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Background: This study examines gender differences in parental attitudes toward risky play for 5- to 11-year-old boys and girls in Britain. Methods: Analyses use data from the cross-sectional, nationally representative British Child Play Survey. Survey respondents were caregivers of primary-school-aged children living in Britain. Parent self-reported their risk tolerance in play via the Tolerance for Risk in Play Scale (TRiPS) and the Risk Engagement and Protection Survey (REPS). The REPS includes subscales that assess caregiver attitudes around "Protection from Injury" (PFI) and "Engagement with Risk" (EWR) in relation to children's play. Multiple linear regression compared caregiver gender differences in TRiPS, REPS-PFI, and REPS-EWR at the item level, and overall. Associations between child gender and these scales were also examined. Results: Among 1919 caregivers, no significant gender differences emerged in mean TRiPS (P =.72), REPS-EWR (P =.58), and REPS-PFI (P =.34) scores. Activity-specific differences were evident in caregivers' tolerance for individual risky play activities (15/31 activities). Parents of boys exhibited higher risk tolerance (B = −4.48, P <.01) and willingness for their child to engage in risky play (B = −0.63, P <.01) than parents of girls. Conclusions: While there was no difference between male and female caregivers overall attitudes, gender differences were prominent for specific play activities and attitudes, with male caregivers demonstrating higher tolerance for the riskiest activities. Parents of boys expressed more permissive attitudes toward engagement in risky play. Further work is needed to identify why there is gender-related variation in these attitudes and should be considered in interventions that support parents in enabling adventurous play opportunities for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this integrative review we analyze research from multiple fields of study in regards to gender equality, gender equity, and sport participation over the past twenty years (2000–2020). Key findings highlight a) women and girls' socialization into sport and the performance of femininity and heteronormativity, b) the psychological benefits, negative effects, and participant retention, c) a lack of transformative critique of sport structures and barriers to access, and d) critique of sport policy that enhances equity and equality. Embedded throughout the presentation of these four interrelated areas of interest, we offer a critique about the state of research so that others might draw insight for future research directions. We conclude by outlining potential intersectional and transformational frameworks that connect research to social and political action. We also provide commentary on knowledge creation, databases, and the politicization of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dads and Daughters Exercising and Empowered (DADEE) is a program targeting fathers/father-figures to improve their daughters' physical activity and well-being. Previous randomised controlled efficacy and effectiveness trials of DADEE demonstrated meaningful improvements in a range of holistic outcomes for both fathers and daughters in the short-term. This study aims to assess the long-term impact (12-months) of the program when delivered in the community by trained facilitators. Methods: Fathers/father-figures and their primary school-aged daughters were recruited from Newcastle, Australia into a single-arm, non-randomised, pre-post study with assessments at baseline, 10-weeks (post-intervention) and 12-months. The 9-session program included weekly 90-min educational and practical sessions, plus home-based tasks. The primary outcome was fathers' and daughters' days per week meeting national physical activity recommendations (≥ 30 min/day of MVPA for fathers, ≥ 60 min/day MVPA for daughters). Secondary outcomes included physical activity, screen time, self-esteem, father-daughter relationship, social-emotional well-being, parenting measures, and process outcomes (including recruitment, attendance, retention and program acceptability). Results: Twelve programs were delivered with 257 fathers (40.0 ± 9.2 years) and 285 daughters (7.7 ± 1.9 years). Mixed effects regression models revealed significant intervention effects for the primary outcome, with fathers increasing the days/week meeting physical activity recommendations by 27% at 10-weeks (p < 0.001) and by 19% at 12-months (p < 0.001) compared with baseline. Likewise, for daughters there was a significant increase by 25% at 10-weeks (p < 0.001) and by 14% at 12-months (p = 0.02) when compared to baseline. After conducting a sensitivity analysis with participants unaffected by COVID-19 lockdowns (n = 175 fathers, n = 192 daughters), the primary outcome results strengthened at both time-points for fathers and at 12-months for daughters. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis revealed significant intervention effects at post-program and 12-months for all secondary outcomes in both fathers and daughters. Furthermore, the process outcomes for recruitment capability, attendance, retention and satisfaction levels were high. Conclusions: Findings provide support for a sustained effect of the DADEE program while delivered in a community setting by trained facilitators. Further investigation is required to identify optimised implementation processes and contextual factors to deliver the program at scale. Trial registration: ACTRN12617001450303. Date registered: 12/10/2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate water supply, poor sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools, insufficient puberty education and a lack of hygienic menstrual hygiene management (MHM) items (absorbents) cause girls in developing countries like Ethiopia to view menstruation as shameful and uncomfortable. However, there was little evidence of female MHM practice and associated factors among secondary school girls in eastern Ethiopia. Objective: To assess MHM practice and associated factors among secondary school girls in eastern Ethiopia. Design: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Methods: A total of 473 secondary schoolgirls were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, double-entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was computed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviations. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the association of the school water, sanitation and hygiene facilities with MHM. Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval was computed to show the strength of the association between dependent and independent variables. The goodness of fit of the model was tested by the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test. Results: Out of 473 study participants, 72.93% of them (95% CI: 68.74–76.76) reported good MHM practices. The study also found that availability of continuous water supply (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: (1.42–4.01)); types of toilet (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: (1.20–3.40)), confined space (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: (1.49–4.76)) and having females' toilets alone inside in the school (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: (1.20–4.40)) were significantly associated with female students' good MHM practice. Conclusion: The survey revealed that some of the secondary schoolgirls practiced poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM), which needs further improvement. The study also found that the availability of continuous water supply in the school, types of toilet facility in the school, availability of private space to manage periods at school, learning about MHM in schools and availability of female toilets kept locked inside were factors significantly associated with MHM practice of students, which require integration of Zonal Health and education bureau to jointly work towards the improvement of school WASH facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age reportedly affects headache prevalence differently in boys and girls. However, little empirical data exists regarding pediatric headache prevalence and headache-related burden in children and adolescents according to age and sex. In the present study, we considered age and sex while evaluating the distribution, characteristics, and impairment of primary headache disorders at a pediatric headache center in Germany. Methods: Medical records of children and adolescents attending the headache clinic of the Interdisciplinary Pain Center of the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital in Dresden during the period 2015-2022 were retrospectively grouped and analyzed depending on age (< or ≥14 years) and sex. Results: The study population consisted of 652 children and adolescents, aged between 3 and 18 years. Almost two-thirds of the patients (≈60%) were females, and almost two-thirds of these females (58%) were ≥14 years of age. Generally, the most prevalent headache diagnoses as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition were episodic migraine without aura and the combination of tension-type headache and episodic migraine with or without aura i.e., mixed-type headache (each ≈27%). In the younger group (<14 years), the mixed-type headache was the most prevalent in girls (28.6%), whereas, for boys, episodic migraine without aura was the most prevalent headache diagnosis (47.4%). In the older group (≥14 years), the mixed-type headache continued to be the most prevalent for girls (30%), and it became the most prevalent for boys (26.3%). Before the age of 14, about 16% of children were severely affected by their headaches. After the age of 14, this proportion increased to roughly one-third (33%) of adolescents, driven mainly by teenage girls (26%) who were severely affected by their headaches. Furthermore, the prevalence of comorbidities was significantly higher among girls (67%), particularly in the adolescent group (74%). Conclusions: Our data shows that headache disorders in a specialized pediatric clinic impose a significant burden, especially among teenage girls indicating high therapy needs. Enhancing awareness of early diagnosis and preventive care is crucial to mitigate the development of chronic headaches, and mitigate their adverse effects on life quality and educational capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender role attitudes have important implications at the individual, family, and societal levels, underscoring the importance of understanding their development. Although parents predominate in the socialization of gender role attitudes in childhood, the influence of friends increases during adolescence. In particular, cross-gender friends can provide unique insights and perspectives on another gender group, making them likely to shape gender role attitudes. However, empirical explorations of the link between gender role attitudes and cross-gender friendships have been rare. Furthermore, the few studies conducted have yielded ambiguous results and have struggled to separate the influence of cross-gender friends from a selection of such friendships based on gender role attitudes. This study addresses these limitations by using longitudinal social network models to assess the co-evolution of friendship networks and gender role attitudes among 3,194 youth (Mage = 15.2, SD = 0.67, 51% female) in German schools. The findings reveal that, after accounting for selection processes, boys with cross-gender friends develop more egalitarian gender role attitudes, while girls' attitudes are unaffected by cross-gender friendships. These findings suggest that promoting cross-gender friendships among adolescent boys holds the potential to foster egalitarian gender role attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex trauma history is one of the incarcerated girls' most salient characteristics, and two of the most injurious outcomes are suicide ideation and attempted suicide. However, to the best of our knowledge, not one published study has thus far focused on the suicide experiences of rural girls in detention facilities. Guided by theoretical perspectives on females' pathways into crime and using data derived from in-depth semistructured interviews with 39 girls housed in two West Virginia detention centers, the main objective of this article is to help fill a major gap in the extant literature on rural girls in conflict with the law. The key themes that emerged from qualitative data analyses are sleep deprivation, substance use, and a history of sexual and physical abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents self‐report using different strategies to respond to peer provocation. However, we have a limited understanding of how these responses are behaviorally enacted and perceived by peers. This study examined the extent to which adolescents' self‐reported responses to peer provocation (i.e., aggressive, assertive, and withdrawn) predicted how their vocal enactments of standardized responses to peer provocation were perceived by other adolescents. Three vocal cues relevant to the communication of emotional intent—average pitch, average intensity, and speech rate—were explored as moderators of these associations. Adolescent speakers (n = 39; Mage = 12.67; 66.7% girls) completed a self‐report measure of how they would choose to respond to scenarios involving peer provocation; they also enacted standardized vocal responses to hypothetical peer provocation scenarios. Recordings of speakers' vocal responses were presented to a separate sample of adolescent listeners (n = 129; Mage = 12.12; 52.7% girls) in an online listening task. Speakers who self‐reported greater use of assertive response strategies enacted standardized vocal responses that were rated as significantly friendlier by listeners. Vocal responses enacted with faster speech rates were also rated as significantly friendlier by listeners. Speakers' self‐reported use of aggression and withdrawal was not significantly related to listeners' ratings of their standardized vocal responses. These findings suggest that adolescents may be perceived differently by their peers depending on the way in which their response is enacted; specifically, faster speech rate may be perceived as friendlier and thus de‐escalate peer conflict. Future studies should consider not only what youth say and/or do when responding to peer provocation but also how they say it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maximal conditioning contractions (CCs) can lead to the enhancement of evoked-twitch characteristics in human skeletal muscle. This phenomenon is termed post-activation potentiation (PAP). In the knee extensors, PAP is greater in men compared with boys. In adults, the optimal CC duration for PAP is ~ 10 s. We examined child–adult differences in PAP among females and aimed to determine the optimal CC duration in girls and women. Methods: Eleven girls (9.3 ± 1.4 years) and 13 women (23.4 ± 2.7 years) participated in this study. Maximal isometric evoked twitches were recorded in the knee extensors before and after 4 maximal CCs of different durations (5, 10, 20, and 30 s), in a random order. PAP was calculated as the percent-change in peak torque (Tpeak) and peak rate of torque development (RTDpeak) after each CC. Results: There was a group-by-duration interaction (p < 0.001), reflecting greater Tpeak PAP in women compared with girls following 5 and 10 s CCs, and lower RTDpeak PAP in women following the 30 s CC. The 5 and 10 s CCs lead to the greatest Tpeak and RTDpeak PAP amongst the women while there were no differences between CC durations in girls. Conclusion: After both a 5 and 10 s CC, women have greater PAP compared with girls. The optimal CC duration for the knee extensors in women appears to be ~ 5-10 s, while CC durations between 5 and 30 s do not appear to affect levels of PAP in girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental involvement in educating children remains a crucial first step in building an informed citizen. It becomes a routine matter for children to follow the footsteps of educated parents. However, for the first-generation learners, e.g. particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs), it is an arduous task because they belong to the least developed communities in India, with poverty and illiteracy forming the base of their existence. This paper examines the extent of involvement PVTG parents have in educating their daughters and identifies ways for improvement. Findings based on this original study suggest that the parents realise involvement, but their knowledge of involvement differs from the general population and the Western context. Hence, the study proposes four types of Cs to integrate their involvement: Concern, Communication, Condition, and Cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increases in visibility, gender‐nonconforming young people continue to be at risk for bullying and discrimination. Prior work has established that gender essentialism in children correlates with prejudice against people who do not conform to gender norms, but to date no causal link has been established. The present study investigated this link more directly by testing whether children's gender essentialism and prejudice against gender nonconformity can be reduced by exposure to anti‐essentialist messaging. Children ages 6–10 years of age (N = 102) in the experimental condition viewed a short video describing similarities between boys and girls and variation within each gender; children in the control condition (N = 102) viewed a corresponding video describing similarities between two types of climate and variation within each. Children then received measures of gender essentialism and prejudice against gender nonconformity. Finally, to ask whether manipulating children's gender essentialism extends to another domain, we included assessments of racial essentialism and prejudice. We found positive correlations between gender essentialism and prejudice against gender nonconformity; both also correlated negatively with participant age. However, we observed no differences between children in the experimental versus control conditions in overall essentialism or prejudice, indicating that our video was largely ineffective in manipulating essentialism. Accordingly, we were unable to provide evidence of a causal relationship between essentialism and prejudice. We did, however, see a difference between conditions on the discreteness measure, which is most closely linked to the wording in the video. This finding suggests that specific aspects of essentialism in young children may be modifiable. Research Highlights: Consistent with prior research, we found that greater gender essentialism was associated with greater prejudice against gender‐nonconforming children; both decreased with age.We randomly assigned children to view either an anti‐essentialist video manipulation or a control video to test if this relation was causal in nature.The anti‐essentialist video did not reduce overall essentialism as compared to the control, so we did not find support for a causal link.We observed a reduction in the dimension of essentialism most closely linked to the anti‐essentialist video language, suggesting the potential utility of anti‐essentialist messaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As technical and vocational education and training (TVET) continue to occupy a prominent position in Africa's development, addressing the growing concerns about young women's under-participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related TVET has become urgent. This paper draws on the critical capability approach of vocational education and training (CCA-VET) to critique the TVET policy discourse on the participation of girls and women in STEM-related TVET. The paper employed the practical argumentation approach, a critical discourse analysis approach to achieve the paper's aims. The paper's central thesis is that for education policies to transform young women's under-participation in STEM-related TVET, it is urgent to move beyond human rights-based, and human capital approaches to adopt a comprehensive theoretical approach, such as the critical capabilities approach. The paper concludes that breaking this hegemony of human rights and human capital approaches to TVET policy can be achieved by re-conceptualising TVET policy discourses. The re-conceptualisation of TVET policy discourses can be achieved by admitting the critiques of these dominant theories that underpin most TVET policies and then adopting the CCA-VET as a better alternative approach to framing TVET policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive work among adolescents may compromise educational development. Without home appliances, household work can take over 50 h a week and an additional 30 h when an infant is present. School-aged girls are often tasked with doing laundry, which is time-consuming and inflexible without a washing machine. We determined the association between washing machine ownership and school attendance among adolescents ages 10–19 years in 19 middle-income countries between 2000 and 2021 (N = 1,622,514). We controlled for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, all neighborhood-level factors, and examined differences by sex, age, household wealth, and period. No relationship between washing machine ownership and school attendance was found in most countries: However, there was a substantial association for girls in Türkiye and a small to moderate association for girls in Egypt and Albania. In Türkiye, for example, girls living in households with a washing machine had 28% (95% CI 19, 37) greater school attendance compared to girls living in households which did not. No association was observed for boys. The results suggest that household ownership of a washing machine does generally not improve school attendance among girls, except possibly in specific contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusions To evaluate the suitability of serum osteocalcin (OC) as a marker to distinguish between rapidly and non‐rapidly progressive central precocious puberty (RP‐CPP and NRP‐CPP), as well as its potential to assess growth rates following treatment with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).Serum levels of OC were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays in girls diagnosed with either RP‐CPP or NRP‐CPP as well as in normal control subjects. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the cut‐off value for OC. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyse the main influencing factors associated with OC.Serum OC levels were higher in the CPP girls when compared to normal controls (110.76 ± 43.69 vs 55.97 ± 20.96 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The level in the RP‐CPP group was higher than the NRP‐CPP group (153.28 ± 33.89 vs 88.33 ± 29.26 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The cut‐off value of OC levels for distinguishing between RP‐CPP and NRP‐CPP was 107.05 ng/mL, the sensitivity was 94.7% and the specificity was 77.8%, which was superior to using the basal luteinising hormone (B‐LH) levels, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) were 0.933 versus 0.695, respectively. Following 1–2 years of treatment with GnRHa for girls with CPP, both OC levels and the growth rates decreased to pre‐pubertal values. B‐LH levels, bone age and body weight were also significant factors, which affected OC levels.Serum OC levels may be a useful marker for distinguishing RP‐CPP from NRP‐CPP. In addition, it was also found to be a useful predictor for growth rate during GnRHa treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, food price inflation is a widespread issue in Bangladesh as well as the rest of the world. Malnutrition is a common issue among children that can have long-lasting effects on their development and overall health. There have been lots of studies conducted to identify the factors responsible for child malnutrition, but inflation is rarely considered a factor in child malnutrition. We aimed to determine the relationship between food price inflation and stunting (Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ)) in children under five years of age in Bangladesh. Method: The study utilized food price data from the World Food Programme database and malnutrition (stunting) information from the 2014 and 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHS). This includes the total study period from 2009 to 2018. Food prices were linked to the BDHS dataset using each child's birth month. For each child, the average food prices from 9 months prior to 5 months post-birth, including their birth month, were recorded to calculate month-to-month inflation. This inflation was computed for rice (coarse), oil, wheat flour, and lentils by comparing the price sum of each item from one month to the previous month and dividing by the total price of the preceding month. A generalized linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between food price inflation and stunting, with stunting as the dependent variable. Other explanatory variables included wealth index, sex of the child, height, weight, mother's education, respondent's current pregnancy, and breastfeeding status. Results: Our study has revealed that food price inflation has a significant negative effect on stunting, with a coefficient of -0.127 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we have identified several other factors that have also significantly negative associations with stunting, including the wealth index (p < 0.001), mother's education level (p < 0.001), mother's pregnancy status (p < 0.001), breastfeeding (p < 0.001), child's age (p < 0.001). child's weight (p < 0.001) has significantly positive effect on stunting. However, we did not find any significant differences in stunting between boys and girls. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the significant negative impact of food price inflation on child stunting, emphasizing the need to acknowledge this factor alongside others. These results highlight the critical role of addressing food price inflation as a key determinant of stunting, in conjunction with various other contributing factors, in efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early debates within subcultural theory have criticized the field for its male bias and its tendency to ignore girls’ culture. This criticism may still be highly relevant in terms of digital girl culture and digital sites of resistance and dissent. Based on interviews with early adolescents (n = 80; age 12–16), we discovered how posting low-quality, seemingly random, out-of-context content onto private Snapchat stories was an integral part of online girl culture referred to as ‘shitposting’. This digital practice of ‘shitposting’ shows how the technologies and functionalities of social media can be used to create insulated, well-hidden, and unspectacular sites of resistance towards dominant notions of femininity associated with success, perfectionism, and flawlessness, i.e. emphasized young femininity. We argue that this resistance arises in the face of a pervasive and dominant achievement culture that continuously pressures young people to strive towards success, perfection, and personal achievements in all areas of life. While previous research has found shitposting to be a masculine practice, particularly within more extreme groups, the feminine version of shitposting may have been overlooked due to its hidden, mundane, and unspectacular nature. It is, however, equally important as it informs us about contemporary young femininity as a site of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been an increased focus on children as a target for primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In particular, girls should receive attention to combat the burden of CVD in women, because women have higher CVD mortality and morbidity rates than men do. As health literacy is paramount, the evaluation of awareness, and knowledge of CVD and its risk factors and their associations with the lifestyles of girls forms the basis for planning cardiovascular health promotion programs aiming to improve girls' immediate health and reduce the future burden of CVD among women. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of girls attending elementary and intermediate schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The girls completed a newly validated 24-item questionnaire that assessed their demographic data, lifestyles, and awareness and knowledge of CVD and its risk factors. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were obtained. Knowledge scores were calculated on the basis of correct responses and compared between subgroups via analysis of variance to determine associated factors. Results: In total, 469 girls (mean age of 12.5 years) were included. Approximately 41.4% of them did not exercise or only exercised once a week. The dietary intake of important food groups was below or just at the minimal recommended servings for most. Overall, 44.1% were overweight/obese, and almost half were identified as hypertensive on the basis of a single resting measurement. Awareness of CVD as a dangerous disease in adults was 50.3%, whereas, cancer was identified by 61% of participants. Individual risk factors were identified by ≈ 25%, and 16.6% were not aware of any risk factors. The overall knowledge score of the participants was 2.6 (± 1.6) out of a total possible score of 8 representing 32.5% (± 20%). Knowledge levels were positively influenced by increasing school grade (P = 0.001) and family history of CVD (P < 0.001). There was no significant favorable association between improved knowledge level and lifestyle factors. Conclusion: The awareness and knowledge of CVD among girls aged 8–16 years are poor and are largely dissociated from their lifestyle. Improved knowledge scores with increasing school grade and family history of CVD confirm a role for schools and families in improving girls' knowledge. Our findings mirror those obtained in older women, showing that misinformation among women starts in childhood and should be targeted early in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Aim Methods Results Conclusion A number of barriers in care exist for women/girls with bleeding disorders. Little progress has been made to overcome them, particularly regarding levels of awareness of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and women/girls.To evaluate awareness and perception of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and bleeding disorders among HCPs and women/girls.A three‐part qualitative study was conducted, including HCPs and women/girls from over seven countries. Part 1 included eleven 60‐min interviews with experts discussing HMB diagnostic barriers, which were further assessed in surveys among 6099 women/girls, 353 general practitioners (GPs), and 426 obstetricians and gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) during Part 2. Part 3 included three 1.5–2‐h workshops with 20 clinicians and patient representatives covering HMB knowledge, criteria defining HMB and HCP resourcing for diagnosis.Many HCPs do not conduct certain investigations for women/girls presenting with HMB, and 22% of GPs lack confidence in the management of HMB. Only 8% of GPs use screening tools to evaluate menstrual blood loss, and 13% of GPs and 15% of OB/GYNs assess underlying bleeding disorders. Seventy‐six percent of menstruating women/girls believed they could recognise HMB symptoms ‘well’. However, 23% of these women/girls would not seek medical advice for abnormal/prolonged menstruation disrupting their lives. Disruptions were reported in 34% of women/girls from the general population and 61% of women with at‐risk symptoms of HMB.Many women/girls and HCPs have limited awareness of important HMB indicators. There is a need for standardized clinical criteria to promote efficient diagnoses and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSince ancient times, Homeric similes, particularly in the Iliad, have been extensively debated. Often treated as separate narrative components, their traditional aspects have been overlooked in favour of their unique images. However, recent studies have emphasised that these similes convey more than just explicit images: they also communicate through their traditional language and repeated themes. The similes centred on maternal protection have been commonly interpreted as tender, portraying a war-free reality. Yet, Kathy Gaca (“Reinterpreting the Homeric Simile of Iliad 16.7–11: The Girl and Her Mother in Ancient Greek Warfare,” American Journal of Philology 129 (2): 145–171, 2008) introduced an alternative view, proposing that the simile in Il. 16.6–10, comparing Patroclus to a crying little girl clinging to her mother’s dress, might represent a mother fleeing from invading soldiers with her child. Building upon this interpretation, I argue for a war context in the other three similes that have a maternal protection scene: Il. 4.130–131 (Athena protecting Menelaus), Il. 8.271 (Teucer hiding behind Ajax’s shield), and Il. 12.433–435 (the balance in battle). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Engaging in physical activity (PA) during adolescence is beneficial for health and positive development. However, most adolescent girls have low PA levels, and there is a need for interventions outside of school hours. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to explore the preliminary effectiveness of three different remote PA interventions in increasing adolescent girls' moderate-to- vigorous PA (MVPA), fitness and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: Girls living in the UK or Ireland, aged between 13 and 16 years old, who wished to increase their activity levels, were eligible for the study. Using a random number generator, participants (n = 153; 14.8y ± 1.4) were randomised into one of three 12-week intervention groups (i) PA programme, (ii) Behaviour change support, or (iii) Combined PA programme and Behaviour change support, or (iv) a Comparison group. Outcome measures included accelerometer and self-reported PA, physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness; 20 m shuttle run, muscular endurance; push up, muscular strength; long jump), and psychosocial assessments (perceived competence; body appreciation; self-esteem; behavioural regulation). Linear mixed models were used to analyse differences between each intervention arm and the comparison group immediately postintervention (12 weeks) and at follow up (3-months post-intervention), while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Participation in the PA programme group was associated with higher perceived competence (0.6, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.2), identified regulation (0.7, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.1) and intrinsic motivation (0.9, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.6) at post-intervention. Participation in the Behaviour change group was associated with higher perceived competence at post-intervention (0.6, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.2), and higher push-up scores at the 3-month follow-up (4.0, 95% CI 0.0 to 7.0). Participation in the Combined group was also associated with higher perceived competence at post-intervention (0.8, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.4), and higher push-up scores at the 3-month follow-up (5.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 8.0). No other significant differences were found between the intervention arms and the comparison group. Conclusion: Results suggest perceived competence increased across all intervention arms, while the PA programme group enhanced autonomous motivation in the short term. Intervention arms with behaviour change support appear most promising in improving muscular endurance. However, a larger scale trial is needed for a better understanding of between-group differences and the impact of intervention arms on MVPA and fitness, given the small sample size and short-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minipuberty is a term describing transient postnatal activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, likely playing an important role in the postnatal growth of female genital organs and breasts. Unlike infant boys, there are no data concerning the impact of gestational hypothyroidism on the course of minipuberty in infant girls. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the reproductive axis and genital organs in daughters of women with thyroid hypofunction during pregnancy. The study population included three matched groups of infant girls: offspring of women with thyroid hypofunction non-substituted or inadequately treated during gestation (group 1), descendants of women adequately substituted throughout pregnancy (group 2), and daughters of healthy women (group 3). Salivary concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and urine levels of gonadotropins were measured monthly from month 1 to month 6, once every two months between postnatal months 6 and 12, and once every three months between postnatal months 12 and 18. During each visit, we also determined ovarian volume, uterine length, and breast diameter. Concentrations of FSH, LH, and estradiol were lowest in group 1, and this group was also characterized by the shortest detection period for gonadotropins and estradiol. These differences were paralleled by differences in ovarian volume, uterine length, and breast diameter. There were no differences between groups 2 and 3 in levels of both hormones and in the size of the measured structures. The obtained results seem to indicate that non-substituted or inadequately substituted hypothyroidism during pregnancy may impair the course of minipuberty in the female offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In three studies we examined whether four social identity characteristics (gender, race, age, and socioeconomic status) affect perceived risk of disorder development for eating and mood relevant behaviors. Women and girls are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder than men and boys. However, because the race of Black women and girls does not fit the prototypical image of a person with an eating disorder (ED), we hypothesized ED-related behaviors would be perceived as less concerning for them. Study 1 demonstrated robust stereotypes along all four identity dimensions (gender, race, age, and socioeconomic status) for perceived ED prevalence, and weaker stereotypes for depressive and anxiety disorders. In Study 2, identical ED-related behaviors were interpreted as riskier and less healthy when performed by a female or White target, relative to a male or Black target. Identity dimensions did not affect risk judgments for mood disorder behaviors. Study 3 replicated and extended these results. These findings suggest Black women and girls are at a disadvantage in the early identification of risk factors associated with ED development. This work responds to the call for culturally sensitive research on the effects of diverse identities on detecting and addressing body image problems and eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although boys and girls start out performing similarly on STEM-related school subjects, the gap between them widens as they mature, leading to the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields at the college level and in the workforce. The current study examines the development of children's beliefs about men's and women's competence and other boys' and girls' learning ability for STEM and non-STEM topics. Children ages 5 through 9 (N = 134) judged adults to be less competent at professions they perceived as more difficult. Boys gave higher competence ratings to men than women in STEM and non-STEM fields, but girls only gave higher ratings to women than men in non-STEM fields. Children also viewed girls as less capable of learning about STEM subjects compared to non-STEM subjects, but they perceived boys as similarly capable of learning both STEM and non-STEM subjects. However, children's own school subject preferences and career aspirations (STEM or non-STEM) were not related to their judgments of adults or other children. The results point to the detrimental effects of gender stereotypes on children's beliefs about women's and girls' abilities in STEM. Practice implications for caregivers and educators to close the gender gap in STEM are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects the endocrine glands and reproductive processes in adolescent girls, potentially impacting their quality of life. This study aims to compare the quality of life between adolescent girls with PCOS and those without PCOS. The present study is an analytical cross-sectional study. It involved 12–18-year-old girls who were diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria for the case group. An ordinal logistic regression model was employed to assess the impact of the studied variables on different levels of quality of life, and Odds Ratio (OR) values were determined for predictor variables. The findings of the study revealed that the control group had a significantly higher percentage of individuals with excellent quality of life (score 209–260) compared to the group with polycystic ovary syndrome (p<0.05). The results of the ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that age variables (OR=0.64, CI 95 %; 0.44–0.93), menstrual disorders (OR=0.07, CI 95 %; 0.01–0.38), and micromastia (OR=0.03, CI 95 %; 0.004–0.34) were identified as factors influencing the quality of life of girls with polycystic ovary syndrome. It was concluded that patients with PCOS had a lower quality of life score. The variables of age, menstrual disorders, and micromastia were determined as influencing factors the quality of life. The results of this study are significant and warrant further research in this area, particularly with regard to the financial resources of patients in the challenging economic circumstances facing the nation – the majority of which are brought on by economic sanctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite some positive developments within policy and practice, the over-representation of care-experienced children in the youth justice system remains of significant concern globally. Moreover, there is a relative lack of research or policy focusing specifically on the needs of care-experienced girls who become involved in offending behaviour. This article presents novel findings from interviews with 17 girls and young women and eight Youth Offending Team (YOT) staff, highlighting how being in care can affect offending behaviour and how YOTs may provide support to care-experienced girls who have been inadequately supported elsewhere. Reviewing research and practice through a gendered lens helps to demonstrate how and why care-experienced girls may be escalated through justice systems at a greater rate than boys. The provision of gender-specific, trauma-informed interventions by YOTs demonstrates how focusing on care-experienced girls' well-being first is essential if their involvement in the youth justice system is to be reduced. Nonetheless, while YOTs can plug the gaps by providing valuable support within an unsatisfactory system, youth justice intervention must not be a default option for girls in care who exhibit 'challenging' behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first romantic relationships of adolescents are of significant developmental importance, and the acquired experience is a cultural issue. The study aimed to capture what meanings young teenagers give their first love experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with six teenage girls. A detailed idiographic analysis, based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), allowed us to present the work of adolescents to maintain intimacy and ensure the stability of a romantic relationship. It was noticed that young girls take an emotionally leading role in their romantic relationships, feel responsible for them, and act following the stereotypical gender order. The interpretative framework adolescents adopt may result from therapeutic and utilitarian narratives, addressed mainly to women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article outlines some of the key cultural shifts that influenced moviegoing for girls and women in British Malaya. To reconstruct the patterns of film exhibition during the silent and early sound era, it draws on archival resources, including American trade press, local popular press, and oral interviews with elderly Singaporeans; these were conducted in the 1980s, by the Singapore National Archives, when spectators who experienced silent moviegoing were still alive. Methodologically, this work draws on feminist film scholarship that focuses on the socio-cultural role of cinematic consumption at a defined, historical moment. The article contextualises cinemagoing within a wider framework of spatial geographies under colonial rule. It also interrogates the popularity of Hollywood on the national screens, and the related, gendered anxieties on moviegoing expressed across the Malayan public sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greater women's bargaining power and decision‐making within a household have been shown to increase investments in human capital. This study links women's participation in decision‐making in dairy production with household investment in girls and boys in health, nutrition, and education. We survey households in the urbanizing region of Bangalore, India. We utilize a multinomial treatment effects model to analyze the individual and household factors that are associated with women's participation in sole or joint decision‐making. We then assess how the type of decision‐making influences a household's investments. The results first show that female decision‐making households are more disadvantaged on average than other types of decision‐making households. Second, we observe that female decision‐makers for dairy production are more likely to have more children and earn a higher income than their husbands. Third, the main findings show that households in which women engage in joint decision‐making have higher levels of investment across all categories for girls. Conversely, investments decrease in education and nutrition for both girls and boys when the wife is the sole decision‐maker. Lastly, investments are enhanced further for girls when households can sell milk at a higher price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Research implies early relational factors – parental appropriate mind‐mindedness (MM) and mutually responsive orientation (MRO) – as antecedents of children's Theory of Mind (ToM), yet the longitudinal path is unclear. Furthermore, little is known about the process in father–child relationships. In two studies of community families in a Midwestern state in United States, we tested a path from parental appropriate MM in infancy to parent–child MRO in toddlerhood to children's ToM at preschool age in mother– and father–child relationships, using comparable observational measures at parallel ages.In Children and Parents Study (CAPS) of children born in 2017 and 2018, we collected data at 8 months (N = 200, 96 girls), 38 months, age 3 (N = 175, 86 girls), and 52 months, age 4.5 (N = 177, 86 girls). In Family Study (FS) of children born mostly in 2001, we collected data at 7 months (N = 102, 51 girls), 38 months, age 3 (N = 100, 50 girls), and 52 months, age 4.5 (N = 99, 49 girls). Parental MM (verbal comments aligned with the infant's psychological state) was observed in infancy, MRO (parent and child responsiveness to each other and shared positive affect) at age 3, and ToM (false belief tasks) at age 4.5.The findings supported the proposed indirect effects of parents' MM on children's ToM, mediated by MRO, for fathers and children in both studies, and for mothers and children, in CAPS. In FS, mothers' MM predicted MRO and ToM, but there was no mediation.This investigation, testing a path from MM to MRO to ToM in both mother– and father–child relationships in two longitudinal studies, adds to the literature that has described relations among those constructs but rarely integrated those in one model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Those with eating disorders (EDs) characterized by purging behaviors tend to show more impulsivity than those diagnosed with restrictive eating, who tend to show more compulsivity. Impulsive choice (i.e. a type of impulsivity) is a common factor among eating disorders that is less understood. Delay discounting is a measure of choice impulsivity, examining the decrease in value of delayed outcomes. In this exploratory study, we examined associations between eating disorder type, age and delay discounting among patients at a residential ED treatment center (N = 178). Our findings showed that those diagnosed with bulimia nervosa had higher delay discounting (i.e. more impulsivity) at intake compared to anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating types but there were no significant differences. Those diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, as well as those with ARFID and unspecified ED showed a preference for delayed rewards at discharge, but there were no significant differences among ED types. Moderation analyses showed that age, ED type, nor the interaction did not significantly predict delay discounting at intake or discharge. To conclude, those with bulimia nervosa demonstrate less impulsive choice at discharge from a residential ED treatment center. However, additional research is needed given the variability of sample sizes in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the intersection of the impacts of COVID-19 on women and girls in humanitarian settings with the necessity of incorporating female perspectives in decision-making roles within multilateral institutions delivering humanitarian aid. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions in these multilateral institutions. However, increased female participation in leadership roles is linked to greater consideration of women's needs in humanitarian response plans, thereby promoting gender-sensitive recovery efforts. Given COVID-19's exacerbation of preexisting gender disparities in fragile settings, gender-responsive relief measures are crucial in humanitarian contexts. With the rising demand for humanitarian aid, prioritizing gender-sensitive and inclusive responses is essential for fostering an equitable and resilient post-COVID-19 future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to develop a combined predictive model for early pubertal development (EPD) in girls based on both non-genetic and genetic factors. Methods: The case-control study encompassed 147 girls diagnosed with EPD and 256 girls who exhibited normal pubertal development. The non-genetic risk score (NGRS) was calculated based on 6 independent biochemical predictors screened by multivariate logistic regressions, and the genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed using 28 EPD related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AROC), net reclassification optimization index (NRI) and integration differentiation index (IDI) were used to evaluate the improvement of adding genetic variants to the non-genetic risk model. Results: Overweight (OR=2.74), longer electronic screen time (OR=1.79) and higher ratio of plastic bottled water (OR=1.01) were potential risk factors, and longer exercise time (OR=0.51) and longer day sleeping time (OR=0.97) were protective factors for EPD, and the AROC of NGRS model was 83.6% (79.3-87.9%). The GRS showed a significant association with EPD (OR=1.90), and the AROC of GRS model was 65.3% (59.7-70.8%). After adding GRS to the NGRS model, the AROC significantly increased to 85.7% (81.7-89.6%) (P=0.020), and the reclassification significantly improved, with NRI of 8.19% (P= 0.023) and IDI of 4.22% (P <0.001). Conclusions: We established a combined prediction model of EPD in girls. Adding genetic variants to the non-genetic risk model brought modest improvement. However, the non-genetic factors such as overweight and living habits have higher predictive utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The peptide hormone Insulin-like Factor 3 (INSL3) is a biomarker of testicular Leydig cells in the male but is also expressed by the theca cells of the ovaries. With the advent of sensitive assays INSL3 can be quantified in female circulation, and we suggest that circulating INSL3 is a novel biomarker for pubertal development in girls. The aim of the study is to quantify INSL3 by LCMS/MS in sera from normal girls during pubertal transition, and during gonadal suppression by GnRH agonist therapy in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Method: The sensitivity of an established LC-MS/MS-based method for serum INSL3 was improved by switching to a state-of-the-art triple quadruple mass spectrometer (Altis Plus, Thermo). Results: The limit of detection of the improved LC-MS/MS method for serum INSL3 was 0.01 ug/L (1.5 pM) and the inter-assay CV was < 12%. Serum INSL3 increased during the pubertal transition in healthy girls and changes correlated with the concomitant rise in other measured hormones. In some girls, but not all, INSL3, FSH, inhibin B and estradiol serum concentrations increased prior to first clinical signs of puberty. Serum INSL3 concentrations were increased at baseline in girls with CPP compared to prepubertal controls and decreased during treatment with GnRH agonist followed by a steep rise and normalization after cessation of treatment. Conclusion: The improved method allowed for quantification of INSL3 in longitudinally collected serum samples during pubertal transition in healthy girls as well as in girls with CPP before, during and after treatment with GnRH agonist. Future studies are needed to clarify if INSL3 in combination with other biomarkers enhances the predictive value of differentiating between premature thelarche and CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contributing to the ongoing scholarly debates about popular feminism in female-centric media culture, this project explores what the recent Netflix teen girl programs I Am Not Okay With This (2020), Trinkets (2019–20), and Never Have I Ever (2020–2023) reveal about adolescent girls’ – particularly girls of color and/or queer girls—feminisms and expressions of anger. Girls in these programs freely express anger, progress through a series of “feminist snaps,” and articulate a range of feminist critiques, albeit without claiming the label “feminist.” However, the programs do constrain the feminist expressions of girls of color more than those of white girls, and, for all girls, feminism does not yet translate into collectivist and political activism on a larger scale, evidencing the vestiges of a postfeminist cultural mindset. For the most part, the personal is still the personal in these programs and the feminisms more palatable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesDesignResultsConclusionThis study investigated the barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport participation among adolescent girls from Middle Eastern backgrounds. These factors were explored through the perspectives of both adolescent girls and parents of adolescent girls, living in Australia.A qualitative study design was used to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity and sport in adolescent girls. Participants were 18 adolescent girls and 9 parents of adolescent girls, all of Middle Eastern backgrounds, living in Western Sydney, Australia. Data were collected through five focus groups and four one-on-one interviews, separated for girls and parents. Data were analysed using an inductive approach and thematic analysis.Three main themes (family, social support, religion and culture) and nine subthemes were identified. The main facilitators for physical activity and sport included the values and presence of an active family role model, religion to encourage lifelong physical activity skills, and promotion of physical activity from peers, school, and social media. The predominant barriers to physical activity and sport included established cultural norms and traditional gender roles, which were often influenced by religion and culture, and extended time using technology.The findings of the current study show the complex relationships between family, religion, and culture when promoting physical and sport participation. Such factors highlight the need to develop culturally tailored physical activity interventions that consider the perceived barriers and facilitators for adolescent girls' participation from Middle Eastern backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores teenage girls' engagement with digital images on social media. Using new feminist materialism, we foreground digital images as an assemblage of materialities (human and more‐than‐human) filled with affective potentials that materialise in/capacities. Drawing from interviews and focus group discussions, we show how the production and sharing of selfies through posting and sexting unlocked new ‘becomings’ through expressions of heterosexual desirability and pleasure but also generated fear through sexual objectification, sexual double standards and harassment. A recognition of digital images as materially embodied through which unequal gender power relations materialise is vital to addressing online sexual risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 14‐year‐old girl presented with a facial‐pigmented lesion suspicious of melanoma clinically and dermoscopically. In vivo, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings excluded melanoma by revealing typical epidermal honeycomb and cobblestone patterns. Well‐defined follicular contours were seen at the dermal–epidermal junction; there were no elongated, “medusa head‐like” follicular protrusions or folliculotropism, which are classical findings seen in lentigo maligna. With this report, we aim to demonstrate the significance of utilizing RCM technology in difficult to diagnose lentiginous pigmented lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of urine luteinizing hormone (ULH) after the triptorelin stimulation test detected by immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA) in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Methods The girls with precocious puberty were included. The triptorelin stimulation test at 8:30 a.m. was performed. Two consecutive 12-hour urine samples were collected after the test, defined as the first 12-hour and second 12-hour urine, respectively. ICMA measured ULH. Urine creatinine (Cr) concentration was measured. CPP and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) were diagnosed by the same pediatric endocrinologist based on clinical symptoms, signs, and progression of clinical development. Results A total of 97 cases (CPP n=69; PPP n=28) were included, with 12 cases not meeting the receiver operating characteristic analysis criteria. The first and second 12-hour ULH/Cr in the CPP group were higher than those in the PPP group. When the first 12-hour ULH/Cr was≥287.252 IU/mol, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing CPP were 87.3% and 90.9%, respectively. When the second 12-hour ULH/Cr was≥152.769 IU/mol, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing CPP were 92.1% and 90.9%, respectively. The area under the curve of the first and second 12-hour ULH/Cr were 0.933 and 0.954, respectively. Conclusion The ULH detection method after the triptorelin stimulation test has clinical significance for diagnosing CPP in girls. When blood sampling compliance in girls with precocious puberty is poor, the first 12-hour ULH/Cr≥288 IU/mol (or second 12-hour≥153 IU/mol) after the triptorelin stimulation test can serve as a laboratory indicator for diagnosis of CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Finding the factors that may affect performance of fine and gross motor skills in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is of great importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the correlations between physical activity (PA) participation and anthropometric features with gross and fine motor skills in school children with ADHD. Methods: This was a descriptive-correlational study. The study participants were 320 students with ADHD (including 120 girls; mean age of 7.86±0.89 years) from Tehran, Iran, in 2023. To assess PA, anthropometric features and motor proficiency, the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) scale (scores range from 0 to 7), standard tools such as a meter and scale, and the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (scores from 0-53, and 0-51 for gross and fine skills, respectively) were used. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and Pearson correlation test. Results: The participants had a relatively low level of PA (mean=2.23±1.07). Moreover, boys exhibited significantly higher proficiency in gross motor skills compared with girls (t=6.282, P<0.001), while girls demonstrated significantly higher proficiency in fine motor skills (P<0.001). Also, PA was directly and significantly associated with both gross (r=0.593, P<0.001) and fine motor skills (r=0.478, P<0.001). Moreover, body mass index showed an inverse and significant correlation with gross motor skill (r=-0.681, P<0.001). Conclusions: These findings emphasized the importance of promoting more PA and height-to-weight matching processes for optimal motor growth in children with ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate programs aimed at enhancing motor skills in children during physical education lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School uniforms are proliferating as a staple in figurations created of successful students around the world. In Australia the uniform as compulsory formal school wear is a growing phenomenon in both public and private education sectors. School uniforms have often been adopted as unproblematic, by schools, parents, policymakers, and students themselves. It remains unclear from the previous limited and often contradictory research, precisely how uniforms materially affect student academic and social outcomes. Research that considers how students themselves not just perceive but feel about their uniforms is scarce. I focus on the affective response of students to their school uniforms at one government co-educational selective science high school. A PhEmaterialist approach deprivileges human agency, accounting for matter as dynamic, affective and of consequence in activities, performances, and events. The school uniform as matter is explored as a dynamic and powerful affective force in education and is situated as an integral part of a school's iteration of binary gender differentiations. Uniforms matter twofold, as a conception that materializes what matters and the differential affect on the bodies that wear them. Bodies respond affectively to the uniform with a sense of comfort or discomfort, consciously and unconsciously. Bodies that do not fit easily with the required uniform hurt as students undergo everyday activities at school. This paper considers the affect of the uniform, with a filmic response from one high achieving 'smart' girl through a fine-grain analysis of her feelings of belonging and dis/comfort with and through her school uniform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the physical fitness level and health behavior status of preschool children in China, explore the relationship between physical fitness and health behavior, and further reveal the main factors affecting health behavior, to provide a reference for improving the physical fitness level of preschool children and maintaining healthy behavior. Methods: A total of 755 preschool children (394 boys and 361 girls, aged 4.52 ± 1.11 years) were selected from Chongqing and Liupanshui in China by cluster random sampling method for questionnaire survey and physical monitoring, and SPSS21.0 software was used to process and analyze the data. Results: (1) Heart rate (p = 0.015), protein content (p < 0.001), and time spent on the balance beam (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in boys than in girls, while BMI (p = 0.012), muscle mass (p < 0.001), and distance of standing long jump (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in boys than in girls. Meanwhile, systolic blood pressure (p = 0.004) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001) of rural children were significantly higher than those of urban children, while BMI (p < 0.001) and sitting forward flexion (p = 0.019) were significantly lower than those of urban children. (2) The light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of boys were significantly higher than that of girls (p < 0.001), and the MVPA of urban children was significantly higher than that of rural children (p = 0.001), and the former participated in sports classes more frequently (p < 0.001). (3) There was a significant correlation between physical activity (PA) and physical fitness indicators of preschoolers. Participating in sports interest classes was only significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.08) and sitting forward flexion (r = 0.09). (4) The PA level of preschool children was related to gender, household registration, kindergarten nature, age, residence environment, parental support, and participation degree. Participation in sports interest classes was related to gender, the nature of the kindergarten, household registration, age, and parent participation. Daily screen time was related to household registration, the nature of the kindergarten, the environment of residence, and the value perception of parents. Conclusions: There were different degrees of correlation between preschool children's physical fitness and health behaviors, and children's health behaviors were closely related to gender, environment, parents, and other factors. Therefore, how to increase the protective factors of children's health behaviors and controlling the risk factors may be crucial to promoting the development of good health behaviors and improving the physical fitness of preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a national cross‐sectional survey, the present study investigated the use and content of injury prevention training (IPT), and associated attitudes and beliefs, involving stakeholders in Danish girls' and women's elite football (U14, U16, U18, and Danish Women's League teams). A total of 168 stakeholders (coaches, physical performance coaches, physiotherapists, medical doctors, and club management) from 18 Danish elite clubs were invited to participate. Of these, 158 were eligible to participate, and 110 participants (69.6% response rate) provided 191 valid survey responses, as some provided more than one response due to multiple affiliations within the same club. The use of IPT ranged from 91.1% to 100% across team levels, with approximately 50% reporting up to 1–2 h/week. Interestingly, only 52.9%–72.7% of the responses indicated use of an evidence‐based IPT program, with lowest adoption at the U14 and Danish Women's League teams. The FIFA 11+ was the most used evidence‐based IPT program. The majority of the participants (>72%) had positive perceptions regarding IPT impact on injury reduction. These findings indicate that, while IPT is broadly used across Danish girls' and women's elite football teams, the implementation of evidence‐based IPT programs varies, with lower adoption of these programs among the youngest and senior elite teams. Hence, there is a need to enhance integration of IPT programs proven effective in girls' and women's elite football. Notably, stakeholders expressed positive perceptions regarding the impact of IPT on injury reduction, which provides valuable support for future efforts to strengthen IPT in football practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Girls with Turner syndrome (TS) lack a partial or complete sex chromosome, which causes an accelerated decline of their ovarian reserve. Girls have to deal with several dilemmas related to their fertility, while only a limited number of them are referred to a fertility specialist and counselled about options of family planning on time. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This scoping review provides an update of the literature on fertility in girls with TS throughout their lifespan and aims to propose a clinical practice guideline on fertility in TS. SEARCH METHODS Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of science were searched using the following key terms: Turner syndrome, fertility, puberty, pregnancy, sex-hormones, karyotype, fertility preservation, assisted reproductive techniques, and counselling, alongside relevant subject headings and synonymous terms. English language articles published since 2007 were critically reviewed. Pregnancies after using donated oocytes and data about girls with TS with Y-chromosomal content were excluded. OUTCOMES This search identified 1269 studies of which 120 were extracted for the review. The prevalence of natural conception ranged from 15% to 48% in women with 45,X/46,XX, 1% to 3% in women with 45,X, and 4% to 9% in women with other TS karyotypes. When assessing a girl's fertility potential, it was crucial to determine the karyotype in two cell lines, because hidden mosaicism may exist. In addition to karyotype, assessment of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) played a significant role in estimating ovarian function. Girls with AMH above the detection limit were most likely to experience spontaneous thelarche, menarche, and ongoing ovarian function during the reproductive lifespan. Fertility preservation became more routine practice: vitrification of oocytes was reported in 58 girls with TS and a median of five oocytes were preserved per stimulation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has demonstrated the presence of follicles in approximately 30% of girls with TS, mostly in girls with mosaic-TS, spontaneous puberty, and AMH above the detection limit. Although girls and their parents appreciated receiving counselling on fertility in TS, only one in ten girls with TS received specialized counselling. Unfamiliarity with fertility preservation techniques or uncertainties regarding the eligibility of a girl for fertility preservation constituted barriers for healthcare professionals when discussing fertility with girls with TS. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There currently is a high demand for fertility preservation techniques in girls with TS. A reliable prognostic model to determine which girls with TS might benefit from fertility preservation is lacking. Only a minority of these girls received comprehensive fertility counselling on the full spectrum of fertility, including uncertainties of fertility preservation, pregnancy risks, and alternatives, such as adoption. Fertility preservation could be a viable option for girls with TS. However, the question remains whether enough oocytes can be obtained for a realistic prospect of a live birth. It is important that girls and parents are empowered with the necessary information to make a well-informed decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During human childhood, brain development and body growth compete for limited metabolic resources, resulting in a trade‐off where energy allocated to brain development can decrease as body growth accelerates. This preregistered study explores the relationship between language skills, serving as a proxy for brain development, and body mass index at three distinct developmental stages, representing different phases of body growth. Longitudinal data from 2002 children in the EDEN mother‐child cohort were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our findings reveal a compelling pattern of associations: girls with a delayed adiposity rebound, signaling slower growth rate, demonstrated better language proficiency at ages 5–6. Importantly, this correlation appears to be specific to language skills and does not extend to nonverbal cognitive abilities. Exploratory analyses show that early environmental factors contributing to enhanced cognitive development, such as higher parental socio‐economic status and increased cognitive stimulation, are positively associated with both language skills and the timing of adiposity rebound in girls. Overall, our findings lend support to the existence of an energy allocation trade‐off mechanism that appears to prioritize language function over body growth investment in girls. Research Highlights: The high energy demand of neurocognitive development leads to a trade‐off in human children between brain growth and other biological functions, including body growth.Previous studies indicate that around age 5, when the brain energy consumption peaks, children typically experience a decrease in body mass known as 'adiposity rebound'.A delayed adiposity rebound, indicating slower growth may be associated with enhanced language abilities in children.Our preregistered study confirms this correlation in girls and further associates early cognitive stimulation with improved language skills and delayed adiposity rebound time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scale errors are intriguing phenomena in which a child tries to perform an object‐specific action on a tiny object. Several viewpoints explaining the developmental mechanisms underlying scale errors exist; however, there is no unified account of how different factors interact and affect scale errors, and the statistical approaches used in the previous research do not adequately capture the structure of the data. By conducting a secondary analysis of aggregated datasets across nine different studies (n = 528) and using more appropriate statistical methods, this study provides a more accurate description of the development of scale errors. We implemented the zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression that could directly handle the count data with a stack of zero observations and regarded developmental indices as continuous variables. The results suggested that the developmental trend of scale errors was well documented by an inverted U‐shaped curve rather than a simple linear function, although nonlinearity captured different aspects of the scale errors between the laboratory and classroom data. We also found that repeated experiences with scale error tasks reduced the number of scale errors, whereas girls made more scale errors than boys. Furthermore, a model comparison approach revealed that predicate vocabulary size (e.g., adjectives or verbs), predicted developmental changes in scale errors better than noun vocabulary size, particularly in terms of the presence or absence of scale errors. The application of the ZIP model enables researchers to discern how different factors affect scale error production, thereby providing new insights into demystifying the mechanisms underlying these phenomena. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/1v1U6CjDZ1Q Research Highlights: We fit a large dataset by aggregating the existing scale error data to the zero–inflated Poisson (ZIP) model.Scale errors peaked along the different developmental indices, but the underlying statistical structure differed between the in‐lab and classroom datasets.Repeated experiences with scale error tasks and the children's gender affected the number of scale errors produced per session.Predicate vocabulary size (e.g., adjectives or verbs) better predicts developmental changes in scale errors than noun vocabulary size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a brief commentary on Abrams' Rethinking Girls "At-Risk" (2002) and uses a vicennial perspective to retrospectively explore the conceptual structure respecting adolescent female development. Acknowledging the change in collective ideological values and social normative influences, the piece comments on how certain theories and approaches argued by Abrams in the 2000s have either evolved or been phased out, and accordingly repositioned adolescent girls' developmental experiences in the present-day dialogue. An up-to-date examination of contextual and sociocultural factors is put forward in this commentary, along with the three components summarized in empowering women's agency today: participation, authority, and deliverance. What follows is a discussion of topical issues concerning recent global activities and milestones, with a particular attention to cyberactivism and the impact of COVID-19, for the understanding of the risks concerned with girls' development and the enquiry into young women's lives at the present time. This reflective piece is a useful conceptual basis in juxtaposition with Abrams' article, providing those involved in adolescent female development with conceptualizations and a thematic frame of reference in tackling adolescent girls' development, against the backdrop of cultural, political, and social trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of gender-typical appearance in childhood appears to have important implications not only for child and adolescent social-emotional functioning but also for later working life. In the current study, we examined how parents' gender-typical appearance and children's gender similarity (to same- and other-gender peers) were related to young children's gender-typical appearance. We also explored differences in these associations between boys, girls, mothers, and fathers. Home visits were conducted with 74 Dutch two-parent (mother, father) families with both a son and daughter between the ages 3–6 years (96.6% White, 2.0% Asian, 1.4% other ethnicity). The gender-typical appearance of all four family members was assessed by trained and reliable coders in the videotaped observations from the home visits. As a measure of children's gender similarity, both parents reported on the similarity of their son and daughter to same-gender and other-gender peers. Generalized estimating equations showed that more gender-typical appearance of parents was associated with more gender-typical appearance of girls, but not of boys. No differences were found between mothers and fathers for the association between parent and child appearance. Moreover, children's gender similarity, evident in parents' perceived similarity of their child to peers of the same gender and dissimilarity to peers of the other gender, was associated with more gender-typical appearance in children. To conclude, both children's gender similarity and parents' gender-typical appearance appear to play a role in the gender-typical appearance of young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies continue to be a major issue that can lead to anemia. The present study aimed to determine anemia status and the relationship of BMI with Hb% in pregnant women in KIMS, Amalapuram. Methodology: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study conducted among pregnant women of the age group (15-49 years) who attended Obstetrics & Gynaecology OPD of KIMS & RF, amalapuram. BMI was calculated. weight before pregnancy was taken for BMI calculation. The level of hemoglobin was also measured. The study tool was collected in the face-to-face interview using a pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS software version 2020 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Our study found that, the prevalence of underweight and anemia in pregnancy i.e. 11(28.9%) and 42.1% respectively. out of these 11(28.9%) underweight pregnant women, the majority of women had severe anemia 6(15.8%), followed by moderate anemia 3(7.9%) which showed statistically significant (p= 0.002). Conclusion: The majority of pregnancies suffer from anemia with low BMI so, the findings highlighted the need to strengthen policy issues to focus on programs, such as preventing child marriage, retaining teenagers in school, educating teenage girls, and creating awareness on reproductive health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is limited knowledge about the perceptions of HPV vaccination in middle‐school children. This qualitative study aimed to explore their views. Methods: We conducted focus group interviews with children, 10–11 years of age, who had been offered HPV vaccination through the school health services in mid‐north Sweden in spring of 2023. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: This study included six focus group interviews with 49 children (boys n = 29; girls n = 20), mean of 11 years of age. Participating children expressed the need to feel safe to be of utmost importance and the means to do so was to be prepared and informed by someone the child trusted. The school nurse was perceived as the expert, best suited to provide factual information, support and motivation, both to children and their parents. Conclusion: We confirm that healthcare providers' recommendations are crucial for HPV vaccine acceptance also from the child's perspective. Improved information about HPV vaccination to children is necessary. Children's right to participate on their own terms is not fulfilled today. Vaccine promotion, both to children and parents, should be actively managed by the school nurse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]