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Following Aristotle, classical Islamic philosophers distinguished between two types of knowledge: conception and assent. This paper argues that the discussions elicited by this distinction are an essential feature of postclassical Islamic philosophy (ca. 1200–1800). The early postclassical philosophers made the distinction central to logic and thereby to epistemology and scientific inquiry at large. As the distinction came to be perceived as problematic, it sparked philosophical arguments about a range of issues in logic and epistemology. One particularly pertinent problem was the nature of the distinction itself: it was understood as an exclusive disjunction, but it seemed impossible to define one notion without recourse to the other. In the fourteenth century this led to the emergence of a new genre of philosophical writings exclusively dedicated to discussing the precise nature of the distinction. This paper discusses some of the central arguments of these writings, showing how philosophers grappling with that problem devised new theories of judgement and new forms of the proposition as they were continuously developing their theory of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the conceptions of functions among high school students through the lens of theoretical thinking, encompassing three core components: reflective, systemic and analytical thinking. A case study methodology was employed in this research. The data were gathered through interviews with 11 senior high school students and analysed using deductive content analysis techniques. The findings reveal that students needing more reflective thinking tend to resort to practical methods and quickly gave up when facing challenges. Those who showed limited systemic thinking often relied on incorrect or inadequate criteria to determine if an expression constituted a function and struggled to connect the function concept with other concepts. Students needing more analytical thinking faced challenges in employing mathematical language and representations for functions, verifying if an expression is a function or transforming representations and frequently overlooked quantifiers or logical connectors related to variables in definitional properties. In this study, the theoretical thinking framework, mainly used for university-level mathematical concepts, provided a broad perspective in determining high-school students' understanding of the concept of function. Future research should extend this approach to various educational levels and concepts to enhance our understanding of students' conceptions and enrich the theoretical thinking framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A single-center observational study to determine the clinical characteristics and therapeutic dose adjustments in women of reproductive age with infertility and non-classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NC-21OHD). Design: A retrospective analysis of 20 women of reproductive age who were diagnosed with NC-21OHD during an infertility evaluation at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2013 to May 2024 was performed. The clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, adjustment of glucocorticoid (GC) treatment during preconception and perinatal period, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. Results: 14 of 16 patients (87.5%) had inappropriately elevated progesterone levels during the follicular phase. The average levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the follicular phase were also significantly increased. All 20 infertile patients received GC treatment before preparing for pregnancy. During the follow-up, six of 20 patients had seven conceptions. three patients had spontaneous abortions in the first trimester and four patients delivered babies (4/20). Three patients had a GC dose that was maintained throughout pregnancy and one had an increase in the GC dose starting in the second trimester. Of the remaining 16 patients, seven are still trying to conceive and nine had discontinued treatment. Conclusions: An abnormal increase in the follicular phase progesterone level is the most common serologic marker for NC-21OHD among infertile women. Ovulation can be restored after GC treatment, but the proportion of successful conceptions remains low. The dose of GCs in most pregnant women remained unchanged throughout pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safer Conception Services (SCS) refers to the provision of a package of care for individuals of reproductive age who are affected with HIV to have safe and healthy pregnancies. South Africa has one of the highest HIV burdens in the world, yet limited availability of SCS. Therefore, this study investigated healthcare managers' response to an implementation project piloting SCS integration into primary healthcare services in Johannesburg. As part of the implementation study, data was collected from six facility healthcare managers using In-Depth interviews between November 2017 - September 2018. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The following four (4) themes emerged: positive response to the implementation of SCS, capacity building, the impact of SCS, and the need to scale up SCS. The results suggested that providers engaged saw value in the implementation of SCS. The results further suggest that there was an openness, willingness, cheerful outlook, and support to make SCS more widely available; however, streamlined processes are important to ensure feasibility. Continuous training is necessary to routinize implementation and ensure adequate coverage of services. Available guidelines should be translated into training programs and more initiative-taking policies to support the scale-up of this essential service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat known to improve production and body health in mammalian species. The present on-farm experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids sources, extruded flaxseed and salmate, on reproductive performance and biochemical parameters in lactating dairy cattle. Two hundred and sixty-eight lactating cows were blocked by stage of lactation and assigned to three groups, a control group and two treated groups fed diets containing salmate (25 g/head/day) and extruded flaxseed (7.0%). The formulated control, salmate and extruded flaxseed diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. The diets were given to animals from three weeks pre-partum to 160 days postpartum. Reproductive performance and biochemical parameters were investigated in both control and treated groups. The results indicated earlier restoration of normal oestrous postpartum in flaxseed group (17/90, 18.89%) followed by salmate (13/87, 14.94%) and control (3/91, 3.30%) groups. Upon estrous synchronization of remaining not estrous cows, the pregnancy rates were the highest in flaxseed (72/90, 80.0%) followed by salmate (67/87, 77.01%) and control (49/91, 53.85%) groups. The values of total protein, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, beta-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, thyroxine, IGF and insulin were higher in extruded flaxseed group compared to salamte and control ones versus NEFA, glucose, triglycerides and cortisol values. In conclusion, supplementation of flaxseed and salmate provided beneficial roles to lactating dairy cows in relation to reproductive performances and biochemical parameters in arid subtropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions Online forums provide an environment for peer discussions to anonymously share experiences about sensitive topics. In this article we explore discussions about alcohol use during pregnancy, including representations of ‘appropriate’ behaviour and risks, in relation to alcohol use.We sampled Mumsnet posts from 2016 to 2021 and analysed these using a two‐staged approach: describing the content of original posts and employing discourse analysis on the entire thread which focused on unpacking the significance, activity and identity within the discourse.Seventy‐three threads with 1554 replies analysed. Users engaged with different sources of evidence and mentioned guidelines and scientific sources, though most commonly provided, requested and appreciated anecdotal information. Risk was discussed in several ways but all users engaged with ‘othering’ drinking they perceived as risky. Only a few prescribed risks to any and all levels of drinking. There was a lack of knowledge around drinking while trying to conceive and early pregnancy. Expectations and norms of behaviour during pregnancy engaged in a ‘good motherhood’ discourse. Users positioned their drinking according to perceived norms through language choices; when not pregnant (or unknowingly pregnant) being ‘plastered’ was justified but when pregnant drinking only ‘sips’ or ‘tiny’ quantities of alcohol was considered appropriate.Forum users demonstrated a desire to adhere to ‘responsible motherhood’, which did not equate to abstinence if consumption was perceived as acceptable and justified. Future research should explore information needs and effective approaches to health communication for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has a multifactorial etiology, with a majority of cases remaining unexplained. To account for these unexplained cases, possible male factors are being explored. Conventional semen analysis lacks a qualitative assessment of sperms and information regarding sperm DNA integrity. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has diagnostic value in unexplained RPL, and it may account for a number of unexplained cases. Hence, we planned a study to explore and evaluate the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses. Study Design: Analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted at a tertiary‐level referral facility in India between August 2021 and July 2023. Participants (n = 70) were divided into two groups—male partners of couples with unexplained RPL (following spontaneous conceptions) (n = 35) and men with at least one previous live birth (spontaneous or following fertility treatments for female factor infertility such as ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination) as controls (n = 35). Neither of the two groups of couples recruited for this study had undergone ART as fertility treatment. Primary outcome assessed was mean DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Secondary outcomes included differences in semen parameters such as sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and morphology, proportion of men with high (≥30%) and low DFI in the two groups, and the association between various semen parameters and DFI. Results: Univariate logistic regression revealed that sperm DNA fragmentation was higher in men with unexplained RPL (30.0; IQR (interquartile range) 19.0, 46.0) as compared to controls (22.0; IQR 14.0, 30.0) although it was not statistically significant (OR, odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI 1.0–1.1, p = 0.08). A higher proportion of men with unexplained RPL had DFI ≥30% compared to controls (54.2% vs. 25.7%; OR 3.43 (95% CI 1.2–9.4); p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were observed in semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology between the two groups. Sperm DNA fragmentation index also showed a weak but significant inverse relationship with sperm morphology (r = −0.336, p = 0.004). Conclusion: The current study did not show any significant difference in the mean sperm DNA fragmentation levels in male partners of couples with unexplained RPL compared to controls. However, a higher proportion of men with DFI ≥30% were observed in unexplained RPL population when compared to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To evaluate associations between oil and gas development (OGD) and mental health using cross-sectional data from a preconception cohort study, Pregnancy Study Online. Methods. We analyzed baseline data from a prospective cohort of US and Canadian women aged 21 to 45 years who were attempting conception without fertility treatment (2013–2023). We developed residential proximity measures for active OGD during preconception, including distance from nearest site. At baseline, participants completed validated scales for perceived stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale, PSS) and depressive symptoms (Major Depression Inventory, MDI) and reported psychotropic medication use. We used log-binomial regression and restricted cubic splines to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Among 5725 participants across 37 states and provinces, residence at 2 km versus 20 to 50 km of active OGD was associated with moderate to high perceived stress (PSS ≥ 20 vs < 20: PR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.18), moderate to severe depressive symptoms (MDI ≥ 20 vs < 20: PR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.45), and psychotropic medication use (PR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.97, 1.28). Conclusions. Among North American pregnancy planners, closer proximity to OGD was associated with adverse preconception mental health symptomatology. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):923–934. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307730) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified the relationship between energy balance and some blood metabolites in primiparous dairy cows with different calving conception interval. Twenty primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were grouped according to the interval (days) from calving to conception into early-conception (early-c; <100 days), mid-conception group (mid-c; 100 -- 150 days) or late-conception (late-c; >150 days) group; and evaluated on day -7 prior to parturition, and days 28, 56 and 90 postpartum. All groups presented positive energy balance, serum concentrations of HDL, urea-N and progesterone with no difference on days 28 and 56 of lactation. On day 90 of lactation all the cows presented negative energy balance; however, the early-c group presented a less intense (P < 0.05) net energy balance (-1.09 versus -2.15 and -1.86 Mcal/day), lower concentrations of serum urea-N (3.28 versus 4.22 and 4.88 mg/dL) and HDL cholesterol (0.84 versus 1.59 and 1.46 mmol/L) and greater serum concentration of progesterone (8.13 versus 4.54 and 1.83 ng/mL) than cows of mid-c and late-c groups, respectively. In conclusion, different from those usually observed for multiparous dairy cows, the energy balance during the first weeks of lactation was not a determining factor affecting the calving conception interval of primiparous dairy cows in the present study. Instead, the nutritional status and the serum concentration of urea-N and progesterone at a later stage, after 56 days of lactation, suggest having a role in delaying these cows' pregnant status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the concept of patient outcomes.

Environmental factors in the early life stages can lead the descendant to adaptations in gene expression, permanently impacting several structures and organs. The amount and quality of fatty acids in the maternal diet in pregnancy and lactation were found to impact offspring metabolism. So, maternal diet and insulin resistance can affect the male and female descendants through distinct pathways and at different time points. We hypothesized that maternal high-fat diet (HFD) intake before conception and an adequate amount of different fatty acids intake during pregnancy and lactation could influence the energy homeostasis system of 21-day-old offspring. Female rats received control diet (C) or HFD (HF) for 8 weeks before pregnancy. During pregnancy and lactation C group remained with same diet (C-C), HF group were distributed into 4 groups and received C diet (HF-C), normolipidic diet based on saturated fatty acids (HF-S) or based on polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (HF-P) or remained in same diet (HF-HF). Maternal HFD in preconception, pregnancy, and lactation (HF-HF) led to lower glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in male (HF-HF21) compared to other groups (C-C21, HF-C21, and HF-P21) and compared to HF-HF21 females. Neuropeptide YY levels were higher in the HF-HF21, HF-C21, and HF-S21 male offspring compared to HF-P21. HF-P21 was similar to C-C21. Positive correlations were found among the energy homeostasis markers genes expressed in the offspring hypothalamus. Maternal diet changes to adequate quantities of fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation showed less impaired results but was not entirely avoided. A maternal diet based on PUFA n-3 during pregnancy and lactation seems to reverse the damage of an HFD in preconception. These results of homeostasis energy system disturbance in the offspring at weaning give us clues about changes that precede the onset of the disease in adult life — adding notes to the knowledge for future investigations of prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous investigations of time-to-pregnancy recognition have analysed data from national surveys and clinics, but this has not been investigated in the context of digital fertility applications. Timely pregnancy recognition can help individuals in health and pregnancy management, reducing maternal and foetal risk and costs, whilst increasing treatment options, availability, and cost. Methods: This dataset contained 23,728 pregnancies (conceived between June 2018 and December 2022) from 20,429 participants using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared fertility app in the United States. Most participants (with non-missing information) identified as Non-Hispanic White, and one-third reported obtaining a university degree. We used two-tailed Welch's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and two-tailed Z-tests to compare time to pregnancy recognition between those using the app to conceive or contracept. Results: Participants using an app to conceive recognised pregnancy on average at 31.3 days from last menstrual period (LMP) compared to 35.9 days among those using the app to prevent pregnancy. Conclusion: Generalisability is limited, as all participants were using a fertility app and had relatively homogenous sociodemographic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examines whether exposure to ambient temperature in nineteenth-century urban space affected the ratio of boys to girls at birth. Furthermore, we investigate the details of temperature effects timing upon sex ratio at birth. The research included 66,009 individual births, aggregated in subsequent months of births for the years 1847–1900, i.e. 33,922 boys and 32,087 girls. The statistical modelling of the probability of a girl being born is based on logistic GAM with penalized splines and automatically selected complexity. Our research emphasizes the significant effect of temperature in the year of conception: the higher the temperature was, the smaller probability of a girl being born was observed. There were also several significant temperature lags before conception and during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that in the past, ambient temperature, similar to psychological stress, hunger, malnutrition, and social and economic factors, influenced the viability of a foetus. Research on the effects of climate on the sex ratio in historical populations may allow for a better understanding of the relationship between environmental factors and reproduction, especially concerning historical populations since due to some cultural limitations, they were more prone to stronger environmental stressors than currently.

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The initial ovulatory response during synchronization programs is often low in dairy heifers, largely due to follicular dynamics and hormonal dynamics. Specifically, the progesterone (P4) concentration at the time of the first GnRH treatment in a breeding program can influence the LH response, often resulting in a suboptimal ovulatory response. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the highest label dose 200 μg (100 μg vs. 200 μg) of GnRH (50 μg of gonadorelin hydrochloride per mL; Factrel, Zoetis Inc. Madison, NJ) at the first GnRH of a 6-d CO-Synch plus P4 device program on ovulatory response and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in first service in Holstein heifers. A total of 1,308 Holstein heifers were randomly allocated at the beginning of a 6-d CO-Synch program at day 0 to receive either i.m. treatment of 100 μg (2CC, n = 655) or 200 μg (4CC, n = 653) of GnRH. Also, at d 0, heifers received an intravaginal insert with 1.38 g of P4 (Eazi-Breed CIDR Cattle Insert, Zoetis Inc.). On day 6, the insert was removed, and i.m. treatment of 25 mg of PGF 2α (12.5 mg of dinoprost tromethamine/mL; Lutalyse HighCon Injection, Zoetis Inc.) was administered. On d 7, a second i.m. treatment of 25 mg of PGF 2α was given, followed on d 9 by concurrent i.m. treatment of 100 μg of GnRH, and timed AI. A subset of 396 heifers had their ovaries scanned to evaluate ovulatory response, and blood samples were collected to measure the serum concentration of P4 at d 0 and d 6 of the study. The P4 concentrations at d 0 were categorized as low (≤3 ng/mL) or high (>3 ng/mL). The ovulatory response was greater for heifers receiving 4CC than 2CC at d 0 (54.7% vs. 42.8%). The ovulatory response was greater for low P4 than high P4 at d 0 (54.3% vs. 37.8%). However, we did not observe an interaction between treatment and P4 concentrations (low P4 2CC = 48.6% vs. high P4 2CC = 30.0%; low P4 4CC = 60.0% vs. high P4 4CC = 45.5%). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that P4 concentrations at d 0 treatment could predict the ovulatory response, although the area under the curve was only 0.6. As expected, heifers that ovulated had increased P/AI (no = 55.6% vs. yes = 67.7%); however, we found no effect of treatment on P/AI (2CC = 63.3% vs. 4CC = 59.6%), and no interactions between treatment and ovulation and treatment and P4 (high vs. low) for pregnancy outcomes. In summary, P4 concentration and increasing the dose of GnRH at d 0 positively affected ovulatory response in Holstein heifers. However, there was no interaction between treatment and P4 on ovulation and no subsequent impact of GnRH dose on P/AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reconstruction of the Early Paleozoic collision metamorphism of the Khan-Khukhei Block (Northern Mongolia) based on 3D modeling of thermal state of the crust and isotope dating is presented. The age of garnet–biotite schist from a metamorphic complex of the Khan-Khukhei Block of 517.4 ± 7.4 Ma is determined for the first time. 3D modeling was conducted to compare this age of metamorphism with the available age determinations of (post-) collision granite formation in the range of 513‒505 Ma. The model considers radiogenic heating at an elevated heat production of rocks of the thickened crust of the Khan-Khukhei block as the cause of the migmatization and granitoid melts formation. 3D modeling was conducted for the first time for thermal-dome type of metamorphism. The results provide a realistic conception of magma generation in typical collision settings in the absence of mantle magmatic heat sources. The time interval between metamorphism and the stage of anatectic magma formation is 5–12 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores preservice classroom teachers' perceived importance, self-efficacy beliefs, participation frequencies and conceptions related to new literacies. The research is framed using a dual-level theory of new literacies. The participants of the study consisted of 364 preservice teachers studying in the department of primary education at two state universities in Turkey. The findings revealed that (i) while preservice teachers displayed high participation in new literacies requiring the consumption of information, they displayed low participation in information production activities; (ii) the importance preservice teachers attached to online or digital literacy activities and their self-efficacy beliefs significantly predicted their participation in these activities; (iii) preservice teachers' conceptual understandings with regard to new literacies were compatible with their participation frequencies and perceived importance with regard to online or digital literacy activities. Some suggestions for preservice teachers' skills, strategies, dispositions and practices related to new literacies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To investigate the effect of the triggering method on the results of fresh embryo transfer in patients who underwent gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist cycles. Methods. The study was conducted retrospectively at a university‐based tertiary reproductive center. The sample consisted of a total of 295 patients, of whom 111 were in the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger group and 184 were in the dual trigger group. The main outcome measure of this study was the live birth rate, and secondary outcomes were the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and good‐quality embryo rate. Results. Patient demographics and baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the dual and hCG trigger groups. The results also indicated statistically nonsignificant differences between the two groups in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved (p > 0.05), the number of mature oocytes (p > 0.05), and the fertilization rate (p > 0.05). The number of good‐quality embryos (p = 0.002) was higher in the dual trigger group compared with the hCG trigger group. However, the rates of clinical pregnancy and live births did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Although the number of total and high‐quality embryos obtained was higher in the dual trigger group, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pregnancy outcomes. The fresh embryo transfer yielded similar rates of implantation and live births in both trigger groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the result of ergonomic action research carried out in a hospital environment. The method and tools we created, inspired by organisational simulation, are based on a multifactorial and systemic approach to the effects of working hours. These are determined by the interaction of dimensions, linked to the individual and the work, which constitute the situation concerned and which need to be taken into account in any change to the working time system. The article presents simulation media that have been created to represent not only the time system but also the other dimensions that make up the work situation, the activity through which these dimensions are articulated, and the diversity of viewpoints held by the different players. These simulation tools are of three types: temporal models, spatial models and mental diagrams. They were deployed in groups of people affected by the changes: carers, managers, doctors and secretaries. Analysis of these groups shows that the simulation tools were used to represent the temporal, spatial and simultaneous work flow, the current and future versions of the timetable system, and the dimensions of work and non-work impacted by the reorganisation solutions. The results confirm that the conceptual and operational articulation of organisational simulation, and the multifactorial and systemic approach constitute a relevant way of equipping a design approach based on working time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the necessity requirement in defensive actions involving multiple agents, examining how permissions to inflict harm are determined by minimizing overall harm. Topics include the comparison between agent-centered and target-centered conceptions of necessity, the impact of multiple agents' options on permissible harm, and how uncertainty affects the application of necessity in real-world situations.

Background: Ovarian reserve is one of the most important factors that influences the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Recently, the role of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) in ART has been investigated as a marker for the prediction of ovarian response. We aim to examine this relationship within a large Iranian population. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained data from 1000 infertile couples who referred to the Research and Clinical Centre of Yazd Infertility Clinic for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Serum AMH levels, oocyte count, numbers of fertilised oocytes, endometrial thickness, and percentage of mature oocytes were measured. The relationship between AMH serum levels and the number and quality of oocytes and embryos in ART cycles was analysed. Results: In the linear regression model, the log of the variables total dose of gonadotropin, two pronuclei (2PN), log oestradiol, total embryos, duration of stimulation, number of embryos transferred, protocol, and cause of infertility were significant predictors of log AMH. Conclusion: There appears to be a relationship between serum AMH levels in the early follicular phase and ovarian reserve. Higher serum AMH levels were also associated with shorter ART cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How we live our lives depends on how we relate to our past, present and future. The article focusses on the relation to our future. The target of my critique is a "planning conception" that imagines the future as a realm that we can rationally plan and form in light of our ends. In the first section I present an outline of the planning conception, building on Bratman's planning theory and Rawls' idea of a life plan. The second section highlights the attractions of the planning conception. I argue that this conception offers a prima facie intriguing view of the temporality of human life. It promises a life in which we can control the passage of time. The third section reveals severe limitations of the planning conception. I question the claim that plans are central to our self-understanding and to a good life. The planning conception tends to distort the temporality of human life with respect to past, present and future. Given this diagnosis, I sketch an alternative in the last section of the paper. I explore the temporal specifics of ways of understanding oneself as a person and argue that both the formation and the very form of these 'ways of being' do not follow the logic of planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Disordered eating is common in pregnancy and associated with adverse health outcomes. Weight suppression (WS), the discrepancy between highest lifetime and current weight, is a robust predictor of loss of control (LOC) and binge eating and weight gain trajectories in clinical populations. This study explored the role of preconception WS as a predictor of disordered eating and weight gain in pregnancy. Method: Pregnant individuals (n = 137) reported their highest, preconception, and current weights to calculate preconception WS, actual gestational weight gain (GWG), and deviations from recommended weight gain trajectories in pregnancy. Participants also completed the Prenatal Eating Behaviours Screening (PEBS) tool, a validated measure of disordered eating specifically in pregnancy. Results: Preconception WS was a significant predictor of PEBS total scores [F(5, 122) = 2.70, p = 0.02, R2 = 0.10] and significantly and positively correlated with individual item scores quantifying restrictive eating behaviours. Preconception WS was not predictive of deviations from recommended GWG trajectories or LOC or binge eating frequency and did not interact with pre‐pregnancy body mass index or GWG to predict eating disorder symptom severity. Conclusions: Preconception WS was predictive of disordered eating, and specifically restrictive eating behaviours in pregnancy, and should be assessed as part of screening for eating disorder risk in pregnant individuals. Highlights: Disordered eating is common in pregnancy and associated with adverse health outcomes.Weight suppression (WS) is predictive of loss of control and binge eating in clinical populations.Preconception WS was found to be predictive of restrictive eating behaviours in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surge in scholarship on minoritised gender and sexual identities has supported the advancement of LGBTQ+ family rights in many developed countries internationally. However, further work is needed to ensure LGBTQ+ families are fully included within integrated care systems. This article presents a subset of empirical findings from a narrative inquiry conducted in the United Kingdom. Eight LGBTQ+ participants were interviewed about their experiences and perspectives on adoption, fostering and birth children. Findings indicate that social work has a key role in addressing the cisgenderism prevalent in services, to enhance inclusivity within integrated care systems that support LGBTQ+ family life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Is preconception depression associated with time to pregnancy (TTP) and infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Couples with preconception depression needed a longer time to become pregnant and exhibited an increased risk of infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Preconception depression in women contributes to impaired fertility in clinical populations. However, evidence from the general population—especially based on couples—is relatively scant. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A couple-based prospective preconception cohort study was performed in 16 premarital examination centers between April 2019 and June 2021. The final analysis included 16 521 couples who tried to conceive for ≤6 months at enrollment. Patients with infertility were defined as those with a TTP ≥12 months and those who conceived through ART. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Couples' depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 at baseline. Reproductive outcomes were obtained via telephone at 6 and 12 months after enrollment. Fertility odds ratios (FORs) and infertility risk ratios (RRs) in different preconception depression groups were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazard models and logistic regression, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 16 521 couples analyzed, 10 834 (65.6%) and 746 (4.5%) couples achieved pregnancy within the first 6 months and between the 6th and 12th months, respectively. The median (P25, P75) TTP was 3.0 (2.0, 6.0) months. The infertility rate was 13.01%. After adjusting for potential confounders, in the individual-specific analyses, we found that preconception depression in women was significantly related to reduced odds of fertility (FOR = 0.947, 95% CI: 0.908–0.988), and preconception depression in either men or women was associated with an increased risk of infertility (women: RR = 1.212, 95% CI: 1.076–1.366; men: RR = 1.214, 95% CI: 1.068–1.381); in the couple-based analyses, we found that—compared to couples where neither partner had depression—the couples where both partners had depression exhibited reduced fertility (adjusted FOR = 0.904, 95% CI: 0.838–0.975). The risk of infertility in the group where only the woman had depression and both partners had depression increased by 17.8% (RR = 1.178, 95% CI: 1.026–1.353) and 46.9% (RR = 1.469, 95% CI: 1.203–1.793), respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Reporting and recall bias were unavoidable in this large epidemiological study. Some residual confounding factors—such as the use of anti-depressants and other medications, sexual habits, and prior depressive and anxiety symptoms—remain unaddressed. We used a cut-off score of 5 to define depression, which is lower than prior studies. Finally, we assessed depression only at baseline, therefore we could not detect effects of temporal changes in depression on fertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This couple-based study indicated that preconception depression in individuals and couples negatively impacts couples' fertility. Early detection and intervention of depression to improve fertility should focus on both sexes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82273638) and the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2018YFC1004201). All authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how pre-service geography teachers conceptualize "nature" using photovoice. The researcher analyzed the participants' data to extract six themes: primary nature, secondary nature, nature as the law of things, nature as a relational geography, nature as a threatened place, and nature as a necessity for human well-being. The participants said that their conceptualizations of nature helped confirm their experiences and the level of their conceptualization of nature acquired through school education. This study has also helped the instructor understand students' levels of conceptualization of nature and is significant as a guide to planning and practicing follow-up classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The normal function of sperm depends on maintaining sperm DNA integrity that effects on male fertility. Considering the conflicting information about this issue, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the role of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) on male fertility in fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 infertile male patients participating in artificial insemination (ICSI) in Seyyed al-Shohada hospital in Jahrom. After semen collection and sperm preparation by the density gradient method, sperm parameters were checked, and sperm DFI was measured by sperm chromatin dispersion assay. The patients were divided into three groups with DFI less than 15%, 15 to 30%, and more than 30%. After semen analysis, and fertilization, the fertilization rate and the embryo number were determined. The data were analyzed using descriptive tests, and the correlation of DFI with the sperm parameters and fertilization outcomes was evaluated with Pearson correlation. Results: The findings were showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in sperm number and its moving forward, and increase in immobility as a result of increasing DFI. According to the results of the correlation coefficient, DFI has an inverse correlation with sperm parameters including the number (r=- 0.48), forward progression (r=-0.52), and fertilization rate (r=-0.83), embryos number (r=-0.35), and it has direct correlation with sperm immobility (r=0.47). Conclusion: The results, in addition to emphasizing adverse effects of high sperm DFI on men's fertility, it is used in predicting pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, measuring sperm DFI is recommended in ICSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been used not only to avoid genetic diseases and increase conception success rates but also to perform non‐medical sex selection, particularly in the surging cross‐border reproductive care (CBRC). In the context of commercialised biomedicine, assisted reproductive technologies, such as lifestyle sex selection, have been tailored to meet intended parents' preferences. However, there is a lack of analysis on how individuals' reproductive decisions on PGD‐assisted sex selection were shaped within the sociocultural norms and CBRC. This article explores Taiwanese gay fathers' navigations on sex selection while seeking third‐party reproduction overseas because of local legal constraints. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 53 gay fathers (to‐be), I analysed how 'individual preferences' were dynamically shaped by local sociocultural norms and embedded within transnational settings of routinising PGD in chosen repro‐destinations. The findings showed that gay fathers mobilised strategic discourses on non‐medical sex selection from both the local and the global to negotiate their decisions in coherence with their LGBTQ+ identity and their role as sons carrying familial responsibility to procreate male heirs. This article proposed a nuanced understanding of gay fathers' reproductive practices of 'gendering the beginning of life' through PGD‐assisted sex selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reciprocal IVF is a route to parenthood that, for the first time, allows cis two-mother families (and other couples in which both partners have a uterus and egg stores) to 'share' biological parenthood. This family form offers a valuable opportunity for researchers to examine experiences of gestational and genetic motherhood within the same family, and this article is the first to take a sociological approach to exploring kinship within this emerging family form. Drawing upon interview data with 14 two-mother families (28 mothers) who have conceived via reciprocal IVF, we show that mothers hold complex, creative and sometimes contradictory understandings of the 'multiple motherhoods' within their family (i.e. genetic, epigenetic and gestational motherhood). Overall, mothers took an active and strategic approach to constructing kinship within their family, and these findings have theoretical, empirical and clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the association between neonatal birthweight (NBW) discordance and preeclampsia (PE) in twin pregnancy. Methods: This was a single‐center retrospective cohort study. Women with two live births in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University from January 2011 to June 2020 were eligible. They were classified into four groups based on the quartiles of NBW discordance in monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancy. The relationship between NBW discordance and the risk of PE was assessed by logistic regression, subgroup analyses was further analyzed. Results: A total of 1566 women were eligible for the final analysis, there were 445 MC cases and 1121 DC cases. No matter in monochorionic or dichorionic pregnancy, higher NBW discordance quartiles were associated with increased risks of PE. Compared with women in the lowest NBW discordance quartile, women in the highest NBW discordance quartile had approximately 3.6 and 6.0 times risk of PE in monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancy respectively. The association between quartiles of NBW discordance and the risk of PE were higher in dichorionic pregnancy than in monochorionic pregnancy. No matter in MC or DC pregnancy, no significant interaction effects were identified for maternal age, pregnancy body mass index, mode of conception and whether complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The increased NBW discordance quartile was related to an increased risk of PE. Assessing estimated fetal weight discordance by using ultrasound in clinical practice to predict PE remained to be further researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between spiritual well-being, prenatal stress and attachment level of Turkish women conceiving spontaneously or with assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The comparative descriptive study type was conducted between November 2021 and June 2022 with 202 pregnant women, including 87 women conceiving with ART and 115 women conceiving spontaneously, who applied for routine prenatal care checkup in a state hospital in the west of Turkey. Both groups have a high level of spiritual well-being. Pregnant women in the ART group experience higher prenatal distress (9.6% for spontaneous, 12.6% for ART, p = 0.487) and low level of attachment (69.72 ± 7.98 for spontaneous, 66.24 ± 8.88 for ART, p = 0.006) compared to the other group. Additionally, as insufficient partner involvement in the prenatal process increases in pregnant women in both groups, prenatal attachment decreases. It is extremely important that midwives and nurses evaluate the spiritual well-being of pregnant women and provide holistic care in line with their spiritual needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this essay is to present and analyse the basic assumptions of Leszek Nowak's conception of the unity of science. According to Nowak, the unity of science is manifested in the common application of the method of idealisation in scientific research. In accordance with his conception, regardless of the discipline they represent, researchers go through the same stages in building a theory. Two key ones among them are: introducing idealising assumptions into the representation and then their concretisation. In this view, idealisation is the basis of the scientific method, while other cognitive procedures complement it. Nowak's conception has particular relevance in the context of the dispute between naturalism and anti-naturalism and in the context of the continuing rift between social scientists and natural scientists. It calls into question the anti-naturalist thesis of the ontological uniqueness of social sciences and the resulting methodological consequences. I argue that Nowak's conception is a cognitively valuable contribution to the contemporary epistemology of science, but it also has weaknesses, mainly due to the limitations of applying the idealisation-concretisation scheme in research practice. For it turns out, as I point out in this essay, that many idealising assumptions are not subject to concretisation and that concretisations do not always condition an increase in the explanatory and/or predictive power of the representations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction in which a gamete (ovum or sperm) develops without being fertilized. Tomer Jordi Chaffer uses parthenogenesis to challenge Don Marquis' future‐like‐ours (FLO) argument against abortion. According to Marquis, (1) what makes it morally wrong to kill us is that it would deprive us of a possible future that we might come to value—a future "like ours" (FLO) and (2) human fetuses are numerically identical to any adult human organism they may develop into, and thus have a FLO. Chaffer contends that if human ova are capable of parthenogenesis, then they would have a FLO, which contraception may deprive them of, but contends this is absurd. Bruce P. Blackshaw challenges Chaffer, contending sexually fertilized embryos are not identical to unfertilized ovum, but this would yield a more absurd implication, that fertilization deprives an ovum of a FLO! Here I show Marquis' account of identity rules out both Chaffer's and Blackshaw's accounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub‐estrus buffaloes do not exhibit estrus signs despite being cyclic contributing to extended service periods and inter‐calving intervals causing significant economic loss. The present study described the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF2α) on estrus behaviour, follicular and luteal morphometry, and serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) profile in sub‐estrus buffaloes during the non‐breeding season. The incidence of sub‐estrus was 38.4% during the non‐breeding season. The sub‐estrus buffaloes (n = 33) were divided into two groups, viz., Control (n = 16) and PGF2α treatment (Inj. Cloprostenol 500 μg, i.m., n = 17). Estrus induction response was significantly greater in the treatment (100 vs. 18.75%, p <.001), and a relatively greater proportion of animals conceived in the treatment group (29.41 vs. 6.25%, p =.08). The time elapsed to induction of estrus and insemination following treatment was significantly lower in the treatment group than control. A significant increment in the follicle diameter (9.72 ± 0.45 vs. 13.00 ± 0.45 mm, P <.0001) and serum estradiol (E2) concentration (66.01 ± 11.92 vs. 104.9 ± 13.21 pg/mL, p =.003) observed at the post‐treatment period in the PGF2α treatment group. At the same time, CL diameter was reduced significantly at a higher regression rate in the PGF2α treated buffaloes than those of control. Of the responded buffaloes, only 30% showed high‐intensity estrus attributed to the expulsion of cervico‐vaginal mucus (CVM), uterine tonicity, micturition, and mounting response by a teaser bull. From this study, it can be concluded that the administration of PGF2α could induce estrus in the sub‐estrus buffaloes during the non‐breeding season. Behavioural changes, along with sonographic observation of POF, regressing CL, and serum E2 and P4 concentration would be useful to determine the right time of insemination in sub‐estrus buffaloes during non‐breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis, affecting approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women globally, poses significant challenges, including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. In low- and middle-income countries like India, accessibility to affordable infertility care remains a concern. This multicenter prospective cohort study, conducted across six tertiary care hospitals in India from 2017 to 2022, aims to explore the natural progression of conception and pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis. Of the 257 participants, 19.1% conceived during the study, revealing significant geographic and income-based variations (p < 0.001, p = 0.01). Dysmenorrhea (p < 0.001) and dyspareunia (p=0.027) were correlated with conception, while no such associations were found with chronic pelvic pain or menstrual factors. Lesion type, number, and severity showed no conclusive link with conception. Natural conception occurred in 70% of cases, with an average post-surgery conception time of 282.1 days. Live birth rate was 85.7%, while complications included placenta previa (16.4%), preeclampsia (4.1%), and preterm births (4.1%). This study, one of the first in India on endometriosis-related fertility progression, emphasizes the need for comprehensive understanding and management of conception and pregnancy outcomes. Considering India's substantial endometriosis burden, the study recommends prioritizing larger multicenter investigations for a better understanding and effective strategies for infertility management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a multimodal learning application system that integrates electronic medical records (EMR) and hysteroscopic images for reproductive outcome prediction and risk stratification of patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) resulting from endometrial injuries. Materials and methods: EMR and 5014 revisited hysteroscopic images of 753 post hysteroscopic adhesiolysis patients from the multicenter IUA database we established were randomly allocated to training, validation, and test datasets. The respective datasets were used for model development, tuning, and testing of the multimodal learning application. MobilenetV3 was employed for image feature extraction, and XGBoost for EMR and image feature ensemble learning. The performance of the application was compared against the single-modal approaches (EMR or hysteroscopic images), DeepSurv and ElasticNet models, along with the clinical scoring systems. The primary outcome was the 1-year conception prediction accuracy, and the secondary outcome was the assisted reproductive technology (ART) benefit ratio after risk stratification. Results: The multimodal learning system exhibited superior performance in predicting conception within 1-year, achieving areas under the curves of 0.967 (95% CI: 0.950-0.985), 0.936 (95% CI: 0.883-0.989), and 0.965 (95% CI: 0.935-0.994) in the training, validation, and test datasets, respectively, surpassing single-modal approaches, other models and clinical scoring systems (all P <0.05). The application of the model operated seamlessly on the hysteroscopic platform, with an average analysis time of 3.7 ± 0.8 s per patient. By employing the application's conception probability-based risk stratification, mid-high-risk patients demonstrated a significant ART benefit (odds ratio= 6, 95% CI: 1.27-27.8, P=0.02), while low-risk patients exhibited good natural conception potential, with no significant increase in conception rates from ART treatment (P=1). Conclusions: The multimodal learning system using hysteroscopic images and EMR demonstrates promise in accurately predicting the natural conception of patients with IUAs and providing effective postoperative stratification, potentially contributing to ART triage after IUA procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study aimed to identify the changes in a prospective' conceptions about the nature of mathematical tasks and pedagogy in video cases and to investigate the characteristics of the prospective' professional knowledge and views during task design/modification. The study used the mathematical task demand engagement process, which includes task-sorting activity, selecting tasks, reflecting on illustrative cases, and teaching and reflecting on tasks as enacted. The findings regarding one prospective, Kar, were reported. Focus group interviews, individual interviews, and two recorded lessons were used as data sources. The content analysis method was employed for the in-depth analysis of the data. The findings suggested a change in Kar's ideas about the nature of mathematical tasks, particularly about what characteristics low and high-level tasks possess and the efficiency of the Task Analysis Guide. Kar also generated detailed ideas on the pedagogy of high and low tasks and realized the role of teachers as facilitators while enacting high-level tasks. Another finding is that Kar's decisions regarding task adaptation and her reasons catalyze both situated and global knowledge and views. Our findings suggest that providing an opportunity for prospective to reflect on and discuss the nature of mathematical tasks as planned, implemented, and revisited in a professional context is beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infertility affects 15% of the population in developed countries, and its prevalence is increasing. Fertility can be influenced by different factors. Although key factors like maternal age cannot be changed, there is growing evidence that other modifiable factors, such as diet, can have an impact on fertility. Diet has become increasingly important in recent years for a number of reasons: the new trend toward a healthy lifestyle, the higher prevalence of certain digestive disorders, a lack of time that leads people to consume more prepared and processed food, and personal choice to not eat meat, among others. To meet these needs, several diets have recently become popular, such as the Mediterranean diet, known as the gold standard of health; the DASH diet, known for preventing hypertension; the Western diet, characterized by processed food; the ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate intake; and the vegetarian diet, which is the choice for people who do not eat meat or animal by-products. Diets present a unique composition characterized by the presence or absence of specific nutrients, which have also been associated with male and female fertility individually. This review assesses the impact of these diets and of macro- and micronutrients on both female and male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective: to study the characteristics of the physical and sexual development of girls conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Materials and methods. An examination of 16 teenage girls who were born with the help of ART was carried out. The average age of the girls was 12.0±0.45 (10–13) years. All girls underwent a clinical, functional, hormonal examinations, secondary sexual characteristics were evaluated according to the J. Tanner scale. Blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), as well as estradiol (E2), testosterone, levels of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were determined by the radioimmunoassay method on the microspectrophotometer “Stat fax” 303 PLUS USA in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. To study the functional activity of the liver, fasting glucose level and oral glucose tolerance test, insulin, alanine amino-transferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were determined. In order to compare the concentration of hormones, 25 teenage girls of the appropriate age who were born from a spontaneous pregnancy and have a physiological course of the puberty period were additionally examined. Results. According to the ultrasound examination, the length of the right and left ovaries, as well as all echographic indicators, are significantly increased in girls who were born with the help of ART. A study of hormone levels in teenage girls conceived with ART revealed statistically higher levels of LH (5.05±1.17 mIU/ ml), DHEA-S (91.9±16.93 μg/dL), E2 (78.13±17.98 pg/ml), which indicates hyperandrogenism and hyperestrogenism of adrenal origin. At the same time, the fasting glucose level and its level after the oral glucose tolerance test were statistically lower than similar indicators in girls born from a spontaneous pregnancy and with the physiological course of puberty, but the fasting insulin level was higher (p<0.05). Conclusions. In girls who were born with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), premature development of secondary sexual characteristics (late precocious puberty) and pronounced hair growth have been identified. Carbohydrate metabolism, enzymatic activity of the liver and functional activity of the kidneys in girls who were born with the help of ART do not differ from similar indicators of girls who were born from spontaneous pregnancy and with the physiological course of puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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 study aimed to examine faculty members' perceptions and practices regarding teachers' professional development in enhancing instructional quality at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative research approach using a descriptive case study design was utilized. Data were collected from teachers, department heads, the education quality assurance office coordinator, a dean, and the leader of the higher diploma program, of the university through semi-structured interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. Data analysis was conducted through interpretative methods emphasizing narrative description. The findings revealed that teachers hold misconceptions about professional development and exhibit reluctance to engage in professional development activities, such as workshops and meetings. Additionally, the level of academic dialogue among teachers was found to be insufficient, leading to the dichotomization of faculty into 'old' and 'new' categories, which negatively impacted their commitment to professional development initiatives. To address these challenges, it is recommended that teachers cultivate a sense of responsibility and intrinsic motivation toward their professional development while fostering collaborative relationships. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education is urged to redesign and develop professional development training programs that avoid, if not reduce, the one-size-fits-all and top-down approaches currently prevalent in professional development initiatives.

Objective. This paper aims to provide an overview of the use of treatments available for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) during pregnancy and breastfeeding, according to current national recommendations and international guidelines, as well as data on the impact on pregnancy outcomes of paternal exposure to treatment. Methods. We performed a narrative review of national and international recommendations and guidelines on the reproductive health of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases. The last updated recommendations and guidelines were considered source data. Results. We reported updated information regarding the treatment of axSpA and PsA with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular glucocorticoids, conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic DMARDs, and targeted synthetic DMARDs during the preconception period, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, as well as data related to paternal exposure. We highlighted any medications that should be discontinued and/or not used in the reproductive age group and also treatments that may be continued, avoiding the withdrawal of drugs that can be used in the different phases, thus preventing the risk of increasing disease activity and flares before, during, and after pregnancy in SpA patients. Conclusions. The best management of pregnancy in patients with SpA is based on knowledge of updated drug recommendations, a careful and wise evaluation of the risks/benefits of starting or continuing treatment from the SpA diagnosis in a woman of childbearing age through pregnancy and lactation, and sharing therapeutic choices with other healthcare providers (in particular, gynecologists/obstetricians) and the patient.

Increasing use of machine learning or “artificialintelligence” (AI) software systems in technical innovation has ledsome to speculate that perhaps machines might be consideredinventors under patent law. While U.S. patent doctrine decisivelyprecludes such a bizarre and counterproductive result, thespeculation leads to a more fruitful inquiry about the role ofcausation in the law of inventorship. U.S. law has almost entirelydisregarded causation in determining inventorship, with very fewexceptions, some of which are surprising. In this essay, I examinethose exceptions to inventive causality, the role they play indetermining inventorship, and their effect in excludingconsideration of mechanical inventors under current law.

The establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy requires proper interaction between the endocrine and immune systems in the uterus. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how changes in endometrial cytokine levels facilitate reproduction. This study aimed to investigate how representative cytokines sequentially changed in the endometrium and whether conception could be attributed to these changes. In this study, artificial insemination was performed twice in 160 sows and ovulation was examined every 3 h using transrectal ultrasonography. Uterine endometrial tissues were obtained via repeated biopsies at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h after ovulation and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 expression was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The conception rate was 91.9%. The IL-2 levels showed no differences in conception or time. The expression peaks of IL-4 and IL-6 were delayed in sows that failed to conceive within 4–6 h and 2 h, respectively, compared to those that did conceive. In sows that conceived, IL-8 was highest after 2 h, and no difference was observed at other time point, regardless of conception. In sows that failed to conceive, the increase in IL-8 levels might have been cancelled or terminated before the first sampling time. These results highlight the importance of timely increases and subsequent declines in the levels of some cytokines for the establishment of pregnancy. Differences in uterine capacity start just after ovulation; detection and correction of these deviations can improve the reproductive efficiency of sows.

The article summarizes scientific approaches to the development of the theory of changes in the greening of business. The scientific and methodological approaches to understanding the basics of the theory of change have been developed. The features of the application of the theory of change in the greening of business are presented. The specifics of the development of the theory of changes in the greening of business on the example of Ukraine are revealed. It is determined that for the Ukrainian realities, the greening of business is implemented mainly in the formal plane in the context of compliance with the norms and standards of environmental development, ensuring environmental taxation, control of environmental pollution standards, which slows down the development of the component of the Ukrainian environmental business and hinders the innovative introduction of elements of the ecological paradigm in our country. The theory of change is a rigorous but necessary process by which groups and stakeholders in planning activities formulate their long-term goals and define the conditions that they believe should precede the achievement of these goals. These conditions are modeled as desired outcomes, organized graphically in a causal structure. Change theory describes the types of interventions (a single program or a coordinated initiative) that lead to the outcomes depicted in the outcome map. Each intervention is linked to an outcome in a causal system, revealing the often complex web of actions required to bring about change. Several factors have been found to make it difficult for multinational companies to take action against climate change, such as a lack of certainty about climate policy, a lack of green technologies, and a lack of return on investment. The use of green practices also remains limited in the International Health Standards (IHR) in both developed and developing countries, due to limited access to finance and skills, lack of information and knowledge about innovation, and, in some cases, poor enforcement of rules. It is determined that for a better and more effective application of the norms and provisions of the theory of changes in the greening of business, it is relevant to introduce professional courses for managers and environmental managers of companies, which will direct the professional training of management staff to the implementation of effective environmental changes in business. It is also relevant to introduce the State-based programs to stimulate the development of greening business in terms of indirect (tax incentives for businesses that implement environmental innovations) and direct incentives for the implementation of environmental changes (preferential lending for greening business).