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P/TGMS (Photo/thermo-sensitive genic male sterile) lines are crucial resources for two-line hybrid rice breeding. Previous studies revealed that slow development is a general mechanism for sterility-fertility conversion of P/TGMS in Arabidopsis. However, the difference in P/TGMS genes between rice and Arabidopsis suggests the presence of a distinct P/TGMS mechanism in rice. In this study, we isolated a novel P/TGMS line, ostms19, which shows sterility under high-temperature conditions and fertility under low-temperature conditions. OsTMS19 encodes a novel pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein essential for pollen formation, in which a point mutation GTA(Val) to GCA(Ala) leads to ostms19 P/TGMS phenotype. It is highly expressed in the tapetum and localized to mitochondria. Under high temperature or long-day photoperiod conditions, excessive ROS accumulation in ostms19 anthers during pollen mitosis disrupts gene expression and intine formation, causing male sterility. Conversely, under low temperature or short-day photoperiod conditions, ROS can be effectively scavenged in anthers, resulting in fertility restoration. This indicates that ROS homeostasis is critical for fertility conversion. This relationship between ROS homeostasis and fertility conversion has also been observed in other tested rice P/TGMS lines. Therefore, we propose that ROS homeostasis is a general mechanism for the sterility-fertility conversion of rice P/TGMS lines.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessments of current and future fertility-including overall trends and changing population age structures across countries and regions-are essential to help plan for the profound social, economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges that these changes will bring. Estimates and projections of fertility are necessary to inform policies involving resource and health-care needs, labour supply, education, gender equality, and family planning and support. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 produced up-to-date and comprehensive demographic assessments of key fertility indicators at global, regional, and national levels from 1950 to 2021 and forecast fertility metrics to 2100 based on a reference scenario and key policy-dependent alternative scenarios. METHODS: To estimate fertility indicators from 1950 to 2021, mixed-effects regression models and spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression were used to synthesise data from 8709 country-years of vital and sample registrations, 1455 surveys and censuses, and 150 other sources, and to generate age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) for 5-year age groups from age 10 years to 54 years. ASFRs were summed across age groups to produce estimates of total fertility rate (TFR). Livebirths were calculated by multiplying ASFR and age-specific female population, then summing across ages 10-54 years. To forecast future fertility up to 2100, our Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) forecasting model was based on projections of completed cohort fertility at age 50 years (CCF50; the average number of children born over time to females from a specified birth cohort), which yields more stable and accurate measures of fertility than directly modelling TFR. CCF50 was modelled using an ensemble approach in which three sub-models (with two, three, and four covariates variously consisting of female educational attainment, contraceptive met need, population density in habitable areas, and under-5 mortality) were given equal weights, and analyses were conducted utilising the MR-BRT (meta-regression-Bayesian, regularised, trimmed) tool. To capture time-series trends in CCF50 not explained by these covariates, we used a first-order autoregressive model on the residual term. CCF50 as a proportion of each 5-year ASFR was predicted using a linear mixed-effects model with fixed-effects covariates (female educational attainment and contraceptive met need) and random intercepts for geographical regions. Projected TFRs were then computed for each calendar year as the sum of single-year ASFRs across age groups. The reference forecast is our estimate of the most likely fertility future given the model, past fertility, forecasts of covariates, and historical relationships between covariates and fertility. We additionally produced forecasts for multiple alternative scenarios in each location: the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for education is achieved by 2030; the contraceptive met need SDG is achieved by 2030; pro-natal policies are enacted to create supportive environments for those who give birth; and the previous three scenarios combined. Uncertainty from past data inputs and model estimation was propagated throughout analyses by taking 1000 draws for past and present fertility estimates and 500 draws for future forecasts from the estimated distribution for each metric, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) given as the 2·5 and 97·5 percentiles of the draws. To evaluate the forecasting performance of our model and others, we computed skill values-a metric assessing gain in forecasting accuracy-by comparing predicted versus observed ASFRs from the past 15 years (2007-21). A positive skill metric indicates that the model being evaluated performs better than the baseline model (here, a simplified model holding 2007 values constant in the future), and a negative metric indicates that the evaluated model performs worse than baseline. FINDINGS: During the period from 1950 to 2021, global TFR more than halved, from 4·84 (95% UI 4·63-5·06) to 2·23 (2·09-2·38). Global annual livebirths peaked in 2016 at 142 million (95% UI 137-147), declining to 129 million (121-138) in 2021. Fertility rates declined in all countries and territories since 1950, with TFR remaining above 2·1-canonically considered replacement-level fertility-in 94 (46·1%) countries and territories in 2021. This included 44 of 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which was the super-region with the largest share of livebirths in 2021 (29·2% [28·7-29·6]). 47 countries and territories in which lowest estimated fertility between 1950 and 2021 was below replacement experienced one or more subsequent years with higher fertility; only three of these locations rebounded above replacement levels. Future fertility rates were projected to continue to decline worldwide, reaching a global TFR of 1·83 (1·59-2·08) in 2050 and 1·59 (1·25-1·96) in 2100 under the reference scenario. The number of countries and territories with fertility rates remaining above replacement was forecast to be 49 (24·0%) in 2050 and only six (2·9%) in 2100, with three of these six countries included in the 2021 World Bank-defined low-income group, all located in the GBD super-region of sub-Saharan Africa. The proportion of livebirths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa was forecast to increase to more than half of the worlds livebirths in 2100, to 41·3% (39·6-43·1) in 2050 and 54·3% (47·1-59·5) in 2100. The share of livebirths was projected to decline between 2021 and 2100 in most of the six other super-regions-decreasing, for example, in south Asia from 24·8% (23·7-25·8) in 2021 to 16·7% (14·3-19·1) in 2050 and 7·1% (4·4-10·1) in 2100-but was forecast to increase modestly in the north Africa and Middle East and high-income super-regions. Forecast estimates for the alternative combined scenario suggest that meeting SDG targets for education and contraceptive met need, as well as implementing pro-natal policies, would result in global TFRs of 1·65 (1·40-1·92) in 2050 and 1·62 (1·35-1·95) in 2100. The forecasting skill metric values for the IHME model were positive across all age groups, indicating that the model is better than the constant prediction. INTERPRETATION: Fertility is declining globally, with rates in more than half of all countries and territories in 2021 below replacement level. Trends since 2000 show considerable heterogeneity in the steepness of declines, and only a small number of countries experienced even a slight fertility rebound after their lowest observed rate, with none reaching replacement level. Additionally, the distribution of livebirths across the globe is shifting, with a greater proportion occurring in the lowest-income countries. Future fertility rates will continue to decline worldwide and will remain low even under successful implementation of pro-natal policies. These changes will have far-reaching economic and societal consequences due to ageing populations and declining workforces in higher-income countries, combined with an increasing share of livebirths among the already poorest regions of the world. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

PURPOSE: This study characterizes attitudes and decision-making around the desire for future children in young women newly diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and assesses how clinical factors and perceived risk may impact these attitudes. METHODS: This is a prospective study in women

The ex situ population of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) has been experiencing declines in reproductive success over the past 30 years of human-managed care. A potential cause may be environmental-dependent inbreeding depression with diet being one of the contributing factors since ferrets are not fed their natural diet of prairie dogs. Here, we generated and analyzed semen proteome and transcriptome data from both wild and ex situ ferrets maintained on various diets. We identified 1757 proteins across all samples, with 149 proteins unique to the semen of wild ferrets and forming a ribosomal predicted protein-protein interaction cluster. Wild ferrets also differed from ex situ ferrets in their transcriptomic profile, showing enrichment in ribosomal RNA processing and potassium ion transport. Successful fertility outcomes documented for ex situ ferrets showed the strongest association with the semen transcriptome, with enrichment in genes involved in translation initiation and focal adhesion. Fertility also synergized with the effect of diet on differentially expressed transcriptomes, mainly affecting genes enriched in mitochondrial function. Our data and functional networks are important for understanding the causes and mechanisms of declining fertility in the ex situ ferret population and can be used as a resource for future conservation efforts.

Purpose of reviewFertility concerns are common among young women diagnosed with breast cancer, as systemic therapy increases the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency and delays family planning. Here, we review the impact of systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER-2 directed therapy, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapy, on ovarian reserve.Recent findingsWith an improved understanding of disease biology, fewer women are treated with gonadotoxic chemotherapy. There are limited data on the fertility impact of novel targeted treatments and immunotherapy, though preclinical and preliminary studies suggest an impact on fertility is possible. Notably, a recent study investigated the outcomes in women who interrupted adjuvant endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy.SummaryFurther research is needed to characterize the fertility impact of novel therapies in breast cancer. Individualized fertility counseling should be offered to all women to discuss the possible impact of therapy on ovarian reserve and options for fertility preservation and timing of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between fertility treatment, socioeconomic status (SES), and neonatal and post-neonatal mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of all births (19,350,344) and infant deaths from 2014-2018 in the United States. The exposure was mode of conception-spontaneous vs fertility treatment. The outcome was neonatal (

There has recently been an explosion of studies implicating the human microbiome in playing a critical role in many disease and wellness states. The etiology of abnormal semen analysis (SA) parameters is not identified in 30% of cases; investigations involving the semen microbiome may bridge this gap. Here, we explore the relationship between the semen microbiome and alterations of sperm parameters. We recruited men presenting for fertility evaluation or vasectomy consultation with proven biological paternity. SA and next generation sequencing was performed. Differential abundance testing using Analysis of composition of Microbiota with Bias Correction (ANCOM-BC) was performed along with canonical correlational analysis for microbial community profiling. Men with abnormal (N = 27) sperm motility showed a higher abundance of Lactobacillus iners compared to those with normal (N = 46) sperm motility (mean proportion 9.4% versus 2.6%, p = 0.046). This relationship persisted on canonical correlational analysis (r = 0.392, p = 0.011). Men with abnormal sperm concentration (N = 20) showed a higher abundance of Pseudomonas stutzeri (2.1% versus 1.0%, p = 0.024) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (0.9% versus 0.7%, p = 0.010), but a lower abundance of Pseudomonas putida (0.5% versus 0.8%, p = 0.020), compared to those with normal sperm concentration (N = 53). Major limitations are related to study design (cross-sectional, observational). Our results suggest that a small group of microorganisms may play a critical role in observed perturbations of SA parameters. Some of these microbes, most notably Lactobacillus iners, have been described extensively within other, fertility-related, contexts, whereas for others, this is the first report where they have potentially been implicated. Advances in our understanding of the semen microbiome may contribute to potentially new therapeutic avenues for correcting impairments in sperm parameters and improving male fertility.

Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the maintenance of individual differences in behavior and physiology is a fundamental goal in ecology and evolution. The pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis is often invoked to explain the maintenance of such within-population variation. This hypothesis predicts that behavioral traits are part of a suite of correlated traits that collectively determine an individual's propensity to prioritize reproduction or survival. A key assumption of this hypothesis is that these traits are underpinned by genetic trade-offs among life-history traits: genetic variants that increase fertility, reproduction and growth might also reduce lifespan. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence for the existence of genetic trade-offs between five key life-history traits: survival, growth rate, body size, maturation rate, and fertility. Counter to our predictions, we found an overall positive genetic correlation between survival and other life-history traits and no evidence for any genetic correlations between the non-survival life-history traits. This finding was generally consistent across pairs of life-history traits, sexes, life stages, lab vs. field studies, and narrow- vs. broad-sense correlation estimates. Our study highlights that genetic trade-offs may not be as common, or at least not as easily quantifiable, in animals as often assumed.

Despite rapid evolution across eutherian mammals, the X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs are located in a region flanked by two highly conserved protein-coding genes (SLITRK2 and FMR1) on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, these miRNAs are predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here, we report that the X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs were derived from the MER91C DNA transposons. Selective inactivation of individual miRNAs or clusters caused no discernible defects, but simultaneous ablation of five clusters containing 19 members of the MIR-506 family led to reduced male fertility in mice. Despite normal sperm counts, motility, and morphology, the KO sperm were less competitive than wild-type sperm when subjected to a polyandrous mating scheme. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that these X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs, in addition to targeting a set of conserved genes, have more targets that are critical for spermatogenesis and embryonic development during evolution. Our data suggest that the MIR-506 family miRNAs function to enhance sperm competitiveness and reproductive fitness of the male by finetuning gene expression during spermatogenesis.

Introduction: Family planning among female physicians is harmed by high risks of infertility, workload burden, poor family leave policies, and gender discrimination. Many women report feeling unsupported in the workplace, despite national policies to protect against unfair treatment. Methods: This secondary analysis applied a modified version of the rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique to conduct a thematic analysis of comments to an open‐ended prompt. Comments were coded by multiple trained researchers then grouped and merged into illustrative themes via qualitative techniques. Results: Of 1004 responses to the quantitative survey, 162 physicians completed the open‐ended prompt. Initial codes (n = 16) were combined into eight groups including, from which three overarching themes were identified. Institutional barriers were highlighted with comments discussing the increased need for parental leave, part‐time options and the concern for academic or professional punishment for being pregnant and/or having children. Departmental barriers were explored with comments grouped around codes of discrimination/negative culture and challenges with breastfeeding/pumping and childcare. Personal barriers were discussed in themes highlighting the difficulties that female physicians faced around the timing of family planning, challenges with reproductive health and assistance, and alternative circumstances and/or decisions against family planning. Conclusion: Barriers to family planning in oncology exist across career domains from dysfunctional maternity leave to poor education on infertility risk. Solutions include improving institutional support, expanding parental leave, and general cultural change to improve awareness and promotion of family and career balance. Many female physicians report feeling unsupported in the workplace with respect to family planning and gender discrimination, despite national policies to protect against unfair treatment. This mixed‐methods study showed barriers to family planning in oncology exist across career domains from dysfunctional maternity leave to poor education on infertility risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infertility is a widespread issue that has profound psychological, economic, demographic, and medical effects. While broccoli is a nutritious vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, its specific role in solving fertility problems is not well-proven.To investigate the fertility-enhancing properties of the hydroalcoholic extract derived from Brassica oleracea L. var. italic (BOLVI) in rat and mice model. In this study, the extract underwent phytochemical screening, and an acute oral toxicity assessment was following OECD guideline 423. Both, wistar rats and albino mice were employed as study subjects.The research included an analysis of the effects of BOLVI on ovulation in rats and a histopathological investigation. In the mice model, litter counts and sexual behaviors were recorded. It was noted that the hydroalcoholic extract of BOLVI , administered at a dose of 800 mg kg−1, yielded the highest ovulation rate, reaching 99.71±0.166%. Additionally, in the groups treated with BOLVI at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg kg−1, histopathological examination indicated an increasing number of ovulation sites, with two, three, and four sites observed, respectively. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the hydroalcoholic extract of BOLVI at a dose of 800 mg kg−1 significantly enhanced litter count and sexual behavior. The present phytoconstituents have been shown to possess fertility activity, deceased oxidative stress and increase in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability. [Display omitted] • The hydroalcoholic extract of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica (BOLVI) demonstrated a substantial impact on fertility. • BOLVI exhibited fertility-enhancing effects in both normal-treated mice and HCG-induced ovulation in rats. This assessment involved a female mice model for fertility, a male mice model to study mating behavior, and an HCG-induced ovulation model in rats. • The phytoconstituents in BOLVI were shown to possess fertility-enhancing properties, reduce oxidative stress, and increase sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary supplements including vitamins, minerals, and natural health products are commonly consumed by those aiming to optimize fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this survey was to describe supplementation practices among individuals who were pregnant or trying to conceive in Vancouver, Canada. An online survey was conducted among 500 individuals who were pregnant (n = 250) or trying to conceive (n = 250). Participants met a substantial proportion of vitamin and mineral recommendations through supplements alone. Exceptions included calcium, magnesium, and choline, with median (interquartile range (IQR)) supplementation doses reported by those who were pregnant and trying to conceive, respectively, of: 250 (200 and 250 mg) and 250 (200 and 250 mg), 50 (50 and 75 mg) and 50 (50 and 90 mg), and 53 (10 and 150 mg) and 55 (10 and 100 mg), as compared to perinatal recommendations of 1000 mg/day (calcium), 350 mg/day (magnesium), and 450 mg/day (choline). Conversely, median (IQR) doses of folate reported by those who were pregnant and trying to conceive, respectively, were: 1000 (780 and 1000 µg) and 1000 (800 and 1000 µg), with ∼70% overall (337/471) reporting doses ≥1000 µg (the tolerable upper intake level). Most participants (451/500; 90%) reported supplementation with a prenatal multivitamin; of these, 83% reported that supplementation occurred daily. Overall, as diet was not considered, we cannot ascertain whether recommendations for calcium, magnesium, and choline were met through the combination of supplements and foods; however, we believe that additional supplementation with choline may be required to meet recommendations in pregnancy. Excessive folate supplementation has been previously identified as a concern throughout North America; here, we provide further evidence for excessively high doses consumed via supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney transplantation in children with end‐stage kidney disease significantly enhances survival and quality of life but poses unique challenges related to chronic immunosuppressive therapy. In fact, despite being essential for preventing organ rejection, immunosuppressive therapy can have significant side effects specific to pediatric patients, such as adverse impacts on physiological growth, puberty, and fertility. The resulting short stature and delayed or incomplete pubertal development can profoundly affect young patients' psychological and social well‐being, impacting self‐esteem and overall quality of life, and may significantly hamper compliance and therapeutic adherence. Most studies on immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant recipients focus on general side effects and outcomes like long‐term graft survival or acute complications. On the other side, there is limited evidence in the current literature on the specific issues of growth, puberty, and fertility in this patient population. In this pragmatic review, we aimed to summarize the most relevant information available on these critical aspects of post‐transplant management in pediatric patients, also providing some practical indications on management strategies for minimizing these often neglected but still important complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD; failure of emission or retrograde ejaculation) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular cancer and explore the efficacy of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride as treatment. Patients and Methods: In a single arm, phase II trial, patients at ≥6 months after RPLND were invited to complete patient‐reported outcome measures (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] quality of life questionnaire [QLQ]‐30‐item core, EORTC QLQ‐testicular cancer‐26, and Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory) evaluating HRQoL and sexual function in follow‐up (ACTRN12622000537752/12622000542796). If EjD was reported, post‐ejaculatory urine ± semen analysis was undertaken. In eligible patients, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 60 mg was administered orally every 6 h for six doses. The primary endpoint was sperm count >39 million sperm/ejaculate (>5th centile) following treatment. The trial was powered to detect a clinically relevant 36% achieving sperm count of >39 million sperm/ejaculate. Secondary endpoints included semen volume >1.5 mL, total motile sperm count, safety, and HRQoL impacts. Results: Of the 58 patients enrolled, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 35 (29–41) years, with a median (IQR) of 37 (18–60) months from RPLND. EjD was reported in 33 (57%), including 27/52 (52%) receiving follow‐up at our centre. There were no differences in global HRQoL; however, role functioning (P = 0.045), sexual problems (P < 0.005), and sexual enjoyment (P = 0.005) was poorer if EjD was present. In all, 24/33 (73%) patients with EjD consented to pseudoephedrine treatment. Of 22 evaluable patients, four (18%) achieved a sperm count of >39 million/ejaculate (P = 0.20), and four (18%) had a semen volume of >1.5 mL (P = 0.20). There was a mean increase of 105 million sperm/ejaculate (P = 0.051) and 1.47 mL increase in semen volume (P = 0.01). No safety concerns arose. Conclusion: Ejaculatory dysfunction is common after RPLND but did not impact global HRQoL in our cohort. Pseudoephedrine improved EjD for some; however, its efficacy was lower than expected. Pseudoephedrine may be considered on an individualised basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever since their introduction a decade ago, stable introns, a type of noncoding (nc)RNAs, are found to be key players in different important cellular processes acting through regulation of gene expression and feedback loops to maintain cellular homeostasis. Despite being commonly regarded as useless byproducts, recent studies in yeast suggested that stable introns are essential for cell survivability under starvation. In Drosophila, we found that a stable intron, sisR‐1, has a direct effect in regulating mitochondrial dynamics during short‐term fasting and subsequently improved overall oocyte quality. We speculated that the beneficial effects implicated by sisR‐1 is through the activation of mitohormesis, an interesting phenomenon in mitochondrial biology. Mitohormesis is suggested to improve health span and lifespan of cells and organisms, but the involvement of ncRNAs is not well‐documented. Here, we discuss the potential role of sisR‐1 and other ncRNAs in activating mitohormesis and the possible applications in improving cellular and organismal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popular media often contain storylines focused on pregnancy and infertility. These storylines have the potential to perpetuate stigmatization related to these issues. According to the differential susceptibility to media effects model (DSMM), lay infertility beliefs could serve as either predictors or outcomes of pregnancy-focused media viewership, with moral sanction theory and cultivation theory supporting competing hypotheses. Further, viewership could impact fertility awareness, meaning knowledge of physiological and medical factors related to fertility. The current study tested how viewership of 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom is related to infertility beliefs and fertility awareness in an online survey. Participants (N = 990) were on average 39.5 years old, 53.9% female, 77.9% white, and 38.9% had more than a high school degree. Structural equation modeling revealed that infertility beliefs served as predictors, but not outcomes, of viewership. Participants with the stigmatizing belief that infertility is caused by being immoral, ungodly, or unmotherly/unfatherly were drawn to 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom. However, the outcome of viewership was improved knowledge of the biological/medical aspects of fertility. Although scholars have cited concerns about 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom, findings suggest that viewing these programs could have educational benefits beyond reducing teen pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility information is an important component of comprehensive sexuality education, but the extent to which adolescents are taught or informed about fertility is unknown in Australia. This study examined knowledge of fertility using an anonymous, online survey of > 2,600 adolescents aged 15–18 across Australia. Respondents represented diverse backgrounds, including sexuality and gender diversity (>60% identifying other than heterosexual, 17% gender identity other than man/woman). Average knowledge of fertility was significantly poorer compared to average knowledge of reproductive and sexual health content linked to the national curriculum (p <.001). Linear regression and LASSO variable selection modelling identified significant, but small associations between some sociodemographic factors and knowledge about fertility or overall reproductive and sexual health. Over 80% of respondents considered their sexual health education insufficient, which was associated with poorer knowledge on all outcomes measured in linear regression models. These findings suggest that including fertility content explicitly within the Australian national curriculum will likely increase adolescent understanding of fertility. The strong participation of the adolescent LGBTQ+ community in the survey demonstrates their interest in contributing to reproductive and sexual health education reform. Inclusivity, particularly of sexuality and gender should be a key consideration in reproductive and sexual health education delivery in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late transition to parenthood is no longer a phenomenon only observed in Europe; rather, it is even more prominent in high-income and low-fertility East Asian societies. Yet, there is a significant gap in the literature about the trends, causes and consequences of late child bearing in Asian societies. Underpinning the ultra-low fertility rates in high-income East Asian societies including Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan is the significant delay in transitioning to parenthood. The median age at first birth in these societies is now the oldest among all high-income societies globally, and more than 20 per cent of all first births occurred to women aged 35 and above. Taking a life course perspective to investigate the shifting age norm for parenthood and the causes of late parenthood would provide a more insightful understanding of the phenomenon. In addition, the consequences of late parenthood observed in Western countries are also likely to manifest in these societies, with intergenerational consequences deserving special attention within the Asian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Bengal, a middle-ranking Indian state in terms of development indicators with more than two-thirds rural population, is on the verge of becoming a lowest low fertility zone. While the rural TFR (Total Fertility Rate) of West Bengal (1.6 births/woman) is on par with many developed countries (Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.), its developmental stage is not—which poses a paradox. Using data from a primary survey of 405 mothers aged 15–35 years alongside focus group data of parents, the present study employs a society-specific approach to explain contemporary low fertility in rural West Bengal. We argue that the presence of high aspirations for children in an economically insecure setting initiates a distinctive sense of parental responsibility that generates a unique local socio-ecology of low fertility not previously observed in the context of rural fertility decline in India. Responsibility-laden aspirations toward children and reasoned-rational deliberations regarding fertility outcomes act as subliminal motives to have a small family, challenging common assumptions regarding the relationship between economic hardship, rurality, and fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low total fertility rates have persisted in East Asian societies, with gender inequality at home identified as a significant barrier to women achieving their desired fertility. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the link between housework participation and fertility intentions among married couples in Hong Kong, where the total fertility rate has fallen below 1 since 2020. This study proposes and tests two hypotheses regarding the relationship between couples' housework participation, housework satisfaction, and fertility intentions. The study utilises representative household survey data to show that women's evaluation of housework arrangements plays a role in the indirect association between housework participation and fertility intentions. This indirect relationship is moderated by gender role attitudes and fertility gap. The findings support gender equity theory, which links an uneven housework burden to low fertility. This research highlights the importance of gender equity at home in promoting fertility in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this study, the medicinal herbs with inductive effects on female reproductive system and their potential mechanisms of action are reviewed. • The clinical trials on the effects of herbal extracts on female reproduction system are also reviewed. • The need for conducting more scientific studies on the herbal extracts and standardization for development new supplements is discussed. Infertility is one of the significant global issues that affects approximately 15–17 % of couples worldwide, with around 50 % of cases being attributed to female infertility factors. The exploration of herbal extracts and their effects on female infertility has been limited, particularly regarding the underlying mechanisms beyond hormonal and oxidative stress influences. In this study, the herbal medicines with potential effects such as antioxidative properties, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, and modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis have been reviewed. Several herbal extracts were found to exhibit significant antioxidant properties and demonstrate phytoestrogenic effects on reproductive factors and hormonal levels. Antioxidants are essential in mitigating oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which in turn helps to lower insulin resistance, total cholesterol, fat accumulation, and the proliferation of cancerous cells. Furthermore, this review highlights that certain parts of specific plants are rich in polyphenolic compounds, including isoflavones and flavonoids, along with other advantageous substances that support women's reproductive health. These compounds not only modulate female endocrine systems but also alleviate menopausal symptoms and effectively address a range of reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothalamic dysfunction. Turning to the other side, the plants and herbal extracts with suppressive effects on female fertility have been reviewed. These findings indicated that herbal extracts could be exploited to develop natural products as supplements for supporting the female reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MSI-H/MMRd subtype: less responsive to fertility-sparing treatment; higher recurrence risk. • Patients with MSI-H/MMRd have low spontaneous conception and require assisted reproductive technology. • Cautiously recommend fertility-sparing treatment for MSI-H/MMRd patients. • Emphasize the need for comprehensive counseling. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe the oncological and reproductive outcomes of patients with MSI-H/MMRd endometrial carcinoma (EC) or atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) undergoing fertility-sparing treatment. The study protocol was registered with the PROSPERO database (No: CRD42024530406). A systematic literature search in major electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) was conducted from January 1, 2013 to August 10, 2024. The primary outcomes were complete remission (CR) rate and recurrence rate. Other outcomes included oncological outcomes in patients with Lynch syndrome and overall patient fertility status. The study included ten retrospective studies summarizing 66 patients with MSI-H/MMRd undergoing fertility-sparing treatment. The publication bias analysis was low. The length of follow-up varied from 3 to 164 months according to the different studies analyzed. After fertility-sparing treatment, 61.8 % of patients achieved CR, and 41.2 % of patients relapsed. Twelve patients were identified with germline mutations in Lynch syndrome, nine (75 %) achieved CR, and seven (77.8 %) relapsed. Only one study with active use of assisted reproductive technology reported a 1-year cumulative pregnancy rate of more than 60 % and more than half live births, while the remaining five studies assessed fertility outcomes and reported only one live birth. EC and AEH patients with the MSI-H/MMRd subtype had a low remission rate and high recurrence rate compared to conservative treatment. Caution is recommended when evaluating fertility-sparing therapy for patients with the MSI-H/MMRd subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the ability of testicular histopathology in Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in predicting sperm retrieval rate (SR), sperm quality and assisted reproductive technology success. Methods: A retrospective study recruited clinically diagnosed NOA patients between 2007 and 2015. Testicular biopsy and conventional sperm extraction (TESE) were done concomitantly. Correlation between pathological categories, SR rate, sperm quality and success of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was studied. FSH was measured as a predictor of fertility. Results: One hundred eighteen patients were recruited. Histopathological classification was hypospermatogenesis (HS) 45 (38%), maturation arrest (MA) 22(19%), Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS) 34 (29%) and normal spermatogenesis (NS) 17 (14%). FSH value was above normal level in 34 (76%) of HS, 19 (86%) of MA, 32 (94%) of SCOS and 5 (29%) of NS. Positive SR was obtained in 108 (92%) patients. The highest SR rate was seen in NS group 100% and the lowest was in SCOS 26 (77%). The worst sperm quality was found in SCOS as type C represents 46%, followed by MA 40% and HS 24%. Patients had ICSI following TESE had variable success rate as success of ICSI was seen (9/15) for HS, (0/7) for MA, (5/15) for SCOS and (8/9) for NS. FSH is strongly correlated to SR, quality of sperm and success of ICSI as positive SR in normal FSH patients was obtained in 28 (100%) of normal FSH, 70 (97%) of high FSH and 10 (56%) of double high FSH (p value < 001). The success of ICSI significantly correlates with FSH value as normal FSH has 77% success ICSI rate, high FSH (52%) and double high FSH (0%) (p value < 0.001). Conclusions: Testicular biopsy and histopathology findings in NOA are strongly correlated SR rate, quality of sperms, and success of ICSI. FSH is a strong noninvasive predictor of fertility in NOA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the timely yet greatly under-researched interplay between home-based work (HBW) and women's birth transitions. Past research has shown that HBW may facilitate and/or jeopardize work–family balance, depending on the worker's family and work circumstances. Following that research, we develop here a theoretical framework on how HBW can facilitate or hinder fertility. Using the UK Household Longitudinal Study 2009–19 and random-effects cloglog regression, we study the link between HBW and first- and second-birth risks. We find that HBW is negatively associated with the transition to motherhood and unrelated to the progression to a second child. We also show that HBW helps to enable women to have children if they would otherwise face a long commute. All in all, our findings do not support the idea that the spread of HBW will lead to an immediate increase in fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of kin on various outcomes is heavily debated. However, kinship size itself conditions the probability of potential effects. Socio-economic gradients in the prevalence, variance, and types of kin are, therefore, a vital aspect of the functions of kin. Unfortunately, these parameters are largely unknown. We used Swedish register data to enumerate consanguine and in-law kin across the life course of the 1975 birth cohort. We calculated differences in kinship size between this cohort's income quartiles and educational groups. We decomposed how specific kin relations, generations, and demographic behaviours contributed to these differences. Among low socio-economic status (SES) groups, higher fertility in earlier generations resulted in more kin compared with high-SES groups. Low-SES groups had more horizontal consanguine kin, while high-SES groups had more in-laws. Lower fertility and higher union instability among low-SES men substantially narrowed SES differences in kinship size. Kinship size varied substantially within SES groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To compare the 2-year reproductive outcomes of tubal ectopic pregnancies (EP) treated with surgery, methotrexate (MTX) or expectant management. Materials and methods: This case–control study was conducted retrospectively at the Obstetrics-Gynecology and Perinatology Clinics of Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Education and Training Hospital. 985 of 1156 patients, who were managed between January 2015 and December 2019 for a tubal EP, tried to conceive in 2 years after treatment: 366 patients underwent surgical treatment; 549 patients were treated with MTX, and 70 patients had expectant management. Clinical data and fertility outcomes were retrieved by medical and hospital records. We compared the three groups based on the 2-year reproductive outcomes of three treatment modalities of tubal EP. Results: There was a significant difference in the frequency of no pregnancy in patients who underwent surgery compared to patients who received expectant management and MTX therapy (p < 0.001). The frequency of no pregnancy was higher in patients who underwent surgery. There was no significant difference between expectant management and MTX therapy (p = 0.411). In the reproductive outcomes of patients who underwent surgery, the incidence of viable pregnancies was statistically lower than in the group treated with expectant management and MTX therapy (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Patients with an EP often have a future desire to have children, the treatment options are also important. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more likely it is that expectant management or MTX treatment will be considered. With these two treatment methods, the likelihood of having a child in the future is higher than with surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation (OTCT) offers hope for preserving fertility and endocrine functions in patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Advancements in techniques for the procedure have transformed OTCT from an experimental procedure into a viable option. There is a growing interest in utilizing OTCT to delay menopause and alleviate associated health issues. Menopausal transition affects women globally, leading to symptoms and long- term health risks. OTCT has the potential to restore endocrine functions, reducing menopause-related symptoms while mitigating health consequences such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Although the use of OTCT for delaying menopause is not clinically proven, the discussion around shows potential for future utilization. In essence, the remarkable advancements in OTCT have bestowed upon us the ability to safeguard fertility and sustain the delicate endocrine functions of the ovaries. However, it is the tantalizing prospect of utilizing this technique to postpone menopause and alleviate its associated symptoms that truly captivates the imagination. Further research is imperative to substantiate the clinical efficacy of OTCT; nonetheless, its potential in menopausal therapy is both promising and warrants comprehensive exploration. This review highlights advancements and the feasibility of OTCT to postpone menopause as an alternative approach to currently used conventional menopause therapy methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is poisonous to humans and animals and typically damages the nervous system and other organs. Mercuric chloride exposition disclosed to initiation of oxidative stress pathway can result in a defect in male fertility and testis tissue. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were characterized with a diameter range minimal than 100 nm, having the effective sets of the biological matter. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biosynthesized SeNPs, prepared by leek extract on Wistar rats' testicles and brain. METHODS: Thirty‐five Wistar male rats (120–150 g) were randomly split into five groups (n = 7), orally ingested with leek aqueous extract loaded on SeNPs, and then the animals were administered with mercury II chloride (HgCl2) to induce testis injury and damage the nervous system. RESULTS: The used dose of mercuric chloride led to oxidative stress damage in the testis of the rats which was evidenced by a decrease in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and an increase in nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and caspase‐3. Also, HgCl2 decreased the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT), norepinephrine (NE) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brains of rats. In addition, A decrease was observed in the levels of antioxidant markers, B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2), as well as an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), NF‐κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and Bax in both testes and brains. Pre‐treatment with leek extract loaded on SeNPs significantly ameliorated testosterone, LH, FSH, PCNA and caspase‐3 levels in the testis and DA, 5‐HT, NE and BDNF in brains. Although the contents of MDA, NO, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, NF‐κB and Bax decreased significantly in both. glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and Bcl‐2 levels were significantly improved in both organs. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that treatment with aqueous leek extract loaded on SeNPs may offer promising prospects for the advancement of anti‐inflammation activity against testis injury and also have a very key role in neurobehavioral alterations as a result of mercury toxicity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates how becoming a mother—and navigating such a complicated life transition—while pursuing an academic career impacts the way female researchers perceive themselves as acting subjects. By analyzing in‐depth virtual interviews with Italian female early career researchers, this work explores the relationship between fertility decisions, motherhood hardships, self‐identity, and career‐related experiences in the interviewees' biographical trajectories. Despite their consideration of childbearing as a mental and practical obstacle to scientific production, many of the interviewees ascribe positive career outcomes to the arrival of their first child. The reflexivity set in motion by the interview process allows us to observe the collected interviews as double‐layered narratives. The postponement of fertility choices and the presence of work‐family conflict tend to be described as ordinary facets of a common career pattern, intrinsic to the female academic working experience. Meanwhile, the positive impacts of motherhood on self‐identity and work‐related skills are recounted on a more individual level, framed as a sort of paradox, a personal journey of self‐discovery or—to some extent ‐ a heroic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores the association between fertility behaviour and occupational social classes, over and above educational and income resources. We use European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) data, pooling the longitudinal component for fourteen countries between 2005 and 2017. We compare the effect of the female partner's social class with that of the male partner on the likelihood of having a child, distinguishing between the effect on the first and the second child. We find consistent evidence that, vis-à-vis income and education, occupational social class does play an additional role in fertility behaviour. However, it does so differently depending on the sex of the partner and the different parities considered. Our findings indicate that when her partner is employed, the occupational social class she belongs to becomes a more significant factor and plays a pivotal role in influencing fertility behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with severe consequences on quality of life. One aspect of this is that HS has been linked to an increased risk of infertility, but as data is still limited, it is not known if the association reflects causality. We performed a cross-sectional study of 161 female participants included at Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark. Data regarding basic demographics, infertility, pregnancies, sexual function, and known factors with impact on fertility was collected. Logistic regressions were performed to analyze the association between HS and infertility, adjusting for factors that influence fertility. The study population consisted of 55 patients with HS, 55 patients with other dermatological diseases (ODD), and 51 healthy controls (HC). The HS group had a higher BMI, lower sexual function, and a higher tobacco use. We found no significant difference between the three groups in terms of whether they had children, the number of children they had, infertility, or whether they had received fertility treatments. The logistic analyses found no correlation between HS and infertility, and adjusting for factors affecting infertility did not alter this result. This study did not find a significant difference in infertility between patients with HS compared to those with ODD or HC. This result was not affected by adjustments for other factors known to influence fertility. Interestingly, the lower sexual function in the HS group did not appear to influence their desire or ability to conceive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is prevalent in young females and is known to affect fertility. Minimal research has examined fertility perspectives in adolescents with PCOS, despite adult research revealing relationships between infertility and psychosocial well-being and quality of life. We examined fertility perspectives/concerns in adolescents with PCOS and an age- and body mass index (BMI)–matched control group and explored associations with quality of life. This was a cross-sectional study of female adolescents (13–21 years of age) with PCOS (n = 50) and age- and BMI-matched controls (n = 50), recruited at a large Midwestern pediatric center. Surveys assessed sociodemographics, hirsutism, fertility perspectives and quality of life. Descriptive statistics and Welch's 2-sample t-tests were used to examine fertility perspectives and quality of life. Of the 103 approached, 100 participants were enrolled (97% recruitment rate), with 50 participants in each group. Parenthood goals did not significantly differ between groups; >70% expressed desire to have biological children. However, PCOS participants reported significantly higher concerns about future fertility (p <.01) without differences in fertility knowledge or support (p =.53). Most PCOS participants stated they would feel angry if their provider withheld this information and reported wanting more information. Quality of life did not differ between groups. Our study suggests that irrespective of PCOS status, most adolescents aspire to parenthood. Notably, many with PCOS lack awareness of infertility risks but express heightened concerns. In contrast to adult studies, fertility concerns among adolescents with PCOS were not associated with decreased quality of life, suggesting that earlier fertility counseling may improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Errors during female meiosis lead to embryonic aneuploidy and miscarriage and occur with increasing frequency during aging. The underlying molecular changes that drive female meiotic instability remain a subject of debate. Developing oocytes undergo a tremendous increase in cytoplasmic volume over several months of follicle development and rely on long-lived mRNAs and ribosomes accumulated during this growth phase for subsequent meiotic maturation. In this point of view article, we discuss how the unique reliance on stores of long-lived mRNAs and ribosomes may represent an Achilles' heel for oocyte function and how alterations that reduce the translational capacity of oocytes could be a factor significantly contributing to female infertility. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve fertility outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing fertility rates have become one of the factors that concern all people in the world. Therefore, the study aims to use two mutated strains of probiotics enriched with selenium (PSe40/60/1 and BSe50/20/1) to improve fertility. Thirty Swiss albino male mice were divided into three groups; control, LP + S was given Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 plus selenium, and BL + S was given Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 plus selenium. Free testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured in serum by biochemical analysis. Testicular tissues were examined by histopathological analysis. The count and motility of sperm, and sperm abnormalities were determined by microscopic examination. The method of qRT-PCR was used to detect gene expression of Tspyl1, Hsd3b6, and Star genes. The biochemical results showed that serum content of free testosterone (FT) hormone had significantly increase in the BL + S and LP + S groups compared with control. Levels of LH and FSH hormones were the highest in the BL + S group. The treated groups showed all developmental stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatogenesis, spermatocytes, and seminiferous tubule spermatids, as well as intact Sertoli cells and Leydig cells without changes. When compared to the control group, sperm count and motility increased in the BL + S group, while sperm abnormalities decreased. The expression of Tspyl1 gene in testicular tissues decreased in the LP + S and BL + S groups, while the expression of Star and Hsd3b6 genes was higher in the BL + S group and lower in the LP + S group compared with the control group. Therefore, Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 enriched with selenium could be useful in enhancing male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bihar, an estimated 10 million are exposed to arsenic poisoning through drinking of water. The entire Gangetic plain region people are exposed to arsenic poisoning which is causing lot of health hazards including the problem of infertility. Usually, the infertility problem is associated with the hormonal imbalances and arsenic is a xenoestrogen toxicant which plays major role in causing the imbalance. Moreover, this reproductive disorder has become a major problem in the society causing social stigma in the exposed population. Therefore, there is indeed need for search of novel drug which may play major role in combating the present problem. The present study therefore aims to discover fertility booster against the arsenic induced male reproductive toxicity in animal models. The current study was conducted on Charles Foster Rats after approval by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institution. A total of n=18 rats (12 weeks of age) with a mean weight of 160±20 g was used in this study. The study group consisted of n=6 controls and n=12 orally treated with sodium arsenite at a dose of 8mg/Kg b.w per day for 40 days. The n= 6 animals were dissected and rest n=6 was administered orally with Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract at the dose of 400mg/Kg b.w per day for 40 days. At the end of the entire experiment, all the animals were dissected out and their reproductive organs were taken out especially epididymis for sperm counts, sperm motility, sperm mortality, sperm morphology. The blood samples were taken for hormonal determination (testosterone and luteinizing hormone), as well as for haematological and biochemical analysis. The study showed a severe degeneration in the reproductive organs of the arsenictreated rats. There were degenerative changes in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm mortality, sperm morphology, in the hormonal parameters, as well as in the hematological and biochemical parameters in the arsenic treated rats. But, in the Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract treated group, there was significant normalization in all these parameters. Therefore, in the present study, the Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract at the dose of 400mg/Kg/body weight per day shows significant fertility boost effect on arsenic induced Charles Foster rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the ovarian follicle requires the presence of several factors that come from the blood and follicular cells. Among these factors, extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an original communication pathway inside the ovarian follicle. Recently, EVs have been shown to play potential roles in follicular development and reproduction‐related disorders, including the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The proteomic analysis of sEVs isolated from FF in comparison to sEVs purified from plasma has shown a specific pattern of proteins secreted by ovarian steroidogenic cells such as granulosa cells. Thus, a human granulosa cell line exposed to sEVs from FF of normal patients increased their progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone secretion. However, if the sEVs were derived from FF of PCOS patients, the activity of stimulating progesterone production was lost. Stimulation of steroidogenesis by sEVs was associated with an increase in the expression of the StAR gene. In addition, sEVs from FF increased cell proliferation and migration of granulosa cells, and this phenomenon was amplified if sEVs were derived from PCOS patients. Interestingly, STAT3 is a protein overexpressed in sEVs from PCOS patients interacting with most of the cluster of proteins involved in the phenotype observed (cell proliferation, migration, and steroid production) in granulosa cells. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that sEVs derived from FF could regulate directly the granulosa cell activity. The protein content in sEVs from FF is different in the case of PCOS syndrome and could perturb the granulosa cell functions, including inflammation, steroidogenesis, and cytoskeleton architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of dairy x dairy crossbreeding has increased in Sweden. This study aimed to compare crosses between Swedish Red (R), Holstein (H), Jersey (J), and Montbé liarde (M) to purebred R, H, and J for fertility, calving, production, and survival traits. The focus was on F1 crosses between either H or R on the one hand and J or M on the other hand, but three-breed crosses were also studied. Material and methods: There were 2,154,241 observations collected from the official cattle recording database for cows that calved between 2005 and 2020 in 7,390 herds. The dataset was separated into first and second parity and analyzed using a mixed linear model including fixed effects of breed group, herd, and yearseason and a random effect of herd-year. Results and discussion: Fertility traits were improved in the F1 crosses with J or M compared with R or H (i.e., JR and MR vs. R; JH andMH vs. H), especially in the first parity. In parity 2, the difference was often not significant. Crossing R or H with Jersey gave lower calving difficulty than in the pure breeds in the first parity. However, crossing with Montbé liarde rather tended to give slightly more calving difficulties, albeit not significantly so. Generally, there was no significant change in stillbirthswhen crossing purebred R orHwith J or M. Therewas a general tendency for better survival in the F1-crosses, however, only significantly so for Jersey crosses in parity 2 with respect to R or H. F1 between J and H (JH) had a higher 305-day fat yield than H, but lower milk and protein yields. MH had higher fat and protein yields than H and MR had higher 305-d milk and protein yields than R. In conclusion, crossing R or H with either Jersey or Montbé liarde can be expected to improve fertility and probably also survival. Depending on the current situation, one could choose to improve fat yield (crossing with J) or protein yield (crossing with M), however, depending on the breed, there could be a trade-off, e.g., inmilk yield. For other traits, one would not expect any deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMaterial and methodsResultsConclusionsColectomy and subsequent bowel reconstruction in women with ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with decreased fertility, this survey aims to investigate possible reasons for this.Women with UC aged 18–44 years at colectomy 2000–2020 were identified and data were retrieved from the Swedish inflammatory bowel disease register (SWIBREG). Additional information was obtained using a study-specific questionnaire.The survey was completed by 214 (72.8%) out of 294 eligible women. Mean age at disease onset was 22.9 years (standard deviation 0.5). No reconstruction was made in 67 (31.3%) women, whereof 24 (35.8%) had a completion proctectomy. Reconstruction was performed with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in 66 (30.8%) women and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in 81 (37.9%). Included women had on average 1.67 children (95% confidence interval 1.53–1.81) at the end of follow-up. The desire to have children was negatively affected by disease onset (59.4%), colectomy (44.9%) and reconstruction (36.7%). Altogether, 39.4% estimated that they had fewer children and 9.5% restrained completely from having children because of the disease. Difficulties to conceive were reported by 36.5% including 18.9% who expressed that they could not conceive at all. Difficulties to conceive was more common after reconstruction with IPAA (Odds Ratio [OR] 5.54) than IRA (OR 2.57).A majority of women with UC and colectomy expressed that the disease affected their desire to have children, more often limiting the number of children than completely refraining. For childless patients, difficulties to conceive was more common than voluntary childlessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dietary glycemic index (GI) and load (GL) reflect carbohydrate quality and quantity, potentially impacting fertility through modulation of insulin sensitivity and generation of oxidative stress. While fertility is influenced by both women and men, reproductive research often emphasizes maternal factors. We first examined periconception dietary intake in both women and male partners, and subsequent associations of dietary GI and GL with fecundability and subfertility. Methods: Among 830 women and 651 male partners, participating in a population-based prospective cohort study from preconception onwards, we assessed periconception dietary intake and calculated GI and GL, using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at median 12.4 weeks gestation (95% range 10.9, 18.4). Information on time to pregnancy was obtained through questionnaires, with subfertility defined as a time to pregnancy ≥ 12 months or use of assisted reproductive technology. Results: In the periconception period, mean energy intake in women was 1870 kcal (SD: 500; 46% carbohydrates, 16% protein, 33% fat; dietary GI 56.2 (SD: 3.5) and GL 141.4 (SD: 67.4)). Mean energy intake in men was 2350 kcal (SD: 591; 43% carbohydrates, 16% protein, 33% fat; dietary GI 56.8 (SD: 3.2) and GL 156.7 (SD: 75.4)). Median time to pregnancy was 4.8 months (IQR: 1.2, 16.4), with 30.6% of 830 women experiencing subfertility. Dietary GI and GL were not associated with fertility outcomes in women. In men, higher dietary GI and GL across the full range were associated with decreased fecundability, after adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as dietary GI or GL of female partners [FR: 0.91, 95% CI 0.83, 0.99; FR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.81, 0.99, per SDS increase in dietary GI and GL, respectively]. When assessing the combined influence of dietary GI clinical categories in women and men, both partners adhering to a low GI diet tended to be associated with increased fecundability, but not with subfertility risk. Conclusions: Suboptimal periconception carbohydrate intake may be negatively associated with male fertility, but not with fertility outcomes in women. Further studies are needed to assess whether a lower GI and GL diet is a feasible lifestyle intervention to improve couples fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The detrimental effects of hyperthermia on the testes and the protective effect of thyme essential oil against testicular damage induced by this stress in rams were studied. Twenty‐four rams of the Barbarine breed with an average weight of 62.5 ± 0.3 kg and an average age of 24 ± 0.6 months. The experiment consisted of inducing localized heat stress on the first group of rams by applying heat bags to both testicles of six rams (G s). The second group underwent the same heat stress on the testes but received orally 100 µL/day/animal of thyme essential oil (G s‐he). A positive control did not undergo stress but received thyme essential oil (G he) with the same doses as the (G s‐he) group, and the negative control did not undergo either stress or receive the essential oil of thyme (G c). One hundred twenty‐eight adult ewes of the same breed divided into four groups of 32 ewes were used to study the effect of different treatments on the in vivo ram's fertility. Ewes are synchronized and we have applied natural mating with oestrus control, the reproduction balance sheet is calculated after lambing. The results showed that tests of heat stress (HS) negatively affect semen quality but did not cause infertility. However, neither tests for heat stress nor treatment with thyme EO significantly affected the haematological profile. The study of the effect of heat stress on the testes on fertility in vivo showed a drop in the number of females who were fertilized at the first oestrus and consequently a drop in fertility. However, the rams that suffered the same stress but were treated with EO thymus recorded an improvement in these parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores whether international migration is linked to currently decreasing levels of fertility in high birth rates countries, thereby to the advent of a stage of population degrowth at the world's level. Methodology is in two steps. First, a global dataset is assembled comprising 13 variables for each country. For the country itself: emigrant stock, total fertility rate, girls' enrolment rate, women's labour force participation, global gender gap, and income per capita; for a fictitious average region of destination of migrants originating from this specific country, the last six variables. In the second step, links between origin and destination countries in terms of fertility levels and determinants are analysed using bivariate correlations. A remarkable fact emerges, namely national levels of fertility and their determinants vary quasi perfectly parallel at both ends of international migration corridors. Fertility at origin is not correlated to any phenomenon as much as to fertility, girls' school enrolment and gender equity at destination. Three complementary hypotheses explaining this apparently puzzling fact are discussed: transmission of norms by migrants; cultural similarities at both ends of migrant corridors; and congruency between the global diffusion of norms and the global migration of people. The conclusion highlights the original contribution of the paper, both to the demographic discipline (migration should also be dealt with as a remote determinant of fertility) and political debates on migration (erecting barriers to migration works against the preservation of earth). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variants (CNVs) are structural variants within the eukaryotic genome that vary among individuals of a species. These variants have been associated with different phenotypic traits, making them a valuable consideration as markers for designing breeding programmes. In this study, whole genome sequence data of 60 dromedary camel samples originating from the Arabian Peninsula were analyzed to construct a comprehensive dromedary CNV map. Utilizing four CNV callers employing read-depth, split-read and paired-end mapping approaches, a total of 37,519 CNV events (17,847 deletions and 19,672 duplications) were called on the dromedary autosomes. These CNV events were merged into 2,557 regions, categorized as 1,322 losses, 122 gains, and 1,113 "mixed regions" comprising both types. The cumulative size of the CNV regions amounted to 22.5 Mb, covering roughly 1.16% of the dromedary autosomes. Approximately 32% of the defined CNV regions (comprising 60% losses, 18% gains, and 0.27% mixed regions) were found in ≥ 90% of the dromedary samples, classifying them as prevalent regions. Genes with biological functions related to the different adaptive physiologies of dromedary camels, such as fertility, heat stress, musculoskeletal development, and fat metabolism, were overlapping with or in close proximity to ~ 68% of the defined CNV regions, demonstrating their potential role in dromedaries' physiology. This study presents the first comprehensive CNV map of dromedary camels and builds on the present knowledge in understanding the genetic structure of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiological embolisation has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to surgery for varicocele treatment. While systematic reviews have compared embolisation to surgery, attempts to compare different embolisation materials have been limited. The objective was to conduct a systematic review assessing the potential benefits of combining coils with sclerosants for varicocele embolisation on fertility, pain, recurrence and complication rates in male patients, as compared to using coils alone. The search was conducted through MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL databases from inception to May 2023. Comparative studies that reported male varicocele patients treated with embolisation using either coils or coils with sclerosants were included, with primary outcomes of either fertility, pain or recurrence. Pearling of reference lists was also performed to identify additional articles. Risk of bias for each study was assessed using the Downs and Black Checklist. Overall, 21 studies (2236 patients) were included. Patients were treated with coils in 14 studies, and nine studies used coils with sclerosants. An improvement in sperm concentration and motility was identified post‐embolisation in most studies that reported these outcomes. Pregnancy and recurrence rates were comparable between the two materials. All four studies that reported pain outcomes following embolisation noted improvement in pain scores. Only one comparative study was included, for recurrence. This review has identified improvements in pain and fertility following varicocele embolisation. However, it could not be determined which material was superior due to the lack of high‐quality comparative studies in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertility treatments can be physically and psychologically exhausting for those who do it due to high expectations and possible frustration with the negative results. Moreover, it demands time and high financial investment, which are sometimes stressful factors for the working patient. Two aspects that can ease this context are resilience and social support. The present article aims to investigate the levels of work-family conflict in individuals undergoing infertility treatment and their associations with stress, resilience, and social support. The survey of 242 patients addressed sociodemographic data, Infertility-Related Stress Scale-Brazil (IRSS-BP), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC 10), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Work-Family Conflict Scale. Data were analyzed using R (4.3.2). Findings suggest that the level of Work-Family Conflict is higher in men (p = 0.020). The scale is also positively associated with Infertility Stress and negatively correlated with Resilience and Social Support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Methods Results Conclusions The secondary sex ratio (i.e., the ratio of male to female live births; hereafter referred to as the SSR) falls in populations encountering ambient stressors. Much theory and some empirical work indicates that males born to low SSR cohorts may be “positively selected” in that excess culling in utero may correspond with greater than expected survival among live‐born males in that cohort. We extend prior work by testing, in historical Utah, whether the SSR varies positively with male mortality at pre‐reproductive ages.This study uses detailed records from the Utah Population Database to focus on Utahns born 1850–1940. We use rigorous time‐series methods, which control for strong secular declines in mortality as well as ambient perturbations shared equally among males and females, to investigate the male culling inference.We observe a positive relation between the SSR and male mortality during youth (i.e., 5 to < 20 years; p < 0.05) but not in infancy or early childhood.In this historical population, the SSR appears to gauge hardiness of surviving male cohorts. However, whether the high fertility and/or family structure context of Latter‐day Saints in historical Utah explains the age‐specific pattern of male mortality warrants further scrutiny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with complications during pregnancy and can negatively influence maternal outcomes. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of maternal morbidity among participants enrolled in an eight‐site SCD Implementation Consortium (SCDIC) registry.We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of female registry participants, aged 15–45 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of SCD. Participants completed a survey of self‐reported pregnancies and outcomes.Seven hundred and thirty‐eight individuals had at least one pregnancy event, with 1076 live births. Twenty percent reported a pregnancy loss or fetal demise. Of the 1076 live births, 75% involved at least one complication. The most prevalent complications were pain crises (61.1%) and pregnancy requiring blood transfusion(s) (33.0%).Multiparous individuals with a prior occurrence of a complication in a previous pregnancy had higher odds of recurrence of the same complication in subsequent pregnancies (i.e., previous acute crisis was associated with subsequent acute pain events odds ratio [OR]: 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.06–4.76) and prior transfusion requiring another transfusion (OR: 3.22; 95% CI: 2.01–5.16).Individuals reported a high prevalence of pregnancy loss and maternal complications. Our findings underscore the importance of preconception counseling and early initiation of perinatal care in SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding depression is predicted to increase with age, because natural selection is less efficient at purging deleterious alleles that are only expressed later in life. However, empirical results are scarce, and equivocal between studies. Here we performed controlled matings between related and unrelated individuals of domesticated Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), and monitored the performance of their offspring for all fitness components over their complete life course. We found rapid senescence in adult survival and egg laying performance, and inbreeding depression at all life stages (reduced embryo viability, increased age at maturity, as well as reduced adult survival and reproduction). Inbreeding depression did not increase at later ages for survival, but did so for egg laying, thereby accelerating reproductive senescence. Moreover, the effect of inbreeding on egg laying persisted after correcting for lifespan, indicating that both survival and reproduction were independently affected by inbreeding. We suggest that in heterogeneous populations intra‐generational purging may at earlier ages already select out the individuals that are homozygous for the specific alleles responsible for depressed survival, preventing the appearance of increased inbreeding depression in survival with age. Given that inbreeding affects reproduction independent of survival this should not apply to reproductive senescence or homogeneous populations, which may explain equivocal results between traits and studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Photoperiod/thermo‐sensitive genic male sterility (P/TGMS) is critical for rice two‐line hybrid system. Previous studies showed that slow development of pollen is a general mechanism for sterility‐to‐fertility conversion of TGMS in Arabidopsis. However, whether this mechanism still exists in rice is unknown. Here, we identified a novel rice TGMS line, ostms16, which exhibits abnormal pollen exine under high temperature and fertility restoration under low temperature. In mutant, a single base mutation of OsTMS16, a fatty acyl‐CoA reductase (FAR), reduced its enzyme activity, leading to defective pollen wall. Under high temperature, the mOsTMS16M549I couldn't provide sufficient protection for the microspores. Under low temperature, the enzyme activity of mOsTMS16M549I is closer to that of OsTMS16, so that the imperfect exine could still protect microspore development. These results indicated whether the residual enzyme activity in mutant could meet the requirement in different temperature is a determinant factor for fertility conversion of P/TGMS lines. Additionally, we previously found that res2, the mutant of a polygalacturonase for tetrad pectin wall degradation, restored multiple TGMS lines in Arabidopsis. In this study, we proved that the osres2 in rice restored the fertility of ostms16, indicating the slow development is also suitable for the fertility restoration in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]