• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.131-135
• /
• 2015

The thyroid hormones act on nearly every cell in the body. Moreover, the thyroid gland continuously interacts with the ovaries, and the thyroid hormones are involved in almost all phases of reproduction. Thyroid dysfunctions are relatively common among women of reproductive age, and can affect fertility in various ways, resulting in anovulatory cycles, high prolactin levels, and sex hormone imbalances. Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disease can be a cause of subfertility. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), also known as mild thyroid failure, is diagnosed when peripheral thyroid hormone levels are within the normal reference laboratory range, but serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are mildly elevated. Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is characterized by the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies, which include anti-thyroperoxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. SCH and TAI may remain latent, asymptomatic, or even undiagnosed for an extended period. It has also been demonstrated that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation has a significant impact on thyroid function, particularly in women with TAI. In the current review, we describe the interactions between thyroid dysfunctions and subfertility, as well as the proper work-up and management of thyroid dysfunctions in subfertile women.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.159-167
• /
• 2022

As the resolution and accuracy of diagnostic techniques for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) are improving, more mosaic embryos are being identified. Several studies have provided evidence that mosaic embryos have reproductive potential for implantation and healthy live birth. Notably, mosaic embryos with less than 50% aneuploidy have yielded a live birth rate similar to euploid embryos. This concept has led to a major shift in current PGT-A practice, but further evidence and theoretically relevant data are required. Proper guidelines for selecting mosaic embryos suitable for transfer will reduce the number of discarded embryos and increase the chances of successful embryo transfer. We present an updated review of clinical outcomes and practice recommendations for the transfer of mosaic embryos using PGT-A.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.57-65
• /
• 2024

Paiche (Arapaima gigas), is a colossal freshwater fish native to the Amazon basin. Its geographic distribution spans various regions, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Guyana, making it a significant component of the aquatic ecosystems in this area. Beyond its ecological role, the paiche holds substantial importance as a valuable fish resource for local communities, providing sustenance and economic opportunities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the reproductive aspects of the paiche, based on information published from January 2000 to January 2022. It encompasses a wide range of reproductive characteristics, including sexual differentiation, age at first maturity, and identification techniques. Additionally, it offers an evaluation of various mating behaviors, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. The review also explores genetic and behavioral traits observed in both wild and captive specimens, offering valuable insights for the effective management of breeding programs.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.9
• /
• pp.1451-1459
• /
• 2021

Objective: The objectives of the study were to evaluate reproductive performance and selection response through genetic trend of community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) of Bonga sheep. Methods: Reproduction traits data were collected between 2012 and 2018 from Bonga sheep CBBPs. Phenotypic performance was analyzed using the general linear model procedures of Statistical Analysis System. Genetic parameters were estimated by univariate animal model for age at first lambing (AFL) and repeatability models for lambing interval (LI), litter size (LS), and annual reproductive rate (ARR) traits using restricted maximum likelihood method of WOMBAT. For correlations bivariate animal model was used. Best model was chosen based on likelihood ratio test. The genetic trends were estimated by the weighted regression of the average breeding value of the animals on the year of birth/lambing. Results: The overall least squares mean±standard error of AFL, LI, LS, and ARR were 375±12.5, 284±9.9, 1.45±0.010, and 2.31±0.050, respectively. Direct heritability estimates for AFL, LI, LS, and ARR were 0.07±0.190, 0.06±0.120, 0.18±0.070, and 0.25±0.203, respectively. The low heritability for both AFL and LI showed that these traits respond little to selection programs but rather highly depend on animal management options. The annual genetic gains were -0.0281 days, -0.016 days, -0.0002 lambs and 0.0003 lambs for AFL, LI, LS, and ARR, respectively. Conclusion: Implications of the result to future improvement programs were improving management of animals, conservation of prolific flocks and out scaling the CBBP to get better results.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.35 no.11
• /
• pp.1649-1655
• /
• 2022

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the genetic parameters for reproductive traits among Large White pigs, including the following traits: total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), litter birth weight (LBW), average birth weight (ABW), gestation length (GL), age at first service (AFS) and age at first farrowing (AFF). Methods: The dataset consisted of 19,036 reproductive records from 4,986 sows, and a multi-trait animal model was used to estimate genetic variance components of seven reproductive traits. Results: The heritability estimates for these reproductive traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.26, with the highest heritability for GL and AFF, and the lowest heritability for NBA. The repeatabilities for TNB, NBA, LWB, ABW, and GL were ranged from 0.16 to 0.34. Genetic and phenotypic correlations ranged from -0.41 to 0.99, and -0.34 to 0.98, respectively. In particular, the correlations between TNB, NBA and LBW, between AFS and AFF, exhibited a strong positive correlation. Furthermore, for TNB, NBA, LBW, ABW, and GL, genetic correlations of the same trait between different parities were moderately to strongly correlated (0.32 to 0.97), and the correlations of adjacent parities were higher than those of nonadjacent parities. Conclusion: All the results in the present study can be used as a basis for the genetic assessment of the target population. In the formulation of dam line selection index, AFS or AFF can be considered to combine with TNB in a multiple trait swine breeding value estimation system. Moreover, breeders are encouraged to increase the proportion of sows at parity 3-5 and reinforce the management of sows at parity 1 and parity ≥8.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2008

Spermatogenesis and the reproductive cycle in male Spisula sachalinensis were investigated by cytological and histological observations. The morphology of the spermatozoon has a primitive type and is similar to those of other bivalves in that it contains a short midpiece with four mitochondria surrounding the centrioles. But spermatozoon of this species has not axial rod and satellite body in the midpiece. The morphologies of the sperm nucleus type and the acrosome shape of this species have a globe-shape type and modified cap-like shape, respectively. The spermatozoon is approximately $40-45{\mu}m$ in length including the sperm nucleus length (about $1.35{\mu}m$), acrosome length (about $1.50{\mu}m$) and tail flagellum. The axoneme of the sperm tail flagellum consists of nine pairs of microtubules at the periphery and a pair at the center. The axoneme of the sperm tail shows a 9+2 structure. The spawning period of these species lasts from June to July, and the main spawning occurs in July when seawater temperatures are greater than $20^{\circ}C$. The male reproductive cycle of this species can be categorized into five successive stages: early active stage (October to January), late active stage (February to April), ripe stage (April to June), partially spawned stage (June and July), and spent/inactive stage (August to September).

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.97-104
• /
• 2008

The gonad index, reproductive cycle and first sexual maturity of Sinonovacula constricta collected from Simpo, Kimje-gun, Korea were investigated by histological analysis. The gonad index(GI) in both sexes of S. constricta increased from April and reached a maximum in July when the water temperature rapidly increased. And then, the GI values gradually decreased by spawning from August through October. Monthly variations in the GI showed a close relationship with ovarian development. The reproductive cycle in females and males can be classified into five successive stages: early active stage(March to June), late active stage(May to July), ripe stage(July to September), partially spawned stage(August to October), spent/inactive stage(October to March). The percentage of first sexual maturations in female and male clams of 50.1-60.0 mm in shell length was over 50%, and for clams over 70.1 mm in shell length, it was 100%. Because harvesting clams < 50.1 mm in shell length could potentially cause a drastic reduction in recruitment, a measure including a prohibitory fishing size should be taken for adequate improved fisheries resource management.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.283-294
• /
• 2021

A genetic etiology of male infertility is identified in fewer than 25% of infertile men, while 30% of infertile men lack a clear etiology, resulting in a diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility. Advances in reproductive genetics have provided insights into the mechanisms of male infertility, and a characterization of the genetic basis of male infertility may have broad implications for understanding the causes of infertility and determining the prognosis, optimal treatment, and management of couples. In a substantial proportion of patients with azoospermia, known genetic factors contribute to male infertility. Additionally, the number of identified genetic anomalies in other etiologies of male infertility is growing through advances in whole-genome amplification and next-generation sequencing. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview of the indications for appropriate genetic tests, summarize the characteristics of chromosomal and genetic diseases, and discuss the treatment of couples with genetic infertility by microdissection-testicular sperm extraction, personalized hormone therapy, and in vitro fertilization with pre-implantation genetic testing.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.120-134
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The reproductive health of women in early adulthood can affect pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause in later life. Menstrual symptoms not only affect daily life, but are also a reflection of a woman's reproductive health. This study was conducted to explore the factors affecting menstrual symptoms among university students. Methods: The general characteristics, life style, menstrual characteristics, stress, and menstrual symptom of 177 female students were assessed through an online survey at one university. An independent sample t-test, one-way variance analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed using the SPSS 22.0 program. Results: The menstrual symptom score was 91.68±32.11 points, and the score of 'mood change' was the highest. Stress (��=.38, p<.001), amount of menstruation (��=.20, p=.001), menarche age (��=-.18, p=.003), health problems (��=.16, p=.010), and age (��=.15, p=.016) were found to have a significant effect on menstrual symptom, and the explanatory power of the regression model was 40%. Conclusion: This study investigated the degree and influencing factors of menstrual symptom using the Korean Menstrual Symptom Scale (KMSS) developed for Korean university students. Among the factors influencing menstrual symptom, stress appeared to play a significant role. Stress management, observation of menstrual characteristics, and general health care are necessary to maintain a woman's reproductive health.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.52 no.5
• /
• pp.496-510
• /
• 2019

We investigated the reproductive characteristics of the sweetfish Plecoglossus altivelis, including changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), frequency of gonad developmental stages, and abundance of drifting larvae, in three streams (Gangjeong, Yeonoi, and Ongpo) on Jeju Island from May 2004 to December 2005. The GSI values of female P. altivelis in all Jeju streams began to increase in September and reached a maximum in October and November. Peak GSI values in males occurred in Gangjeong from October to November, in Yeonoi from November to January, and in Ongpo from September to October. The gonadal development of P. altivelis was classified into four stages: growth (March to October), maturity (September to December in females; July to December in males), spawning (September to January), and degeneration (October to March in females; after November in males). Drifting larvae were collected from October to January. These results suggest that the main spawning activity of P. altivelis in Jeju streams occurs from October to November. The information about the reproductive characteristics of P. altivelis obtained in this study is critical to fishery management for this species.