The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the hydroethanol extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin. The...The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the hydroethanol extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin. The results showed that administration of the hydroethanolic extract (100 and 250 mg/kg) of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark after exposure of the animals to cypermethrin induced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark produced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark may have protective effects against cypermethrin-induced male infertility due to its androgenic, spermatogenic and antiradical properties.展开更多
Objective: To explore the status quo of acceptance of illness among reproductive-age cervical cancer patients and its influencing factors, to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of targeted intervention...Objective: To explore the status quo of acceptance of illness among reproductive-age cervical cancer patients and its influencing factors, to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of targeted interventions. Methods: The convenience sampling method was used to investigate 256 reproductive-age cervical cancer patients using the general information questionnaire, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale, and Medical Coping Style Scale. Results: The total score of the acceptance of illness was (18.03 ± 3.24), and reproductive concerns were (57.02 ± 6.30), among reproductive-age cervical cancer patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age, number of children, income level, treatment method, level of reproductive concerns, and the yield and avoidance dimensions of medical coping style were the main influencing factors on patients’ level of illness acceptance (all P Conclusion: The acceptance of illness levels in reproductive-age cervical cancer patients was low to intermediate, and medical staff should timely identify high-risk groups and take preventive management measures based on influencing factors.展开更多
Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the ho...Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.展开更多
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, w...The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, were divided into three groups of 10 rabbits each, which were comparable in terms of body weight. Throughout the experiment, the rabbits of group 1 (control group) were fed ad libitum with a feed not containing carrot leaf powder (control ration), while those of groups 2 and 3 received the control ration supplemented with carrot leaf powder in concentrations of 0.5% and 1% respectively. Data was collected on feed intake, weight gain, receptivity, fertility, gestation length of does, litter size, weight, viability and sex ratio of the young rabbits till 5 weeks post-partum. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the fertility rate, gestation duration and sex ratio of the kits with reference to the control. Litter size at birth was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced in does fed diets containing carrot leaf powder compared to the control. However, the reversed effects were observed at five weeks post-partum. The live weight of weaned kits and weight gain of rabbit does at birth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated rabbits compared to the control. The supplementation of carrot leaf powder in feed can improve production performance in female rabbits, through their antioxidant activities thanks to their various components, thus fighting against oxidative stress effects to which animals are exposed both from endogenous and environmental sources.展开更多
We studied sexual dimorphism in body size and shape and female reproductive characteristics in the Hainan Water Skink(Tropidophorus hainanus)from Hainan,South China.In our sample the largest female and male were 61.1 ...We studied sexual dimorphism in body size and shape and female reproductive characteristics in the Hainan Water Skink(Tropidophorus hainanus)from Hainan,South China.In our sample the largest female and male were 61.1 and 55.2 mm snout-vent length(SVL),respectively.The mean SVL was larger in adult females(52.0 mm)than in adult males(48.3 mm).Juveniles were sexually dimorphic in head length but not in other examined morphological variables.Adult males were longer in head length and shorter in abdomen length and fore-limb length than adult females of the same SVL.Ontogenetic shifts in sexual dimorphism in body shape were evident,as revealed by the fact that morphological differences between the sexes were more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Females produced a single litter of 3–6 offspring per season from early August to early September.Litter size,litter mass and offspring(neonate)mass were positively related to female SVL.Neonate mass was independent of relative fecundity.From the above findings we draw three main conclusions.First,females are the larger sex in T.hainanus,and sexual dimorphism in body shape is more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Second,larger female T.hainanus produce more and larger offspring and thus heavier litters than smaller ones.Third,the offspring size-number trade-off does is not evident in T.hainanus.展开更多
Background: Adolescents in developing countries have limited knowledge about the prevention of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. In several African countries, risky sexual behaviour persists, including early sexual debut...Background: Adolescents in developing countries have limited knowledge about the prevention of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. In several African countries, risky sexual behaviour persists, including early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, economic and sexual exchange, and low condom and contraceptive use. The purpose of this study is to assess the sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behaviour of adolescents in rural Burkina Faso in order to improve their sexual and reproductive health. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection conducted from 07 March to 04 April 2022 in the area of the Demographic and Health Surveillance System of the Nouna Research Centre. A questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 1202 adolescents. Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 14.1 years and 56.6% were male. Only 58.2% of the adolescents had ever heard of HIV/AIDS. Of these, 95.7% did not know their HIV status. In addition, 15.8% had ever had sexual intercourse and 2.4% had been sexually active at an early age. Almost 45% had not used any contraceptive method the last time they had sex. Condoms were the most frequently used contraceptive method (47.4%). Among teenagers, 27.6% had been pregnant at least once, 7.3% were married and the average age at marriage was 18.45 years. Almost 7% (6.9%) of teenagers had more than one sexual partner. Conclusion: Adolescents have limited knowledge about reproductive health. Risky sexual behaviour persists. Awareness campaigns need to be intensified to improve their sexual and reproductive health.展开更多
Two questions in the research of animal personality—whether there is a correlation between a personality trait and individual reproductive success,and what is the genetic basis underlying a personality trait—remain ...Two questions in the research of animal personality—whether there is a correlation between a personality trait and individual reproductive success,and what is the genetic basis underlying a personality trait—remain unresolved.We addressed these two questions in three shrub-nesting birds,the Azure-winged Magpie(Cyanopica cyanus,AM),White-collared Blackbird(Turdus albocinctus,WB),and Brown-cheeked Laughingthrush(Trochalopteron henrici,BL).The personality type of an individual was first identified according to its response to a territorial intruder.Then,we compared the fleeing distance,breeding parameters,and differential expressed genes(DEGs) in the brain transcriptome between bold and shy breeders.In the three species,bold breeders exhibited more aggressiveness towards an intruder of their territory than did shy breeders.The reproductive success of bold breeders was significantly higher than that of shy breeders in AM but not in WB and BL.The three species shared one DEG,crabp1,which was up-regulated in bold relative to in shy individuals.By regulating the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone,higher crabp1 gene expression can decrease cellular response to retinoic acid.Therefore,bold individuals are insensitive to external stresses and able to exhibit more aggressiveness to intruders than their shier counterparts.Aggressiveness is beneficial to bold individuals in AM but not in WB and BL because the former could evoke neighbors to make the same response of defending against intruders but the latter could not.Although a personality trait may have the same genetic basis across species,its correlation with reproductive success depends largely on the life history style of a species.展开更多
This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium salts of linseed oil (rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3) on metabolic and reproductive traits in high-producing dairy cows under grazing. Thirty-six Ho...This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium salts of linseed oil (rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3) on metabolic and reproductive traits in high-producing dairy cows under grazing. Thirty-six Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned, in a complete block design, to receive ALA supplementation (0.85 kg∙day−1 of calcium salts of linseed oil) or to remain as untreated control (CON). The concentrate was formulated to offer the same amount of energy across treatments (CON cows received an extra kg of corn to compensate for the higher energy density of ALA treatment). A PMR + Alfalfa pasture was offered to all cows at the same time. A fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) at 80 DIM, preceded by a Presynch plus Ovsynch protocol was implemented for the first service and later, on return to estrus, heat detection and artificial insemination (AI) were performed. Pregnancy diagnosis was checked at 30, 42, 60, and 90 d after AI. Blood and milk samples were taken biweekly. Treatment affected plasma cholesterol concentration (160.36 vs. 186.70 mg∙dl−1, p = 0.03, for ALA and CON, respectively) and on size of corpus luteum (CL, 17.6 vs. 13.7 mm, p = 0.02, for ALA and CON, respectively). Supplementation tended (p = 0.136) to increase conception rate by 200 DIM (81.69% vs. 55.43% in ALA and CON cows, respectively). However, treatment had no effect (p > 0.05) on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and circulating levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, insulin, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). Our results suggest that supplementation with calcium salts of linseed oil could enhance ovarian function without affecting energy metabolism in early lactation dairy cows.展开更多
Introduction: In Nigeria, one of the major reasons for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The age of marriage is on the increase in this part ...Introduction: In Nigeria, one of the major reasons for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The age of marriage is on the increase in this part of the world. Many women are now increasingly getting engulfed in career and academic pursuits at the detriment of early marriage. Many men are also not interested in marrying women who have no job. There is age-related acceleration of primordial follicle depletion which is of great clinical importance because it is associated with a significant decrease in fecundity. Objective: This study assessed the ages of the marriage of women who attended Fertility and Antenatal clinics at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital, Abakaliki, and their relationship with the fertility pattern of these women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 352 consenting married women who sought and received fertility and Antenatal care at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria between February 1, 2022 and January 31, 2024. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the participants over a two-year period. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. A test of statistical significance was done using Chi Square. Results: The age group with the highest education was 26 - 30. This was statistically significant (X2 = 90.893, P-value 2 = 294.555, P-value 2 = 173.007, p-value 2 = 129.494, P-value 2 = 169.300, p-value 2 = 279.230, p-value Conclusion: There is increased difficulty at conception at marriage age above 25 years. The major reasons for delayed marriage were academic pursuit and lack of gainful employment. Education of the masses and inclusion of biological dynamics of the female reproductive behaviours as part of the core school curriculum will help enlighten the female and the male folks alike to enable them to make informed decisions with regard to the timing of marriage and commencement of procreation. This will help reduce infertility and save millions of couples the agony associated with infertility.展开更多
The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,14...The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.展开更多
The reproductive performance of female chickens is critical for determining the efficiency of production and productivity and thus profitability.Studies have shown that the reproductive performance of female chickens ...The reproductive performance of female chickens is critical for determining the efficiency of production and productivity and thus profitability.Studies have shown that the reproductive performance of female chickens is mainly regulated by the feed,hormones,genes,and light conditions.Herein,we review the major factors regulating female chicken reproductive performance and assess the reproductive organs and their functions.In the current review,we highlight how the interconnections of hormones,candidate genes,and photo-stimulation regulate female chicken reproductive hormones and thus regulate the reproductive organ performance.In this regard,the roles of main hormones[gonadotropinreleasing hormone(GnRH)and genes(GnRH-Ⅰ)]in regulating sexual maturation and ovarian development and maintenance by influencing the survival and function of follicular granulosa cells were also reviewed.In addition,the current review also highlights how feeding female chickens with diets and artificial light-emitting diodes(LEDs)support the effective functioning of their reproductive capacity through the stimulation of sexual maturity at an appropriate age and regeneration of aged reproductive organs.展开更多
BACKGROUND The occurrence of postoperative depression and anxiety in patients with endomet-riosis(EMS)not only causes psychological distress,but may also harm their physical health.AIM To explore the postoperative dep...BACKGROUND The occurrence of postoperative depression and anxiety in patients with endomet-riosis(EMS)not only causes psychological distress,but may also harm their physical health.AIM To explore the postoperative depression status,and its influencing factors,of EMS patients with reproductive intention.METHODS A total of 321 EMS patients with reproductive intent were included.Using the self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale,EMS patients with anxiety or depression were distinguished.A clinical model for predicting anxiety or depression in EMS patients was constructed and evaluated using a nomogram,receiver operating characteristic curve,and calibration curve.RESULTS The results of the single factor analysis showed that smoking,coffee,EMS stage,chronic pelvic pain,and sexual discomfort may be related to anxiety.Further,smoking,drinking,spouse,annual household income and EMS stage may be related to depression in EMS patients.Multivariate logistic regression illustrated that smoking,coffee,chronic pelvic pain and sexual discomfort may be inde-pendent risk factors for anxiety in EMS patients,while smoking,EMS stage(Phase III and Phase IV),spouse and high annual household income may be independent risk factors for depression in EMS patients.Additionally,the models used to predict the risk of anxiety or depression in EMS patients have good predictive value.CONCLUSION The anxiety and depression of EMS patients may be related to many factors.In clinical treatment,additional attention should be paid to the psychological status of EMS patients.展开更多
To clarify the connotations and extensions of urban resilience,this study focuses on the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle with 16 cities as research subjects.A comprehensive evaluation index system was constructed to...To clarify the connotations and extensions of urban resilience,this study focuses on the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle with 16 cities as research subjects.A comprehensive evaluation index system was constructed to measure the resilience of each city from 2003 to 2020.The spatial-temporal evolution characteristics were analyzed using Kernel density estimation,standard deviation ellipse,and spatial Markov chain analysis,and the spatial Tobit model was introduced to discover the influencing factors.The results indicate the following:①Urban resilience in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle displays an upward trend,with the center of gravity moving to the southwest,and the polarization phenomenon intensifying.②The urban resilience level in a region has certain spatial and geographical dependence,while the probability of urban resilience transfer differs in adjacent cities with different resilience levels.③Urban centrality,economic scale,openness level,and financial development promote urban resilience,whereas government scale significantly inhibits it.Finally,this paper proposes countermeasures and suggestions to improve the urban resilience of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle.展开更多
We studied the cycles of reproduction and fat bodies of a blue-tailed skink population of an undescribed species of the Plestiodon brevirostris group.Sexual maturity is attained by females and males as they both reach...We studied the cycles of reproduction and fat bodies of a blue-tailed skink population of an undescribed species of the Plestiodon brevirostris group.Sexual maturity is attained by females and males as they both reach about 59 mm of SVL.Vitellogenesis started in June-July,with ovulation occurring during late-October to mid-November,and parturition in mid-spring.Litter size varied from two to six,with a mean of 3.86±0.15 embryos in uterus,and showed a positive correlation with female body mass and SVL.During gestation,a significant increase in the average wet mass of embryos in uterus was evident.In comparison,there were no notable changes in the average dry mass.Juvenile growth data suggest that sexual maturity,both males and females,is reached at 16-17 months of age.Testicles and epididymides exhibited maximal weight during August-September.Testicular regression occurred in September.Mating apparently takes place from mid-summer to early fall.Lipids stored in female fat bodies are used for vitellogenesis and for nutrition during the winter months.In males,the stored lipids appear to be used in reproductive activities during the mating season.展开更多
To understand the reproductive biology of Hemitripterus villosus in the Bohai Strait,and fill the key knowledge gap in verifying reproductive seasonality and documenting gonadotropin dependent reproductive cycle of th...To understand the reproductive biology of Hemitripterus villosus in the Bohai Strait,and fill the key knowledge gap in verifying reproductive seasonality and documenting gonadotropin dependent reproductive cycle of this species,a year-round detail study was conducted for the first time.In total,263 individuals were randomly sampled off the coasts of the Bohai Strait.Results show that and the overall female-to-male ratio(1.35:1)did not differ significantly from the 1:1 sex ratio.The length and weight relationship for females and males were regressed,depicting an isometric growth for both sexes.Four reproductive phases of the complete gonadotropin dependent reproductive cycle in both sexes were identified.The monthly variations in the gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes for both sexes further indicated that this species spawns a single batch of eggs per year and the peak spawning period is from October to December.The average diameter of eggs ranged from 2.10 to 3.57 mm.The length at first sexual maturity was 224.87 mm for females and 241.26 mm for males.Significant positive relationships between absolute fecundity and fish size,and also gonadal weight were observed.H.villosus from the Bohai Strait exhibited smaller body size,smaller egg diameter,lower gonadosomatic index,lower absolute fecundity,and higher population extinction risk than the other populations’studied previously.Our findings contribute to understanding the status of this isolated westernmost population,and we emphasize that more efficient protection measures for the species and control measures are urgently required to improve the coastal environment in the Bohai Strait.展开更多
Microplastics and phthalates are prevalent and emerging pollutants that pose a potential impact on human health.Previous studies suggest that both microplastics and phthalates can adversely affect the reproductive sys...Microplastics and phthalates are prevalent and emerging pollutants that pose a potential impact on human health.Previous studies suggest that both microplastics and phthalates can adversely affect the reproductive systems of humans and mammals.However,the combined impact of these pollutants on the female reproductive system remains unclear.Here we show the impacts of exposure to polystyrene microplastics(PS-MPs)and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(DEHP)on female Sprague-Dawley rats’reproductive systems.We find that co-exposure to PS-MPs and DEHP results in a marked increase in cystic and atretic follicles,oxidative stress,fibrosis,and dysregulation of serum sex hormone homeostasis in the ovaries of the rats.Proteomic analysis identified differentially expressed proteins that were predominantly enriched in signaling pathways related to fatty acid metabolism and tight junctions,regulated by transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1).We further confirm that co-exposure to DEHP and PS-MPs activates the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway,and inhibiting this pathway alleviates oxidative stress,hormonal dysregulation,and ovarian fibrosis.These results indicate that exposure to the combination of microplastics and phthalates leads to a significant increase in atretic follicles and may increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Our study provides new insights into the reproductive toxicity effects of microplastics and DEHP exposure on female mammals,highlighting the potential link between environmental pollutants and the occurrence of PCOS.These findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessments of the reproductive health risks posed by microplastic pollution to women and contribute to the scientific basis for evaluating such risks.展开更多
Clarifying the evolution structure of public opinion induced and spread by fragmentation in college students’ network circle group is the key to understanding college students’ online social psychological demands, g...Clarifying the evolution structure of public opinion induced and spread by fragmentation in college students’ network circle group is the key to understanding college students’ online social psychological demands, grasping the development trend of public opinion, and designing targeted public opinion governance strategies. On the basis of identifying the key variables in the process of public opinion communication, DEMATEL-ISM model is used to explore the attribute positioning, relative importance level and hierarchical association mechanism of ante-variable and result variable, and then the governance strategies for fragment disordering public opinion in network circle groups of college students is designed. According to the study, exogenous stimuli, the uniqueness of discourse system, the number of spectacular texts and micro-narrative mode constituted the deep-rooted causes of fragment disordering public opinion. The unique situational and information attributes of network circle groups often become an important “booster” of disordered public opinion. The topic deviation is often accompanied with the formation of negative emotions. The corresponding public opinion governance strategies are sought from the aspects of shaping the network environment, adjusting the operation mechanism of the network circle group, improving the efficiency of using fragmented information, and optimizing the human resources of colleges.展开更多
This paper developed a comprehensive evaluation system that was able to quantify the levels of high-quality development across the cities within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle,and investigate the impact that di...This paper developed a comprehensive evaluation system that was able to quantify the levels of high-quality development across the cities within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle,and investigate the impact that digital finance had on the cities’high-quality development and the underlying mechanisms through which it achieved this.This comprehensive evaluation system was constructed using statistical data from these cities for the period 2014 to 2020 while also taking China’s high-quality development philosophy into account.The key findings revealed that:(a)Digital finance was able to significantly promote high-quality development in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle;(b)Digital finance had a significant positive effect in promoting innovative,coordinated,green,open,and shared development;(c)Digital finance was able to stimulate the high-quality development in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle by boosting entrepreneurial dynamism;(d)Digital finance had a significant impact on the high-quality development of the axis areas,while its impact was less discernible in non-axis areas.The insights from this research offer a deeper understanding of the factors that drive high-quality development,the role digital finance plays,and the mechanisms through which digital finance is able to propel high-quality development at the city cluster scale.展开更多
文摘The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the hydroethanol extract of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark on reproductive functions in male guinea pigs exposed to cypermethrin. The results showed that administration of the hydroethanolic extract (100 and 250 mg/kg) of Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark after exposure of the animals to cypermethrin induced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark produced a highly significant (p Strychnos camptoneura trunk bark may have protective effects against cypermethrin-induced male infertility due to its androgenic, spermatogenic and antiradical properties.
文摘Objective: To explore the status quo of acceptance of illness among reproductive-age cervical cancer patients and its influencing factors, to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of targeted interventions. Methods: The convenience sampling method was used to investigate 256 reproductive-age cervical cancer patients using the general information questionnaire, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale, and Medical Coping Style Scale. Results: The total score of the acceptance of illness was (18.03 ± 3.24), and reproductive concerns were (57.02 ± 6.30), among reproductive-age cervical cancer patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age, number of children, income level, treatment method, level of reproductive concerns, and the yield and avoidance dimensions of medical coping style were the main influencing factors on patients’ level of illness acceptance (all P Conclusion: The acceptance of illness levels in reproductive-age cervical cancer patients was low to intermediate, and medical staff should timely identify high-risk groups and take preventive management measures based on influencing factors.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,2018YFD0500400。
文摘Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.
文摘The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, were divided into three groups of 10 rabbits each, which were comparable in terms of body weight. Throughout the experiment, the rabbits of group 1 (control group) were fed ad libitum with a feed not containing carrot leaf powder (control ration), while those of groups 2 and 3 received the control ration supplemented with carrot leaf powder in concentrations of 0.5% and 1% respectively. Data was collected on feed intake, weight gain, receptivity, fertility, gestation length of does, litter size, weight, viability and sex ratio of the young rabbits till 5 weeks post-partum. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the fertility rate, gestation duration and sex ratio of the kits with reference to the control. Litter size at birth was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced in does fed diets containing carrot leaf powder compared to the control. However, the reversed effects were observed at five weeks post-partum. The live weight of weaned kits and weight gain of rabbit does at birth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated rabbits compared to the control. The supplementation of carrot leaf powder in feed can improve production performance in female rabbits, through their antioxidant activities thanks to their various components, thus fighting against oxidative stress effects to which animals are exposed both from endogenous and environmental sources.
基金supported by grants from the Special Foundation for Basic Work of the Science and Technology Ministry of China (2022FY100500-2)National Natural Science Foundation of China (31470471)+2 种基金Hainan Key Program of Science and Technology (ZDXM20110008)Hainan Specially Supporting Discipline of ZoologyWenzhou Ecological Park Research Project。
文摘We studied sexual dimorphism in body size and shape and female reproductive characteristics in the Hainan Water Skink(Tropidophorus hainanus)from Hainan,South China.In our sample the largest female and male were 61.1 and 55.2 mm snout-vent length(SVL),respectively.The mean SVL was larger in adult females(52.0 mm)than in adult males(48.3 mm).Juveniles were sexually dimorphic in head length but not in other examined morphological variables.Adult males were longer in head length and shorter in abdomen length and fore-limb length than adult females of the same SVL.Ontogenetic shifts in sexual dimorphism in body shape were evident,as revealed by the fact that morphological differences between the sexes were more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Females produced a single litter of 3–6 offspring per season from early August to early September.Litter size,litter mass and offspring(neonate)mass were positively related to female SVL.Neonate mass was independent of relative fecundity.From the above findings we draw three main conclusions.First,females are the larger sex in T.hainanus,and sexual dimorphism in body shape is more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Second,larger female T.hainanus produce more and larger offspring and thus heavier litters than smaller ones.Third,the offspring size-number trade-off does is not evident in T.hainanus.
文摘Background: Adolescents in developing countries have limited knowledge about the prevention of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. In several African countries, risky sexual behaviour persists, including early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, economic and sexual exchange, and low condom and contraceptive use. The purpose of this study is to assess the sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behaviour of adolescents in rural Burkina Faso in order to improve their sexual and reproductive health. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection conducted from 07 March to 04 April 2022 in the area of the Demographic and Health Surveillance System of the Nouna Research Centre. A questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 1202 adolescents. Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 14.1 years and 56.6% were male. Only 58.2% of the adolescents had ever heard of HIV/AIDS. Of these, 95.7% did not know their HIV status. In addition, 15.8% had ever had sexual intercourse and 2.4% had been sexually active at an early age. Almost 45% had not used any contraceptive method the last time they had sex. Condoms were the most frequently used contraceptive method (47.4%). Among teenagers, 27.6% had been pregnant at least once, 7.3% were married and the average age at marriage was 18.45 years. Almost 7% (6.9%) of teenagers had more than one sexual partner. Conclusion: Adolescents have limited knowledge about reproductive health. Risky sexual behaviour persists. Awareness campaigns need to be intensified to improve their sexual and reproductive health.
基金provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant 32071491, 31772465, 31672299, 31572271, and 32260128)the Natural Sciences Foundation of the Tibetan (XZ202101ZR0051G)。
文摘Two questions in the research of animal personality—whether there is a correlation between a personality trait and individual reproductive success,and what is the genetic basis underlying a personality trait—remain unresolved.We addressed these two questions in three shrub-nesting birds,the Azure-winged Magpie(Cyanopica cyanus,AM),White-collared Blackbird(Turdus albocinctus,WB),and Brown-cheeked Laughingthrush(Trochalopteron henrici,BL).The personality type of an individual was first identified according to its response to a territorial intruder.Then,we compared the fleeing distance,breeding parameters,and differential expressed genes(DEGs) in the brain transcriptome between bold and shy breeders.In the three species,bold breeders exhibited more aggressiveness towards an intruder of their territory than did shy breeders.The reproductive success of bold breeders was significantly higher than that of shy breeders in AM but not in WB and BL.The three species shared one DEG,crabp1,which was up-regulated in bold relative to in shy individuals.By regulating the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone,higher crabp1 gene expression can decrease cellular response to retinoic acid.Therefore,bold individuals are insensitive to external stresses and able to exhibit more aggressiveness to intruders than their shier counterparts.Aggressiveness is beneficial to bold individuals in AM but not in WB and BL because the former could evoke neighbors to make the same response of defending against intruders but the latter could not.Although a personality trait may have the same genetic basis across species,its correlation with reproductive success depends largely on the life history style of a species.
文摘This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium salts of linseed oil (rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3) on metabolic and reproductive traits in high-producing dairy cows under grazing. Thirty-six Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned, in a complete block design, to receive ALA supplementation (0.85 kg∙day−1 of calcium salts of linseed oil) or to remain as untreated control (CON). The concentrate was formulated to offer the same amount of energy across treatments (CON cows received an extra kg of corn to compensate for the higher energy density of ALA treatment). A PMR + Alfalfa pasture was offered to all cows at the same time. A fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) at 80 DIM, preceded by a Presynch plus Ovsynch protocol was implemented for the first service and later, on return to estrus, heat detection and artificial insemination (AI) were performed. Pregnancy diagnosis was checked at 30, 42, 60, and 90 d after AI. Blood and milk samples were taken biweekly. Treatment affected plasma cholesterol concentration (160.36 vs. 186.70 mg∙dl−1, p = 0.03, for ALA and CON, respectively) and on size of corpus luteum (CL, 17.6 vs. 13.7 mm, p = 0.02, for ALA and CON, respectively). Supplementation tended (p = 0.136) to increase conception rate by 200 DIM (81.69% vs. 55.43% in ALA and CON cows, respectively). However, treatment had no effect (p > 0.05) on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and circulating levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, insulin, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). Our results suggest that supplementation with calcium salts of linseed oil could enhance ovarian function without affecting energy metabolism in early lactation dairy cows.
文摘Introduction: In Nigeria, one of the major reasons for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The age of marriage is on the increase in this part of the world. Many women are now increasingly getting engulfed in career and academic pursuits at the detriment of early marriage. Many men are also not interested in marrying women who have no job. There is age-related acceleration of primordial follicle depletion which is of great clinical importance because it is associated with a significant decrease in fecundity. Objective: This study assessed the ages of the marriage of women who attended Fertility and Antenatal clinics at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital, Abakaliki, and their relationship with the fertility pattern of these women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 352 consenting married women who sought and received fertility and Antenatal care at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre and Smile Specialist Hospital Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria between February 1, 2022 and January 31, 2024. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the participants over a two-year period. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. A test of statistical significance was done using Chi Square. Results: The age group with the highest education was 26 - 30. This was statistically significant (X2 = 90.893, P-value 2 = 294.555, P-value 2 = 173.007, p-value 2 = 129.494, P-value 2 = 169.300, p-value 2 = 279.230, p-value Conclusion: There is increased difficulty at conception at marriage age above 25 years. The major reasons for delayed marriage were academic pursuit and lack of gainful employment. Education of the masses and inclusion of biological dynamics of the female reproductive behaviours as part of the core school curriculum will help enlighten the female and the male folks alike to enable them to make informed decisions with regard to the timing of marriage and commencement of procreation. This will help reduce infertility and save millions of couples the agony associated with infertility.
文摘The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.
基金supported by Jiangsu Provincial Seed Industry Revitalization Project [JBGS(2021)108].
文摘The reproductive performance of female chickens is critical for determining the efficiency of production and productivity and thus profitability.Studies have shown that the reproductive performance of female chickens is mainly regulated by the feed,hormones,genes,and light conditions.Herein,we review the major factors regulating female chicken reproductive performance and assess the reproductive organs and their functions.In the current review,we highlight how the interconnections of hormones,candidate genes,and photo-stimulation regulate female chicken reproductive hormones and thus regulate the reproductive organ performance.In this regard,the roles of main hormones[gonadotropinreleasing hormone(GnRH)and genes(GnRH-Ⅰ)]in regulating sexual maturation and ovarian development and maintenance by influencing the survival and function of follicular granulosa cells were also reviewed.In addition,the current review also highlights how feeding female chickens with diets and artificial light-emitting diodes(LEDs)support the effective functioning of their reproductive capacity through the stimulation of sexual maturity at an appropriate age and regeneration of aged reproductive organs.
基金Research Funds of Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM,No.JKS2022009Huaibei Science and Technology Plan Project,No.2021HK016.
文摘BACKGROUND The occurrence of postoperative depression and anxiety in patients with endomet-riosis(EMS)not only causes psychological distress,but may also harm their physical health.AIM To explore the postoperative depression status,and its influencing factors,of EMS patients with reproductive intention.METHODS A total of 321 EMS patients with reproductive intent were included.Using the self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale,EMS patients with anxiety or depression were distinguished.A clinical model for predicting anxiety or depression in EMS patients was constructed and evaluated using a nomogram,receiver operating characteristic curve,and calibration curve.RESULTS The results of the single factor analysis showed that smoking,coffee,EMS stage,chronic pelvic pain,and sexual discomfort may be related to anxiety.Further,smoking,drinking,spouse,annual household income and EMS stage may be related to depression in EMS patients.Multivariate logistic regression illustrated that smoking,coffee,chronic pelvic pain and sexual discomfort may be inde-pendent risk factors for anxiety in EMS patients,while smoking,EMS stage(Phase III and Phase IV),spouse and high annual household income may be independent risk factors for depression in EMS patients.Additionally,the models used to predict the risk of anxiety or depression in EMS patients have good predictive value.CONCLUSION The anxiety and depression of EMS patients may be related to many factors.In clinical treatment,additional attention should be paid to the psychological status of EMS patients.
基金supported by the Graduate Research and Innovation Project of Chongqing Normal University[Grant No.YKC23035],comprehensive evaluation,and driving factors of urban resilience in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle.
文摘To clarify the connotations and extensions of urban resilience,this study focuses on the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle with 16 cities as research subjects.A comprehensive evaluation index system was constructed to measure the resilience of each city from 2003 to 2020.The spatial-temporal evolution characteristics were analyzed using Kernel density estimation,standard deviation ellipse,and spatial Markov chain analysis,and the spatial Tobit model was introduced to discover the influencing factors.The results indicate the following:①Urban resilience in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle displays an upward trend,with the center of gravity moving to the southwest,and the polarization phenomenon intensifying.②The urban resilience level in a region has certain spatial and geographical dependence,while the probability of urban resilience transfer differs in adjacent cities with different resilience levels.③Urban centrality,economic scale,openness level,and financial development promote urban resilience,whereas government scale significantly inhibits it.Finally,this paper proposes countermeasures and suggestions to improve the urban resilience of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle.
基金funded by the Biology Major of the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México(UNAM)Scientific collecting permit issued by Semarnat(SGPA/DGVS 12013/12)。
文摘We studied the cycles of reproduction and fat bodies of a blue-tailed skink population of an undescribed species of the Plestiodon brevirostris group.Sexual maturity is attained by females and males as they both reach about 59 mm of SVL.Vitellogenesis started in June-July,with ovulation occurring during late-October to mid-November,and parturition in mid-spring.Litter size varied from two to six,with a mean of 3.86±0.15 embryos in uterus,and showed a positive correlation with female body mass and SVL.During gestation,a significant increase in the average wet mass of embryos in uterus was evident.In comparison,there were no notable changes in the average dry mass.Juvenile growth data suggest that sexual maturity,both males and females,is reached at 16-17 months of age.Testicles and epididymides exhibited maximal weight during August-September.Testicular regression occurred in September.Mating apparently takes place from mid-summer to early fall.Lipids stored in female fat bodies are used for vitellogenesis and for nutrition during the winter months.In males,the stored lipids appear to be used in reproductive activities during the mating season.
基金Supported by the Technology Innovation Development Program of Yantai(No.2020MSGY055)。
文摘To understand the reproductive biology of Hemitripterus villosus in the Bohai Strait,and fill the key knowledge gap in verifying reproductive seasonality and documenting gonadotropin dependent reproductive cycle of this species,a year-round detail study was conducted for the first time.In total,263 individuals were randomly sampled off the coasts of the Bohai Strait.Results show that and the overall female-to-male ratio(1.35:1)did not differ significantly from the 1:1 sex ratio.The length and weight relationship for females and males were regressed,depicting an isometric growth for both sexes.Four reproductive phases of the complete gonadotropin dependent reproductive cycle in both sexes were identified.The monthly variations in the gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes for both sexes further indicated that this species spawns a single batch of eggs per year and the peak spawning period is from October to December.The average diameter of eggs ranged from 2.10 to 3.57 mm.The length at first sexual maturity was 224.87 mm for females and 241.26 mm for males.Significant positive relationships between absolute fecundity and fish size,and also gonadal weight were observed.H.villosus from the Bohai Strait exhibited smaller body size,smaller egg diameter,lower gonadosomatic index,lower absolute fecundity,and higher population extinction risk than the other populations’studied previously.Our findings contribute to understanding the status of this isolated westernmost population,and we emphasize that more efficient protection measures for the species and control measures are urgently required to improve the coastal environment in the Bohai Strait.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(42277437)sponsored this research.
文摘Microplastics and phthalates are prevalent and emerging pollutants that pose a potential impact on human health.Previous studies suggest that both microplastics and phthalates can adversely affect the reproductive systems of humans and mammals.However,the combined impact of these pollutants on the female reproductive system remains unclear.Here we show the impacts of exposure to polystyrene microplastics(PS-MPs)and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(DEHP)on female Sprague-Dawley rats’reproductive systems.We find that co-exposure to PS-MPs and DEHP results in a marked increase in cystic and atretic follicles,oxidative stress,fibrosis,and dysregulation of serum sex hormone homeostasis in the ovaries of the rats.Proteomic analysis identified differentially expressed proteins that were predominantly enriched in signaling pathways related to fatty acid metabolism and tight junctions,regulated by transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1).We further confirm that co-exposure to DEHP and PS-MPs activates the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway,and inhibiting this pathway alleviates oxidative stress,hormonal dysregulation,and ovarian fibrosis.These results indicate that exposure to the combination of microplastics and phthalates leads to a significant increase in atretic follicles and may increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Our study provides new insights into the reproductive toxicity effects of microplastics and DEHP exposure on female mammals,highlighting the potential link between environmental pollutants and the occurrence of PCOS.These findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessments of the reproductive health risks posed by microplastic pollution to women and contribute to the scientific basis for evaluating such risks.
文摘Clarifying the evolution structure of public opinion induced and spread by fragmentation in college students’ network circle group is the key to understanding college students’ online social psychological demands, grasping the development trend of public opinion, and designing targeted public opinion governance strategies. On the basis of identifying the key variables in the process of public opinion communication, DEMATEL-ISM model is used to explore the attribute positioning, relative importance level and hierarchical association mechanism of ante-variable and result variable, and then the governance strategies for fragment disordering public opinion in network circle groups of college students is designed. According to the study, exogenous stimuli, the uniqueness of discourse system, the number of spectacular texts and micro-narrative mode constituted the deep-rooted causes of fragment disordering public opinion. The unique situational and information attributes of network circle groups often become an important “booster” of disordered public opinion. The topic deviation is often accompanied with the formation of negative emotions. The corresponding public opinion governance strategies are sought from the aspects of shaping the network environment, adjusting the operation mechanism of the network circle group, improving the efficiency of using fragmented information, and optimizing the human resources of colleges.
文摘This paper developed a comprehensive evaluation system that was able to quantify the levels of high-quality development across the cities within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle,and investigate the impact that digital finance had on the cities’high-quality development and the underlying mechanisms through which it achieved this.This comprehensive evaluation system was constructed using statistical data from these cities for the period 2014 to 2020 while also taking China’s high-quality development philosophy into account.The key findings revealed that:(a)Digital finance was able to significantly promote high-quality development in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle;(b)Digital finance had a significant positive effect in promoting innovative,coordinated,green,open,and shared development;(c)Digital finance was able to stimulate the high-quality development in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle by boosting entrepreneurial dynamism;(d)Digital finance had a significant impact on the high-quality development of the axis areas,while its impact was less discernible in non-axis areas.The insights from this research offer a deeper understanding of the factors that drive high-quality development,the role digital finance plays,and the mechanisms through which digital finance is able to propel high-quality development at the city cluster scale.
