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Impact of voluntary termination of pregnancy on female sexual function: A french monocentric longitudinal study
Background Voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTOP) is common in France, yet its impact on female sexual function remains incompletely understood. Previous studies often reported changes in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores without validated diagnostic thresholds, limiting clinical interpretation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and evolution of sexual dysfunction over six months following VTOP, and to explore factors associated with persistent dysfunction using a validated FSFI threshold. Methods We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study enrolling 186 adult women undergoing VTOP at Bordeaux University Hospital (Feb–May 2023). Sexual dysfunction was assessed at inclusion and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-VTOP using the validated FSFI (dysfunction defined as score ≤26.55). Additional medical and socio-demographic data were collected via self-administered questionnaires. Logistic mixed-effects models evaluated time effects and factors associated with dysfunction. The primary outcome was the prevalence of sexual dysfunction over time. Results Among participants completing follow-up (n = 47 at 6 months), sexual dysfunction prevalence decreased from 61.3% at baseline to 36.2% at 6 months (aOR = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09–0.29). Median FSFI scores increased from 24.7 to 28.5 (p = 0.012), particularly in desire, arousal, and orgasm domains. Being single (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.09–4.34) and reporting psychological symptoms were independently associated with persistent dysfunction. Discussion Among women completing follow-up, sexual function appeared to improve over six months following pregnancy resolution. Integrating psychological and relational support into post-VTOP care may help optimize recovery. The high attrition and monocentric design limit generalizability and warrant cautious interpretation.
Origin of the <sup>31</sup> P NMR Chemical Shift in Lewis Acid Adducts of Triethylphosphine Oxide. Does the Gutmann–Beckett Method Relate to Lewis Acid Strength?
Fatigue crack growth of glass fiber laminates polymer composites using vacuum bagging technique
Fatigue failure in composite polymer materials has attracted the attention of numerous researchers due to the extensive range of applications for these materials in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. In this study, E-Glass fiber chopped strand mat was laminated with Epoxy LR625 using the vacuum bagging technique (VBT). We examined mode I fatigue crack growth related to translaminar failure in chopped strand mat-reinforced resin composite laminates through both experimental and numerical methods, utilizing the extended finite element method and direct cyclic approach. The main finding of this research is determining Paris coefficients of composite polymer material, fiberglass chopped strand mat/epoxy, fabricated by VBT with translaminar cracks. Paris law constants, C and m, were determined to be 4 × 10 ⁻ ¹² and 4.8584, respectively. The results obtained from both experimental and extended finite element method (XFEM) models of fatigue life are in good agreement, with a 6% error in predicted fatigue life. This research provides the determination of the Paris coefficients, which serve as a correction between fatigue and fracture mechanics for the composite materials. The growth of fatigue cracks can be characterized by the relationship between the crack propagation rate during each loading cycle and the fluctuations in the stress intensity factor (SIF).
Quantifying Protein Homodimer Affinities and the Effect of Molecular Glues and Interface Residues Using Native Mass Spectrometry
Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of baloxavir marboxil against high pathogenicity avian influenza virus infection in duck model
High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infections have been frequently reported in wild birds since 2020. Because HPAIV infection has occasionally caused outbreaks in captive rare birds, treatment using antiviral drugs has been considered from the perspective of conservation medicine. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of baloxavir marboxil (BXM) was evaluated using a duck model to support the establishment of post-infection strategies for captive avian species. Sixteen four-week-old ducks were divided into four groups and intranasally inoculated with the HPAIV strain, A/crow/Hokkaido/0103B065/2022 (H5N1). BXM was administered orally once daily at doses of 12.5, 2.5, 0.5, or 0 mg/kg to each of the four groups from 2 to 6 days post-infection. Blood samples were collected at 2, 8, and 24 hours after the initial BXM administration to measure the plasma concentrations of its active form, baloxavir acid (BXA). All ducks were monitored until 14 days post-infection, and oral and cloacal swabs were collected for virus recovery. All eight ducks administered either 12.5 or 2.5 mg/kg of BXM survived, demonstrating a significant reduction in virus recovery compared with the 0 mg/kg group. To further characterize the relationship between BXA exposure and virus shedding, an additional experiment was conducted in which ducks received a single oral administration of BXM at doses of 7.3, 4.3, or 0.5 mg/kg at 2 days post-infection. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of BXA across all dose groups showed that reductions in virus shedding from oral swabs were positively correlated with BXA exposure, and AUC 0–24hr exhibited the strongest association. These findings demonstrate that BXM administration within 48 hours post-HPAIV infection in ducks effectively reduces mortality and virus shedding. Comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters may facilitate the estimation of optimal BXM dosing options for captive avian species.
Searching for Evidence of Plasmonic Hot Carrier-Driven Photocatalysis for Ethanol Oxidation on Core–Shell Au–Pd Nanoparticle Photoelectrodes
Planting time shapes fall armyworm infestation dynamics and associated yield loss of maize in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, maize is usually cultivated from early November to mid-December, however, recent intensification of cropping systems has expanded its cultivation period from October to March to accommodate region-specific patterns. The invasion of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), in 2018 has since posed a serious threat to maize cultivation. This study assessed the seasonal dynamics of FAW infestation and its effects on maize under IPM and control conditions across six planting months over three consecutive years in the Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain (AEZ 1), Bangladesh. Field experiments followed a split-plot design with sowing month as the main plot and treatment as the subplot. Two treatments were applied: (i) IPM plots received seed treatment with cyantraniliprole followed by foliar applications of biopesticides, and insecticides; and (ii) an untreated control. Leaf infestation was assessed from V4-V12 stages, and cob damage, grain yield, and yield loss were recorded at harvest. Heatmap analysis showed consistently high infestation in control plots, peaking at 99.3% during February-March, whereas IPM plots maintained low infestation (<4%). Infestation in untreated control plots exhibited a U-shaped, non-linear response to planting time, described by a cubic polynomial model (R² = 0.456), with highest levels in October and March and lowest in December. Cob damage and damage intensity mirrored infestation patterns, with maximum damage in March (20.3%) and significantly higher values in control plots than IPM ones. Grain yield was significantly influenced by planting month and treatment, and their interaction. Yield loss also varied across planting month, with the highest losses in March (31.6%) and February (19.4%) and minimal losses during November-January (<3.3%). These findings demonstrate that combining October planting with the recommended IPM approach maximizes maize production, whereas planting from October to January without intervention helps reduce fall armyworm (FAW) infestation and maintain yield stability in Bangladesh.
Photoinduced Palladium Catalysis Enables Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Allylic Imidation
A Study Protocol: Engagement of Lived Experience Voices for Analysis of Transformative Evidence in Mental Health Policy & Legislation (ELEVATE-MH)
Mental health conditions affect almost one in seven people globally. In response to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), efforts to strengthen mental health systems have included increased funding, destigmatization of mental health, and the engagement of People with Lived Experience (PWLE) in decision making. Yet the extent to which PWLE are engaged in mental health policy development is not well characterized in the literature. To that end, this study seeks to understand the engagement of PWLE in mental health policy making in Africa and identify strategies for enhancing meaningful engagement of PWLE. The study described in this protocol will employ a qualitative multi-methods approach, utilizing the Policy Triangle Framework to analyze the policy making process, and International Association for Public Participation Spectrum to identify the extent of PWLE engagement. We will perform a scoping review of national mental health policies and legislation. We will interview 50 key informants including mental health policymakers, advocates, and researchers, and conduct focus group discussions with 120 PWLE. Qualitative data will be subject to content and thematic analysis. Country-specific analyses will be followed by a cross-country synthesis. Findings will inform context specific and strategies to enhance meaningful engagement of PWLE in mental health policy making. These will be disseminated through stakeholder workshops in each country, academic publications, conferences, PWLE-led knowledge translation activities, and policy briefs co-authored with community advocates.
Yield Prediction of Organic Reactions in Biased Data Sets via Positive-Unlabeled Learning
The impact of linguistic features on CTR in Instagram ads: A study of supplement and cosmetic products
This study analyzes linguistic features impacting click-through rate (CTR) in Japanese Instagram ads (21,692 ads; July 2021-June 2023, Meta’s Marketing API). CTR was computed as link clicks/impressions from Meta’s Ads Manager. Using J-LIWC2015, we quantified psycholinguistic dimensions, predominantly in Japanese. Multivariate regression models, controlling for caption length, log-transformed impressions, and product-level fixed effects, identified distinct linguistic patterns predicting CTR by product category. For supplement ads, “risk” ( β = 0.108 ) and “discrepancy” ( β = 0.051 ) positively impacted CTR; “motion” ( β = − 0.090 ) and “negative emotion” ( β = − 0.076 ) decreased it. For cosmetic ads, “see” ( β = 0.134 ) , “positive emotion” ( β = 0.088 ) , and “motion” ( β = 0.046 ) were positive predictors, while “body” ( β = − 0.103 ) and “negative emotion” ( β = − 0.053 ) decreased it. These findings underscore the critical role of linguistic features in enhancing advertising impact when aligned with the psychological needs of target audiences. By leveraging these insights, marketers can develop data-driven communication strategies to optimize engagement on Instagram.
Validating self-reported exclusive breastfeeding in Eswatini using stable isotope techniques
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) prevalence at the population level is typically assessed through maternal or caregiver reports, which are prone to recall and social desirability biases. The deuterium oxide dose-to-mother (DTM) technique offers an objective alternative by administering a small amount of deuterium-labeled water to lactating mothers. This study compared the prevalence of EBF from maternal recall versus the DTM method in Eswatini and evaluated the strengths and limitations of both approaches in assessing infant feeding practices linked to malnutrition. A total of 102 mother-infant pairs were recruited from three regional hospitals and three health centers in Eswatini. EBF was assessed by maternal recall using the WHO 24-hour infant feeding recall method and objectively measured using the DTM stable isotope technique at three infant age intervals: 6 weeks to 2.4 months (n = 26), 2.5 to 4.0 months (n = 43), and 4.1 to 5.5 months (n = 33). Two cutoff values defined EBF status via the stable isotope method. Agreement between maternal recall and DTM measurements was analyzed using Kappa statistics. Maternal recall consistently overestimated EBF across all time points compared to the DTM method. Using Model 1 cutoffs, prevalences of EBF by maternal recall vs. DTM were 100% vs. 50% (≤2.4 months), 79.5% vs. 18.2% (2.5–4 months), and 71.9% vs. 18.8% (4.1–5.5 months). For Model 2, prevalences were 100% vs. 65.4%, 79.5% vs. 50%, and 71.9% vs. 43.8%, respectively. The difference between the two models is the cutoff that was used to determine EBF using the DTM method. Kappa analysis showed minimal agreement between methods at each time point. The DTM technique provides a more accurate and objective measure of EBF than maternal recall and is the gold standard for smaller sample studies. Maternal recall substantially overestimated exclusive breastfeeding prevalence, while the deuterium oxide technique yielded more reliable, objective assessments of infant feeding practices, highlighting the need to interpret recall data with caution due to overreporting.
Plasma proteome is altered in a piglet model of fetal growth restriction
Chaotropic Anions Promote Electrochemical C–C Bond Formation by Reshaping Interfacial Solvation
Psychiatric health of Icelandic adults 40 years or older: A nationwide study of diagnoses, medications, and symptoms
Nationwide, population-based psychiatric health data, preferably incorporating information from various assessment methods such as health registries and self-report measures, are needed to manage healthcare systems and shape public health policies. The aim of the study is to assess the psychiatric health of individuals 40 years and older by examining data on psychiatric diagnoses, medication, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. This is a cross-sectional study using a nationwide cohort. All Icelanders 40 years and older were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study, and 80,759 (54.3%) registered. Data from health registries and validated self-report measures were used. A total of 16,764 individuals (20.8%) received one or more psychiatric diagnoses in the year prior to starting the study, with nonorganic sleep disorders, other anxiety disorders, and a depressive episode being the most common. Additionally, 27,642 (34.2%) filled at least one psychotropic prescription (19.9% without a formal diagnosis filled prescriptions), with 24.3% filling one or more prescriptions for benzodiazepine related medications or benzodiazepine derivatives. Rates of diagnoses and filled prescriptions increased across age groups. Most participants reported no or mild anxiety (94.3%), and minimal or mild depressive symptoms (88.8%). Over half (59.3%) reported satisfaction or extreme satisfaction with life. The results reveal the widespread prevalence of psychiatric disorders across the population in a real-world, nationwide context, emphasizing the need for psychiatric care. However, the non-specific and broad nature of diagnoses limits the ability to provide appropriate care. Additionally, the findings highlight a reliance on psychotropic medications to manage psychiatric symptoms and disorders, even without a formal diagnosis. The rate of filled benzodiazepine prescriptions is alarming, as these medications are not recommended as a first-line treatment for psychiatric disorders. The findings provide population-based psychiatric health data that can inform healthcare management and guide public health policy.
Revealing institutional vulnerabilities in Nordic health systems through multidimensional scaling of COVID-19 mortality data
Electrolyte-Guided Selectivity Unlocks Pathway Control in Electrochemical Olefin Functionalization
Catch basin larvicide treatments impact adult mosquito West Nile virus vector species in metropolitan Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A.
Roadside stormwater catch basins are frequently treated with larvicides in metropolitan areas because they are ideal larval growth sites for West Nile virus (WNV) vector species Culex pipiens Linnaeus and Cx. restuans (Theobald) . Despite the wide-spread implementation of catch basin treatments in integrated vector management programs, there is little entomological evidence to suggest catch basin larvicide treatments reduce adult mosquito abundance and thereby impact WNV risk. We evaluated the impact of treating catch basins at three of four sites (700–1000 basins each) with a formulation of Lysinibacillus sphaericus using a stepped-wedge cluster trial approach in metropolitan areas in Wisconsin, U.S.A in 2019. Treatment effects were measured by evaluating immature stage mosquito abundance in catch basins and general additive models (GAM) to analyze changes of the integrated adult female Culex spp. abundance and population stability sampled from host-seeking and gravid mosquito traps. We observed catch basin treatments to effectively suppress immature stages in catch basins (94% reduction of pupae). The GAM found catch basin treatment duration to significantly reduce the integrated abundance of gravid Culex spp. mosquitoes, with a total mean percent reduction of 37% at treated sites. Treatment duration was also observed to impact the stability of the gravid Culex spp. integrated abundance, with differences between untreated and treated sites, and among sites that differed in treatment duration. These results support the treatment of catch basins with biorational larvicides as a mosquito management tool for WNV vector species in similar metropolitan habitats provided adequate suppression of immature stage mosquitoes.