Reproductive function and behaviors: an update on the role of neural estrogen receptors alpha and beta.

Infertility is becoming a major public health problem, with increasing frequency due to medical, environmental and societal causes. The increasingly late age of childbearing, growing exposure to endocrine disruptors and other reprotoxic products, and increasing number of medical reproductive dysfunctions (endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.) are among the most common causes. Fertility relies on fine-tuned control of both neuroendocrine function and reproductive behaviors, those are critically regulated by sex steroid hormones. Testosterone and estradiol exert organizational and activational effects throughout life to establish and activate the neural circuits underlying reproductive function. This regulation is mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen receptor (AR). Estradiol acts mainly via nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERß. The aim of this review is to summarize the genetic studies that have been undertaken to comprehend the specific contribution of ERα and ERß in the neural circuits underlying the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the expression of reproductive behaviors, including sexual and parental behavior. Particular emphasis will be placed on the neural role of these receptors and the underlying sex differences.

Factores de riesgo en la edad reproductiva / Risk Factors in the Reproductive Age

Por medio de la presente y motivados por la lectura y análisis del artículo Características clínicas y microbiológicas de la infección de vías urinarias bajas en población ambulatoria,1 quisiéramos llamar la atención sobre un tema que últimamente tiene poca visibilidad en las publicaciones. Se trata de los factores de riesgo presentes en la edad reproductiva y que inciden negativamente en futuros embarazos, lo que se conoce como factores de riesgo preconcepcional. Al revisar lo publicado en los últimos cinco años apenas se aborda directamente el tema, que por demás mantiene vigencia capital cuando de salud materno infantil se trata. En el trabajo que motiva el análisis, se expresa la frecuencia de aparición de las infecciones urinarias bajas en ambos sexos, más frecuentes en mujeres...(AU)

Membrane-initiated actions of sex steroids and reproductive behavior: A historical account.

It was assumed for a long time that sex steroids are activating reproductive behaviors by the same mechanisms that produce their morphological and physiological effects in the periphery. However during the last few decades an increasing number of examples were identified where behavioral effects of steroids were just too fast to be mediated via changes in DNA transcription. This progressively forced behavioral neuroendocrinologists to recognize that part of the effects of steroids on behavior are mediated by membrane-initiated events. In this review we present a selection of these early data that changed the conceptual landscape and we provide a summary the different types of membrane-associated receptors (estrogens, androgens and progestagens receptors) that are playing the most important role in the control of reproductive behaviors. Then we finally describe in more detail three separate behavioral systems in which membrane-initiated events have clearly been established to contribute to behavior control.

Associations between periconceptional lifestyle behaviours and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND: While the potential adverse outcomes of prenatal exposure to unhealthy lifestyle are widely evidenced, little is known about these exposures in the periconception period. We investigated the associations between lifestyle behaviours and adverse pregnancy outcomes with a unique distinction between preconceptional- and prenatal lifestyle behaviours. METHODS: A secondary analysis took place within a prospective multicentre cohort study in the Netherlands, including 3,684 pregnant women. Baseline characteristics and preconceptional and first trimester lifestyle behaviours were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire in the first trimester. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP), small for gestational age (SGA), gestational diabetes (GDM) and spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB)) were reported by healthcare professionals. Data were collected between 2012 and 2014 and analysed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Women who are overweight, and especially obese, have the highest odds of developing any adverse pregnancy outcome (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.61 (95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 1.31-1.99) and aOR 2.85 (95 %CI 2.20-3.68), respectively), particularly HDP and GDM. Women who prenatally continued smoking attained higher odds for SGA (aOR 1.91 (95 %CI 1.05-1.15)) compared to the reference group, but these odds decreased when women prenatally quit smoking (aOR 1.14 (95 %CI 0.59-2.21)). Women who did not use folic acid supplements tended to have a higher odds of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes (aOR 1.28 (95 %CI 0.97-1.69)), while women who prenatally started folic acid supplements did not (aOR 1.01 (95 %CI 0.82-1.25)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that smoking cessation, having a normal body mass index (BMI) and initiating folic acid supplements preconceptionally may decrease the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, intervening as early as the preconception period could benefit the health of future generations.

Functions of galanin, spexin and kisspeptin in metabolism, mood and behaviour.

The bioactive peptides galanin, spexin and kisspeptin have a common ancestral origin and their pathophysiological roles are increasingly the subject of investigation. Evidence suggests that these bioactive peptides play a role in the regulation of metabolism, pancreatic ß-cell function, energy homeostasis, mood and behaviour in several species, including zebrafish, rodents and humans. Galanin signalling suppresses insulin secretion in animal models (but not in humans), is potently obesogenic and plays putative roles governing certain evolutionary behaviours and mood modulation. Spexin decreases insulin secretion and has potent anorectic, analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressive-like effects in animal models. Kisspeptin modulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, food intake and/or energy expenditure in animal models and humans. Furthermore, kisspeptin is implicated in the control of reproductive behaviour in animals, modulation of human sexual and emotional brain processing, and has antidepressive and fear-suppressing effects. In addition, galanin-like peptide is a further member of the galaninergic family that plays emerging key roles in metabolism and behaviour. Therapeutic interventions targeting galanin, spexin and/or kisspeptin signalling pathways could therefore contribute to the treatment of conditions ranging from obesity to mood disorders. However, many gaps and controversies exist, which must be addressed before the therapeutic potential of these bioactive peptides can be established.

Female Fertility Has a Negative Relationship With Longevity in Chinese Oldest-Old Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Despite research efforts in this field for more than a century, the relationship between female fertility and longevity is unclear. This study was designed to investigate this relationship in Chinese oldest-old population. Methods: The China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study was performed in 18 cities and counties of Hainan. A total of 1,226 females, including 758 centenarian women and 468 women aged 80-99 years, were enrolled in this study. Using a standardized protocol, in-person interviews and blood analyses were conducted by a well-trained research team through home visits. Results: Centenarian women had significantly lower number of children (NOC) and higher initial childbearing age (ICA) and last childbearing age (LCA) than women aged 80-99 years (p < 0.05 for all). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NOC and testosterone (T) levels were positively associated with women aged 80-99 years, when centenarian women was considered as reference (p < 0.05 for all). ICA, LCA, and estradiol (E2) levels were negatively associated with women aged 80-99 years, when centenarian women was considered as reference (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The centenarians had crucial characteristics of less and delayed childbearing, indicating a negative relationship between female fertility and longevity in Chinese oldest-old population. Serum E2 levels were positively associated and serum T levels were negatively associated with longevity. The less and late childbearing might be a significant factor of longevity, and successful aging might be promoted by reducing and delaying female childbearing.

Kisspeptin as a Behavioral Hormone.

Successful reproduction is dependent not only on hormonal endocrine responses but also on suitable partner selection, copulatory acts, as well as associated emotional, behavioral, and cognitive processes many of which are supported by the limbic system. The reproductive hormone kisspeptin (encoded by the KISS1/kiss1 gene) is now recognized as the key orchestrator of the reproductive axis. In addition to the hypothalamus, prominent kisspeptin neuronal populations have been identified throughout limbic and paralimbic brain regions across an assortment of species. In this review, we detail the emerging roles of kisspeptin signaling in the broader aspects of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive control. Recent studies from zebrafish through humans have provided new molecular and neural insights into the complex role of kisspeptin in interpreting olfactory and auditory cues to govern sexual partner preference, in regulating copulatory behaviors and in influencing mood and emotions. Furthermore, emerging roles for kisspeptin in facilitating memory and learning are also discussed. To this end, these findings shed new light onto the importance of kisspeptin signaling, while informing the pharmacological development of kisspeptin as a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals suffering from associated reproductive, emotional, and cognitive disorders.

The Roles of the Amygdala Kisspeptin System.

The hypothalamic hormone kisspeptin (encoded by the KISS1/kiss1 gene) is the master regulator of the reproductive axis with its role in controlling gonadotrophin hormone secretion now well characterized. However, identification of kisspeptin and its cognate receptor expression within the amygdala, a key limbic brain region whose functions contribute to a broad range of physiological and behavioral processes, has heightened interest concerning kisspeptins' role in the broader aspects of reproductive physiology. In this review, we detail the important developments and key studies examining the emerging functions of this kisspeptin population. These studies provide novel advances in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling reproductive neuroendocrinology by defining the crucial role of the amygdala kisspeptin system in modulating pubertal timing, reproductive hormone secretion, and pulsatility, as well as its influence in governing-related behaviors. To this end, the role of the amygdala kisspeptin system in integrating reproductive hormone secretion with behavior sheds new light onto the potential use of kisspeptin-based therapeutics for reproductive and related psychosexual disorders.

Declining realisation of reproductive intentions with age.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the likelihood of having a child within 4 years for men and women with strong short-term reproductive intentions, and how is it affected by age? SUMMARY ANSWER: For women, the likelihood of realising reproductive intentions decreased steeply from age 35: the effect of age was weak and not significant for men. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Men and women are postponing childbearing until later ages. For women, this trend is associated with a higher risk that childbearing plans will not be realised due to increased levels of infertility and pregnancy complications. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study analyses two waves of the nationally representative Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. The analytical sample interviewed in 2011 included 447 men aged 18-45 and 528 women aged 18-41. These respondents expressed a strong intention to have a child in the next 3 years. We followed them up in 2015 to track whether their reproductive intention was achieved or revised. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS: Multinomial logistic regression is used to account for the three possible outcomes: (i) having a child, (ii) not having a child but still intending to have one in the future and (iii) not having a child and no longer intending to have one. We analyse how age, parity, partnership status, education, perceived ability to conceive, self-rated health, BMI and smoking status are related to realising or changing reproductive intentions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Almost two-thirds of men and women realised their strong short-term fertility plans within 4 years. There was a steep age-related decline in realising reproductive intentions for women in their mid- and late-30s, whereas men maintained a relatively high probability of having the child they intended until age 45. Women aged 38-41 who planned to have a child were the most likely to change their plan within 4 years. The probability of realising reproductive intention was highest for married and highly educated men and women and for those with one child. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Our study cannot separate biological, social and cultural reasons for not realising reproductive intentions. Men and women adjust their intentions in response to their actual circumstances, but also in line with their perceived ability to have a child or under the influence of broader social norms on reproductive age. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results give a new perspective on the ability of men and women to realise their reproductive plans in the context of childbearing postponement. They confirm the inequality in the individual consequences of delayed reproduction between men and women. They inform medical practitioners and counsellors about the complex biological, social and normative barriers to reproduction among women at higher childbearing ages. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This research was partly supported by a Research School of Social Sciences Visiting Fellowship at the Australian National University and an Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP150104248). Éva Beaujouan's work was partly funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) project 'Later Fertility in Europe' (Grant agreement no. P31171-G29). This paper uses unit record data from the HILDA Survey. The HILDA Project was initiated and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) and is managed by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research (Melbourne Institute). The findings and views reported in this paper, however, are those of the authors and should not be attributed to either DSS or the Melbourne Institute. The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Molecular endocrinology of female reproductive behavior.

Epigenetic methodologies address mechanisms of estrogenic effects on hypothalamic and preoptic neurons, as well as mechanisms by which stress can interfere with female reproductive behaviors. Recent results are reviewed.

Parâmetros reprodutivos após indução de estro com diferentes intervalos de permanência do dispositivo vaginal em cabras Toggenburg acíclicas / Reproductive parameters after induction of estrus with different ranges of the vaginal device in acyclic Toggenburg goats

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o comportamento sexual e a dinâmica ovulatória de cabras da raça Toggenburg após a indução do estro com dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona durante seis, nove e 12 dias de permanência. No momento da inserção do dispositivo e 24 horas antes da retirada do dispositivo, foi administrado 5mg de dinoprost e 200UI de eCG, respectivamente. A dinâmica ovulatória foi acompanhada por ultrassonografia a cada oito horas, enquanto o estro foi observado a cada 12 horas. Todas as cabras apresentaram estro. O intervalo da retirada do dispositivo ao início do estro foi de 29,5 ± 9,6 para G6dias; 34,0 ± 6,0 e 32,4 ± 7,7h, G9dias e G12dias, respectivamente. Igualmente, foi encontrada diferença (P<0,05) entre o G6dias e os outros grupos. A duração do estro diferiu (P<0,05) entre o G6dias (36,0 ± 12,6) e os outros dois grupos (G9dias: 31,2 ± 14,3; G12dias: 33,4 ± 8,6). A taxa de ovulação (81%; 89,5% e; 71,4%), intervalo da retirada do dispositivo à ovulação (50,5 ± 11,4; 46,3 ± 5,9 e; 46,7 ± 8,3), diâmetro do maior folículo (6,6 ± 0,3; 6,6 ± 0,9 e; 6,9 ± 0,8) diâmetro do segundo maior folículo (6,4 ± 0,7; 6,6 ± 0,8 e; 6,8 ± 0,6) e o número de folículos ovulados (1,5 ± 0,6; 1,7 ± 0,6 e 2,0 ± 0,9) para G6dias, G9dias e G12dias, respectivamente, foram semelhantes (P>0,05). Todos os protocolos foram eficientes em induzir o estro sincronizado em cabras da raça Toggenburg, trabalhando em conjunto com a eficiência reprodutiva e produtiva desses animais.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the sexual behavior and the ovulatory dynamics of Toggenburg goats after induction of synchronized estrus by an intravaginal progesterone device for six, nine and twelve days. At the device insertion and 24 h before the device removal, 5mg of dinoprost and 200 UI of eCG was administered, respectively. The ovulatory dynamics was assessed by ultrasound every 8 h, while the sexual behavior was observed every 12 h. All goats showed estrus. The intervals from device removal to estrus were 29.5 ± 9.7, 34.0 ± 6.0 and 32.4 ± 7.7h to G6days, G9days and G12days, respectively. Iqually, it was found difference (P<0.05) among G6days and the other groups. The duration of estrus differed (P<0.05) among the G6days (36.0 ± 12.6) and the other two groups (G9days: 31.2 ± 14.3; G12days: 33.4 ± 8.6). The ovulation rate (81.0%; 89.5% and; 71.4%); the interval from device removal to ovulation (50.5 ± 11.4; 46.3 ± 5.9 and; 46.7 ± 8.3), the diameter of the largest follicle (6.6 ± 0.3; 6.6 ± 0.9 and; 6.9 ± 0.8), diameter of the second largest follicle (6.4 ± 0.7; 6.6 ± 0.8 and; 6.8 ± 0.6) and the number of ovulations (1.5 ± 0.6; 1.7 ± 0.6 and; 2.0 ± 0.9) for G6days, G9days and G12days, respectively, were similar (P>0.05). All treatments were effective for the induction of synchronized estrus in Toggenburg goats, working jointly with the reproductive and productive efficiency of these animals.(AU)

Impact of vaccination on the reproductive performance of multiparous Nellore cows / Impacto da vacinação sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Nelore multíparas

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of two vaccines on the reproductive performance of multiparous beef cows in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil. In Experiment 1,765 calved multiparous Nellore cows were subjected to the same fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol and rebred. Ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 90 days post-FTAI (DPI). Rates of pregnancy and pregnancy loss were determined for three periods: from 30 to 90 DPI, from 30 DPI to calving, and from 90 DPI to calving. The cows were assigned to three groups with different vaccination protocols - namely, Group VACMULT (n=250): vaccine against bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and leptospirosis; Group VACL (n=245): vaccine against leptospirosis alone; Group NOVAC (n=270): no vaccination. Serum antibody titers for BoHV-1, BVDV, and leptospirosis, measured in 57 cows from each group indicated active infection, suggesting circulation of these pathogens in the herd. No differences in pregnancy rates were observed across groups. Pregnancy loss rates did not differ significantly across groups within any of the periods investigated (30 to 90 DPI, 30 DPI to calving, or 90 DPI to calving). In Experiment 2, two vaccination protocols for each vaccine were investigated. Group VACGEST was vaccinated on day zero of FTAI (D0) and again 30 days post-FTAI (30 DPI). Group VACPREV was vaccinated on D0 and again on the day of insemination (D11). No significant difference was observed between groups, or significant gestational loss in the group that received the second vaccine on the day of insemination. The results revealed that neither vaccine interfered with the reproductive performance of multiparous cows. No differences were observed between vaccination carried out on both D0 and D11 and that performed on both D0 and D30. The performance of the IBR/BVDV/Leptospirosis vaccine on the day of the artificial insemination did not cause adverse effects on the reproductive parameters.(AU)

Foram delineados dois experimentos para avaliar o impacto de duas vacinas no desempenho reprodutivo de vacas multíparas de bovinos de corte em Mato Grosso do Sul, Centro-Oeste do Brasil. No Experimento 1 foram utilizadas 765 vacas multíparas paridas da raça Nelore submetidas ao mesmo protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e repassadas por touros. O diagnóstico de gestação por ultrassonografia foi realizado aos 30 e 90 dias pós IATF. A prenhez e a taxa de perda de gestação foram determinadas para três períodos: de 30 a 90 DPI, de 30 DPI até para o parto e de 90 DPI até o parto. As vacas foram distribuídas em três grupos: grupo VACMULT (n=250), vacinado com vacina contra herpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV-1), vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) e leptospirose; grupo VACL (n=245), vacinado somente contra leptospirose; e grupo NOVAC (n=270), não vacinado. Títulos de anticorpos no soro de 57 vacas de cada grupo evidenciaram infecção por BoHV-1, BVDV e leptospirose, sugerindo circulação desses patógenos no rebanho. No diagnóstico por ultrassonografia, a prenhez não diferiu em nenhum dos três grupos. A taxa de perda de gestação não diferiu significantemente entre os grupos e dentro de qualquer um dos períodos investigados (30 a 90 DPI, 30 DPI até o parto ou 90 DPI até o parto). No Experimento 2 foram testados dois protocolos de vacinação usando as vacinas contra IBR/BVDV/leptospirose e somente contra leptospirose em ambos. No grupo VACGEST as vacas foram vacinas no dia zero (D0) do protocolo da IATF e 30 dias pós- IATF (30 DPI). No grupo VACPREV a primeira dose foi administrada no D0 e a segunda no mesmo dia da IATF (D11). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos, nem perda gestacional significativa no grupo que recebeu a segunda vacina no dia da inseminação (VACPREV). Os resultados mostram que as vacinas contra IBR/BVDV/leptospirose e somente contra leptospirose não interferiram no desempenho reprodutivo de vacas multíparas. Não houve diferença significativa entre o protocolo de vacinação empregado em D0 e D11 e aquele utilizado em D0 e 30 DPI. A realização da vacina contra IBR/BVD/leptospirose no dia da inseminação artificial não provocou efeitos adversos nos parâmetros reprodutivos.(AU)

10-year-outcomes after rituximab for myasthenia gravis: Efficacy, safety, costs of inhospital care, and impact on childbearing potential.

Rituximab (RTX) has emerged as an attractive off-label treatment option for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) refractory to other immune therapies. However, data on long-term outcome after RTX for MG are still scarce. Here we present the 10-year outcomes [median (range) 10.1 (6.7-11.2) years] with respect to efficacy, safety, costs of inhospital care, and impact on childbearing potential in all four MG patients treated by one of the authors with RTX. In all patients, RTX led to sustained clinical improvement and eventual tapering of other immune therapies. RTX was well tolerated, and complications were not observed. After the start of RTX, annual costs for hospital admissions were markedly reduced compared to costs in the year preceding RTX. Under close clinical observation, two patients had uncomplicated pregnancies giving birth to a healthy child. With regard to its efficacy, excellent tolerance, lack of complications, low frequency of repeat infusions and pending patent expiry in many countries, RTX appears to compare favourably with other immune therapies used for MG. Multicentre trials and registries are urgently needed to further address long-term safety issues and clarify the efficacy and role of RTX in managing MG.

Proteína C Reativa em Usuárias de Contraceptivo Oral: Fatores Relacionados e Risco Cardiovascular / C-Reactive Protein in Oral Contraceptive Users: Related Factors and Cardiovascular Risk

Estudos demonstram associação entre o uso de contraceptivo oral combinado (COC) e a elevação da Proteína C Reativa (PCR). Entretanto, é pouco claro se esta elevação representa risco cardiovascular, e quais são os mecanismos envolvidos nessa associação. Assim, nosso estudo objetivou revisar trabalhos que investigaram os níveis da PCR em usuárias de COC, bem como descrever os fatores envolvidos nesta associação. Consideramos elegíveis os estudos indexados nas bases EBSCO, EUROPUBMED, LILACS®, PUBMED® e MEDLINE®, que avaliaram a PCR de usuárias de COC de baixa dosagem, publicados entre 2004 e 2015. A busca eletrônica consistiu no cruzamento dos descritores: Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; C-Reactive Protein e Inflammation, a qual resultou em 136 estudos, dos quais, 11 foram elegíveis. Estes demonstraram elevação da PCR, mesmo após dez dias de uso de COC. Os valores da PCR mais frequentes foram entre 1-3 mg/L e > 3 mg/L, e em alguns estudos os valores foram superiores a 10 mg/L. Isto aponta risco aumentado de futuros eventos cardiovasculares e metabólicos nesta população. Por outro lado, os principais fatores e mecanismos envolvidos na elevação desta proteína foram os hormonais, principalmente estrogênicos e androgênicos, sendo documentadas modificações na função e níveis dos receptores ß do estrogênio, níveis elevados de cortisol e resistência insulínica. Outros achados também indicam elevação do TNF- α , hipometilação no DNA de macrófagos e alterações na produção hepática da PCR. Por fim, o COC representa, assim como a obesidade, 20% da variação da PCR de mulheres em idade reprodutiva

The Effect of Paternal Age on Oocyte Donation Outcomes.

IMPORTANCE: In recent decades, a trend toward delayed childbearing is noted in developed countries. Whereas the effects of maternal age on fertility, pregnancy complications, and postnatal outcomes have been thoroughly explored, consequences of advanced paternal age are less well known. Oocyte donation cycles can be used as an optimal model to analyze the association between male ageing and reproductive outcomes with minimal confounding. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to summarize the updated and relevant literature dealing with the effect of paternal age on oocyte donation outcomes. RESULTS: According to the available evidence from oocyte donation cycles, it seems that no significant association exists between advanced paternal age and fertility. However, this evidence is based on few studies, many of which are of low quality, yielding conflicting results. In addition, the emerging evidence clearly indicates an increased risk of adverse postnatal manifestations of pregnancies conceived by older fathers, including de novo autosomal dominant disorders, impaired neurocognitive development, and increased risk of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This review may be of aid to medical practitioners in counseling couples on the risks of delayed childbearing.

Fertility desires and intentions among HIV-positive women during the post-natal period in Uganda.

This study describes the fertility intentions and discusses the potential reproductive health needs of post-natal HIV-infected Ugandan women. HIV-infected mothers attending post-natal services in Kampala, Uganda participated in this cross-sectional study using structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of desire for more children. Among 403 participants, 35% desired more children. Of these, 25% wanted another child within 2 years and 75% within 3 years or more. In multivariable analyses, believing that one's partners wanted more children (OR = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.30, 4.59) was associated with the desire for future children while having more living children was negatively associated with the desire for future children (OR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.39). A minority of women desired future pregnancies, and most wanted to delay pregnancy for 3 years. These women are in need of family planning (FP) methods to meet stated desires to delay or end future pregnancies. Perceived partner desire for children also impacts on women's fertility intentions, highlighting the importance of engaging men during the post-natal period.67-77)

Local ecological knowledge of fishers about the life cycle and temporal patterns in the migration of mullet (Mugil liza) in Southern Brazil

This research investigates local ecological knowledge of fishers in communities along a latitudinal gradient in the coast of the Santa Catarina State, regarding the life cycle of mullets Mugil liza (migration, feeding, and reproductive behavior). Our sampling encompassed eight Santa Catarina coastal cities (nine artisanal fishing sites) and engaged 45 key informants (28- 86 years of age) through semi-structured interviews from August/2011 to March/2012. This fish species feeds and grows in lagoon and estuarine systems, migrating to the sea for reproduction, and spawning. Fishers acknowledged the Patos Lagoon and the Plata River as the main source of mullet schools. Migration occurs from South to North and the routes vary according to climatic and oceanographic conditions (e.g., low temperatures, south winds, rainfall, currents, salinity). These conditions influence the abundance of mullets (and therefore fisheries success), their migration and stops in locations such as beaches, rocky shores, and islands. According to fishers, mullet spawning occurs throughout the coast of the Santa Catarina State and they feed in lagoons and riverine systems but also out at sea during migration. In conclusion, fishers possess a detailed knowledge about mullet life cycle and they identify intra and interannual variations in migration routes, a pattern that should be considered in managing the fishery.

O objetivo deste artigo foi investigar o conhecimento ecológico local dos pescadores ao longo de um gradiente latitudinal no litoral de Santa Catarina, sobre o ciclo de vida da tainha Mugil liza (aspectos migratórios, alimentares, reprodutivos e comportamentais). Nossa amostragem abrangeu oito cidades costeiras de Santa Catarina (nove locais de pesca artesanal) e engajou 45 informantes chave (28 -86 anos de idade) a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas entre Agosto/2011 e Março/2012. Este peixe se alimenta e cresce em sistemas lagunares e estuarinos, migrando para o mar para a reprodução e desova. Pescadores reconhecem a Laguna dos Patos e o rio da Prata como as principais fontes de cardumes. A migração ocorre do Sul para o Norte e as rotas variam em função de condições climáticas e oceanográficas (e.g., baixa temperatura, vento Sul, chuva, correntes e salinidade). Estas condições influenciam a abundância de tainhas (e portanto o sucesso pesqueiro), a sua migração e as paradas em locais como praias, costões rochosos e ilhas. De acordo com os pescadores, a desova das tainhas ocorre ao longo do litoral catarinense e se alimentam em sistemas lagunares e rios, mas também em mar aberto durante a migração. Em conclusão, pescadores possuem um conhecimento detalhado sobre o ciclo de vida da tainha e identificam variações intra e interanuais nas rotas migratórias, um padrão que precisa ser considerado no manejo da pescaria.

Characteristics of first-time fathers of advanced age: a Norwegian population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The modern phenomenon of delayed parenthood applies not only to women but also to men, but less is known about what characterises men who are expecting their first child at an advanced age. This study investigates the sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviour, health problems, social relationships and timing of pregnancy in older first-time fathers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 14 832 men who were expecting their first child, based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) carried out by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Data were collected in 2005-2008 by means of a questionnaire in gestational week 17-18 of their partner's pregnancy, and from the Norwegian Medical Birth Register. The distribution of background variables was investigated across the age span of 25 years and above. Men of advanced age (35-39 years) and very advanced age (40 years or more) were compared with men aged 25-34 years by means of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The following factors were found to be associated with having the first child at an advanced or very advanced age: being unmarried or non-cohabitant, negative health behaviour (overweight, obesity, smoking, frequent alcohol intake), physical and mental health problems (lower back pain, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, sleeping problems, previous depressive symptoms), few social contacts and dissatisfaction with partner relationship. There were mixed associations for socioeconomic status: several proxy measures of high socioeconomic status (e.g. income >65,000 €, self-employment) were associated with having the first child at an advanced or very advanced age, as were several other proxy measures of low socioeconomic status (e.g. unemployment, low level of education, immigrant background).The odds of the child being conceived after in vitro fertilisation were threefold in men aged 34-39 and fourfold from 40 years and above. CONCLUSIONS: Men who expect their first baby at an advanced or very advanced age constitute a socioeconomically heterogeneous group with more health problems and more risky health behaviour than younger men. Since older men often have their first child with a woman of advanced age, in whom similar characteristics have been reported, their combined risk of adverse perinatal outcomes needs further attention by clinicians and researchers.

The role of oxytocin in mating and pregnancy.

The hormone oxytocin (OT) is released both centrally and peripherally during and after mating. Although research in humans suggests a central role in sexuality, the most reliable findings to date involve peripheral activation. This review will discuss these results and will particularly focus on understanding the most recent findings from fMRI data and the effects of exogenous peripheral OT administration. We will then consider hypotheses of the roles played by central and systemic OT release as well as their control and modulation in the female, summarizing recent findings from animal research. Finally, we will discuss the contribution of OT to the initiation of pregnancy in rodents. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior.

Social regulation of gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Reproduction is a critically important event in every animals' life and in all vertebrates is controlled by the brain via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In many species, this axis, and hence reproductive fitness, can be profoundly influenced by the social environment. Here, we review how the reception of information in a social context causes genomic changes at each level of the HPG axis.