Different Stages Of Maturation Research Articles

Study of Ripening Stages of Mango by Image Processing Techniques

Mango reaches its maturity in different stages which comprise both size and color. These maturity stages are well-known by the farmer in the field. On the basis of these different stages of maturity or commonly say ‘ripening of Mango’ one can predict when these are perfect for harvesting. The stages comprise a distinct pattern in which Mango gets ripped. In this paper, a study is carried out on the different stages of ripening of Mangoes based on their color. Image processing techniques are used to predict the mango’s different ripening stages by taking the Mango’s image.

Determining the harvest time for 'Ubá' mangoes as a function of textural properties

Considering that the early harvest and the mechanical damages that occur during harvest and post-harvest are the main factors that compromise the quality and shelf life of mango fruits, this study aimed to evaluate the textural properties of 'Ubá' mango in different stages of maturation in order to define the best time to harvest the fruits for industrial use. A completely randomized design with ten replications was used. The fruits were acquired from a site located in the municipality of Guidoval-MG, Brazil, selected and classified into four stages of maturation: green, green, ripe and semi-ripe. The fruits were submitted to compression and penetration tests (penetration of the whole fruit, pulp and skin). In general, the advance of maturation resulted in a decrease in the maximum penetration force, which went from 57.37, 30.89 and 27.48 N to 11.79, 1.61 and 4.81 N, for the whole fruit. with rind, pulp and rind, in this order, the same occurring for the compression force that decreased from 277.27 to 32.51 N, from the green to the ripe stage, evidencing the loss of firmness of the fruits with ripening. Based on the research results, the 'Ubá' mango can be harvested at the verdoengo stage, as it has greater firmness than the semi-ripe and mature stages, but not as high as the green stage, an important attribute for handling in the stages and post-harvest procedures of the product.

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of Yulingdang jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit at different stages of maturity

ABSTRACT Ziziphus jujuba cv. Yulingdang (YLD) is a jujube cultivar that has been approved as a new plant cultivar by the State Forestry Administration of China. The physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of YLD fruit were evaluated at seven stages of maturation, ranging from fruit setting to red ripe. The antioxidant activity of YLD fruit was assessed through total phenolics, total flavonoids, and methods including the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate, β-carotene-linoleic acid emulsification method, and reducing power. These measures were observed to decrease gradually as maturation progressed. The study also indicated an increase in total sugar and total acid levels, along with a decrease in moisture, soluble protein, and the sugar-acid ratio during maturation. Understanding this information is essential to fully exploit the commercial potential of YLD fruit.

Effects on the Synthesis and Accumulation of Triterpenes in Leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus under MeJA Treatment

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) lljinskaja, the sole and multi-functional tree species of the family Juglandaceae, grows extensively in subtropical areas of China. Species-specific triterpenoids in its leaves have validated health-promoting effects, including hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. To illustrate the effect of MeJA treatment on the accumulation and biosynthesis of triterpenoids in C. paliurus leaves at different stages of maturity, the contents of total triterpenoids and six triterpene compounds, along with the relative expression of three key genes, were detected. The results showed that the contents of triterpenes and expression patterns of the genes significantly differed among the samples. Different treatment times also had diverse effects on triterpenoid accumulation and gene expression. MeJA treatment had positive effects on total triterpenoids, cyclocaric acid B, and cyclocarioside A/B, especially in young leaves. Gene expression was highest in young leaves after 10 days of treatment, indicating that they were the most sensitive to MeJA. This study provided a reference for improving the accumulation of triterpenoids in C. paliurus plantations in the future.

Tertiary lymphoid structures and B lymphocytes: a promising therapeutic strategy to fight cancer.

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are clusters of lymphoid cells with an organization that resembles that of secondary lymphoid organs. Both structures share common developmental characteristics, although TLSs usually appear in chronically inflamed non-lymphoid tissues, such as tumors. TLSs contain diverse types of immune cells, with varying degrees of spatial organization that represent different stages of maturation. These structures support both humoral and cellular immune responses, thus the correlation between the existence of TLS and clinical outcomes in cancer patients has been extensively studied. The finding that TLSs are associated with better prognosis in some types of cancer has led to the design of therapeutic strategies based on promoting the formation of these structures. Agents such as chemokines, cytokines, antibodies and cancer vaccines have been used in combination with traditional antitumor treatments to enhance TLS generation, with good results. The induction of TLS formation therefore represents a novel and promising avenue for the treatment of a number of tumor types.

Ossicle morphology of Sandfish (Holothuria scabra Jaeger) at different stages of maturity

Ossicle morphology of Sandfish (Holothuria scabra Jaeger) at different stages of maturity

Staphylococcus aureus phagocytosis is affected by senescence.

Senescent cells accumulate in multicellular animals with aging, resulting in organ or tissue dysfunction. These alterations increase the incidence of a variety of illnesses, including infectious diseases, and, in certain instances, its severity. In search of a rationale for this phenomenon, we focused on the endophagocytic pathway in senescent cells. We first described the endocytic vesicle populations at different stages of maturation using confocal microscopy. There was an increase in the number of vacuoles per cell, which was partially explained by an increase in cell size. No changes in vesicle maturation or degradation capacities were determined by microscopy or Western blot assays. Also, we studied the internalization of various endophagocytic cargoes in senescent cells and observed only a decrease in the intracellular recovery of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Afterwards, we studied the intracellular traffic of S. aureus, and observed no differences in the infection between control and senescent cells. In addition we quantified the recovery of bacteria from control and senescent cells infected in the presence of several inhibitors of endophagosomal maturation, and no changes were observed. These results suggest that bacterial internalization is affected in senescent cells. Indeed, we confirmed this hypothesis by determining minor bacterial adherence and internalization by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that we found very similar results with cells from aged animals, specifically BMDMs. This alteration in senescent cells enlightens the diminished bacterial clearance and may be a factor that increases the propensity to suffer severe infectious conditions in the elderly.

Transformation of organic acids and sugars in the mucilage and coffee beans during prolonged fermentation

During the mucilage fermentation process, external and internal conditions originated changes in the characteristics of the coffee bean. The mucilage is a dynamic media that allows the development and interaction of microorganisms that modify the profiles of organic acids and sugars that are associated with the quality of the beverage. In order to determine the transformations of these compounds, coffee fruits at different stages of maturity were monitored at two temperatures and two prolongation times. Citric, malic, quinic and succinic acids are present in higher concentrations in the bean and were not influenced by the fermentation time, in contrast to tartaric and acetic acids which are directly associated with the extension time. Through carbon isotope tracing, diffusion from the exterior to the interior of the grain was demonstrated; however, it was evidenced that this process is not immediate and, at the same time, does not respond to the same behavior observed in the mucilage for the compounds evaluated.

Physical and chemical characteristics of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Brazilian peppertree) fruits at different stages of maturation

This study evaluated the quality of Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian peppertree) fruits at different maturation stages to determine the best stage to harvest and sell the fruits. Fruits of the BAAr-05 genotype were analyzed at five maturation stages: green fruit; pinkish-green fruit; pinkish fruit; “mature” red fruit; and “overripe,” intense red fruit. Physical (weight, size) and chemical (chemical components of the essential oil, assessed using HS-GS-MS, and essential oil yield) characteristics of each stage were analyzed. The experimental design was completely randomized with three repetitions. Chromatography data were submitted to a multivariate analysis (chemometrics). The principal component analysis (PCA) showed distinct chemical profiles referring to each maturation stage and the following main molecules: α-pinene; β-myrcene; α-phellandrene; limonene; and δ-3-carene. For the BAAr-05 genotype, the uniform maturation stages clustered together, and the intermediary stages were further apart, demonstrating a transition characteristic of the fruits at stages pinkish-green fruit and pinkish fruit. The yield of each oil extracted from its fruiting stages was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The red fruits produced the highest yield of extracted essential oil (3.76%), suggesting that this is the best stage to harvest the fruits. The data from HS-GC-MS chromatography were adequate for the chemometric analyses of the principal components of the maturation stages. Thus, our findings can contribute with information to optimize the harvest time of aroeira fruits, suggesting that the fruits harvested in the maturation stage red fruit (fully mature, red fruits) are the best for essential oil yield.

NEUROVASCULAR COUPLING AND CEREBROVASCULAR HAEMODYNAIMCS ARE MODIFIED BY EXERCISE TRAINING STATUS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF MATURATION DURING YOUTH.

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is mediated via nitric oxide signalling, which is independently influenced by sex hormones and exercise training. Whether exercise training differentially modifies NVC pre- vs. post-puberty, where levels of circulating sex hormones will differ greatly within- and between-sexes, remains to be determined. Therefore, we investigated the influence of exercise training-status on resting intra-cranial haemodynamics and NVC at different stages of maturation. Posterior and middle cerebral artery velocities (PCAv and MCAv) and pulsatility index (PCAPI and MCAPI) were assessed via trans-cranial Doppler ultrasound at rest and during visual NVC stimuli. N=121 exercise-trained (males: n=32, females: n=32) and untrained (males: n=28, females: n=29) participants were characterised as pre- (males: n=33, females: n=29) or post- (males: n=27, females: n=32) peak height velocity (PHV). Exercise-trained youth demonstrated higher resting MCAv (P=0.010). Maturity- and training-status did not affect the ∆PCAv and ∆MCAv during NVC. However, pre-PHV untrained males (19.4±13.5 vs. 6.8±6.0%; P≤0.001) and females (19.3±10.8 vs. 6.4±7.1%; P≤0.001) had a higher ∆PCAPI during NVC than post-PHV untrained counterparts, while the ∆PCAPI was similar in pre- and post-PHV trained youth. Pre-PHV untrained males (19.4±13.5 vs. 7.9±6.0%; P≤0.001) and females (19.3±10.8 vs 11.1±7.3%; P=0.016) also had a larger ∆PCAPI than their pre-PHV trained counterparts during NVC, but the ∆PCAPI was similar in trained and untrained post-PHV youth. Collectively, our data indicate that exercise training elevates regional cerebral blood velocities during youth, but training-mediated adaptations in NVC are only attainable during early stages of adolescence. Therefore, childhood provides a unique opportunity for exercise-mediated adaptations in NVC.

Serotonin Transporter Activity in Mouse Oocytes Is a Positive Indicator of Follicular Growth and Oocyte Maturity.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is known to be a regulator of oocyte maturation in a large number of animal species. In maturing mammalian oocytes, the accumulation of exogenous, maternal serotonin occurs due to the activity of the membrane transporter SERT. In this work, we investigated how SERT activity in oocytes correlates with indicators of follicular selection and oocyte maturity. An immunohistochemical study showed that the difference in the 5-HT intake activity in oocytes does not correlate with the marker of apoptosis in follicular cells, but positively correlates with markers of follicular growth, such as granulosa proliferation and follicle size. Functional analysis of oocytes at different stages of maturation showed that the expression and activity of SERT increases with oocyte maturation. An in vivo experiment on administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) for 7 days showed a significant decrease in the content of serotonin in both growing GV-oocytes and ovulated mature MII-oocytes. The data obtained clearly indicate that the mechanism of specific membrane transport of serotonin normally ensures the accumulation of serotonin in maturing oocytes, and can be considered as a promising positive marker of their mature status.

P-209 Implication of delta opioid receptor in the in vitro maturation of oocytes and its effects on subsequent fertilization and embryo development in mice

Abstract Study question Could opiods modulate in vitro maturation of oocyte and improve fertilization rates? Summary answer Delta opioid receptor was present in mice oocytes, changing its expression pattern depending on the maturation stage and helping oocytes to reach blastocyst stage. What is known already The molecular mechanisms responsible for oocyte maturation are not completely understood and different molecules have been reported to be implicated as modulators of this process. The endogenous opioid peptides could be interesting candidates because they are involved in the regulation of reproductive physiology at multiple sites. When those receptors are activated, the adenylyl cyclase is inhibited, thus reducing cyclic AMP and blocking PKA. Moreover, opioids are also able to activate proteins involved in maturation. There is evidence suggesting a role for opioids during oocyte maturation because the signaling exerted by opioids is similar to that necessary for the meiosis resumption. Study design, size, duration Immature cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) from female 8 to 10 week old WT (C57BL/6xCBA) were retrieved after EGF stimulation. Mouse in vitro maturation culture was performed. In vitro grown oocytes, their corresponding cumulus (CC) and granulosa cells (GC) were classified at germinal vesicle stage (GV), at metaphase 1 (MI) and at metaphase 2 (MII). Participants/materials, setting, methods The presence of DOR was analysed in granulosa cells and oocytes at each stage of maturation by qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. AKT and MAPK signalling pathway (ERK 1/2) was studied by immunocytochemistry. Similarly, COCs were matured in vitro in the absence and presence of DPDPE and naltrindole at various concentrations. After IVM, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was performed and development was observed until the blastocyst stage was reached, analysing fertilisation and embryo production percentages (p < 0.05). Main results and the role of chance Our findings showed that OPRD1 was present in mice oocytes and granulosa cells, changing its expression pattern depending on the maturation stage. The evaluation of RT-PCR examination and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining revealed the presence of the transcript for Oprd1 gene in the different stages of the mouse oocyte's maturation, as well as in the granulosa cells at the moment of the extraction from the ovary. The obtained transcript was compared with the transcript for Oprd1 of mouse cerebral cortex as a positive control. The expected 482 bp fragment was detected in the germinal vesicle stage and in granulosa cells, whereas in MI and MII stage the signal was lower. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that OPRD1 protein was present in mouse oocytes but, its localization differed at the different stages of the maturation process. Furthermore, the selective delta opioid agonist DPDPE, modulating PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, helped oocytes to reach blastocyst stage. Finally, we examined that the observed effect of DPDPE during oocyte maturation in the in vitro fertilization and subsequent embryo development could be blocked by the opioid antagonist naltrindole. Limitations, reasons for caution Although we have obtained higher rates of blastocysts, the quality of these embryos still needs to be analysed and transferred to recipient females to evaluate the offspring. Wider implications of the findings Our study has clinical implications for the improvement of oocyte in vitro maturation techniques (IVM). OPRD1 could be a possible therapeutic target for in vitro maturation culture medium, as it could improve the blastocyst rates obtained in the actual reproduction assisted techniques. Trial registration number not applicable

P-221 Single-cell transcriptomic profiles reveal the characteristics of oocytes and CCs at GV, MI, and MII in oocytes before ovulation

Abstract Study question what is the mechanism of the interaction between oocytes and CCs supporting oocyte development during oocyte maturation? Summary answer Cumulus cells are responsible for the accumulation of lipids and fatty acids to ensure oocytes have enough energy available for later embryogenesis. What is known already The oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) exist as an inseparable entity. The maturation of the oocyte is reliant on the materials and energy provided by CCs Although several reports have addressed the transcriptome of oocytes and granulosa cells during human folliculogenesis, many questions remain unanswered regarding the interaction between oocytes and CCs during the final stages of folliculogenesis before ovulation. Therefore, the mechanism of the interaction between oocytes and CCs supporting oocyte development during oocyte maturation is needed to be studied. Study design, size, duration We collected a total of 139 samples from 47 preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) patients for RNA sequencing , including 97 CCs (GV: 35; MI: 30; MII: 32) and 42 oocytes (GV: 22; MI: 11; MII: 9).10 cells were randomly selected from individually cumulus-oocyte complex per CC sample to avoid bias due to the different number of CCs in each follicle. The samples were collected within a time frame of 3 months. Participants/materials, setting, methods The oocytes removed from CGCs were quickly transferred to the operating dish for marking, the maturation stage was assessed and recorded by observing the nucleus of oocytes, the CCs were mechanically isolated. Isolated RNA from oocytes and CCs underwent library preparation using an oligo deoxy-thymidine(dT) priming approach followed by deep sequencing. Data processing and bioinformatics analysis were performed using software, mainly including FASTP, STAR, String Tie, ARCANE and DESeq2 along with functional annotation analysis. Main results and the role of chance We found that oocyte maturation is a dynamic process and MI oocytes can be subdivided into GV-like-MI oocytes and MII-like-MI oocytes. we revealed unique transcriptional machinery, transcription factor networks, and crosstalk, displaying developmental stage-specific expression patterns at the three stages of oocyte maturation. We also identified that both lipid and cholesterol metabolism in cumulus cells are active during the late stage of oocyte maturation, and lipids may serve as a more efficient energy source for oocytes and even embryogenesis. Moreover, we also found that the metabolic profile of MII CCs, particularly those associated with the synthesis pathway of heparan sulfate synthesis, predicts the quality of DAY 3 blastomeres（P = 0.0001）. Limitations, reasons for caution The transcriptional profile of mural granulosa cells during the final stages of follicle maturation has not been fully explored. Wider implications of the findings This study provides a relatively systematic and comprehensive overview of the transcriptional features and interactions between oocytes and CCs at different stages of maturation before ovulation and may provide insights into developing a non-invasive method for the clinical assessment of oocyte quality and prediction of DAY3 blastomere quality in ART. Trial registration number not applicable

Proteome Landscape during Ripening of Solid Endosperm from Two Different Coconut Cultivars Reveals Contrasting Carbohydrate and Fatty Acid Metabolic Pathway Modulation.

Cocos nucifera L. is a crop grown in the humid tropics. It is grouped into two classes of varieties: dwarf and tall; regardless of the variety, the endosperm of the coconut accumulates carbohydrates in the early stages of maturation and fatty acids in the later stages, although the biochemical factors that determine such behavior remain unknown. We used tandem mass tagging with synchronous precursor selection (TMT-SPS-MS3) to analyze the proteomes of solid endosperms from Yucatan green dwarf (YGD) and Mexican pacific tall (MPT) coconut cultivars. The analysis was conducted at immature, intermediate, and mature development stages to better understand the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. Proteomic analyses showed 244 proteins in YGD and 347 in MPT; from these, 155 proteins were shared between both cultivars. Furthermore, the proteomes related to glycolysis, photosynthesis, and gluconeogenesis, and those associated with the biosynthesis and elongation of fatty acids, were up-accumulated in the solid endosperm of MPT, while in YGD, they were down-accumulated. These results support that carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolisms differ among the developmental stages of the solid endosperm and between the dwarf and tall cultivars. This is the first proteomics study comparing different stages of maturity in two contrasting coconut cultivars and may help in understanding the maturity process in other palms.

Transcriptome-wide association study reveals novel susceptibility genes for coronary atherosclerosis.

Genetic risk factors substantially contributed to the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified many risk loci for coronary atherosclerosis, but the translation of these loci into therapeutic targets is limited for their location in non-coding regions. Here, we aimed to screen the potential coronary atherosclerosis pathogenic genes expressed though TWAS (transcriptome wide association study) and explore the underlying mechanism association. Four TWAS approaches (PrediXcan, JTI, UTMOST, and FUSION) were used to screen genes associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Enrichment analysis of TWAS-identified genes was applied through the Metascape website. The summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis was conducted to provide the evidence of causal relationship between the candidate genes and coronary atherosclerosis. At last, the cell type-specific expression of the intersection genes was examined by using human coronary artery single-cell RNA-seq, interrogating the immune microenvironment of human coronary atherosclerotic plaque at different stages of maturity. We identified 19 genes by at least three approaches and 1 gene (NBEAL1) by four approaches. Enrichment analysis enriching the genes identified at least by two TWAS approaches, suggesting that these genes were markedly enriched in asthma and leukocyte mediated immunity reaction. Further, the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis provided the evidence of causal relationship between NBEAL1 gene and coronary atherosclerosis, confirming the protecting effects of NBEAL1 gene and coronary atherosclerosis. At last, the single cell cluster analysis demonstrated that NBEAL1 gene has differential expressions in macrophages, plasma cells and endothelial cells. Our study identified the novel genes associated with coronary atherosclerosis and suggested the potential biological function for these genes, providing insightful guidance for further biological investigation and therapeutic approaches development in atherosclerosis-related diseases.

Gametogenesis in Rhinella bergi (Anura: Bufonidae): Morphological and morphometric analysis

AbstractThis study aims to characterize the gonads, folliculogenesis, and spermatogenesis processes of male and female Rhinella bergi through anatomical, histological and morphometric analysis. We worked with specimens previously collected in the spring and summer seasons (2014–2015), in which the gonads were studied based on morphological, histological and morphometric analysis. The reproductive system was analyzed using a stereoscopic microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Histological preparations were made following the conventional protocol of dehydration, inclusion in paraffin and stained with haematoxylin–eosin, Mallory trichrome and PAS histochemical reactions. The anatomical and morphometric characteristics and the gametogenesis in R. bergi agree with what was proposed for other analyzed species of the Bufonidae family. Females with ovaries with oocytes in different stages of maturity and postovulatory females were found. The males presented continuous spermatogenesis. The results of this work serve as a basis for the characterization of the reproductive cycle in R. bergi and, at the same time, provide background information on the analysis of gametogenic activity. Future investigations will be focused on evaluating the reproductive cycle in this species, both in ovaries and testes as well as Bidder's organ, to compare and correlate with the results obtained in this study.

Application of a Cold-Pressing Treatment to Improve Virgin Olive Oil Production and the Antioxidant Phenolic Profile of Its by-Products.

The olive oil sector is continuously evolving in order to improve the quality of olive oil and its by-products. In fact, the trend is to use increasingly greener olives to improve quality by decreasing the extraction yield, thus obtaining a higher content of antioxidant phenolics. The application of a cold-pressing system to the olive before the extraction of oil was tested with three varieties: picual at three different stages of maturity and arbequina and hojiblanca at early stages of maturity. The Abencor system was used for the extraction of virgin olive oil and its by-products. For the quantification of phenols and total sugars for all phases, organic solvent extractions and colorimetric measurements and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a UV detector were used. The results show that the new treatment significantly improved the amount of oil extracted by between 1 and 2% and even increased its concentration of total phenols by up to 33%. Regarding the by-products, the concentrations of the main phenols, such as hydroxytyrosol, increased by almost 50%, as did the glycoside. The treatment also facilitated the separation of phases in by-products and improved the phenolic profile, although not in terms of total phenols, but individual phenols with higher antioxidant activity were obtained.

Impaired telomere pathway and fertility in Senescence-Accelerated Mice Prone 8 females with reproductive senescence.

Ovarian aging is the main cause of infertility and telomere attrition is common to both aging and fertility disorders. Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) model has shortened lifespan and premature infertility, reflecting signs of reproductive senescence described in middle-aged women. Thus, our objective was to study SAMP8 female fertility and the telomere pathway at the point of reproductive senescence. The lifespan of SAMP8 and control mice was monitored. Telomere length (TL) was measured by in situ hybridization in blood and ovary. Telomerase activity (TA) was analyzed by telomere-repeat amplification protocol, and telomerase expression, by real-time quantitative PCR in ovaries from 7-month-old SAMP8 and controls. Ovarian follicles at different stages of maturation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Reproductive outcomes were analyzed after ovarian stimulation. Unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney test were used to calculate p-values, depending on the variable distribution. Long-rank test was used to compare survival curves and Fisher's exact test was used in contingency tables. Median lifespan of SAMP8 females was reduced compared to SAMP8 males (p = 0.0138) and control females (p < 0.0001). In blood, 7-month-old SAMP8 females presented lower mean TL compared to age-matched controls (p = 0.041). Accordingly, the accumulation of short telomeres was higher in 7-month-old SAMP8 females (p = 0.0202). Ovarian TA was lower in 7-month-old SAMP8 females compared to controls. Similarly, telomerase expression was lower in the ovaries of 7-month-old SAMP8 females (p = 0.04). Globally, mean TL in ovaries and granulosa cells (GCs) were similar. However, the percentage of long telomeres in ovaries (p = 0.004) and GCs (p = 0.004) from 7-month-old SAMP8 females was lower compared to controls. In early-antral and antral follicles, mean TL of SAMP8 GCs was lower than in age-matched controls (p = 0.0156 for early-antral and p = 0.0037 for antral follicles). Middle-aged SAMP8 showed similar numbers of follicles than controls, although recovered oocytes after ovarian stimulation were lower (p = 0.0068). Fertilization rate in oocytes from SAMP8 was not impaired, but SAMP8 mice produced significantly more morphologically abnormal embryos than controls (27.03% in SAMP8 vs. 1.22% in controls; p < 0.001). Our findings suggest telomere dysfunction in SAMP8 females, at the time of reproductive senescence.

Morphology and Ultrastructure of the Female Reproductive Apparatus of an Asexual Strain of the Endoparasitoid Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae).

Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) is a solitary endoparasitoid of lepidopteran pests and a good candidate for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda. To elucidate the structure of the female reproductive apparatus, which may play a role in facilitating successful parasitism, we presented the description of the morphology and ultrastructure of the whole female reproductive system in a thelytokous strain of M. pulchricornis. Its reproductive system includes a pair of ovaries without specialized ovarian tissues, a branched venom gland, a venom reservoir, and a single Dufour gland. Each ovariole contains follicles and oocytes at different stages of maturation. A fibrous layer, possibly an egg surface protector, coats the surface of mature eggs. The venom gland consists of secretory units (including secretory cells and ducts) with abundant mitochondria, vesicles and end apparatuses in the cytoplasm, and a lumen. The venom reservoir is comprised of a muscular sheath, epidermal cells with few end apparatuses and mitochondria, and a large lumen. Furthermore, venosomes are produced by secretory cells and delivered into the lumen via the ducts. As a result, myriad venosomes are observed in the venom gland filaments and the venom reservoir, suggesting that they may function as a parasitic factor and have important roles in effective parasitism.

Innovations and smart technologies at Brazilian ports

Innovations can help ports become smarter and more effective and differentiate themselves from competitors. This study aims to explore the current state of innovations and smart technologies at Brazilian ports. The study sampled sixteen ports, representing 70% of port movements in Brazilian public ports in 2021. This is an exploratory and descriptive field study involving qualitative analysis. The results show that the surveyed ports are seeking strategies to innovate. Only one of the surveyed ports had a registered patent. Half of all ports had agreements with educational/research institutions, companies, or other ports for developing innovations. By contrast, no port engaged in technology transfer contracts with educational/research institutions, companies, or other ports. Few surveyed ports collaborated with HUBs, laboratories, or innovation centres. The three most widely used smart technologies at the surveyed ports were cloud computing, automated systems, and drone technologies. This study shows that Brazilian ports are undergoing a transformation process, but they find themselves in different stages of maturity regarding the appropriation and development of new technologies. New technologies are still incipient for some ports, while others have yet to adopt them. For example, only a few surveyed ports used smart technologies such as the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, or automated systems. Innovations and the inclusion of new technologies can generate benefits, but they require time and financial resources.