Developmental Capabilities Research Articles

Redesigning the Drosophila histone gene cluster: an improved genetic platform for spatiotemporal manipulation of histone function.

Mutating replication-dependent (RD) histone genes is an important tool for understanding chromatin-based epigenetic regulation. Deploying this tool in metazoans is particularly challenging because RD histones in these organisms are typically encoded by many genes, often located at multiple loci. Such gene arrangements make the ability to generate homogenous histone mutant genotypes by site-specific gene editing quite difficult. Drosophila melanogaster provides a solution to this problem because the RD histone genes are organized into a single large tandem array that can be deleted and replaced with transgenes containing mutant histone genes. In the last ∼15 years several different RD histone gene replacement platforms were developed using this simple strategy. However, each platform contains weaknesses that preclude full use of the powerful developmental genetic capabilities available to Drosophila researchers. Here we describe the development of a newly engineered platform that rectifies many of these weaknesses. We used CRISPR to precisely delete the RD histone gene array (HisC), replacing it with a multifunctional cassette that permits site-specific insertion of either one or two synthetic gene arrays using selectable markers. We designed this cassette with the ability to selectively delete each of the integrated gene arrays in specific tissues using site-specific recombinases. We also present a method for rapidly synthesizing histone gene arrays of any genotype using Golden Gate cloning technologies. These improvements facilitate the generation of histone mutant cells in various tissues at different stages of Drosophila development and provide an opportunity to apply forward genetic strategies to interrogate chromatin structure and gene regulation.

P-141 Elevating human oocyte vitrification and warming to a new level: fast, efficient, and effective

Abstract Study question Due to the rising trend for oocyte cryopreservation and increasing demand, there is an urgency to make oocyte vitrification and warming protocols more efficient. Summary answer Oocyte vitrification and warming can be done successfully in 4 minutes, reducing the time of commonly used current protocols by up to 25 minutes. What is known already Vitrification and warming of oocytes is widely used in many IVF clinics worldwide and routinely utilized as a dominant technique for fertility preservation and freezing of donor as well as autologous oocytes in many clinical settings. Outcome data using cryopreserved oocytes is comparable to fresh oocytes. However, vitrification and warming of human oocytes can be time consuming. Usually, vitrification of oocytes is done in about 11-16 minutes, and warming requires another 11 minutes. Also, it is a common practice to load not more than 2 oocytes per carrier at time of vitrification. Study design, size, duration From November 2022 to November 2023, 504 germinal vesicles (GV) and 207 metaphase I (MI) oocytes, which did not convert into mature oocytes at day of oocyte retrieval, were vitrified in Vit Kit Freeze (FujiFilm Irvine Scientific, USA), and RapidVit Oocyte (Vitrolife, Sweden). Their survival rates were compared, and as an additional viability indicator, post-warming developmental capabilities were evaluated after 24 and 48hrs of culture in Global High Protein (LifeGlobal, USA). Participants/materials, setting, methods A group of 4 GV or MI oocytes was vitrified at room temperature for 1 minute in Equilibration solution (ES) and 1 minute in Vitrification solution (VS), loaded on a S-Cryolock (Biotech, USA) and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. Warming was done at 37ºC in 0.5M sucrose for 1 minute and Wash solution (WS) for another minute. Post warming, GV and MI oocytes were cultured for developmental evaluation. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Main results and the role of chance There was no statistically significant difference in the survival rate of GV oocytes between Irvine (209/219; 95.4%), and Vitrolife media (270/285; 94.7%; P = 0.72). The survival of MI oocytes was also comparable and not significantly different between both media; Irvine: 103/106; 97.2%, vs Vitrolife: 96/101; 95.0%; P = 0.43). Because of the similar survival rates of oocytes in both groups, for the developmental potential and conversion rates, oocytes of both groups were combined. Of the 504 GV, 479 survived (95.0%) and after 24hrs of culture, 441 converted to MI (92.1%). After a culture of 48hrs, 56.5% (249/441) converted to metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Combining the vitrified and warmed MI oocytes from both groups, 96.1% (199/207) survived the warming, and after 24hrs of culture, 168 (84.4%) converted to MII oocytes. Vitrification and warming of oocytes at different developmental stages can be done with a short exposure time to hypertonic (ES/VS) and hypotonic (0.5M sucrose) solutions in a total of 4 minutes. Limitations, reasons for caution Immature oocytes were used as study material to evaluate a new protocol with significantly reduced vitrification and warming times. At this moment we cannot provide data on fertilization, embryo development, and blastocyst formation. Wider implications of the findings Oocytes are exposed to less suboptimal temperatures during dehydration and rehydration and help to maintain their developmental potential. Loading 4 oocytes per carrier combined with the decrease in time resulted in increased efficiency. Warming in 0.5M instead of 1M sucrose contributes positively to survival and allows earlier resumption of functionality. Trial registration number not applicable

Operational Excellence Strategy and Firm Performance in Insurance Companies in Kenya

In Kenya, the insurance industry is one of the major sectors of the economy. The government has identified this sector as one of the components needed to stimulate and support economic growth. However, the sector faces numerous challenges. According to AIC Capital Ltd, the main challenges facing the insurance sector in Kenya are the low penetration and the high level of competition. The average level of insurance penetration in Kenya during the period 2013-2022 stood at less than 3% in an industry with approximately 56 firms. To increase penetration levels and enhance competitiveness, the insurance firms in Kenya have introduced operational excellence strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of operational excellence strategy on firm performance in Insurance Companies in Kenya. Operational excellence strategy was indicated using customer-centric strategy, innovation, agility, and developmental capabilities. Firm performance was indicated using the growth of market share, growth in customer base, and penetration level. The study was anchored by the dynamic capabilities theory, the theory of economic development, and the Deming theory. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population for the study were all licensed insurance firms in Kenya. The study used a census sampling technique and sampled 44 firms. The unit of observation in the study was the managers in charge of corporate strategy and firm performance. The study sampled one hundred and sixteen managers working at the respective insurance firms. The study data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires. The study data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The study established that the firms used customer-centric strategies because the firms' activities were focused on the customers' needs and expectations. The study established that the firm was continuously innovating its products, product mix, and services to better serve the customers. The study found that the firm has measures in place that were meant to adapt it to changing circumstances, including dynamic capabilities to detect external threats, competitive, responsive techniques, continuous adjustment and adaptations, and new strategic initiatives that rapidly respond to changing circumstances. These are indicators of agility. The study established that the insurance firms had various development capabilities, including research, training programs, increasing expertise and knowledge acquisitions. The results of the inferential analysis indicated that customer-centric, innovation, agility and development capabilities strategies had positive and statistically significant effects on the performance of the insurance firms surveyed in this study.

Single-cell multi-omics profiling of human preimplantation embryos identifies cytoskeletal defects during embryonic arrest.

Human in vitro fertilized embryos exhibit low developmental capabilities, and the mechanisms that underlie embryonic arrest remain unclear. Here using a single-cell multi-omics sequencing approach, we simultaneously analysed alterations in the transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and the DNA methylome in human embryonic arrest due to unexplained reasons. Arrested embryos displayed transcriptome disorders, including a distorted microtubule cytoskeleton, increased genomic instability and impaired glycolysis, which were coordinated with multiple epigenetic reprogramming defects. We identified Aurora A kinase (AURKA) repression as a cause of embryonic arrest. Mechanistically, arrested embryos induced through AURKA inhibition resembled the reprogramming abnormalities of natural embryonic arrest in terms of the transcriptome, the DNA methylome, chromatin accessibility and H3K4me3 modifications. Mitosis-independent sequential activation of the zygotic genome in arrested embryos showed that YY1 contributed to human major zygotic genome activation. Collectively, our study decodes the reprogramming abnormalities and mechanisms of human embryonic arrest and the key regulators of zygotic genome activation.

Pediatric anxiety disorders: Basic concepts for primary care.

Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents often present in primary care, and many clinicians will need to guide families on treatment. The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of assessment and treatment principles for clinicians in primary care. Anxiety and its expression are heavily influenced by children's developmental progression and capabilities. Anxiety disorders have multiple underlying etiologies including temperament, environmental exposure to stressors, and childhood trauma. All anxiety disorders are strengthened by an operant process known as escape conditioning. The most effective treatments for child and adolescent anxiety begin with behavioral-based interventions including exposure with response prevention (ERP) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication can be effective in combination with CBT and ERP, or as a standalone treatment when behavioral interventions are not available. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have been evaluated by randomized clinical trials for the treatment of childhood anxiety, but most are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. When anxiety is severe and functional impairment is high, referral for psychiatric care and multimodal treatment reduces the likelihood of poor outcomes.

The Role of Service-Dominant Logic Strategic Orientations in Driving Customer Engagement in Online Retailing

Motivating customers’ engagement can be a crucial differentiating factor for the dynamically changing landscape of online retailing. This study draws on service-dominant (S-D) logic and behavioral literature to propose a conceptual model that depicts how a firm's S-D orientation and strategic capabilities stimulate customer engagement, leading to enhanced performance. The model captures the underlying mechanism of value cocreation in an online retailing context. The authors test the model using an experimental research design: 872 participants navigated a quest toward a hypothetical purchase in nine versions of a mock e-commerce website specializing in cycling equipment, and which contained various cues representing different S-D orientations. Findings suggest that S-D orientation has a positive impact on customers’ brand attitudes, affecting their engagement dispositions, purchase intentions, and ultimately (dis)engagement behaviors. In addition, relational, individuated, and developmental strategic capabilities appear to have a stronger impact on customer engagement in online retailing.

Inducing the “re-development state” of periodontal ligament cells via tuning macrophage mediated immune microenvironment

IntroductionPeriodontal regeneration, specifically the restoration of the cementum-periodontal ligament (PDL)-alveolar bone complex, remains a formidable challenge in the field of regenerative dentistry. In light of periodontal development, harnessing the multi-tissue developmental capabilities of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and reinitiating the periodontal developmental process hold great promise as an effective strategy to foster the regeneration of the periodontal complex. ObjectivesThis study aims to delve into the potential effects of the macrophage-mediated immune microenvironment on the “developmental engineering” regeneration strategy and its underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsIn this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the periodontium developmental process in the rat mandibular first molar using histological staining. Through the induction of diverse immune microenvironments in macrophages, we evaluated their potential effects on periodontal re-development events using a cytokine array. Additionally, we investigated PDLC-mediated periodontal re-development events under these distinct immune microenvironments through transcriptome sequencing and relevant functional assays. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanism was also performed. ResultsThe activation of development-related functions in PDLCs proved challenging due to their declined activity. However, our findings suggest that modulating the macrophage immune response can effectively regulate PDLCs-mediated periodontium development-related events. The M1 type macrophage immune microenvironment was found to promote PDLC activities associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fiber degradation, osteoclastogenesis, and inflammation through the Wnt, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways. Conversely, the M2 type macrophage immune microenvironment demonstrated superiority in inducing epithelium induction, fibers formation, and mineralization performance of PDLCs by upregulating the TGFβ and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. ConclusionThe results of this study could provide some favorable theoretical bases for applying periodontal development engineering strategy in resolving the difficulties in periodontal multi-tissue regeneration.

LCAHA: A hybrid artificial hummingbird algorithm with multi-strategy for engineering applications

The recently introduced Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (AHA) exhibits competitive performance in developing optimization concerns. However, AHA has an imbalance between exploration and utilization abilities, often prematurely converging with low precision. Therefore, in this paper, a multi-strategy boosted hybrid artificial hummingbird algorithm called LCAHA combined with sinusoidal chaotic map strategy, Lévy flight, cross, and update foraging strategy is proposed. Firstly, LCAHA is initialized by the sinusoidal chaotic map strategy to obtain a population with better ergodicity. Secondly, introducing the Lévy flight can boost the diversity of the population, control premature convergence and boost the stability of the population. Then, two new strategies, cross foraging and update foraging, are introduced. The introduction of new foraging strategies further enhances the exploration and developmental capabilities. These three strategies work together to improve the overall performance of the AHA. Finally, the performance of the LCAHA is examined on 23 classical test suites, the CEC2017, CEC2019, and CEC2020 test suites, and six engineering optimization cases. The numerical experimental results show that LCAHA provides very promising numerical results in solving challenging optimization problems. The algorithm is applied to two spacecraft trajectory optimization cases. The experimental results demonstrate the applicability and potential of the LCAHA in solving practical applications.

O-163 The influence of aquaporin 3 on dynamics of cavitation, implantation and re-expansion after vitrification/warming

Abstract Study question We wished to investigate whether aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is involved in trophectoderm-related events: cavity formation and maintenance, implantation and re-expansion after the vitrification/warming process. Summary answer AQP3 regulates blastocoel formation and expansion. It is also required for implantation (as assessed by in vitro implantation assay) and maintaining developmental potential after vitrification. What is known already During blastocoel expansion blastocyst pulsates, i.e. contracts and re-expands in an oscillatory way. Recent studies utilizing a mouse model have shown, that the dynamics of cavitation and biomechanical properties of the trophectoderm are intertwined, and our results suggest, that it may, to a certain extent, reflect the developmental capabilities of blastocysts. Moreover, the dynamics of blastocyst re-expansion after vitrification/warming is also suggested to be a promising biomarker of embryo quality. As AQP3 is involved in water influx and transportation of small molecules (such as cryoprotectants) through the epithelial layer, it is a good candidate for a regulator of blastocoel expansion. Study design, size, duration We analyzed 142 mouse blastocysts to correlate the dynamics of their cavitation with their ability to implant in vitro (an outgrowth assay). We investigated the expression of Aqp3 throughout the preimplantation development. We tested how inhibition of AQP3 affects the dynamics of cavitation (n = 37; control n = 118) and formation of outgrowths (n = 77; control n = 81). We vitrified blastocysts with a limited activity of AQP3 (n = 41; control n = 38) and investigated their ability to re-expand and implant in vitro. Participants/materials, setting, methods The dynamics of cavitation was assessed by time-lapse imaging. After filming, mouse blastocysts were cultured for additional 4 days to test their ability to form outgrowths. Inhibition of AQP3 was performed by adding 100µM DFP00173 (a selective AQP3 inhibitor) to the culture medium. AQP3-inhibited blastocysts were analyzed for the dynamics of cavitation and outgrowth formation. Additionally, embryos with a limited activity of AQP3 were vitrified, warmed and then the outgrowth assay was performed. Main results and the role of chance Blastocysts unable to implant in vitro properly (i.e. forming too small outgrowths or not forming outgrowths at all) contract longer and more frequently than embryos that form correct outgrowths. Moreover, in such blastocysts, we observed shorter and weaker re-expansion phases. As AQP3 may be one of the regulators of cavitation, we followed its expression in embryos and showed that Aqp3 mRNA level increases from the 2-cell to the morula stage. AQP3 protein can be found in the cytoplasm during cleavage and translocates to basolateral membranes in trophectodermal cells in blastocysts. We revealed that inhibition of AQP3 resulted in delayed cavity formation. Moreover, inhibition of AQP3 significantly weakened the blastocyst’s ability to (re-)expand and also extended the duration and decreased frequency of the blastocoel contractions. Importantly, changes in the duration of contractions and amplitude of re-expansions were similar to those observed in blastocysts not able to implant in vitro properly. This accords with our observation that blastocysts with a limited activity of AQP3 are mostly unable to create outgrowths. Finally, we proved that inhibition of AQP3 strongly weakened re-expansion of the cavity after vitrification/warming. Furthermore, such blastocysts had a significantly lower ability to implant in vitro after vitrification. Limitations, reasons for caution We examined the role of AQP3 in blastocoel (re)-expansion and the relationship between cavitation dynamics and embryo’s ability to implant only in mice, so additional studies on other mammalian species, including humans, are needed. Moreover, our in vitro implantation assay does not fully reflect the complexity of implantation in vivo. Wider implications of the findings Our data indicate, that AQP3 regulates the dynamics of blastocoel expansion in mouse embryos. Impaired dynamics of cavitation, unsuccessful implantation or vitrification failures might be a result of decreased AQP3 activity, possibly not only in a mouse but also in other mammalian species, including humans. Trial registration number not applicable

Developmental Autonomous Behavior: An Ethological Perspective to Understanding Machines

Developmental autonomous behavior refers to the general ability of a machine to acquire new skills and behavior from its birth to maturity on its own without human intervention. This article describes the principles of behavior development in machines, providing a practical framework to analyze and synthesize machines with developmental capabilities. Inspired by biological views of behavioral causation, the work emphasizes principled explanations to, not only the “how” question on mechanisms but also the “why” question on causation of behavior development. This ethology-oriented perspective offers a renewed opportunity to construct a theoretical framework from the ground up, overcoming the age-old problems of intrinsic motivation and symbol emergence in autonomous machines. One of the key contributions of this article is the logical explanation of why and how value systems drive successive development of memory functions, resulting in progressive changes in behavior from innate reflexive to episodic, procedural, and autonomic behavior. Another notable contribution is the logical and plausible explanation of why and how a physical sensorimotor system evolves to manipulate its internal memory, fostering conceptual and social behavior development. This article provides an extensive review of prior research, followed by detailed descriptions of the causality and mechanisms of behavior development, and concludes with discussions on criticism, future work, ethics, and system architecture.

Guest Editorial Special Issue on Development and Learning and on Epigenetic Robotics

IEEE ICDL (the Joint IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning—formerly named ICDL-EpiRob) is a unique conference gathering researchers from computer science, robotics, psychology, and developmental studies to share knowledge and research on how humans and animals develop sensing, reasoning, and actions. This includes taking advantage of interaction with social and physical environments and how cognitive and developmental capabilities can be transferred to computing systems and robotics. This approach goes hand in hand with the goals of both understanding human and animal development and applying this knowledge to improve future intelligent technology, including robots that will be in close interaction with humans.

The Gross Developmental Potential (GDP2): a new approach for measuring human potential and wellbeing

Many factors influence the health and well-being of children and the adults they will become. Yet there are significant gaps in how trajectories of healthy development are measured, how the potential for leading a healthy life is evaluated, and how that information can guide upstream policies and investments. The Gross Developmental Potential (GDP2) is proposed as a new capabilities-based framework for assessing threats to thriving and understanding progress in achieving lifelong health and wellbeing. Moving beyond the Gross Domestic Product’s (GDP) focus on economic productivity as a measure of progress, the GDP2 focuses on seven essential developmental capabilities for lifelong health and wellbeing. The GDP2 capability domains include Health -living a healthy life; Needs-satisfying basic human requirements; Communication-expressing and understanding thoughts and feelings; Learning-lifelong learning; Adaption -adapting to change; Connections -connecting with others; and Community -engaging in the community. The project team utilized literature reviews and meetings with the subject and technical experts to develop the framework. The framework was then vetted in focus groups of community leaders from three diverse settings. The community leaders' input refined the domains and their applications. This prototype GDP2 framework will next be used to develop specific measures and indices and guide the development of community-level GDP2 dashboards for local sense-making, learning, and application.

Blood flow modeling reveals improved collateral artery performance during the regenerative period in mammalian hearts.

Collateral arteries bridge opposing artery branches, forming a natural bypass that can deliver blood flow downstream of an occlusion. Inducing coronary collateral arteries could treat cardiac ischemia, but more knowledge on their developmental mechanisms and functional capabilities is required. Here we used whole-organ imaging and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics modeling to define spatial architecture and predict blood flow through collaterals in neonate and adult mouse hearts. Neonate collaterals were more numerous, larger in diameter and more effective at restoring blood flow. Decreased blood flow restoration in adults arose because during postnatal growth coronary arteries expanded by adding branches rather than increasing diameters, altering pressure distributions. In humans, adult hearts with total coronary occlusions averaged 2 large collaterals, with predicted moderate function, while normal fetal hearts showed over 40 collaterals, likely too small to be functionally relevant. Thus, we quantify the functional impact of collateral arteries during heart regeneration and repair-a critical step toward realizing their therapeutic potential.

Chromatin openness of donor cells is directly correlated with the in vitro developmental capabilities of cloned buffalo embryos.

The Switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodelling complex is closely related to chromatin openness and gene transcriptional activity. To understand if the chromatin openness of donor cells was related to the development efficiency of somatic cell cloning embryos, two buffalo fetal fibroblasts (BFF), BFF1 and BFF3, with significantly different cloned blastocyst development rates (18.4% and 30.9% respectively), were selected in this study. The expression of SWI/SNF complex genes, chromatin openness, and transcript level of these two cell lines were analysed, and the effect of ATP on the expression of the SWI/SNF complex genes was further explored. The results showed that compared with BFF1, the expression of SWI/SNF complex family genes was higher in BFF3 at the G0/G1 phase, where SMARCC1, SMARCC2 and SMARCE1 were significantly different (p < .05). Assay of Transposase Accessible Chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) results showed that, at the genome-wide level, BFF3 had more open chromatin, especially which having more open chromatin peaks at SMARCA4, SMARCA2, and RBPMS2 (RNA Binding Protein, mRNA Processing Factor 2) sites. In total, 2,712 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the RNA-Seq method, with 1380 up- and 1332 down-regulated genes in BFF3. Interestingly, the ATPase-related genes ATP1B1 and ATP11A were extreme significantly up-regulated in BFF3 (p < .01). The ATP content and the expression of SWI/SNF complex genes in both BFF1 and BFF3 decreased when treated with rotenone. The above results demonstrated that the SWI/SNF complex contributed to chromatin opening, and chromatin opening of donor cells was essential for cloned embryo development.

Scaffolding Parenting and Health Development for Preterm Flourishing Across the Life Course.

Advances in obstetrics and neonatal medicine have resulted in improved survival rates for preterm infants. Remarkably, >75% extremely (<28 weeks) preterm infants who leave the NICU do not experience major neurodevelopmental disabilities, although >50% experience more minor challenges in communication, perception, cognition, attention, regulatory, and executive function that can adversely impact educational and social function resulting in physical, behavioral, and social health issues in adulthood. Even late premature (32-36 weeks) infants have more neurodevelopmental challenges than term infants. Although early intervention and educational programs can mitigate risks of prematurity for children's developmental trajectories, restrictive eligibility requirement and limitations on frequency and intensity mean that many premature infants must "fail first" to trigger services. Social challenges, including lack of family resources, unsafe neighborhoods, structural racism, and parental substance use, may compound biological vulnerabilities, yet existing services are ill-equipped to respond. An intervention system for premature infants designed according to Life Course Health Development principles would instead focus on health optimization from the start; support emerging developmental capabilities such as self-regulation and formation of reciprocal secure early relationships; be tailored to each child's unique neurodevelopmental profile and social circumstances; and be vertically, horizontally, and longitudinally integrated across levels (individual, family, community), domains (health, education), and time. Recognizing the increased demands placed on parents, it would include parental mental health supports and provision of trauma-informed care. This developmental scaffolding would incorporate parenting, health, and developmental interventions, with the aim of improved health trajectories across the whole of the life course.

Inequality and child health: dynamic population health interventions.

Purpose of reviewEstablished social gradients across a wide range of child health issues including obesity, anxiety, infectious diseases, injuries, prematurity and low birth weight suggest that much illness is avoidable and there is an imperative to intervene in this whole of society issue. This review examines recent advances in understanding of the pathways to health and health inequalities and their application to interventions to improve health equity.Recent findingsChildren's health develops over the life course in ways that are profoundly influenced by their entire developmental ecosystem including individual, family, community and system-level factors. Interventions to address child health inequalities must include action on the structural determinants of health, a greater focus on family and community health development, and attention to the acquisition of developmental capabilities. Nascent dynamic population health initiatives that address whole developmental ecosystems such as All Children Thrive, Better Start Bradford and Generation V, hold real promise for achieving child health equity.SummaryPathways to health inequalities are driven by social and structural determinants of health. Interventions to address inequalities need to be driven less by older biomedical models, and more by prevailing ecological and complex systems models incorporating a life course health development approach.

Delivering evidence-based parenting support in educational settings

Parent-child relationships influence learning throughout a child’s formal schooling and beyond. The quality of parenting children receive has a major influence on their learning and developmental capabilities. Parental influence is important in the early years of life and extends throughout a child’s schooling. Parenting has a pervasive influence on children’s language and communication, executive functions and self-regulation, social and peer relationships, academic attainment, general behaviour and enjoyment of school. Schools can further enhance educational outcomes for students by developing the resources and expertise needed to engage parents as partners in learning. This can be achieved by delivering and facilitating access to a comprehensive system of high-quality, culturally informed, evidence-based parenting support programs. In this article, recent developments in the Triple P system of parenting support are used to illustrate how schools can develop a low-cost, comprehensive, high-quality parenting support strategy that blends universal components with targeted components for more vulnerable children. We identify potential organisational and logistical barriers to implementing parenting support programs and ways to address these.

Effective dual capacity building strategies for family and school integration in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The article is devoted to the study of theoretical and practical issues on effective strategies of double capacity building for family and school unification in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study is based on the idea of expanding opportunities for family involvement in education as a basis for dual capacity building of students. The aim is to study effective strategies for double capacity building for family and school integration in Kazakhstan. This focuses on understanding why and how parents can participate in their children's education and how their participation affects student outcomes. The methods of theoretical research are the conceptual foundations of scientific knowledge these include: methods of developing ideas: targeted discussions; "brainstorming"; inventory of "weak points", with 200 to 300 respondents. The results of the study are social, economic, environmental, scientific and technical effects. The study recommends exploring the educational and developmental capabilities of parenting potential in order to involve them in the activities of the school Keywords: parental motivation, school achievements, family resources, knowledge fund, building strategies

Lipid profile of extracellular vesicles and their relationship with bovine oocyte developmental competence: New players in intra follicular cell communication

Cell communication within the ovarian follicle is crucial during folliculogenesis to assure an ideal environment for the oocyte to achieve full developmental competence. Intercellular communication is facilitated by the presence of follicular fluid, which mediates the transfer of signaling molecules. Recently, extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) containing mRNAs, miRNAs and proteins were described in mammalian follicular fluid. Besides these molecules, extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate the transfer of lipids that can act as signal transducers activating second messengers and modulating intracellular pathways. Our goal was to determine the lipid profile of exosomes (small extracellular vesicles) and microvesicles (large extracellular vesicles) from bovine ovarian follicles containing oocytes with different developmental capabilities to verify potential relationships to competence. Using mass spectrometry, we examined the lipid content of EVs present in the follicular fluid of follicles enclosing oocytes that were either unable to cleave (NCLEAVE), arrested at cleavage stage (CLEAVE), or developed to the blastocyst stage (BLAST) after parthenogenetic activation. Although most of the 514 lipids identified in the follicular fluid EVs were common among all groups, 10 exosome-derived lipids and 15 microvesicle-derived lipids were present exclusively in the BLAST group, suggesting a potential relationship with developmental competence. Therefore, our data indicate that the EVs present in follicular fluid of antral follicles of similar morphology contain lipids that may be used as biomarkers associated with the developmental capability of the oocyte to develop to the blastocyst stage.

P–204 Dynamics of cavitation as a potential non-invasive predictor of mammalian blastocyst quality

Abstract Study question We wished to investigate whether dynamics of cavity formation can be used in embryo quality assessment. Summary answer Dynamics of mouse embryo cavitation reflects to certain extent blastocysts’ developmental capabilities. It can be potentially used as a biomarker of mammalian embryo quality. What is known already During cavity expansion blastocyst pulsates, i.e. changes its volume in an oscillatory way. Recent studies performed on a mouse model have shown, that dynamics of cavitation, biomechanical properties of the trophectoderm (TE) and embryo size are intertwined. Presence or absence of blastocyst contractions has been linked to particular parameters related to positive outcome of the in vitro fertilization procedures, but the data on influence of contractions on human embryos’ developmental capabilities is often contradictory. Moreover, mostly in those studies only strong contractions (leading to a high volume loss) have been taken into consideration. Study design, size, duration We tested how postovulatory (in vitro or in vivo) or maternal aging of mouse oocytes affects dynamics of cavity formation and expansion in the resulting embryos (n = 27, n = 26 and n = 30, respectively). Furthermore, we also analyzed almost 100 mouse blastocysts in order to correlate dynamics of their cavitation with their ability to form correct outgrowths (in vitro model of implantation). Participants/materials, setting, methods Mouse oocytes subjected to postovulatory (either in vivo or in vitro) or maternal aging were fertilized in vitro. Dynamics of cavity formation and expansion was assessed by time-lapse imaging; equatorial images were taken every 10 minutes. Blastocyst area was measured over time and compared to the outcome from control embryos. In another set of experiments, after the filming mouse blastocysts were cultured for additional 4 days to test their ability to form outgrowths. Main results and the role of chance We noticed, that mouse embryos which represent limited developmental potential (obtained from either postovulatory or maternally aged oocytes) and blastocysts developed from freshly fertilized young females’ oocytes differ in terms of some parameters related to dynamics of cavitation, e.g. time of the initiation of cavity formation, frequency of contractions or mean loss of blastocyst’s area during contraction. We observed that embryos obtained from oocytes subjected to maternal or postovulatory aging have distinct dynamics of cavitation. Moreover, we noticed slightly different effect on particular parameters related to cavitation between in vivo and in vitro version of postovulatory ageing. We also showed that blastocysts, which are unable to create proper outgrowths (i.e. too small or without epiblast cells), differ from embryos that differentiate into correct outgrowths in terms of certain parameters of cavitation dynamics. Our data indicates, that dynamics of cavity formation and expansion might be related to developmental potential of mouse embryo. Limitations, reasons for caution Further studies with extended group size and testing embryos’ ability to implant in vivo are required to confirm our results. Moreover, we examined dynamics of cavitation only in a mouse model, so additional studies performed on other mammalian species are needed. Wider implications of the findings: Our data proves, that dynamics of embryo cavitation reflects, to certain extent, developmental capabilities of mouse blastocysts. Therefore, it is possible that it can be a biomarker of embryo quality (in combination with parameters provided by other methods or solely) of other mammalian species, including humans. Trial registration number Not applicable