Reproductive Difficulties Research Articles

Symbolic Caxton: Literary Culture and Print Capitalism (review)

WILLIAM KUSKIN, Symbolic Caxton: Literary Culture and Print Capitalism. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2008. Pp. xxvi, 390. ISBN: 978-0-268-03317-0. $40. William Kuskin's book, Symbolic Caxton, concentrates on Caxton's role in the production of cultural capital and the printer's response to the dominant ideologies at work in the fifteenth century. It expands many of the themes found in the earlier collection of essays Kuskin edited, Caxton's Trace (published in 2006 by the University of Notre Dame Press). In Symbolic Caxton, Kuskin aims to focus critical attention on the history of texts and the symbolic and material profit made possible by the fifteenth-century print trade. For Kuskin, terms such as capitalism or print culture are too 'monolithic' to represent the intricacies of early print production, which are better illustrated through an historical model that 'seeks out relationships within an ongoing reproduction cycle' (18). In support of this historical model, Kuskin frames the incunable period as 'part of an enduring culture of the vernacular book' rather than 'the beginning of a linear movement toward print culture' (18). Kuskin focuses on the production of Caxton's printshop from the middle of the 1470s to the early 1490s, a concise period of time that he reads as a continuation of ideas and cultures rather than a break between the ideologies of the medieval and early modern periods. Symbolic Caxton is ambitious in its scope and Kuskin arranges the book into three comprehensive sections that attempt to examine all aspects of Caxton's book production. The three sections focus on print marketplace ('Capital and Literary Form'), ideas of authorship ('Authorship and the Chaucerian Inheritance'), and the formation of a reading public in England ('Print and Social Organization'). Everything from the wool trade in which Caxton began his career as a mercer, to the demand for the printer's books by bibliophiles in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, is addressed. In each of these sections, Kuskin discusses a wide array of topics while addressing the issues of periodicity by consistently emphasizing the need to reevaluate the idea of radical breaks between historical periods. The topics covered show how ambitious Kuskin is in his approach. Along with periodicity, he covers a variety of important subjects from the difficulties of the mechanical reproduction of books to the sophistication fifteenth-century buyers and sellers of books in England brought to their trade. In the first section, Kuskin organizes his discussion around Caxton's influence on the process of book production. He argues that Caxton did little to innovate the production of books, but rather that he capitalized on already existing trends within the profession. …

Post Keynesianism, Heterodoxy and Mainstream Economics

After briefly presenting the concepts of orthodox, mainstream and heterodox economics, and applying them to the contemporary period, this article discusses the Post Keynesian school and its relation to contemporary orthodox and mainstream economics. While opposed to the neoclassical orthodoxy, the Post Keynesian school has some positive unifying ideas, although some internal tensions remain. There are also some overlaps between Post Keynesianism and other approaches, and a careful combination of contributions from different approaches and different disciplines is not only possible, but also necessary. Post Keynesianism is located outside current mainstream economics, although this argument partly depends on a more precise specification of the concept of uncertainty. The non-mainstream character of Post Keynesian economics has at least two types of important implications. The first involves the approach's ability to influence the economy and the danger of ‘the scholastic fallacy’; the second refers to a reproductive difficulty inside academia.

Chemometrics analysis for investigation of retention behavior of hazardous compounds in effluents

The toxic substances, pesticides, and organic contaminants in effluents can potentially be causing damage that includes increased cancer risk; liver, kidney, stomach, nervous system, and immune system problems; reproductive difficulties; cataracts; and anemia. A quantitative structure-retention relationship (QSRR) was developed using the partial least square (PLS), kernel PLS (KPLS), and Levenberg-Marquardt artificial neural network (L-M ANN) approach for chemometrics study. The data which contained retention time (RT) of the 47 hazardous compounds in effluents were obtained by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Genetic algorithm was employed as a factor selection procedure for PLS and KPLS modeling methods. By comparing the results, GA-PLS descriptors are selected for L-M ANN. Finally, a model with a low prediction error and a good correlation coefficient was obtained by L-M ANN. The described model does not require experimental parameters and potentially provides useful prediction for RT of new compounds. This is the first research on the QSRR of hazardous compounds in effluents using the chemometrics models.

Reproductive biology of a natural mangrove hybrid Rhizophora annamalayana and its parent species (R. apiculata and R. mucronata) (Rhizophoraceae)

Abstract Rhizophora annamalayana is a natural mangrove hybrid with a rare seed set; the species is fast disappearing. We investigated possible causes of rare fruit set and explored ways of overcoming reproductive difficulties in this mangrove. Flowers open in the early morning in the hybrid and its parent species. Anthers dehisced after flower opening only in Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora apiculata. Anthesis and anther dehiscence took up to 5 days in all three species. Stigma receptivity peaked during anthesis; receptivity was lost within 8 h in R. annamalayana and R. mucronata. In R. apiculata, anthesis occurred inside the flowers, confirming that cleiostogamy occurred. Pollen of R. mucronata was 100% viable. Viability was 53% in R. apiculata. In R. annamalayana, only 3% of pollen was viable. R. mucronata flowers offered pollen and nectar to visitors, which were mainly Lucilia caesar (flies, bees, ants, etc.). Pollinators of R. annamalayana were restricted to Monobia quadridens, Vespa tropica and Ocybadistes walkeri. R. annamalayana reproduced by cross-pollination.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis in female and male carriers of reciprocal translocations: clinical outcome until delivery of 312 cycles

Carriers of reciprocal translocations (rcp) are known to be at risk for reproductive difficulties. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is one of the options these carriers have to try in order to fulfil their desire to have a child. In the present study, we retrospectively looked at the results of 11 years (1997-2007) of PGD for rcp in our center to improve the reproductive counseling of these carriers. During this period 312 cycles were performed for 69 male and 73 female carriers. The mean female age was 32.8 years, the mean male age 35.8 years. Most carriers were diagnosed with a translocation because of fertility problems or recurrent miscarriages, and most of them opted for PGD to avoid these problems. In 150 of the 312 cycles, embryo transfer (ET) was feasible and 40 women had a successful singleton or twin pregnancy. This gives a live birth delivery rate of 12.8% per started cycle and of 26.7% per cycle with ET. Owing to the large number of abnormal embryos, PGD cycles for rcp often lead to cancellation of ET, explaining the low success rate when expressed per cycle with oocyte pick-up. Once ET was feasible, the live birth delivery rate was similar to that of PGD in general at our center. PGD is therefore an established option for specific reciprocal translocation carriers.

Common Genetic Aspects Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous disease that involves menstrual dysfunction and reproductive difficulty as well as metabolic problems. From a genetic point of view, it is a complex disease that is subject to environmental influences, mainly dietary, which makes it similar to other metabolic processes, such as diabetes and obesity. So, the interest of the diagnosis of the PCOS is, not only to improve fertility but to prevent possible future medical complications like the diabetes mellitus and the obesity. Due to the classical definition of PCOS as functional hyperandrogenism, the race to discover genetic alterations that could lead to the development of PCOS started with the androgen metabolism genes. However, the list of candidates was later expanded to other genes outside this hormonal pathway, and it now includes genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as those involved in inflammatory processes. The list of genes candidates involved in PCOS is related to diabetes and inflammatory processes.

The Impact of Gynecological Cancer on Reproductive Issues and Pregnancy:Psychological Implications

Gynecological cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer among women. Over the past few decades, the growing number of survivors has been forced to cope with the consequences of the disease. Of these consequences, the impact of cancer on reproduction has been receiving increasing attention. Research shows that the health care of these women poses challenges other than medical ones. Although the inclusion of psychologists in health care teams has been particularly valued, studies focusing on the psychological implications of the impact of gynecological cancer on reproduction are scarce. Therefore, the first aim of this review is to critically reflect on the psychological implications of infertility, decision-making regarding childbirth, and pregnancy in the context of gynecological cancer. The second purpose of this review is to provide practice guidelines that account for the specificities and demands of these patients. Our findings suggest that gynecological cancer entails specific emotional and decisional challenges regarding reproductive issues, highlighting the importance of specialized psychological interventions with patients and their families. Providing emotional support and education about sexual and reproductive difficulties, supporting decision-making about fertility preservation and childbirth, promoting adjustment to cancer during pregnancy and supporting transition to motherhood are the main areas of intervention suggested. A

Comparison of new large and small scale overtopping tests for rubble mound breakwaters

Many breakwaters are, due to functional requirements, designed for small wave overtopping discharges. From the EC-research projects OPTICREST and CLASH it is known that overtopping discharges determined from conventional Froude scale models of rubble mound breakwaters are smaller than measured in corresponding prototypes. The present study examines this scale effect by comparing overtopping discharges in small scale and large scale tests. The length scale ratio between the models was 5.7. The reason for using a large scale model instead of a prototype is the difficulties in accurate reproduction of prototype conditions for waves and structure in the model, as prototype conditions are not known in sufficient details. The model was designed to avoid as many model effects as possible. Despite this some differences in wave kinematics were detected, most probably due to differences in wave generation hardware and software. This demonstrates that, even under controlled conditions, it is very difficult to reproduce similar conditions. From the present test results it is concluded, despite the model effect, that a significant scale effect on small overtopping discharges exists also when wind effects are absent. The scale effect seems to be very dependent on the top geometry of the breakwater with much larger scale effects for a low crown wall than for a high one. The paper presents an explanation of this difference.

Change of lipid profile in shift workers in western Odisha

Almost all occupations or industries have employees engaged in shift work. Shift work has been associated with a number of health problems including cardiovascular disease, glucose and lipid metabolism, gastrointestinal, reproduction difficulties, and breast cancer.

Adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in the mouse preimplantation embryo and uterus

Adiponectin (Adipoq), a protein secreted by adipocytes in inverse proportion to the adipose mass present, modulates energy homeostasis and increases insulin sensitivity. Tissue Adipoq signaling decreases in settings of maternal diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, conditions which are associated with reproductive difficulty. Our objective was to define the expression and hormonal regulation of Adipoq and its receptors in the mouse preimplantation embryo and uterus. By real-time quantitative PCR, mRNA transcripts for Adipoq, AdipoR1, AdipoR2, Ppara, Ppard, FATP1 (SLC27A1) and acyl CoA oxidase (Acox1) were identified in mouse 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, while blastocyst stage embryos and trophoblast stem (TS) cells expressed mRNA for all genes except Adipoq. Protein expression of Adipoq, AdipoR1, AdipoR2, the insulin sensitive transporters GLUT8 (Slc2A8), GLUT12 (Slc2A12) and p-PRKAA1 was identified by immunofluorescence staining in all stages of preimplantation embryos including the blastocyst. In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of Adipoq, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA in the mouse decidual cells of the implantation site and in artificially decidualized cells, and the expression of these proteins was confirmed by western blotting. Flow cytometry confirmed cell surface expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in TS cells and decidual cells. These results suggest for the first time that Adipoq signaling may play an important role in preimplantation embryo development and uterine receptivity by autocrine and paracrine methods in the mouse. Implantation failures and pregnancy loss, specifically those experienced in women with maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and PCOS, may be the result of aberrant Adipoq and AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression and suboptimal decidualization in the uterus.

A nationwide population-based study to determine whether coeliac disease is associated with infertility

Background and objectivePrevious studies suggest that women with coeliac disease (CD) have reproductive difficulties but the data are often inconclusive and contradictory. Fertility in women with biopsy-verified CD was examined.MethodsSwedish...

Pagando pelos serviços ambientais: uma proposta para a Reserva Extrativista Chico Mendes

Sabe-se que o processo de ocupação econômica, pós-1970, foi extremamente prejudicial ao meio ambiente e às populações tradicionais da região Amazônica, persistindo ainda hoje as imensas dificuldades de reprodução das famílias no interior da floresta. Um dos principais desafios na busca de um Desenvolvimento Sustentável é a viabilização do desempenho econômico das unidades produtivas, a partir dos produtos florestais não madeireiros (PFNM), e, conseqüentemente, da reprodução social dessa população. Objetiva-se no presente estudo propor uma alternativa factível de pagamento pelos serviços ambientais (PSA) promovidos pelas comunidades extrativistas, há mais de um século. Para tanto, busca-se, inicialmente, realizar uma avaliação sócio-econômica da produção familiar rural na RESEX Chico Mendes, em Xapuri-AC, no sentido de oferecer uma proposta coerente com as necessidades das famílias estudadas. Utiliza-se para tanto metodologia própria e específica, por intermédios de medidas e indicadores de resultado socioeconômico, avaliando a evolução do desempenho econômico dos últimos nove anos na região. Os resultados indicam a diminuição da geração de renda de produtos oriundos do extrativismo, demonstrando as dificuldades de reprodução desse sistema e das famílias, além de realçar o fortalecimento de atividades predadoras da floresta, como é o caso da pecuária extensiva, realizada ainda de maneira rudimentar. Face aos níveis de reprodução familiar, calcula-se que o valor mínimo necessário para o PSA seria em torno US$ 13/ha, evidenciando um valor necessário e, ao mesmo tempo, mais adequado frente às proposições da literatura corrente, que estima valores para os mesmos serviços em torno de US$ 50/ha.

Loss in childbearing among Gambia’s kanyalengs: Using a stratified reproduction framework to expand the scope of sexual and reproductive health

This paper draws on ethnographic fieldwork with Gambian women who have experienced infertility and/or child mortality and who have consequently become kanyalengs. Kanyaleng kafoos are groups of women united by their reproductive difficulties whose bold public performances are designed to "beg God" for fertility and for children who will survive. I situate 'kanyalengs' disrupted childbearing within a framework of stratified reproduction, which reveals the tensions between ongoing demands to meet norms of high fertility, women's heavy burden of reproductive disease and the limits of a reproductive public health agenda narrowly focused on family planning and HIV prevention. To ameliorate these tensions, I call for an expansion of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) agenda in Gambia to include RTI/STI prevention, diagnosis and management. This expansion reflects the goals set out by the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development for a broader approach to reproductive health, the productive potential of linkages between SRH and HIV prevention efforts, as well as the reproductive objectives of Gambian women and men.

Analysis of breeding systems, ploidy, and the role of hexaploids in three Hypericum perforatum L. populations

Hexaploid seeds are produced by predominantly tetraploid populations of Hypericum perforatum, but the fate of hexaploid seedlings and their reproductive behavior have not been closely examined. We used flow cytometry to analyze single seeds and individual plant samples of three accessions of H. perforatum to determine ploidy levels and reproductive pathways. Seed samples of all three accessions were facultative apomicts, with tetraploid cytotype predominant (85–91%) and a lower frequency of hexaploids (9–14%), with diploids (5%) detected in only one population. Seedling populations consisted of tetraploids (87–97%) and hexaploids (3–13%). Hexaploid embryos are most likely generated by a 2 n gamete of the tetraploid and fertilized by a normal, reduced tetraploid male gamete. These hexaploids are expected to produce unbalanced gametes because they possess chromosome complements that include two triploid sets originally derived from two different species. The observation that some tetraploid seeds had endosperm with high cellular DNA content indicates that some unbalanced male gametes produced by hexaploids were evidently viable and could effect fertilization. Whether this mechanism is also true for egg cells or whether the hexaploids are capable of producing unreduced embryo sacs is uncertain. Because of severe reproductive difficulties, hexaploid seedlings may play a very minor role in gene flow and the further evolution of H. perforatum. The likelihood that hexaploids will evolve to types with an increased frequency of bivalent paring in meiosis is relatively low. However, hexaploids may include novel chemotypes, which could be vegetatively propagated if valuable, medicinal types can be identified among them.

Reproductive failure of the red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) after exposure to an exogenous estrogen

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been detected in surface waters worldwide and can lead to developmental and reproductive disruption in exposed fishes. In the US Great Plains, EDCs are impacting streams and rivers and may be causing adverse reproductive effects. To examine how estrogenic EDCs might affect reproductive success of plains fishes, we experimentally exposed male red shiners ( Cyprinella lutrensis ) to exogenous 17β-estradiol. We characterized the effects of estradiol on male gonadal histology and secondary sexual characteristics, determined whether exposure reduced reproductive success, and examined the effects of depuration. Adults were exposed to a mean concentration of 70 ng·L−1 estradiol, a solvent control, or a water control for at least 83 days. Male exposure to estradiol resulted in elevated plasma vitellogenin concentrations, changes in spermatogenesis, reduced mating coloration and tubercles, altered mating behaviors, and reduced reproductive success with no viable progeny produced. Reproductive endpoints improved upon depuration (28 days). Exposure to estradiol had significant adverse effects on red shiners, indicating that wild populations may face developmental and reproductive difficulties if they are chronically exposed to estradiol.

Vitamin D: In the evolution of human skin colour

The natural selection hypothesis suggests that lighter skin colour evolved to optimise vitamin D production. Some authors question if vitamin D deficiency leads to sufficient health problems to act as a selection pressure. This paper reviews the numerous effects of vitamin D deficiency on human health and argues that vitamin D deficiency is sufficient to pose as a potent selection pressure for lighter skin colour. Vitamin D deficiency manifesting as rickets and osteomalacia are sufficient to impair reproductive success, but additionally, animal studies and some clinical observations suggest that vitamin D may have more direct impact on human fertility. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to a whole host of clinical conditions which impair health and increase mortality rates: increase susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections; rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis, with increased risk of falls and fractures; increased risk of cancers; hypertension and cardiovascular disease; maturity onset diabetes; autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and Type 1 diabetes; and gum disease. We submit that at higher latitudes, lighter skin colour evolved to facilitate vitamin D production under conditions of low ultra-violet B radiation in order to avoid a plethora of ill health, reproductive difficulties and early mortality.

Human Male Infertility Caused by Mutations in the CATSPER1 Channel Protein

Male infertility, a common barrier that prevents successful conception, is a reproductive difficulty affecting 15% of couples. Heritable forms of nonsyndromic male infertility can arise from single-gene defects as well as chromosomal abnormalities. Although no CATSPER gene has been identified as causative for human male infertility, male mice deficient for members of the CatSper gene family are infertile. In this study, we used routine semen analysis to identify two consanguineous Iranian families segregating autosomal-recessive male infertility. Autozygosity by descent was demonstrated in both families for a approximately 11 cM region on chromosome 11q13.1, flanked by markers D11S1765 and D11S4139. This region contains the human CATSPER1 gene. Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and bidirectional sequence analysis of CATSPER1 in affected family members revealed two separate insertion mutations (c.539-540insT and c.948-949insATGGC) that are predicted to lead to frameshifts and premature stop codons (p.Lys180LysfsX8 and p.Asp317MetfsX18). CATSPER1 is one of four members of the sperm-specific CATSPER voltage-gated calcium channel family known to be essential for normal male fertility in mice. These results suggest that CATSPER1 is also essential for normal male fertility in humans.

Male sexual health concerns in Muong Khen, Vietnam

Male sexual health concerns are often construed in the medical literature as linked only to genital and reproductive difficulties and malfunctions. However, in reality, male sexual health concerns encompass a broader range of issues and should not be so narrowly conceived. This paper explores men's perceptions of sexual health concerns in Muong Khen, a rural town in northwestern Vietnam. Data were collected through observation, in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings suggest that men's sexual health concerns are strongly related to worries about economic problems, excessive drinking, men's beliefs about how their bodies work and the hegemonic notion that a man should be responsible for his family's economic well‐being.

Improving the Educational Opportunities of Reproductive Biologists and Reproductive Endocrinologists in Training.

The field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) has benefited dramatically from advances made by reproductive biologists in non-human species. Major advances currently applied to overcome human reproductive difficulties were developed by reproductive biologists who frequently participate in the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR). The reproductive endocrinologists in training who care for humans could benefit from early interaction with reproductive biologists, and reproductive biologists in training working in non-human species could benefit conversely. While the opportunity to interact exists through SSR, I hypothesized that REI fellows were more likely to participate through presentation of abstracts at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) compared with SSR. I cross-referenced the list of fellows generated from fellow participation with the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility with the published abstract lists of SSR from 2001 through 2007. For comparison, I made a similar comparison with the abstract list from ASRM for 2005. I found that overall participation of REI fellows at ASRM in 2005 was 70.4% of eligible fellows (81/115), with higher participation among 1st year fellows (84%, 37/44) compared with 2nd year and 3rd year fellows (64% and 59%, respectively). REI fellow participation in SSR between the years of 2001 and 2007 was 1.2% ± 0.7% of eligible fellows/year (7/659 overall; range 0-2.3%). All REI fellow participants were 2nd year fellows, and no fellow participated in SSR presentations more than once. Specifically comparing the year 2005, 70.4% of eligible REI fellows participated in ASRM, while 0% of eligible REI fellows participated in SSR (÷2; p<0.00001). These results demonstrate that, for the years 2001 through 2007, REI fellows rarely participated in SSR. In the absence of participation during training, the likelihood of de novo participation once the reproductive endocrinologists are in practice is unlikely. It is currently unknown to what extent reproductive biologists in training participate at ASRM. Given the significant opportunity that exists with SSR, the lack of participation by REI fellows could be due to a lack of awareness or due to intimidation of participating in a basic science meeting. However, given the great opportunity to improve the interaction between reproductive endocrinologists and reproductive biologists, I have proposed an ASRM/SSR Emissary Program. This program would provide travel support for up to three REI fellows to attend SSR, as well as travel support for up to three post-doctoral reproductive biologists to attend ASRM. These scholars would be coordinated, such that the reproductive biologists would assist the reproductive endocrinologists in understanding and appreciating the SSR, while the reproductive endocrinologists would do the same for the reproductive biologists at ASRM. The participants would be required to submit abstracts to the meeting where travel was provided, and the program would be organized by both ASRM and SSR faculty. The benefits of exposure to faculty and enthusiastic new peers, as well as the opportunities for long-term collaboration are additional highlights. If you are interested in participating, please contact me at catheriw@mail.nih.gov.

In vitro Regeneration of Irvingia gabonensis by Somatic Embryogenesis

A productive genotype of Irvingia gabonensis were cultured in vitro for induction embryogenic calli, somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of plantlets. Fragments of young leaves were used as primary explants. Callogenesis was initiated by culture of explants during 30 days on Murashige and Skoog medium half strength (MS/2) supplemented with 1-6 mg L(-1) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The highest percentage of explants forming calli is 85.1% at 3 mg L(-1) of 2,4-D. Somatic embryos were obtained after a subculture of embryogenic calli during 60 days on MS/2 supplemented with 1-3 mg L(-1) of BAP. The highest percentage of embryogenic calli which differentiates somatic embryos is 63.8 +/- 2.3% at 1 mg L(-1) of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The highest number of somatic embryos per callus which is 43.6 is obtained with 2 mg L(-1) of this phytohormone. When isolated from calli and sub-cultured during 30 days on MS/2 supplemented with 2 mg L(-1) of BAP, somatic embryos germinate with a highest percentage of 83%. The subculture of germinated somatic embryos on the same Basal Medium (BM) supplemented with 4 mg L(-1) of BAP and 2 mg L(-1) of Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) during 80 days gives rise to the plantlets with 82.7 +/- 4.8% of success. With this combination, each plantlet has average length of 5.6 cm, bears 3.3 leaves and 7.2 roots with 1 or 2 pivoting roots. Plantlets acclimatized on a mixture sterilized soil/vermiculite at equal volume survive at 93%. Results of this study constitute a new way for a production of Irvingia gabonensis seedlings with pivoting root and they permit to arrest the difficulties of natural and horticultural reproduction.