Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Resumo A coruja-das-torres americana (Tyto furcata) vive em ambientes urbanos e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos roedores, sendo de grande importância no controle biológico de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os hábitos alimentares, parentais e reprodutivos de um casal de corujas-das-torres americanas, naturalmente vivendo fora de uma residência na zona urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma caixa de madeira foi instalada em uma parede externa da casa, monitorada por uma câmera de vídeo. Uma planilha foi criada para manter o controle das observações registradas. A fêmea pôs quatro ovos, e após período de incubação de 30-32 dias todos os ovos eclodiram, mas apenas dois filhotes sobreviveram após o canibalismo entre os filhotes. Inicialmente, o macho fornecia a comida aos filhotes e a fêmea permanecia no ninho cuidando da ninhada. Depois de cerca de um mês, a fêmea também começou a sair do ninho e voltar com a presa, que era oferecida aos filhotes, com o macho também continuando com esse comportamento. Os filhotes deixaram o ninho em setembro de 2017. Os dados obtidos mostram a existência de cooperação e divisão de tarefas entre corujas machos e fêmeas durante o período reprodutivo.

Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Monitoramento do comportamento alimentar e cuidado parental de um casal de corujas de vida livre (Tyto furcata) no ninho durante o período reprodutivo no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Resumo A coruja-das-torres americana (Tyto furcata) vive em ambientes urbanos e se alimenta principalmente de pequenos roedores, sendo de grande importância no controle biológico de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os hábitos alimentares, parentais e reprodutivos de um casal de corujas-das-torres americanas, naturalmente vivendo fora de uma residência na zona urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma caixa de madeira foi instalada em uma parede externa da casa, monitorada por uma câmera de vídeo. Uma planilha foi criada para manter o controle das observações registradas. A fêmea pôs quatro ovos, e após período de incubação de 30-32 dias todos os ovos eclodiram, mas apenas dois filhotes sobreviveram após o canibalismo entre os filhotes. Inicialmente, o macho fornecia a comida aos filhotes e a fêmea permanecia no ninho cuidando da ninhada. Depois de cerca de um mês, a fêmea também começou a sair do ninho e voltar com a presa, que era oferecida aos filhotes, com o macho também continuando com esse comportamento. Os filhotes deixaram o ninho em setembro de 2017. Os dados obtidos mostram a existência de cooperação e divisão de tarefas entre corujas machos e fêmeas durante o período reprodutivo.

Ethical Issues in the Application of IVF from the Perspective of Females Undergoing IVF / 中国医学伦理学

Infertile women experience complex biological and social experiences in the process of receiving IVF. From the perspective of females undergoing IVF, it is helpful to analyze the ethical and social problems that IVF may face more intuitively and concretely. In this study, 213 women who were undergoing IVF were randomly selected to carry out a questionnaire survey. The results showed that the choice of IVF for infertile women was driven by multiple pressures from family and society, not entirely on their own; They are not aware of the technology, but have a positive attitude, and are eager to be fully informed in the treatment process. In addition, the treatment brings great economic pressure to women who were undergoing IVF and has no significant impact on the relationship between husband and wife. Only by paying attention to the above problems and solving them can we benefit more infertile women and help them realize their reproductive wishes.

Innovative insights into extrachromosomal circular DNAs in gynecologic tumors and reproduction

Originating but free from chromosomal DNA, extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are organized in circular form and have long been found in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. Their biogenesis and function are poorly understood as they are characterized by sequence homology with linear DNA, for which few detection methods are available. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have revealed that eccDNAs play crucial roles in tumor formation, evolution, and drug resistance as well as aging, genomic diversity, and other biological processes, bringing it back to the research hotspot. Several mechanisms of eccDNA formation have been proposed, including the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) and translocation-deletion-amplification models. Gynecologic tumors and disorders of embryonic and fetal development are major threats to human reproductive health. The roles of eccDNAs in these pathological processes have been partially elucidated since the first discovery of eccDNA in pig sperm and the double minutes in ovarian cancer ascites. The present review summarized the research history, biogenesis, and currently available detection and analytical methods for eccDNAs and clarified their functions in gynecologic tumors and reproduction. We also proposed the application of eccDNAs as drug targets and liquid biopsy markers for prenatal diagnosis and the early detection, prognosis, and treatment of gynecologic tumors. This review lays theoretical foundations for future investigations into the complex regulatory networks of eccDNAs in vital physiological and pathological processes.

Significado de afrontar una interrupción voluntaria del embarazo tardía en mujeres que se realizaron el procedimiento en instituciones de salud de dos ciudades colombianas / Meaning of having to cope with voluntary termination of late pregnancy in women undergoing the procedure in healthcare institutions of two Colombian cities

Objetivos: El aborto es un derecho en salud sexual y reproductiva de la mujer en Colombia, sin embargo no toda la sociedad colombiana reconoce este derecho. Este trabajo busca comprender la transformación de los significados después de haber afrontado una interrupción voluntaria del embarazo tardía, en mujeres residentes en Colombia, y su interacción con familiares, amigos y sistema de salud. Materiales y métodos: Investigación hermenéutica desde un paradigma constructivista, el análisis se hizo desde una perspectiva feminista con técnicas de la teoría fundamentada: codificación, categorización y comparación constante. Se realizaron 19 entrevistas semiestructuradas a 18 mujeres residentes en Colombia que se sometieron a interrupción voluntaria del embarazo tardía definida por ser una gestación mayor a 20 semanas, acompañada de feticidio e inducción de parto, en dos ciudades colombianas, entre 2016 y 2020. Además, se realizaron dos grupos focales, uno con algunas de las entrevistadas, y otro con feministas expertas para triangular la información emergente del proceso investigativo y profundizar los hallazgos. Resultados: Las mujeres tenían un significado negativo y contrario sobre la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo, pero cuando se encuentran inmersas en una situación que las obliga a terminar con la gestación, contravienen los significados propios y los de su sociedad y buscan justificaciones que les ayuden a mantener la decisión. Esta confrontación las hace reflexionar profunda e íntimamente y las lleva a transformar sus vidas. Conclusiones: Los significados sobre el aborto, en las mujeres que se realizan interrupción voluntaria del embarazo tardía, generalmente son contrarios a este derecho en salud sexual y reproductiva. Posterior al evento estos significados se transforman por medio de la reflexión consciente de las mujeres al tener que enfrentar sus propios significados y los de la sociedad.

Objectives: As part of sexual and reproductive health, abortion is a woman's right in Colombia. However, not all the members of Colombian society recognize this right. The aim of this work is to understand the transformation of meanings after having to cope with voluntary termination of late pregnancy in women living in Colombia, as well as their interaction with family and friends and the health system. Material and methods: Hermeneutic research undertaken within a constructivist paradigm and analyzed from a feminist perspective using grounded theory techniques: coding, categorization and constant comparison. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted among 18 women living in Colombia who underwent voluntary termination of late pregnancy defined as more than 20 weeks of gestation, accompanied by feticide and labor induction, in two Colombian cities between 2016 and 2020. Besides, two focus groups were conducted, one with some of the interviewees and another with feminist experts in order to cross-reference the information derived from the research process and delve deeper into the findings. Results: Women attached a negative and opposite meaning to voluntary termination of pregnancy, but once they found themselves in a situation that forced them to put an end to gestation, they transgressed their own meanings and those of society to find justifications to help them uphold their decision. This confrontation brought them to a place of profound and intimate reflection and led them to transform their lives. Conclusions: Meanings regarding abortion in women who undergo late pregnancy termination are usually contrary to this right in sexual and reproductive health. After the event, these meanings become transformed through a process of conscious reflection as women come face-to-face with their own meanings and those of society.

Revelar e ter com quem contar: infertilidade e apoio social / Revelar y tener con quien contar: infertilidade y apoyo social / To disclose and have someone to count on: infertility and social support

Infertile couples seeking treatment experience a social stigma that can lead to the need for privacy and, in turn, compromise their access to social support. This multiple case study, that involved the collection of sociodemographic and health data and interviews with four heterosexual couples accessed by convenience, aimed to examine the perception of the couples about the social support received after the disclosure of the condition of infertility and/or of the assisted reproductive technology treatment. The cases were analysed individually and comparatively. From the couples' statements, it is highlighted that all of them revealed something about infertility and/or treatment at some point in the process, although some considered not revealing it. Both support and lack of support were perceived from the revelations. The non-disclosure was motivated by self-preservation and by avoidance of social pressure. The findings indicate the importance of psychological intervention to expand the couples' social support.

Parejas infértiles que buscan tratamiento experimentan un estigma social que puede acarrear la necesidad de privacidad y, a su vez, comprometer el acceso al apoyo social. Ese estudio de múltiples casos, que involucró la recogida de datos sociodemográficos, de salud y entrevistas con cuatro parejas heterosexuales accedidas por conveniencia, buscó examinar la percepción de las parejas sobre el apoyo social después de la revelación de la condición de infertilidad y/o del tratamiento con técnicas de reproducción asistida. Los casos fueron analizados individual y comparativamente. De las declaraciones de las parejas, se destaca que todas revelaron algo sobre la infertilidad y/o el tratamiento en algún momento del proceso, aunque algunos consideraron no revelarlo. Se percibió tanto el apoyo como la falta de apoyo a partir de las revelaciones. La no revelación fue motivada por la autopreservación y por la evitación de presión social. Los hallazgos indican la importancia de la intervención psicológica para ampliar el apoyo social de las parejas.

Casais inférteis que buscam tratamento experimentam um estigma social que pode acarretar a necessidade de privacidade e, por sua vez, comprometer o acesso ao apoio social. Este estudo de casos múltiplos, que envolveu a coleta de dados sociodemográficos, de saúde e entrevistas com quatro casais heterossexuais acessados por conveniência, objetivou examinar a sua percepção sobre o apoio social recebido após a revelação da condição de infertilidade e/ou de tratamento com técnicas de reprodução assistida. Os casos foram analisados individualmente e comparativamente. A partir das falas, destaca-se que todos revelaram algo sobre a infertilidade e/ou o tratamento em algum momento do processo, ainda que alguns tenham considerado não revelar. Percebeu-se tanto apoio como falta de apoio diante das revelações. A não revelação foi motivada pela autopreservação e pela evitação de pressão social. Os achados indicam a importância da intervenção psicológica para ampliar o apoio social dos casais.

Settlement and post-settlement survival of Orbicella annularis and Orbicella faveolata (Scleractinia: Merulinidae) on substrates with coatings

Introduction: One of the main bottlenecks in restoration projects based on sexual reproduction is post-settlement survival, mainly due to competition for substrate with fleshy algae and predation. Therefore, substrates of different shapes and materials have been created and tested, seeking to optimize these processes with attractive surfaces for the larvae and structures where the recruits are protected from predation, and competition is reduced. Objective: To improve settlement and post-settlement survival of two important Caribbean reef-building corals, using different coatings on substrates. Methods: To determine whether substrate coatings properties are favourable to larval settlement in Orbicella annularis, and O. faveolata, collected in Puerto Morelos, Mexican Caribbean, we evaluated their settlement for three weeks on six coatings with a combination of properties. Each coating was designed to provide a combination of two out of three properties: 1) water repellence (hydrophobicity), 2) phosphorescence-based colour, and 3) mineral-enriched surface chemistry. In a separate experiment larvae settlement was tested using coatings with a single property. Finally, we determined the post-settlement survival of O. annularis and O. faveolata on the different coatings for seven weeks. Results: The combination of high hydrophobicity and light blue phosphorescent microparticles and high hydrophobicity and red-orange phosphorescent microparticles resulted in a higher settlement of O. annularis and O. faveolata when compared with other coatings (30.8 - 66.7 % higher). No significant differences were found in the number of larval settled when the water-repellence and the phosphorescence-based were evaluated independently. Post-settlement survival time on substrates was low, with a maximum of 34 days after settlement for O. annularis and 42 days for O. faveolata. Conclusions: In terms of the larval settlement, the combination of the coatings properties appears to play an essential role in the choice of microhabitat for both O. annularis and O. faveolata. But individually these properties did not generate an advantage in the larval settlement. Moreover, some chemical components associated with the coatings may be counterproductive to the survival of the polyps over time.

Introducción: Uno de los principales cuellos de botella en proyectos de restauración basada en reproducción sexual es la supervivencia de las larvas posterior al asentamiento, principalmente por la competencia por el sustrato con algas filamentosas y la depredación. Por ello, se han creado y analizado sustratos de diferentes formas y materiales, buscando optimizar estos procesos con superficies atrayentes para las larvas, y estructuras donde los reclutas se encuentran protegidos de la depredación y se disminuya la competencia. Objetivo: Mejorar el asentamiento y la supervivencia de dos importantes corales formadores de arrecifes del Caribe, utilizando diferentes recubrimientos en sustratos. Métodos: Para determinar si las propiedades de la superficie del sustrato son favorables para el asentamiento de larvas de Orbicella annularis y O. faveolata, recolectadas en Puerto Morelos, Caribe mexicano, evaluamos su asentamiento durante tres semanas en seis recubrimientos con una combinación de propiedades. Cada recubrimiento fue diseñado para proporcionar una combinación de dos de tres propiedades: 1) repelencia al agua (hidrofobicidad), 2) fosforescencia y 3) química superficial enriquecida con minerales. En un experimento separado se evaluó el asentamiento de larvas en sustratos con recubrimientos de una sola propiedad. Finalmente, se determinó la supervivencia posterior al asentamiento de O. annularis y O. faveolata sobre los diferentes recubrimientos durante siete semanas. Resultados: La combinación de alta hidrofobicidad y micropartículas fosforescentes azules y alta hidrofobicidad y micropartículas fosforescentes rojo-naranja dio como resultado un mayor asentamiento de O. annularis y O. faveolata en comparación con otros recubrimientos (30.8 - 66.7 % mayor). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el número de larvas asentadas cuando se evaluaron de forma independiente la repelencia al agua y la fosforescencia. El tiempo de supervivencia posterior al asentamiento en los sustratos fue bajo, con un máximo de 34 días después del asentamiento para O. annularis y 42 días para O. faveolata. Conclusiones: En el asentamiento de larvas, la combinación de las propiedades del recubrimiento parece desempeñar un papel importante en la elección del microhábitat tanto para O. annularis como para O. faveolata. Pero de forma individual estas propiedades no generaron una ventaja en el asentamiento larvario. Además, algunos componentes químicos asociados con los recubrimientos pueden ser contraproducentes para la supervivencia de los pólipos a lo largo del tiempo.

Bioética Complexa e a saúde da mulher / Complex Bioethics and women's health / Bioética Compleja y la salud de la mujer

Objetivo: discutir diferentes abordagens éticas, na perspectiva do Modelo Bioética Complexa (MBC), sobre as questões da saúde da mulher. O MBC é uma reflexão que tem por finalidade verificar a adequação das ações envolvidas com os aspectos biológicos e biográficos, em uma perspectiva interdisciplinar, amparada por referenciais teóricos diversos e considerando também situações individuais e sociais. Metodologia: revisão narrativa de literatura, considerando múltiplas perspectivas bioéticas e éticas em relação aos temas de saúde da mulher. Resultados: os resultados de pesquisa envolvem a referência de 37 textos e considerações dos autores, fruto de pesquisas envolvendo o MBC há mais de 17 anos, em ambiente de saúde. Conclusão: a reflexão da adequação de avaliações e decisões na área da saúde da mulher deve envolver uma multiplicidade de aspectos e perspectivas, neste sentido é necessário que está visão complexa permeie o desenho de políticas de assistência à saúde.

Objective: to discuss various ethical approaches from the perspective of the Complex Bioethics Model (CBM) to women's health issues. The CBM aims to review the appropriateness of actions involving biological and biographical aspects in an interdisciplinary perspective, supported by different theoretical references and considering individual and social situations. Methods: narrative literature review considering different bioethical and ethical perspectives related to women's health. Results: research findings include references to 37 texts and reflections by the author, who has conducted health research with CBM for more than 17 years. Conclusion: reflection on the appropriateness of assessments and decisions in the field of women's health should encompass a variety of aspects and perspectives. In this sense, it is necessary that this complex perspective be included in health policy decision making.

Objetivo: este artículo pretende debatir diferentes enfoques éticos, desde la perspectiva del Modelo de Bioética Compleja (MBC), sobre cuestiones de salud de la mujer. El MBC es una reflexión que pretende verificar la adecuación de las acciones involucradas con aspectos biológicos y biográficos, en una perspectiva interdisciplinaria, recortada por diversas referencias teóricas y considerando también situaciones individuales y sociales. Metodología: revisión narrativa de la literatura, considerando múltiples perspectivas bioéticas y éticas en relación con temas de salud de la mujer. Resultados: los resultados de la investigación involucran la referencia de 37 textos y consideraciones de los autores fruto de investigaciones que involucran el MBC por más de 17años en el ambiente de salud. Conclusión: la reflexión sobre la adecuación de las evaluaciones y decisiones en el ámbito de la salud de las mujeres debe implicar una multiplicidad de aspectos y perspectivas, en este sentido es necesario que esta visión compleja impregne el diseño de las políticas de atención sanitaria.

Application of Optical Genome Mapping Technology in Detecting Complex Chromosomal Rearrangement / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the application of optical genome mapping （OGM） technology in detecting complex chromosomal rearrangement. MethodsWe recruited five patients who were diagnosed as complex chromosomal rearrangement at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2022 to June 2023. They underwent OGM， nanopore sequencing and pre-implantation genetic testing （PGT）. The results were compared with the results of karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis （CMA）/ copy number variation sequencing （CNV-Seq）. ResultsOGM could detect translocation， invert inversion， and triplet translocation， which were consistent with the results of OGM and CMA/ CNV-Seq. But OGM could not detect Robertsonian translocation. ConclusionBecause of its ultra-long reads， OGM realizes the detection across repetitive regions， and it has great advantages when applied in patients with complex chromosome rearrangement or uncertain karyotype analysis. It can accurately locate breakpoints.

Comparison of the effectiveness of reproductive health education intervention through different channels for female college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the knowledge of reproductive health among female college students and the effectiveness of intervention measures, so as to provide a reference for conducting reproductive health education and health guidance for female college students.@*Methods@#From March to November 2022, 1 019 female college students of grade 1 to 3 from a university were selected by convenient sampling method,who were included in the conventional group( n =315), WeChat group( n =462) and outpatient and peer group( n =242). The Outpatient and peer group was provided with reproductive health education and health knowledge manuals and relevant guidance by receiving medical staff, the conventional group received routine health education and guidance from the school, and the WeChat group received online reproductive health education and guidance on the WeChat platform. Survey questionnaires were filled out before and after reproductive health related education and health guidance, and the results were compared and analyzed.@*Results@#After intervention, the awareness rates of women’s menstrual cycle , ovulation period, AIDS detection window period and suitable contraceptive methods in outpatient and peer groups and WeChat group were higher than those in conventional group ( χ 2=26.78, 31.70, 61.50 and 13.96 respectively). The awareness rates of women s physiological time easy to be pregnant and unreliable contraceptive methods in outpatient and peer groups were higher than those in conventional group ( χ 2= 9.10 , 10.68), and the awareness rates of unreliable contraceptive methods and main precautions during menstruation were higher than those in WeChat group ( χ 2=9.10, 8.02). The awareness rate of emergency contraception methods in WeChat group was higher than that in conventional group ( χ 2=7.94). All the differences were statistically significant ( P <0.05). After intervention, the knowledge scores of reproductive physiology (2.55±1.09, 2.42±1.08), contraception (2.62±1.20, 2.53±1.06), sexually transmitted disease (2.89±1.35, 2.76±1.24) and the total score of reproductive health knowledge (12.82±3.94, 12.12±3.06) among female college students of the outpatient and peer group and WeChat group were higher than those in the conventional group (2.10± 0.91 , 2.33±1.09, 2.55±1.18, 11.39±3.07). The knowledge score of accidental pregnancy and induced abortion (1.78±0.91) and the total score of reproductive health knowledge (12.82±3.94) among female college students of the outpatient and peer group were higher than those in the conventional group and WeChat group (1.57±0.87, 1.62±0.87; 11.39±3.07, 12.12±3.06). All the differences were statistically significant ( F =14.94, 5.27, 5.28, 13.02; 4.15, 13.02, P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Female college students lack comprehensive understanding of reproductive health related knowledge. The reproductive health education and health care guidance to female college students should be developed through multiple channels, which would improve the reproductive health knowledge cognition of female college students and promote the formation of good health care behavior.

Research progress on physiological and pathological effects of inflammation in female reproductive process / 中国综合临床

Inflammation is the basic pathological process of a variety of diseases, which involved in the occurrence and development of female infertility-related diseases, especially in bacteria and viruses infection of reproductive system, resulting in infertility. However, inflammatory reactions and factors also exist in normal physiological processes, such as endometrial morphologic changes in menstrual cycles, follicle genesis, ovulation, luteinization, pregnancy, etc. In addition, inflammation is also involved in the occurrence of some reproductive endocrine and metabolic diseases, such as obesity, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and so on. In the past, the understanding to inflammation in reproductive system was mostly limited to the inflammatory diseases and resulted in fertility decline or sterility, infertility, and other problems, which was not comprehensive. This review summarized the normal physiological inflammation and disease-related inflammation in the reproductive system, and described the evaluation of inflammatory state, as well as relevant prevention and treatment suggestions.

Research progress on the relationship between extracellular vesicles and male infertility / 中国综合临床

Infertility is gradually becoming a major problem affecting health worldwide, and male factors also play an important role in infertility. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are ultramicro membranous vesicles released by cells during activation or apoptosis, which play an important role in cell communication. Relevant studies have shown that extracellular vesicles contain a variety of bioactive substances and participate in infertility related pathophysiological processes by influencing the content of intercellular transmission. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between extracellular vesicles and male infertility, and expounded the occurrence and potential treatment of male infertility from another perspective.

The Situation and Responsibility of Medical Institutions Infringing on Reproductive Rights in Assisted Reproductive / 中国医学伦理学

In the field of reproductive rights disputes, following the wrong birth litigation caused by prenatal diagnosis errors, the emerging reproductive rights litigation caused by the fault of human assisted reproductive technology has become more typical. Medical institutions shall bear the corresponding liability for compensation for loss, damage, wrong implantation of gametes or embryos in vitro due to its negligence, which constitutes an infringement on the reproductive rights of patients and spouses. During cryopreservation of embryo in vitro, if one of the couple of the gamete donor dies, the surviving spouse has the right to exercise the reproductive right. The surviving spouse has the right to ask the medical institution to remove the obstacles for the behavior that the medical institution refuses to hand over the frozen embryos to the surviving spouse. For the deliberate destruction of frozen embryos by medical institutions, patients have the right to ask medical institutions to bear the liability for damages.

Progress of researches on developmental processes and reproduction mode of Pneumocystis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Pneumocystis, an important opportunistic fungal pathogen that parasitizes in multiple mammalian lungs, may cause life-threatening Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and even death among immunocompromised individuals. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing and multi-omics technologies, systematic comparative analyses of genome, transcriptome, and whole-genome sequencing results demonstrate that Pneumocystis is a type of obligate biotrophic fungi, and requires obtaining nutrition from hosts. In addition, sexual reproduction is an essential process for Pneumocystis survival, production and transmission, and asexual reproduction facilitates Pneumocystis survival, which provides new insights into understanding of the whole developmental process of Pneumocystis in the host lung and inter-host transmission of Pneumocystis. This review summarizes the advances in the reproduction mode of Pneumocystis and underlying mechanisms, which provides insights into prevention and treatment of PCP, notably for the prophylaxis against nosocomial transmission of PCP.

Research progress on reproductive and developmental toxicity of e-cigarettes / 上海预防医学

E-cigarettes have gained considerable popularity worldwide recently， which have also drawn the attention of adolescents and pregnant women. However， recent studies have uncovered the negative effects of e-cigarettes on our cardiovascular system， respiratory system， nervous system， blood system and so on. Furthermore， several studies indicate that e-cigarettes can significantly impair users’ reproductive ability. In this review， we collected the most recent studies on the effects of e-cigarettes on reproductive system based on human studies， animal studies and in vitro preclinical studies. In addition， the review shows the urgency of setting e-cigarettes exposure standards. As a result， we recommend setting strict limits on the production and sales of e-cigarettes， thus encouraging consumers to consume reasonably.

Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme on reproduction of Culex pipiens pallens / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the reproduction of Culex pipiens pallens, so as to provide insights into selection of targets for controlling mosquito vector populations. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens was collected from Tangkou County, Shandong Province in 2009. Female and male mosquitoes were selected at 72 hours post-eclosion, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect the expression of ACE gene in the whole body and reproductive tissues of male mosquitoes and fertilized female mosquitoes before (0 h) and after blood meals (24, 48, 72 h), respectively. Then, 150 female and 150 male mosquitoes at 0 to 4 hours post-eclosion were selected and divided into the wild-type group (WT group), small interfering RNA-negative control group (siNC group) and small interfering RNA-ACE group (siACE group), of 50 mosquitoes in each group. Mosquitoes in the WT group were given no treatment, and mosquitoes in the siNC and siACE groups were given microinjection of siNC and siACE into the hemolymph at a dose of 0.3 μg per mosquito. The knockdown efficiency was checked using qPCR assay, and the reproductive phenotype of mosquitoes was observed. Results The relative ACE gene expression was higher in the whole body of male mosquitoes (5.467 ± 1.006) relative to females (1.199 ± 0.241) (t = 5.835, P = 0.004) at 72 h post-eclosion, and the highest ACE expression was seen in reproductive tissues of male mosquitoes (199.100 ± 24.429), which was 188.3 times higher than in remaining tissues (1.057 ± 0.340) (t = 6.602, P = 0.002). Blood meal induced high ACE expression in all body tissues of fertilized female mosquitoes, with peak expression at 24 h after blood meals (14.957 ± 2.815), which was 14.8 times higher than that before blood meals (1.009 ± 0.139) (P = 0.002). The transcriptional level of ACEs continued to increase in the ovaries of female mosquitoes after blood meals during the vitellogenesis phase, peaking at 48 h after blood meals (5.500 ± 0.734), which was 5.1 times higher than that before blood meals (1.072 ± 0.178) (P = 0.002). Small RNA interference targeting ACE resulted in a 57.2% reduction in ACE expression in female mosquitoes in the siACE group (0.430 ± 0.070) relative to the siNC group (1.002 ± 0.070) (P = 0.001), and a 41.1% reduction in male mosquitoes in the siACE group (0.588 ± 0.067) relative to the siNC group (1.008 ± 0.131) (P = 0.016). Knockdown of ACE expression resulted in a 48.0% decrease in the number of eggs laid by female mosquitoes in the siACE group [(94.000 ± 27.386) eggs] relative to the siNC group [(180.800 ± 27.386)] (P < 0.001), and a 45.0% decrease in the number of eggs laid by wild female mosquitoes mated with males in the siACE group [(104.500 ± 20.965) eggs] relative to the siNC group [(190.050 ± 10.698) eggs] (P < 0.001). Conclusions Reduced ACE expression may inhibit the fecundity of male and female mosquitoes, and ACE may be as a potential target for mosquito vector population suppression.

Research advances in bioactivity of oyster peptides / 药学实践杂志

Functional peptides refer to peptides that are beneficial to life activities or have special physiological activities, also known as bioactive peptides. Oyster is rich in protein and is a good material for developing bioactive peptides, which has great potential as a functional food and great application value in pharmaceutical and medical industry. With the development of modern biotechnology and medical technology, the method innovation of oyster peptide preparation，the absorptivity and biological activity of oyster peptide have been enhanced significantly, which lead to deep recognition of the biological function of oyster peptide and offer the boarder application prospect. The researches on the diversification activities of oyster peptides were summarized in this review, which provided clues and ideas for the development of the oyster peptide applications.

Padrão de reprodução do capital: uma contribuição da teoria marxista da dependência à ecologia / Capital reproduction pattern: a contribution from marxist dependency theory to ecology

Resumo: Neste artigo, por meio de revisão bibliográfica, discutimos a ecologia a partir da categoria-padrão de reprodução do capital, destacando a dialética entre valor e valor de uso. Concluímos, com base na TMD, que a categoria-padrão de reprodução do capital permite compreender a ecologia no âmbito da particularidade, evidenciando que a valorização é sempre acompanhada da produção material e que distintos padrões de reprodução do capital impactam desigualmente o meio ambiente e a sociedade.

Abstract: In this article, through a literature review, we discuss ecology based on the standard category of capital reproduction, highlighting the dialectic between value and use-value. We conclude, based on TMD, that the standard category of capital reproduction enables the understanding of ecology within the realm of particularity, demonstrating that valorization is always accompanied by material production and that different patterns of capital reproduction unevenly impact the environment and society.

De la salud colectiva a la medicina "personalizada": desafíos bioéticos de la evaluación genética preimplantatoria desde la perspectiva norte-sur / From collective health to "personalized" medicine: bioethical challenges in preimplantation genetic testing from a North-South perspective

RESUMEN El artículo se interroga por los alcances y los límites del paradigma de la medicina de precisión y su relación con el enfoque de la salud colectiva. Para ello, se toma la evaluación genética preimplantatoria o PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) dado que constituye un ejemplo paradigmático de tecnologías que apuntan a la "individualización" de los procesos de salud. En esta dirección, se revisan las características y los fundamentos científico-normativos acerca de las tecnologías PGT en Argentina, y el camino que queda por recorrer para su análisis bioético. De manera más específica, se visibilizan algunas de las condiciones de posibilidad para su implementación desde la perspectiva norte-sur. Como síntesis del análisis, proponemos tres ejes o nudos problemáticos relacionados con los sesgos en la producción de conocimiento, los valores e intereses subyacentes a sus usos y los presupuestos epistemológicos que operan en la base de estas tecnologías. A lo largo de este trabajo, presentamos estos dilemas y sugerimos algunas recomendaciones para ser tenidas en cuenta en futuras investigaciones.

ABSTRACT This article examines the scope and limitations of the precision medicine paradigm and its relationship with the collective health approach. To that end, it takes preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) as a paradigmatic example of technologies aimed at the "individualization" of health processes. In this regard, we review the characteristics and scientific and regulatory foundations of PGT technologies in Argentina, and discuss the next steps for their bioethical analysis. More specifically, we shed light on some of the conditions for their implementation from a north-south perspective. We propose three themes or problematic aspects as a synthesis of our analysis, related to biases in the production of knowledge, the values and interests underlying its uses, and the underlying epistemological assumptions of these technologies. Throughout the article, we review these dilemmas and suggest some issues that should be taken into account in future research.

El islam ante los tratamientos de reproducción asistida: un estudio empírico sobre la relación entre ciencia y religión en Tánger y Barcelona / Islam and assisted reproduction treatments: an empirical study on the relationship between science and religion in Tangier and Barcelona

RESUMEN En las últimas décadas hubo un desarrollo significativo de técnicas de reproducción asistida que ayudaron a parejas con dificultades a tener hijos. Estas técnicas han sido bien recibidas en diferentes partes del mundo, y los países musulmanes no han sido una excepción. Desde la perspectiva teórica de la socióloga Michèle Lamont basada en las fronteras o "boundaries", en el año 2022 se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 20 profesionales de la salud y líderes de asociaciones musulmanes de Tánger y Barcelona, con el objetivo de analizar, en primer lugar, cómo actores claves musulmanes conciben la relación entre islam y ciencia y; en segundo lugar, cómo se negocia esta comprensión en el caso de los tratamientos de reproducción asistida. Se concluye sobre la complejidad de la delimitación de fronteras en las definiciones de ciencia y religión, y se destaca la importancia de centrarse en casos empíricos para comprender mejor la compleja relación entre los dos ámbitos y entender los debates bioéticos existentes.

ABSTRACT In recent decades there have been significant developments in assisted reproduction techniques, which have aided couples with difficulties in having children. These techniques have been well received in different parts of the world, and Muslim countries have been no exception. Adopting sociologist Michèle Lamont's theoretical perspective on "boundaries", semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 health professionals and Islamic community leaders in the cities of Tangier and Barcelona during 2022. The aim of this article is twofold: first, to analyze how key actors in the Muslim community conceive of the relationship between Islam and science; second, to explain how this understanding is negotiated in relation to assisted reproduction treatments. The article concludes with a consideration of the complexities related to drawing the line between the positions of science and religion, and emphasized the importance of examining empirical cases in order to better capture the complex relationship between these two spheres and gain a deeper understanding of existing bioethical debates.