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• 1. [Article] Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction in Taiwanese Females with Rheumatoid Arthritis

  Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience sexual dysfunction because of symptoms or adverse effects from treatments. Data on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Asian females with ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction in Taiwanese Females with Rheumatoid Arthritis Author: Lin, Miao-Chiu, Lu, Ming-Chi, Livneh, Hanoch, Lai, Ning-Sheng, Guo, How-Ran, Tsai, Tzung-Yi Year: 2017 Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience sexual dysfunction because of symptoms or adverse effects from treatments. Data on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Asian females with RA issue are limited. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with FSD in Taiwanese patients with RA. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling method to recruit 195 females with RA from a single hospital in southern Taiwan. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained by review of medical records and a structured questionnaire. The Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire were also administered. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with FSD. Results: The crude and age-standardized prevalence of FSD were 66.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Patients who were older, with a comorbid condition, with more depressive symptoms, and with greater disease activity had a significantly higher risk of FSD. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that FSD is more common in Taiwanese individuals with RA who have certain specific demographic and clinical characteristics. These findings may help to identify and facilitate the provision of appropriate interventions to ensure better sexual health in female patients with RA. Title: Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction in Taiwanese Females with Rheumatoid Arthritis Author: Lin, Miao-Chiu, Lu, Ming-Chi, Livneh, Hanoch, Lai, Ning-Sheng, Guo, How-Ran, Tsai, Tzung-Yi Year: 2017 Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience sexual dysfunction because of symptoms or adverse effects from treatments. Data on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Asian females with RA issue are limited. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with FSD in Taiwanese patients with RA. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling method to recruit 195 females with RA from a single hospital in southern Taiwan. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained by review of medical records and a structured questionnaire. The Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire were also administered. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with FSD. Results: The crude and age-standardized prevalence of FSD were 66.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Patients who were older, with a comorbid condition, with more depressive symptoms, and with greater disease activity had a significantly higher risk of FSD. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that FSD is more common in Taiwanese individuals with RA who have certain specific demographic and clinical characteristics. These findings may help to identify and facilitate the provision of appropriate interventions to ensure better sexual health in female patients with RA. Close

• 2. [Article] Mujeres Fuertes y Corazones Saludables: Adaptation of the StrongWomen—Healthy Hearts (SWHH) Program for Rural Latinas Using an Intervention Mapping Approach

  Objectives: To adapt Strong Women, Healthy Hearts (SWHH), an evidence-based physical activity and nutrition program to reflect the needs of rural Latinas. Methods: Using a community-based participatory ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mujeres Fuertes y Corazones Saludables: Adaptation of the StrongWomen—Healthy Hearts (SWHH) Program for Rural Latinas Using an Intervention Mapping Approach Author: Jackson, Christie L, Perry, Cynthia K., McCalmont, Jean, Solanki, Emma, Seguin, Rebecca, Ward, Judy P., Menelas, Hannah-Dulya K. Year: 2017 Objectives: To adapt Strong Women, Healthy Hearts (SWHH), an evidence-based physical activity and nutrition program to reflect the needs of rural Latinas. Methods: Using a community-based participatory approach and an intervention mapping process, we partnered with a community advisory board of rural Latinas to identify and adapt a nutrition and physical activity program. A needs assessment and a logic model determined which program best aligned with community objectives and most fit for adaptation. SWHH was adapted; using feedback from the community advisory board to reflect the community’s culture, resources, and needs. We collaborated with one of developers of SWHH in the adaptation process to ensure evidence-based elements were retained. Intervention strategies, program curriculum, materials, and structure were adapted. An example adaptation was changing recipes to include similar nutritional content that align with the culture and local resources. Another example was training community members to lead the class instead of extension agents which were leaders in SWHH. Results/Findings: Through this adaptation process the adapted program, Mujeres Fuertes, Corazones Saludables was formed. We have translated all participant materials into Spanish and have revised the curriculum to reflect changes made. A pilot study is being conducted with overweight, sedentary, middle-aged, Spanish-speaking, rural Latinas to assess feasibility and effectiveness of adapted program. We are measuring weight, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and nutrition behavior before and after the 12-week program. The data has been collected at the two time points and evaluation is underway. Conclusions: The intervention mapping process was appropriate and collaboration with the community advisory board ensured culturally appropriate and relevant adaptations to the local community context. Title: Mujeres Fuertes y Corazones Saludables: Adaptation of the StrongWomen—Healthy Hearts (SWHH) Program for Rural Latinas Using an Intervention Mapping Approach Author: Jackson, Christie L, Perry, Cynthia K., McCalmont, Jean, Solanki, Emma, Seguin, Rebecca, Ward, Judy P., Menelas, Hannah-Dulya K. Year: 2017 Objectives: To adapt Strong Women, Healthy Hearts (SWHH), an evidence-based physical activity and nutrition program to reflect the needs of rural Latinas. Methods: Using a community-based participatory approach and an intervention mapping process, we partnered with a community advisory board of rural Latinas to identify and adapt a nutrition and physical activity program. A needs assessment and a logic model determined which program best aligned with community objectives and most fit for adaptation. SWHH was adapted; using feedback from the community advisory board to reflect the community’s culture, resources, and needs. We collaborated with one of developers of SWHH in the adaptation process to ensure evidence-based elements were retained. Intervention strategies, program curriculum, materials, and structure were adapted. An example adaptation was changing recipes to include similar nutritional content that align with the culture and local resources. Another example was training community members to lead the class instead of extension agents which were leaders in SWHH. Results/Findings: Through this adaptation process the adapted program, Mujeres Fuertes, Corazones Saludables was formed. We have translated all participant materials into Spanish and have revised the curriculum to reflect changes made. A pilot study is being conducted with overweight, sedentary, middle-aged, Spanish-speaking, rural Latinas to assess feasibility and effectiveness of adapted program. We are measuring weight, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and nutrition behavior before and after the 12-week program. The data has been collected at the two time points and evaluation is underway. Conclusions: The intervention mapping process was appropriate and collaboration with the community advisory board ensured culturally appropriate and relevant adaptations to the local community context. Close

• 3. [Article] Dietary Fat Intake and Reproductive Hormone Concentrations and Ovulation in Regularly Menstruating Women

  Background: Emerging evidence suggests potential links between some dietary fatty acids and improved fertility, because specific fatty acids may affect prostaglandin synthesis and steroidogenesis. Objective: ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Dietary Fat Intake and Reproductive Hormone Concentrations and Ovulation in Regularly Menstruating Women Author: Mumford, Sunni L., Chavarro, Jorge E., Zhang, Cuilin, Perkins, Neil J., Sjaarda, Lindsey A., Pollack, Anna Z., Schliep, Karen C., Michels, Kara A., Zarek, Shvetha M., Plowden, Torie C., Radin, Rose G., Messer, Lynne C., Frankel, Robyn A., Wactawski-Wende, Jean Year: 2016 Background: Emerging evidence suggests potential links between some dietary fatty acids and improved fertility, because specific fatty acids may affect prostaglandin synthesis and steroidogenesis. Objective: The objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate associations between total and specific types of dietary fat intake and 1) hormone concentrations and 2) the risk of sporadic anovulation in a cohort of 259 regularly menstruating women in the BioCycle Study. Design: Endogenous reproductive hormones were measured up to 8 times/cycle for up to 2 cycles, with visits scheduled with the use of fertility monitors. Dietary intake was assessed with up to four 24-h recalls/cycle. Linear mixed models and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations between dietary fatty acids and both reproductive hormone concentrations and ovulatory status. All models were adjusted for total energy intake, age, body mass index, and race. Results: Relative to the lowest levels of percentage of energy from total fat, the highest tertile was associated with increased total and free testosterone concentrations (total: percentage change of 4.0%; 95% CI: 0.7%, 7.3%; free: percentage change of 4.1%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 7.7%). In particular, the percentage of energy from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the highest tertile was associated with increases in total and free testosterone (total: percentage change of 3.7%; 95% CI: 0.6%, 6.8%; free: percentage change of 4.0%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 7.5%). The PUFA docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n–3) was not significantly associated with testosterone concentrations (P-trend = 0.86 in energy substitution models) but was associated with increased progesterone and a reduced risk of anovulation (highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile: RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.95). Fat intakes were not associated with other reproductive hormone concentrations. Conclusions: These results indicate that total fat intake, and PUFA intake in particular, is associated with very small increases in testosterone concentrations in healthy women and that increased docosapentaenoic acid was associated with a lower risk of anovulation. Title: Dietary Fat Intake and Reproductive Hormone Concentrations and Ovulation in Regularly Menstruating Women Author: Mumford, Sunni L., Chavarro, Jorge E., Zhang, Cuilin, Perkins, Neil J., Sjaarda, Lindsey A., Pollack, Anna Z., Schliep, Karen C., Michels, Kara A., Zarek, Shvetha M., Plowden, Torie C., Radin, Rose G., Messer, Lynne C., Frankel, Robyn A., Wactawski-Wende, Jean Year: 2016 Background: Emerging evidence suggests potential links between some dietary fatty acids and improved fertility, because specific fatty acids may affect prostaglandin synthesis and steroidogenesis. Objective: The objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate associations between total and specific types of dietary fat intake and 1) hormone concentrations and 2) the risk of sporadic anovulation in a cohort of 259 regularly menstruating women in the BioCycle Study. Design: Endogenous reproductive hormones were measured up to 8 times/cycle for up to 2 cycles, with visits scheduled with the use of fertility monitors. Dietary intake was assessed with up to four 24-h recalls/cycle. Linear mixed models and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations between dietary fatty acids and both reproductive hormone concentrations and ovulatory status. All models were adjusted for total energy intake, age, body mass index, and race. Results: Relative to the lowest levels of percentage of energy from total fat, the highest tertile was associated with increased total and free testosterone concentrations (total: percentage change of 4.0%; 95% CI: 0.7%, 7.3%; free: percentage change of 4.1%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 7.7%). In particular, the percentage of energy from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the highest tertile was associated with increases in total and free testosterone (total: percentage change of 3.7%; 95% CI: 0.6%, 6.8%; free: percentage change of 4.0%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 7.5%). The PUFA docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n–3) was not significantly associated with testosterone concentrations (P-trend = 0.86 in energy substitution models) but was associated with increased progesterone and a reduced risk of anovulation (highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile: RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.95). Fat intakes were not associated with other reproductive hormone concentrations. Conclusions: These results indicate that total fat intake, and PUFA intake in particular, is associated with very small increases in testosterone concentrations in healthy women and that increased docosapentaenoic acid was associated with a lower risk of anovulation. Close