text:
Reproductive Effects and Impacts on Future Generations
This chapter summarizes the scientific literature published since Veterans and Agent Orange: Update 2008, hereafter referred to as Update 2008 (IOM, 2009), on the association between exposure to herbicides and adverse reproductive or developmental effects. (Analogous shortened names are used to refer to the updates for 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006 [IOM, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007] of the original report Veterans and Agent Orange: Health Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam [VAO; IOM, 1994].) The categories of association and the approach to categorizing the health outcomes are discussed in Chapters 1 and 2. The literature considered in this chapter includes studies of a broad spectrum of reproductive effects in Vietnam veterans or other populations occupationally or environmentally exposed to the herbicides sprayed in Vietnam or to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Because some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), some polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and some polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) other than TCDD have dioxin-like biologic activity, studies of populations exposed to PCBs or PCDFs were reviewed if their results were presented in terms of TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs).
As in previous updates, the adverse outcomes evaluated include impaired fertility (in which declines in sperm quality may be involved), endometriosis, increased fetal loss (spontaneous abortion and stillbirth) or neonatal and infant mortality, and such other adverse birth outcomes as low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects. In addition to the more delayed problem of childhood cancer in their offspring, this update also addresses the concern of Vietnam veterans that their military exposures may contribute to other problems that their children experience later in life or that are manifested in later generations. Finally, as suggested in Update 2008, endometriosis and pregnancy loss will no
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Reproductive Effects and Impacts
on Future Generations
This chapter summarizes the scientific literature published since Veterans
and Agent Orange: Update 2008, hereafter referred to as Update 2008 (IOM,
2009), on the association between exposure to herbicides and adverse reproduc -
tive or developmental effects. (Analogous shortened names are used to refer to
the updates for 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006 [IOM, 1996, 1999, 2001,
2003, 2005, 2007] of the original report Veterans and Agent Orange: Health
Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam [VAO; IOM, 1994].) The categories of as-
sociation and the approach to categorizing the health outcomes are discussed in
Chapters 1 and 2. The literature considered in this chapter includes studies of a
broad spectrum of reproductive effects in Vietnam veterans or other populations
occupationally or environmentally exposed to the herbicides sprayed in Vietnam
or to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Because some polychlori-
nated biphenyls (PCBs), some polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and some
polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) other than TCDD have dioxin-like bio-
logic activity, studies of populations exposed to PCBs or PCDFs were reviewed if
their results were presented in terms of TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs).
As in previous updates, the adverse outcomes evaluated include impaired
fertility (in which declines in sperm quality may be involved), endometriosis,
increased fetal loss (spontaneous abortion and stillbirth) or neonatal and infant
mortality, and such other adverse birth outcomes as low birth weight, preterm
birth, and birth defects. In addition to the more delayed problem of childhood
cancer in their offspring, this update also addresses the concern of Vietnam
veterans that their military exposures may contribute to other problems that
their children experience later in life or that are manifested in later generations.
Finally, as suggested in Update 2008, endometriosis and pregnancy loss will no
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longer be fully evaluated after this update. It is unlikely, given the age of the
Vietnam veteran cohort, that any newly published data on those two outcomes
will provide additional information that would be directly relevant to that cohort.
However, if new research suggests that the two outcomes may be influenced by
epigenetic changes, their relevance to transgenerational effects will be assessed
in future updates.
To reduce repetition throughout the report, Chapter 5 presented design in -
formation on new studies that report findings on multiple health outcomes. To
provide context for publications that present new results on study populations that
were addressed in publications reviewed in earlier updates, Chapter 5 also dis -
cussed the overall characteristics of those populations with details about design
and analysis relevant to individual publications. Design information on new stud-
ies that report only reproductive health outcomes and are not revisiting previously
studied populations is summarized in this chapter with results.
This chapter's primary emphasis is on the potential adverse reproductive
effects of herbicide exposure of men because the vast majority of Vietnam vet-
erans are men. However, about 8,000 women served in Vietnam (H. Kang, US
Department of Veterans Affairs, personal communication, December 14, 2000),
so findings relevant to female reproductive health are also included. Whenever the
information was available, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of maternal
and paternal exposure separately. Exposure scenarios in human populations and
experimental animals studied differ in their applicability to our population of
concern according to whether the exposed parent was a male or female veteran.
In addition, for published epidemiologic or experimental results to be fully rel -
evant to evaluation of the plausibility of reproductive effects in Vietnam veterans,
whether female or male, the timing of exposure needs to correspond to the vet -
erans' experience (that is, it must have occurred only before conception). With
the possible exception of female veterans who became pregnant while serving in
Vietnam, pregnancies that might have been affected occurred after deployment,
when primary exposure had ceased.
This chapter opens with a general discussion of factors that influence the
plausibility that TCDD and the four herbicides used in Vietnam could have ad -
verse reproductive effects. There have been few reproductive studies of the four
herbicides in question, particularly picloram and cacodylic acid, and those studies
generally have shown toxicity only at very high doses, so the preponderance of
the following discussion concerns TCDD, which outside of controlled experi -
mental circumstances usually occurred in a mixture of dioxins (dioxin congeners
in addition to TCDD).
Because TCDD is stored in fat tissue and has a long biologic half-life, inter-
nal exposure at generally constant concentrations may continue after episodic,
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high-level exposure to external sources has ceased. If a person had high exposure,
there may still be high amounts of dioxins stored in fat tissue, which may be
mobilized, particularly at times of weight loss. That would not be expected to be
the case for nonlipophilic chemicals, such as cacodylic acid.
A father's contribution to a pregnancy is limited to the contents of the sperm
that fertilizes an egg and any damage to the embryo or offspring would result
from either genetic or epigenetic changes of the sperm DNA. Epigenetic effects
are ones that result in permanent (heritable) changes in gene expression without
a change in DNA sequence. Dioxins have not been shown to mutate DNA se-
quence, so any damage to an embryo or offspring from a dioxin-exposed father
would be limited to epigenetic effects.
A mother's contribution to a pregnancy is obviously more extensive, and
any damage to an embryo or offspring can result from epigenetic changes of the
egg DNA or from direct effects of exposure on the fetus during gestation and on
the neonate during lactation. Dioxin in the mother's bloodstream can cross the
placenta and expose the developing embryo and fetus. Furthermore, mobilization
of dioxin during pregnancy or lactation may be increased because the body is
drawing on fat stores to supply nutrients to the developing fetus or nursing infant.
In humans, TCDD has been measured in circulating maternal blood, cord blood,
placenta, and breast milk (Suzuki et al., 2005), and it is estimated that an infant
breastfed for 1 year accumulates a dose of TCDD that is 6 times as high as that
in an infant not breastfed (Lorber and Phillips, 2002).
On the basis of laboratory animal studies, TCDD can affect reproduction and
development, so a connection between TCDD exposure and human reproductive
and developmental effects is biologically plausible. However, definitive conclu-
sions based on animal studies about the potential for TCDD to cause reproductive
and developmental toxicity in humans are complicated by differences in sensi -
tivity and susceptibility among individual animals, strains, and species; by the
lack of strong evidence of organ-specific effects across species; by differences
in route, dose, duration, and timing of exposure in experimental protocols and
real-world exposure; and by substantial differences in the toxicokinetics of TCDD
between laboratory animals and humans. Experiments with 2,4-dichlorophen -
oxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) indicate
that they have subcellular effects that could constitute a biologically plausible
mechanism for reproductive and developmental effects. Evidence from animals,
however, indicates that they do not have reproductive effects and that they have
developmental effects only at very high doses. There is insufficient information
on picloram and cacodylic acid to assess the biologic plausibility of their repro -
ductive or developmental effects.
The biologic-plausibility sections on the specific outcomes considered in this
chapter present more detailed toxicologic findings that are of particular relevance
to the outcomes discussed.
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Endometriosis (International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision [ICD-
9], code 617) affects 5.5 million women in the United States and Canada at any
given time (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2007).
The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus and is built up
and shed each month during menstruation. In endometriosis, endometrial cells
are found outside the uterus―usually in other parts of the reproductive system,
in the abdomen, or on surfaces near the reproductive organs. The ectopic tissue
develops into growths or lesions that continue to respond to hormonal changes
in the body and break down and bleed each month in concert with the menstrual
cycle. Unlike blood released during normal shedding of the endometrium lining
the uterus, blood released from endometrial lesions has no way to leave the body,
and results in inflammation and internal bleeding. The degeneration of blood and
tissue can cause scarring, pain, infertility, adhesions, and intestinal problems.
There are several theories of the etiology of endometriosis, including a ge -
netic contribution, but the cause remains unknown. Estrogen dependence and im-
mune modulation are established features of endometriosis but do not adequately
explain its cause. It has been proposed that endometrium is distributed through
the body via blood or the lymphatic system; that menstrual tissue backs up into
the fallopian tubes, implants in the abdomen, and grows; and that all women
experience some form of tissue backup during menstruation but only those with
immune-system or hormonal problems experience the tissue growth associated
with endometriosis. Despite numerous symptoms that can indicate endometrio -
sis, diagnosis is possible only through laparoscopy or a more invasive surgical
technique. Several treatments for endometriosis are available, but there is no cure.
Conclusions from VAO and Previous Updates
Endometriosis was first reviewed in this series of reports in Update 2002,
which identified two relevant environmental studies, and Update 2004 examined
three environmental studies. Three additional environmental studies considered in
Update 2008 did not change the conclusion that the evidence was inadequate or
insufficient to support an association with herbicide exposure. Table 8-1 provides
a summary of relevant studies that have been reviewed.
Update of the Epidemiologic Literature
No Vietnam-veteran or occupational studies of exposure to the chemicals of
interest and endometriosis have been published since Update 2008.
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TABLE 8-1 Selected Epidemiologic Studies—Endometriosis
Reference Study Population Study Results
Studies Conducted in the United
Niskar Case–control study of Results for cases vs controls:
et al., 2009 women in Atlanta, GA Total TEQ (determined by GC/MS): OR = 01.00 (95%
with endometriosis; CI 0.930–1.07)
60 cases and 64 controls
Studies Conducted in Belgium
Heilier 88 matched triads (264 Results for pelvic endometriosis vs controls:
et al., 2007 total); patients with deep Dietary fat: OR = 1.0 (95% CI 1.0–1.0)
endometriotic nodules, BMI: OR = 1.0 (95% CI 0.9–1.0)
pelvic endometriosis, Occupation: OR = 0.5 (95% CI 0.2–1.1)
controls matched for age, Traffic: OR = 1.0 (95% CI 0.3–2.8)
gynecologic practice Incinerator: OR = 1.0 (95% CI 1.0–1.1)
in Belgium; routes
of exposure to DLCs
Heilier Serum DLC and No association between TEQs (determined by GC/MS)
et al., 2006 aromatase activity in of DLCs in serum and aromatase activity by regression
endometriotic tissue from analyses.
47 patients in Belgium p-values = 0.37–0.90 for different endometriosis
Heilier Endometriosis in Belgian 50 exposed cases, risk of increase of 10 pg/g lipid of
et al., 2005 women with overnight TEQ compounds (determined by GC/MS); OR = 2.6
fasting serum levels of (95% CI 1.3–5.3)
Fierens Belgian women with Mean concentration of TEQ (determined by GC/MS):
et al., 2003 environmental exposure Cases (n = 10), 26.2 (95% CI 18.2–37.7)
to PCDDs, PCDFs; Controls (n = 132), 25.6 (95% CI 24.3–28.9)
compared analyte No significant difference
concentrations in cases vs
Pauwels Patients undergoing Six exposed cases: OR = 4.6 (95% CI 0.5–43.6)
et al., 2001 infertility treatment in
Belgium; compared
number of women with,
without endometriosis
who had serum dioxin
levels up to 100 pg
TEQ/g of serum lipid
(determined by CALUX
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TABLE 8-1 Endometriosis, continued
Reference Study Population Study Results
Studies Conducted in Italy
Porpora Case–control study of Results for endometriosis vs controls:
dl-PCB 118 compared to ≤ 13.2 ng/g:
et al., 2009 Italian women with
endometriosis; 80 cases 13.3–24.2 ng/g; OR = 3.17 (95% CI 1.36–7.37)
≥ 24.3 ng/g; OR = 3.79 (95% CI 1.61–8.91)
and 78 controls (TEQs
Total TEQ compared to ≤ 15.6 pgC-TEQ/g fat:
determined by CALUX
bioassay) 15.7–29.5 pgC-TEQs/g fat; OR = 0.52 (95% CI
≥ 29.6 pgC-TEQ/g fat; OR = 0.73 (95% CI 0.26–2.01)
Porpora Case–control study of Mean total PCBs (ng/g)
et al., 2006 Italian women with Cases, 410 ng/g
endometriosis, measured Control, 250 ng/g
serum PCBs All PCB congeners: OR = 4.0 (95% CI 1.3–13)
De Felip Pilot study of Italian, Mean concentration of TCDD (ppt of lipid):
et al., 2004 Belgian women of Italy:
reproductive age; Controls (10 pooled samples), 1.6
compared concentrations Cases (two sets of 6 pooled samples), 2.1, 1.3
of TCDD, total TEQ Belgium:
(determined by GC/MS) Controls (7 pooled samples), 2.5
in pooled blood samples Cases (Set I, 5 pooled samples; Set II, 6 pooled samples),
from women who had 2.3, 2.3
diagnosis endometriosis Mean concentration of TEQ (ppt of lipid):
with controls Italy:
Controls (10 pooled samples), 8.9 ± 1.3 (99% CI
Cases (two sets of 6 pooled samples), 10.7 ± 1.6; 10.1
± 1.5
Controls (7 pooled samples), 24.7 ± 3.7 (99% CI 20–29)
Cases (Set I, 5 pooled samples; Set II, 6 pooled samples),
18.1 ± 2.7; 27.1 ± 4.0
Eskenazi Residents of Seveso Serum TCDD (ppt):
≤ 20 (n = 2 cases), RR = 1.0 (reference)
et al., Zones A and B up
2002a to 30 years old in 20.1–100, (n = 8), RR = 1.2 (90% CI 0.3–4.5)
> 100, (n = 9), RR = 2.1 (90% CI 0.5–8.0)
1976; population-
based historical cohort
comparing incidence
of endometriosis
across serum TCDD
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TABLE 8-1 Endometriosis, continued
Reference Study Population Study Results
Studies Conducted in Israel
Mayani Residents of Jerusalem 8 exposed cases: OR = 7.6 (95% CI 0.9–169.7)
et al., 1997 being evaluated for
infertility; compared
number of women with
high TCDD who had
(n = 44), did not have
(n = 35) diagnosis of
Studies Conducted in Japan
Tsuchiya 138 infertility patients Results for advanced endometriosis:
et al., 2007 in Japan; laproscopically Total TEQ: OR = 0.5 (95% CI 0.2–1.7)
confirmed case–control Genotype-specific: ORs = 0.3–0.6
status, serum dioxin, No significant interaction between genotype, dioxin TEQ
PCB TEQ (determined by
GC/MS); P450 genetic
ABBREVIATIONS: BMI, body mass index; CALUX, chemical activated luciferase gene expres -
sion; CI, confidence interval; dl, dioxin-like; DLC, dioxin-like compound; GA, Georgia; GC/MS,
gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; OR, odds ratio; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; PCDD,
polychlorinated dibenzodioxin; PCDF, polychlorinated dibenzofuran; RR, relative risk or risk ratio;
TCDD, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; TEQ, (total) toxic equivalent.
Environmental Studies
Niskar et al. (2009) recruited 144 women who lived in Atlanta, Georgia,
during 1998–1999 for a case–control study of endometriosis. TCDD TEQs were
calculated on the basis of the serum concentration of each of the dioxin-like
PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs; total PCBs were calculated on the basis of the sum
of 36 PCB congeners measured in serum. Persons who had endometriosis (n =
60) and controls who did not (n = 64) were selected from patients seeking con-
sultation at a reproductive-medicine clinic. At the time of enrollment, cases had
been recently diagnosed, confirmed with biopsy, and staged as minimal, mild,
moderate, or severe. No difference was observed between cases and controls with
regard to TEQ or total PCBs on the basis of either lipid-adjusted or non–lipid-
adjusted values.
A second case–control study of endometriosis was completed in Rome, Italy
(Porpora et al., 2009). Women scheduled for laparoscopy were recruited from a
reproductive-medicine clinic. Cases (n = 80) were confirmed and staged with
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histologic analyses. Controls (n = 78) were women who had no known infertility
and underwent laparoscopy for unrelated gynecologic conditions. An increased
risk of endometriosis was observed with increasing serum concentrations of the
dioxin-like PCB 118. When they were compared with women who had the low -
est concentrations of PCB 118 (≤ 13.3 ng/g serum lipid), the adjusted odds ratios
(ORs) for endometriosis were 3.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–7.37) and
3.79 (95% CI 1.61–8.91) for women who had serum PCB 118 concentrations of
13.3–24.2 ng/g lipid and more than 24.2 ng/g lipid, respectively. However, no
association was observed with total TEQs: an OR of 0.73 (95% CI 0.26–2.01) in
women who had the highest concentration of total TEQ (> 29.6 pg TEQ/g lipid).
Biologic Plausibility
Laboratory studies that used animal models and examined gene-expression
changes associated with human endometriosis provide evidence of the biologic
plausibility of a link between TCDD exposure and endometriosis. The first sug -
gestion that TCDD exposure may be linked to endometriosis came as a secondary
finding of a study that exposed female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) chroni-
cally to low concentrations of dietary TCDD for 4 years (Rier et al., 1993). Ten
years after the exposure ended, the investigators documented an increased inci -
dence of endometriosis in the monkeys that correlated with the TCDD exposure
concentration. The small sample prevented a definitive conclusion that TCDD
was a causal agent of endometriosis, but it led to numerous studies of the ability
of TCDD to promote the growth of pre-existing endometriotic lesions.
A number of proposed mechanisms by which TCDD may promote endome -
trial lesions provide additional biologic plausibility of the link between TCDD
and endometriosis. Human endometrial tissue expresses the aryl hydrocarbon
receptor (AHR) and its dimerization partner, the aryl hydrocarbon nuclear trans -
locator (ARNT) (Khorram et al., 2002), and three AHR target genes: CYP1A1,
1A2, and 1B1 (Bulun et al., 2000); this suggests that endometrial tissue is re -
sponsive to TCDD. Recently, it was shown that CYP1A1 expression increases in
ectopic endometrial tissue from women, compared with eutopic uterine tissue, in
the absence of TCDD exposure, and this suggests that CYP1A1 may play a role
in disease etiology (Singh et al., 2008). Other mechanisms by which TCDD may
promote endometriosis include altering the ratio of progesterone receptor A to
B and blocking the ability of progesterone to suppress matrix metalloproteinase
(MMP) expression—actions that promote endometrial-tissue invasion and that
are observed in women who have endometriosis (Igarashi et al., 2005).
TCDD also induces changes in gene expression that mirror those observed in
endometrial lesions. In addition to the induction of CYP1A1 noted above, TCDD
can induce expression of histamine-releasing factor, which is increased in endo -
metrial lesions and accelerates their growth (Oikawa et al., 2002, 2003). Simi -
larly, TCDD stimulates expression of RANTES (regulated on activation, normal
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T-cell–expressed, and secreted) in endometrial stromal cells, and RANTES con-
centration and bioactivity are increased in women who have endometriosis (Zhao
et al., 2002). The two CC-motif chemokines (chemotactic cytokines), RANTES
and macrophage-inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), have been identified as
potential contributors to the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis. Pre -
vious studies showed that the combination of 17β-estradiol and TCDD increased
the secretion of RANTES and MIP-1α in endometrial stromal cells (Yu et al.,
2008), and a more recent study showed that the same combination increased ex-
pression of the chemokine C receptor 9 (CCR9) and the secretion of its ligand,
thymus-expressed chemokine (TECK), in endometriosis-associated cells (Wang
et al., 2010). Those results support the idea that TCDD in combination with estra -
diol may contribute to the development of endometriosis by increasing invasive -
ness of endometrial cells. Despite that compelling evidence, chronic exposure of
rats to TCDD, a dioxin-like PCB, or PCDF or a mixture of the three fails to alter
endometrial histology in a consistent manner (Yoshizawa et al., 2009). Differ-
ences between the rodent uterus and human endometrium could account for that
lack of observed effects in rats.
In summary, experimental studies, particularly those using human eutopic
and ectopic endometrial tissue provide evidence of the biologic plausibility of a
link between TCDD exposure and endometriosis.
The new epidemiologic studies described above were contradictory in their
findings and did not assess dioxin directly. Overall, the studies linking dioxin
exposure with endometriosis are few and inconsistent. The association in animal
studies is biologically plausible, but it is possible that human exposures are too
low to show an association consistently.
On the basis of the evidence reviewed here, in VAO, and in the previous VAO
updates, the committee concludes that there is inadequate or insufficient evidence
to determine whether there is an association between exposure to the chemicals
of interest and human endometriosis.
Male reproductive function is under the control of several components whose
proper coordination is important for normal fertility. Several of the components
and some health outcomes related to male fertility, including reproductive hor-
mones and sperm characteristics, can be studied as indicators of fertility. The
reproductive neuroendocrine axis involves the central nervous system, the an -
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terior pituitary gland, and the testis. The hypothalamus integrates neural inputs
from the central and peripheral nervous systems and regulates the gonadotropins
luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Both are se -
creted into the circulation in episodic bursts by the anterior pituitary gland and are
necessary for normal spermatogenesis. In the testis, LH interacts with receptors
on Leydig cells, where it stimulates increased testosterone synthesis. FSH and
the testosterone from the Leydig cells interact with Sertoli cells in the seminifer-
ous tubule epithelium to regulate spermatogenesis. More detailed reviews of the
male reproductive hormones can be found elsewhere (Knobil et al., 1994; Yen
and Jaffe, 1991). Several agents, such as lead and dibromochloropropane, affect
the neuroendocrine system and spermatogenesis (for reviews, see Bonde and
Giwercman, 1995; Tas et al., 1996).
Studies of the relationship between chemicals and fertility are less common
in women than in men. Some chemicals may disrupt the female hormonal balance
necessary for proper functioning. Normal menstrual-cycle functioning is also
important in the risk of hormonally related diseases, such as osteopenia, breast
cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Chemicals can have multiple effects on the
female system, including modulation of hormone concentrations that result in
menstrual-cycle or ovarian-cycle irregularities, changes in menarche and meno-
pause, and impairment of fertility (Bretveld et al., 2006a,b).
Conclusions from VAO and Previous Updates
The committee responsible for the original VAO report (IOM, 1994) con-
cluded that there was inadequate or insufficient evidence of an association be -
tween exposure to 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, TCDD, picloram, or cacodylic acid and altered
sperm characteristics or infertility. Additional information available to the com -
mittees responsible for Update 1996, Update 1998, Update 2000, Update 2002,
Update 2004, Update 2006, and Update 2008 did not change that conclusion.
Reviews of the relevant studies are presented in the earlier reports. Tables 8-2
and 8-3 summarize the studies related to male and female fertility, respectively.
Update of the Epidemiologic Literature
Male Fertility
No Vietnam-veteran or occupational studies of exposure to the chemicals of
interest and male fertility have been published since Update 2008.
Environmental Studies Since Update 2008, two studies published on semen
quality and exposure to organochlorine compounds have been published. The
first, by Cok et al. (2010), explored associations between PCBs measured in adi -
pose tissue and fertility status in 25 infertile men and 21 healthy men. Infertile
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TABLE 8-2 Selected Epidemiologic Studies—Male Fertility (Altered
Hormone Concentrations, Decreased Sperm Counts or Quality, Subfertility, or
Exposure of Interest/
Exposed Estimated Risk
Casesa (95% CI)a
Reference Study Population
US Air Force Health Study—Ranch Hand veterans vs SEA veterans All COIs
Gupta Coefficient (p-value)
et al., 2006 for ln(Testosterone) vs
AFHS (964 Ranch Hands, 1,259 comparison) ln(TCDD) in 1987
Comparison TCDD quartile I nr 0 (referent)
(mean, 2.14 ppt)
Comparison TCDD quartile II nr –0.063 (0.004)
(mean, 3.54 ppt)
Ranch Hand TCDD quartile I nr 0.002 (0.94)
(mean, 4.14 ppt)
Comparison TCDD quartile III nr –0.048 (0.03)
(mean, 4.74 ppt)
–0.079 (< 0.001)
Comparison TCDD quartile IV nr
(mean, 7.87 ppt)
Ranch Hand TCDD quartile II nr –0.052 (0.03)
(mean, 8.95 ppt)
Ranch Hand TCDD quartile III nr –0.029 (0.22)
(mean, 18.40 ppt)
Ranch Hand TCDD quartile IV nr –0.056 (0.02)
(mean, 76.16 ppt)
Henriksen Effects on specific hormone concentrations or
et al., 1996 sperm count in Ranch Hands
Low testosterone
High dioxin (1992) 18 1.6 (0.9–2.7)
High dioxin (1987) 3 0.7 (0.2–2.3)
Low dioxin (1992) 10 0.9 (0.5–1.8)
Low dioxin (1987) 10 2.3 (1.1–4..9)
Background (1992) 9 0.5 (0.3–1.1)
High FSH
High dioxin (1992) 8 1.0 (0.5–2.1)
Low dioxin (1992) 12 1.6 (0.8–3.0)
Background (1992) 16 1.3 (0.7–2.4)
High LH
High dioxin (1992) 5 0.8 (0.3–1.9)
Low dioxin (1992) 5 0.8 (0.5–3.3)
Background (1992) 8 0.8 (0.4–1.8)
Low sperm count
High dioxin 49 0.9 (0.7–1.2)
Low dioxin 43 0.8 (0.6–1.0)
Background 66 0.9 (0.7–1.2)
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A loss to hard-hitting Kimball put Oakdale High's Valley Oak League softball championship in jeopardy, but the wheel of fortune spun Oakdale's way during a 1-0 thriller over playoff-bound Sierra on April 30.
Ryan Jones shot a 75 at the par-72 Diablo Grande Country Club on April 30 to lead Oakdale High's boys golf team to a one-sided Valley Oak League Finals victory and sole rights to the conference title.
The tennis season is over for Oakdale High racketeers, but Mustang competitors left the court with a little piece of Valley Oak League dignity on April 24 and 26 during singles and doubles championship league tournaments.
May 8, 10, 11 and 14 will mark the official start to the Sac-Joaquin Section postseason for prep swim, soccer, golf and softball programs. Oakdale High athletes that haven't already locked up a trip to events on those dates have been hungrily working toward that honor. Following is summary of recent Oakdale prep action.
When Valley Oak League track and field coaches not named Dave Bacigalupi have nightmares, they typically dream of Oakdale High uniforms.
Oakdale High's varsity boys baseball team landed two comfortable wins over Manteca on April 25 and 27 to sweep the Buffaloes and move one step closer to a conference title.
Fantastic depth and strong individual performances from Oakdale High's varsity girls track team carried the program to yet another standout collective performance as the Mustang's edged VOL stalwart, Sierra, on April 26. The win carried Oakdale to an eighth straight conference title and incredible 58th straight conference dual meet win. To read more on Oakdale's run to another league championship, nab the May 2 print edition of the Oakdale Leader.
Oakdale H.S./Texas Southern Univerity Softball
Trailing Sonora with one event to go, Oakdale High's girls swim team needed to take both first and third in the final event - the 400 yard freestyle relay - to escape the clutches of the host Wildcats with a victory and subsequent league championship.
Oakdale High athletes saw a roller coaster of ups and downs during recent conference and tournament action on their respective fields of play. Following is a summary of recent results for Oakdale girls soccer, boys tennis, track and field, golf and softball teams.
With six games left on the Valley Oak League schedule, a championship is hardly a guarantee for Oakdale High's varsity baseball team.
One by one Shelby Reali's coaches and parents took center stage to speak to a vast crowd of friends and youth softball players at Rainbow Fields in Riverbank on April 4.
Oakdale High track and field, softball, tennis and golf teams saw action despite recent poor weather conditions. Following is a summary of prep results.
Head coach Larry Loger and his varsity softball girls are reminding teams why they're the defending Sac-Joaquin Section champions. The Lady Mustangs improved to 15-7 overall and more importantly 7-1 in league play after an 8-5 road victory over Kimball and an 18-0 shellacking of winless Weston Ranch on Thursday, April 16 at home.
Although school was out for Spring Break, the diamond boys were hard at it this past week with tournament play. League play will resume this week for all three levels of play. Shown is a quick glance at how the teams fared over the vacation week.
Oakdale played a home and home series against Lathrop this past week, and the Mustangs corralled a pair of victories over the Spartans.
On top of their Valley Oak League meet against Sierra on Thursday, March 26, the best of the best in high school varsity track and field came out to The Corral on Friday, March 27 for the annual County vs. County meet. Eighteen schools from both Stanislaus and Merced counties competed under the hot Oakdale early spring sun.
The varsity Oakdale Mustangs opened the 2015 Valley Oak League season playing a home and home stand with the Manteca Buffaloes this past week. On Wednesday, March 18 the boys escaped with a wild 21-15 road win. Down 9-3 after three innings, Oakdale exploded with nine runs in the top half of the fourth and never looked back. Nolen Legan powered the Mustangs with his four hit, five RBI day. The Mustangs outscored the Buffaloes 18-6 in the final four innings of play.
As the month of March draws closer to a close, the OHS springs sports teams have continued to have impressive outings. Here is a quick glance at some of the teams that were in action this past week.
Oak Valley Youth Softball Association (OVYSA) staged a clinic at Oakdale High School on Saturday, March 14 for their upcoming season. OVYSA begins their season on Saturday, March 21 at Oakdale's Kerr Park located at 840 N. Stearns Road. Opening ceremony is set for 9 a.m.
Oakdale's annual March Madness Invitational took place on Saturday, March 14 at the Oakdale High School Aquatic Center. Nine schools competed in numerous events during the morning and early afternoon non-scored invitational.
Seven Oakdale Mustangs packed their bags and headed to Bakersfield for the 43rd annual CIF State Meet on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. OHS seniors Logan Eaton, Nico Colunga, Max Stevens and Frankie Trent, along with junior Trevor Williams, sophomore Abel Garcia and freshman Colbey Harlan all battled their way to Rabobank Arena. Each of them has battled it out since their first match of the season in November, through the Masters Meet in Stockton to get to this point, the sought-after State Meet competition.
The Mustang varsity baseball boys took the field on Saturday, March 7 when they hosted Cosumnes Oaks. Originally scheduled to be a double header, the teams played a single game where Cosumnes Oaks walked out victorious, 4-1.
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28 was a pivotal stop for high school wrestlers on their journey to reach the California State Championship. Stockton Arena was host site for the two day wrestle fest, known as the 2015 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Meet.
To say this has been a dominant season for the OHS varsity wrestling team would be an understatement. This season the team claimed its ninth consecutive Valley Oak League title, the eighth consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section title and the momentum has carried into the Sac-Joaquin Division III Divisionals.
The future appears bright for OHS girls' basketball, as the 2014-2015 junior varsity girls wrapped up the season undefeated with a perfect 14-0 Valley Oak League record. Led by second year head coach Julie Ford, the team bought into her coaching philosophy and put it to work on the court, showing up every day and practicing and playing hard and playing for each other. In the 14 league games, Oakdale outscored their opponents 666-447, an average of nearly a 32-point margin of victory over the course of the season. This impressive run began when the girls knocked off Sierra 43-22 ...
Mustang born, Mustang bred, going to be a Mustang 'til the day I'm dead.
During the recent National Signing Day, several Oakdale High School student athletes made their most important decision to date: what school will they attend after graduation. Four student athletes made those choices and will continue their athletic as well as academic endeavors at the next level: Wyatt Hjelm, Nico Colunga, Ashley Arnett and Sydney Sudaria.

subset: commoncrawl


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Categories | Eligibility |
Staff: 3-year term |
All employees of the University who work more than 14hrs. per week and who are not members of faculty are eligible to nominate, to be nominated and to vote. |
Students: Terms for students are two years except for two 1-year positions in Arts & Science, two 1-year positions in Business, and one 1-year position in Education. |
Student Senators shall be elected by their respective student societies. |
Faculty: 3-year term |
Faculty shall be elected by their respective Faculty or School. |


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Getting Sick in Costa Rica - A True Blessing
Trip Start
Aug 26, 2007
Trip End
Jan 05, 2008
Costa Rica was the perfect place to take on an ear infection! A few days ago, I started to feel a sharp pain and stuffiness in my right ear. If I had been in the US, a doctor's visit and prescribed antibiotic would have cost me a small fortune I don't have at the moment. Lucky for me, I called my local drug store and not only did I not need a prescription, but the antibiotic was delivered to my apartment late at night at no extra cost. The total cost for a 3-day supply of meds? $12 bucks!


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Protect People. Protect our Community. Protect our Planet.
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) serves to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students, employees, and visitors to Wright State University in support of the university's overall mission.
- EHS works to protect human health and, to the greatest extent possible, reduce the university's impact on the environment and surrounding ecosystem.
- EHS develops programs and policies designed to meet or exceed compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines.
- EHS provides unparalleled customer service to the university and surrounding community.
- EHS accomplishs these goals through development and implementation of a comprehensive environmental health and safety management system that consists of a review of programs and policies, tracking performance metrics, information exchange, training, inspections, and continuous feedback.
Emergency Contact Information
Main Office: 937-775-2215 | Wright State Police: 937-775-2111 | See Something? Say Something! email@example.com
Staff Directory
Staff Employees
Stephen P. Farrell
Judy Grant, A.S.
Ron Hamilton
Denise Lynette Kramer, M.S., M.T.
Marjorie Marie Markopoulos, M.S.
Greg A. Merkle
Kimberly K Morris
Bill Palmer
Rachel Rebecca Seitz, B.S.
Joseph C. Whitlock
Student Employees
Joseph Franklin Dunn
Alex Kleine
Siddhartha Muddaluri
Inter-University Council Insurance Consortium (IUC-IC)
Recognizing the tremendous benefits to be realized through the group purchase of insurance, Ohio established the Inter-University Council Insurance Consortium (IUC-IC) that includes fourteen of the fifteen state colleges and universities. Three committees handle the overall administrative functions of the IUC. Wright State University is one of the participating universities involved with this cost saving consortium.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the IUC-IC is to improve the coverage and service provided to each university, while permitting the group to assume additional risk by taking an increased primary deductible retention. The assumption of this risk translates into overall cost savings. The IUC-IC's objective is to take advantage of the economies of scale of making a group purchase of insurance.
Group Purchase Benefits
While each university retains control over its insurance program, this group purchase program reduces the impact of underwriting, pricing, servicing, and coverage limitations on the individual schools by creating market clout.
Request a Waste Pickup
Please email or call Rachel Seitz at 937-775-4275 for waste collection. Click here for complete details and requirements.
We want you to return Home. Safely. Everyday. Integral to promoting a safe and healthy campus, Wright State University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety offers occupational and lab environment training to Wright State University Employees and students. These trainings are offered in the classroom and online. For more information visit our Training Page.
Wright State University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety works closely with other departments to keep our footprint as small as possible. We are currently working to expand our "Shut the Sash" initiative we introduced earlier with great success. To see more on the initiative click here.
News & Announcements
View all news and announcements


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Grand Theft Auto V
Why isn't this game not releasing on XBOX ONE?
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The Xbone is a gimmick. No one will buy that P.O.S. | |
That grammar. --- "lol der was a shdow on my carpet but ti looked like a stane and tried to clen it up but ti was a shadoow" -Ghost4800 | |
WHY is NOT this game NOT releasing on XBOX ONE --- Gamertag- MidgetRifleman | |
It's not --- GT - Burrito Diablo | |
1. The game has been in development for 5 years on current gen tech. Porting a game to next gen tech isn't as simple as copy/paste. Developer kits didn't hit till about a year ago, which Rockstar already had way too much invested into current gen tech 2. 360 and PS3 have well over a hundred million units available for games to be sold/played on. PS4 and Xbox One have zero units sold and will have zero units sold at the time of launch for GTA. 3. Next Gen tech is unproven, we have no idea how this hardware will hold up months after launch. I must ask, why do you ask stupid questions? In your short time here you've asked several dumb questions. Which leads me to believe you're either a troll, or extremley uninformed. You post a dumb question and never return to your own topic, thus I'm convinced you're a troll. You say you've never played a GTA before, and further go on to ask people to convince you to pick up the game, to which I ask why? Why should I convince you to play a game? If you're curious try it, if not, don't. We here have literally nothing to gain by convincing you to pick up this game so why bother asking others? Aside from your trolling of course In conclusion, you're a troll. --- Vegetarian- an old Indian word meaning bad hunter | |
Logicmonger posted... The Xbone is a gimmick. No one will buy that P.O.S. I pre ordered mine today.... --- You think you know me? | |
nativengine posted...
This 1000x. These kind of topics are too common even on the PS3 board. Hard to believe some people even said that V should have been purely a next gen game in other topics. No. 1: It's going to sell like crazy on current consoles because most everybody has one. Some of us don't buy into the new consoles at launch as they work out the kinks in the systems. No. 2: The hardware of the PS4 / Xbone is still new. While games like AC 4 and Watch_Dogs look sharper on next gen, it's not a huge leap from current consoles at the moment. I wouldn't really feel like I'm missing out by playing such games on current hardware right now. GTA V has been developed on current hardware, but even on the eve of next gen consoles hitting the market that's nothing to scoff at. This is proven hardware which has given us some great looking games. I'm sure they would rather release a GTA on next-gen consoles that is truly next gen as IV was back in the day and not just a sharper looking port when compared to the PS3 and 360. --- "Hey, you want a toothpick?" - The Driver (Drive) | |
BENGALSFAN81 posted... Logicmonger posted...The Xbone is a gimmick. No one will buy that P.O.S. | |
CADE FOSTER posted... BENGALSFAN81 posted...Logicmonger posted...The Xbone is a gimmick. No one will buy that P.O.S. I "Feel sorry for myself" Because I have the money to jump to next gen? Makes perfect internet logic --- You think you know me? |
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From the Publisher
"This comprehensive and up-to-date book is a fine contribution to the maritime economics literature, and will surely be the standard reference in the field for a number of years. I have been teaching Maritime Economics and Logistics course for advanced undergraduate/graduate students at UBC and have been searching for a proper reference textbook. With the publication of this book, my search ends happily." (Expofairs.com, 1 September 2012)


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Training & Behavior Programs at the Oregon Humane SocietyDoes your cat climb the curtains? Does your dog bark non-stop? Tanya Roberts, OHS Training and Behavior Manager, and Executive Director Sharon Harmon joined us to share how they help solve behavior problems.
For more information on Training &Behavior Programs, visit the Oregon Humane Society website. Most Popular |
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The shrine of knowledge.
Ieee Standards
A selection of articles related to ieee standards.
Original articles from our library related to the Ieee Standards. See Table of Contents for further available material (downloadable resources) on Ieee Standards.
- Values in the Balance
- We in the Pagan community pride ourselves on our tolerance for difference. Differences in lifestyle, sexual preference, orientation and expression, race, orthodoxy, tradition, ritual structure, costumes, positions on nudity, personal interaction styles, etc....
Holidays >> Mabon
- A Basic View of Paganism or Bambi Pagansim
- "You people are all so nice! I like the idea of Paganism, but I don't think I could be that nice all the time." The writer was genuinely perplexed and driven to ask me if it is really possible that Pagans, Witches and Wiccans really lived such...
Religions >> Paganism & Wicca
- A Cup of Hemlock: Dealing with Conflict in Coven and Congregation
- There have always been those folks who point out our foibles, and make us take an uncomfortable look at our world, as well as those who simply had the misfortune to point out the obvious when it was unwelcome. Then there are troublemakers, folks who go out of...
Paganism & Wicca >> Daily Life
- King James Bible: Numbers, Chapter 2
- Chapter 2 2:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 2:2 Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch. 2:3 And on...
Old Testament >> Numbers
- The 'W' Word (Witch), What Does it Mean?
- The other day I sat down and again tried to define what it is that I am doing. We are talking about beginning our church next year, but a church of what? I am the type that is most comfortable with a clear and complete understanding, so I began at the...
Religions >> Paganism & Wicca
- Jesus Christ! You're acting like one of those Christians
- "He drew a circle that shut me out— Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But Love and I had the wit to win; We drew a circle that took him in!" – Edwin Markham The room was filled with Pagans, Witches and a few Asatru. The discussion had flowed from &qu...
Paganism & Wicca >> Daily Life
- History of the Egyptian Religion, part III: The Wisdom Literature
- It may seem that religion in ancient Egypt was mainly concerned with preserving the status of kingship and of a powerful priesthood. However, at all levels of society relationship with a deity through prayers and offerings on a daily basis was of great...
Religions >> Egyptian
Ieee Standards is described in multiple online sources, as addition to our editors' articles, see section below for printable documents, Ieee Standards books and related discussion.
Suggested Pdf Resources
- IEEE Editorial Style Manual (Online)
- Standards. Basic Format: [1] Title of Standard, Standard number, date. Examples: [1] IEEE Criteria for Class IE Electric Systems, IEEE Standard 308, 1969.
- www.ieee.org
- Understanding Patent Issues During IEEE Standards Development
- standards.ieee.org
- IEEE Editorial Style Manual (Online)
- Item 95 - 76401 IEEE EDITORIAL STYLE MANUAL.
- www.ieee.org
- IEEE standard glossary of software engineering terminology - IEEE
- Committees of the IEEE Societies and the Standards Coordinating.
- amutiara.staff.gunadarma.ac.id
Suggested News Resources
- Samsung Nexus Prime receives WiFi certification
- It is a certification process that WiFi-capable devices have to go through to ensure that they are truly compatible with the different IEEE Standards (a/b/g/n) available.
- IEEE Introduces Redline Versions of Standards
- IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) announced the availability of IEEE Redline Versions of Standards, a new offering that provides an easier way to compare all of the changes between an active standard and the previous approved version.
- ProQuest acquires UK-based Expert Information - 08 Aug 2011
- Technical professional association IEEE, US, has announced that the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Standards Board has approved two projects for the revision of standards for evaluating and reconditioning transformers.
Suggested Web Resources
- IEEE-SA - The IEEE Standards Association - Home
- standards.ieee.org
- IEEE - Publications & Standards
- www.ieee.org
- IEEE - IEEE Standards Online Collections
- www.ieee.org
- IEEE-SA - Find Standards
- standards.ieee.org
- IEEE Standards Association - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- en.wikipedia.org
Great care has been taken to prepare the information on this page. Elements of the content come from factual and lexical knowledge databases, realmagick.com library and third-party sources. We appreciate your suggestions and comments on further improvements of the site.


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GAO: FDIC Has Made Progress, but Further Actions Are Needed to Protect Financial Data
August 12, 2011 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has a demanding responsibility enforcing banking laws, regulating financial institutions, and protecting depositors. Because of the importance of FDIC's work, effective information security controls are essential to ensure that the corporation's systems and information are adequately protected from inadvertent misuse, fraudulent use, or improper disclosure.
As part of its audits of the 2010 financial statements of the Deposit Insurance Fund and the Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation Resolution Fund administrated by FDIC, GAO assessed the effectiveness of the corporation's controls in protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its financial systems and information. To perform the audit, GAO examined security policies, procedures, reports, and other documents; tested controls over key financial applications; and interviewed key FDIC personnel.
Although FDIC had implemented numerous controls in its systems, it had not always implemented access and other controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its financial systems and information. FDIC has implemented controls to detect and change default user accounts and passwords in vendor-supplied software, restricted access to network management servers, developed and tested contingency plans for major systems, and improved mainframe logging controls. However, the corporation had not always (1) required strong passwords on financial systems and databases; (2) reviewed user access to financial information in its document sharing system in accordance with policy; (3) encrypted financial information transmitted over and stored on its network; and (4) protected powerful database accounts and privileges from unauthorized use. In addition, other weaknesses existed in FDIC's controls that were intended to appropriately segregate incompatible duties, manage system configurations, and implement patches. An underlying reason for the information security weaknesses is that FDIC had not always implemented key information security program activities. To its credit, FDIC had developed and documented a security program and had completed actions to correct or mitigate 26 of the 33 information security weaknesses that were previously identified by GAO. However, the corporation had not assessed risks, documented security controls, or performed periodic testing on the programs and data used to support the estimates of losses and costs associated with the servicing and disposal of the assets of failed institutions. Additionally, FDIC had not always implemented its policies for restricting user access or for monitoring the progress of security patch installation. Because FDIC had made progress in correcting or mitigating previously reported weaknesses and had implemented compensating management and reconciliation controls during 2010, GAO concluded that FDIC had resolved the significant deficiency in internal control over financial reporting related to information security reported in GAO's 2009 audit, and that the remaining unresolved issues and the new issues identified did not individually or collectively constitute a material weakness or significant deficiency in 2010. However, if left unaddressed, these issues will continue to increase FDIC's risk that its sensitive and financial information will be subject to unauthorized disclosure, modification, or destruction. GAO recommends that FDIC take two actions to enhance its comprehensive information security program. In commenting on a draft of this report, FDIC discussed actions that it has taken or plans to take to address these recommendations.
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Rain in the Mojave Desert
When most people think of the desert, they don't think much about rain. Well, on August 22, the Mojave Desert experienced record-breaking rainfall, with some areas receiving well over 2.5 inches… read more
Desert Invasions
While we love to see all the native plants, this abundant bloom also presents a potential setback for the desert. read more
Watch Where You Step!
The desert soil is alive! Well, the soil itself isn't really living, but life occurs throughout the soil of the Mojave Desert, so it's important to always stay on designated trails and roads when you are in the desert. read more


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As the UK labour market remains weak and job cuts are still on the agenda of many companies, workers of all sectors are on the alert -- anyone is afraid they could be the next to be made redundant.
Most people who are let go say in retrospect they should have seen it coming. While there are no sure signs of professional apocalypse, there are a few clues your job may be in peril. Watch for these signs to find out if your days at work are numbered before anyone is telling you the news.
1. Times are tough at your company. This may be one of the main reasons your job could be in danger: The industry you are working in could be badly affected by the global economic crisis and this again can hit your company hard. The first money-saving measure in difficult times as these is a personnel cut. If your job function is not essential, you might be one of the first for the chop.
2. You're not being kept informed. Have you seen your whole team walking out of the conference room after a meeting you were not informed of? Have you become the last to know anything and everything that is going on in your office? In the workplace, knowledge is power. Your company's act of keeping information from you and keeping you in the dark might be one way of preparing for life without you.
3. You are losing responsibilities. Has your workload become a lot lighter in recent weeks while your colleagues seem to be taking on more? Is your input suddenly not needed in planning sessions for next year's budget? If your projects and past responsibilities have been passed on to others, it is another good sign that the team is making sure your work gets done once you are out the door.
4. Your job title has been changed, and it's not an upward move. If you have received a new job title or new job description, pay attention to the differences. Is the new job a lateral move? Have you been demoted? The way you want to be moving in an organisation is up -- not sideways or down.
5. You are suddenly being supervised very closely. If you have always had a great deal of autonomy in the past and are now being scrutinised at every turn, there might be a serious reason behind this new form of management. Whether you feel you need your hand held or not, new scrutiny in the workplace can sometimes mean less confidence in your abilities.
6. You and your boss are not getting along. Corporate management will swear it's not personal, yet many downsizings are actually ways to get rid of unpopular or "black-listed" employees. Performance is a subjective judgment and managers are more likely to get rid of people they don't like.
7. You have received one or more negative reviews. Good companies try to help employees recognise and understand ways in which they need to improve. If you have received a performance review that is negative, you need to make some changes. Just as bad, if you've had stellar reviews in the past and suddenly you are no longer regarded as a star performer, watch out!
8. The company is "reorganising." Mergers, acquisitions and restructuring can all be good for business, but bad for employees. Is your company merging with another that has employees who do the same job as you? Pay attention to what you hear in the grapevine regarding the future of the business -- it can also have a dramatic effect on your future.
9. You just haven't been performing. When it comes down to brass tacks, you know your performance better than anyone. If your heart just has not been in your job lately, your superiors probably have taken notice. Think about it -- if you were the boss, would you fire you? If so, you might want to start making plans for your exit strategy.
10. You're hearing rumours. If you're hearing rumors of your demise, take heed: Where there's smoke, there's fire! At one point or another we're all vulnerable to the proverbial corporate ax. Don't live in denial.
If you feel you might be next, it is time for you to take action. You are the most attractive to a potential employer when you are still employed.


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Back to the islands and surfing...
Trip Start
Jan 12, 2006
Trip End
The beaches were great, unfortunately a shore break makes surfing waves very short or you end up eating sand!
The south of Brasil is very different from the centre and north, i sometimes feel i could be anywhere in the developed world here as the poverty, pollution and ruins are practically non existent. People in the south have far more money than the rest of the country, the south heavily influenced by Italians, Germans and Ukraneans who populated the south after the second world war. In fact many Germans at the time were escaped criminals of war! I guess the Europeans brought their cash with them...
Tonight i am off to Puerto Alegre about 6 hours south as i start making my way to Uruguay for Easter this weekend.
Happy Easter to all.