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The sterile insect technique (SIT) is used for the management of tephritid fruit fly pests. The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one potential pest to be targeted by means of SIT. The success of SIT depends, to a large extent, on the sexual performance of sterile males. Various approaches have been evaluated with the aim of improving their sexual performance. These include the exposure to plant‐derived compounds and/or the provision of protein sources in the adults' diet capable of stimulating male mating success. The present study aimed to determine whether exposure to volatiles of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. (Rutaceae) essential oil and limonene confers a mating advantage to A. fraterculus laboratory males fed two distinct dietary regimes when competing with wild males for wild females under field cage conditions. Dietary regimes were, one, with non‐hydrolysed brewer's yeast and sugar (1:3 ratio), and the other with brewer's yeast hydrolysate enzymatic and sugar (1:12 ratio). The effect was evaluated in four variables associated with mating success: number of copulas obtained, latency to mate, copula duration, and copula location. Exposure to volatiles did not affect the number of matings achieved, irrespective of the diet given to the males. When laboratory males were fed with brewer's yeast hydrolysate, the effect of volatile exposure was shown in latency to mate, copula duration, and copula location. When the laboratory males were fed with non‐hydrolysed brewer's yeast, the effect of volatile exposure was shown only in copula duration. Laboratory males fed brewer's yeast hydrolysate achieved the same number of matings as wild males, whereas laboratory males fed non‐hydrolysed brewer's yeast had lower performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal use of available host by parasitoid insects should be favoured by natural selection. For solitary parasitoids, superparasitism (i.e. the egg-laying of several eggs/host) may represent a detrimental phenomenon both in a biological and an applied sense, but under certain circumstances it may be adaptive. Here, we studied the effects of increasing levels of superparasitism (LSPs, number of parasitoid larvae/host) on fitness-related parameters of the immature and adult stages of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, a solitary endoparasitoid parasitizing Ceratitis capitata. We investigated the moment when supernumerary parasitoid larvae are eliminated and the effects produced by this process, together with its repercussion on female fecundity, parasitism rate, sex ratio, adult survival, flight ability and body size. Complete elimination of competitors occurred soon after larval hatching, before reaching the second larval stage. Elimination process took longer at higher LSPs, although a normal developmental (egg--adult) time was achieved. For LSPs 1, 2, 3 and 5 the effects on parasitoid emergence were mild, but LSP 10 led to the death of all developing parasitoids. Aside from this, to develop in superparasitized hosts did not significantly affect any of the evaluated parameters, and only a female-biased sex ratio was observed at higher LSPs. However, the effects of superparasitism on the adults may have a different outcome under more variable conditions in the field, once they are released for biological control purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sexuality and sexual function are understood as fundamental facets of the human experience. The disruption of sexual function is socially disruptive and emotionally distressing. Studies demonstrate the connection between adverse sexual function and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, however in the areas of spinal pathologies, sexual function remains mostly studied in males or as a collective of male and female patients. The male and female sexual experience may be quite different, and a combined cohort may not appropriately characterize female-specific dysfunction. Objectives: Sexual dysfunction associated with spinal pathologies in males is well studied. However, little research exists addressing this issue in females. This review presents data on female sexual dysfunctions associated with spinal pathologies. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar identified case reports and primary studies evaluating female sexual dysfunction associated with spinal pathology as well as surgical intervention success were reviewed to contextualize and characterize female sexual dysfunction in this population. Results: Female sexual dysfunction has been cited to arise from the spine due to traumatic etiologies, malignant tumors, and benign tumors with and without bony involvement. Surgeons identify the absence of bowel, bladder, and/or sexual dysfunction as one of the key preoperative predictors in maintenance or improvement of neurologic status, however sexuality is rarely addressed in the pre-operative or post-operative neurosurgical care plan. In data generated from males and females with spinal stenosis and degenerative spine disease, over half of patients report pain with sexual activity. Post-operatively, there appears to be a significant decrease in sexual pain. However, the data do not separately report results for females versus males. Importantly, while pain can hinder sexual activity in females, there also are other sexual issues, including desire and subjective arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction that should be explored. By the use of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), one study compared sexually active females with protruding disc herniation with healthy females. These data showed a lower FSFI, a lower number of weekly sexual intercourse and a higher score for depression in women with this condition. Further detangling painful intercourse from other types of sexual dysfunction, case studies have shown pre and post op sexual dysfunction from perianal hypoesthesia, and reduced sensation in the sacral area associated with an L5-S1 disc pathology. It is suggested that these other types of sexual dysfunction with lack of coital pain fail to improve after surgical intervention. Conclusions: There is a gender disparity when addressing sexual dysfunction and the implications of spinal surgery. The lack of high-quality research with adequate numbers of female participants that appropriately characterizes the nuances of female sexual dysfunction across various spinal pathologies, with post- surgical intervention analysis and consideration of surgical approach, necessitates consideration for study. Pre-op and post-op sexual history should be included for all women with spinal health issues. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lectures on female sexuality often include power point and video materials. However, perhaps the addition of simulation may enhance the educational experience. Objectives: At a recent major presentation geared to the Ob/Gyn health team, the two authors were asked to present on taking a sexual history, with inclusion of sexual dysfunction. It was decided that simulation would be included to highlight strategies and interview skills related to the patient interaction and attendee responses would be evaluated. Methods: By way of a virtual presentation, one of the authors presented the material that had to be covered in a standard power point presentation. However, before each point was presented, the two authors role-played a health care provider talking to a patient. The presenter, in her role as health care provider, first incorrectly asked the patient about her symptoms in what was an indirect and inattentive way, which was followed by a debriefing. Next, the presenter asked the patient in a more focused and responsive manner about her symptoms, and there was debriefing after this. This process was repeated throughout the presentation. Results: The feedback from the presentation was overall positive. Comments from attendees noted that they could clearly understand, through the simulation the difference between correct sexual history taking and poor sexual history taking, and, as a result, would feel more comfortable in future patient interactions concerning sexual issues. Conclusions: The use of simulation/role playing should be considered in all sexual health presentations. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is used to describe the range of conditions associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD is characterized by growth deficits, facial dysmorphia and central nervous system abnormalities. When an individual with an FASD remains undiagnosed and proper interventions are not instituted, secondary disabilities are common. Prenatal exposure to alcohol affects the individual's development, cognition and learning, which results in characteristic ways of thinking and behaving. Deficits can range from mild cognitive deficits such as subtle effects on executive function, memory and adaptive behavior to profound intellectual disability and severe behavioral problems that result from poor self-regulation. Objectives: To examine adverse life outcomes regarding sexual behavior in individuals with FASD. Methods: A literature search was performed using keywords relating to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, FASD Development, FASD Cognition and FASD Sexual issues. Results: Findings showed that one of the strongest correlates of adverse life outcomes including inappropriate sexual behaviors was lack of an early diagnosis. The longer FASD went undiagnosed, the greater the odds of adverse outcomes. One study that examined 415 subjects with FASD of ages ranging from six to fifty-one noted that inappropriate sexual behaviors was the most frequent adverse life outcome increasing with age. Inappropriate sexual behavior was defined by sentencing to a sexual offending treatment program or a persistent pattern of encounters with at least one of these sexual behaviors: obscene phone calls, sex with animals, voyeurism, incest, masturbation in public, compulsions, exposure, promiscuity, sexual advances, and sexual touching. It was concluded that symptoms of FASD may make it challenging to distinguish between inappropriate and appropriate sexual behaviors due to functional and cognitive deficits. For the same reasons, individuals with FASD do not generally improve after standard cognitive behavioral programming for addressing sexually inappropriate behaviors. Conclusions: There has been very little empirical research on the role of FASD in inappropriate sexual behavior. In addition, environmental factors associated with prenatal alcohol exposure may play a role in the increased incidence of inappropriate sexual behaviors. One study that examined inappropriate sexual behaviors in individuals with FASD found that almost all the females in the study that exhibited these behaviors had also experienced physical, sexual abuse or violence against themselves. Additionally, half of them had alcohol or drug related issues. Further research into sexual issues related to FASD is required to confirm causality in findings so far. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the indirect neuroprotective properties of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) pretreatment in a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Many transgender individuals seeking healthcare have had at least one negative experience related to being transgender. These experiences included verbal harassment, refusal of treatment, or having to teach Healthcare Providers (HCPs) about transgender people to receive appropriate care. As a result, trans patients may forego seeking healthcare treatment at all or will seek non-traditional healthcare services elsewhere, leading to adverse long-term health outcomes. We sought to build a transgender health app, TranZap, to empower transgender individuals who are seeking healthcare to be more informed and knowledgeable regarding available gender-affirming HCPs. A prototype of TranZap, a web-based app, was created using Figma. Functions of the app were determined by crowdsourcing input via Instagram from transgender individuals, and those functions were finalized using feedback from HCPs at RWJMS that work with transgender patients. Bootstrap, Python, and Django were used for front-end, back-end, and database development respectively. Advertisement was launched via Instagram. TranZap is currently undergoing alpha testing and modifications are being made to the app's functions. Advertising has started and TranZap has amassed 224 followers on Instagram. Once alpha testing is complete, beta testing will commence in partnership with a transgender support group. We anticipate ∼200 people to beta test TranZap. When the app is publicly released, metrics of success will be the total number of people who open the app, how many people search for HCPs, and how many cumulative reviews are written. The anticipated launch is the beginning of January 2022. No [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present the third stage of regeneration for ecat: deactivated or equilibrium catalysts which are waste from fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) units. This stage is going to compose a complete circular economy (CE) model and increase the life cycle of the catalyst. The third stage of regeneration, after the adsorption process for sulfur and nitrogen compounds from real diesel, was assessed using as solvents: acetone (propanone), ethanol, benzene and toluene. For sulfur and nitrogen compounds, ethanol achieved the best performance. The variations of physical and chemical properties of regenerated ecats in the cycles of adsorption and desorption were evaluated using x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, nitrogen adsorptiondesorpion, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The recovery rate over four cycles is superior for sulfur compounds. After all cycles, ecat-R- -SA exhibited 5.09% reduction in the recovery for sulfur and 24.58% reduction in the recovery for nitrogen. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis suggests the adsorption of compounds by ecat-R may be more correlated with the adsorption sites than with specific area. Overall, the results of this work are promising and allows for ecat to integrate a complete CE model.

The most important use of fine spherical iron powders is for metal injection moulding (MIM). For many applications, the high costs of powder based on the carbonyl or atomising production route are a limiting factors. An alternative two-step hydrogen reduction process using a granulated hematite powder, which is a recycling product from steelmaking, has been developed to produce <25 µm spherical powder. The morphology and properties of the powder have been found to depend strongly on the second temperature step of the reduction process. A further important step is enclosed powder processing by milling and sieving to remove agglomerates. The powder properties and sintering behaviour as a function of heat treatment and processing parameters are reported and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Assessment of 12-month safety of ospemifene 60 mg/day for treatment of postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA). Methods In this 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, women 40-80 years with VVA and an intact uterus were randomized 6 : 1 to ospemifene 60 mg/day or placebo. The primary objective was 12-month safety, particularly endometrial; 12-week efficacy was assessed. Safety assessments included endometrial histology and thickness, and breast and gynecological examinations. Efficacy evaluations included changes from baseline to week 12 in percentage of superficial and parabasal cells and vaginal pH. Results Of 426 randomized subjects, 81.9% ( n = 349) completed the study with adverse events the most common reason for discontinuation (ospemifene 9.5%; placebo 3.9%). Most (88%) treatment-emergent adverse events with ospemifene were considered mild or moderate. Three cases (1.0%) of active proliferation were observed in the ospemifene group. For one, active proliferation was seen at end of study week 52, and diagnosed as simple hyperplasia without atypia on follow-up biopsy 3 months after the last dose. This subsequently resolved with progestogen treatment and dilatation and curettage. In six subjects (five ospemifene (1.4%), one placebo (1.6%)) endometrial polyps were found (histopathology); however, only one (ospemifene) was confirmed as a true polyp during additional expert review. Endometrial histology showed no evidence of carcinoma. Statistically significant improvements were seen for all primary and secondary efficacy measures and were sustained through week 52 with ospemifene vs. placebo. Conclusions The findings of this 52-week study confirm the tolerance and efficacy of oral ospemifene previously reported in short- and long-term studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infertility, known to have a negative impact on couples, may cause significant distress in a relationship and can potentially lead to/or exacerbate sexual dysfunction. The physical, psychological, and often financial strains of infertility treatments, with potential failure to achieve the desired pregnancy can all contribute to this stress. Additionally, sex may be seen as becoming a medical or therapeutic act, with loss of spontaneity and pleasure. Hence, infertility and sexual dysfunction can be interlinked. Despite this association, intervention with effective templates of care appears to be limited in addressing this issue. A systematic literature review was done, focusing on female sexual dysfunction due to infertility and on what are available templates of care. A Google Scholar and pub med search were done with keywords "sexual dysfunction," "infertility," and "couple." Although there are many studies depicting the correlation between the infertility and sexual dysfunction, templates of management appear to be lacking. Data suggest that infertility is a major contributor to female sexual dysfunction. That is, not only the infertility diagnosis but also the duration of infertility contributes to the sexual dysfunction. Studies have shown the lubrication and orgasm issues are the woman's main concerns. Also, sexual dysfunction is more profoundly impaired in patients with secondary infertility, lower educational level and higher partner education. These data suggest that couples undergoing infertility treatment should be evaluated for sexual dysfunction and be offered management during the infertility process. Sexual therapy does not appear to be routinely offered, despite the fact that these patients are at an increased risk of either developing a sexual dysfunction or a sexual dysfunction being exacerbated as a result of infertility as part of the infertility treatment process. No [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]