensity of mating competition. While many factors affect the OSR, there tends to be a high male bias in primate species with long interbirth intervals and non-seasonal breeding, such as hominid apes. However, the OSR of bonobos (Pan paniscus) is lower than that of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), which is thought to reduce competitive and aggressive male behaviors. The low OSR of bonobos is considered to result from the early resumption of female sexual receptivity during postpartum infertility and the receptivity that they continue to show until the late stage of pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to examine the early resumption of sexual receptivity by providing quantitative data on the resumption of maximal swelling (MS) in sexual skin and copulation, and changes in urinary estrone conjugate (E1C) concentrations during postpartum infertility in wild bonobos at Wamba in the Luo Scientific Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo. An analysis of 9 years of data revealed that females showed the first MS at 225.4 ± 132.7 days after parturition and performed the first copulation at 186.8 ± 137.5 days after parturition, both of which were in the early stage of postpartum infertility. The proportion of days with MS and the frequency of copulation steadily increased subsequently; however, the rate of increase gradually slowed approximately 42–48 months after parturition. There was a significant correlation between the proportion of days with MS and the frequency of copulation in each period for each female. We confirmed that E1C concentrations were significantly higher during the MS phase than during the non-MS phase. Data collected over 15 months on the E1C concentration during MS showed that it increased linearly from the early stage of lactation to the next conception. These results suggest that, although female bonobos do not usually conceive until 49.7 months after parturition, they resume MS and receptivity at a low level of E1C concentration during an early stage of postpartum infertility. This study of female bonobo receptivity and sex hormone changes during the postpartum non-fertile period provides important insights for examining the evolution of low OSR, which has been considered to contribute to peaceful social relationships among bonobos.

Gene flow from rhesus (Macaca mulatta) to cynomolgus macaques (M. fascicularis) and effects of introgressive hybridization on reproduction in two biomedically relevant non-human primate species.

We compared the reproductive patterns of wild Indochinese and Sundaic cynomolgus macaques (Mf) exhibiting different levels of genetic admixture with rhesus macaques (Mm). Ten adult females from each Indochinese (WHM) and Sundaic (KN/KTK) Mf populations, which exhibited 50% and 15% of Mm autosomal SNPs, were selected as focal animals. Animals were observed for 12months, and the frequencies of sexual proceptivity, attractivity and receptivity, number of newborns, and changes in sex skin were recorded. Both populations showed all three sexual behaviors throughout the year, but they were classified as moderately seasonal breeders because their 3-month birth counts were as high as ~50%. The fecundity of WHM was lower than the KN/KTK. Changes in sex skin of WHM were more prone to Mm's pattern than the KN/KTK. The introgressive gene flow from Mm to Mf does not affect Mf's sexual behaviors; however, it can impact fecundity and physiological (sex skin) changes.

A 9-Year Teledermoscopy Service: Retrospective Service Review

Background A teledermoscopy service was established in January 2010, where patients attended nurse-led clinics for imaging of lesions of concern and remote diagnosis by a dermatologist. Objective The study aimed to review the number of visits, patient characteristics, the efficiency of the service, and the diagnoses made. Methods We evaluated the waiting time and diagnosis of skin lesions for all patient visits from January 1, 2010, to May 31, 2019. The relationships between patient characteristics and the diagnosis of melanoma were specifically analyzed. Results The teledermoscopy clinic was attended by 6479 patients for 11,005 skin lesions on 8805 occasions. Statistically significant risk factors for the diagnosis of melanoma/melanoma in situ were male sex, European ethnicity, and Fitzpatrick skin type 2. Attendance was maximal during 2015 and 2016. The seasonal variation in visits 2011-2018 revealed a consistent peak at the end of summer and a dip at the end of winter. In the year 2010, 306 patients attended; 76% (233/306) of these were discharged to primary care and 24% (73/306) were referred to hospital for specialist assessment. For patients diagnosed by the dermatologist with suspected melanoma from January 1, 2010, to May 31, 2019, the median waiting time for an imaging appointment was 44.5 days (average 57.9 days, range 8-218 days). The most common lesions diagnosed were benign naevus (2933/11,005, 27%), benign keratosis (2576/11,005, 23%), and keratinocytic cancer (1707/11,005, 15%); melanoma was suspected in 5% (507/11,005) of referred lesions (Multimedia Appendix 1). The positive predictive value of melanoma/melanoma in situ was 61.1% (320 true positives and 203 false positives). The number needed to treat (ie, the ratio of the total number of excisions to the number with a histological diagnosis of melanoma/melanoma in situ) was 2.02. Conclusions Diagnoses were comparable to the experience of other teledermoscopy services. Teledermoscopy using a nurse-led imaging clinic can provide efficient and convenient access to dermatology by streamlining referrals to secondary care and prioritizing patients with skin cancer for treatment. Conflicts of Interest None declared.

Reproductive seasonality in wild northern pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonina).

Macaque reproductive patterns range from strictly seasonal breeding to non-seasonal breeding, but factors explaining this variation are not fully understood. Valid reproductive seasonality data are also still lacking for many wild macaque populations because the majority of birth data are from captive animals living outside of their geographic range. We evaluated whether the reproductive seasonality of wild northern pig-tailed macaques falls as expected by the ecological (latitude) or phylogenetic inertia hypotheses in comparison with other macaque species. We recorded monthly occurrences of births (N = 22), copulations (N = 563), and females exhibiting sex skin swellings (N = 18) in one group at Khao Yai National Park (KYNP), Thailand. Births, copulations, and females exhibiting sex skin swellings were significantly different from a random distribution. Using measures of circular statistics and the van Schaik and colleagues' (Schaik et al. Lee (ed), Comparative primate socioecology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1999) seasonality categorizations, the population at KYNP is best characterized as moderately seasonal breeding. Despite some inconsistency, macaque reproductive seasonality was significantly influenced by latitudinal location. We broadly found that: (1) non-seasonal breeding macaque populations (birth r-vector < 0.3) lived at latitudes close to the equator between 1°S and 3°N, (2) moderately seasonal breeding macaque populations (0.3 < birth r-vector < 0.7) were found between 3°N and 14°N and at 5°S, and (3) strictly seasonal breeding macaque populations (birth r-vector > 0.7) ranged ≥ 12°N. A strong phylogenetic signal in reproductive seasonality on the macaque phylogeny was also detected. However, further studies of wild macaque populations are still needed to better characterize reproductive seasonality in this taxon.

Administration of equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin (eCG) to rams to improve the reproductive performance during the non-breeding season

In most ram breeds, there are annual changes in testosterone serum concentration and semen quality. This study aimed to determine if eCG administration to rams during the non-breeding season improves the reproductive activity. In the first study, we compared the effects of administering three doses of eCG (0, 400 or 700 IU). In the second experiment we compared the effects of administering eCG to rams from two breeds originated in different latitudes, and thus, with different expected reproductive seasonal pattern (Highlander; HL and Texel; TEX). The first study was performed during the mid non-breeding season with three groups of rams: treated with 400 IU (group eCG400) or 700 IU of eCG (group eCG700), or untreated controls (group CON). Treated rams received three doses of eCG administered every 6 days. Testosterone concentration, testicular traits (scrotal circumference, testicular and sexual skin flush, and ultrasonographic testes pixel color intensity) and seminal characteristics were determined from five days before the first eCG administration until Day 24. Testosterone concentration was greater in eCG700 than in eCG400 (P <0.001) and CON (P <0.0001) rams, and in eCG400 than in CON rams (P = 0.0002). However, the treatment did not modify the testicular traits and seminal quality. The second study was performed with 15 HL and 17 TEX rams; while 8 HL and 9 TEX rams received two doses of 1000 IU of eCG (Days 0 and 5), the other rams remained as untreated controls. Scrotal circumferences, seminal traits (fresh and thawed semen, and cryopreservation ratio –CR-) as well as the sexual behavior were determined, twice before eCG administration and during 3 weeks. The treatment did not modify the scrotal circumference nor the fresh sperm traits evaluated. However, the CR of motile and progressive motile sperm were greater in eCG treated rams than in control rams on Day 7 (P = 0.01 for both). Treated rams had their second and third ejaculations earlier than control rams (P = 0.001 and P = 0.02; respectively). In conclusion, the administration of eCG during the non-breeding season stimulated testosterone secretion without modifying the main reproductive outcomes of rams. Reducing the interejaculatory intervals could be considered for intensive semen collection programs.

The effects of ageing on female genital and sexual health.

This article will explore the impact of ageing on sexual function in older women and will reflect on the social influences on women's sexual ageing, identify the effects of ageing on sexual activity, particularly on genital skin, and consider the concerns from the perspective of older women. The article will then focus on vulval skin conditions and the functional aspects of living with these conditions. Finally, the article provides a starting point for nurses to consider their own knowledge, skills and attitudes through a series of reflective questions and recommendations for those working with older women to aid the identification of issues relating to older women's sexual health and vulval skin conditions, leading to further discussions to promote genital health.

Loving More Than One Color: Bisexuals of Color in Italy Between Stigma and Resilience

The present research explored the narratives of Bi + people of Color living in northern Italy and the strategies they used to deal with multiple identity negotiations, stigma, and discrimination. As previous research suggests, Bi + people of Color face a double stigma due to the intersection between a nonmonosexual orientation and a nonwhite skin tone. Following an interdisciplinary approach between social psychology and cultural anthropology, we conducted qualitative interviews with bisexual men of Color with different migratory backgrounds (e.g. Sub-Saharan Africa and South America). Narratives of stigma and resilience emerged by focusing on the intersections between the axes of sexual orientation and skin tone. Findings illustrate how the double stigma that Bi + people of Color experience affects their personal and political lives through their relationships with relevant social actors and networks.

Relação entre eficiência da hemodiálise e estado nutricional em pacientes com doença renal crônica

AIMS: To verify the relationships between the dialysis adequacy index (Kt/V) and nutritional parameters of individuals with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at a hemodialysis institute. Data on sex, age, biochemical tests, dry weight, height, arm circumference (AC) and triceps skin fold (TSF) were collected from the medical charts. Nutritional risk index (NRI), body mass index (BMI), arm muscle circumference (AMC), corrected arm muscle area (AMAc), Kt/V and urea reduction rate (URR). The Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation were used for the statistical analysis, and a p&lt;0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 58±14.4 years, of which 96 (59%) were male. The median time on hemodialysis was 35.0 (5-234). Among the 164 patients, 60 (37%) presented nutritional risk. In the evaluation of nutritional status, the mean values obtained were 25.0±4.5 kg/m2 for BMI, 99.0±12.3% for CB adequacy, 86.7±14.5% for WBC adequacy, 122.9±66.8% for CBA adequacy and 1.4±0.4 for Kt/V. The median adequacy for PCT was 107.8% (11.5%-305.4%). There was no correlation of Kt/V with serum albumin, CB, CMB, AMAc and NRI. Kt/V had a low positive correlation with time on hemodialysis (r = 0.2197) and a low negative correlation with PCT (r = -0.1692) and with BMI (r = -01970). The correlation between Kt/V and dry weight was moderate and negative (r = -0.3710) and between Kt/V and URR the correlation was strongly positive (r = 0.81129).CONCLUSIONS: Adequate dialysis efficiency and good nutritional status were observed in most patients of the evaluated sample, with significant correlations between dialysis adequacy and parameters of nutritional status assessment.

The neuroendocrinology of sexual attraction.

Sexual attraction has two components: Emission of sexually attractive stimuli and responsiveness to these stimuli. In rodents, olfactory stimuli are necessary but not sufficient for attraction. We argue that body odors are far superior to odors from excreta (urine, feces) as sexual attractants. Body odors are produced by sebaceous glands all over the body surface and in specialized glands. In primates, visual stimuli, for example the sexual skin, are more important than olfactory. The role of gonadal hormones for the production of and responsiveness to odorants is well established. Both the androgen and the estrogen receptor α are important in male as well as in female rodents. Also in primates, gonadal hormones are necessary for the responsiveness to sexual attractants. In males, the androgen receptor is sufficient for sustaining responsiveness. In female non-human primates, estrogens are needed, whereas androgens seem to contribute to responsiveness in women.

Uterine viability in the baboon after ligation of uterine vasculature: a pilot study to assess alternative perfusion and venous return for uterine transplantation

To assess, in two separate groups of baboons, uterine viability after ligation of the uterine veins and uterine viability after ligation of both the uterine arteries and veins, respectively. Prospective, observational study. Baboon breeding colony. Six naïve female Papio hamadryas baboons with indicators of normal reproductive function. Three baboons underwent surgical interruption of the uterine veins bilaterally, and three baboons underwent surgical interruption of the uterine arteries and the uterine veins bilaterally. All baboons also underwent colpotomy, cervico-vaginal reanastomosis, and intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging after vessel ligation. In the postoperative period, transabdominal sonography, vaginoscopy, and endocervical biopsy were performed on all animals. Postoperative uterine and ovarian viability. Near-infrared imaging confirmed intraoperative perfusion of the uterus and cervico-vaginal anastomosis in all cases. In all subjects, sonography revealed normal uteri, and vaginoscopy revealed well-healed anastomoses. Endocervical biopsies (five of six) demonstrated pathologically normal endocervical tissue without evidence of necrosis. Cyclical sex skin turgescence and menstruation were unanimously observed. Disruption of bilateral uterine vessels does not affect uterine or ovarian viability in the baboon. Bilateral uterine artery and vein ligation furthers development of a minimally invasive approach to donor hysterectomy.

Female Reproductive Parameters in Wild Geladas (Theropithecus gelada)

Accurate data on reproductive parameters are essential for evaluating the adaptive and mechanistic bases of variation within and between species. Here, we combine fecal ovarian hormone analysis with measurements of sex skin swellings and reproductive behavior to describe female reproduction in geladas living in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. We collected 10 years of reproductive data from 197 females across 36 units, with hormone data from a subset of these females (60 females from 16 units). First, we use these data to calculate age at maturation, age at first birth, interbirth interval, menstrual cycle length, gestation length, and duration of postpartum amenorrhea. Second, we present composite profiles of ovarian hormones, i.e., estrogens, progestogens, and sex skin measures across reproductive stages. Third, we examine whether ovarian hormones, sex skin phenotypes, and/or reproductive behaviors reliably reflect fertility or pregnancy in female geladas. The reproductive parameters calculated from our data were similar to those in previous studies on geladas and within the range of those for closely-related baboon species. We were able to reliably identify fertility and pregnancy using fecal estrogens only. The tumescent sex skin phenotypes and reproductive behaviors associated with fertility were also observed across all reproductive stages. We suggest that their presence outside of fertility may be a by-product of the flexibility needed for one or more female counterstrategies to infanticide.

Mating games squid play: reproductive behaviour and sexual skin displays in Caribbean reef squid Sepioteuthis sepioidea

Observation of the sexual interactions of Sepioteuthis sepioidea squid during the short reproductive stage of their lives showed a scramble competition system, with both male and female polygyny. Mature females were faithful to a specific location in the daytime, whereas males moved from group to group and formed short-term consortships with females. Males defended females from other males, particularly with an agonistic Zebra display. Male–female pairs exchanged Saddle-Stripe displays, after which males might display an on–off Flicker. There was considerable female choice. Only if a female responded to this display with a parallel Rocking action would she pair and would the male deposit spermatophores at the base of her arms, and only 50% of the time did females move the spermatophores internally to where sperm might be released and stored in the oviducal gland for later fertilization of eggs. This long-term set of interactions and solitary deposition of hidden egg strings contrasts with the attraction of both sexes to a common ‘egg mop’ laid by many females which was a site of competition in other loliginid squid. Since Sepioteuthis is a primitive genus within the family Loliginidae, it may represent a generalist reproductive strategy that evolved into a specialized localization one.

Dix ans de collaboration entre la France et le Japon - Etudes sur la reproduction chez les macaques japonais

Our research interests are focused on the evolution of mating systems in primates and we aim at providing a better understanding of the adaptive signification of reproductive processes in female primates, using a comparative approach. Our Franco-Japanese collaboration (2006 - present) allowed us to study sociality and reproduction in a Catarrhine species, the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), and on different but complementary topics (reproductive energetics, reproductive strategies, sexual signaling). We first investigated the links between energetics (i.e. nutritional status, body composition) and reproductive outcomes and our studies in captive Japanese macaques showed that, even in captivity with relaxed energetic constraints (e.g. constant food availability), seasonal breeding entails relatively high energy costs and females with higher energy status could invest more in reproductive activities and could afford to reproduce more rapidly. We also investigated the information that male Japanese macaques received from females that might enable them to discern periods with higher probabilities of conception and we developed a research program on the extent to which Japanese macaques, in common with people, have evolved a system of multimodal sexual signaling. We focused on the cues and signals available to males to make their mating decisions, and we provided information on the potential role of female behavior, female skin color, odours and vocalizations as sexual signals. We suggested, in particular, that females advertized their pregnancy through changes in behavioral, visual, and potentially auditory signals, and that males use these signals to adjust their mating behaviors and avoid wasting energy on non-reproductive copulations. This holistic study, combining fieldwork and laboratory experiments, and using a multidisciplinary approach (behavioral observations (sexual interactions), digital photography (visual scoring of female sexual skin color), hormonal (fecal ovarian steroids) and chemical data (components of female vaginal secretions)) allowed us to assess how different signals may combine to influence patterns of primate mate choices.

University students' sexual orientation, contraception and toxic skin bleaching products.

Sexual orientation tends to be a taboo subject especially on the African continent where the topic is perceived by many as part of cultural affront by neo-colonial interests. In this issue of African Health Sciences, we bring you very interesting work by Nigerian authors who took on this subject by the horns and studied sexual orientation among African University students.1 What we now see is that sexual orientation is a real issue that cannot be swept under the carpet, nor can we bury our heads in the sand and become the proverbial ostrich. The authors set out to determine the pattern of sexual orientation and relationship between sexual orientation and quality of life among University students in Nigeria. They found that 0.1% of the students self identified as gay/lesbian. Almost 12% reported varying degrees of attraction to the opposite gender. Those who self identified as gay/lesbian had a lower average score on all domains of the WHO QOL BREF. You need to read details of their seminal paper. Contraception: Keeping with our reproductive health theme among university students, we bring you an interesting study by South African and Thai researchers on 'contraceptive non-use and associated factors among University students in 22 countries.'2 They aimed to investigate contraceptive non-use and associated factors (socio-demographics, sexual behaviour, internal assets and mental health) among undergraduate University students in 22 countries. They found that ‘41.9% reported to have been sexually active in the past 12 months. Of those who had been sexually active, 42.6% reported never (42.7% among male and 42.6% among female students) using contraceptives in the past 12 months.’ Some factors associated with non contraceptive use included: ‘young age, religious affiliation, intrinsic religiosity, and sexually protective behaviour were associated with contraceptive non-use.’ Lack of internal assets (among men, low life satisfaction and lack of personal control, and among women low personal mastery) were also associated with contraceptive non-use. They conclude that ‘Low contraceptive use was found and the several factors identified as associated with contraceptive non-use may help guide intervention efforts.’ Toxic skin bleaching products. Finally we selected the issue of skin bleaching because it belongs in the realm of sexuality and self esteem. Swedish and Norwegian workers bring us a very interesting paper on this subject which is often viewed as part of the neo colonial affront on the culture of African population.3 The authors were interested to know if ‘such products are used in Sweden in particular by pregnant women, and furthermore to explore immigrant women's view on skin bleaching.’ They found that skin bleaching products were used by 2.6% of pregnant women, significantlly more by women born in non-European countries. Motivating factors were associated with the concept of beauty together with social and economic advantages. The women had low awareness of the potential health risks of the products. They conclude: ‘Regulations on the trade of skin bleaching products have not effectively reduced the availability of the products in Sweden nor the popularity of skin bleaching.’

Use of the Brazilian People's Pharmacy Program by older adults.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and factors associated with the use of the expanded Brazilian People’s Pharmacy Program among older adults and the reasons for not using it.METHODS In this population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the urban area of Pelotas, RS, Southern Brazil, we evaluated 1,305 older adults (aged 60 years or over) who had used medication in the last 15 days. Independent variables were socioeconomic factors, economic status, household income in minimum wages, educational attainment in years of schooling and occupational status. Demographic variables were sex, age, marital status, and self-reported skin color/race. Poisson regression was employed to analyze the factors associated with the use of the program.RESULTS The prevalence of use was 57.0% whilst the prevalence of knowledge of the program was 87.0%. In individuals aged 80 years or over, use of the program was 41.0%. As to the origin of the prescriptions used by older adults, 46.0% were from the Brazilian Unified Health System. The main reasons for not using the program were: difficulty in getting prescriptions, medication shortage, and ignorance about the medications offered and about the program. Higher age, lower income, presence of chronic diseases, and use of four or more medications were associated with use of the program.CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to expand the knowledge and use of the Brazilian People’s Pharmacy Program, especially among older adults, and to improve the dissemination of its list of medications to users and physicians. Thus it will be possible to reduce spending on long-term medications, which are especially important for this population.

Parturition Signaling by Visual Cues in Female Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

New World monkeys have polymorphic color vision, in which all males and some females are dichromats, while most females are trichromats. There is little consensus about which selective pressures fashioned primate color vision, although detection of food, mates and predators has been hypothesized. Behavioral evidence shows that males from different species of Neotropical primates seem to perceive the timing of female conception and gestation, although, no signals fulfilling this function have been identified. Therefore, we used visual models to test the hypothesis that female marmosets show chromatic and/or achromatic cues that may indicate the time of parturition for male and female conspecifics. By recording the reflectance spectra of female marmosets’ (Callithrix jacchus) sexual skin, and running chromatic and achromatic discrimination models, we found that both variables fluctuate during the weeks that precede and succeed parturition, forming “U” and inverted “U” patterns for chromatic and achromatic contrast, respectively. We suggest that variation in skin chroma and luminance might be used by female helpers and dominant females to identify the timing of birth, while achromatic variations may be used as clues by potential fathers to identify pregnancy stage in females and prepare for paternal burdens as well as to detect oestrus in the early post-partum period.

Spectrocolourimetry Visualized Differences in Sexual Skin Colouration in Macaques

The females of some catarrhines develop conspicuous sexual skin transformations in their hind limbs. Among macaques (one of the radiated and adapted catarrhine groups with diversified sexual skin transformations), differences in sexual skin colouration between the Japanese macaque Macaca fuscata and the rhesus macaque M. mulatta have not been quantitatively analysed. In this study, the sexual skin colouration of these macaques was spectrocolourimetrically measured in the non-mating season (NMS) and the mating season (MS) and represented in a CIELAB space with the variables L*, a* and b*. The variables L*, a* and b* represent positions on the light-dark, red/magenta-green, and yellow-blue axes, respectively. In the Japanese macaques the average ± SD of L*, a* and b* was 53.61 ± 3.31, 11.51 ± 4.57 and 6.66 ± 2.25 in the NMS and 46.60 ± 2.78, 19.97 ± 2.99 and 8.80 ± 1.34 in the MS, respectively, while in the rhesus macaques the average ± SD of L*, a* and b* was 60.09 ± 3.96, 5.99 ± 4.59 and 5.83 ± 2.37 in the NMS and 52.70 ± 6.54, 13.62 ± 6.86 and 8.07 ± 1.43 in the MS, respectively. The sexual skin of the Japanese macaques was consistently much redder (larger a*) and darker (smaller L*) than that of the rhesus macaques. The smaller L* suggested a greater dermal melanin content in the Japanese macaques. These closely related macaque species have similar but distinct sexual skin colourations. Spectrocolourimetry is thus useful to suggest the histophysiological background of the colouration.