Natural Conception Research Articles

Translating Natural Language questions into CIDOC-CRM SPARQL queries to access Cultural Heritage knowledge bases

To explore information on the Semantic Web, SPARQL queries or DL-queries are suitable tools. However, users interested in exploring the content of such knowledge bases often find it challenging to employ formal query languages, as this requires familiarity with the target domain’s representation model. To address these challenges, a Question-Answering System that automatically translates natural language questions into SPARQL queries, over the Smithsonian American Art Museum CIDOC-CRM representation is presented. The proposed approach uses an ontology, named Query Ontology, defined to represent the natural language concepts and relations specific to the question’s domain. This system’s architecture uses a traditional natural language processing symbolic approach, with a pipeline of modules for the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic analysis. An evaluation of the proposed system is presented and shows very promising results.

Empirical vitalism: observing an organism’s formative power within an active and co-constitutive relation between subject and object

This article proposes an empirical approach to understanding the life of an organism that overcomes reductionist and dualist conceptions. The approach is based on Immanuel Kant’s analysis of the cognitive conditions required for the recognition of an organism: the concept of teleology and the assumption of a formative power of self-generation. It is analyzed how these two criteria are applied in the cognition of a developing organism. Using the example of a developmental series of a plant leaf, an active and relational process between observer and developing organism is shown, within which the teleology and self-generating power of the organism can be empirically observed through the mental faculties of understanding and will. Furthermore, it is emphasized that, according to Kant, even physical objects are not readily given, but are actively constituted through the unification of sense perceptions with concepts. This Kantian mode of objectification facilitates cognition of the physical properties of an organism. It can be supplemented with a participatory and co-constitutive mode of realization, in which the teleologically organizing and self-generating power of the organism can become an object of empirical research. It is argued that the participatory mode also facilitates an expanded conception of nature that allows for the existence of living beings within it. Finally, an analogy to Goethe’s approach to the living organism is highlighted. In summary, it is stated that it is possible to understand life by consciously participating in it.

Power, tourism, and ecology: a critical inquiry into aconcagua’s power structures and conceptions of nature

Power, tourism, and ecology: a critical inquiry into aconcagua’s power structures and conceptions of nature

Sleep quality during pregnancy following assisted reproductive technology and natural conceiving: a prospective birth cohort study

PurposeTo investigate the association of sleep quality during pregnancy on in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) and natural conceiving (NC), as well as anxiety, depression, and perceived stress.MethodsThis prospective cohort study includes 500 infertile pregnant women undergoing IVF/ICSI and 678 NC women in a Sichuan birth cohort. Data on sleep, anxiety, depression, and stress was collected in the first trimester (T1), second trimester (T2), and third trimester (T3) using integrated questionnaires. Sleep quality is quantified by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a cut-point of 5 indicating poor sleep. The Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Center for Epidemiologic Study of Depression scale (CES-D), and the Perceived Stress scale (PSS) were used for assessing anxiety, depression, and perceived stress symptoms. Additionally, the matched husbands are surveyed. Multivariable logistic regression models with adjustments for influencing factors were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of sleep quality.ResultsIn the IVF/ICSI group, 61.1%, 55.5%, and 66.5% of participants in T1, T2, and T3 reported poorer sleep quality compared to the NC group, which had 43.2%, 37.4%, and 46.4% throughout the same trimesters. Additionally, the IVF/ICSI group exhibited higher levels of negative psychological factors as measured by the CES-D and PSS during T1 and T2, showing statistical significance in T1 (P = 0.008, P < 0.001) and T2 (P = 0.038, P < 0.001), except at T3 (P = 0.107, P = 0.253). In addition to psychological factors and IVF/ICSI treatment, poor sleep quality was also associated with advanced age. However, there was no significant difference in sleep quality between the husbands of the IVF/ICSI and NC groups.ConclusionThe study reveals that women receiving IVF/ICSI treatment are at a higher risk of experiencing sleep disturbances throughout their pregnancy compared with women with natural conception. While partners typically do not report major sleep problems, they do exhibit increased anxiety levels. These findings underscore the necessity for screening and addressing sleep issues in women pregnant through assisted IVF/ICSI treatment, to promote their well-being during this critical period.

Enhancement of Vegetation Cover through Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration in the Central Rift, Kenya

Purpose: This paper discusses the contribution of Kenya Central Rift Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Scale-up project (CRIFSUP) to enhanced vegetation cover through promotion of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration concept among farmers in central rift region, Kenya. The project ran between July 2017 and June 2021, when it transitioned to a further five-year phase. The goal of this paper is to assess and compare changes in vegetation cover and species composition through FMNR and other evergreen agricultural practices in CRIPSUP and outside project areas in Central Rift Kenya. Methodology: The study was undertaken in three counties that included; Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nakuru and Baringo. The Study sites were Ndabibi sub-County in Nakuru County, Marigat sub-County in Baringo County, and sub-County Ng’oswet in Elgeyo Marakwet. This study employed cross-sectional study design where there was evaluation of changes in tree density and tree species composition before and after the Intervention of CRIFSUP project in Central Rift, Kenya. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used to investigate and analyse the critical study findings. The data collection methods included surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations. Multi-stage sampling was applied in this study. In total, 402 households out of a sample size 426 participated in the household survey in the study. Findings: The total acreage of land under FMNR managed in the project area increased from 500 acres at inception in 2017 to 4,588 acres in 2019 then to 6,938 acres in project year 2021. This was attributed to farmers recognising benefits of FMNR such as increased pasture, firewood, honey, milk production and training to replicating farmers. The average number of trees per hectare in areas practising FMNR was 115.9; significantly higher compared to areas where there was no FMNR practice such as community land allocated to individual households where average number of trees per hectare was 69.89. Farm boundaries recorded the lowest number of tree populations at 12.47 trees/ha and 14.5 trees/ha before and after project intervention, respectively. There was however, no significant difference in tree densities along the boundaries and among the control farmers before and after project intervention (p = 0.08). To the contrary, tree densities for farmlands, communal land and overall, in the area of project operation were significantly higher after intervention of CRIFSUP project (p = 0.02). This was attributed to increased knowledge on FMNR practices as where 45.0 % (n =181) of farmers indicated knowledge on natural regeneration of trees, while 27.9% (n = 112) displayed knowledge on protection of naturally regenerated trees and seedlings. In conclusion, FMNR and other evergreen methods were found to enhance vegetation cover and through enhanced tree densities and tree diversity in the three regions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends expanding FMNR training to raise awareness and adoption among farmers. Efforts should be made to overcome challenges affecting tree densities on farm boundaries. Additionally, scaling up FMNR practices to other regions and monitoring long-term impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are suggested.

Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Management System Adaptability, Agility and Resilience: Mapping the Research Agenda

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly notable presence in society, industries, and organizations, making its necessity felt more in managerial decisions and practices. This paper aims to outline the importance of the topic related to the increase in the adaptability, agility, and resilience of the management system as a result of AI integration, resorting to a bibliometric type of research. A total of 107 papers from the period 2007–2024 exported from the Web of Science Core Collection database were analyzed, with support of Biblioshiny software. This topic is proving to be one of heightened global interest, being comprehensively addressed by world leaders in AI research and technologies such as the United States, China, Great Britain, France, India, and beyond. Collaborative relationships established between geographic regions are captured, noting the power and expansion of the theme on all continents of the globe. Likewise, its thematic and strategic evolution is characterized as a surprising one, managing to incorporate and relate concepts with a strong technical and IT character such as feature extraction, machine learning, reinforcement learning with concepts of a managerial nature as supporting customer-tailored interaction, employee skills development, company productivity, and innovation.

Maternal X chromosome pericentric inversion resulting in the genetic analysis of offspring pedigrees with deletions at Xp22.33 and Xp22.33p11.3, and duplications at Xq27.3q28: Case report.

This study investigates the genetic cause of primary infertility and short stature in a woman, focusing on maternal X chromosome pericentric inversion and its impact on offspring genetic outcomes, including deletions at Xp22.33 and Xp22.33p11.3, and duplications spanning Xq27.3 to the distal end of the X chromosome's long arm. The proband presented with primary infertility, menstrual irregularities, and ultrasound findings indicating a small uterus. Peripheral blood G-banded karyotype analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis revealed a 46,X,rec(X)dup(Xq)inv(X)(p11.3q27)dmat karyotype in the proband, inherited from her mother. Genetic testing identified pathogenic deletions at Xp22.33 and Xp22.33p11.3, and a pathogenic duplication at Xq27.3q28. Genetic counseling and pedigree analysis were conducted to trace the maternal origin of the pericentric inversion and assess recurrence risks. The study confirmed the maternal X chromosome pericentric inversion caused the observed genetic abnormalities, with a 50% recurrence risk for X-linked inheritance. Maternal X chromosome pericentric inversion significantly affects offspring genetic outcomes. Assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing, are recommended to reduce recurrence risks in future pregnancies. Prenatal genetic testing is advised for natural conception to ensure fetal genetic health.

Revealing gaps in marine evidence with a natural capital lens.

The natural capital concept positions the natural environment as an asset, crucial for the flow of goods and benefits to humanity. There is a growing trend in applying this concept in marine environmental management in the United Kingdom (UK). This study evaluates six varied marine decisions across England, Scotland and Wales. It focuses on the evidence informing these decisions and the extent to which they represent the complete spectrum of marine natural assets and ecosystem services. We identified a reliance on various evidence types, including consultations, data and statistics, maps and literature reviews. Natural assets such as aquatic resources and energy sources were most frequently evidenced. Fishing was the predominant provisioning ecosystem service benefit. There was a notable gap in evidence on marine habitats' water quality regulation service. Recreation and tourism dominated the cultural ecosystem service evidence, with less focus on indirect uses such as spiritual nature connections. We reveal gaps in the evidence in marine decisions on significant marine ecosystem service benefits. Our study provides additional evidence to an already identified need to fill evidence gaps in marine water regulation and non-use values of the UK's marine environments.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Bending the curve towards nature recovery: building on Georgina Mace's legacy for a biodiverse future'.

Subcortical Maternal Complex in Female Infertility: A Transition from Animal Models to Human Studies.

Female infertility is a significant healthcare burden that is frequently encountered among couples globally. While environmental factors, comorbidities, and lifestyle determine reproductive health, certain genetic variants in key reproductive genes can potentially cause unsuccessful pregnancies. Such crucial proteins have been identified within the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) and play an integral role in the early stages of embryogenesis before embryo implantation. SCMC proteins are associated with crucial pathways during embryogenesis, causing changes that are necessary for the transition of an oocyte to an embryo. These vital processes include the formation of cytoplasmic spindles and lattices, accurate positioning of meiotic spindles, regulatory roles in various gene translations, organelle redistribution, and zygotic genome reprogramming. While these genes are well studied in animal models, often mice, translation to clinical studies is comparatively less. The present study elucidates the transition in genetic studies from animal to human models of SCMC proteins. The present literature review shows that the expression of various SCMC proteins impairs embryo development at different stages. The clinical translation of SCMC occurs via various pathways. Therefore, females experiencing multiple unsuccessful pregnancies after natural or assisted conception techniques are candidates for underlying SCMC mutations. Although the phenotype of affected individuals has been identified, the molecular mechanisms that lead to impaired pathways still require investigation. Therefore, the present study paves the way for future research leading to the early diagnosis of lethal variants and possible subsequent management.

Family planning and preimplantation testing: family experiences in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Pre-implantation testing (PGT) is often suggested by healthcare professionals (HCP) to parents of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) considering subsequent children. Despite this, some families choose to conceive naturally without genetic testing and intervention. The aims of this study were to explore fertility choices of couples with a child with CAH and the decision making process and perceptions behind these choices, and to explore the families' lived experiences with CAH and the couples' subsequent fertility journey. A better healthcare professional understanding of these experiences may subsequently help guide clinicians to better manage and support families of children with CAH and other autosomal recessive conditions. All parents of current children of a tertiary service in 2020 with 21-hydroxylase deficient CAH who made an active decision regarding family planning after diagnosis of their index child were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was performed using an inductive, semantic approach. Thirty families (34 children) were identified. Fourteen considered subsequent children and had directed genetic counselling. Eight decided to have additional children of whom seven agreed to participate. Thematic analysis identified six key domains. Psychological impact surrounding the CAH diagnosis was long-lasting, causing symptoms of trauma including depression and anxiety, and influencing a couple's choice to pursue PGT to avoid having another affected child. The perception of the index child having a mild phenotype, and fear of a more severe phenotype, often supported this decision. Conversely, lived experience of CAH and low day-to-day impact, along with a negative experience of PGT, with a greater than anticipated financial, physical, and emotional toll, led some families to subsequently consider natural conception. The role of the healthcare professional (HCP) was important in the CAH and family planning journeys. A perceived poor understanding of CAH, overstating its potential seriousness, contributed to distress. Parents reported feeling pressured to undergo PGT. Peer-support had a universally positive impact on family experience. This study highlights the complex and dynamic nature of fertility decision-making, and the importance of HCP empathy and open-mindedness. Education of HCP and encouraging peer support may improve the CAH and fertility journey for families.

The Concept of Nature in Maimonides and Zhu Xi: A Comparative Perspective

The Concept of Nature in Maimonides and Zhu Xi: A Comparative Perspective

The Impact of Embryo Donation Technology on Child Psychological Adjustment and parenting styles: A Comparative Study.

Despite the remarkable advancements in the use of embryo donation, concerns have arisen regarding its potential effects on the psychological well-being of children conceived through this assisted reproductive technology and their parent-child relationships. The aim of the study is to evaluate children's psychological adjustment and parenting style in families with donor-conceived children and compare them with the normal population. A historical cohort study was conducted to assess the psychological adjustment of 31 children aged 3 to 7 years born via embryo donation and to compare the results with those of 30 age-matched children from families who conceived naturally using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The sample size was determined using G power, and the samples were selected using a convenient sampling method. Parenting styles within these families were also evaluated using the Baumrind Parenting Styles Inventory through clinical interviews. Although 8 out of 31 children born through embryo donation (25.8%) and 3 out of 30 children from families with natural conception exhibited psychological maladjustment, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.249). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in parenting styles between the two groups (P values for permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative parenting styles were 0.424, 0.656, and 0.219, respectively). The lack of genetic parent-child relationships does not seem to be a dominant factor affecting the psychological adjustment of children or parenting styles.

HOW MANY PREGNANCIES ARE ALLOWED AFTER FERTILITY PRESERVING MANAGEMENT OF ATYPICAL ENDOMETRIAL HYPERPLASIA?

Atypical endometrial hyperplasia,with fertility preserving management by hormonal IUS,and oral progesterone, natural conception three times,allowed for how many pregnancies before hysterectomy? To reduce the incidence of endometrial cancer.

Choosing a Path of Life According to the Concept of Human Nature in Education

This research will discuss why there are still deviations committed by believers in qadha and qadar without awakening their enthusiasm to pursue happiness in this world and the hereafter. The approach used in this research is a qualitative descriptive approach to describe situations or phenomena by examining symptoms, information or result information during the research process using the document study method. Literature research data collection methods consisting of daily articles, textbooks, handbooks, archives and regulations and journals, etc. Researchers analyze the influence of belief in qada' and qadar and impose it on ghiroh to carry out a transformation of its exclusive destiny within the scope of Islamic religious education. The results of this research indicate that the occurrence of behavioral deviations carried out by believers in qadha and qadar who have not awakened their enthusiasm to pursue happiness in this world and the hereafter is due to a wrong understanding of faith in qadha and qadar, because the stronger their faith, the more enthusiastic they will be in pursuing worldly happiness. in the afterlife, with intelligence being able to develop and think clearly to consider, decide and face things by focusing on the problems faced with brilliant solutions, so that it will form a personality that is confident, not worried, brave, optimistic, full of hope.

Universals of Human Nature

With the arrival of biological evolutionism and behaviourism, the concept of human nature has become very unstable. The proposed method for detecting the features of human nature based on discomfort allows us to reconsider human nature and regard the species as ontological entities. The human species is represented by biosubstrates that instantiate essential universals. When society restricts fundamental behavioural expressions, individuals experience discomfort, which leads to rebellion. These expressions of discomfort lead us to recognise the basic universals of human nature. Discomfort arises from the disruption of the symmetrical relationship between nature and nurture. These propositions are also supported in fiction, as seen in Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, 1984, The Island of Doctor Moreau, Men Like Gods, Abduction and Childhood’s End.

Association of assisted reproductive technology with adverse maternal outcome: A cohort study.

To assess the association of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) conception with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during the peripartum and postpartum periods. Clinical records of 11,497 patients enrolled in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between March 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the ART group and the natural conception group based on the mode of conception. The incidence of PPH and blood loss at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after delivery were compared. Clinical records of 2527 patients with ART-derived and 78,970 patients with spontaneous pregnancies, who delivered at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between March 2013 and December 2018, were included. The incidence of PPH (2.53%vs 1.58%, P < 0.001) was greater in the ART group than in the natural conception group. ART was associated with significantly higher rates of PPH both in women who delivered vaginally and by cesarean section (P < 0.001). Similarly, blood loss during the delivery stage was greater in the ART group than in the naturally conceived group, regardless of the mode of delivery (P<0.001). Among women who delivered vaginally, blood loss was greater in the ART group at 30 minutes and 60 minutes after the delivery. However, blood loss at 90 and 120 minutes after the delivery was comparable in all groups, regardless of the mode of delivery. The use of ART was associated with poorer maternal outcomes, including increased incidence of PPH and higher blood loss at 30 and 60 minutes after the delivery.

Clinical effectiveness of unilateral single-armed vasoepididymostomy in obstructive azoospermia: a single-center experience

BackgroundVasoepididymostomy (VE) is an important surgical treatment to achieve natural conception for patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA), and only unilateral VE can be performed under certain conditions, such as OA patients with congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD) and some acquired OA. There is a lack of relevant reports assessing the clinical outcomes of unilateral VE in OA patients with different causes. This study is aimed to describe the clinical features and evaluate treatments and outcomes of unilateral single-armed VE in OA patients.MethodsFrom December 2015 to June 2021, 46 OA patients (including 13 CUAVD-associated OA and 33 acquired OA) underwent unilateral single-armed VE in Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai, China). Patient information, semen analysis, hormone profiles, and treatment information were collected, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated.ResultsObstruction in distal of unilateral vas deferens (16/46) was the most common cause for OA patients underwent unilateral VE, and CUAVD accounts for 28.4% (13/46). The overall patency rate was 50.0% (23/46), with 38.5% (5/13) for the CUAVD group and 54.5% (18/33) for the acquired group (p > 0.05). The natural pregnancy rates in CUAVD group and acquired group were 20.0% and 33.3%, respectively (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest unilateral single-armed VE can achieve high patency and pregnancy rates in OA patients, whether for CUAVD or acquired OA patients.

Genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression in human placentas derived from assisted reproductive technology

BackgroundAssisted reproductive technology (ART) has been associated with increased risks for growth disturbance, disrupted imprinting as well as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms and whether they are a result of the ART procedures or the underlying subfertility are unknown.MethodsWe performed genome-wide DNA methylation (EPIC Illumina microarrays) and gene expression (mRNA sequencing) analyses for a total of 80 ART and 77 control placentas. The separate analyses for placentas from different ART procedures and sexes were performed. To separate the effects of ART procedures and subfertility, 11 placentas from natural conception of subfertile couples and 12 from intrauterine insemination treatments were included.ResultsHere we show that ART-associated changes in the placenta enriche in the pathways of hormonal regulation, insulin secretion, neuronal development, and vascularization. Observed decreased number of stromal cells as well as downregulated TRIM28 and NOTCH3 expressions in ART placentas indicate impaired angiogenesis and growth. DNA methylation changes in the imprinted regions and downregulation of TRIM28 suggest defective stabilization of the imprinting. Furthermore, downregulated expression of imprinted endocrine signaling molecule DLK1 associates with both ART and subfertility.ConclusionsDecreased expressions of TRIM28, NOTCH3, and DLK1 bring forth potential mechanisms for several phenotypic features associated with ART. Our results support previous procedure specific findings: the changes associated with growth and metabolism link more prominently to the fresh embryo transfer with smaller placentas and newborns, than to the frozen embryo transfer with larger placentas and newborns. Furthermore, since the observed changes associate also with subfertility, they offer a precious insight to the molecular background of infertility.

Evaluating pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine fibroids treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound: insights from a single-institution study

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) ablation on pregnancy outcomes among women with uterine fibroids wishing to conceive, focusing specifically on short-term pregnancy outcomes immediately following HIFU treatment.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 210 women who underwent HIFU treatment (Group I) at our institution between January 2018 and December 2022 and subsequently conceived. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with two control groups: 510 patients who delivered vaginally (Group II) and 278 who underwent cesarean sections (Group III) during the same period. Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression to adjust for confounding factors. The study only considered outcomes related to the immediate pregnancy following HIFU treatment and did not include data on subsequent pregnancies or long-term effects.ResultsThe natural conception rate post-HIFU was 93.81% (197/210), with a miscarriage rate of 19.05% (40/210). Group I had significantly lower rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (8.24%) and precipitate labor (0%) compared to Group II but higher rates of mild anemia (31.18%) and adherent placenta (10.59%). Compared to Group III, Group I had lower rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (8.24% vs. 20.86%) and moderate anemia (4.71% vs. 16.55%) but a higher incidence of premature rupture of membranes (18.82%). Neonates in Group I had lower birth weights compared to Groups II and III (p < 0.05), with no cases of low birth weight in Group I. Multivariable analysis identified fibroid location as a predictor of preterm birth, while maternal age and mode of delivery influenced the risk of incomplete uterine rupture.ConclusionHIFU ablation is a safe and effective fertility-preserving treatment for women with uterine fibroids, demonstrating favorable short-term pregnancy outcomes. It does not increase perinatal risks, but its impact on pregnancy duration and certain complications suggests that careful patient selection and management are crucial. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of HIFU on subsequent pregnancies.

The Effect of Human Presence on the Representations of Children 4-6 Years Old in the Case of Air Within Vases

A distinctive direction within the framework of Early Childhood Science Education research is the study of young children's mental representations of natural world phenomena and concepts in science. The study of representations offers the possibility of developing activities that address the real difficulties of children and lead to the construction of new representations compatible with school science knowledge. The current research presents a study on the potential effect of the presence of humans on the representations of children aged 4-6 years regarding the case of air within vases. 41 children attending a kindergarten in Patras (Greece) participated in the study. During individual semi-structured interviews, children were presented with 3 different images displaying a vase with people standing next to it in different settings and were asked to indicate whether there is air in the vase and whether this is related to that people. The results showed that the presence of air in the containers was best identified in the outdoor environment, while few children attributed the air to human presence, especially when the vases were placed indoors. Based on the frequency table, it seems that regarding the outdoor environment, there are more adequate responses, as the presence of human elements influences less the participants, while in indoor settings there are more intermediate and inadequate responses, suggesting that the presence of the human element has a greater impact in participant's responses.