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.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted infection which causes cancer, especially cervical cancer. HPV infection and cervical cancer are a public health concern in South Africa. Primary prevention interventions, such as vaccination against cervical cancer, have been rolled out in the country. However, the uptake of the vaccine faces challenges due to various factors. The aim of the review was to identify factors which influence the uptake of the vaccine. A six-step framework developed by Levac, Colquhon and O\'Brien was adopted to guide this scoping review. The articles were searched in the following databases: EBSCOhost, PubMed, CINAHL and Google scholar. The search, conducted from May to July 2023 was limited to articles published in English between 2008-2023 and those conducted in Africa. The results showed that most studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, with majority of the studies being from Nigeria. Subthemes were extracted from the articles and categorised under the four themes of the Social Ecological Model. The four themes used from the Social Ecological Model were individual factors; interpersonal factors; community and societal factors, and organisational factors and public policy. The subthemes were socioeconomic and sociodemographic of parents, knowledge, fear and mistrust, family structure and proximity to cancer/STI, misinformation from social media, religion, culture and tradition, free vaccination programme and lack of engagement. The identified gap in literature was a lack of studies of factors which influence HPV vaccination uptake in South Africa and qualitative studies that explore and provide the factors influencing uptake. We conclude that in designing effective interventions for the uptake of HPV vaccines, it is important to consider influential factors that are tailor-made for specific demographics.
L\'infection par le virus du papillome humain (VPH) est une infection sexuellement transmissible qui provoque le cancer, notamment le cancer du col de l\'utérus. L\'infection au VPH et le cancer du col de l\'utérus constituent un problème de santé publique en Afrique du Sud. Des interventions de prévention primaire, telles que la vaccination contre le cancer du col de l\'utérus, ont été déployées dans le pays. Cependant, l’adoption du vaccin se heurte à des difficultés dues à divers facteurs. Le but de l’examen était d’identifier les facteurs qui influencent l’adoption du vaccin. Un cadre en six étapes élaboré par Levac, Colquhon et O’Brien a été adopté pour guider cet examen de la portée. Les articles ont été recherchés dans les bases de données suivantes : EBSCOhost, PubMed, CINAHL et Google Scholar. La recherche, menée de mai à juillet 2023, s\'est limitée aux articles publiés en anglais entre 2008-2023 et à ceux menés en Afrique. Les résultats ont montré que la plupart des études ont été menées en Afrique subsaharienne, la majorité des études provenant du Nigeria. Les sous-thèmes ont été extraits des articles et classés sous les quatre thèmes du modèle socio-écologique. Les quatre thèmes utilisés dans le modèle socio-écologique étaient des facteurs individuels ; facteurs interpersonnels; les facteurs communautaires et sociétaux, ainsi que les facteurs organisationnels et les politiques publiques. Les sous-thèmes étaient socio-économiques et sociodémographiques des parents, connaissances, peur et méfiance, structure familiale et proximité du cancer/IST, désinformation provenant des médias sociaux, religion, culture et tradition, programme de vaccination gratuit et manque d\'engagement. La lacune identifiée dans la littérature était le manque d\'études sur les facteurs qui influencent le recours à la vaccination contre le VPH en Afrique du Sud et d\'études qualitatives qui explorent et fournissent les facteurs qui influencent le recours à la vaccination. Nous concluons que lors de la conception d’interventions efficaces pour l’adoption des vaccins contre le VPH, il est important de prendre en compte les facteurs influents adaptés à des données démographiques spécifiques.

OBJECTIVE: 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.
METHODS: 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.
RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSIONS: 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.

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.
CONCLUSIONS: 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.

UNASSIGNED: Ferritin has been implicated in body physiology and pathology. Smoking cigarettes (Cg) alters ferritin metabolism. Waterpipe (Wp) smoking has recently reemerged as a global epidemic and is linked to the most devastating diseases. However, the effect of smoking Wp on ferritin is not known. Therefore, the current study compared plasma ferritin in adolescents smoking Cg, Wp, both (CgWp) versus never smoked.
UNASSIGNED: Self-reported smoking status and plasma ferritin levels were obtained from 849 boys (n = 470) and girls (n = 379) in the 7th-10th grade (age range = 13-17 years).
UNASSIGNED: The ANCOVA revealed a main effect for gender (p < 0.000) and smoking status (p < 0.02) without an interaction effect (p > 0.9). Post-hoc analysis showed greater plasma ferritin in the adolescents smoking Wp (p < 0.03) and CgWp (p < 0.004) versus never smoked. Gender-stratified ANCOVA showed a main effect for smoking status in the boys (p < 0.02) and girls (p < 0.03). Additional comparisons among the boys showed greater plasma ferritin in the Wp (p < 0.006) and CgWp (p < 0.008) smoking groups versus never smoking, without differences (p > 0.5) between Wp and CgWp smoking. Another subgroup comparison showed greater plasma ferritin in the girls smoking Cg (p < 0.02) and CgWp (p < 0.02) versus never smoking, without a difference (p > 0.3) between Cg and CgWp smoking.
UNASSIGNED: The results indicate that ferritin is elevated in adolescent smokers, particularly the boys smoking Wp and CgWp and in the girls smoking Cg and CgWp.

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.

UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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).
UNASSIGNED: 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.

UNASSIGNED: 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 LC-MS/MS in sera from normal girls during pubertal transition, and during gonadal suppression by GnRH agonist therapy in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP).
UNASSIGNED: 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).
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.

UNASSIGNED: This 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.
UNASSIGNED: 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.

BACKGROUND: The patient-centered approach is essential for quality health care and patient safety. Understanding the service user\'s perspective on the factors maintaining the health problem is crucial for successful treatment, especially for patients who do not recognize their condition as clinically relevant or concerning. Despite the association between intensive use of visual social media and body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, little is known about the meanings users assign to posting or searching for edited photos and the strategies they use to protect themselves from digital risks.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine how young women recovering from eating disorders in Northern Italy perceive the health risks and potential benefits associated with visual social networks (ie, Instagram and Snapchat). The literature has found these platforms to be detrimental to online body comparisons. It also explores the perceived usefulness, willingness, and personal interest in coconstructing social media literacy programs with girls recovering from eating disorders.
METHODS: A total of 30 semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescent girls aged 14-17 years at the end of their treatment for eating disorders. The following areas of research were addressed: (1) the meanings associated with the use of Instagram and Snapchat; (2) the investment in the photographic dimension and feedback; (3) the impact of visual social networks on body experiences; (4) the potential and risks perceived in their use; (5) the importance of supporting girls undergoing treatment for eating disorders in using social networks; and (6) the usefulness and willingness to co-design social network literacy programs. Content analysis was applied.
RESULTS: A total of 7 main contents emerged: active or passive role in using social networks, the impact of online interactions on body image, investment in the photographic dimension, effects on self-representation, perceived risks, self-protective strategies, and potential benefits. The findings highlight a strong awareness of the processes that trigger body comparisons in the virtual context, creating insecurity and worsening the relationship with oneself. The self-protective behaviors identified are the development of critical thinking, the avoidance of sensitive content, increased control over social networking site use, and a certain skepticism toward developing antagonistic ideologies. All these topics were considered fundamental.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide important insights for health professionals working with youth in preparing media literacy programs. These programs aim to reduce potential risks and amplify the positive effects of online resources. They underscore the importance of addressing this issue during hospitalization to develop skills and critical thinking aimed at changing small habits that perpetuate the problem in everyday life. The inherent limitations in current service practices, which may not adequately address individual needs or impact posttreatment life, must also be considered.