How to Be a Girl: The Discourse of Compulsory Heterosexuality, Desire, and Adolescent Female Sexuality in Seventeen and Cosmopolitan Magazines from the Late 20th Century

This work explores the discourse of adolescent sexuality and desire presented to readers by Seventeen and Cosmopolitan magazines published between 1970 and 1989. The essay draws distinctions between articles and advertisements, pointing to those articles and ads that promote what Adrienne Rich called “compulsory heterosexuality” and those that encourage a less restrictive kind of femininity. The essay claims that Seventeen, because it targets a younger audience than Cosmopolitan does, promotes a more sexually normative framework of heterosexual relationships, compulsory matrimony, and motherhood for young readers. Cosmopolitan, on the other hand, teaches readers to embrace female sexuality and desire without needing marriage or motherhood to affirm their femininity

Research priorities for improving menstrual health across the life-course in low- and middle-income countries

Background: Research on menstrual health is required to understand menstrual needs and generate solutions to improve health, wellbeing, and productivity. The identification of research priorities will help inform where to invest efforts and resources. Objectives: To identify research priorities for menstrual health across the life-course, in consultation with a range of stakeholder groups from a variety of geographic regions, and to identify if menstrual health research priorities varied by expertise. Methods: A modified version of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach was utilized to reach consensus on a set of research priorities. Multisector stakeholders with menstrual health expertise, identified through networks and the literature, were invited to submit research questions through an online survey. Responses were consolidated and individuals were invited to rank these questions based on novelty, potential for intervention, and importance/impact. Research priority scores were calculated and evaluated by participants’ characteristics. Results: Eighty-two participants proposed 1135 research questions, which were consolidated into 94 unique research questions. Mean number of questions did not differ between low- and middle-income (LMIC, N=30) and high-income county participants (HIC, N=52), but significantly more questions were raised by participants with expertise in mental health and WASH. Sixty-six participants then ranked these questions. The top ten-ranked research questions included four on ‘understanding the problem’, four on ‘designing and implementing interventions’, one on ‘integrating and scaling up’, and one on ‘measurement’. Indicators for the measurement of adequate menstrual health over time was ranked the highest priority by all stakeholders. Top ten ranked research questions differed between academics and non-academics, and between participants from HICs and LMICs, reflecting differences in needs and knowledge gaps. Conclusions: A list of ranked research priorities was generated through a consultative process with stakeholders across LMICs and HICs which can inform where to invest efforts and resources

Socioeconomic inequalities in the 90–90–90 target, among people living with HIV in 12 sub-Saharan African countries — Implications for achieving the 95–95–95 target — Analysis of population-based surveys

Background Inequalities undermine efforts to end AIDS by 2030. We examined socioeconomic inequalities in the 90–90–90 target among people living with HIV (PLHIV) —men (MLHIV), women (WLHIV) and adolescents (ALHIV). Methods We analysed the available Population HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) survey data for each of the 12 sub-Saharan African countries, collected between 2015 and 2018 to estimate the attainment of each step of the 90–90–90 target by wealth quintiles. We constructed concentration curves, computed concentration indices (CIX) —a negative (positive) CIX indicated pro-poor (pro-rich) inequalities— and identified factors associated with, and contributing to inequality. Findings Socioeconomic inequalities in achieving the 90–90–90 target components among PLHIV were noted in 11 of the 12 countries surveyed: not in Rwanda. Awareness of HIV positive status was pro-rich in 5/12 countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia) ranging from CIX=0·085 (p< 0·05) in Tanzania for PLHIV, to CIX = 0·378 (p<0·1) in Côte d'Ivoire for ALHIV. It was pro-poor in 5/12 countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini), ranging from CIX = -0·076 (p<0·05) for PLHIV in Eswatini, and CIX = -0·192 (p<0·05) for WLHIV in Ethiopia. Inequalities in accessing ART were pro-rich in 5/12 countries (Cameroun, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia) ranging from CIX=0·101 (p<0·05) among PLHIV in Zambia to CIX=0·774 (p<0·1) among ALHIV in Cameroun and pro-poor in 4/12 countries (Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini), ranging from CIX = -0·072 (p<0·1) among PLHIV in Zimbabwe to CIX = -0·203 (p<0·05) among WLHIV in Tanzania. Inequalities in HIV viral load suppression were pro-rich in 3/12 countries (Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho), ranging from CIX = 0·089 (p< 0·1) among PLHIV in Uganda to CIX = 0·275 (p<0·01) among WLHIV in Ethiopia. Three countries (Tanzania CIX = 0·069 (p< 0·5), Uganda CIX = 0·077 (p< 0·1), and Zambia CIX = 0·116 (p< 0·1)) reported pro-rich and three countries (Côte d'Ivoire CIX = -0·125 (p< 0·1), Namibia CIX = -0·076 (p< 0·05), and Eswatini CIX = -0·050 (p< 0·05) reported pro-poor inequalities for the cumulative CIX for HIV viral load suppression. The decomposition analysis showed that age, rural-urban residence, education, and wealth were associated with and contributed the most to inequalities observed in achieving the 90–90–90 target. Interpretation Some PLHIV in 11 of 12 countries were not receiving life-saving HIV testing, treatment, or achieving HIV viral load suppression due to socioeconomic inequalities. Socioeconomic factors were associated with and explained the inequalities observed in the 90–90–90 target among PLHIV. Governments should scale up equitable 95–95–95 target interventions, prioritizing the reduction of age, rural-urban, education and wealth-related inequalities. Research is needed to understand interventions to reduce socioeconomic inequities in achieving the 95–95–95 target

Menstrual health: a definition for policy, practice, and research

The term menstrual health has seen increased use across advocacy, programming, policy, and research, but has lacked a consistent, self-contained definition. As a rapidly growing field of research and practice a comprehensive definition is needed to (1) ensure menstrual health is prioritised as a unified objective in global health, development, national policy, and funding frameworks, (2) elucidate the breadth of menstrual health, even where different needs may be prioritised in different sectors, and (3) facilitate a shared vocabulary through which stakeholders can communicate across silos to share learning. To achieve these aims, we present a definition of menstrual health developed by the Terminology Action Group of the Global Menstrual Collective. We describe the definition development process, drawing on existing research and terminology, related definitions of health, and consultation with a broad set of stakeholders. Further, we provide elaboration, based on current evidence, to support interpretation of the definition

U-Mo Plate Blister Anneal Interim Report

Blister thresholds in fuel elements have been a longstanding performance parameter for fuel elements of all types. This behavior has yet to be fully defined for the RERTR U-Mo fuel types. Blister anneal studies that began in 2007 have been expanded to include plates from more recent RERTR experiments. Preliminary data presented in this report encompasses the early generations of the U-Mo fuel systems and the most recent but still developing fuel system. Included is an overview of relevant dispersion fuel systems for the purposes of comparison

Access to Social Protection by People Living with, at Risk of, or Affected by HIV in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia: Results from Population-Based HIV Impact Assessments

We aimed to measure social protection coverage among the general population, women and men living with HIV (WLHIV, MLHV), female and male sex workers (FSW, MSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), adolescent girls young women (AGYW), and orphans vulnerable children (OVC) in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. We used Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment data. We operationalised social protection benefits as external economic support from private and public sources to the household in the last three or 12 months. We estimated survey-weighted proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each population receiving social protection benefits. The sample size ranged from 10,233 adults ages 15-59 years in Eswatini to 29,638 in Tanzania. In the surveyed countries, social protection coverage among the general population was lower than the global average of 45%, ranging from 7.7% (95% CI 6.7%-8.8%) in Zambia to 39.6% (95% CI 36.8%-42.5%) in Eswatini. In Malawi and Zambia, social protection coverage among OVC, AGYW, SW, MSM, and people living with HIV (PLHIV) was similar to the general population. In Eswatini, more AGWY reported receiving social projection benefits than older women and more men not living with HIV reported receiving social protection benefits than MLHIV. In Tanzania, more WLHIV than women not living with HIV, MLHIV than men not living with HIV, and FSW than women who were not sex workers reported receiving social protection benefits. More data on access to social protection benefits by PLHIV or affected by HIV are needed to estimate better their social protection coverage

Risk factors for severe outcomes for COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Switzerland during the first pandemic wave, February to August 2020: prospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND As clinical signs of COVID-19 differ widely among individuals, from mild to severe, the definition of risk groups has important consequences for recommendations to the public, control measures and patient management, and needs to be reviewed regularly. AIM The aim of this study was to explore risk factors for in-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission for hospitalised COVID-19 patients during the first epidemic wave in Switzerland, as an example of a country that coped well during the first wave of the pandemic. METHODS This study included all (n = 3590) adult polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed hospitalised patients in 17 hospitals from the hospital-based surveillance of COVID-19 (CH-Sur) by 1 September 2020. We calculated univariable and multivariable (adjusted) (1) proportional hazards (Fine and Gray) survival regression models and (2) logistic regression models for in-hospital mortality and admission to ICU, to evaluate the most common comorbidities as potential risk factors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We found that old age was the strongest factor for in-hospital mortality after having adjusted for gender and the considered comorbidities (hazard ratio [HR] 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33−2.59 and HR 5.6 95% CI 5.23−6 for ages 65 and 80 years, respectively). In addition, male gender remained an important risk factor in the multivariable models (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.41−1.53). Of all comorbidities, renal disease, oncological pathologies, chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease (but not hypertension) and dementia were also risk factors for in-hospital mortality. With respect to ICU admission risk, the pattern was different, as patients with higher chances of survival might have been admitted more often to ICU. Male gender (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.58−2.31), hypertension (OR  1.3, 95% CI 1.07−1.59) and age 55–79 years (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06−1.26) are risk factors for ICU admission. Patients aged 80+ years, as well as patients with dementia or with liver disease were admitted less often to ICU. CONCLUSION We conclude that increasing age is the most important risk factor for in-hospital mortality of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Switzerland, along with male gender and followed by the presence of comorbidities such as renal diseases, chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease, oncological malignancies and dementia. Male gender, hypertension and age between 55 and 79 years are, however, risk factors for ICU admission. Mortality and ICU admission need to be considered as separate outcomes when investigating risk factors for pandemic control measures and for hospital resources planning

Efficacy, metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Ro 15-5458, a forgotten schistosomicidal 9-acridanone hydrazone.

BackgroundTreatment of schistosomiasis, a neglected disease, relies on just one partially effective drug, praziquantel. We revisited the 9-acridanone hydrazone, Ro 15-5458, a largely forgotten antischistosomal lead compound.MethodsRo 15-5458 was evaluated in juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. We studied dose-response, hepatic shift and stage specificity. The metabolic stability of Ro 15-5458 was measured in the presence of human and mouse liver microsomes, and human hepatocytes; the latter also served to identify metabolites. Pharmacokinetic parameters were measured in naive mice. The efficacy of Ro 15-5458 was also assessed in S. haematobium-infected hamsters and S. japonicum-infected mice.ResultsRo 15-5458 had single-dose ED50 values of 15 and 5.3 mg/kg in mice harbouring juvenile and adult S. mansoni infections, respectively. An ED50 value of 17 mg/kg was measured in S. haematobium-infected hamsters; however, the compound was inactive at up to 100 mg/kg in S. japonicum-infected mice. The drug-induced hepatic shift occurred between 48 and 66 h post treatment. A single oral dose of 50 mg/kg of Ro 15-5458 had high activity against all tested S. mansoni stages (1-, 7-, 14-, 21- and 49-day-old). In vitro, human hepatocytes produced N-desethyl and glucuronide metabolites; otherwise Ro 15-5458 was metabolically stable in the presence of microsomes or whole hepatocytes. The maximum plasma concentration was approximately 8.13 μg/mL 3 h after a 50 mg/kg oral dose and the half-life was approximately 4.9 h.ConclusionsRo 15-5458 has high activity against S. mansoni and S. haematobium, yet lacks activity against S. japonicum, which is striking. This will require further investigation, as a broad-spectrum antischistosomal drug is desirable

Efficacy, metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Ro 15-5458, a forgotten schistosomicidal 9-acridanone hydrazone

Treatment of schistosomiasis, a neglected disease, relies on just one partially effective drug, praziquantel. We revisited the 9-acridanone hydrazone, Ro 15-5458, a largely forgotten antischistosomal lead compound.; Ro 15-5458 was evaluated in juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. We studied dose-response, hepatic shift and stage specificity. The metabolic stability of Ro 15-5458 was measured in the presence of human and mouse liver microsomes, and human hepatocytes; the latter also served to identify metabolites. Pharmacokinetic parameters were measured in naive mice. The efficacy of Ro 15-5458 was also assessed in S. haematobium-infected hamsters and S. japonicum-infected mice.; Ro 15-5458 had single-dose ED50 values of 15 and 5.3 mg/kg in mice harbouring juvenile and adult S. mansoni infections, respectively. An ED50 value of 17 mg/kg was measured in S. haematobium-infected hamsters; however, the compound was inactive at up to 100 mg/kg in S. japonicum-infected mice. The drug-induced hepatic shift occurred between 48 and 66 h post treatment. A single oral dose of 50 mg/kg of Ro 15-5458 had high activity against all tested S. mansoni stages (1-, 7-, 14-, 21- and 49-day-old). In vitro, human hepatocytes produced N-desethyl and glucuronide metabolites; otherwise Ro 15-5458 was metabolically stable in the presence of microsomes or whole hepatocytes. The maximum plasma concentration was approximately 8.13 μg/mL 3 h after a 50 mg/kg oral dose and the half-life was approximately 4.9 h.; Ro 15-5458 has high activity against S. mansoni and S. haematobium, yet lacks activity against S. japonicum, which is striking. This will require further investigation, as a broad-spectrum antischistosomal drug is desirable

Treatment effect of remdesivir on the mortality of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Switzerland across different patient groups: a tree-based model analysis

AIMS OF THE STUDY: Remdesivir has shown benefits against COVID-19. However, it remains unclear whether, to what extent, and among whom remdesivir can reduce COVID-19-related mortality. We explored whether the treatment response to remdesivir differed by patient characteristics. METHODS: We analysed data collected from a hospital surveillance study conducted in 21 referral hospitals in Switzerland between 2020 and 2022. We applied model-based recursive partitioning to group patients by the association between treatment levels and mortality. We included either treatment (levels: none, remdesivir within 7 days of symptom onset, remdesivir after 7 days, or another treatment), age and sex, or treatment only as regression variables. Candidate partitioning variables included a range of risk factors and comorbidities (and age and sex unless included in regression). We repeated the analyses using local centring to correct the results for the propensity to receive treatment. RESULTS: Overall (n = 21,790 patients), remdesivir within 7 days was associated with increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratios 1.28–1.54 versus no treatment). The CURB-65 score caused the most instability in the regression parameters of the model. When adjusted for age and sex, patients receiving remdesivir within 7 days of onset had higher mortality than those not treated in all identified eight patient groups. When age and sex were included as partitioning variables instead, the number of groups increased to 19–20; in five to six of those branches, mortality was lower among patients who received early remdesivir. Factors determining the groups where remdesivir was potentially beneficial included the presence of oncological comorbidities, male sex, and high age. CONCLUSIONS: Some subgroups of patients, such as individuals with oncological comorbidities or elderly males, may benefit from remdesivir