scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on human reproduction and directions for fertility treatment during the pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayong Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Human Embryos ◽  
Reproductive Techniques ◽  
The Impact

Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly, resulting in a pandemic. The virus enters host cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2). These enzymes are widely expressed in reproductive organs; hence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could also impact human reproduction. Current evidence suggests that sperm cells may provide an inadequate environment for the virus to penetrate and spread. Oocytes within antral follicles are surrounded by cumulus cells, which rarely express ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Thus, the possibility of transmission of the virus through sexual intercourse and assisted reproductive techniques seems unlikely. Early human embryos express coronavirus entry receptors and proteases, implying that human embryos are potentially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of development. Data on the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the human endometrium are sparse. Moreover, it remains unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 directly affects the embryo and its implantation. A study of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy showed an increase in preterm delivery. Thus, vertical transmission of the virus from mother to fetus in the third trimester is possible, and further data on human reproduction are required to establish this possibility. Based on analyses of existing data, major organizations in this field have published guidelines on the treatment of infertility. Regarding these guidelines, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, reproductive treatment is crucial for the well-being of society and must be continued under suitable regulations and good standard laboratory practice protocols.

Sex and Conception Probability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin C. Konje ◽  
Oladipo A. Ladipo
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Fertile Window ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Impact

Central to the survival of any species is the ability to procreate. In most cases, procreation is sexual, involving a process that ensures appropriate and timed contact between the male and female gametes. Successful human reproduction is premised on sexual intercourse occurring at a time when there is a receptive endometrium as well as an ovum ready for fertilization by spermatozoa. This time window of the menstrual cycle known as the fertile or fecund window is poorly defined and highly variable from one individual to another. Furthermore, while spermatogenesis is a continuous process, the impact of too frequent intercourse (defined as that occurring more than every 2 to 3 days) on fertilization has often been thought to be associated with a decreased fertilization potential of spermatozoa. Current evidence challenges previously held views on the fertile window and how it is determined, the timing of intercourse and how it is related to conception and miscarriages, the length of the luteal phase, and the precise time period during which the chances of fertilization are highest in any given menstrual cycle. The ability of spermatozoa to survive in the female genital tract for 5 days means fertilization can occur up to 5 days from sexual intercourse. During each menstrual cycle, there is a window of 5 to 6 days for fertilization to occur, and this period is defined not by the length of the cycle but by the timing of ovulation, with the chances of fertilization highest with intercourse occurring 1 to 2 days before ovulation.

scholarly journals Designing Interiors to Mitigate Physical and Cognitive Deficits Related to Aging and to Promote Longevity in Older Adults: A Review

Gerontology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 612-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Altaf Engineer ◽  
Esther M. Sternberg ◽  
Bijan Najafi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Interior Design ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Living Environments ◽  
The Impact

Background: With the increasing global population of older adults, there is a need for environmental interventions that directly affect their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being to help them maintain or regain their independence and autonomy – all of which promote longevity. Methods: To better understand potential opportunities and challenges associated with interior design and “future homes” that may promote well-being, aging in place, and independent living in older adults, the authors reviewed relevant literature and included their own expert opinions from a multidisciplinary point of view including interior design, wellness, and engineering. Results: After summarizing existing environmental interventions for the aging population and their effectiveness, this review reveals knowledge gaps in interior design for the well-being and longevity of older adults followed by a discussion of opportunities for future research that may fill these gaps. Some of these opportunities include finding habilitative design strategies that identify and address unique situational needs of each user, advancing multidisciplinary fields such as environmental gerontology that recreate security and independence for older adults even outside of their homes, implementing technically advanced design strategies, which are flexible and adaptive to individual needs; and integrating the Internet of things (IoT) into living environments, including voice-activated command technologies to improve seniors’ central role in enabling an optimized healthcare ecosystem. Conclusions: Knowledge of current evidence regarding the impact of different environmental factors may hasten adaptation of well-designed innovations that can provide optimal healing and living environments for the aging population. By effectively addressing older adults’ unique and specialized needs, design practitioners can become an indispensable part of their medical, social, and environmental team. One of the rapidly developing infrastructures promising to revolutionize the design of “future homes” is the IoT. While it is at an early stage of development, ultimately we envisage a connected home using voice-controlled technology and Bluetooth-radio-connected add-ons, to augment much of what home health does today. Bringing these approaches together into an effective strategy for a model of effective geriatric care is important and needs to become an integral part of both design education and practice.

scholarly journals Understanding the Blogging Practices of Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A Discourse Analysis of Women’s IVF Blogs

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Orr ◽  
Susan Jack ◽  
Wendy Sword ◽  
Sandra Ireland ◽  
Lois Ostolosky
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Impact

Infertility and its associated treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), can have a profound impact on the emotional health and well-being of women desiring to become mothers. Researchers have measured the impact of infertility and described the experience of infertility and its treatment, leaving the rich descriptions of the IVF experience as captured in women’s blogs to be explored. This discourse analysis describes the blogging practices of women undergoing IVF, exploring both the content and function of the IVF blog discourse. Data were collected from the text of seven women’s blogs (n=1,149 blog posts) and resulted in four main functions of the discourse: creation of and connection to a community, emotional support, blogging as therapy, and creation of an IVF resource. Findings suggest that blogging can have a positive impact on the psychosocial consequences experienced by women in fertility treatment.

The impact of physical exercise on hippocampus, in physiological condition and ageing-related decline: current evidence from animal and human studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Lauretta ◽  
Silvia Ravalli ◽  
Grazia Maugeri ◽  
Velia D’Agata ◽  
Michelino Di Rosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Human Lifespan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

: Physical exercise (PE), notoriously, promotes a state of general well-being, throughout the entire human lifespan. Moreover, maintaining an adequate and regular PE habit results to be a powerful preventive factor towards many diseases and may also help in managing existing pathological conditions. PE induces structural and functional changes in various districts of the body, determining biological and psychological benefits. Additionally, in elderly, PE might represent a remarkable tool reducing cognitive impairments related to the normal aging processes and it has also been found to have an impact in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The present review aims to provide an overview about PE effects on hippocampus, since it is one of the brain regions most susceptible to aging and, therefore, involved in diseases characterized by cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals The Impact of Postponed Fertility Treatment on the Sexual Health of Infertile Patients Owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Dong ◽  
Shanshan Wu ◽  
Yanqiang Tao ◽  
Feifei Zhou ◽  
Jichun Tan
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Female Sexual Function ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Infertile Patients

Background: With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at the beginning of 2020, all non-essential medical treatments were suspended, including fertility treatments. As a unique group in society, patients with infertility may be more sensitive and vulnerable in the face of pressure and crisis. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on the influence of postponed fertility treatment on the sexual health of infertile patients owing to COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether postponed fertility treatment resulting from COVID-19 affects the sexual health of patients with infertility.Methods: A total of 1,442 participants were included for analysis in this large-scale study. Those with postponed fertility treatment were categorised as group A (n = 474), whereas those whose fertility treatment was not delayed were in group B (n = 968). The sexual health and psychological well-being were compared between the two groups.Results: The total Female Sexual Function Index score and five domains of female sexual function (arousal ability, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and coital pain) were significantly lower in group A than those in group B (p < 0.05). The International Index of Erectile Dysfunction score and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score were significantly higher in group A than those in group B (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Delaying fertility treatment obviously affects patients' sexual and mental health. Through a structural equation model, we observed that postponed fertility treatment mediates sexual health by regulating psychological distress and couple relationship quality.

‘Either stay grieving, or deal with it’: the psychological impact of involuntary childlessness for women living in midlife

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 876-885
Author(s):  
Megumi Fieldsend ◽  
Jonathan A Smith
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Adopted Children ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Prolonged Grief ◽  
The Uk

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What is it like for women to be involuntarily childless in midlife? SUMMARY ANSWER Involuntarily childless women may be suffering from prolonged grief due to its ambiguous and intangible nature; however, they are also striving to find ways of dealing with their internal pain in order to live with their loss. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Many studies examining issues around human reproduction have tended to place childlessness in the realm of medicalised infertility and report generalised mental issues, such as depression and psychological distress, existing amongst women undergoing fertility treatments. Few studies, however, have focused on the individual with regard to the experiential significance of involuntary childlessness and living beyond the phase of trying for a baby. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A phenomenologically oriented person-centred qualitative design was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 White British women, who identified themselves as involuntarily childless, recruited via three leading childless support networks in the UK. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In order to retain an idiographic commitment to the detailed account of a person’s experience, a homogeneous and purposive sampling was used applying the following criteria: women aged between 45 and 55; in long-term heterosexual relationships with no adopted children, stepchildren or children of a partner from a previous marriage or relationship; and no longer trying to have a child. Considering the homogeneity of ethnic background and wishing to respect cultural differences, this study focused on White British women living in the UK. Of the 12, one woman was found to not meet the criteria, and therefore, the experiential data of 11 interviews were used for the study and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Two higher-order levels of themes that illustrate intrapersonal features were identified: the intrapersonal consequences of loss and confronting internal pain. The former explicated the depth of internal pain while the latter revealed ways in which the participants deal with it in their everyday lives. The important finding here is that both themes are co-existing internal features and dynamically experienced by the participants as they live with the absence of much-hoped-for children. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Given the homogeneous sampling and the small number of participants, which is consistent with IPA, we want to be cautious in generalising our study findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study offers the view that there might be potential mental health issues surrounding involuntary childlessness that are currently overlooked. Particularly because the loss of hope cannot be pathologised, and the grief is ambiguous and intangible, it might make people’s grieving process more complicated. An ongoing sense of uncertainty also may persist in that involuntarily childless people may develop symptoms similar to those diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder (PGD). The overall findings elucidate the need for clinicians, counsellors and health professionals to be aware of the possible association with PGD and promote long-term support and care in helping to maintain psychological well-being for people dealing with involuntary childlessness. Furthermore, this research points to an educational application for younger people by offering information beyond an explanation of infertility and fertility treatment, helping to understand the lived experience of involuntary childlessness. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No funding was obtained for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.

scholarly journals Nutrition and behavioral health disorders: depression and anxiety

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny M Kris-Etherton ◽  
Kristina S Petersen ◽  
Joseph R Hibbeln ◽  
Daniel Hurley ◽  
Valerie Kolick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Behavioral Health Disorders ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Suboptimal nutrition has been implicated in the underlying pathology of behavioral health disorders and may impede treatment and recovery. Thus, optimizing nutritional status should be a treatment for these disorders and is likely important for prevention. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe the global burden and features of depression and anxiety, and summarize recent evidence regarding the role of diet and nutrition in the prevention and management of depression and anxiety. Current evidence suggests that healthy eating patterns that meet food-based dietary recommendations and nutrient requirements may assist in the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety. Randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand how diet and nutrition-related biological mechanisms affect behavioral health disorders, to assist with the development of effective evidence-based nutrition interventions, to reduce the impact of these disorders, and promote well-being for affected individuals.

scholarly journals Analysis of Caloric and Noncaloric Sweeteners Present in Dairy Products Aimed at the School Market and Their Possible Effects on Health

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2994
Author(s):  
Laura S. Briones-Avila ◽  
Mara A. Moranchel-Hernández ◽  
Daniela Moreno-Riolobos ◽  
Taísa S. Silva Pereira ◽  
Ana E. Ortega Regules ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Products ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
School Age ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
High Fructose ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

Over the past decades, Mexico has become one of the main sweetener-consuming countries in the world. Large amounts of these sweeteners are in dairy products aimed at the children’s market in various presentations such as yogurt, flavored milk, flan, and cheeses. Although numerous studies have shown the impact of sweeteners in adults, the current evidence for children is insufficient and discordant to determine if these substances have any risk or benefit on their well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the sweeteners present in 15 dairy products belonging to the school-age children’s market in Mexico and their impact on health. These dairy products were selected through a couple of surveys directed at parents of school-age children. After that, the list of ingredients of each product was analyzed to identify their sweetener content. From there, exhaustive bibliographic research on sweeteners and their possible health effects was carried out, which included 109 articles and 18 studies. The results showed that at a neurological, endocrinological, cardiovascular, metabolic, osseous, renal, hepatic, dental, reticular, carcinogenic, and gut microbiota level; sucrose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrins, sucralose, and acesulfame K, have a negative effect. While maltodextrins, stevia, polydextrose, and modified starch have a positive one. For these reasons, it is necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages that the consumption of each sweetener entails, as well as a determination of the appropriate acceptable daily intake (ADI).

Urology Residency Training During the Pandemic: A Review of the Current Literature

2022 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Glykas ◽  
Panagiotis Velissarios Stamatakos ◽  
Charalampos Fragkoulis ◽  
Mohamad Moussa ◽  
Athanasios Papatsoris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Residency Training ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Skill Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Academic Activities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Urology Residency

Background Since COVID–19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, health care systems worldwide have been under significant strain. Although urology is not on the frontline of care for patients with COVID-19, every practicing urologist has been affected by the global outbreak. The objective of this review is to evaluate the impact of COVID–19 pandemic on urology residency training programs. Methods We reviewed the current evidence on urology residency training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevant databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library) were searched for articles published to June 2021 that included residents’ or directors’ opinions on their residency training programs during the COVID-19 crisis. Results The literature search identified 72 articles. Fifteen studies including more than 2500 residents were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. During the pandemic, learning activities carried out by urology residents have been extensively affected. Worldwide, operation volume has decreased, especially for procedures in which residents were directly involved. Similarly, there has been a decline in most academic activities, and many studies have reported the negative impact on residents’ mental well-being and lifestyle. On the other hand, the lockdown provided an opportunity to review the current training system and to increase the implementation of tools such as telemedicine and smart-learning surgical skill training programs. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in urology residency programs worldwide, which have had a negative impact on surgical training and academic activities. Residents’ well-being and mental health have also been put at risk. However, this unprecedented situation has also generated new online learning modalities and technological innovations in the field of training in urology.

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