Objective:To explore the perspectives of high-risk pregnant women regarding the home care program for high-risk pregnancies.Methods:This qualitative study was conducted in a university hospital and 5 comprehensive hea...Objective:To explore the perspectives of high-risk pregnant women regarding the home care program for high-risk pregnancies.Methods:This qualitative study was conducted in a university hospital and 5 comprehensive health centers in Ahvaz,Iran,from February 2023 to July 2023.The sampling method used was purposive sampling considering the maximum possible diversity,which continued until data saturation.11 in-depth and semistructured interviews were conducted with high-risk pregnant women.Data were simultaneously analysed using Graneheim and Lundman content analysis by MAXQDA version 20 software.Results:Data analysis extracted 3 themes,12 categories,and 26 subcategories.The themes and categories were“high-risk pregnancy and related issues(pursuing treatment and paying attention to the high-risk situation by pregnant women,psychological aspect of high-risk pregnancy on pregnant women and caregivers,emotional and physical aspects of high-risk pregnancy,the consequences of high-risk pregnancy on the people around them and empowerment of high-risk pregnant women)”,“support dimension(family and community support for high-risk pregnant women)”,and“framework of program(acculturalization,means and equipment,security,manpower and the necessary arrangements for the home care)”.Conclusions:High-risk pregnancy affects various aspects of the lives of high-risk pregnant women and their families.Creating the necessary conditions for providing care at home plays a vital role in supporting high-risk pregnant women and removing related obstacles to receiving prenatal care in person.It will be especially beneficial for high-risk pregnant women in low-income areas.展开更多
The inability to procreate is frequently considered a personal tragedy and a hardship for couples, impacting on the entire family and even the local community. In Gaza strip, Palestine, there has been no study on etio...The inability to procreate is frequently considered a personal tragedy and a hardship for couples, impacting on the entire family and even the local community. In Gaza strip, Palestine, there has been no study on etiological risk factors for subfertility. The present study aimed to identify risk factors associated with subfertility among women in Gaza, Palestine. One hundred and sixty-nine women in the study group and 115 women in the control group were included. Cases were selected randomly from those referred to the A1 Basma Fertility Center, Gaza, Palestine. Data were collected through close-ended questionnaire, sonography, hormonal analysis and thrombophilia profile that included the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase （MTHFR 677 C 〉 T）, factor V leiden （1691 G 〉 A） and pro- thrombin （20210 G 〉 A） genes. By using univariate analyses, the effects of different patient-related variables on the presence of subfertility were evaluated. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed, crude and adjusted odds ratios （OR） and 95% confidence intervals （95% CI） were calculated. The findings showed that 73.5 % （169/230） of the women referred to the A1 Basma Center sought treatment for subfertility. Different etiological risk factors were associated with subfertility, the most frequent of which in descending order were： thrombophilic disorders, fallopian tube problems, sex hormone abnormalities and polycystic ovary syndrome with an adjusted OR of 21.42, 13.63, 11.69 and 10.29, respectively. In conclusion, several etiological risk factors are responsible for subfertility among women in Gaza. Comprehensive evaluation of infertile women should be considered in the course of treatment; otherwise, the duration of sterility may be extended.展开更多
Rubber[Hevea brasiliensis(Willd.ex A.Juss.)Müll.Arg.]plantations are the largest cultivated forest type in tropical China.Returning organic materials to the soil will help to maintain the quality and growth of ru...Rubber[Hevea brasiliensis(Willd.ex A.Juss.)Müll.Arg.]plantations are the largest cultivated forest type in tropical China.Returning organic materials to the soil will help to maintain the quality and growth of rubber trees.Although many studies have demonstrated that organic waste materials can be used to improve soil fertility and structure to promote root growth,few studies have studied the eff ects of organic amendments on soil fertility and root growth in rubber tree plantations.Here,bagasse,coconut husk or biochar were applied with a chemical fertilizer to test their eff ects on soil properties after 6 months and compared with the eff ects of only the chemical fertilizer.Results showed that the soil organic matter content,total nitrogen,available phosphorus and available potassium after the chemical fertilizer(F)treatment were all signifi cantly lower than after the chemical fertilizer+bagasse(Fba),chemical fertilizer+coconut husk(Fco)or chemical fertilizer+biochar(Fbi)(p<0.05).Soil pH in all organic amendments was higher than in the F treatment,but was only signifi cantly higher in the Fbi treatment.In contrast,soil bulk density in the F treatment was signifi cantly higher than in treatments with the organic amendments(p<0.05).When compared with the F treatment,soil root dry mass increased signifi-cantly by 190%,176%and 33%in Fba,Fco and Fbi treatments,respectively(p<0.05).Similar results were found for root activity,number of root tips,root length,root surface area and root volume.Conclusively,the application of bagasse,coconut husk and biochar increased soil fertility and promoted root growth of rubber trees in the short term.However,bagasse and coconut husk were more eff ective than biochar in improving root growth of rubber trees.展开更多
Objective:To describe the various options available for preserving female and/or male fertility,taking into account both social and medical aspects,and to identify the effects of different natural products on male inf...Objective:To describe the various options available for preserving female and/or male fertility,taking into account both social and medical aspects,and to identify the effects of different natural products on male infertility extracted from plants.Methods:We reviewed the literature and included full-text publications in English provided by international biomedical databases,including Sciences Direct,Google Scholar,OVID,PubMed,and MEDLINE between 2016 and 2023.Search terms,such as fertility preservation,in vitro maturation,cryopreservation,plants for the treatment of male infertility,were taken from Medical Subject Headings(MeSH)and Boolean operators were used to improve sensitivity.Results:112 papers were identified in the initial search,of which 18 were excluded due to duplication.After reviewing titles and abstracts,70 papers were finally included.The main findings of this study are presented under three key themes:gametogenesis,fertility preservation techniques,and plant-based alternatives.Regarding gametogenesis,significant progress has been made in understanding oocyte and sperm maturation,with optimized conditions improving maturation rates and motility.For fertility preservation,techniques such as rescue in vitro maturation and cryopreservation have shown the enhanced outcomes,particularly in maintaining gamete quality.Lastly,plant-based alternatives,including extracts and essential oils,have demonstrated potential in reducing oxidative stress,improving sperm motility,and supporting oocyte development,thus providing a promising complementary approach to conventional methods.Conclusions:Fertility preservation is achieved in a variety of ways,including oocyte and embryo vitrification and sperm cryopreservation,and the use of plant-based treatment of male infertility.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate how DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and chromatin denaturation index(CDI)relate to semen parameters across different types of male infertility,thereby improving the understanding and assessment of sp...Objective:To evaluate how DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and chromatin denaturation index(CDI)relate to semen parameters across different types of male infertility,thereby improving the understanding and assessment of sperm quality.Methods:A prospective and descriptive cohort study was conducted over two years at the Integrated Physiology Laboratory of the University of Carthage in collaboration with the Alyssa Fertility Group,Tunisia.A total of 163 participants were classified into five groups based on their semen parameters:normozoospermia,oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligoastheno-teratozoospermia.The normozoospermia group was selected from volunteers who had children.Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO guidelines.DFI was measured using Halosperm®and CDI was tested using aniline blue staining.Results:Both DFI and CDI were significantly higher in all infertility groups,with the oligozoospermia group showing the highest DFI and CDI.Negative correlations were found between DFI/CDI and sperm motility,concentration,and morphology in the affected groups.The normozoospermia group served as a control with the lowest DFI and CDI values.Conclusions:DFI and CDI are increasingly recognized as important biomarkers for evaluating sperm quality in cases of male infertility.Their elevated levels in patients with oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligo-asthenoteratozoospermia underscore their potential role in not only diagnosing male infertility but also in assessing the overall reproductive outcomes for affected individuals,thus guiding more effective treatment strategies.展开更多
Background:While traditional meditation practices are known for their mental health benefits,they often face limitations such as restricted access and environmental distractions.To address these challenges and enhance...Background:While traditional meditation practices are known for their mental health benefits,they often face limitations such as restricted access and environmental distractions.To address these challenges and enhance meditation effectiveness,this study implemented an immersive virtual reality meditation(IVRM)program and examined its potentialmental health benefits among university students-a population that frequently experiences significant psychological distress.Methods:Nineteen university students participated in eight 15-min sessions of an IVRM program designed to promote mindfulness and relaxation over the course of one month.Perceived stress and anxiety levels were assessed using validated self-report measures at baseline(T1)and post-intervention(T2).Twotailed paired t-tests were conducted to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the program,and effect sizes were reported using Cohen’s d.Results:Significant reductions were observed from pre-to post-intervention in perceived stress(t(18)=3.694,p<0.001,SE=0.17,d=−0.85)and perceived anxiety(t(18)=5.113,p<0.01,SE=0.10,d=−1.20),both indicating large effect sizes.Conclusion:Our findings provide preliminary evidence that the IVRMprogramcan reduce stress and anxiety levels in university students.The positive results suggest that IVRM has the potential to serve as a novel,technology-based meditation intervention for individuals at elevated risk for developingmental health disorders.Furthermore,our study suggests important implications for future research.展开更多
To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval,we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic(NOA)men with different testic...To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval,we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic(NOA)men with different testicular volumes(TVs)who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE).A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital(formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital,Shenzhen,China)were retrospectively reviewed.The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles.Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups.Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%.FSH levels(median[interquartile range])were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was<5 ml(first quartile[Q1:TV<3 ml]:43.32[17.92]IU l^(−1) vs 32.95[18.56]IU l−1,P=0.048;second quartile[Q2:3 ml≤TV<5 ml]:31.31[15.37]IU l^(−1) vs 25.59[18.40]IU l^(−1),P=0.042).Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were<5 ml(adjusted odds ratio[OR]:1.06 per unit increase;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.01–1.11;P=0.011).In men with TVs≥5 ml,larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval(adjusted OR:0.84 per 1 ml increase;95%CI:0.71–0.98;P=0.029).In conclusion,elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs<5 ml.In men with TV≥5 ml,increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.展开更多
Dairy cattle slurry is a source of nitrogen(N)that can substitute for synthetic fertilizers.This study aimed to identify combinations of synthetic fertilizers and slurry optimal for maize growth and N dynamics in Nort...Dairy cattle slurry is a source of nitrogen(N)that can substitute for synthetic fertilizers.This study aimed to identify combinations of synthetic fertilizers and slurry optimal for maize growth and N dynamics in Northeast China.In a two-year field experiment testing synthetic-to-slurry N fertilization ratios,slurry application increased grain yield and yield components,net economic benefit,and N use efficiency relative to synthetic fertilization but led to higher nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions.A 1:1-1:3 synthetic N:slurry N ratio and slurry application at 60-90 t ha^(-1)balanced productivity with N losses.展开更多
This study comprises a systematic review and meta-analysis of micmsurgical vasoepididymostomy outcomes in epididymal obstructive azoospermia.A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline,Embase,and the...This study comprises a systematic review and meta-analysis of micmsurgical vasoepididymostomy outcomes in epididymal obstructive azoospermia.A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline,Embase,and the Cochrane library that included all studies related to microsurgical vasoepididymostomy.Keywords included “vasoepididymostomy,”“epididymovasostomy,”“epididymal obstruction,”and “epididymis obstruction.”Event rate and risk ratio (RR)were estimated.Patency rate and pregnancy rate were investigated.The analysis comprised 1422 articles,including 42 observational studies with 2298 enrolled patients performed from November 1978 to January 2017.The overall mean patency rate was 64.1%(95%confidence interval [CI]:58.5%-69.3%;F=83.0%),and the overall mean pregnancy rate was 31.1%(95%CI:26.9%-35.7%;I^2=73.0%).We performed a meta-analysis comparing the patency rate of bilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and unilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and found an RR of 1.38%(95%CI: 1.21%-1.57%;P <0.00001).A comparison of the site of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy showed that caudal or corpus area was favorable for patency rate (RR =1.17%;95%CI: 1.01%-1.35%;P =0.04).Patients with motile sperm in epididymal fluid exhibited an RR of 1.53%(95%CI:1.11%-2.13%;P =0.01)with respect to patency rate. Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy is an effective treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia that can improve male fertility. We find that performing microsurgical vasoepididymostomy bilaterally,anastomosing a larger caudal area,and containing motile sperm in epididymis fluid can potentially achieve a superior patency rate.展开更多
Field experiments were conducted with five rates （0, 75, 150, 225, and 450 kg P205 ha^-1） of seedbed P fertilizer application to investigate the yield of tomato in response to fertilizer P rate on calcareous soils w...Field experiments were conducted with five rates （0, 75, 150, 225, and 450 kg P205 ha^-1） of seedbed P fertilizer application to investigate the yield of tomato in response to fertilizer P rate on calcareous soils with widely different levels of Olsen P （13-142 mg kg^-1） at 15 sites in some suburban counties of Beijing in 1999. Under the condition of no P fertilizer application, tomato yield generally increased with an increase in soil test P levels, and the agronomic level for soil testing P measured with Olsen method was 50 or 82 mg kg^-1 soil to achieve 85% or 95% of maximum tomato yield, respectively. With regard to marketable yield, in the fields where Olsen-P levels were 〈 50 mg kg^-1, noticeable responses to applied P were observed. On the basis of a linear plateau regression, the optimum seedbed P application rate in the P-insufflcient fields was 125 kg P205 ha^-1 or about 1.5-2 times the P removal from harvested tomato plants. In contrast, in fields with moderate （50 〈 Olsen P 〈 90 mg kg^-1） or high （Olsen P 〉 90 mg kg^-1） available P, there was no marked effect on tomato fruit yield. Field survey data indicated that in most fields with conventional P management, a P surplus typically occurred. Thus, once the soil test P level reached the optimum for crop yield, it was recommended that P fertilizer application be restricted or eliminated to minimize negative environmental effects.展开更多
Advances in the oncology field have led to improved survival rates.Consequently,quality of life after remission is anticipated,which includes the possibility to conceive children.Since cancer treatments are potentiall...Advances in the oncology field have led to improved survival rates.Consequently,quality of life after remission is anticipated,which includes the possibility to conceive children.Since cancer treatments are potentially gonadotoxic,fertility preservation must be proposed.Male fertility preservation is mainly based on ejaculated sperm cryopreservation.When this is not possible,testicular sperm extraction(TESE)may be planned.To identify situations in which TESE has been beneficial,a systematic review was conducted.The search was carried out on the PubMed,Scopus,Google Scholar,and CISMeF databases from 1 January 2000 to 19 March 2020.Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)recommendations were followed in selecting items of interest.Thirty-four articles were included in the systematic review,including 15 articles on oncological testicular sperm extraction(oncoTESE),18 articles on postgonadotoxic treatment TESE and 1 article on both oncoTESE and postgonadotoxic treatment TESE.Testicular sperm freezing was possible for 42.9%to 57.7%of patients before gonadotoxic treatment and for 32.4%to 75.5%of patients after gonadotoxic treatment,depending on the type of malignant disease.Although no formal conclusion could be drawn about the chances to obtain sperm in specific situations,our results suggest that TESE can be proposed before and after gonadotoxic treatment.Before treatment,TESE is more often proposed for men with testicular cancer presenting with azoospermia since TESE can be performed simultaneously with tumor removal or orchiectomy.After chemotherapy,TESE may be planned if the patient presents with persistent azoospermia.展开更多
Soil-emitted nitrous oxide(N2O) and nitric oxide(NO) in crop production are harmful nitrogen(N) emissions that may contribute both directly and indirectly to global warming. Application of nitrification inhibitors, su...Soil-emitted nitrous oxide(N2O) and nitric oxide(NO) in crop production are harmful nitrogen(N) emissions that may contribute both directly and indirectly to global warming. Application of nitrification inhibitors, such as dicyandiamide(DCD), and urea deep placement(UDP), are considered effective approaches to reduce these emissions. This study investigated the effects of DCD and UDP, compared to urea and potassium nitrate, on emissions, nitrogen use efficiency and grain yields under direct-seeded rice. High-frequency measurements of N2O and NO emissions were conducted using the automated closed chamber method throughout the crop-growing season and during the ratoon crop. Both UDP and DCD were effective in reducing N2O emissions by 95% and 73%, respectively. The highest emission factor(1.53% of applied N) was observed in urea, while the lowest was in UDP(0.08%). Emission peaks were mainly associated with fertilization events and appeared within one to two weeks of fertilization. Those emission peaks contributed to 65%–98% of the total seasonal emissions. Residual effects of fertilizer treatments on the N2O emissions from the ratoon crop were not significant;however, the urea treatment contributed 2%, whereas UDP contributed to 44% of the total annual emissions. On the other hand, cumulative NO emissions were not significant in either the rice or ratoon crops. UDP and DCD increased grain yields by 16%–19% and N recovery efficiency by 30%–40% over urea. The results suggested that the use of DCD and UDP could mitigate N2O emissions and increase grain yields and nitrogen use efficiency under direct-seeded rice condition.展开更多
The stromal antigen 3(STAG3)gene,encoding a meiosis-specific cohesin component,is a strong candidate for causing male infertility,but little is known about this gene so far.We identified STAG3 in patients with nonobst...The stromal antigen 3(STAG3)gene,encoding a meiosis-specific cohesin component,is a strong candidate for causing male infertility,but little is known about this gene so far.We identified STAG3 in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA)and normozoospermia in the Korean population.The coding regions and their intron boundaries of STAG3 were identified in 120 Korean men with spermatogenic impairments and 245 normal controls by using direct sequencing and haplotype analysis.A total of 30 sequence variations were identified in this study.Of the total,seven were exonic variants,18 were intronic variants,one was in the 5’-UTR,and four were in the 3'-UTR.Pathogenic variations that directly caused NOA were not identified.However,two variants,c.3669+35C>G(rs1727130)and+198A>T(rs1052482),showed significant differences in the frequency between the patient and control groups(P=0.021,odds ratio[OR]:1.79,95%confidence interval[Cl]:1.098-2.918)and were tightly linked in the linkage disequilibrium(LD)block.When pmir-rs1052482A was cotransfected with miR-3162-5p,there was a substantial decrease in luciferase activity,compared with pmir-rs1052482T.This result suggests that rsl052482 was located within a binding site of miR-3162-5p in the STAG33'-UTR,and the minor allele,the rs1052482T polymorphism,might offset inhibition by miR-3162-5p.We are the first to identify a total of 30 single-nucleotide variations(SNVs)of STAG3 gene in the Korean population.We found that two SNVs(rs1727130 and rsl052482)located in the 3'-UTR region may be associated with the NOA phenotype.Our findings contribute to understanding male infertility with spermatogenic impairment.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate implantation of day 5 and day 6 vitrified and slow-frozen blastocysts. Design: Retrospective analysis comparing two cryopreservation techniques. Setting: Private IVF clinic. Patient(s): Five hun...Objective: To evaluate implantation of day 5 and day 6 vitrified and slow-frozen blastocysts. Design: Retrospective analysis comparing two cryopreservation techniques. Setting: Private IVF clinic. Patient(s): Five hundred eight cryopreserved embryo transfer candidates. Intervention(s): Supernumerary day 5 and day 6 blastocysts were vitrified or slow-frozen and transfered after warming or thawing. Main Outcome Measure(s): Comparison of two cryopreservation techniques with respect to survival rate, implantation, and pregnancy rates of day 5 and day 6 blastocysts. Result(s): In 254 vitrified transfer cycles, survival, embryonic implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates for day 5 blastocysts were 95.9% , 33.4% , 48.7% , respectively, and for day 6 blastocysts 97.5% , 25.9% , 42.8% . In 254 slow-frozen transfer cycles, survival, embryonic implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates for day 5 blastocysts were 91.4% , 29.6% , 42.8% , respectively, and for day 6 blastocysts 94.8% , 28.2% , 43.1% . Overall there was a slightly, but not significantly, higher outcome regarding implantation and clinical pregnancy with the use of day 5 blastocysts (31.3% and 45.4% , respectively) versus day 6 blastocysts (26.7, and 42.9% , respectively). Conclusion(s): Vitrification technique yields the same implantation and pregnancy rate as slow-frozen blastocyst transfers. Slow growing embryos can be cryopreserved on day 6, because they yield a satisfactory survival, implantation, and pregnancy rate.展开更多
Objectives: Numerous factors can cause infertility. Tubal factor accounts for approximately 30% of infertility in females. This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of asymptomatic Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasm...Objectives: Numerous factors can cause infertility. Tubal factor accounts for approximately 30% of infertility in females. This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of asymptomatic Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in females diagnosed with tubal obstruction. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study conducted at New Life Fertility Centre. We have identified and reviewed the health records of 167 subfertile women that had HSG and an endocervical swab for Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum done. Results: We compared the endocervical swab results of ureaplasma and mycoplasma in the patients with tubal obstruction (group 1) to the patients with normal patent tubes (group 2). Diagnosis of tubal patency was based on the HSG results. Our results show that there is a significantly higher rate of Ureaplasma urealyticum/Mycoplasma hominis infection in group 1 compared to group 2. Conclusion: Our data shows that there is a high rate of U. urealyticum and M. hominis infection in patients diagnosed with tubal factor of infertility and it can be a marker in the prediction of the tubal pathology.展开更多
Semen analysis(SA)remains the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation and should ideally be performed by an accredited andrology laboratory or in vitro fertilization(IVF)clinics based on the standards defined by th...Semen analysis(SA)remains the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation and should ideally be performed by an accredited andrology laboratory or in vitro fertilization(IVF)clinics based on the standards defined by the World Health Organization(WHO)for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen and in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s Basic Semen Examination on Specification and Test Methods.展开更多
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the treatment for many causes of infertility. Many studies were done to investigate different factors that can affect the success rate. This study was conducted to evaluate if cycle day...In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the treatment for many causes of infertility. Many studies were done to investigate different factors that can affect the success rate. This study was conducted to evaluate if cycle day 3 (CD3) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) ratio can be a predictor for the IVF outcome in young sub-fertile females ≤ 35 years with normal baseline FSH. This is a retrospective case control study conducted at the Centre of Fertility and Andrology Care (CFAC) in Egypt where 235 sub-fertile women underwent IVF. Patients were grouped based on CD3 FSH/LH ratio. Group A consisted of ≤35-year-old women with FSH/LH ratio ≤35-year-old women with FSH/LH ratio ≥ 2. The primary outcomes include the fertilization rate, implantation rate and the clinical pregnancy rate. The secondary outcomes include duration and the total dose of gonadotrophin used. We found that, there was no significant difference in the total dose of gonadotropin used during the IVF cycle. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes and the number of good embryos. Clinical pregnancy rate was the same in both groups. In conclusion, in patients younger than 35 years, CD3 FSH/LH ratio is not a predictor for IVF outcome.展开更多
Essential plant nutrients contained in residues and wastes generated during biofuel processing can be recovered for further production of bioenergy biomass. The objective of this study was to determine the relative ag...Essential plant nutrients contained in residues and wastes generated during biofuel processing can be recovered for further production of bioenergy biomass. The objective of this study was to determine the relative agronomic efficiency of “processed” biofuel residual (PBR). Liquid biofuel residual was “processed” by precipitating phosphate and ammonium in the residual with magnesium into a struvite-like material. Then, in a series of greenhouse experiments, we evaluated the fertility potential of PBR, using sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), as a test bioenergy crop. We compared the agronomic effectiveness of PBR to inorganic commercial fertilizers, biosolids, and poultry manure as nutrient sources. The sources were either applied alone or in combination with supplemental essential plant nutrients (S, K, Mg, and micronutrients). In each of the greenhouse experiments, the crop was grown for 12 wk on soil of minimal native fertility. After each harvest, sufficient water was applied to the soil in each pot over a 6-wk period to yield ~2 L (~one pore volume) of leachate to assess potential total N and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) losses. Dry matter yields from the PBR treatment applied alone were significantly greater than yields from inorganic fertilizers, biosolids, and poultry manure treatments applied alone, and similar to yields obtained when the supplemental essential plant nutrients were added to the inorganic fertilizer, biosolids, and manure treatments. Leachate N and SRP concentrations from the PBR treatment were significantly lower than in the treatments with inorganic fertilizers, poultry manure, and biosolids. We conclude that PBR can substitute for inorganic fertilizers and other organic sources of plant nutrients to produce bioenergy biomass cheaply, without causing offsite N and P losses in vulnerable soils.展开更多
Nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA)refers to the failure of spermatogenesis,which affects approximately 1%of the male population and contributes to 10%of male infertility.NOA has an underlying basis of endocrine imbalance...Nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA)refers to the failure of spermatogenesis,which affects approximately 1%of the male population and contributes to 10%of male infertility.NOA has an underlying basis of endocrine imbalances since proper human spermatogenesis relies on complex regulation and cooperation of multiple hormones.A better understanding of subtle hormonal disturbances in NOA would help design and improve hormone therapies with reduced risk in human fertility clinics.The purpose of this review is to summarize the research on the endocrinological aspects of NOA,especially the hormones involved in hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis(HPTA),including gonadotropin-releasing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,prolactin,testosterone,estradiol,sex hormone binding globulin,inhibin B,anti-Müllerian hormone,and leptin.For the NOA men associated with primary testicular failure,the quality of currently available evidence has not been sufficient enough to recommend any general hormone optimization therapy.Some other NOA patients,especially those with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,could be treated with hormonal replacement.Although these approaches have succeeded in resuming the fertility in many NOA patients,the prudent strategies should be applied in individuals according to specific NOA etiology by balancing fertility benefits and potential risks.This review also discusses how NOA can be induced by immunization against hormones.展开更多
Maternal nutrition is found to be the key factor that determines fetal health in utero and metabolic health during adulthood.Metabolic diseases have been primarily attributed to impaired maternal nutrition during preg...Maternal nutrition is found to be the key factor that determines fetal health in utero and metabolic health during adulthood.Metabolic diseases have been primarily attributed to impaired maternal nutrition during pregnancy,and impaired nutrition has been an immense issue across the globe.In recent years,type 2 diabetes(T2D)has reached epidemic proportion and is a severe public health problem in many countries.Although plenty of research has already been conducted to tackle T2D which is associated with obesity,little is known regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of lean T2D,a variant of T2D.Recent studies have focused on the effects of epigenetic variation on the contribution of in utero origins of lean T2D,although other mechanisms might also contribute to the pathology.Observational studies in humans and experiments in animals strongly suggest an association between maternal low protein diet and lean T2D phenotype.In addition,clear sex-specific disease prevalence was observed in different studies.Consequently,more research is essential for the understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of lean T2D,which might help to develop better disease prevention and treatment strategies.This review examines the role of protein insufficiency in the maternal diet as the central driver of the developmental programming of lean T2D.展开更多
文摘Objective:To explore the perspectives of high-risk pregnant women regarding the home care program for high-risk pregnancies.Methods:This qualitative study was conducted in a university hospital and 5 comprehensive health centers in Ahvaz,Iran,from February 2023 to July 2023.The sampling method used was purposive sampling considering the maximum possible diversity,which continued until data saturation.11 in-depth and semistructured interviews were conducted with high-risk pregnant women.Data were simultaneously analysed using Graneheim and Lundman content analysis by MAXQDA version 20 software.Results:Data analysis extracted 3 themes,12 categories,and 26 subcategories.The themes and categories were“high-risk pregnancy and related issues(pursuing treatment and paying attention to the high-risk situation by pregnant women,psychological aspect of high-risk pregnancy on pregnant women and caregivers,emotional and physical aspects of high-risk pregnancy,the consequences of high-risk pregnancy on the people around them and empowerment of high-risk pregnant women)”,“support dimension(family and community support for high-risk pregnant women)”,and“framework of program(acculturalization,means and equipment,security,manpower and the necessary arrangements for the home care)”.Conclusions:High-risk pregnancy affects various aspects of the lives of high-risk pregnant women and their families.Creating the necessary conditions for providing care at home plays a vital role in supporting high-risk pregnant women and removing related obstacles to receiving prenatal care in person.It will be especially beneficial for high-risk pregnant women in low-income areas.
文摘The inability to procreate is frequently considered a personal tragedy and a hardship for couples, impacting on the entire family and even the local community. In Gaza strip, Palestine, there has been no study on etiological risk factors for subfertility. The present study aimed to identify risk factors associated with subfertility among women in Gaza, Palestine. One hundred and sixty-nine women in the study group and 115 women in the control group were included. Cases were selected randomly from those referred to the A1 Basma Fertility Center, Gaza, Palestine. Data were collected through close-ended questionnaire, sonography, hormonal analysis and thrombophilia profile that included the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase （MTHFR 677 C 〉 T）, factor V leiden （1691 G 〉 A） and pro- thrombin （20210 G 〉 A） genes. By using univariate analyses, the effects of different patient-related variables on the presence of subfertility were evaluated. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed, crude and adjusted odds ratios （OR） and 95% confidence intervals （95% CI） were calculated. The findings showed that 73.5 % （169/230） of the women referred to the A1 Basma Center sought treatment for subfertility. Different etiological risk factors were associated with subfertility, the most frequent of which in descending order were： thrombophilic disorders, fallopian tube problems, sex hormone abnormalities and polycystic ovary syndrome with an adjusted OR of 21.42, 13.63, 11.69 and 10.29, respectively. In conclusion, several etiological risk factors are responsible for subfertility among women in Gaza. Comprehensive evaluation of infertile women should be considered in the course of treatment; otherwise, the duration of sterility may be extended.
文摘Rubber[Hevea brasiliensis(Willd.ex A.Juss.)Müll.Arg.]plantations are the largest cultivated forest type in tropical China.Returning organic materials to the soil will help to maintain the quality and growth of rubber trees.Although many studies have demonstrated that organic waste materials can be used to improve soil fertility and structure to promote root growth,few studies have studied the eff ects of organic amendments on soil fertility and root growth in rubber tree plantations.Here,bagasse,coconut husk or biochar were applied with a chemical fertilizer to test their eff ects on soil properties after 6 months and compared with the eff ects of only the chemical fertilizer.Results showed that the soil organic matter content,total nitrogen,available phosphorus and available potassium after the chemical fertilizer(F)treatment were all signifi cantly lower than after the chemical fertilizer+bagasse(Fba),chemical fertilizer+coconut husk(Fco)or chemical fertilizer+biochar(Fbi)(p<0.05).Soil pH in all organic amendments was higher than in the F treatment,but was only signifi cantly higher in the Fbi treatment.In contrast,soil bulk density in the F treatment was signifi cantly higher than in treatments with the organic amendments(p<0.05).When compared with the F treatment,soil root dry mass increased signifi-cantly by 190%,176%and 33%in Fba,Fco and Fbi treatments,respectively(p<0.05).Similar results were found for root activity,number of root tips,root length,root surface area and root volume.Conclusively,the application of bagasse,coconut husk and biochar increased soil fertility and promoted root growth of rubber trees in the short term.However,bagasse and coconut husk were more eff ective than biochar in improving root growth of rubber trees.
文摘Objective:To describe the various options available for preserving female and/or male fertility,taking into account both social and medical aspects,and to identify the effects of different natural products on male infertility extracted from plants.Methods:We reviewed the literature and included full-text publications in English provided by international biomedical databases,including Sciences Direct,Google Scholar,OVID,PubMed,and MEDLINE between 2016 and 2023.Search terms,such as fertility preservation,in vitro maturation,cryopreservation,plants for the treatment of male infertility,were taken from Medical Subject Headings(MeSH)and Boolean operators were used to improve sensitivity.Results:112 papers were identified in the initial search,of which 18 were excluded due to duplication.After reviewing titles and abstracts,70 papers were finally included.The main findings of this study are presented under three key themes:gametogenesis,fertility preservation techniques,and plant-based alternatives.Regarding gametogenesis,significant progress has been made in understanding oocyte and sperm maturation,with optimized conditions improving maturation rates and motility.For fertility preservation,techniques such as rescue in vitro maturation and cryopreservation have shown the enhanced outcomes,particularly in maintaining gamete quality.Lastly,plant-based alternatives,including extracts and essential oils,have demonstrated potential in reducing oxidative stress,improving sperm motility,and supporting oocyte development,thus providing a promising complementary approach to conventional methods.Conclusions:Fertility preservation is achieved in a variety of ways,including oocyte and embryo vitrification and sperm cryopreservation,and the use of plant-based treatment of male infertility.
文摘Objective:To evaluate how DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and chromatin denaturation index(CDI)relate to semen parameters across different types of male infertility,thereby improving the understanding and assessment of sperm quality.Methods:A prospective and descriptive cohort study was conducted over two years at the Integrated Physiology Laboratory of the University of Carthage in collaboration with the Alyssa Fertility Group,Tunisia.A total of 163 participants were classified into five groups based on their semen parameters:normozoospermia,oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligoastheno-teratozoospermia.The normozoospermia group was selected from volunteers who had children.Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO guidelines.DFI was measured using Halosperm®and CDI was tested using aniline blue staining.Results:Both DFI and CDI were significantly higher in all infertility groups,with the oligozoospermia group showing the highest DFI and CDI.Negative correlations were found between DFI/CDI and sperm motility,concentration,and morphology in the affected groups.The normozoospermia group served as a control with the lowest DFI and CDI values.Conclusions:DFI and CDI are increasingly recognized as important biomarkers for evaluating sperm quality in cases of male infertility.Their elevated levels in patients with oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligo-asthenoteratozoospermia underscore their potential role in not only diagnosing male infertility but also in assessing the overall reproductive outcomes for affected individuals,thus guiding more effective treatment strategies.
文摘Background:While traditional meditation practices are known for their mental health benefits,they often face limitations such as restricted access and environmental distractions.To address these challenges and enhance meditation effectiveness,this study implemented an immersive virtual reality meditation(IVRM)program and examined its potentialmental health benefits among university students-a population that frequently experiences significant psychological distress.Methods:Nineteen university students participated in eight 15-min sessions of an IVRM program designed to promote mindfulness and relaxation over the course of one month.Perceived stress and anxiety levels were assessed using validated self-report measures at baseline(T1)and post-intervention(T2).Twotailed paired t-tests were conducted to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the program,and effect sizes were reported using Cohen’s d.Results:Significant reductions were observed from pre-to post-intervention in perceived stress(t(18)=3.694,p<0.001,SE=0.17,d=−0.85)and perceived anxiety(t(18)=5.113,p<0.01,SE=0.10,d=−1.20),both indicating large effect sizes.Conclusion:Our findings provide preliminary evidence that the IVRMprogramcan reduce stress and anxiety levels in university students.The positive results suggest that IVRM has the potential to serve as a novel,technology-based meditation intervention for individuals at elevated risk for developingmental health disorders.Furthermore,our study suggests important implications for future research.
基金supported by the Shenzhen Fundamental Research Program(No.JCYJ20210324121807021).
文摘To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval,we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic(NOA)men with different testicular volumes(TVs)who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE).A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital(formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital,Shenzhen,China)were retrospectively reviewed.The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles.Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups.Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%.FSH levels(median[interquartile range])were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was<5 ml(first quartile[Q1:TV<3 ml]:43.32[17.92]IU l^(−1) vs 32.95[18.56]IU l−1,P=0.048;second quartile[Q2:3 ml≤TV<5 ml]:31.31[15.37]IU l^(−1) vs 25.59[18.40]IU l^(−1),P=0.042).Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were<5 ml(adjusted odds ratio[OR]:1.06 per unit increase;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.01–1.11;P=0.011).In men with TVs≥5 ml,larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval(adjusted OR:0.84 per 1 ml increase;95%CI:0.71–0.98;P=0.029).In conclusion,elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs<5 ml.In men with TV≥5 ml,increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA28100200)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD150080202)+1 种基金the Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China,Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China(LCGANE12)the Northeast Agricultural University Scholar Project and Academic Backbones Program(20YJXG13)。
文摘Dairy cattle slurry is a source of nitrogen(N)that can substitute for synthetic fertilizers.This study aimed to identify combinations of synthetic fertilizers and slurry optimal for maize growth and N dynamics in Northeast China.In a two-year field experiment testing synthetic-to-slurry N fertilization ratios,slurry application increased grain yield and yield components,net economic benefit,and N use efficiency relative to synthetic fertilization but led to higher nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions.A 1:1-1:3 synthetic N:slurry N ratio and slurry application at 60-90 t ha^(-1)balanced productivity with N losses.
文摘This study comprises a systematic review and meta-analysis of micmsurgical vasoepididymostomy outcomes in epididymal obstructive azoospermia.A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline,Embase,and the Cochrane library that included all studies related to microsurgical vasoepididymostomy.Keywords included “vasoepididymostomy,”“epididymovasostomy,”“epididymal obstruction,”and “epididymis obstruction.”Event rate and risk ratio (RR)were estimated.Patency rate and pregnancy rate were investigated.The analysis comprised 1422 articles,including 42 observational studies with 2298 enrolled patients performed from November 1978 to January 2017.The overall mean patency rate was 64.1%(95%confidence interval [CI]:58.5%-69.3%;F=83.0%),and the overall mean pregnancy rate was 31.1%(95%CI:26.9%-35.7%;I^2=73.0%).We performed a meta-analysis comparing the patency rate of bilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and unilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy and found an RR of 1.38%(95%CI: 1.21%-1.57%;P <0.00001).A comparison of the site of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy showed that caudal or corpus area was favorable for patency rate (RR =1.17%;95%CI: 1.01%-1.35%;P =0.04).Patients with motile sperm in epididymal fluid exhibited an RR of 1.53%(95%CI:1.11%-2.13%;P =0.01)with respect to patency rate. Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy is an effective treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia that can improve male fertility. We find that performing microsurgical vasoepididymostomy bilaterally,anastomosing a larger caudal area,and containing motile sperm in epididymis fluid can potentially achieve a superior patency rate.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30230250) the Ministry of Agriculture, China (No. 2003-Z53).
文摘Field experiments were conducted with five rates （0, 75, 150, 225, and 450 kg P205 ha^-1） of seedbed P fertilizer application to investigate the yield of tomato in response to fertilizer P rate on calcareous soils with widely different levels of Olsen P （13-142 mg kg^-1） at 15 sites in some suburban counties of Beijing in 1999. Under the condition of no P fertilizer application, tomato yield generally increased with an increase in soil test P levels, and the agronomic level for soil testing P measured with Olsen method was 50 or 82 mg kg^-1 soil to achieve 85% or 95% of maximum tomato yield, respectively. With regard to marketable yield, in the fields where Olsen-P levels were 〈 50 mg kg^-1, noticeable responses to applied P were observed. On the basis of a linear plateau regression, the optimum seedbed P application rate in the P-insufflcient fields was 125 kg P205 ha^-1 or about 1.5-2 times the P removal from harvested tomato plants. In contrast, in fields with moderate （50 〈 Olsen P 〈 90 mg kg^-1） or high （Olsen P 〉 90 mg kg^-1） available P, there was no marked effect on tomato fruit yield. Field survey data indicated that in most fields with conventional P management, a P surplus typically occurred. Thus, once the soil test P level reached the optimum for crop yield, it was recommended that P fertilizer application be restricted or eliminated to minimize negative environmental effects.
文摘Advances in the oncology field have led to improved survival rates.Consequently,quality of life after remission is anticipated,which includes the possibility to conceive children.Since cancer treatments are potentially gonadotoxic,fertility preservation must be proposed.Male fertility preservation is mainly based on ejaculated sperm cryopreservation.When this is not possible,testicular sperm extraction(TESE)may be planned.To identify situations in which TESE has been beneficial,a systematic review was conducted.The search was carried out on the PubMed,Scopus,Google Scholar,and CISMeF databases from 1 January 2000 to 19 March 2020.Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)recommendations were followed in selecting items of interest.Thirty-four articles were included in the systematic review,including 15 articles on oncological testicular sperm extraction(oncoTESE),18 articles on postgonadotoxic treatment TESE and 1 article on both oncoTESE and postgonadotoxic treatment TESE.Testicular sperm freezing was possible for 42.9%to 57.7%of patients before gonadotoxic treatment and for 32.4%to 75.5%of patients after gonadotoxic treatment,depending on the type of malignant disease.Although no formal conclusion could be drawn about the chances to obtain sperm in specific situations,our results suggest that TESE can be proposed before and after gonadotoxic treatment.Before treatment,TESE is more often proposed for men with testicular cancer presenting with azoospermia since TESE can be performed simultaneously with tumor removal or orchiectomy.After chemotherapy,TESE may be planned if the patient presents with persistent azoospermia.
基金The United States Agency for International Development provided support through the project Feed the Future Soil Fertility Technology Adoption,Policy Reform and Knowledge Management(Cooperative Agreement number AID-BFS-IO-15-00001)。
文摘Soil-emitted nitrous oxide(N2O) and nitric oxide(NO) in crop production are harmful nitrogen(N) emissions that may contribute both directly and indirectly to global warming. Application of nitrification inhibitors, such as dicyandiamide(DCD), and urea deep placement(UDP), are considered effective approaches to reduce these emissions. This study investigated the effects of DCD and UDP, compared to urea and potassium nitrate, on emissions, nitrogen use efficiency and grain yields under direct-seeded rice. High-frequency measurements of N2O and NO emissions were conducted using the automated closed chamber method throughout the crop-growing season and during the ratoon crop. Both UDP and DCD were effective in reducing N2O emissions by 95% and 73%, respectively. The highest emission factor(1.53% of applied N) was observed in urea, while the lowest was in UDP(0.08%). Emission peaks were mainly associated with fertilization events and appeared within one to two weeks of fertilization. Those emission peaks contributed to 65%–98% of the total seasonal emissions. Residual effects of fertilizer treatments on the N2O emissions from the ratoon crop were not significant;however, the urea treatment contributed 2%, whereas UDP contributed to 44% of the total annual emissions. On the other hand, cumulative NO emissions were not significant in either the rice or ratoon crops. UDP and DCD increased grain yields by 16%–19% and N recovery efficiency by 30%–40% over urea. The results suggested that the use of DCD and UDP could mitigate N2O emissions and increase grain yields and nitrogen use efficiency under direct-seeded rice condition.
基金This research was supported by a grant from the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute(KHIDI)funded by the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(Grant No.H14C0106020014).
文摘The stromal antigen 3(STAG3)gene,encoding a meiosis-specific cohesin component,is a strong candidate for causing male infertility,but little is known about this gene so far.We identified STAG3 in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA)and normozoospermia in the Korean population.The coding regions and their intron boundaries of STAG3 were identified in 120 Korean men with spermatogenic impairments and 245 normal controls by using direct sequencing and haplotype analysis.A total of 30 sequence variations were identified in this study.Of the total,seven were exonic variants,18 were intronic variants,one was in the 5’-UTR,and four were in the 3'-UTR.Pathogenic variations that directly caused NOA were not identified.However,two variants,c.3669+35C>G(rs1727130)and+198A>T(rs1052482),showed significant differences in the frequency between the patient and control groups(P=0.021,odds ratio[OR]:1.79,95%confidence interval[Cl]:1.098-2.918)and were tightly linked in the linkage disequilibrium(LD)block.When pmir-rs1052482A was cotransfected with miR-3162-5p,there was a substantial decrease in luciferase activity,compared with pmir-rs1052482T.This result suggests that rsl052482 was located within a binding site of miR-3162-5p in the STAG33'-UTR,and the minor allele,the rs1052482T polymorphism,might offset inhibition by miR-3162-5p.We are the first to identify a total of 30 single-nucleotide variations(SNVs)of STAG3 gene in the Korean population.We found that two SNVs(rs1727130 and rsl052482)located in the 3'-UTR region may be associated with the NOA phenotype.Our findings contribute to understanding male infertility with spermatogenic impairment.
文摘Objective: To evaluate implantation of day 5 and day 6 vitrified and slow-frozen blastocysts. Design: Retrospective analysis comparing two cryopreservation techniques. Setting: Private IVF clinic. Patient(s): Five hundred eight cryopreserved embryo transfer candidates. Intervention(s): Supernumerary day 5 and day 6 blastocysts were vitrified or slow-frozen and transfered after warming or thawing. Main Outcome Measure(s): Comparison of two cryopreservation techniques with respect to survival rate, implantation, and pregnancy rates of day 5 and day 6 blastocysts. Result(s): In 254 vitrified transfer cycles, survival, embryonic implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates for day 5 blastocysts were 95.9% , 33.4% , 48.7% , respectively, and for day 6 blastocysts 97.5% , 25.9% , 42.8% . In 254 slow-frozen transfer cycles, survival, embryonic implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates for day 5 blastocysts were 91.4% , 29.6% , 42.8% , respectively, and for day 6 blastocysts 94.8% , 28.2% , 43.1% . Overall there was a slightly, but not significantly, higher outcome regarding implantation and clinical pregnancy with the use of day 5 blastocysts (31.3% and 45.4% , respectively) versus day 6 blastocysts (26.7, and 42.9% , respectively). Conclusion(s): Vitrification technique yields the same implantation and pregnancy rate as slow-frozen blastocyst transfers. Slow growing embryos can be cryopreserved on day 6, because they yield a satisfactory survival, implantation, and pregnancy rate.
文摘Objectives: Numerous factors can cause infertility. Tubal factor accounts for approximately 30% of infertility in females. This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of asymptomatic Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in females diagnosed with tubal obstruction. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study conducted at New Life Fertility Centre. We have identified and reviewed the health records of 167 subfertile women that had HSG and an endocervical swab for Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum done. Results: We compared the endocervical swab results of ureaplasma and mycoplasma in the patients with tubal obstruction (group 1) to the patients with normal patent tubes (group 2). Diagnosis of tubal patency was based on the HSG results. Our results show that there is a significantly higher rate of Ureaplasma urealyticum/Mycoplasma hominis infection in group 1 compared to group 2. Conclusion: Our data shows that there is a high rate of U. urealyticum and M. hominis infection in patients diagnosed with tubal factor of infertility and it can be a marker in the prediction of the tubal pathology.
文摘Semen analysis(SA)remains the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation and should ideally be performed by an accredited andrology laboratory or in vitro fertilization(IVF)clinics based on the standards defined by the World Health Organization(WHO)for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen and in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s Basic Semen Examination on Specification and Test Methods.
文摘In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the treatment for many causes of infertility. Many studies were done to investigate different factors that can affect the success rate. This study was conducted to evaluate if cycle day 3 (CD3) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) ratio can be a predictor for the IVF outcome in young sub-fertile females ≤ 35 years with normal baseline FSH. This is a retrospective case control study conducted at the Centre of Fertility and Andrology Care (CFAC) in Egypt where 235 sub-fertile women underwent IVF. Patients were grouped based on CD3 FSH/LH ratio. Group A consisted of ≤35-year-old women with FSH/LH ratio ≤35-year-old women with FSH/LH ratio ≥ 2. The primary outcomes include the fertilization rate, implantation rate and the clinical pregnancy rate. The secondary outcomes include duration and the total dose of gonadotrophin used. We found that, there was no significant difference in the total dose of gonadotropin used during the IVF cycle. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes and the number of good embryos. Clinical pregnancy rate was the same in both groups. In conclusion, in patients younger than 35 years, CD3 FSH/LH ratio is not a predictor for IVF outcome.
文摘Essential plant nutrients contained in residues and wastes generated during biofuel processing can be recovered for further production of bioenergy biomass. The objective of this study was to determine the relative agronomic efficiency of “processed” biofuel residual (PBR). Liquid biofuel residual was “processed” by precipitating phosphate and ammonium in the residual with magnesium into a struvite-like material. Then, in a series of greenhouse experiments, we evaluated the fertility potential of PBR, using sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), as a test bioenergy crop. We compared the agronomic effectiveness of PBR to inorganic commercial fertilizers, biosolids, and poultry manure as nutrient sources. The sources were either applied alone or in combination with supplemental essential plant nutrients (S, K, Mg, and micronutrients). In each of the greenhouse experiments, the crop was grown for 12 wk on soil of minimal native fertility. After each harvest, sufficient water was applied to the soil in each pot over a 6-wk period to yield ~2 L (~one pore volume) of leachate to assess potential total N and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) losses. Dry matter yields from the PBR treatment applied alone were significantly greater than yields from inorganic fertilizers, biosolids, and poultry manure treatments applied alone, and similar to yields obtained when the supplemental essential plant nutrients were added to the inorganic fertilizer, biosolids, and manure treatments. Leachate N and SRP concentrations from the PBR treatment were significantly lower than in the treatments with inorganic fertilizers, poultry manure, and biosolids. We conclude that PBR can substitute for inorganic fertilizers and other organic sources of plant nutrients to produce bioenergy biomass cheaply, without causing offsite N and P losses in vulnerable soils.
文摘Nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA)refers to the failure of spermatogenesis,which affects approximately 1%of the male population and contributes to 10%of male infertility.NOA has an underlying basis of endocrine imbalances since proper human spermatogenesis relies on complex regulation and cooperation of multiple hormones.A better understanding of subtle hormonal disturbances in NOA would help design and improve hormone therapies with reduced risk in human fertility clinics.The purpose of this review is to summarize the research on the endocrinological aspects of NOA,especially the hormones involved in hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis(HPTA),including gonadotropin-releasing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,prolactin,testosterone,estradiol,sex hormone binding globulin,inhibin B,anti-Müllerian hormone,and leptin.For the NOA men associated with primary testicular failure,the quality of currently available evidence has not been sufficient enough to recommend any general hormone optimization therapy.Some other NOA patients,especially those with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,could be treated with hormonal replacement.Although these approaches have succeeded in resuming the fertility in many NOA patients,the prudent strategies should be applied in individuals according to specific NOA etiology by balancing fertility benefits and potential risks.This review also discusses how NOA can be induced by immunization against hormones.
基金Supported by the National Institutes of Health Grants,No. HL102866, HL58144 and DK114689
文摘Maternal nutrition is found to be the key factor that determines fetal health in utero and metabolic health during adulthood.Metabolic diseases have been primarily attributed to impaired maternal nutrition during pregnancy,and impaired nutrition has been an immense issue across the globe.In recent years,type 2 diabetes(T2D)has reached epidemic proportion and is a severe public health problem in many countries.Although plenty of research has already been conducted to tackle T2D which is associated with obesity,little is known regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of lean T2D,a variant of T2D.Recent studies have focused on the effects of epigenetic variation on the contribution of in utero origins of lean T2D,although other mechanisms might also contribute to the pathology.Observational studies in humans and experiments in animals strongly suggest an association between maternal low protein diet and lean T2D phenotype.In addition,clear sex-specific disease prevalence was observed in different studies.Consequently,more research is essential for the understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of lean T2D,which might help to develop better disease prevention and treatment strategies.This review examines the role of protein insufficiency in the maternal diet as the central driver of the developmental programming of lean T2D.
