Reproductive Body Research Articles

Clinical and diagnostic evidence of benign endometrial pathology in postmenopausal patients

The objective: to study clinical and diagnostic features of the benign endometrial conditions in the postmenopausal women.Materials and method. 64 postmenopausal patients with various severity of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding were examined. All patients underwent clinical, radiological, laboratory and histological examinations, reproductive history data and body mass index indicators were evaluated. Of them 33 persons were diagnosed with complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, 16 women – endometrial polyp and 15 women – hyperplasia with atypia. Routine gynecological examination including abdominal and pelvic examination following transvaginal ultrasound examination for the determination of the uterine and ovarian volume as well, as the endometrial thickness were conducted. Patients included in the study underwent computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as indicated. All patients with endometrial pathology underwent endometrial biopsy by standard dilatation and curettage or Pipelle-biopsy with histological examination of the obtained material. The concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), estradiol, estrone, progesterone, prolactin, and testosterone were determined in blood serum.Results. It was confirmed that in 87,5% of cases endometrial hyperplasia manifested with vaginal bleeding. Endometrial thickness in examined persons ranged from 14.1±1.6 mm in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia to 21.3±4.8 mm in patients with complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. The study of blood levels of hormones found that postmenopausal patients with endometrial hyperplasia have lower FSH concentration, LH/FSH ratio, estradiol, testosterone levels, with significantly high values of prolactin, DHEA-S and estrone. During the postmenopausal period, hyperplasia was developed in 10% of cases by the presence of bleeding, and 86.2% of cases by the presence of blood spotting. Conclusions. The study suggests that high body mass index, numerous artificial abortions, high blood levels of estrone, DHEA-S and prolactin as well as increased thickness of endometrium influence the frequency of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women.

Gynaenoir: Reproductive Suffering in The Invisible Man, The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl

A domestic noir turns the home or workplace into an uncanny space of danger. A gynaehorror film depicts the reproductive body as monstrous. This essay analyses The Invisible Man, The Girl on the Train, and Gone Girl as gynaenoirs, an assemblage of domestic noir and gynaehorror, to show how women are terrorized through their reproductive bodies. By examining how characters in these narratives experience reproductive suffering, one can better understand women’s lives under pronatalist, neoliberal patriarchy.

Genetic improvement and conservation of goats in tropic

Goats indeed have a significant historical and contemporary importance in human civilization, particularly in the realm of agriculture and food production. Their adaptability and widespread distribution have made them crucial for various societies across the world. Goats have played a central role in the Neolithic agricultural revolution, aiding in the spread of human civilization globally. Their adaptability allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, contributing to the sustenance and expansion of human settlements. Goats are highly adaptable and are found in a wide range of geographical regions. Their presence spans across continents, from tropical to temperate climates, showcasing their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions. There is diversity in the production performance of goats based on the region of the world and the specific breeds. Genetic improvement programs aim to enhance economically important traits such as milk production, growth rates and fiber production, thereby increasing productivity and income for goat farmers. Understanding the genetic parameters such as heritabilities and repeatabilities for various traits is crucial for designing effective breeding programs. These parameters provide insights into the genetic potential of goats for traits like milk production, growth and fiber quality. Heritability estimates for reproductive traits, body weight, daily gain and direct and maternal heritability are important for implementing selective breeding strategies aimed at improving overall productivity and efficiency in goat farming. Genetic improvement programs have been implemented in tropical environments to enhance milk production traits in goats. Genetic improvements have also targeted fiber production in goats, with a focus on traits such as grease fleece weight and average fiber diameter. These efforts aim to enhance the quality and quantity of fiber produced by goats for various commercial purposes. Despite the importance of conserving goat breeds with unique characteristics, planned conservation programs in tropical regions are often neglected. It’s emphasized that preserving indigenous goat breeds in their native habitats is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring future resilience in goat farming.

182 Converting spring-born heifers into a summer-calving herd increases subsequent cow longevity and productivity

Abstract Developing replacement heifers is one of the most expensive and complex management decisions for a cow-calf producer, which also has long-term implications for profitability. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of converting spring-born heifers into a summer-calving herd on growth, reproductive performance, longevity, and productivity compared with early or late-born May heifers. Over a 3 yr period, Red Angus/Simmental crossbred heifers (n = 273) were utilized to determine the impact of converting March-born heifers (Convert; n = 90) to a May-calving herd compared with May-born heifers on reproductive performance, body weight (BW), and calf performance from a yearling to 5 yr of age. May-born heifers were retrospectively grouped into 2 different groups: heifers born in the first 21 d of calving as a heifer calf (Early; n = 123) or heifers born after the 21 d of calving as a heifer calf (Late; n = 60). Heifers were exposed to bulls for a 45-d breeding season with a bull-to-heifer ratio of 1:20. Heifers were synchronized with a single injection of prostaglandin F2α (5-mL i.m.; Lutalyse, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) 5 d after bulls were introduced in the pasture for breeding. Data were analyzed as a randomized design using the MIXED procedure (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). All binomial data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX. Heifer served as the experimental unit with treatment and year developed set as fixed effects. Heifer BW at December, May, July, and pregnancy check (Oct) were greater (P < 0.01) for Convert heifers with no difference between Early and Late born heifers. Heifer BCS at pregnancy check was not different (P = 0.13) among heifer treatment groups. However, pregnancy rate tended (P = 0.08) to increase for Convert heifers with no difference between Early and Late born May heifers. After 5 yr of age, retention rate was increased (P = 0.04) in Convert cows compared with Early and Late May-born cows with no difference (P = 0.84) between the two May-born heifer groups. Total kilograms of calf weaned was greater (P = 0.04) in Convert cows than their counterparts with no differences (P = 0.94) between Early and Late May-born cows. This study implies that selecting replacement heifers from an earlier calving season for replacements in a later calving season increases the longevity and long-term productivity of the cowherd than selecting heifers within the same calving season. This may be even more important in resource-poor breeding environments that create reproductive challenges for heifers and rebreeding young cows.

Reproductive Factors and Thyroid Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study.

Background: Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer than men, with incidence rates per 100,000 in the United States of 20.2 for women and 7.4 for men. Several reproductive and hormonal factors have been proposed as possible contributors to thyroid cancer risk, including age at menarche, parity, age at menopause, oral contraceptive use, surgical menopause, and menopausal hormone therapy. Our study aimed to investigate potential reproductive/hormonal factors in a multiethnic population. Methods: Risk factors for thyroid cancer were evaluated among female participants (n = 118,344) of the Multiethnic Cohort Study. The cohort was linked to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer incidence and statewide death certificate files in Hawaii and California, with 373 incident papillary thyroid cancer cases identified. Exposures investigated include age at menarche, parity, first pregnancy outcome, birth control use, and menopausal status and type. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to obtain relative risk (RR) of papillary thyroid cancer and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Covariates included age, race and ethnicity, reproductive history, body size, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Results: We observed a statistically significant increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer for oophorectomy (adjusted RR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.99), hysterectomy (adjusted RR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.04), and surgical menopause (adjusted RR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.97), and decreased risk for first live birth at ≤20 years of age versus nulliparity (adjusted RR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.93). These associations did not vary by race and ethnicity (p het > 0.44). Conclusion: The reproductive risk factors for papillary thyroid cancer reported in the literature were largely confirmed in all racial and ethnic groups in our multiethnic population, which validates uniform obstetric and gynecological practice.

Sibling Species Amblyraja hyperborea and A. jenseni in Slope Waters of Eastern Canada: An Ecomorphological Description

Deepwater survey data and specimens collected from the Grand Banks to Baffin Bay in the Northwest Atlantic were used to examine the distribution, morphometrics, meristics and maturity of two siblings, Amblyraja hyperborea and A. jenseni. Our study confirmed that the two species occupy different locations, their distributions separated by Davis Strait, a biogeographic break separating Atlantic from Arctic waters. A. hyperborea with a smaller maximum size and size at maturity inhabited colder Arctic slope waters in Baffin Bay while larger A. jenseni were located in warmer Atlantic slope waters. Despite their distributional separation and thus reproductive isolation, spine counts and body morphology were almost indistinguishable between species. Only upper jaw teeth row count and difference in the size of spines on the mid-rear wings differentiated the two species. Also, for both species, the proportion of dorsal fins joined, disc shape and relative tail length changed with total length. Secondary reproductive anatomy, clasper length and vas deferens weight, shell gland and uterus weight underwent initial acceleration in growth when the gonads transitioned to stage 2 (adolescent, maturing). Also, YOY A. hyperborea were found to distribute at shallower depths than larger stages, constituting a nursery, which was not observed for A. jenseni.

Desempenho reprodutivo, características da lactação e medidas biométricas de caprinos Manavlı

This study determined reproductive performance, milking traits and body measurements in 630 Manavlı goats that were reared purely in the Denizli province of Türkiye in six goat flocks. In this study, live weights and zoometrical body measurements of does and bucks were defined. Additionally, flock reproductive traits and milk yield were determined for six flocks. Overall, birth rate, twin birth rate, kidding rate and litter size in six flocks were determined as 98.34%, 43.42%, 1.41 and 1.44, respectively. The mean of the lactation milk yield, lactation period and daily milk yield were 160.48 kg, 198 days and 0.810 kg, respectively. The live weights of does ranging in age from 4.1 to 4.7 were between 74.59 and 86.30 kg, while the live weights of bucks ranging in age from 2.1 to 2.7 were between 101.19 and 118.23 kg . Some body measurements of does, such as height at withers, rump height, rump width, body length, heart girth, ear length, tail length, and front and back wrist girth, were measured as 92.80, 93.07, 22.86, 91.97, 105.02, 26.83, 20.19, 12.35 and 12.31 cm, respectively, before mating season. The same values at the abovementioned period were measured as 98.27, 98.71, 23.87, 100.48, 109.89, 26.97, 22.30, 14.46 and 14.41 cm, respectively. This study is the first research related to Manavlı goats, for which no features have been reported to date. The obtained results will help to contribute to livestock diversity.

Temporal dynamics of parasite populations and communities of blue sea catfish Ariopsis guatemalensis (Günther, 1864), in a eutrophic coastal lagoon from Mexican Pacific

ABSTRACT The temporal dynamics of parasite populations and communities of blue sea catfish Ariopsis guatemalensis from a tropical eutrophic coastal lagoon was studied during an annual cycle. A total of 620 adult fishes were collected between January and December 2019. Eleven taxa of parasites were identified, three of monoxenous (single-host life cycle), and eight of heteroxenous (multi-host life cycle) parasites. The infection levels of two monoxenous (Neotetraonchus vegrandis and Ergasilus sp.) and five heteroxenous (Austrodiplostomum sp. Pseudoacanthostomum panamense, Pseudoleptorhynchoides lamothei, Contracaecum sp. and Hysterothylacium perezi) parasite species varied between sampling months and/or climatic seasons. The infection dynamics of these group of parasites were influenced by environmental changes generated by the dry/rainy cycle, which can affect the availability of intermediate host populations, and the feeding and reproductive behaviour of the host. Although the species composition of the parasite communities remains quite stable over time, its structure registers important changes mainly during the rainy season. Some host traits such as the feeding and reproductive behaviour, body size, physical condition, and sex of the host, as well as the temporal replacement of numerically dominant parasite species, were the main factors responsible for variations in the parasite community structure.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF SOCIAL SUPPORT WITH THE EVENT OF DEPRESSION POSTPARTUM

Women are prone to experiencing depression, especially in the postpartum phase. The postpartum period refers to the postpartum phase, where the reproductive organs and body systems undergo the process of returning to their pre-pregnancy form. This period begins immediately after the baby is born and lasts up to 6 weeks (40 days). This study aims to determine the relationship between social support and postpartum events. This research uses a quantitative research design with cross sectional techniques. The research focused on postpartum mothers who lived in the Mainland Work Area Health Center, North Aceh Regency. The sample was determined using a simple random sampling method, namely 60 respondents using the Slovin formula. The results of the research show that there is a relationship between social support (p-value 0.001<0.05) and the incidence of postnatal depression in the Pasir Tanah Community Health Center working area.

Эффективность психокоррекционного воздействия методами имагинативной психотерапии при идиопатическом бесплодии

<p>The article provides results of research into the impact of psychosomatic factors on successful conception in patients with idiopathic infertility who undergo treatment in the department of infertile marriage and ART of the Ural Research Institute of Maternity and Child Care. Infertility-related psychological targets and their correction by imaginative psychosomatic psychotherapeutic techniques can be a way to provide a solution to the infertility problem. A method to reduce the effect of distress hormones on the target reproductive function body organs was developed and tested. This method is rooted in the knowledge of neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive processes. The psychotherapeutic correction was based on the approaches of emotional-figurative therapy as a way to reduce the extremeness of living conditions while undergoing infertility treatment. Psychodynamic indicators of socio-psychological maladaptation, volitional tension, behavior constructiveness in distress situations, psychovegetative coefficient of ergicity were selected as the effectiveness criteria.</p>

Exploring complex links: inflammatory rheumatic diseases and men's health.

This article examines the complex interactions between inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) and men's health. It delves into the effects of IRDs on reproductive health, erectile dysfunction, prostate involvement, male osteoporosis, body composition, physical activity, and coping mechanisms. The findings show that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction varies among different diseases, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive counseling. The link between IRDs and prostate health, with a substantial rise in benign prostatic hyperplasia among IRD patients, demonstrates the condition's importance. In contrast to popular belief, osteoporosis mostly affects women; the current study highlights the growing identification of male osteoporosis, particularly in the setting of IRDs. Male RA patients had a significant loss in bone mineral density, highlighting the importance of increasing awareness and tailored therapy to address osteoporosis in men. IRDs affect body composition, with male RA patients showing imbalances characterized by decreased lean body mass and increased fat mass. Given the dynamic nature of these conditions, coping with IRDs necessitates thorough and individualized diversified approaches. The complex link between IRDs and men's health demands continuing research, including longitudinal studies and tailored therapies. The essay promotes a patient-centered approach, recognizing the unique obstacles that males with IRDs confront.

Role of gut microbiota derived short chain fatty acid metabolites in modulating female reproductive health

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) have been linked to women's reproductive health, though to a lesser extent, alteration in the production of SCFA and SCFA-producing bacteria has been associated significantly with pregnancy-related complications, unfavourable pregnancy outcomes, menstrual anomalies, and gynaecological cancer.The female reproductive system is a delicate, intricate, hormone-dependent group of tissues required for the continuity of life and the species' survival. Reproductive health impacts the ovarian function to implantation and foetal development. Several environmental and physiological factors contribute to mammalian infertility concerns caused by a change in reproductive health status. Several lifestyle factors have been demonstrated to affect reproductive health, including age, body weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, work stress, exercise, diet, and nutrition. Nutrition influences puberty, the menstrual cycle, ovulation, conception, implantation and early foetal development. This review provides an overview of how intestinal derived SCFAs maintains female reproductive health summarizing the current knowledge and future perspectives. Microbial SCFAs improve human metabolism by interfering with, glucose homeostasis, appetite regulation and lipid metabolism. Also affect host immunity and intestinal barrier integrity via primary by inhibition of Histone deacetylases (HDAC) mechanism. Therefore, SCFAs exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, immunoregulatory, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective and neuroprotective properties.This review highlights recent findings on SCFA and gynaecological pathologies such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, pregnancy complications, polycystic ovary syndrome, bacterial vaginosis, and endometriosis to describe current knowledge of the relationship between SCFA and reproductive health and disease in women.

Association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the sheep FecB gene with reproductive and body size performance

Abstract. The FecB gene is one of those responsible for regulating reproductive traits in sheep. This experiment was designed to explore the impact of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) within the FecB gene on both the reproductive and body size performance of sheep. In this experiment, two SNP sites were identified as C413217T and A431965G. Through analysis of genetic diversity and correlations, we aimed to identify combinations of genotypes and haplotypes that influence reproductive performance and body size performance. The most prominent genotypes associated with lambing performance were identified as AA and CT, with the dominant haplotype combination being AACT. For body size performance, the dominant genotypes were AA and CC, while the dominant haplotype combination was AACC. These advantageous genotypes and haplotype combinations are conducive to promoting the selection and improvement of sheep breeds, advancing the progress of sheep genetic breeding, and providing theoretical support for the breeding of higher-fertility sheep.

The Mien people's ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant use in Thailand and Vietnam

Abstract. Panyadee P, Pongamornkul W, Van On T, Trong ND, Giang PTL, Kim LT, Inta A, Sirisa-Ard P, Chansakaow S. 2024. The Mien people's ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant use in Thailand and Vietnam. Biodiversitas 25: 79-96. This study investigates the ethnomedicinal practices of the Mien people in Thailand and Vietnam, focusing on the diversity of medicinal plant usage and its implications for healthcare and traditional knowledge conservation. Through semi-structured interviews with key informants during transect walks in local forests and home gardens, data on 199 medicinal plant species were gathered, including vernacular names, plant parts used, preparation, and usage methods. Analysis revealed a significant use of these species, with 41 utilized for various health purposes in both countries, treating ailments related to reproductive systems (45 species), body strengthening (29 species), and the digestive system (21 species). In ethnobotanical practices, there were distinct preferences for plant parts. In Thailand, stems (29%), leaves (26%), whole plants (18%), and roots (14%) were predominantly used, while in Vietnam, leaves (29%), stems (24%), whole plants (19%), and roots (11%) were more common. A Spearman's rank correlation showed a strong positive correlation (0.77, p <0.001) between these preferences in both countries. The study documented 81 ailments across 23 health categories. Thailand reported 45 ailments in 20 categories, and Vietnam 67 in 19 categories. Reproductive health, musculoskeletal health, and body wellness strengthening were pivotal, with strong correlations in healthcare practices between the countries (correlation 0.75, p <0.001). Reproductive Health mainly involved postpartum treatment, Musculoskeletal Health focused on pain relief and rheumatism treatments, and Body Wellness Strengthening used plants as tonics and for relaxation. This research underscores the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and the potential of traditional medicine in rural healthcare. It also highlights the scope and focus of the Mien communities' healthcare practices, providing valuable insights for future research and drug development.

An Ecofeminist Politics of Chicken Ovulation: A Socio-Capitalist Model of Ability as Farmed Animal Impairment

Abstract Through a combined ecofeminist, and critical disability philosophical analysis of the commodification of female farmed animal reproduction, the paper conceptualizes ability as a socio-capitalist construct that can carry the potential for harm. Patriarchal farmed animal capitalism relies upon the idea of naturalized ability of farmed females to be hyper-reproductive/hyper-ovulatory/hyper-lactative. This paper frames the introduced condition of hyper-ovulation in “egg” hens, or the amplification of their ability to lay through selective breeding, as reproductive impairment, and an act of violent patriarchal commodification and capitalization of female reproduction. Impairment, then, functions not just as disability, but also as ability. Focusing on our rescued chickens, the paper argues that such intentionally bred hyper-fertility manifests for individual hens in its least harmful form as chronic illness with the likelihood of everyday pain and inflammation, anxiety, and metabolic hunger; and in its most harmful form as a life-threatening condition. It then examines the subversive ecofeminist politics of using contraception for chickens in a fraught attempt to restore a closer pace of avian ovulation cycles that existed prior to their selective breeding. In allowing infertility to be restored to hen bodies, chicken contraception highlights the disappearance of intentionally introduced reproductive impairment to materialize the patriarchal-capitalist ableist construct of hens who naturally ovulate daily. Ideas of normal and natural can also thus operate in the service of ability. Ultimately, the paper positions the infertile hen as central to a fuller feminist resistance to the governance and control of the female reproductive body.

Characteristics of bone mineral density in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and its association with reproductive hormones and body composition.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is typically reduced in patients with female athlete triad (FAT) and anorexia nervosa (AN). However, bone health in most patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA), who may not suffer from severe energy deficiency, has not received adequate attention in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate BMD and its association with clinical and endocrine features in individuals with FHA and to provide clinical evidence for improving bone loss and preventing osteoporosis in FHA. To assess the bone status of patients with FHA and investigate its association with various clinical and endocrinological characteristics. We retrospectively analysed 80 patients with FHA who attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2022 to March 2023. The levels of reproductive hormones, including luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, oestradiol (E2 )and total testosterone (TT), were examined at the time of initial diagnosis, and a body composition analyser was used to measure body fat percentage (BF%), lean body mass (LBM)and segmental muscle/fat. Dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure lumbar spine BMDand femoral neck BMDin patients with FHA, and the Z score was calculated. The study cohort consisted of 80 female patients with FHA. The average age of the patients was 24.64 ± 6.02 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 19.47 ± 2.86 kg/m2 . The duration of weight loss was 12 (6, 24) months, while the duration of oligo/amenorrhoea was 12 (4.5, 24) months. The mean degree of weight loss was 18.39 ± 9.53%. Low BMD were present in 15% of patients with FHA at the lumbar spine and/or femoral neck; 12.5% and 10% had low bone mass at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively. The low bone mass group experienced a longer period of weight loss than the normal group [24 (16.5, 60) vs. 12 (4.5, 24) months, p = .037]. In addition, the abnormal group had a lower BMR (basal metabolic rate, BMR) [1158 ± 85 vs. 1231 ± 91 kcal/day, p = .011] and lower bone mineral content [2.15 ± 0.26 vs. 2.43 ± 0.31 kg, p = .009] than the normal group. Both LBMD and femoral neck BMD (Fn BMD) were positively correlated with BMI, BF%, LBM, and regional muscle/fat mass (all p < .05). There was also a positive correlation between LBMD and basal LH levels (p = .009) and waist-to-hip ratio (p = .034), whereas Fn BMD was positively correlated with TT levels (p = .029). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that LBM was positively associated with LBMD (β = .007, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.004-0.009, p < .001), while trunk muscle mass was positively associated with Fn BMD (β = .046, 95% CI = 0.013-0.080, p = .008). Fifteen percent of the patients with FHA exhibited low bone mass, a condition associated with prolonged weight loss. The basal LH and TT levels showed positive correlations with LBMD and Fn BMD, respectively. Meanwhile, BMR levels, BMI, BF%, and muscle mass were all positively correlated with LBMD and Fn BMD. Clinically, we should be attentive to suboptimal bone health in patients with FHA and take early screening, diagnosis and intervention measures, especially appropriate muscle mass gain, to prevent the onset of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the long term.

Multiple stressors disrupt sex hormones and fitness outcomes: effects of hypoxia and turbidity on an African cichlid fish.

Freshwater organisms face a complex array of environmental stressors that can negatively affect endocrine function and subsequent fitness outcomes. Hypoxia and turbidity are two environmental stressors that are increasing due to human activities that could lead to endocrine disruption and reduced reproductive output. Our research addresses how hypoxia and elevated turbidity affect traits related to reproductive success, specifically sex hormone concentrations, investment in reproductive tissues and body size. We used wild fish from two populations (a river and a swamp) of an African cichlid, Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor, to produce offspring that were reared in a full factorial split brood rearing experiment (hypoxic/normoxic × clear/turbid). River and swamp populations represent divergent habitat types with respect to the stressors of interest, being well-oxygenated but turbid or hypoxic and clear, respectively. Overall, we found evidence for plastic responses to both stressors. Specifically, we found that there was an interactive effect of oxygen and turbidity on testosterone in males from both populations. Additionally, males of both populations reared under hypoxic conditions were significantly smaller in both mass and standard length than those raised under normoxic conditions and invested less in reproductive tissues (quantified as gonadosomatic index). Hypoxia and turbidity are experienced naturally by this species, and these environmental stressors did not affect the number of eggs laid by females when experienced in the absence of another stressor (i.e. normoxic/turbid or hypoxic/clear). However, there was an interactive effect of hypoxia and turbidity, as females reared and maintained under this treatment combination laid fewer eggs. This research underscores the importance of considering the possibility of stressor interactions when determining how anthropogenic stressors affect fitness outcomes.

COVID-19 and persistent symptoms: implications for polycystic ovary syndrome and its management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound mark on global health, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Beyond the immediate symptoms of infection, the emergence of "long COVID", the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2, has become a significant public health concern. Long COVID is a multifaceted condition affecting various organs and systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems. Individuals diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may face an increased risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and infection. It is crucial to comprehend how long COVID affects PCOS patients to devise effective treatment and care strategies. Here, we review the detrimental effects of COVID-19 and its long-term effects on reproductive health, endocrine function, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular health, body composition, lifestyle, and mental health in patients with PCOS. We offer recommendations for the post-covid-19 management of PCOS, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Furthermore, we discuss prospective research directions, highlighting the significance of continued investigations and clinical trials to evaluate treatment approaches for long COVID and its ramifications in individuals with PCOS.

Eco‐physiological arguments on the functional impact of Lepus timidus mitochondrial DNA introgression in Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis)

AbstractGenetic exchanges between species provide valuable opportunities to dissect the relative importance of neutral and selective processes driving introgression events and to test their functional relevance. In the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula, the Iberian hare, Lepus granatensis, presents extensive patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) introgression from the mountain hare, L. timidus, a species that disappeared from the region after the Last Glacial Maximum. Here, we test whether mtDNA introgression affects reproductive success and body condition of Iberian hare individuals. For that end, hares (n = 149) were sampled from populations along the mtDNA introgression gradient during the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 hunting seasons. Reproductive performance indicators, including pregnancy status and testicular weight, were recorded, while body condition was measured as kidney fat (our response variables). Predictors included individual traits (sex and age), sampling period (month and hunting season), mtDNA introgression, occurrence or burden of different endoparasites and environmental factors. Our results showed that mtDNA introgression was negatively associated with pregnancy in females and body condition in males, while a positive association was found with body condition in females. These results suggest that carrying the mountain hare mtDNA has physiological effects in Iberian hares, but that the allospecific mtDNA type may not always be beneficial for the individual. This study shows that the patterns of mtDNA introgression seen in the Iberian hare today may result from a complex balance between deleterious and beneficial individual effects.

Beyond knowledge: Introducing embodied aversion through the case of contraception

Family planning programs have largely operated at the individual level, seeking to enhance individuals' knowledge of, change attitudes towards, and improve consistent use of efficacious contraception. Social science research has added to these efforts by emphasizing the structural influences that shape individuals’ contraceptive attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Such work highlights the importance of embodied knowledge which is informed by social contexts and provides individuals with a sense of assuredness in knowing which contraception works well for them (and within their bodies). However, through qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 59 self-identified women conducted from 2017 to 2018 across the state of Delaware in the United States, we argue that there is a powerful facet of contraceptive decision-making that lies beyond articulatable, conscious knowledge, which we name “embodied aversion.” We draw on affect theory and stigma theory to introduce embodied aversion as an influential feeling and orientation away from implantable and insertable contraceptive methods that arises from internalized stigma around the reproductive body. Embodied aversion overpowers conscious understanding of contraceptive benefits like efficacy, ease of use, and longevity. Our research presents embodied aversion as a missing piece of contraceptive understanding that we argue is vital in more fully conceptualizing experiential dimensions of contraceptive use. Doing so enhances patient-centered care, shared decision-making, and reproductive autonomy.