Acute Toxicity Data. A Comprehensive Comparison of Results of Fish, Daphnia and Algae Tests with New Substances Notified in the EU.

Abstract not availableJRC.I-Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (Ispra

Use of Terrestrial Model Ecosystem Data in Environmental Risk Assessment for Industrial Chemicals, Biocides and Plant Protection Products in the EU.

Abstract not availableJRC.I-Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (Ispra

Sexual desire in trans persons : associations with sex reassignment treatment

Introduction : Sex steroids and genital surgery are known to affect sexual desire, but little research has focused on the effects of cross-sex hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery on sexual desire in trans persons. Aim : This study aims to explore associations between sex reassignment therapy (SRT) and sexual desire in a large cohort of trans persons. Methods : A cross-sectional single specialized center study including 214 trans women (male-to-female trans persons) and 138 trans men (female-to-male trans persons). Main Outcome Measures : Questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, frequency of sexual desire, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and treatment satisfaction. Results : In retrospect, 62.4% of trans women reported a decrease in sexual desire after SRT. Seventy-three percent of trans women never or rarely experienced spontaneous and responsive sexual desire. A third reported associated personal or relational distress resulting in a prevalence of HSDD of 22%. Respondents who had undergone vaginoplasty experienced more spontaneous sexual desire compared with those who planned this surgery but had not yet undergone it (P = 0.03). In retrospect, the majority of trans men (71.0%) reported an increase in sexual desire after SRT. Thirty percent of trans men never or rarely felt sexual desire; 39.7% from time to time, and 30.6% often or always. Five percent of trans men met the criteria for HSDD. Trans men who were less satisfied with the phalloplasty had a higher prevalence of HSDD (P = 0.02). Trans persons who were more satisfied with the hormonal therapy had a lower prevalence of HSDD (P = 0.02). Conclusion : HSDD was more prevalent in trans women compared with trans men. The majority of trans women reported a decrease in sexual desire after SRT, whereas the opposite was observed in trans men. Our results show a significant sexual impact of surgical interventions and both hormonal and surgical treatment satisfaction on the sexual desire in trans persons

Vaginal dilation treatment in women with vaginal hypoplasia: a prospective one-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE: Vaginal dilation treatment has been shown to be a (cost) effective first-line alternative to surgery in normalizing vaginal length and improving sexual function in women with vaginal hypoplasia. There remains, however, a need for prospective studies, with long-term assessment of multiple outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, single-centre observational study of 16 women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (n = 12) or 46,XY disorders of sex development (n = 4). All women underwent an outpatient vaginal dilation program supervised by a psychologist and physiotherapist. At baseline (TO), stop of treatment (T1) and 1 year follow-up (T2), semistructured interviews, and validated questionnaires assessed sexual function and distress, self-esteem, vaginal perceptions, and health-related quality of life. Gynecological examinations evaluated vaginal dimensions. RESULTS: Ten women completed the program, 3 are still in the program, and dilation failed in 3 and chose vaginoplasty. Sixty-nine percent reached a normal vaginal length (>= 6.5 cm) in 5.8 +/- 3.3 months. Seventy percent were sexually active with pleasurable experiences at Ti, 57% at T2. The significant decrease in sexual distress at Ti (P <.05) was followed by a nonsignificant increase at T2. Depressive mood symptomatology remained high at Ti and T2, related to loss of bodily integrity and fertility. The majority refused further psychological counseling. CONCLUSION: Vaginal dilation treatment should remain the cornerstone of treatment in women with vaginal hypoplasia. However, the diagnosis remains to have a negative impact on emotional well-being in the long term. The role of psychological intervention as both a primary and adjuvant treatment needs clear evaluation

Observing effective classroom management in early instruction in primary school: rating instrument construction and its link to teacher knowledge

Abstract This study presents a novel standardized rating instrument for observing and measuring effective classroom management (ECM) as part of the teaching and learning environments in primary school. The instrument comprises eight high-inferent items on organizational aspects (lack of disruptions/discipline problems, withitness, effective time use, clear rules, clear routines, appreciation) and instructional aspects (structuring, goal clarity). It was applied in second grade classrooms of German primary school teachers (n = 35) providing early reading and writing instruction. Pairs of trained raters (student teachers) observed one to three lessons in each classroom over 3–4 months, reaching acceptable interrater agreement. The instrument showed acceptable internal consistency. Factor analyses revealed structures with good to acceptable fit indices, with confirming the differentiation into organizational and instructional ECM aspects. Correlations between observed ECM and facets of teacher knowledge (that were directly assessed by using paper–pencil tests) provide divergent and convergent validity evidence: Whereas no significant correlations could be found between pedagogical content knowledge for early reading and writing instruction and ECM, findings show significant correlations between general pedagogical knowledge and the ECM. The added value of the study is therefore to provide a novel instrument that can be applied in future empirical research on primary school classroom management