Reproductive Characteristics Research Articles

Intercropping with dwarf coconut: vegetative, reproductive and nutritional traits of Coffea canephora genotypes recommended to monoculture

The aim of this study was to quantify vegetative, reproductive and nutritional characteristics of conilon coffee genotypes intercropped with dwarf coconut, in order to verify the possibility of identifying genotypes with promising performance for consortium systems between genotypes recommended for monoculture. The experiment was developed in a consortium system, following a completely randomized design, testing eight genotypes of C. canephora randomly distributed along the lines of consortium with dwarf coconut trees, using six replications. Twelve characters were evaluated to describe vegetative, reproductive and nutritional aspects of plants. It was possible to identify differences in vegetative, reproductive and nutritional characteristics between genotypes of C. canephora in consortium with dwarf coconut. The phenotypic and genetic variability expressed, even in a limited group of eight genotypes improved and adapted for monoculture, seems to be sufficient to allow a selection of genotypes more suitable for the consortium. Considering the conditions evaluated, genotypes 83, 48, 02 and 153 stand out for this consortium, because their selection could promote gains in several of the characteristics used in this research.

The molecule events expression of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in morphological and structural developmental characteristics of gonads in goose embryos.

China is the largest producer and consumer of geese with significant social and economic value in agriculture. The Jilin White Goose, known for its excellent egg-laying and reproductive characteristics, is a prominent breeding breed in the northeast of China widely used for cross-breeding.Gonad development is a complex process, which will differentiate into testes or ovaries, thus affecting sex determination. Since the level of gonadal development in geese of different sexes is also related to their productivity, the study of gonadal function in geese is of great theoretical and practical importance. In this study, we used the embryonic gonads of Jilin white geese as the research object to reveal the morphologic and histologic developmental characteristics and process of the gonads of goose embryos from the 9th day to the 28th day and to investigate the mechanisms regulating the differentiation of the gonads. The results of ALP-PAS staining by histomorphological observations showed that the primordial germ cells in the female gonads were fully differentiated at embryonic day 19 (E19) and in the male gonads at embryonic day 18 (E18).Previous studies indicate that the TGF-β /Smad signaling pathway is crucial for sex differentiation and gamete formation in animals. In our study, we quantitatively analyzed key genes and proteins in this pathway within goose embryos. We found that TGF-βRI/II receptors and Smad2/3 are involved in gonadal development early in differentiation. Smad2 protein levels peaked at E18 in male gonads and E19 in female gonads, while Smad3 peaked at E10 for both. It has been suggested that there is a novel interaction between TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this study, the expression of LEF1, a protein downstream of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, peaked at E19 in the female gonads and at E18 in the male gonads, and the protein expression level of β-catenin was significantly increased in the female gonads at E19 and E28 and peaked at E28 in the male gonads. β-catenin expression levels were significantly higher in the male gonads than in the other periods and reached a minimum at E28. We injected the TMAO drug, which activates the TGF-β /Smad pathway, into goose embryos using the embryo injection technique to study how it affects gene and protein expression in this signaling pathway. We found that in female gonads, the levels of Smad2/3 proteins were lower than in the control group at E18, but higher than the control group at E19. In male gonads, the results for Smad3 proteins matched those of the females, while the results for Smad2 proteins were the opposite. This shows that TMAO activation of the TGF-β /Smad signaling pathway may impact gonadal development in goose embryos. In conclusion, this study suggest that the TGF-β /Smad and Wnt signaling pathways may enhance gonadal tissue development in goose embryos. The study identified key time points in gonadogenesis, providing a new theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms of gonadal development.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: Criteria, phenotypes, race and ethnicity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy, which leads to ovulation dysfunction and infertility, as well as metabolic and mental disorders. Women with PCOS exhibit several characteristic symptoms, with marked heterogeneity across different races and ethnicities. In this review, the author outlines the phenotypic disparities of PCOS among various racial and ethnic populations. First, the prevalence of major symptoms in different racial and ethnic groups with PCOS is summarized. Next, the effects of four phenotypes, derived from the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS, on metabolic and reproductive features are recapitulated. A growing body of evidence suggests that East Asian populations exhibit less hirsutism and adiposity compared with other groups. However, hirsutism is more prevalent in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic populations. Hispanic and African American populations have more frequent obesity and insulin resistance. With regard to the association between mental disorders and racial and ethnic differences, limited studies exist; therefore, no conclusions can be drawn. Race and ethnicity-specific factors related to PCOS must be considered in clinical practice. The diagnostic criteria of PCOS should be specific to race and ethnicity to avoid missing treatment opportunities.

Morpho-anatomy of cape gooseberry flowers (Physalis peruviana L.) at various stages of development

As an indigenous remedy for a variety of ailments, cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), a member of the Solanaceae family, has historically contributed significantly to health promotion. The metabolites contained in Physalis fruit have been used traditionally by some Chinese communities to treat and prevent various diseases, such as cancer and hepatitis. Research related to the analysis of secondary metabolites in cape gooseberry fruit has been widely conducted, but studies on the morphology and anatomy of flower development, especially in P. peruviana have not been carried out. This study aimed to examine the morphological and anatomical structure of P. peruviana flowers at various stages of development. The procedures included: collection of flower morphology data, preparation of anatomical slides of flowers using the paraffin embedding method and qualitative analysis. The observation results demonstrate that P. peruviana has a complete and perfect flower, which grows as a single axillary type with 5 sepals, attached to each other and is conventionally green with a purple tinge. The corolla is sticky and yellow, with a purple tinge on the neck. The stamen comprises 5 pale yellow anthers and a purple filament. From the bud initiation to anthesis, the development takes 13 days. The anther has 2 lobes or 2 thecae (dithecous) with four microsporangia (tetrasporangiate). The anther wall consists of 4 layers in stages I-V and 2 layers in stages VI and VII. Isobilateral microspores are of the tetrad type. The ovary comprises 2 carpels, while the ovule is anatropus type and has bitegmic structure. This study detailed the reproductive characteristics of P. peruviana and provided a reference framework for subsequent studies by aligning the floral reproductive development perspective to a phenological scope.

Reproductive characteristics of Japanese quail hatched from eggs incubated at different temperatures.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different incubation temperatures (ITs) on the posthatch reproductive characteristics of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 1332 fertile eggs were incubated at different temperatures: 36.0, 37.5 and 39.0°C. After hatching, the birds were transferred to rearing cages until 35 days of age and, later, to production cages in groups of nine females and three males. The experimental design was a randomized block with three treatments and six replications. IT did not influence (P>0.05) birth weight or hatch window; however, higher hatchability was observed (P<0.05) in eggs incubated at 37.5°C. There was no effect (P>0.05) of IT on the relative weight of organs at 35 and 60 days of age or on the male growth curve. In females, body weight at growth maturity was higher (P<0.01) when the IT was 39.0°C. The characteristics of the semen were not influenced (P>0.05) by IT, except for sperm viability, which was higher (P<0.05) when temperatures of 37.5 and 39.0°C were used. There was no effect (P<0.05) of IT on egg fertility or on the morphological characteristics of female reproductive organs. However, a lower age at first egg were observed (P<0.05) when the IT was 39.0°C. There was no effect (P>0.05) of IT on egg quality, except for yolk height, which was higher (P<0.01) at 36.0 and 39.0°C. It is concluded that a temperature of 37.5°C should be used during the incubation of Japanese quail eggs.

Unmet clinical needs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome regarding fertility and obesity: a cross-sectional study from the patient's perspective.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, often leading to anovulatory infertility. Obesity exacerbates the reproductive, metabolic and psychological features of PCOS, making fertility treatment and patient satisfaction difficult. Despite guidelines from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) emphasizing lifestyle modifications and specific treatments, there remains a significant gap in adherence to these guidelines by both healthcare providers and patients. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 1 January to 14 March 2021 among PCOS patients in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A non-standardized, non-validated questionnaire covering several aspects of reproductive health was distributed via online channels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, Student's t-tests and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Out of 2029 participants, 1902 completed the fertility questionnaire. Of these, 73.9% perceived their fertility to be impaired, with this perception being higher in obese women (80.8% vs. 67.4%, p < 0.001). The analysis focused on 564 childless women with a current desire to have children, 67.0% of whom met WHO criteria for infertility. Obese women (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) reported lower satisfaction with fertility treatment (40.9 vs. 47.8, p = 0.009) and were less likely to receive fertility treatment (56.7% vs. 75.8%, p < 0.001). Despite recommendations, only 34.1% reported lifestyle changes as part of their treatment. Letrozole, the recommended first-line treatment, was underused (14.6%) and clomiphene citrate was more commonly prescribed (35.4%). Obese women reported fewer current pregnancies (4% vs. 13.9%, p < 0.001) and were more likely to be infertile for more than one year (77.0% vs. 53.0%, p < 0.001). They also expressed a greater desire for possibilities to ask more questions about PCOS and fertility and to undergo more infertility tests. (56.1% vs. 45.3%, p = 0.013; 69.4% vs. 59.8%, p = 0.020). Fertility management in PCOS patients, especially in obese patients, shows significant gaps in adherence to recommended guidelines, highlighting the need for improved patient education, professional training and individualized treatment strategies. Improved health care is essential to address reproductive concerns and improve outcomes in this population.

Abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue associations with postmenopausal breast cancer incidence.

Obesity, classified by body mass index (BMI), is associated with higher postmenopausal breast cancer (BCa) risk. Yet, the associations between abdominal visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with BCa are unclear. We assessed BCa associations with abdominal VAT and SAT in a prospective cohort of postmenopausal women without a history of cancer and with 27 years follow-up (N = 9950), during which all new cancers were adjudicated. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans assessed adiposity at baseline, year 3, and year 6. Competing risks multivariable sub-hazard ratios (SHR), with adjustments for sociodemographic, behavioral, reproductive, and anthropometric characteristics, were estimated for baseline and time-dependent associations between VAT, SAT, and incident BCa. Participants averaged 63.3 ± 7.4 years of age and a BMI of 28.20 ± 5.72 kg/m2 at baseline. The models included 738 incident BCa cases (N = 593 invasive; N = 145 in situ). Baseline VAT and SAT area were associated with significantly increased BCa risk, by 36% and 19% respectively. Increasing VAT/SAT ratio was associated with an 8% increase in incident BCa. Time-dependent models produced similar results. VAT and VAT/SAT associated BCa risk was highest for African American/Black women, though not significantly different from other groups. Quartiles (Q) of VAT/SAT were also explored; the SHR for Q4 compared to Q1 was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.87). Higher abdominal VAT and SAT are associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal BCa, and VAT/SAT may provide a distinctive risk estimate. Potential racial and ethnic differences require replication in a larger sample.(NCT00000611).

Approach to the Patient: Diagnostic Challenges in the Work Up for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 10-13% of women globally. It is a condition with metabolic, reproductive and psychological features, with health impacts across the lifespan. The aetiology of PCOS is complex, with an interplay of several factors including genetic and epigenetic susceptibility, androgen exposure in early life and adiposity related dysfunction leading to hypothalamic-ovarian disturbance. Diagnosis is recommended based on the International PCOS Guideline criteria, with diagnosis confirmed in adults when two of out the following three criteria are met: i) hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical), ii) irregular cycles and iii) polycystic ovary morphology or elevated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. With its clinical heterogeneity, distinct phenotypes, variation across the lifespan and ethnic variation, PCOS diagnosis can present significant diagnostic challenges to clinicians.

Influence of temperature on growth and reproduction of keystone species, Crangon hakodatei (Caridea, Crangonidae) in the East Sea of Korea.

The rapid rise in temperature due to climate change has raised concerns about its impact on the keystone species Crangon hakodatei in the East Sea of Korea. However, no studies have examined the population characteristics of C. hakodatei or its response to temperature change along the coast. In this study, we investigated these aspects using year-round sampling of C. hakodatei and environmental data collected along the east coast of South Korea. A positive correlation was observed between shrimp abundance and temperature. Specifically, both the growth and reproductive characteristics of C. hakodatei were affected by temperature variations. Females and males grew more slowly during the spawning season and cold periods, respectively. Notably, primary breeding, with the highest participation of females, occurred during the coldest periods in the East Sea. Overall, these results warn of a climate crisis leading to a reduced abundance of keystone species in Korean coastal waters.

Coverage of Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV infection and its determinants among HIV exposed children in Njombe Region, Tanzania

Background: Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV infection remains a public health concern. The World Health Organization recommends Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) HIV testing within 6 weeks after birth. This is to determine early initiation of antiretroviral therapy to prevent rapid disease progression and death in infected infants. Despite of many efforts, EID coverage is still low in Sub-Saharan Africa due to individual factors. This study aimed to investigate determinants of EID coverage among HIV exposed children in Njombe region, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2021 among HIV exposed children aged 0-18 months and their biological mother attending reproductive and child health clinics in two districts of Njombe region of Tanzania. Swahili translated questionnaires were used to collect demographics, reproductive characteristics, HIV information, HIV related stigma, HIV disclosure and partner social support after obtaining consent. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with coverage of EID. Results: A total of 400 HIV exposed children and their biological mothers were enrolled in this study. Median age of the mothers was 30 years (Interquartile Range, IQR 26-34) and majority had informal and primary education 307 (76.8%). Median age of the children was 10 months (IQR 7-14) and most of them were females 226 (56.2%). The proportion of children who received EID within 4 to 6 weeks was 85%. Living in rural areas was associated with lower odds of testing (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.20-0.68). Parents who reported higher level of HIV-related stigma and discrimination had a higher odd of testing (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.56-5.60). Conclusion and Recommendation: This study found an improvement of EID coverage in Njombe region which might have resulted from Health system improvements in urban areas. More efforts in equipping NAT technology in rural health facilities and addressing individual factors need to be considered to improve EID coverage to national target. The region had successes toward addressing negative impact of HIV Stigma which is no longer barrier toward HIV testing. Multiple level HIV stigma reduction interventions should be directed toward Stigma rather than its outcomes.

Non-adherence to antenatal iron supplementation and its determinants among pregnant women in 35 sub-saharan African countries: a generalized linear mixed-effects modeling with robust Poisson regression analysis

BackgroundDespite the integration of iron supplementation into routine antenatal care programs as a nutritional intervention to prevent anemia in pregnant women, the use of this supplement for the recommended duration remains low in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Evidence on maternal compliance with iron supplementation at the SSA level is lacking and most of the previous studies have been limited to specific geographic areas. Therefore, the current study used large population survey data from 35 SSA countries to estimate the pooled prevalence of non-adherence and its determinants.MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted using data from the demographic and health surveys across 35 SSA countries. After excluding women with missing data on the outcome variable, a weighted sample of 158,941 women who received iron supplementation during their recent pregnancy was included in the analysis. Forest plot was used to present the pooled and country-level rates of non-adherence to antenatal iron supplementation. A multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression with robust variance was done to identify determinants of non-adherence.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of non-compliance to iron supplementation in SSA was 65.1% [95% CI: 64.9 − 65.3%], with the lowest level in Zambia (18%) and the highest in Burundi (97%). The analysis revealed that living in rural areas (aPR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13–1.19), lack of access to mass media (aPR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.09–1.12), low household wealth (aPR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.09–1.14), late (aPR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.17–1.20) and frequent ANC visit (aPR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.29), women’s employment status (aPR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03–1.06), husband illiteracy (aPR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.10–1.13), and distance to a health facilities (aPR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) were associated higher prevalence of non-adherence. Conversely, older maternal age was associated lower prevalence of non-compliance (aPR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.97).ConclusionMore than six out of ten pregnant women in SSA do not take iron supplements for the recommended period, with substantial variations across the countries. The level of non-adherence was significantly varied by women’s sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics. This urges the need for strengthening community health interventions and other existing programs to reach women in rural and economically disadvantaged settings. Furthermore, promoting antenatal care services through mass media and community-based health education strategies is key for scaling up the utilization of the supplement. Our results also suggest the importance of establishing the community-based distribution of iron supplements to address women with limited access to the healthcare system.

Involvement Of Males In Utilization Of Maternal And Child Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Women’s Perspective

Background: Men in patriarchal societies of developing countries like India are often identified as decision makers in all aspects of life. Men’s supportive stance in MCH services utilization plays crucial role in reduction of maternal and child mortality. Aim: To study the involvement of males in maternal and child healthcare services. Objective: To study sociodemographic profile of study participants and knowledge and practices of their husbands about MCH services. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 married women having one living child less than 2 year of attending immunization clinics of Government medical college and hospital, Miraj. Information about socio-demographic and reproductive health characteristics, male participation in reproductive and child health care services was collected entered in MS excel and analyzed. Results: Among the females 70% were below 25 years of age and age of the husbands of 71% participants were less than 30 years. 64% females were belonging to Muslim religion, 84% were residing in urban area, 82% stayed in joint family, 58% educated up to secondary school, 67% belongs to socio-economic class IV. 61% husbands were decision maker in family planning, 78% husbands accompanied for ANC visit,79% husbands knew about the govt. MCH scheme 94% husbands knew about increased need for food &amp; rest by pregnant women, 63% were having knowledge about complications of pregnancy and delivery. But only 22% husbands accompanied for child’s immunization. Only 34% husband help in domestic work, 63% paid attention on diet/food frequency of their wives and 51%encouraged &amp; paid attention on adequate rest of their wives. Conclusion: Men are aware of various aspects of antenatal and intra natal care, their husband’s involvement during antenatal period was found to be good but it decreases during immunization phase of the child. Involvement for helping in domestic work, encouraging for adequate rest &amp; food during ANC was also less. So, creating specific Health education and SBCC activities about maternal &amp; child health among men may enhance their positive involvement.

Generation of transgenic chicken through ovarian injection.

Traditional DNA microinjection methods used in mammals are difficult to apply to avian species due to their unique reproductive characteristics. Genetic manipulation in chickens, particularly involving immature follicles within living ovaries, has not been extensively explored. This study seeks to establish an efficient method for generating transgenic chickens through ovarian injection, potentially bypassing the challenges associated with primordial germ cell (PGC) manipulation and fertilized egg microinjection. Hens were anesthetized and underwent a surgical procedure to access the ovary for DNA injection into immature follicles. The study used liposomes to deliver GFP-expressing plasmids at various dosages. After injection, hens recovered, and their eggs were fertilized through artificial insemination. Transgenic chickens were successfully generated in one generation without needing G0 founders. The injection of 20 μg plasmid yielded the highest transgenic efficiency at 12.1%. GFP-positive embryos were confirmed through microscopy, and successful transgene expression was validated at the tissue level using immunostaining. TERT and GFP elements introduced in the G1 generation resulted in 4.1% positive transgene rates, as confirmed by PCR and Southern blotting. This ovarian injection method offers a promising alternative for avian genetic manipulation, bypassing complex PGC procedures and enabling direct generation of G1 transgenic chickens. This technique simplifies the transgenic process for chickens and has the potential to be adapted for other avian species, especially those without established PGCs culture systems.

Substitution of Chemical Fertilization using PGRs Evident in Growth and Yield of Tomato

The excessive utilization of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals poses a significant threat to both environment and human well-being. A pot experiment was done between December 2022 and April 2023 using a factorial randomized complete block design, which involved combining fertilizers and plant growth regulators (PGRs). The objective was to decrease the utilization of artificial fertilizers through the application of PGRs. The experiment involved applying fertilizers at 80, 90, 100 and 110% of the recommended doses. The recommended doses consist of 12 grams (g) of urea, 10 g of TSP, 5 g of MoP, 3 g of gypsum, 0.5 g of zinc sulphate, and 0.5 g of boric acid per plant. Furthermore, PGRs including gibberellic acid (GA3), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA), and salicylic acid (SA) were applied at a concentration of 50 ppm. The results showed that there were no significant differences in growth and yield-contributing features when the fertilizer dose was increased from 80% to 110% of the recommended amount. Nonetheless, there were significant differences compared to the control group. However, PGRs showed significant variability in the morphological and reproductive responses of tomatoes under the conditions being researched. The GA3 treatment resulted in significantly greater plant height, base diameter, number of branches and leaves per plant, canopy spread, and internode length. Moreover, GA3 at 50 ppm produced the highest number of flowers and fruits/plant, with a single fruit weighing 67.83 g and a total fruit production of 6.61 kg/plant of tomato. Among the other PGRs, salicylic acid showed statistical equivalence to GA3 treatment. Nonetheless, there was a notable decrease in both vegetative and reproductive features, including yield, when NAA and 4-CPA were used. The interaction between fertilizers and PGRs showed that combining GA3 and SA with any of the tested fertilizer rates resulted in statistically distinct and improved vegetative and reproductive responses. However, the combination of fertilizer with NAA and 4-CPA produced highly unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, GA3 at 50 ppm and SA at 50 ppm can effectively be employed as substitute of synthetic chemical fertilizers in tomato cultivation. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 53-64, 2024

Fracture incidence in women: the impact of reproductive characteristics

BackgroundAlthough endogenous estrogen exposure, influenced by reproductive factors (RFs), is negatively associated with fracture risk, there is limited and conflicting information on the association between these factors and the incidence of fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the association between RFs and fracture incidence (FXI) separately.MethodsThis longitudinal study commenced in 1999 and concluded in 2021. It is performed on women without previous fractures and adjusted for confounders. RFs, including age at menarche, parity, abortion, duration of breastfeeding (BF), hormonal contraceptive use, and age at menopause, were exposure variables. The incidence of fractures was the primary outcome. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the associations between RFs and FXI outcomes.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) of follow-up time was 15.0 (12.1–17.0) years. A total of 19.9% (1324/6653)of the women were menopausal at baseline, and 13% (865/6653) of the remaining participants reached menopause at the end of follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, 222 (3.3%) participants had fractures. The mean age of participants at the initiation of the study and last follow-up were 35.8 (15.5) and 50.0 (15.3) years, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, the HR of FXI increased by 10% per one extra delivery (HR: 1.10,95% CI: (1.03, 1.18); p = 0.01), and by 12% per one-year increase in age at menarche (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: (1.02, 1.23); p = 0.02). The HR of FXI decreased by 3% per month extra exclusive BF (HR: 0.97,95% CI: (0.94, 0.99); p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe results elucidate that a longer duration of exclusive BF has a protective effect on FXI. In contrast, increasing age at menarche and the number of parities increase the risk of FXI.

Rising and Spreading: First record and ecological aspects of Platanichthys platana (Regan, 1917) in a major tributary of the Upper Paraná River, Brazil

This study presents the first record of the sardine Platanichthys platana (Regan, 1917) in the Paranapanema River basin and provides insights into the species' ecological traits. A total of 164 juveniles and adults were sampled in 2019 and 2020 in the Lower Paranapanema River. Morphological analyses confirmed species identification, while reproductive analyses revealed different age classes among individuals, with higher sex ratio of females and mature gonads. Additionally, stomach analyses indicated a diet primarily composed of insects, followed by microcrustaceans. This species has been dispersing rapidly in the Upper Paraná River, where its reproductive characteristics may help its establishment, especially in reservoirs. Also, its feeding ecology favors its survival. However, interactions with large-sized invasive predators and influx of heavy metals in the food chain can occur, in addition to competition with small-sized native species.

Lantana Camara : A Medicinal Plant

Large areas of dry-moist forests and other culturable wastelands have been overrun by lantana on the Indian subcontinent, which may have changed ecosystem services, biodiversity, and landscape ecology. In addition to forest and barren areas, it has infiltrated the majority of Indian grazing lands (13.2 million hectares), and its control is expected to cost US$70 per hectare. Rapid spread, severe infestation, allelopathy, opportunistic growth habit, reproductive biology features, and a persistent resistance to burning and cutting make this invasive weed unique.(1) With an emphasis on its ecological characteristics, including biomass productivity, reproductive biology, invasiveness, allelopathy, eradication strategies, and commercial applications documented from India, this research examines the state of knowledge regarding Lanthana camara. The literature evaluation indicates that lantana’s economic benefits and advantages outweigh its drawbacks, necessitating more research on cost-benefit analysis when making decisions about its management and eradication.(1).

Age- and Size- Based Reproductive Potential of Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus) in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico

Relatively little is known about size- and age-based reproductive characteristics of Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus) despite a large recreational fishery along the west coast of Florida in the Southeastern U.S.A. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the spawning parameters of Gray Snapper and to quantify female reproductive potential on an age- and size-basis. From 2022 to 2023, 4563 Gray Snapper were collected off the west coast of Florida. Gray Snapper were observed to be actively spawning from late May to early September; however, the percent of females spawning in May and September were both &lt;3%. Batch fecundity for 12 hydrated females showed a hyperallometric relationship with size and age. The spawning fraction also increased disproportionately with female length and age, suggesting older, larger females spawn in greater proportions and more often than younger, smaller females. For females, the length and age at 50% physiological maturity was 292 mm total length (TL) and 2.9 years, and those at 50% functional maturity was 301 mm TL and 3.2 years. Male Gray Snapper reached 50% sexual maturity at 259 mm TL and 1.8 years. The minimum size limit of 10 inches (254 mm) TL in Florida state waters appears to be too low to protect maturing females in particular. These new spawning metrics should be incorporated into future stock assessments to improve estimates of Gray Snapper reproductive output, stock status, and management.

Impact of Dietary Vitamin E and Selenium on Production Performance in Japanese Quail

The purpose of the current study was to study the impact of dietary supplementation of various levels of vitamin E and inorganic selenium (Sodium selenite) on daily egg weight, egg mass and egg production, accumulative egg per hen per week, final body weight gain for males, and feed conversion in both males and females of Japanese quail birds (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The study was conducted in the nutritional laboratory at the Veterinary Techniques Department/ Kalar Technical Institute /Garmian Polytechnic University in the Iraqi Kurdistan region for eight weeks from Apr 15 2021 to Jul 15 2021. In this study 128 birds (12 weeks old) were employed, they were raised in a cage system, measuring 50 width inches x 60 lengths inches × 60 height inches. Four supplemented dietary treatments from the experimental birds were designed as different levels of food regimens, and then each treatment was subdivided equally into eight replicated cages. The used experimental diets were: 0 = the basal diet (control) with no additions, T1 = 1.0-gram vitamin E and selenium mixture/kg diet, T2 = 1.5-gram vitamin E and selenium mixture/kg diet, T3 = 2-gram vitamin E and Selenium mixture/kg diet. As a result of this study, egg production (HD%/week), egg accumulation (eggs per hen per week), egg mass (gram per day), feed intake (gram per day), and feed conversion ratio (kilogram feed per kilogram egg) were altered significantly (P&lt;0.01). Whereas, egg weight (g) and final body weight (g) for males were not significantly impacted (P&gt;0.01). In conclusion, it was shown that vitamin E and sodium selenite were effective supplementary nutrients for enhancing the reproductive performance of Japanese quail hens, so it is recommended to use this diet in different poultry farms in order to increase some productive and reproductive features levels.

The Curious Case of Eulimnogammarus cyaneus (Dybowsky, 1874): Reproductive Biology of a Widespread Endemic Littoral Amphipod From Lake Baikal.

Comparative studies of reproductive biology and formation of reproductive isolation need appropriate model systems, such as groups of related species. The amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda) of ancient Lake Baikal are an attractive group for such works, as they consist of several hundred species that radiated within the lake and have very different levels of intraspecific genetic diversity and reproduction timing. We have previously shown that one of the most widely distributed and best studied littoral species, Eulimnogammarus verrucosus (Gersfeldt, 1858), comprises cryptic species exhibiting a post-zygotic reproductive barrier. The object of this study was Eulimnogammarus cyaneus (Dybowsky, 1874), another widespread endemic littoral Baikal species, which has a surprisingly low genetic diversity within its large geographic range. The aim of this study was to check if the populations isolated by the Angara River source, which is approximately 120-thousand years old, are reproductively compatible. As neither prezygotic nor postzygotic barriers were found, at the moment these populations should be treated as belonging to a single species. At the same time, we found some noteworthy features of reproduction of E. cyaneus. They include successive reproductive cycles with amplexuses formed by females with juveniles in the brood pouch and deposition of unfertilized eggs by females. The former might mean that this species is a relatively promising object for a laboratory culture of Baikal amphipods. Taken together, these results contribute to the establishment of a research framework to look for the correlation between genetic divergence and biological species delimitation.