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In recent years, the awareness that pesticides can have other effects apart from generic toxicity is growing. In particular, several pieces of evidence highlight their influence on human fertility. In this study, we investigated, by a virtual screening approach, the binding between pesticides and proteins present in human gametes or associated with reproduction, in order to identify new interactions that could affect human fertility. To this aim, we prepared ligand (pesticides) and receptor (proteins) 3D structure datasets from online structural databases (such as PubChem and RCSB), and performed a virtual screening analysis using Autodock Vina. In the comparison of the predicted interactions, we found that famoxadone was predicted to bind Cellular Retinol Binding Protein-III in the retinol-binding site with a better minimum energy value of −10.4 Kcal/mol and an RMSD of 3.77 with respect to retinol (−7.1 Kcal/mol). In addition to a similar network of interactions, famoxadone binding is more stabilized by additional hydrophobic patches including L20, V29, A33, F57, L117, and L118 amino acid residues and hydrogen bonds with Y19 and K40. These results support a possible competitive effect of famoxadone on retinol binding with impacts on the ability of developing the cardiac tissue, in accordance with the literature data on zebrafish embryos. Moreover, famoxadone binds, with a minimum energy value between −8.3 and −8.0 Kcal/mol, to the IZUMO Sperm–Egg Fusion Protein, interacting with a network of polar and hydrophobic amino acid residues in the cavity between the 4HB and Ig-like domains. This binding is more stabilized by a predicted hydrogen bond with the N185 residue of the protein. A hindrance in this position can probably affect the conformational change for JUNO binding, avoiding the gamete membrane fusion to form the zygote. This work opens new interesting perspectives of study on the effects of pesticides on fertility, extending the knowledge to other typologies of interaction which can affect different steps of the reproductive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on immigrant fertility typically compare immigrants and natives or different migrant groups at the same destination but rarely immigrants of the same origins in different destination countries. In this paper, we look at immigrants from multiple origins in multiple destination countries simultaneously, using the European Union Labour Force Survey to compare female immigrants from ten areas of origin in eight destination countries in Europe. Our results indicate a strong origin effect. However, they also suggest that when women migrate to a context where the fertility norm is different from that in their origin, they adjust their behaviors accordingly, which indicates that policy and normative context play an important role in shaping migrants' fertility. From a policy perspective, this is important because it suggests that the fertility of immigrant women, who are exposed to different norms and normative contexts, can resemble that of native women at the destination. Our findings contribute to strengthening the role of destination in shaping fertility behavior and highlighting the importance of looking at all the possible combinations of immigrants coming from and going to different fertility regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition) is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the importance of nutrition in the reproduction and productivity of beef and dairy herds. It highlights that the body condition of cows has an impact on the results of timed artificial insemination. The calving season and inadequate forage supply are factors that affect the body condition of cows. Additionally, it discusses how metabolic hormones and nutritional factors influence reproduction in female cattle. The article concludes that it is necessary to develop nutritional strategies to optimize the efficiency of timed artificial insemination in breeding herds. [Extracted from the article]

Over the past half a century many countries have witnessed a rapid fall in total fertility rates, particularly in the world's most advanced economies including the industrial powerhouses of Eastern Asia and Europe. Such nations have now passed through the first and second demographic transitions and are currently exhibiting fertility rates well below the replacement threshold of 2.1, with no sign of recovery. This paper examines the factors responsible for driving these demographic transitions and considers their impact on both fertility and fecundity (our fundamental capacity to reproduce). I argue that because the first demographic transition was extremely rapid and largely driven by socioeconomic factors, it has had no lasting impact on the genetic/epigenetic underpinnings of human fecundity. However, the second demographic transition will be different. A series of conditions associated with low fertility societies, including relaxed selection pressure for high-fertility genotypes, the indiscriminate use of assisted reproductive technologies to treat human infertility, and environmental contamination with reproductive toxicants, may impact our genetic constitution in ways that compromise the future fecundity of our species. Since any fundamental change in the genetic foundations of human reproduction will be difficult to reverse, we should actively pursue methods to monitor human fecundity, as sub-replacement fertility levels become established across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION What do fertility staff and patients think is bad news in fertility care? SUMMARY ANSWER Staff and patients agree bad news is any news that makes patients less likely to achieve parenthood spontaneously or access and do successful treatment, but their appraisals of how bad the news is are differently influenced by specific news features and the context of its delivery. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Bad news is common in fertility care, but staff feel unprepared to share it and four in 10 patients react to it with unanticipated emotional or physical reactions. Research has paid much attention to how bad news should be shared, but considerably less to what news is perceived as bad, despite the fact this may dictate elements of its delivery. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two cross-sectional, online, mixed-method surveys (active 7 January–16 July 2022) were distributed to fertility staff and patients across the UK and Europe. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Staff inclusion criteria were being a healthcare professional working in fertility care and having experience of sharing bad news at least once a month. Patients' inclusion criteria were being adults and having had a conversation in which staff shared or explained bad news concerning their fertility care within the last 2 months. Surveys were created in English using Qualtrics, reviewed by patients and healthcare professionals, and distributed via social media, Prolific, fertility organizations, and scientific societies. Patients were asked, regarding the last time bad news were shared with them, 'What was the bad news?' and 'What other news would you consider bad news in fertility care?'. Staff were asked to 'List the three most challenging topics of bad news you share with your patients'. Staff and patient data were separately thematically analysed to produce basic codes, organized into sub-themes and themes. Themes emerging from patients' and staff data were compared and synthesized into meta themes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Three hundred thirty-four staff accessed the survey, 286 consented, and 217 completed (65% completion rate). Three hundred forty-four patients accessed the survey, 304 consented, and 222 completed (64% completion rate). Eighty-five percent of participants were women, 62% resided in Europe, and 59% were in private care. Average staff age was 45.2 (SD = 12.0), 44% were embryologists or lab technicians, 40% were clinicians (doctors, consultants, or physicians), and 8% nurses or midwifes. Average patient age was 32.2 (SD = 6.4) and 54% had children. Staff answers originated 100 codes, 19 sub-themes and six themes. Patients' answers produced 196 codes, 34 sub-themes, and 7 themes. Staff and patient themes were integrated into three meta-themes reflecting main topics of bad news. These were Diagnosis and negative treatment events and outcomes, Inability to do (more) treatment, and Care and patient factors disrupting communication. Staff and patients agreed that some news features (uncertain, disruptive, definitive) made news more challenging but disagreed in relation to other features (e.g. unexpected/expected). Patient factors made bad news more challenging to staff (e.g. difficult emotions) and care factors made bad news more challenging to patients (e.g. disorganized care). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Participants were self-selected, and most were women from private European clinics. Questions differed for staff and patients, focused on subjective perceptions of news, and did not measure news impact. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The badness of fertility news is not only a product of the extent to which the news compromises parenthood goals but also of its features (timing, nature, number) and the context in which the news is delivered. Guidance on sharing bad news in fertility care needs to go beyond easing the process for patients to also consider staff experiences. Guidance may need to be tailored to news features and context. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Cardiff University funded the research. S.G. J.B. O'.H. and A.D. report funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) to develop fertiShare: a sharing bad news eLearning course for fertility care. fertiShare will be distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). No other conflicts are reported in relation to this work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spermatogenesis is an essential process for human reproduction. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone play vital roles in the development and maturation of sperm. Growth hormone (GH) is thought to play a role in the reproductive system of both males and females. Growth Hormone deficiency can lead to reproductive problems. Aim: to assess predictors of fertility potentials and TESE outcomes among adult males. Methods: we enrolled 162 males and assessed FSH, LH, basal GH, clonidine (GH) stimulation test one time and insulin stimulation test in another time. We designed a predictive model to identify the fertility potentials, Fertility Score= 4.442 + (Basal GH*0.074) + (GH_CLON*0.035) - (FSH*0.021) (BMI*0.062)- (Smoker*0.429). The net result of this equation should be approximated to the nearest integer to predict the fertility status where, 1=TESE Negative, 2= TESE Positive, 3=Oligozoospermia, and 4= Fertile control. Results: multivariate analysis showed smoking status, testicular volume, BMI, Serum FSH, basal GH are not predictors for fertility potentials. GH after clonidine and after insulin stimulation GH after clonidine stimulation correlates positively with total motile count. Other semen parameters do not correlate with basal GH or GH after insulin or clonidine stimulation. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is used to detect the cut off levels at which sperm recovery yield change. For the GH assessment only, the basal GH could be applied to predict the SRR in men with azoospermia, AUC=0.672 (95% CI: 0.499 to 0.844). Growth hormone after clonidine (AUC= 0.510) or Insulin stimulation (AUC=0.556) and therefore, cannot differentiate between TESE positive and TESE negative cases. Conclusion: Basal, post clonidine GH levels, has BMI and smoking are predictive factors for fertility potentials, our model have high sensitivity in predicting fertility potentials among positive TESE males. Basal GH can significantly predict TESE negative males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the importance of fertility preservation has grown not only in the realm of medical and clinical patient care, but also in the field of basic and applied research in human reproduction. With advancements in cancer treatments resulting in higher rates of patient survival, it is crucial to consider the quality of life post-cure. Therefore, fertility preservation must be taken into account prior to antitumor treatments, as it can significantly impact a patient's future fertility. For postpubertal patients, gamete cryopreservation is the most commonly employed preservation strategy. However, for prepubertal patients, the situation is more intricate. Presently, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the standard practice for prepubertal girls, but further scientific evidence is required in several aspects. Testicular tissue cryopreservation, on the other hand, is still experimental for prepubertal boys. The primary aim of this review is to address the strategies available for possible fertility preservation in prepubertal girls and boys, such as ovarian cryopreservation/transplantation, in vitro follicle culture and meiotic maturation, artificial ovary, transplantation of cryopreserved spermatogonia, and cryopreservation/grafting of immature testicular tissue and testicular organoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometrial scratching (ES) or injury is intentional damage to the endometrium performed to improve reproductive outcomes for infertile women desiring pregnancy. Moreover, recent systematic reviews with meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials demonstrated that ES is not effective, data on the safety are limited, and it should not be recommended in clinical practice. The aim of the current study was to assess the view and behavior towards ES among fertility specialists throughout infertility centers in Italy, and the relationship between these views and the attitudes towards the use of ES as an add-on in their commercial setting. Methods: Online survey among infertility centers, affiliated to Italian Society of Human Reproduction (SIRU), was performed using a detailed questionnaire including 45 questions with the possibility to give "closed" multi-choice answers for 41 items and "open" answers for 4 items. Online data from the websites of the infertility centers resulting in affiliation with the specialists were also recorded and analyzed. The quality of information about ES given on infertility centers websites was assessed using a scoring matrix including 10 specific questions (scored from 0 to 2 points), and the possible scores ranged from 0 to 13 points ('excellent' if the score was 9 points or more, 'moderate' if the score was between 5 and 8, and 'poor' if it was 4 points or less). Results: The response rate was of 60.6% (43 questionnaires / 71 infertility SIRU-affiliated centers). All included questionnaires were completed in their entirety. Most physicians (~ 70%) reported to offer ES to less than 10% of their patients. The procedure is mainly performed in the secretory phase (69.2%) using pipelle (61.5%), and usually in medical ambulatory (56.4%) before IVF cycles to improve implantation (71.8%) without drugs administration (e.g., pain drugs, antibiotics, anti-hemorrhagics, or others) before (76.8%) or after (64.1%) the procedure. Only a little proportion of infertility centers included in the analysis proposes formally the ES as an add-on procedure (9.3%), even if, when proposed, the full description of the indications, efficacy, safety, and costs is never addressed. However, the overall information quality of the websites was generally "poor" ranging from 3 to 8 and having a low total score (4.7 ± 1.6; mean ± standard deviation). Conclusions: In Italy, ES is a procedure still performed among fertility specialists for improving the implantation rate in IVF patients. Moreover, they have a poor attitude in proposing ES as an add-on in the commercial setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial published in Frontiers in Endocrinology titled "Reproductive microbiome and its interplay with the environment." The editorial discusses the role of the microbiome in reproductive health and its interaction with the environment. It highlights the limited data on the impact of the seminal microbiome on female reproductive health and the potential role of the vaginal and endometrial microbiota in fertilization. The editorial also mentions several studies included in the Research Topic, which investigate the role of microbiota in reproductive disorders and infertility, as well as the potential effects of probiotic treatments. [Extracted from the article]

Human reproduction is energetically costly, even more so than other primates. In this review, we consider how the energy cost of physical activity impacts reproductive tasks. Daily energy expenditure appears to be constrained, leading to trade-offs between activity and reproduction expenditures in physically active populations. High workloads can lead to suppression of basal metabolic rate and low gestational weight gain during pregnancy and longer interbirth intervals. These responses lead to variation in fertility, including age at first reproduction and interbirth interval. The influence of energetics is evident even in industrialized populations, where cultural and economic factors predominate. With the decoupling of skills acquisition from food procurement, extrasomatic resources and investment in individual offspring becomes very costly. The result is greater investment in fewer offspring. We present a summary of age at first reproduction and interbirth interval trends across a diverse, global sample representing 44 countries and two natural fertility populations. While economic factors impact fertility, women in energy-rich, industrialized populations are capable of greater reproductive output than women in energy-stressed populations. Thus, energetic factors can be disentangled from cultural and economic impacts on fertility. Future research should focus on objective measurements of energy intake, energy expenditure, and physical activity in a broader sample of populations to elucidate the role of energetics in shaping reproductive outcomes and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic analyses of mammalian gametogenesis and fertility have the potential to inform about two important and interrelated clinical areas: infertility and contraception. Here, we address the genetics and genomics underlying gamete formation, productivity and function in the context of reproductive success in mammalian systems, primarily mouse and human. Although much is known about the specific genes and proteins required for meiotic processes and sperm function, we know relatively little about other gametic determinants of overall fertility, such as regulation of gamete numbers, duration of gamete production, and gamete selection and function in fertilization. As fertility is not a binary trait, attention is now appropriately focused on the oligogenic, quantitative aspects of reproduction. Multiparent mouse populations, created by complex crossing strategies, exhibit genetic diversity similar to human populations and will be valuable resources for genetic discovery, helping to overcome current limitations to our knowledge of mammalian reproductive genetics. Finally, we discuss how what we know about the genomics of reproduction can ultimately be brought to the clinic, informing our concepts of human fertility and infertility, and improving assisted reproductive technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many factors may be hidden behind the global fertility decline observed in Western countries. Alongside the progressively increased age of infertile couples, environmental and behavioural factors, including non-optimal lifestyle habits, should be considered. Among these, sleep disorders have been suggested to be linked to human fertility.Methods: This is a narrative review, describing first sleep physiology, its disturbances, and the tools able to quantify sleep dysfunction. Then, we consider all available studies aimed at investigating the connection between sleep disorders and human fertility, providing a comprehensive view on this topic.Results: Forty-two studies investigating the relationship between sleep habits and human reproduction were included. All the published evidence was grouped according to the aspect of human fertility considered, i.e. i) female reproductive functions, ii) male reproductive functions, iii) natural conception and iv) assisted reproduction. For each of the sub-groups considered, the connection between sleep dysregulation and human fertility was classified according to specific sleep characteristics, such as sleep duration, quality, and habits. In addition, possible physio-pathological mechanisms proposed to support the link between sleep and fertility were summarized.Conclusion: This review summarizes the most relevant findings about the intricate and still largely unknown network of molecular pathways involved in the regulation of circadian homeostasis, to which sleep contributes, essential for reproductive physiology. Thus, many mechanisms seem correlate sleep disorders to reproductive health, such as adrenal activation, circadian dysregulation, and genetic influences. This review highlights the need to properly designed trials on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on responding to criticisms of demographic projections regarding the decline of the French-Canadian population in Quebec by Charles Gaudreault. Topics include addressing errors in retroprojection methodology, validating projections for the future, and examining the impact of fertility rates on the anticipated decline.

With 3.3 million people directly affected in France, infertility has become a major public health issue, yet it has never been treated as such by the public authorities. In France, as in all industrialised countries, the rise in infertility is primarily the result of the decline in the age of childbirth. In four decades, this age has increased by five years. In 2019, French women had their first child at an average age of 29. As fertility gradually declines from the age of 30, so-called ‘late motherhood’ automatically increases the risk of infertility. This decline in the age of childbearing is the result of a number of societal factors. The spread of female labour and contraceptive techniques has contributed to this. Sociologists also identify other factors, such as a possible decline in the desire for children among the younger generations, the search for professional and emotional stability before embarking on a parental project, an economic crisis and the absence of a public policy facilitating the reconciliation of family and professional life. In addition, the ignorance of many couples about the reality of the decline in their fertility with age, combined with excessive confidence in the performance of assisted reproductive technology (ART), results in a demand for increasingly late medical support, thus limiting success rates. Environmental factors are also behind the rise in infertility. A meta-analysis carried out in 2017 showed a decline of more than 50% in sperm concentration in men in industrialised countries between and1973 probably 2011, continuing at the same rate since then. This phenomenon would be linked in particular to regular exposure to endocrine disruptors. Furthermore, recent studies show the negative impact of Western lifestyles on the fertility of men and women, particularly during the pre-conceptional period, i.e. the 6 months preceding pregnancy: smoking or cannabis consumption, obesity, eating disorders, etc. These behaviours could even have a trans-generational effect, with consequences on the health and reproductive function of the unborn child. Infertility is also very often linked to medical causes. In women, it can have a mechanical origin, such as endometriosis, a widespread but still poorly understood pathology that causes tubal obstruction. It can also be of hormonal origin. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of menstrual cycle disorders and lack of ovulation. Infertility in men can be endocrine, testicular or related to genital tract damage. The most common cause is varicocele. Despite the multiplicity of these causes, which are themselves often combined, infertility has long remained a blind spot for public authorities. A first step was therefore to identify these causes and to formulate concrete ways of combating them. In this respect, the mission presents six areas for improvement forming the framework of an operational plan for the prevention of infertility (educate and inform with a collective and individual information, update and train health professionals in infertility prevention, better detection and diagnosis of the causes of infertility, establishment of a comprehensive and coordinated national research strategy on human reproduction and infertility and the creation of a ‘National Fertility Institute’, embodying the discipline, guaranteeing the coordination of actors in the prevention and treatment of infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During embryo development, gonadal sex determination commits a bi-potential undifferentiated gonad toward a "male" or "female" fate with the formation of an ovary or testis (differentiated gonads). In this respect, the review article by Piprek et al. [[7]] is focused on the role of the main cadherins (i.e., E- and N-cadherin) in germline and gonad development, male and female gametogenesis, reproduction and fertility. In this respect, the list of centrally and peripherally produced modulators of reproduction is growing and the knowledge of their related molecular and epigenetic signalling pathways is functioning to preserve reproduction and fertility, and to develop successful therapeutic strategies as well. In conclusion, despite experimental evidence, modulators and regulatory mechanisms in reproduction and fertility yet remain to be fully elucidated; hence, there is a need to fill this gap in order to preserve reproduction and devise clinically effective treatment strategies in infertility. [Extracted from the article]

The genetic load in the human genome has important ramifications for assisted reproductive technology (ART), human reproduction and fertility more generally. Here, we discuss these topics in the light of evolutionary genetic theory, the technological revolution in ART and the advances in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For instance, the fact that ART-conceived live births in March 2020 differ by maternal characteristics indicates fundamentally uneven rates of ART access at baseline as well as COVID-19-related ART responses that differ by maternal age and socioeconomic status. Demographers forecast rising demand for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in high-income countries owing to the increased postponement of childbearing to older ages.[[1]] Whereas live births arising from ART in the US accounted for 1.3 percent of live births in 2019, this figure represents almost a doubling relative to that of 2015.[3] ART in some European countries (e.g., Denmark), moreover, accounts for over 6% of live births.[2] This rising prevalence, combined with the well-documented adverse perinatal outcomes associated with the population suffering from impaired fecundity and seeking ART,[4] implies that the clinical and epidemiological community should pay attention when ART-related births abruptly rise or fall. Sudden changes in ART-related live births could arise from interruptions in clinical care, perturbations (either positive or negative) in the health of ART-conceived pregnancies, or large shifts in the composition of persons who select ART services. [Extracted from the article]

This paper explores fertility management practices in state-socialist Poland and investigates post-war demographic change through the lenses of gender and modernization. Using personal narratives from oral histories and memoirs, we examine reproductive decision-making processes from the 1940s to the 1980s, focusing on motivations, norms, and the means employed to achieve desired family size. Our analysis reveals the ambiguous nature of both modernization and women's emancipation in regard to reproduction. We argue that acceptance of the two-child model and the need to effectively manage fertility increased in Poland through the second half of the twentieth century, but was highly dependent on levels of spousal communication and equality. Personal narratives demonstrate how social pressure shaped women's reproductive choices, and how at times these choices were considerably limited by male violence and domination. As our analysis shows, gender relations in marriage and the modernization of fertility management in state-socialist Poland were deeply interrelated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additionally, infection during pregnancy is also linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Keywords: endocrine disrupting compound (EDC); endometriosis; infection; inflammation; inflammasome; polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); preeclampsia; repeat implantation failure EN endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) endometriosis infection inflammation inflammasome polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) preeclampsia repeat implantation failure 1 4 4 02/02/22 20220131 NES 220131 Reproduction is a fundamental feature of all known life entailing a remarkably complex and tightly regulated series of events that are essential in supporting species' long-term survival. Endometriosis, infection, inflammation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), preeclampsia, repeat implantation failure, endocrine disrupting compound (EDC), inflammasome In view of recent advances that define the pivotal role of inflammation in the normal physiology of reproduction and pathophysiology, there is a pressing need to determine how dysregulation of inflammation and immune responses contributes to pathologies that surround reproduction. [Extracted from the article]

Elevated temperatures negatively affect human reproduction through several processes that regulate nutrient uptake and resource allocation in pregnant women. These can interfere with foetal development, resulting in low birth weight neonates with altered development trajectories. Temperatures that affect the current generation could, therefore, also have an impact on the following generation. We asked whether heat stress affected offspring fertility by asking if current and past ambient temperatures influenced total fertility rates (TFR) in human populations distributed across the world. We analysed time series data in 65 countries using simple regression analyses based on maximum temperatures and temperature amplitudes over 55 years. Supplemental longer time series (up to 100 years) provided information on response patterns in Northern Europe and Greenland's colder climates. There were clear and strong effects of temperatures on the TFR in the concurrent and the previous generation. Our temperature-based models account for 71–95% of the variation in TRF in European countries and Greenland, and 56–99% of the variation in 65 countries worldwide. Our findings are consistent with studies of seasonal variation in fertility and suggest that increased temperatures will negatively influence populations subjected to monthly maximum temperatures above 15–20 °C, while fertility in colder climates benefits from elevated temperatures. Our results provide strong evidence that ambient temperatures have important effects on human fertility, and that these effects persist into the following generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its germline character, SSCT is the only adult stem cell-based transplantation therapy that can restore male fertility and may not only affect the recipient, but also the offspring. Dear Editor, Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) is a potential novel fertility treatment for prepubertal cancer patients that require gonadotoxic treatment. The longer-term health outcomes for children born as a result of IVF treatment: Part I-General health outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Among the many disruptive effects of a terminal cancer diagnosis in young people is its ability to affect reproductive planning and the opportunity for parenthood. While many reproductive-aged cancer patients receive fertility counseling at diagnosis, ongoing guidance often does not occur during the illness course and associated distress may go unrecognized. Using a case-based framework, this palliative care rounds explores the existential, spiritual, ethical, and logistical challenges that complicate reproductive planning for patients and families as they face a terminal cancer diagnosis. We advocate that palliative care providers should seize currently underrecognized opportunities to screen for distress associated with fertility and reproduction at end of life and utilize an interdisciplinary team approach to provide appropriate support and counseling throughout the illness and bereavement experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scandinavian countries have been very active in scientific research within the field of andrology, particularly high profile studies on male fertility and changes in semen quality.[[1]] It has become a well-recognized fact that at least according to the observed changes in semen quality, male fertility has decreased significantly in recent decades.[3] Total fertility rate (TFR; the average number of live births per woman) in Finland (1.37) is far below 2.1, which is the rate necessary to sustain a population size. Male fertility and semen quality are decreasing - Do we have the expertise to deal with this challenge? 6 Minaretzis D, Harris D, Alper MM, Mortola JF, Berger MJ, Power D. Multivariate analysis of factors predictive of successful live births in in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests strategies to improve IVF outcome. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae is the property of Uniwerystet Kardynala Stefana Wyznskiege w Warzawie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper explores the rise of fertility apps and what data-sharing in this arena can mean for app users. The paper offers a brief background of some available fertility apps, how they work and where they are situated in the sphere of health-tracking apps. Exploring how exactly these apps market themselves in terms of feminist-empowerment discourses, the author examines how these claims fit within broader critical discussions around fertility data, data sharing and the ways that applications and algorithms are designed to configure particular versions of reproductive femininity. The author shows the way that intimate data takes on a new life as it is sold on in order to identify women as potential targets for purposes of commercial marketing, as well as the more subtle ways this works to remind female users of reproductive expectations within societies. The paper illustrates the way that fertility apps can play a role in the further medicalization and regulation of the female body as a newly-digitalized reproductive machine, as these apps become a new mode of inducing conception under a veiled guise of appearing to be a harmless and empowering way for women to re-learn and re-claim their bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: What are the perceptions of infertility patients and the factors correlating with their psychological distress, following suspension of fertility treatments during the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic?Summary Answer: Most patients preferred to resume treatment given the chance regardless of background characteristics; higher self-mastery and greater perceived social support were associated with lower distress, while feeling helpless was associated with higher distress.What Is Known Already: Infertility diagnosis and treatment frequently result in significant psychological distress. Recently published data have shown that clinic closure during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a sharp increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression among infertile patients undergoing IVF and was perceived as an uncontrollable and stressful event. Personal resources play an important protective role in times of crisis, helping reduce levels of distress.Study Design, Size, Duration: This cross-sectional questionnaire study included patients whose fertility treatment was suspended following the COVID-19 pandemic, in a tertiary hospital. The survey was delivered to 297 patients within 12 days at the beginning of April 2020.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: The self-administered questionnaire included items addressing: (i) patients' demographic characteristics, (ii) anxiety related to COVID-19 infection risk and level of social support, (iii) patients' perceptions of the new guidelines and description of subsequently related emotions and (iv) two validated scales assessing levels of emotional distress and self-mastery. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess factors alleviating or increasing emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: There were 168 patients who completed the survey, giving a response rate of 57%. Study variables in the regression model explained 38.9% of the variance in psychological distress experienced by patients during treatment suspension. None of the background characteristics (e.g. age, marital status, parity, economic level or duration of treatments) had a significant contribution. Feeling helpless following the suspension of treatments was associated with higher distress (P < 0.01). Higher self-mastery and greater perceived social support were associated with lower distress (P < 0.01). Despite the ministry of health's decision, 72% of patients wished to resume treatment at the time of survey.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: This was a cross-sectional study, thus information about patients' characteristics prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was not available. The length and implications of this pandemic are unknown. Therefore, the ability to draw conclusions about the psychological consequences of the crisis is limited at this point of time.Wider Implications Of the Findings: Personal resources play an important protective role in times of crisis, helping to reduce levels of distress. Study findings suggest that attention should be paid to strengthening and empowering patients' personal resources together with directly confronting and containing feelings of helplessness. In line with the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines, especially at this time of high levels of distress, it is imperative to offer emotional support to reduce stress and concerns. Furthermore, as the pandemic is stabilizing, resumption of treatment should be considered as soon as appropriate according to local conditions.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This study was funded by the IVF unit of the Shamir Medical Center. All authors declare no conflicts of interest.Trial Registration Number: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Can the priorities for future research in infertility be identified?Summary Answer: The top 10 research priorities for the four areas of male infertility, female and unexplained infertility, medically assisted reproduction and ethics, access and organization of care for people with fertility problems were identified.What Is Known Already: Many fundamental questions regarding the prevention, management and consequences of infertility remain unanswered. This is a barrier to improving the care received by those people with fertility problems.Study Design, Size, Duration: Potential research questions were collated from an initial international survey, a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and Cochrane systematic reviews. A rationalized list of confirmed research uncertainties was prioritized in an interim international survey. Prioritized research uncertainties were discussed during a consensus development meeting. Using a formal consensus development method, the modified nominal group technique, diverse stakeholders identified the top 10 research priorities for each of the categories male infertility, female and unexplained infertility, medically assisted reproduction and ethics, access and organization of care.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Healthcare professionals, people with fertility problems and others (healthcare funders, healthcare providers, healthcare regulators, research funding bodies and researchers) were brought together in an open and transparent process using formal consensus methods advocated by the James Lind Alliance.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: The initial survey was completed by 388 participants from 40 countries, and 423 potential research questions were submitted. Fourteen clinical practice guidelines and 162 Cochrane systematic reviews identified a further 236 potential research questions. A rationalized list of 231 confirmed research uncertainties was entered into an interim prioritization survey completed by 317 respondents from 43 countries. The top 10 research priorities for each of the four categories male infertility, female and unexplained infertility (including age-related infertility, ovarian cysts, uterine cavity abnormalities and tubal factor infertility), medically assisted reproduction (including ovarian stimulation, IUI and IVF) and ethics, access and organization of care were identified during a consensus development meeting involving 41 participants from 11 countries. These research priorities were diverse and seek answers to questions regarding prevention, treatment and the longer-term impact of infertility. They highlight the importance of pursuing research which has often been overlooked, including addressing the emotional and psychological impact of infertility, improving access to fertility treatment, particularly in lower resource settings and securing appropriate regulation. Addressing these priorities will require diverse research methodologies, including laboratory-based science, qualitative and quantitative research and population science.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: We used consensus development methods, which have inherent limitations, including the representativeness of the participant sample, methodological decisions informed by professional judgment and arbitrary consensus definitions.Wider Implications Of the Findings: We anticipate that identified research priorities, developed to specifically highlight the most pressing clinical needs as perceived by healthcare professionals, people with fertility problems and others, will help research funding organizations and researchers to develop their future research agenda.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): The study was funded by the Auckland Medical Research Foundation, Catalyst Fund, Royal Society of New Zealand and Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust. G.D.A. reports research sponsorship from Abbott, personal fees from Abbott and LabCorp, a financial interest in Advanced Reproductive Care, committee membership of the FIGO Committee on Reproductive Medicine, International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies, International Federation of Fertility Societies and World Endometriosis Research Foundation, and research sponsorship of the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies from Abbott and Ferring. Siladitya Bhattacharya reports being the Editor-in-Chief of Human Reproduction Open and editor for the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group. J.L.H.E. reports being the Editor Emeritus of Human Reproduction. A.W.H. reports research sponsorship from the Chief Scientist's Office, Ferring, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research and Wellbeing of Women and consultancy fees from AbbVie, Ferring, Nordic Pharma and Roche Diagnostics. M.L.H. reports grants from Merck, grants from Myovant, grants from Bayer, outside the submitted work and ownership in Embrace Fertility, a private fertility company. N.P.J. reports research sponsorship from AbbVie and Myovant Sciences and consultancy fees from Guerbet, Myovant Sciences, Roche Diagnostics and Vifor Pharma. J.M.L.K. reports research sponsorship from Ferring and Theramex. R.S.L. reports consultancy fees from AbbVie, Bayer, Ferring, Fractyl, Insud Pharma and Kindex and research sponsorship from Guerbet and Hass Avocado Board. B.W.M. reports consultancy fees from Guerbet, iGenomix, Merck, Merck KGaA and ObsEva. E.H.Y.N. reports research sponsorship from Merck. C.N. reports being the Co Editor-in-Chief of Fertility and Sterility and Section Editor of the Journal of Urology, research sponsorship from Ferring and retains a financial interest in NexHand. J.S. reports being employed by a National Health Service fertility clinic, consultancy fees from Merck for educational events, sponsorship to attend a fertility conference from Ferring and being a clinical subeditor of Human Fertility. A.S. reports consultancy fees from Guerbet. J.W. reports being a statistical editor for the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group. A.V. reports that he is a Statistical Editor of the Cochrane Gynaecology & Fertility Review Group and the journal Reproduction. His employing institution has received payment from Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for his advice on review of research evidence to inform their 'traffic light' system for infertility treatment 'add-ons'. N.L.V. reports consultancy and conference fees from Ferring, Merck and Merck Sharp and Dohme. The remaining authors declare no competing interests in relation to the present work. All authors have completed the disclosure form.Trial Registration Number: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Despite the vast body of evidence that environmental toxicants adversely affect reproductive development and function across species, demonstrating true cause and effect in the human remains a challenge. Human meta-analytical data, showing a temporal decline in male sperm quality, are paralleled by a single laboratory study showing a similar 26-year decline in the dog, which shares the same environment. These data are indicative of a common cause. Environmental chemicals (ECs) detected in reproductive tissues and fluids induce similar, short term, adverse effects on human and dog sperm. Both pre- and post-natal stages of early life development are sensitive to chemical exposures and such changes could potentially cause long term effects in the adult. The environmental 'pollutome' (mixtures of ECs) is determined by industrialisation, atmospheric deposition and bioaccumulation and characterises real-life exposure. In Arctic ecosystems, dietary and non-dietary chemical contaminants are detectable in biological tissues and linked with adverse health effects in both dogs and their handlers. In the female, such exposure could contribute to disorders such as ovarian insufficiency, dysregulated follicle development, ovarian cancer, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the dog, ovarian chemical concentrations are greater in the testis. In addition, preliminary studies indicate that dietary exposures may influence the sex ratio in the offspring in favour of females. Within this article, we review current knowledge on chemical effects on human reproduction and suggest that the dog, as a sentinel species for such effects, is an essential tool for addressing critical data gaps in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although earlier data suggested that the pregnancy percentage decreases with oocyte numbers greater than 15-20 oocytes per retrieval ([29]), this is not true when additional FETs are included ([28]). 1987; 15: 245 - 51. 4 Vaegter KK, Lakic TG, Olovsson M, Berglund L, Brodin T, Holte J. Which factors are most predictive for live birth after in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatments? Does local endometrial injury in the nontransfer cycle improve the IVF-ET outcome in the subsequent cycle in patients with previous unsuccessful IVF? 2018; 33: 58 - 64. 29 Sunkara SK, Rittenberg V, Raine-Fenning N, Bhattacharya S, Zamora J, Coomarasamy A. Association between the number of eggs and live birth in IVF treatment: an analysis of 400 135 treatment cycles. [Extracted from the article]

This research is the first to examine the prevalence and dynamics of non‐Hispanic white natural decrease in fine scale subregional units of the United States. In 2015, more non‐Hispanic Whites died than were born in 65 percent of the US counties. This is the highest incidence of non‐Hispanic white natural decrease ever reported. It results from a complex interaction among fertility, mortality, and migration over a protracted period. Spatial regression is used to identify three critical variables (over‐65 population, child–women ratio, and women of childbearing age) that are the immediate demographic causes of this natural decrease. The timely, factual information in this paper provides a demographic context for analysis of the social, political, and policy implications of this emergent demographic phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italy and Spain are extreme cases of low fertility linked to postponement of childbearing. Demographers continue to debate causes of postponement. This qualitative study was designed to contribute, by purposively selecting Italian and Spanish women in different socio‐economic circumstances who are partnered, childless and aged 30 to 35. Most want children but "not now" or are deferring the decision whether to have children. Their different circumstances inflect explanations of postponement in a language of choice, either "taking time" to achieve other goals or "holding on" for conditions to change. They are encouraged to postpone by optimism about their capacity to conceive, flexible norms about "the right age," prolonged dependence on their parents, the normative salience of "total motherhood," and family‐unfriendly, gender‐unequal workplaces. Elements of competing demographic theories often coexist in interviewees' accounts. The "desires‐intentions gap" does not always capture their flow or complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the high pKa of boric acid, inorganic borates, when taken up by the human or animal organism, exist in the body almost exclusively in the form of non-dissociated boric acid. Therefore, the variety of inorganic boron compounds is commonly addressed in the toxicological literature as "boron" (B). There is a discussion concerning categorisation of inorganic boron compounds as reproductive toxins. Boron treatment of rats, mice and dogs was dose-dependently associated with testicular toxicity, characterised by inhibited spermiation at lower dose levels and by reduction of epididymal sperm counts at higher dose levels. The NOAEL for such fertility effects of boric acid in male rats (oral feeding, Sprague Dawley strain) was evaluated to be 17.5 mg B/kg bw per day. As far as developmental toxicity is concerned, oral dosing of 9.6 mg B/kg bw daily to female pregnant Sprague Dawley rats remained without effects, with foetal skeletal effects observed at higher doses. Therefore, 9.6 mg B/kg bw (oral dosing) was evaluated as NOAEL for developmental effects of boric acid. The blood level in rats, equivalent to this NOAEL, is 1270 ng B/g. As far as B-exposed humans are concerned, field studies on the effect of boron on human reproduction are possible only in a few boron-rich geographical areas. Published field studies were conducted in China's Liaoning province, the Argentinian Andes and Western Anatolia/Turkey. Particularly relevant are studies on occupationally B-exposed groups, because the potential exposure to boron is much higher in occupational compared to environmental settings. Comparison of estimated daily B exposure levels in humans and actually measured B blood levels confirms the preference of biomonitoring for exposure assessment in environmental and occupational studies. A boron blood level scaling shows that the levels of high occupational B exposures reported in China and in Turkey are compatible. Compared to the experimental B blood levels at boron-related NOAELs for male fertility and for developmental toxicity in rats, the human blood level means of the highest occupational exposure groups in China and in Turkey are lower by factors of > 4 and > 2, respectively. Basically, concentrations of B within the body that exert reproductive toxicity in humans are not reached under the conditions of human normal handling and use, including conditions of extreme occupational exposures. In consequence, all relevant results of studies into human reproductive toxicity of B are basically negative. Considering the effective doses, there is no scientific contradiction between experimental and human results of B reproductive toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to analyse the possibilities and decisions made about procreation by Polish parents in the context of the family policy system. Fertility is here understood as a result of individual decisions originating from an assessment of people's situations and potential barriers in parenting. This issue is important because Polish society is facing a severe demographic crisis due to low fertility rates. In recent years, the family policy system has been substantially reformed, yet interviews with parents indicate that these reforms do not fully address the problems, which parents have to deal with in everyday life. According to their experiences, the Polish welfare state should focus more closely on the issues of gender inequality in the household, lack of stability in the labour market, low salaries, the high cost of child rearing, and the lack of suitable housing for Polish families. The analysis is based on in‐depth interviews with Polish parents of children aged 1–7 and statistics collected by Statistics Poland, the Social Insurance Institution, and the International Social Survey Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many factors have contributed to the decline in China's fertility level. Using China's population census data from 1990, 2000 and 2010, the present study investigates the factors causing the decline in China's fertility rate by decomposing changes in two fertility indices: the total fertility rate (TFR) and the net reproduction rate (NRR). The change in the TFR is decomposed into the change in the marital fertility rate (MFR) and the change in the proportion of married women (PMW). Four factors contribute to the change in the NRR. The following are the main findings. A drop in the MFR caused a decrease in the TFR and the NRR between 1989 and 2000. However, the change in MFR increased TFR and NRR between 2000 and 2010. Marriage postponement caused a decline in the fertility level between 1989 and 2000 as well as between 2000 and 2010. The effect of the MFR and marriage postponement varied with age and region and also between urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on differences between male and female fertility and how different are fertility declines among men and women, and what can these differences tell us regarding the dynamics of the fertility transition. It mentions male fertility rates may be affected by international migration when men do not live in the country where the births are recorded. It also mentions immigration should lead to a limited underestimation of fertility.

It takes a woman and a man to make a baby. This fact suggests that for a birth to take place, the parents should first agree on wanting a child. Using newly available data on fertility preferences and outcomes, we show that indeed, babies are likely to arrive only if both parents desire one. In addition, there are many couples who disagree on having babies, and in low-fertility countries women are much more likely than men to be opposed to having another child. We account for this evidence with a quantitative model of household bargaining in which the distribution of the burden of child care between mothers and fathers is a key determinant of fertility. The model implies that fertility is highly responsive to targeted policies that lower the child care burden specifically for mothers. (JEL C78, D13, J13, J16) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary reviews low fertility in China and suggests a macro-micro approach to analyse reproductive behaviour and determinants. As there are more discouraging factors to childbirth in concurrent Chinese society then encouraging ones, the low fertility is more likely to stay, unless there are more specific and effective strategies to support couples fulfilling their childbearing desire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Increased mercury levels were associated with infertility or subfertility status. • Infertile males had higher levels of mercury in hair than fertile males. • Mercury reduced semen quality parameters. • Increased mercury levels were associated with incidence of menstrual and hormonal disorders. Abstract Background Evidences from human and animal studies suggest that reproductive function may be affected by mercury. The aim of this review was to explore the mercury influence on human fertility. Methods A systematic search was made in PubMED for papers published between 1975–2017, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results Increased mercury levels were associated with infertility or subfertility status. Further, infertile subjects with unexplained infertility showed higher levels of mercury in hair, blood and urine than fertile ones. Mercury exposure induced sperm DNA damage and abnormal sperm morphology and motility. Additionally, mercury levels were related with higher incidence of menstrual and hormonal disorders and increased rates of adverse reproductive outcomes. Conclusions Our review showed that mercury negatively impacts human reproduction, affecting the reproductive and endocrine systems in both male and female. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the mercury-associated decline on fertility remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fitness is always relative to the fitness of others in the group or breeding population. Even in very low-fertility societies, individual fitness as measured by the share of genes in subsequent generations may still be maximized. Further, sexual selection theory from evolutionary biology suggests that the relationship between status and fertility will differ for males and females. For this reason it is important to examine the relationship between status and fertility separately for males and females-something few demographic studies of fertility do. When male fertility is measured separately, high-status men (as measured by their wealth and personal income) have higher fertility than low-status men, even in very low-fertility societies, so individual males appear to be maximizing their fitness within the constraints posed by a modern society. Thus male fertility cannot be considered maladaptive. When female fertility is measured separately, in both very high- and very low-fertility societies, there is not much variance across women of different statuses in completed fertility. Only in societies currently changing rapidly (with falling fertility rates) is somewhat high variance across women of different statuses in completed fertility found. What is seen across all phases of the demographic transition appears to be a continuation of two somewhat different evolved human reproductive strategies-one male, one female-in changing social and material contexts. Whether contemporary female fertility is maladaptive remains an open question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comment to the gold standard in reproductive medicine and advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART). It discusses the expensive cost for fertility treatments, the gap between clinical practice and evidence, and the challenges for evidence-based ART. It also examines the risk of informed patient choice.

Most studies examining the association between female education and fertility have reported an inverse association. However, little is known about the consistency of the relationship, or what level of education triggers an inverse association. This study examined the consistency of the association between female education and fertility across the north-south demographic divide in Nigeria. Data on women aged 40-49 were taken from the 2003, 2008 and 2013 Nigerian DHS data sets. The results showed that female education remained significantly and consistently inversely related to fertility in both the north and south of Nigeria. Women with secondary or higher level of education reported a lower number of children ever born (CEB) than those with primary or no education in both the north and south (p<0.05). The findings suggest that female education has a more effective negative effect on fertility in the south, where the level of female schooling is higher, than in the north, with its limited level of female education. Primary-level female education appeared to be ineffective in reducing fertility in the study sample. Women with primary schooling reported a slightly higher CEB than those who did not have any formal education. Also, age at marriage and child mortality were found to be consistent and significant predictors of fertility in both the north and south (p<0.001). Women who married at relatively higher ages and those who had never lost a child reported a smaller CEB consistently in both the north and south (p<0.001). Therefore, to attain sustainable fertility decline throughout Nigeria, it is imperative that policies aimed at increasing the prevalence and quality of female education are pursued, and there must be a focus on social, physical, environmental and cultural factors influencing age at marriage and child mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The forecasting of the future growth of world population is of critical importance to anticipate and address a wide range of global challenges. The United Nations produces forecasts of fertility and world population every two years. As part of these forecasts, they model fertility levels in post-demographic transition countries as tending toward a long-term mean, leading to forecasts of flat or declining population in these countries. We substitute this assumption of constant long-term fertility with a dynamic model, theoretically founded in evolutionary biology, with heritable fertility. Rather than stabilizing around a long-term level for post-demographic transition countries, fertility tends to increase as children from larger families represent a larger share of the population and partly share their parents' trait of having more offspring. Our results suggest that world population will grow larger in the future than currently anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on fertility preferences and reproductive outcomes in the developing world. Topics include in the 1950s, fertility in Africa, Asia, and Latin America has exceeded five births per woman and in some countries was as high as seven births per woman, and contraceptive use was limited to small groups of elites.