Fertile Period Research Articles

Perbedaan Usia Pernikahan Anak pada Perempuan Pernah Kawin Usia 15 – 24 Tahun di Perdesaan dan Perkotaan Indonesia

Introduction: early marriage in young women will have long-term impacts both in terms of health, social, and psychological children. The aim this study is to see the age difference in child marriage in women who have married aged 15-24 years in rural and urban Indonesia. Method: This study has a cross sectional design conducted for (3 months, with the location of the study being Indonesia. The population of this study was WUS aged 15-24 years who were not married amounting to 38,936 people while the sample in this study was women aged 15-24 years who amounted to 10,691 people. The dependent variable in this study is child marriage with the independent variable is where to live while the confonding variables are age: education, economic status, knowledge of the fertile period, attitudes towards virginity, exposure to information, marriage decision making, dating behavior and first age of dating. The data in this study were analyzed up to a multivariate analysis in the form of logistic regression risk factor model using STATA 14. Results: The study found women living in rural areas were more likely to marry before age 21 compared to women living in urban areas. Conclusion: child marriage if not immediately addressed will have an impact on the quality of Human Resources (HR), so a multifactor approach is needed in overcoming the problem.

Herbal medicine and climacteric: a systematic review of the main clinical outcomes

Introduction: The climacteric is the stage of life in which the transition from the productive or fertile period to the non-reproductive period occurs. Climacteric and menopause are intrinsically linked and may bring about various psychological and physiological changes. The use of medicinal plants (Herbal Medicine) is an important tool in an attempt to relieve symptoms. Objective: It was to develop a systematic review to present the main considerations and scientific evidence of the use of herbal medicines in climacteric and menopause to the reduction of symptoms and improvement of quality of life. Methods: The systematic review rules (PRISMA) were followed. The research was carried out from September to October 2022 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases, covering scientific articles from various eras to the present day. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 121 articles were found. A total of 32 articles were fully evaluated and 23 were included in this systematic review. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with I2 =96.7% >50%. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 30 studies with a high risk of bias and 37 studies that did not meet GRADE. An asymmetrical funnel plot does not suggest a risk of bias among small sample-size studies. In search of symptom relief and based on knowledge of the side effects of hormone replacement therapy, many women resort to alternative therapy with herbal medicines. The main results support that supplementation with soy isoflavones as a natural source of phytohormones is associated with a reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, a recurrent symptom in the climacteric. The formulated blend of four herbal extracts (Glycine max, Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus-castus, and Oenothera biennis) supports skin health and antioxidant status in women of menopausal age. Furthermore, purified pollen cytoplasm can be considered an effective non-hormonal treatment alternative for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, as well as mood and sleep disturbances in peri and post-menopause. Three clinical trials using the Danggui Buxue Tang herbal formula have been shown to alleviate menopausal syndrome, providing solid scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis and genome-wide characterization of the Semaphorin family reveal the potential mechanism of angiogenesis around embryo in ovoviviparous black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)

To guarantee the quality and survival rate of their offspring, ovoviviparous teleost evolved special characteristics of in vivo fertilization and embryo development. Maternal black rockfish, having over 50 thousand embryos developing within the ovary simultaneously, provided around 40% nutrition throughout oocyte development, while the capillaries around each embryo contributed the rest 60% during pregnancy. Since fertilization, capillaries started to proliferate and developed into a placenta-like structure that covered over half of each embryo. Aimed to characterize the potential mechanism behind, comparative transcriptome analysis of samples collected according to the process of pregnancy. Three important time point in the process, including mature oocyte stage, fertilization and sarcomere period, were chosen for the transcriptome sequencing. Our study identified key pathways and genes involved in the cell cycle as well as DNA replication and repair, cell migration and adhesion, immune, and metabolic functions. Notably, several of the semaphoring gene family members were differently expressed. To confirm the accuracy of these genes, total of 32 sema genes were identified from the whole genome and distinct expression pattern of sema genes was observed in different pregnant stages. Our results revealed a novel insight for further investigating the functions of sema genes in reproduction physiology and embryo processes in ovoviviparous teleost.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN AIR REBUSAN DAUN SIRIH TERHADAP KEPUTIHAN PADA WANITA PASANGAN USIA SUBUR DI WILAYAH KERJA KLINIK MANDING KABUPATEN POLEWALI MANDAR

Leucorrhoea (Flour Albus) is excessive discharge from the birth canal or vagina. Normal vaginal discharge occurs in women, which occurs before and after the fertile period. According to WHO (World Health Organization) the number of women in the world in 2013 was 6.7 billion people and those who had experienced vaginal discharge were around 75%, while European women in 2013 were 739,004,470 people and those who had vaginal discharge were 25%. In Indonesia, about 90% of women have the potential to experience vaginal discharge because the country of Indonesia is a tropical climate, so mushrooms are easy to grow and develop which results in many cases of vaginal discharge in Indonesian women. The method used in this study is EkprerimentalQuasywith pre and post test without control research plans. Sampling using the Total Sampling technique and obtained 17 Respondents in accordance with the Inclusion criteria, Data collection was carried out using observation sheets. Observation was carried out before and after being given betel leaf stew water. The collected data is then processed using a T-test. P-value was obtained after giving betel leaf boiled water which is 0,000. The conclusion in this study is the provision of betel leaf boiled water affects the treatment of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age in the Manding clinic

Effects of Slow-Release Fertilizer on Lotus Rhizome Yield and Starch Quality under Different Fertilization Periods

Slow-release fertilizer is an environmentally friendly fertilizer that is widely used in crop cultivation instead of traditional nitrogen fertilizer. However, the optimal application time of slow-release fertilizer and its effect on starch accumulation and rhizome quality of lotus remains unclear. In this study, two slow-release fertilizer applications (sulfur-coated compound fertilizer, SCU, and resin-coated urea, RCU) were fertilized under three fertilization periods (the erect leaf stage, SCU1 and RCU1; the erect leaf completely covering the water stage, SCU2 and RCU2; and the swelling stage of lotus rhizomes, SCU3 and RCU3) to study the effects of different application periods. Compared with CK (0 kg∙ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer), leaf relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) remained at higher levels under SCU1 and RCU1. Further studies showed that SCU1 and RCU1 increased yield, amylose content, amylopectin and total starch, and the number of starch particles in lotus, and also significantly reduced peak viscosity, final viscosity and setback viscosity of lotus rhizome starch. To account for these changes, we measured the activity of key enzymes in starch synthesis and the relative expression levels of related genes. Through analysis, we found that these parameters increased significantly under SCU and RCU treatment, especially under SCU1 and RCU1 treatment. The results of this study showed that the one-time application at the erect leaf stage (SCU1 and RCU1) could improve the physicochemical properties of starch by regulating the key enzymes and related genes of starch synthesis, thus improving the nutritional quality of lotus rhizome. These results provide a technical choice for the one-time application of slow-release fertilizer in lotus rhizome production and cultivation.

The Influence of Lablab Purpureus Growth on Nitrogen Availability and Mineral Composition Concentration in Nutrient Poor Savanna Soils

Low soil fertility in savanna soils has been linked to low crop yields, with nitrogen being the most limiting factor in crop yield. Soil used in this pot experiment was obtained from Motshephiri village with low total N, low NO3− and high NH4+. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four treatments (1) control, (2) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant, (3) superphosphate and (4) Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant + superphosphate). The superphosphate was applied at three different levels (45, 60 and 75 kg/ha). Lablab was cultivated in each treatment and the results of the study indicated that lablab growth significantly increased total N and NO3−, and reduced concentration NH4+ relative to the original soil herein referred to as pre-lablab growth. However, the N forms (total N, NO3− and NH4+) did not differ significantly amongst different levels of superphosphate with or without Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant. Lablab growth, proved to have a significant impact on both the soil macro (P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na) and micronutrient level (Fe, Mn, Cu, B and Cl) with the exception of Zn. This study suggests that lablab’s ability to rapidly boost soil N content, overall soil fertility in a short period of time without the use of superphosphate fertilizers or Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculants makes it ideal for intercropping or rotating with non-leguminous crops that have a short growing season.

Experiences of HIV/AIDS women in planning their pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: HIV/AIDS has become a public health problem in many countries along with the increasing number of reported cases and the high mortality rate due to the HIV virus. The HIV virus can infect pregnant women, where pregnant women are at high risk of transmitting the virus to their babies. Transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child can be prevented by planning a pregnancy for HIV/AIDS women who want to get pregnant through the PMTCT (Prevention Mother to Child Transmission) program. In the midst of implementing the PMTCT program, the government is faced with the COVID-19 pandemic which causes the public to be advised to postpone pregnancy until the pandemic ends and counseling or consultation regarding family planning is done via telephone. The study aimed to determine the experiences of HIV/AIDS women in planning their pregnancies during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This research is a Qualitative research with a phenomenological approach which was conducted in March-April 2022 at the Victory Plus Foundation Yogyakarta. Data collection using in-depth interviews. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Participants in this study were women with HIV/AIDS who were pregnant during the Covid-19 pandemic and women with HIV/AIDS who had given birth with a maximum age of 6 months. Results: Researchers found 4 themes, which are the experience of women when diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, planning for pregnancy during the Covid-19 pandemic, the condition of pregnancy for women with HIV/AIDS, and social support for women with HIV/AIDS during pregnancy. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that some women with HIV/AIDS plan their pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic by discussing with their husbands, regularly taking ARVs, using the Calendar application to calculate the fertile period, and checking viral load and CD4 levels.

Effect of chilling on pupal developmental arrest and subsequent impact on quality control parameters of adult blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The chilling process will surely be a very cost-effective measure for repeated mass rearing and be an effective source for the requirements of a huge number of pupae collected and supplied for the sterile insect technique (SIT) program. In Bangladesh, blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) is a main cause of damage of marine fish during sun drying in coastal areas. The chilling for a certain duration at a certain temperature may store pupae for a specific time by reducing their metabolism. In this study, the effect of chilling temperature and exposure period on pupal developmental arrest was assessed and the subsequent impact on quality control parameters of the adult blowfly, L. cuprina was also observed. We considered the effects of three temperature (4, 7, and 10 °C) regimes and three exposure periods (10, 20, and 30 days) on 3-day-old pupae. Results showed that all the parameters were affected significantly by all the chilling temperatures and durations. Adult emergence, flight ability, pupal weight, adult longevity, fecundity, and fertility decreased with the increase of exposure duration, but partial emergence and pupal duration increased with exposure durations. Storages at 4 °C for 20 and 30 days had no adult emergence. Emergence occurred before the chilling duration at 10 °C for 20 and 30 days which clearly indicated the unsuitable condition for storage parameters. Though the emergence, flight ability, pupal weight, and longevity at 10 °C for 10 days had no significant difference with control, the fecundity and fertility did have a significant difference. In addition, treatment at 7 °C for 10days, the adult emergence, flight ability, pupal weight, longevity, fecundity, fertility, pre-oviposition, and oviposition period had no significant difference with control. Considering all the parameters, it can be concluded that the pupae of L. cuprina can be stored at 7 °C of chilling temperature for 10 days long without any deterioration towards the quality of adult flies.

Sexual health knowledge, attitude and risk perception among in-school and out-of-school female adolescents in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: Young people need protective information and skills in order to reduce the riskassociated with unsafe sex. This study assessed and compared the sexual health knowledge, attitude and risk perception of in-school and out-of-school female unmarried adolescents in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional design was used in which 391 in-school female adolescents (mean age: 15.9±1.4 years ) were selected from 25 private and 17 public schools in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria using multistage sampling method. A comparison group of 392 out-of school female adolescents (mean age: 15.5±2.5 years) was also selected from a major market in the same Local Government Area using cluster sampling technique. Data was collected from the respondents with pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires on reproductive and sexual health knowledge, risk perception and attitude, sexual behaviour, contraceptive knowledge and sources of sexual health information. Results: In-school girls demonstrated better knowledge of sexual and reproductive health compared to their out-of-school counterparts. The awareness of fertile period, contraception methods, STI and HIV transmission and prevention were all significantly better among the in-school adolescents compared to their out-of-school counterparts (P<0.05). They also had markedly higher risk perception of getting pregnant (P<0.05) or acquiring HIV infection (P<0.05) compared to their out-of-school counterparts. Conclusion: About 21% of adolescents in this study area were involved in risky sexualbehaviour and this was higher among the out-of-school adolescents than their in-school counterparts. All stakeholders in the state and the Local Government Area should come together and develop interventions that would improve the sexual health knowledge and sexual risk perception of the adolescents.

Male‐specific nocturnal song functions similarly to day song in a diurnal bird species

AbstractHistorically, birdsong research has been biased towards song of male birds at dawn and during the day, even though some diurnal birds sing at night. To address this gap, we studied how song in the willie wagtail, Rhipidura leucophrys—a diurnal species with prolific male‐specific nocturnal song during the breeding season—varies with time of day, breeding status and simulated intrusions. We recorded male nocturnal and dawn song over three breeding seasons and examined how this related to fertile and non‐fertile breeding stages of females. To test whether song functions for territory defence, we simulated territorial intrusion experimentally in both sexes with daytime and nighttime playback of male and female song. To test whether nocturnal song could function for mate guarding or post‐pairing mate attraction, we describe the mating system of willie wagtails using molecular genetic methods. We showed that both nocturnal and day song of male willie wagtails has roles in mate attraction and territory defence, while day song by females functioned primarily for territorial defence. Males increased song behaviour during fertile periods of resident females, suggesting possible roles in mate stimulation and mate guarding. Males and females responded similarly to simulated daytime intrusions and no differences were seen in male responses dependent on the time of day. We found 10%–14% of offspring were fathered by extra‐pair males, suggesting song may also function for mate guarding and post‐pairing mate attraction. In a species with small repertoires and simple songs like the willie wagtail, differences between males in overall song output achieved through nocturnal singing may be important in mate attraction and territory defence.

Water and Nitrogen Regulation Effects and System Optimization for Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under Film Drip Irrigation in the Dry Zone of Ningxia China

Potatoes require water and fertilizer management systems to optimize economic outcomes and fertilizer use, especially in arid areas such as Ningxia, China. In this study, three irrigation quotas (1200 (W1), 1650 (W2), and 2100 (W3) m3/hm2) and three nitrogen application treatments (110 (N1), 190 (N2), and 270 (N3) kg/hm2) were evaluated. Potato growth, final yield, and quality indices were assessed in relation to fertility periods, irrigation utilization efficiency, nitrogen and fertilizer bias productivity, and economic efficiency, using the TOPSIS model. Stem thickness and plant height varied significantly with irrigation and nitrogen treatments; total yield and vitamin C, reducing sugar, and starch contents were the highest under the W3N1, W3N1, W1N2, and W2N3 treatments, increasing by 54.56, 17.00, 69.00, and 45.00%, respectively, compared with those in the control. The regression relationships between water and nitrogen regulation and yield, irrigation water use efficiency, nitrogen fertilizer bias productivity, and economic efficiency agreed with the binary quadratic regression model, and the coefficients of determination (R2) were >0.85. W3N1 was optimal for model yield, nitrogen fertilizer bias productivity, and economic efficiency, and W1N3 was optimal for irrigation water use efficiency. Our findings will help optimize potato management in central Ningxia.

Maternal age affects pronuclear and chromatin dynamics, morula compaction and cell polarity, and blastulation of human embryos.

Does maternal ageing impact early and late morphokinetic and cellular processes of human blastocyst formation? Maternal ageing significantly affects pronuclear size and intra- and extra-nuclear dynamics during fertilization, dysregulates cell polarity during compaction, and reduces blastocoel expansion. In ART, advanced maternal age (AMA) affects oocyte yield, fertilization, and overall developmental competence. However, with the exception of chromosome segregation errors occurring during oocyte meiosis, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms responsible for AMA-related subfertility and reduced embryo developmental competence remain unclear. In particular, studies reporting morphokinetics and cellular alterations during the fertilization and pre-implantation period in women of AMA remain limited. A total of 2058 fertilized oocytes were stratified by maternal age according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology classification (<35, 35-37, 38-40, 41-42, and >42 years) and retrospectively analysed. AMA effects were assessed in relation to: embryo morphokinetics and morphological alterations; and the presence and distribution of cell polarity markers-Yes-associated protein (YAP) and protein kinase C-ζ (PKC-ζ)-involved in blastocyst morphogenesis. A total of 1050 cycles from 1050 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Microinjected oocytes were assessed using a time-lapse culture system. Immature oocytes at oocyte retrieval and mature oocytes not suitable for time-lapse monitoring, owing to an excess of residual corona cells or inadequate orientation for correct observation, were not analysed. Phenomena relevant to meiotic resumption, pronuclear dynamics, cytoplasmic/cortical modifications, cleavage patterns and embryo quality were annotated and compared among groups. Furthermore, 20 human embryos donated for research by consenting couples were used for immunofluorescence. Static microscopic observation revealed that blastocyst formation and expansion were impaired in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P < 0.0001). The morphological grades of the inner cell mass and trophectoderm were poorer in the >42-year group than those in the <35-year group (P = 0.0022 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Time-lapse microscopic observation revealed a reduction in nucleolus precursor body alignment in female pronuclei in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P = 0.0010). Female pronuclear area decreased and asynchronous pronuclear breakdown increased in the >42-year group (P = 0.0027 and P < 0.0122, respectively). Developmental speed at cleavage stage, incidence of irregularity of first cleavage, type and duration of blastomere movement, and number of multinucleated cells were comparable among age groups. Delayed embryonic compaction and an increased number of extruded blastomeres were observed in the >42-year group (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0047, respectively). Blastulation and blastocyst expansion were also delayed in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P < 0.0001 for both). YAP positivity rate in the outer cells of morulae and embryo PKC-ζ immunoflourescence decreased in the >42-year group (P < 0.0001 for both). At the cellular level, the investigation was limited to cell polarity markers. Cell components of other developmental pathways should be studied in relation to AMA. The study indicates that maternal ageing affects the key functions of embryo morphogenesis, irrespective of the well-established influence on the fidelity of oocyte meiosis. This study was supported by the participating institutions. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. N/A.

A Mid-Cycle Rise in Positive and Drop in Negative Moods among Healthy Young Women: A Pilot Study.

Clinically oriented studies of mood as a function of the menstrual cycle mainly address the negative moods in the premenstrual phase of the cycle. However, a periovulatory increase in positive emotions and motivations related to reproduction has also been noted. Thus, it has been suggested that the drop in mood during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle might be a byproduct of elevated positive moods occurring mid-cycle. The aim of this prospective study was to compare both the positive and negative dimensions of mood across the menstrual cycle. A group of 60 healthy, normally cycling women assessed their mood throughout three phases of their menstrual cycles: the early follicular (low estradiol and progesterone), the late follicular (fertile phase; high estradiol, low progesterone) and the mid-luteal phase (high levels of both estradiol and progesterone). Repeated MANOVA evaluations showed a significant increase in positive (friendly, cheerful, focused, active) and a significant decrease in negative (anxious, depressed, fatigued, hostile) dimensions of mood mid-cycle, i.e., during the late follicular phase (η2 = 0.072−0.174, p < 0.05). Contrary to the widespread belief that negative moods are characteristic of the luteal phase (preceding the onset of the next cycle), the post hoc Bonferroni tests showed that none of the mood dimensions differed between the mid-luteal and early follicular phases of the cycle. The results held when controlling for relationship status and order of testing. This pattern of fluctuations is in accordance with the ovulatory-shift hypothesis, i.e., the notion that the emotions of attraction rise during a short window during which the conception is likely.

Simulation of Soil Water and Salt Balance in Three Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies with HYDRUS-2D

Mulch drip irrigation (MDI) technology can effectively solve the problem of insufficient temperature accumulation during the pre-fertility period and facilitate the efficient supplementation of water and fertilizer during the fertility period in spring corn planting. Moreover, this local MDI technology also has impacts on the farmland environment. To investigate the effect of drip irrigation technology on the water and salt environment of farmland, a field study on corn cultivation was carried out at West Liaohe Plain. In addition, the water and salt dynamics of the farmland were simulated using HYDRUS-2D for mulch drip irrigation (MDI), shallowly buried drip irrigation (SBDI), and sprinkler irrigation (SI), with variable rainfall and initial salt content. The results showed that the distribution of and variation in water and salt in the soil were similar under MDI and SBDI. The change near the drip tape was mainly affected by irrigation, while the water and salt in the soil between drip tapes were correlated with irrigation and rainfall. The amount of salt in the topsoil (5 cm) increased with a decrease in rainfall. With an initial EC = 480 μs/cm (soil salt content 0.1%), the salinity of the topsoil under MDI was significantly higher than that under SBDI and SI within two years. The topsoil salinity was similar for all three irrigation technologies with increasing operating life, reaching a relatively stable state, and much lower than the salinity determination threshold of 480 μs/cm. Given the current conditions of rainfall, soil, buried depth, and mineralization in the West Liaohe Plain, the risk of secondary salinization is minimal if irrigation management is reasonable. This study provides data to support the application of drip irrigation technology in the Western Liaohe Plain.

Periovulatory changes in behavior and fecal hormone metabolite concentrations but not vaginal cytology or vaginoscopy are indicative for the fertile period in female African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

Artificial insemination (AI) can aid conservation of African wild dogs (AWD), but methods to determine the appropriate timing of AI in females are not feasible without immobilization. This study determined whether certain behaviors coupled with fecal estrogen (fEM) and progestogen (fPM) metabolite concentrations, could be used as non-invasive parameters to predict the fertile period in female AWDs. Behavior was observed in three alpha females before, during and after the mating period, and feces analyzed for hormone metabolites. During the periovulatory period, females were immobilized 2–3 times to evaluate vulvar condition, blood hormone concentrations and vaginal cytology, and to conduct vaginoscopy. Late estrus (fertile period) could be distinguished from pro-estrus, early estrus, and diestrus using behavior; with a 2- to 5-fold higher rate of male-female affiliative behavior, sexual and non-sexual follow, alpha male initiating behavior, ride-up and copulation (P ≤ 0.05). Sexual behaviors, and male-female resting patterns declined significantly or ceased the day after last mating. Two females showed a 2.5- to 3-fold increase in fPM concentrations during late estrus compared to the pro-estrus period (P ≤ 0.05) and elevated fEM levels that rose in pro-estrus, declined to baseline by late estrus. The one anovulatory female showed no distinct pattern in fPM or fEM concentrations. Vaginal cytology and vaginoscopy could not discriminate between different phases. In summary, behavioral observations coupled with rising fPM and declining fEM can determine the fertile period in African wild dog females, whereas infrequent measurement of blood hormone concentrations, vaginal cytology and vaginoscopy are unreliable.

U.S. Women's Knowledge of Reproductive Biology.

Having accurate knowledge of reproductive biology can help women to improve their general, sexual, and reproductive health and assert their sexual and reproductive rights. This cross-sectional study examined knowledge of three topics (age-related fertility decline, egg supply, fertile period) among a national probability sample of 1,779 nonsterilized, English-speaking women (aged 18-29years) in the U.S. general population. Using bivariate and multivariable regressions, we assessed associations between knowledge of these topics and individual characteristics. Most respondents were unmarried (63%), childless (78%), and intended to have children (65%); 51% did not know whether they would have difficulty conceiving, and 44% had discussed fertility-related topics with a health care provider. More respondents knew the age of marked fertility decline (62%) than the fertile period (59%) or that ovaries do not continuously produce new eggs (45%); 22% knew all three topics, and 13% knew none. In multivariable analysis, knowledge was positively associated (p<.001) with education, income, and having regular periods. Black and Asian respondents and those for whom religion was very important were less likely (all p values<.01) than White and nonreligious respondents to know all three topics. Knowledge was unrelated to relationship status, parity, childbearing intentions, receipt of fertility-related counseling or services, self-perceived infertility risk, or health status; the relationship with Hispanic ethnicity approached but did not reach significance (p=.08). Young U.S. women have incomplete knowledge of aspects of their reproductive biology; these knowledge gaps could increase their risk of adverse health and reproductive outcomes. Policy-, provider-, and client-level interventions are warranted to address these knowledge gaps.

Fertility Rate, Fertility Period, and DOC Sex Ratio of Kokok Balenggek Chicken after Artificial Insemination

Fertility Rate, Fertility Period, and DOC Sex Ratio of Kokok Balenggek Chicken after Artificial Insemination

Безопасный метод контрацепции для женщин репродуктивного возраста с ожирением

Aim. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety of using a drospirenone-containing combinedoral contraceptive (СOC) in overweight/obese women of reproductive age.Material and methods. The study included 65 women of reproductive age who were prescribed OC with30 µg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone for 3 months for therapeutic and preventive purposes.The main parameters evaluated were lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.Results. According to the results of the study, a favorable effect of low-dose COCs on body weight and lipidprofile was revealed without significant changes in carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusion. СOC may be recommended for overweight/obese patients to control fertility in the postpartum period.

Sublethal effects of fenoxycarb on female reproduction in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hünber) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest that causes severe damage to economical crops in most parts of the world. The juvenile hormone analogues are a group of insect growth regulators that increase larval ages and disrupt larval development. Moreover, they affect reproductive system in adult insects. In this study, the effects of sublethal doses of fenoxycarb on fecundity, fertility, and longevity parameters, as well as on oocyte size, ecdysteroid titer in ovaries, and expression level of the ultraspiracle (USP), ecdysone receptor (EcR), hormone receptor 3 (HR3), and vitellogenin (Vg) genes in adult female H. armigera, were examined. Feeding on artificial diet containing fenoxycarb (LC10 and LC25) significantly decreased the percentage of larval survival rate, pupation rate, pupal weight, fecundity, fertility, and oviposition period. It also clearly shortened female longevity. Fenoxycarb treatment suppressed the expression of the USP, EcR, and Vg genes in H. armigera but had no effect on the HR3 gene expression level in either pupae or adults. Overall, our results show that using fenoxycarb as a juvenile hormone analogue can reduce reproduction in H. armigera and may work as an alternative to the use of insecticides for controlling this important agricultural pest.

Advantages and difficulties of ultrasound analysis to determine the fertile period in bitches

Advantages and difficulties of ultrasound analysis to determine the fertile period in bitches