Fertility Characteristics Research Articles

Supplementation of lake extender with cysteamine preserves quality parameters and fertility potential of post-thawed rooster sperm during cryopreservation process

BackgroundIn the cryopreservation process, rooster spermatozoa are vastly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lake extender supplemented via Cysteamine (CYS) on the quality and fertility characteristics of rooster semen during the cryopreservation process.MethodsSemen samples were collected from 10 proved Ross-308 roosters, diluted and cryopreserved in the Lake extender which contained 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mM of CYS (C-0, C-1, C-2, C-4, and C-8, respectively). Motility parameters, membrane integrity, abnormal morphology, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, viability, apoptosis status, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, ROS concentration, as well as fertility potential were evaluated after thawing.Resultstotal motility and progressive motility were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in C-1 and C-2 compared to the other groups. The C-1 showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, viability, and lower (P ≤ 0.05) late apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and ROS concentration compared to the other groups. During fertility evaluation, C-1 presented a higher fertility rate than the control group. In cases of velocity parameters, abnormal morphology, early apoptosis, necrosis, and hatching rate, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found.Conclusionusing the optimal concentration of CYS (1 mM) in the Lake extender is useful for protecting rooster sperm during the cryopreservation process and it could be used for reproductive programs.

Neltuma laevigata and its influence on soil fertility in the Valle del Mezquital, Hidalgo, Mexico

Objective: The physicochemical characteristics of soil fertility, based on the influence of mesquite (Neltumalaevigata) were evaluated in an agricultural community of Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo, Mexico.Design/Methodology/Approach: Based on NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000, physical and chemicalparameters were evaluated. Nine samples were taken from each of the four sites with and without mesquite(n=36). The relationship between soil fertility and the presence or absence of mesquite mesquite was determinedwith a paired t- test (p<0.05).Results: A significant difference in organic matter content was recorded. Humic substances and acids arehigher in soils with natural vegetation with mesquite than in soils with natural vegetation without mesquite.Study Limitations/Implications: The study does not consider changes in microbiological biodiversity or theinfluence of other plant species in organic matter content and humic substances.Findings/Conclusions: Mesquite promotes soil fertility in the area; consequently, proposing managementstrategies for this species is fundamental in the Valle del Mezquital.

Predictors of receiving care and folic acid supplementation prior to pregnancy: a large cross-sectional study in Shiraz, Iran

Background and aimPreconceptional care aims to improve health and is influenced by various factors including health literacy. Considering the importance and necessity of high quality preconceptional care, this study aimed to determine the predictors of receiving care and folic acid supplementation prior to pregnancy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 693 participants with pregnancies of less than 14 weeks gestation referred to health centers and gynecologists in Shiraz city, Iran. Multi-stage sampling occurred from May 2021 to February 2022 in 18 comprehensive urban health centers and 20 gynecology offices via the proportional allocation method. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 3 parts: 1) individual and fertility characteristics, 2) information related to the components of preconceptional care and 3) health literacy. This was completed by individual participants who self-reported their responses.ResultsExamining the frequency of the variables related to individual characteristics revealed that the mean age of participants in the study was 30.32 with a standard deviation of 5.29 years and more than half (59.3%) had a university level education. The receipt of pre-conceptual care was found to have a statistically significant relationship with the following: level of education, employment status, length of marriage, number of pregnancies, week of pregnancy and whether it was planned or not, along with health literacy (P < 0.05). Folic acid supplementation was found to have a statistically significant relationship with the following: level of education, financial status of the family, length of marriage, number of pregnancies and current pregnancy status (P < 0.05). In examining the predictive effect of individual variables and health literacy in the logistic regression model with the outcome of receiving preconceptional care and folic acid supplementation, length of marriage, health literacy, occupational status, and pregnancy planning status variables remained in the model following analysis.ConclusionSeveral factors had a statistically significant relationship with receiving pre-conceptual care and folic acid supplementation. In order to improve pre-conceptual care and increase folic acid supplementation, special attention must be paid to improving health literacy, increasing levels of education and reducing unplanned pregnancies.

Effect of migration on fertility and family planning: The case of Kayseri in Türkiye.

Many factors such as religious beliefs, cultural structure, the perspective of the host country toward refugees, and the course of the migration process can affect the family planning and fertility behaviors of refugees. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Syrian refugee pregnant women in the Kayseri province of Türkiye regarding fertility characteristics and family planning. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 290 pregnant Syrian refugee women. In the study group, 58.3% of the participants were 18 years of age or younger when first married. In the study group, 39.0% had 4 or more pregnancies and the average number of pregnancies was 3.12 ± 1.60. The rate of refugee pregnant women who stated they were undecided regarding the knowledge, attitude, and behavior items about family planning ranged from 33.8% to 72.4%. Of the participants, 22.1% received family planning education. The mean number of pregnancies of the participating women was high. In addition, the rate of undecided respondents was high for the knowledge, attitude, and behavior items related to family planning. In conclusion, fertility behaviors should be planned by expanding family planning services. In this way, negative outcomes, especially in maternal and child health, can be prevented.

Soil Fertility and Influencing Factors of Cultivated Land Based on the Geodetector

Taihe County in Jiangxi Province was chosen as the study area to analyze the soil fertility condition and affecting elements of cultivation at the county level. Classical statistics, geostatistics, and geodetector were utilized to examine soil fertility quality and investigate its primary affecting aspects based on experimental data from 206 cultivated soil samples. The results showed that： ① Taihe County had an average soil pH of 4.87, indicating slightly acidic soil. A total of 97.39% of the sample sites had CEC contents of four and five levels, and the EC content levels were concentrated in the second level, 63.48% of the SOC contents were in the medium levels, 73.92% of the TN contents were higher than 1.5 g·kg-1, 72.17% of the TP contents were lower than 0.6 g·kg-1, and the AP contents were in the high level, greater than 20 mg·kg-1, accounting for 86.09% of the sample sites. The soil fertility in the research area was poor, and the soil was of light and medium salinization, lacking organic matter and total phosphorus. The lump gold effect values of pH, EC, AP, SOC, TN, and TP were 0.17, 0.21, 0.18, 0.52, 0.45, and 0.59, respectively. The spatial correlation between soil pH, EC, and AP was strong, while soil SOC, TN, and TP had a moderate degree of spatial correlation. The spatial variation of soil fertility in Taihe County was influenced by both structural factors （topography, climate, and soil type） and random factors （fertilization, cultivation methods, soil pollution, etc.）. ② The results of the weight coefficients of farmland soil fertility were TN （0.210）, SOC （0.195）, EC （0.190）, CEC （0.171）, TP （0.170）, AP （0.117）, and pH （-0.053）. Soil TN, SOC, and EC were key indicators that affected farmland soil fertility in the study area. The comprehensive score grading of soil fertility quality showed that most of the soil fertility quality in the study area was level three, and the soil fertility in Shangmo Township was relatively fertile. The soil fertility quality level was Level 2 and Level 3. The soil fertility in Yanxi Town and Wanhe Town was relatively poor, and the soil fertility quality level was Level 3 and Level 4. ③ X54, X31, X32, X21, and X14 were the main driving factors affecting farmland soil fertility. The explanatory power of each factor interaction was greater than that of single factor interactions, manifested in two types： double factor enhancement and nonlinear synergistic effect. The soil fertility of farmland was the result of the joint action of multiple influencing factors. The results of the research revealed the status quo and spatial distribution characteristics of soil fertility in the study area, investigated the factors influencing soil fertility in farmland, and analyzed the foundation for improving the intrinsic quality and output capacity of cultivable land and the ecological environment of agriculture.

Adolescent menstrual cycle pattern, body mass index, endocrine and ovarian ultrasound characteristics of PCOS and future fertility, cardiovascular-, and metabolic health: a 25-year longitudinal follow-up study.

What is the predictive value of oligomenorrhea and other PCOS diagnostic characteristics in adolescence (age 15-18 years) for future fertility and cardiovascular and metabolic health at adult age? Adolescents with oligomenorrhea are more often treated to conceive but are as likely to have as much children as those with regular periods, while persisting oligomenorrhea may associate more often with cardiovascular or metabolic problems. Adolescents with oligomenorrhea have a high risk for adult PCOS associated with subfertility due to ovulatory disorders and long-term health risks. Longitudinal studies to estimate the extent of these risks with input starting at adolescence and covering the complete reproductive lifespan are lacking. A 25-year prospective follow-up study based on a unique population-based adolescent study on menstrual irregularities performed between 1990 and 1997, the Pubertal Onset of Menstrual Cycle abnormalities, a Prospective study (POMP study). Of the 271 invited adults, 160 (59%) participated. We contacted stratified samples of the POMP study cohort two decades after the initial study for a questionnaire assessing PCOS features, fertility history, pregnancy outcome, metabolic, and cardiovascular health. One hundred and sixty subjects completed the questionnaire. The mean adolescent age was 15.3 years, and the women were 39.6 years at the time of follow-up. One hundred and eight subjects had a regular menstrual cycle as adolescents and 52 were oligomenorrheic. Of those with adolescent regular menstrual cycles 12 never tried to conceive, 4 tried but never conceived and 92 of 96 (96%) conceived, 89 of 96 (93%) delivering at least one living child. The median number of children was two. The mean time to pregnancy (TTP) was 8.4 months in the women with regular periods as adolescents and 13.2 months in case of oligomenorrhea (P = 0.08) and subfertility was present in respectively 18% and 26%. 47 of 52 adolescents with oligomenorrhea tried to conceive and 45 succeeded to have at least one live birth. Twenty-eight per cent of the subjects reported a change over time of their menstruation pattern. Fifty per cent of the girls with adolescent oligomenorrhea developed a regular cycle and 16% of those with regular periods changed to oligomenorrhea with significantly more reported subfertility (40%, P = 0.04). In case of persistent oligomenorrhea, a significant proportion (40%) underwent fertility treatment (P = 0.04). Adult BMI did not differ between groups. The risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia was comparable between the groups. Gestational diabetes developed in three subjects each with persistent oligo amenorrhea. Adult diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were also mostly reported in case of persistent oligomenorrhea. In this group, the prevalence of combined cardiovascular and metabolic problems was 14% compared to 7% in the case of regular menstrual cycles as adolescent. The numbers in the study are small. However, the small difference between the percentage with a least one living child of those with adolescent oligomenorrhea versus those with adolescent regular menstrual cycles is reassuring. Time to pregnancy data may have been biased by early treatment of oligomenorrheic adults. Oligomenorrheic adolescents may be reassured that their chance to have a live birth is comparable with those with a regular menstrual cycle. This research received no external funding, J.S.E.L. received unrestricted research grants from the following companies (in alphabetical order): Ansh Labs, Ferring, Merck, and Roche Diagnostics. He received consultancy fees or royalties from Ansh Labs, Art pred, Ferring, Gedeon Richter, and Roche Diagnostics. He received presentation fees from Ferring and Roche Diagnostics as well as support for attending meetings and/or travel from Ferring and Roche Diagnostics and he participated in the advisory board of the LOCI Trial UK. Dutch Trial Registry, NTR5871.

Sperm acrosome-associated 1 (SPACA1) mRNA and protein molecules deficiency indicate low fertility and semen quality of Bali bulls (Bos sondaicus)

Molecular-based biomarkers are believed to be more accurate in determining bulls' fertility and sperm's various fertility characteristics. The sperm acrosome-associated 1 (SPACA1) molecule, located in the anterior acrosomal and equatorial segments of the sperm head, is thought to be related to the function of binding and fusion between sperm and oocyte. This study aims to analyze the association of SPACA1 mRNA and protein with the fertility rate and semen quality of Bali bulls (Bos sondaicus) and assess its potential as a potential molecular biomarker determining bull fertility and sperm quality. Frozen semen from 20 Bali bulls was used in the research, which was then divided into two groups: high (HF) and low fertility (LF). SPACA1 mRNA abundance was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and SPACA1 protein abundance was analyzed using EIA. The semen quality parameters analyzed were motility (CASA), plasma membrane integrity (HOS test), sperm head morphology abnormalities (William staining), sperm viability (SYBR 14-PI), sperm capacitation (CTC assay), and sperm acrosome integrity (FITC-PNA). The results showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF) bulls, both in the abundance of SPACA1 at the mRNA, protein, and semen quality levels. Overall, the correlation test results showed a close relationship (P < 0.01) between the abundance of SPACA1 mRNA and protein with field fertility and various semen quality parameters tested in the study. A low level of SPACA1 molecules indicates low fertility and semen quality in Bali bulls. The SPACA1 molecule has the potential to be developed through further research to become a biomarker for determining fertility and semen quality in bulls.

Regional fertility characteristics of urban population of Kazakhstan at the end of the 20th–first quarter of the 21st centuries

The article examines the current state of fertility processes in Kazakhstan, the diversity of reproductive scenarios, and the reasons for their formation. The authors proceed by analysing the sovereign demographic system formed in Kazakhstan in the first quarter of the 21st century based on the Kazakh ethnic group. Cluster analysis was performed for demographic zones, considering indicators such as the proportion of Kazakhs in the urban population and the total fertility rate in cities. We believe that case technology allows us to demonstrate the differences in the reproductive attitudes and behaviour of urban Kazakhs, ultimately determining the trends in reproductive processes in the country. The focus is given to the socio-cultural and socio-economic differences across the regions of Kazakhstan and their impact on fertility processes in the context of the accelerated urbanisation of Kazakhs. The main variants of adaptation of the reproductive behaviour of Kazakhs to new urban living conditions are described, and an assumption is made about further prospects for maintaining or changing birth rates in Kazakhstan.

Response of young rice panicles to salt stress: insights based on phenotype and transcriptome analysis.

Saline-alkali soils limit rice growth and production. With an increasing global population, enhancing rice salt tolerance is crucial for improving yields in these areas. This study investigated the developmental characteristics of young panicles and pollen fertility in two rice varieties, 58M and 58L, under salt stress. Results showed that 58M had more substantial salt tolerance during panicle development. RNA sequencing of 18 samples from both varieties under high salt stress (0 h, 6 h, and 24 h) identified 469 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 2,308 DEGs between the varieties. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment highlighted significant pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, protein processing, and flavonoid biosynthesis. Six gene co-expression modules related to salt tolerance were identified, with six candidate genes (LOC_Os05g38530, LOC_Os04g07920, LOC_Os12g02105, LOC_Os01g06580, LOC_Os06g49250, and LOC_Os06g48300) potentially linked to salt tolerance. These findings provide insights into rice salt tolerance mechanisms and offer new genetic resources for breeding salt-tolerant rice.

Народжуваність та сімейна політика у країнах Європи у період пандемії COVID-19

The study of shifts in the fertility dynamics during crisis periods along with changes in the system of family policy in European countries is a relevant direction of research for the further development of Ukraine’s demographic policy, increasing its effectiveness, especially in the period of post-war reconstruction. In this regard, the purpose of our paper is to find out the changes in trends and structural characteristics of fertility in the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries in combination with the analysis of change in family policy, effectiveness of current and implemented during this period policy measures. The main methods used in the paper were systematization and generalization of statistical information from various sources, structural-logical and comparative analysis and critical assessment of measures implemented to counter crisis situations in developed European countries. The scientific novelty consists in generalizing fertility characteristics and family policy measures to counteract the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in European countries. The grouping of European countries was based on the changes that occurred in the fertility dynamics on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2020—2021. In most countries, there was a decrease in the total fertility rate in 2020 followed by a rather sharp rise in 2021. This became possible due to the increase in childbirth among women of middle and older reproductive age. The countries in which there was a long period of decline in the total fertility rate before the epidemic but in 2021 fertility increased despite the complexity of the epidemiological situation (Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway) have drawn the most attention. Consistency, comprehensiveness, adherence to principles, variety are key characteristics of family policy that strengthen reproductive resilience. Along with providing financial assistance to families with children, in many countries, parents were given additional paid leave, measures were introduced to counter the dismissal of employees who have children, support was provided to institutions that continued to provide childcare services, and remote employment opportunities were expanded. The issues of the influence of population’s trust in the government (especially in periods of crisis) on formation of reproductive intentions and their realization need further study.

Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor-1B (BMPR-1B) Gene Variant on Litter Size in Akkaraman Sheep Breed

The BMPR-1B gene, a significant fertility gene, has been examined for its relationship with fertility characteristics in various sheep populations globally. This investigation explored the impact of the BMPR-1B gene on litter size within the Akkaraman sheep population residing in the Elâzığ Region. To locate the FecB gene in Akkaraman sheep, 104 milk samples were collected, and genetic material was isolated using the salting out technique. During the 2021–2022 period, no significant correlations were observed between the genetic make-up of Akkaraman sheep and factors including age, mastitis and disease history, milk yield, birthing type, and the number of births (p &gt; 0.05). However, there was a noteworthy relationship identified between the distribution of genetic make-up and live weight, indicating a potential influence of genetics on the live weight of Akkaraman sheep (p &lt; 0.05). In this study, the BMPR-1B gene determined multiple births and it was determined that Akkaraman sheep were monomorphic in terms of this gene. In light of this information, it was concluded that more comprehensive studies should be carried out regarding this gene determining multiple births in the Akkaraman sheep breed.

Soil Fertility Status of Paddy (Oryza Sativa L.) Growing Soils of Different Agro-climatic Zones, Telangana, India

The main occupation of Telangana State, India, is agriculture. Achieving food security requires intelligent management to increase land use productivity and production per unit area because of the expanding population and decreasing amount of agricultural land per capita. In this sense, assessing the productivity and fertility of the soil is a necessary step toward sustainable agricultural development. In the current study, paddy grown different soils in the districts of Telangana State were assessed for soil fertility using random sampling approach. This study was conducted to analyze the fertility characteristics of paddy cultivated soils in different districts of Telangana State. Collected 275 soil samples at 0-15cm depth under paddy crop grown during 2018-19 and 2019-20. The samples were found to be slightly acidic to alkaline in nature and low amount of soil organic matter. Soil nutrients such as available nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) ranged from 50-401 kg ha-1, 17-147 kg ha-1 and 60-842 kg ha-1 in red soil, 63-314 kg ha-1, 33-126 kg ha-1 and 95-460 kg ha-1 in black soil and 73-312 kg ha-1, 25-158 kg ha-1 and 153-458 kg ha-1 in alluvial soil, respectively. The paddy cultivated soil survey results conclusively indicate that the soil samples reveals normal soil reaction, electrical conductivity and low organic carbon (0.48% average) and widespread low nitrogen levels (91% of samples). Conversely, phosphorus availability is high (82% of samples) with an average content of 82 kg P2O5 ha-1, and potassium levels are notably elevated (57%).

Detection of the effect of the KISS1 gene on reproductive parameters in Saanen goats

The KISS1 gene, which activates G protein-coupled receptor-54 (GPR54) and plays a crucial role in the neuroendocrine regulation of GnRH secretion, is known to encode a family of neuropeptides called kisspeptins. Therefore, the KISS1 gene is thought to be associated with sexual maturity, offspring development, and estrus. The g.2124T&amp;gt;A polymorphism of the KISS1 gene, is believed to affect the reproductive system, has been studied in Indonesian goat breeds, Damascus, Zarabi, Baladi, Gaddi, Kaligesing, Guanzong, Xinong Saanen and Boer goat breeds until now. These studies are generally related determining polymorphism frequencies or the effect of genotype on litter size. The study aims to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of the KISS1 gene g.2124T&amp;gt;A SNP by the PCR-RFLP method and define the relationship between the genotypic structures and reproductive parameters such as luteal growth, maximum corpus luteum diameter, and mating rate in Saanen goats (n=30). According to the results, the genotype frequencies in Saanen goats for the KISS1 gene g.2124T&amp;gt;A were 10.35%, 55.17%, and 34.48% for AA, TT and AT, respectively. Moreover, the genotypic structure did not have a statistically significant effect on the investigated fertility characteristics. The average values of expected heterozygosity (He), observed heterozygosity (Ho), the effective number of alleles (Ne), fixation index values (FIS), and the polymorphism information content (PIC) were 0.3996, 0.3448, 1.6655, 0.8629 and 0.855, respectively. The Hardy-Weinberg chi square (χ2) value was found to be 0.5435. In conclusion, it was found necessary to study the KISS1 - g.2124T&amp;gt;A polymorphism in larger herds with different gene pools as a reason for the existence of genotypic variation and the narrow population size.

Exploring the intriguing physico-chemical traits of maize (Zea mays L) cultivated in diverse soils across Telangana, India

The main occupation of Telangana, India, is agriculture. Achieving food security requires intelligent management to increase land use productivity and production per unit area because of the expanding population and decreasing amount of agricultural land per capita. In this sense, assessing the productivity and fertility of the soil is a necessary step toward sustainable agricultural development. This study assesses maize cultivation across red, black, and alluvial soils in Telangana;s districts, using a random sampling approach to analyze soil fertility characteristics. A total of 119 soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-15 cm beneath maize crops grown between 2018 and 2020. These samples exhibited a pH ranging from slightly acidic to alkaline and contained low levels of organic matter. The available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil varied; in red soil, they were 63-326 kg ha -1 , 20-150 kg ha -1 , and 152-736 kg ha -1 ; in black soil, they were 75-364 kg ha -1 , 40-127 kg ha -1 , and 113-476 kg ha -1 ; and in alluvial soil, they were 50-320 kg ha -1 , 24-132 kg ha -1 , and 108- 429 kg ha-1, appropriately. The available nutrient ranges in all soils were 50-364 kg ha -1 , 20-150 kg ha -1 , and 108-736 kg ha –1 , respectively.

UHPLC-QTOF-MS-Based Targeted Metabolomics Provides Novel Insights into the Accumulative Mechanism of Soil Types on the Bioactive Components of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, the contents of secondary metabolites in the roots from different production areas are significantly different, and the impact of soil factors on this accumulation remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the regularity of variation between the active components and soil factors through targeted metabolomics and chemical dosimetry. Soils were collected from five different cities (A, B, C, D, and E) and transplanted into the study area. The results showed that there were significant differences in the soil fertility characteristics and heavy metal pollution levels in different soils. Ten water- and twelve lipid-soluble metabolites were identified in SMBs grown in all soil types. SMBs from D cities exhibited the highest total tanshinone content (p < 0.05). The salvianolic acid B content in SMBs from E cities was the highest (p < 0.05). Interestingly, correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the accumulation of lipid-soluble and water-soluble metabolites. Double-matrix correlation analysis demonstrated that available potassium (AK) was significantly negatively correlated with salvianolic acid B (r = -0.80, p = 0.0004) and positively correlated with tanshinone IIA (r = 0.66, p = 0.008). Conversely, cadmium (Cd) and cuprum (Cu) were significantly positively and negatively correlated with salvianolic acid B (r = 0.96, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.72, p = 0.0024) and tanshinone IIA (r = 0.40, p = 0.14 and r = 0.73, p = 0.0018), respectively. Mantel's test indicated that AK (r > 0.52, p < 0.001), Cu (r > 0.60, p < 0.005), and Cd (r > 0.31, p < 0.05) were the primary drivers of the differences in the active components of SMBs. These findings provide a theoretical framework for modulating targeted metabolites of SMB through soil factors, with significant implications for the cultivation and quality control of medicinal plants.

Assessing and Quantifying the Carbon, Nitrogen, and Enzyme Dynamics Effects of Inter-row Cover Cropping on Soils and Apple Tree Development in Orchards

Cover crops between rows in orchards can improve the development of soil resources and increase agricultural productivity. However, there have been few reports of cover crops that can act as a “green manure” in apple orchards across arid and semiarid zones. This study investigated the effects of planting interrow vegetation on soil properties and apple tree performance during a 32-month experiment. There were six treatments: clean cultivation as a control; natural grass planting; planting with ryegrass; planting with alfalfa; planting with tall fescue; and planting with villous wild pea cover crops. The treatments primarily affected the 0- to 20-cm surface soil layer. Soil carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme levels initially decreased (during the first 12–24 months); then, they increased (24–32 months). The cover crops significantly increased nutrient contents (soluble organic carbon, microbial carbon and nitrogen, alkaline dissolved nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen) in the 0- to 20-cm soil layer by more than 19.6% and increased the related enzyme activities by more than 25.2%. The alfalfa and wild pea alleys had a stronger effect on the soil environment than the control, natural grass, ryegrass, and tall fescue alley treatments; however, after 32 months, the alfalfa treatment inhibited fruit tree growth and development. This was unexpected because alfalfa seemed to have a positive effect on soil fertility characteristics. Under local ecological conditions, villous wild pea had the greatest effect on apple orchard productivity and significantly increased short branching by 15.9%, fruit weight per fruit by 12.6%, yield per plant by 8.6%, and soluble sugar content by 10.5% compared with clean cultivation. The correlation analysis showed that there were significant or highly significant positive correlations between fruit tree performance and soil carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activity levels as the soil layer depth increased. Therefore, under local ecological conditions, cover crops have a greater effect on orchard surface soil fertility than on deeper soils, and intercropping with villous wild pea potentially produces the greatest improvement in apple orchard productivity.

Frequency of urinary incontinence and attitudes towards urinary incontinence of women in Mersin, Turkey.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of urine or the inability to control urination. The International Continence Society defines UI as any complaint of involuntary loss of urine. UI is a very important health problem that affects women's quality of life. It can lead to a decrease in women's self-confidence and prevent them from participating in social activities. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of UI in women living in Turkey, the factors affecting it, and women's attitudes toward UI. This descriptive and cross-sectional study included 903 women who applied to 17 family health centers in Mersin, Turkey, between May 10th to June 10th 2019 for any reason. The data of the study were obtained using the descriptive information form and the Urinary Incontinence Attitude Scale (UIAS). Data analysis was performed with SPSS-21 using percentiles, mean±standard deviation, and Pearson chi-square tests. According to the results obtained, 28.9% of the women had UI problems, more than half (54.6%) of the women with UI did not present to a health institution for this problem, and 54.8% did not receive any treatment. In addition, the frequency of experiencing UI was higher in those with a chronic disease (59.2%) than in those without any chronic disease, and the difference was significant. The demographic and fertility characteristics of the women influenced the frequency of experiencing UI. In addition, among the women participating in the study, those with negative attitudes toward UI experienced more UI problems. There should be greater efforts to raise awareness among women on this subject.

Exploring the mitigation effect of microbial inoculants on the continuous cropping obstacle of capsicum

To alleviate continuous cropping challenges of capsicums in the mountainous region of southern Ningxia, this study centered on the effect of microbial inoculants on capsicums continuous cropping. Through pot experiment, the effects of spraying actinomyces (PF) and root application of five kinds of microbial inoculants (F: Actinomyces, E: Effective Microorganisms, D: Bacillus licheniformis, K: Bacillus subtilis, and H: Trichoderma harzii) on the growth, physiological characteristics, quality, and soil fertility characteristics properties of capsicum in different growth periods were investigated. The results showed that compared with CK, PF treatment increased the root activity by 116.04 % and 53.32 % at seedling stage and mature stage respectively. E treatment significantly increased the yield, VC content, root volume, root surface area and soil microbial biomass (p<0.05). K treatment significantly increased the soil microbial biomass carbon content by 206.21 % compared with CK treatment at seedling stage. D and H treatments also increased soil pH, available phosphorus, total phosphorus, organic matter content, alkaline phosphatase activity and microbial biomass P content at each stage. In terms of yield, E, D, K and H treatments were increased by 173.40 %, 158.99 %, 166.03 % and 148.83 % respectively compared with CK treatment. The analysis by membership function method showed that EM compound microbial inoculant had the best effect on reducing the continuous cropping obstacles of capsicum in the mountainous area of southern Ningxia. In conclusion, microbial inoculant can promote the growth of continuous cropping of capsicum, increase its antioxidant enzyme activity, improve the soil environment of continuous cropping, and reduce the obstacles of continuous cropping of capsicum. This study reduced the continuous cropping obstacles of capsicum by reasonable improvement measures, and provided technical support for the sustainable development of capsicum industry in southern Ningxia.

Study on Soil Fertility Characteristics of Walnut Orchards with Different Parent Materials and Soil Types in Gyaca County, Tibet

Walnut trees on the Tibetan Plateau have sustainable and nutritious characteristics. They grow naturally without the use of any chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, the soil fertility of walnut orchards is a key factor influencing walnut yield and quality. This experiment measured and analyzed the basic soil nutrient content, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), phosphorus (MBP), and leaf nutrient indicators in five types of representative walnut orchard soil parent materials in Gyaca County to clarify the fertility characteristics of different soil types and their correlations with walnut nutrients, providing a basis for the sustainable development of the plateau walnut industry. The results showed that there were significant differences in soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nutrient contents, and microbial activity among soil types with different parent materials. The comprehensive representation of available nutrient levels in the soils is as follows: gray-cinnamon soil and calcareous alluvial soil &gt; mountain meadow soil &gt; plateau prairie soil and brush prairie soil. The average MBC, MBN, and MBP contents in the five soils were 368.8 mg/kg, 28.4 mg/kg, and 23.6 mg/kg, respectively, and the content in the topsoil (0–20 cm) was higher than that of the subsoil (20–40 cm). The total nitrogen (PN), total phosphorus (PP), and total potassium (PK) contents in walnut leaves were found to be closely related to the soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity, among which five indicators, including soil TN, available nitrogen (AN), SOM, MBC, and slowly available potassium (SAK), had the greatest impact on leaf nutrient levels. These findings are valuable for the future management and development of walnut orchards. Therefore, for different soil parent materials and soil types, improving the soil fertility and actively applying nitrogen-rich organic fertilizers should be prioritized to improve the yield and quality of Tibetan Plateau walnuts.

Investigating depression, anxiety, perceived stress and resilience in fathers faced with their spouse’s abortion in Iran: a longitudinal study

BackgroundAbortion is a stressful event that can often affect the mental health of both parents. It seems that resilient people can adapt to stressful situations. The mental health of fathers plays an important role in improving the mental health of the family, but few studies have been conducted in this regard. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate depression, anxiety, perceived stress and resilience of fathers faced with their spouse’s abortion.MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted on 125 spouses of women hospitalized in the post-partum department of Shiraz hospitals in 2023. Data collection tools included questionnaires of demographic and fertility characteristics, hospital depression and anxiety (HADS), Cohen’s perceived stress, and Connor’s resilience. The data were analyzed through Spss24 software using Friedman’s tests and post hoc tests, Adjusted Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.ResultsThe mean age of the fathers was 35.02 ± 6.22. The scores of the father’s anxiety, depression, and perceived stress from 24 h to 12 weeks after abortion were decreased significantly. However, their resilience score increased significantly. Also, there was a significant relationship between the fathers’ age, education, job, duration of marriage, type of abortion, number and history of abortion, unwanted pregnancy, number of children and economic status with the mean score of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and resilience in fathers over time.ConclusionThis research pointed out the effect of abortion on depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in fathers; also, resilience as a coping factor could affect these disorders and improve the fathers’ mental health. Therefore, screening and managing mental disorders in them are important to improve family health.