Contraceptive vaccines (CV) may provide viable and valuable alternatives to the presently available methods of contraception. The molecules that are being explored for CV development either target gamete production [luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)/GnRH, FSH], gamete function [sperm antigens and oocyte zona pellucida (ZP)], and gamete outcome (HCG). CV targeting gamete production ha...

In this paper, I examine two key arguments advanced by the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and the Nuffield Council justifying anonymous mitochondrial donation, even though the 'right to know' is recognised in standard gamete donation. I argue that the two arguments they offer, what I call the argument from genetic connection and the argument from personal characteristics, a...

The ability of scuba-equipped scientists to directly observe marine organisms in their natural environments has dramatically improved our understanding of marine ecological processes. Despite advances on numerous fronts, however, the basic ecology of many important groups, including the tropical green algae, remains relatively unstudied. This paper examines how aspects of sexual reproduction by...

The sorption of organic pollutants to marine plastic litter may pose risks organisms, notably for what concerns their intake and transfer through microplastic (MP) ingestion. This study investigated the effects polystyrene MP loaded with chrysene (CHR) on early-stage physiological endpoints measured in Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. same concentrations virgin microplastics 10.8...

There is increasing evidence that a behavioral treatment approach might be efficacious in the treatment of the emotional aspects of infertility and may lead to increased conception rates. The first 54 women to complete a behavioral treatment program based on the elicitation of the relaxation response showed statistically significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and fatigue as well as incre...

Shielding prevents coupling of undesired radiated electromagnetic energy into equipment otherwise susceptible to it. In view of this, some studies on shielding effectiveness of different shields against angle of incidence with conductors and conductive polymers using plane-wave theory are carried out in this paper. The plane wave shielding effectiveness of new combination of these materials is ...

OBJECTIVE To identify the factors that most significantly affected pregnancy rates in a gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) programme. METHODS A total of 863 GIFT cycles were analysed retrospectively. The variables found to be associated significantly with pregnancy were then used to obtain multivariate analysis using logistical regression. RESULTS Overall and ongoing pregnancy rates were...