Search Results (152)

Globally, cis and trans women face increasing rates of HIV, yet the uptake of existing HIV prevention medications often fails to meet their specific needs. This review examines HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among cis and trans women, including adolescent girls and young women; newcomers and migrants; sex workers; women who use drugs; and women who have been incarcerated, acknowledging intersectionality exists between these groups. A review of peer-reviewed published literature was conducted, and findings specifically on oral PrEP were synthesized. This review highlights several key themes shaping women’s engagement with PrEP, including barriers to initiation and discontinuation; public health messaging and promotion; the role of women’s networks; intimate partner violence; interpersonal trust in relationships; and “seasons of risk,” where temporary reductions in perceived risk may lead to discontinuation. Additional themes include preferred access points for PrEP, regional differences, and clinical implications for practice. Peer support and peer navigators emerge as important mechanisms for creating safe spaces that enhance trust and sustained PrEP use. Improving PrEP uptake and persistence among women requires a multifaceted, women-centred approach that addresses clinical, social, and structural barriers. Context-specific implementation remains critical to addressing diverse lived realities and strengthening HIV prevention outcomes globally. Full article

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and the absence of effective screening strategies. As a result, primary prevention is a critical approach to reducing disease burden. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on modifiable lifestyle, reproductive, and environmental factors associated with OC risk, based on a comprehensive PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science search conducted through April 2026. Consistent protective associations have been reported for reproductive factors, including parity, breastfeeding, oral contraceptive use, salpingectomy, and tubal ligation. Among lifestyle factors, excess body weight is modestly associated with increased OC risk, while evidence regarding physical activity remains inconclusive. Diets rich in fiber and aligned with a Mediterranean pattern appear protective, potentially through hormonal modulation and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, pro-inflammatory diets high in trans fats and refined carbohydrates may increase risk, whereas omega-3 fatty acids show potential protective benefits. Chronic pelvic inflammation, particularly related to Chlamydia trachomatis infection, has been linked to elevated epithelial OC risk. Smoking demonstrates a dose–response association with mucinous tumors. Environmental exposures, including genital talc use and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, have linked to a possible, albeit modest, increase in risk, although the causal mechanisms remain uncertain. Although individual associations are generally modest, their cumulative population impact may be substantial. Integrating lifestyle-based prevention strategies into gynecologic practice and public health initiatives could represent a cost-effective approach to reducing OC incidence and improving women’s health outcomes. Full article

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and ovarian dysfunction. Current therapies are often associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer therapeutic alternatives. Peganum harmala (P. harmala), a medicinal plant rich in bioactive metabolites, was investigated through in silico approaches to identify compounds with predicted binding affinity for the androgen receptor (AR), steroid 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β). GC-MS analysis of P. harmala leaf essential oil collected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, identified 109 compounds, with terpenoids as the dominant class (21.89%). The major constituents were cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (3.48%), cis-β-damascenone (3.06%), farnesylacetone (1.44%), β-calacorene (1.36%), dihydroedulan II (1.04%), and trans-calamenene (0.46%). In silico ADMET evaluation indicated that most compounds complied with Lipinski’s rule of five and showed favorable predicted pharmacokinetic properties. Safety profiling suggested an overall acceptable toxicity profile, with minimal predicted CYP450 inhibition, except for L11, which showed broader inhibitory potential. Molecular docking showed that L15 (trans-calamenene), L14 (dihydroedulan II), L6 (β-calacorene), L3 (farnesylacetone), and L8 exhibited higher predicted binding affinity toward the androgen receptor; L3, L10 (cis-β-damascenone), and L16 (cis-chrysanthenyl acetate) interacted with CYP17A1, while L3, L9, and L6 exhibited higher affinity toward GSK-3β. Overall, these findings provide hypothesis-generating in silico predictions of ligand–target binding affinities and drug-likeness profiles. These computational findings highlight the importance of future experimental investigations to substantiate the biological activity, pharmacokinetic behavior, and safety profile of P. harmala constituents. Full article

Workplace harassment of transgender employees remains pervasive and understudied. In this narrative review of 63 studies over the past 25 years, we summarize the literature on transgender workplace harassment. We focus on its prevalence and forms. Individual, organizational and cultural factors contribute to its occurrence; psychological and occupational outcomes; and strategies to reduce or prevent harassment. We find that harassment often extends beyond traditional definitions; includes misgendering, deadnaming, and the questioning or outright denial of one’s gender identity; and is particularly pervasive in masculinity contest cultures. These experiences are associated with both negative well-being of transgender employees and less effectiveness of the organizations that employ them, though more causal evidence is needed. We also highlight critical conceptual and methodological gaps to guide future research. Much of the existing research on LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace has focused primarily on sexual minorities, leaving the unique experiences of gender minorities invisible. Further, an intersectional lens is needed, as harassment experiences of trans women, trans men, and nonbinary people may differ in significant ways. Finally, we identify strategies to improve workplace climate including both top-down formal policy and bottom-up interpersonal behaviors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a prevalent condition marked by valve dysfunction and increased pressure in lower limb veins. The trans-nodal veins in the inguinal region and Scarpa triangle, which connect the superficial and deep venous systems, provide new insight into venous insufficiency pathways. While they function normally in healthy individuals, they can become dilated in chronic venous disease or following surgery. The purpose of this study was to provide an ultrasonographic anatomical description of intranodal varicose veins and to assess possible changes in the stiffness of varicose, dilated inguinal lymph nodes. Methods: The study comprised 92 participants, including 69 women and 23 men, who underwent Doppler ultrasound examinations of the lower-limb venous system, focusing on the groin from both a descriptive morphological and an elastographic perspective. The diagnosis of lymph node varices was made according to established criteria, its severity was assessed using an original classification system, and shear-wave elastography (SWE) values were recorded. Results: More than 83% of patients with operated CVD had lymph node varicose veins. Patients with lymph node varicose veins had larger groin lymph node diameters than patients with CVD without lymph node varicose pathology. The mean shear wave elastography values were significantly lower in the group with lymph node varices compared to the group without (12.2 ± 1.1 kPa vs. 20.1 ± 2.3 kPa; p < 0.05). Elastographic values correlate with lymph node diameter (p = 0.039) and with varicose vein grade (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Intranodal varices may indicate disease progression. These vascular abnormalities impact SWE measurements by altering tissue mechanics. It is imperative to consider the interactions between the lymphatic and venous systems in the management of CVD to improve patient outcomes. Full article

Objective: To explore healthcare professionals’ beliefs and concerns about doxyPEP by systematically reviewing the literature. Method: A systematic review of three bibliographical databases (CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE) and MedRxiv in August 2024, updated in February 2026 explored healthcare professionals’ beliefs and concerns about doxyPEP. Three researchers independently reviewed full-text manuscripts for eligibility and narratively synthesized data. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute toolkit to assess risk of bias. This review was registered on PROSPERO (ID:CRD42024570646). Results: Eight manuscripts were included in the final review: five cross-sectional studies, two qualitative studies, and one mixed method study from the USA (n = 5), Australia (n = 1), Kenya (n = 1), and the UK (n = 1) published between 2020–2025 and including 1840 healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals recognised the high burden of bacterial STIs and believed that doxyPEP should be made available to MSM. There was a strong willingness to provide doxyPEP to MSM with the support of national guidelines. Healthcare professionals suggest that implementing doxyPEP would be feasible with educational support, but were concerned about antimicrobial resistance, drug–drug interactions, pill burden, cost, implementation logistics and the effect on clinical service demands. They acknowledged the lack of research and access to doxyPEP for other groups, specifically trans people and cis-gendered women. They also highlighted the need for community involvement in the implementation of doxyPEP. Conclusions: This review highlights that healthcare professionals were willing and ready to provide doxyPEP; however, they have concerns including antimicrobial resistance, the effect on service capacity, and the lack of research on cis-gendered women and trans people. Patients and health professionals need to be involved in the implementation of doxyPEP. Full article

Thin, dry skin is characterized by impaired barrier integrity, loss of dermal density, and accelerated aging driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Biomimetic collagen peptides mimic native collagen sequences, stimulating fibroblasts to enhance synthesis while limiting matrix metalloproteinase-mediated degradation. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of a multi-ingredient cosmetic product for thin, dry, aging skin, formulated as a dual-purpose body and face serum lotion containing 0.1% biomimetic collagen tripeptide (Tripeptide-29) along with Niacinamide, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, and Selaginella lepidophylla extract. In this prospective, single-center study, 47 healthy women, aged 36–65 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV, applied the formula twice daily to the face and body over four weeks. Objective measurements—including elasticity, wrinkle depth and volume, hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and texture—were collected weekly alongside clinical grading and self-assessments. Significant improvements were observed across all parameters, with facial dryness decreasing immediately (−74.6%) and continuing to week 4 (−93.7%), hydration increasing up to 72.5%, softness improving up to 37.7%, roughness decreasing up to 37.9%, and TEWL reductions indicating strengthened barrier function. Desquamation improved by 75.5% by week 3, and no adverse effects occurred. The serum lotion demonstrated robust, well-tolerated benefits for enhancing multiple markers of thin, dry, aging skin. Full article

Background: The Slovenian Nutrition Guidelines 2025 (SNG2025) provide a quantified, plant-forward framework aligned with the EAT–Lancet diet, whereas previous Slovenian FBDGs were qualitative. Objectives: (i) To compare SNG2025 with the EAT–Lancet diet and previous Slovenian FBDGs and (ii) to assess the alignment of food intake among Slovenian adults with the SNG2025. Methods: The SNG2025 food group targets were mapped to the EAT–Lancet diet and previous Slovenian FBDGs and evaluated against a nationally representative intake (Si. Menu 2017/18; 18–64 years; sex-specific). Sodium intake was corroborated by 24-h urinary sodium levels (2022). Results: The SNG2025 introduces numeric targets across more than 16 food groups, with national adaptations (e.g., potatoes, oils and fats from foods, and dairy being optional via milk-calcium equivalents and beverage specifications). The alignment reveals very low consumption of legumes; limited consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and nuts/seeds (and fruit in men); and excess consumption of total and red/processed meat, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), free sugars/sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium, and alcohol. Biomarkers indicate a mean salt intake approximately two times the <5 g/day limit. Trans fatty acid (TFA) levels ≥ 0.5% persist in a substantial percentage of adults, predominantly from ruminant-derived TFAs. Sex-specific patterns are more adverse for men (e.g., meat, SSBs, alcohol, and sodium), whereas women have a higher intake of sweet UPFs. Conclusions: Slovenian diets are misaligned with the SNG2025. Priorities include increasing the intake of legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and nuts/seeds, while shifting protein sources away from red and processed meat. Additional priorities include reducing the intake of alcohol, sodium, free sugars, and UPFs through reformulation, procurement, and pricing/marketing measures, alongside routine biomarker and UPF surveillance. The SNG2025 enable monitoring and targeted implementation. Considering the limitations of the Si. Menu 2017/18 dataset, which includes food-group aggregation and limited information on food preparation, the results should be interpreted with caution with respect to the magnitude of deviations from SNG2025 targets, while the overall direction of misalignment remains robust. Full article

This paper will discuss the depiction of trans women in the films Lovely Man and Midnight Swan, comparing the two main characters, Ipuy and Nagisa. Discrimination against transgender individuals persists in contemporary society, particularly in patriarchal Asian countries such as Indonesia and Japan. The films Lovely Man and Midnight Swan are of Indonesian and Japanese origin, respectively. A close analysis of both films reveals that they feature protagonists who embody the exact symbolic representations as entertainers, parents, sexual objects, and pariahs. According to Peirce’s semiotics, these four symbolic representations are determined. A thorough examination of the cinematic expressive movements in both films reveals four metaphorical expressions: the trans woman as an entertainer, the trans woman as a parent, the trans woman as a sexual object, and the trans woman as a pariah. These four metaphorical expressions are validated through extralinguistic references, reflecting socio-cultural realities in Indonesian and Japanese societies. They become arguments through the interpretation of both films. The similarities between the two films can be understood as a social critique of the issues facing trans women in Indonesia and Japan, who require greater attention to their human rights to survive in society. Full article

Even in extremely conservative circles, the question “What is a Woman?” is controversial when one examines the case of persons with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), wherein the person has XY chromosomes and testes, but due to a total inability to respond to testosterone, the person develops in all ways in a feminine fashion (the person will also be infertile). Some Thomist scholars have argued that these people might be sexless, or that we cannot determine what sex they are, or that they are women. Using Thomistic principles of human sexuality, teleology, hylomorphism and the conclusions of biology, I will argue that these persons are ontologically male, albeit with a severe disorder of sexual development (DSD). Thus, these persons are not eligible for Catholic marriage. Then, I will suggest that these men (who have the bodily and psychological features of women) should live as women in society, thus proposing an authentically Thomistic “trans-genderism” which differs totally from the ordinary use of the term. Full article

When LGBTQ+ people get married, they enter into a union that promises mutual reliance and caregiving, such as in the event of financial need or health care crisis. This mixed-methods study explores how 484 married LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States (192 cisgender men, 186 cisgender women, 106 trans/nonbinary) (a) negotiate disability (38% of couples) and illness in the context of unpaid and paid labor divisions, (b) provide care for each other, and (c) receive support from family in the face of health or financial needs. Findings revealed diversity in the ways that disability and illness shaped household and paid labor, underscoring how flexibility enabled couples to adapt to changes and highlighting the role of marriage in providing security amidst changes. Logistic regression models examining predictors of family support during health or financial crises revealed that participants in couples in which at least one partner (a) had a disability and/or (b) was a partner’s caregiver had greater odds of reporting receiving help in a health care crisis. Participants who were lower income, younger, and perceived their partners’ families as becoming more accepting after marrying had greater odds of reporting financial help from family. Additionally, disability interacted with gender such that those with a disability in female or trans couples were more likely to report financial help than those without, while the reverse was true for male couples. Participants describe multiple forms of family support, revealing the key role of family support during times of crisis and need. Full article

In this study, I expand on the Black feminist tradition of rethinking Black women’s activism by examining how Black queer women’s fashion shows challenge traditional definitions and sites of activism. I present BlaQueer Style as an interpretive framework that largely draws on the wisdom and theories of Black feminism to undercover how these productions and the politics that shape them are not only sites of activism because they challenge the conventions of mainstream cultural institutions, but because they make space for the social and personal transformation of the communities they center. In this analysis of two public LGBTQ+ fashion shows, I argue that intention aside, the Black queer women founders and fashion workers and their practices and performances of centering marginalized communities, using the body to signal and subvert controlling images, and building coalition among these communities, highlight the liberatory potential of their fashion work. In a time when Black queer and trans people are experiencing misrepresentation and other forms of violence globally, BlaQueer Style is what I name the politics that presents a deep commitment to both the aesthetics and the liberation of these communities in Black queer women’s fashion work. Full article

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect one in six pregnancies globally. The etiology of HDP remains unclear but is known to involve oxidative stress. While the body produces endogenous antioxidants, antioxidative nutrients, like carotenoids, remain critical in modulating oxidative stress. The statuses of several carotenoids have been linked to hypertension in both pregnant and non-pregnant populations. However, their associations with the spectrum of HDP, including gestational hypertension (GH), chronic hypertension (CH), and preeclampsia (PE), remains unclear. Our objective was to quantify and compare carotenoid intake and plasma levels among HDP. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients presenting for delivery at a Midwestern academic medical center between 2015 and 2023. Women ≥ 19 years old delivering at least one infant were eligible for inclusion. Mothers with diseases affecting nutrient metabolism or birthing newborn wards of the state were excluded. Subjects were recruited at delivery for Harvard Food Frequency Questionnaire and plasma sample collection. Plasma carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-MS. Results: A total of 488 patients, including 270 normotensive (NT), 61 CH, 102 GH, and 55 PE, were recruited. Plasma carotenoid analyses were available for 225 subjects. Plasma total, cis-, and trans-β-carotene were significantly lower in PE (73 mcg/L) compared to NT (170 mcg/L), CH (194 mcg/L), and GH (190 mcg/L) groups. Lutein + zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were also reduced in PE (142 mcg/L and 81 mcg/L) compared to NT (209 mcg/L and 123 mcg/L) but only β-cryptoxanthin was lower in PE compared to GH (126 mcg/L). Levels of α-carotene were lower in PE (18 mcg/L) compared to both CH (43 mcg/L) and GH (48 mcg/L). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that plasma carotenoid levels differ among HDP and may suggest that oxidative stress in PE depletes circulating carotenoids, differentiating it from other HDP. Full article

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women. It is a significant health and social issue affecting 2.3 million women worldwide. Breast cancer is caused by various factors, including gender, age, race, genetics, hormonal balance, obesity, alcohol and many others. A crucial issue related to breast cancer is the impact of diet on the development of the disease. Dietary fats play a key role. Saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids increase the risk of breast cancer, while polyunsaturated fatty acids have a protective effect. A high-protein diet reduces the risk of breast cancer and improves prognosis among patients. The role of carbohydrates remains unclear, but women may benefit from reducing their intake of high glycemic index foods. Among the macronutrients influencing the development and progression of breast cancer are calcium and magnesium. Adopting a Mediterranean diet may offer benefits. Among the factors influencing the development of breast cancer, the gastrointestinal microbiota is also noteworthy. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, support treatment, reduce side effects and improve patients’ quality of life. Chronic stress also contributes to the development of breast cancer by affecting the nervous, hormonal and immune systems, disrupting the body’s homeostasis. Full article