Fertility Evaluation Research Articles

NIR Spectral Inversion of Soil Physicochemical Properties in Tea Plantations under Different Particle Size States.

Soil fertility is vital for the growth of tea plants. The physicochemical properties of soil play a key role in the evaluation of soil fertility. Thus, realizing the rapid and accurate detection of soil physicochemical properties is of great significance for promoting the development of precision agriculture in tea plantations. In recent years, spectral data have become an important tool for the non-destructive testing of soil physicochemical properties. In this study, a support vector regression (SVR) model was constructed to model the hydrolyzed nitrogen, available potassium, and effective phosphorus in tea plantation soils of different grain sizes. Then, the successful projections algorithm (SPA) and least-angle regression (LAR) and bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS) variable importance screening methods were used to optimize the variables in the soil physicochemical properties. The findings demonstrated that soil particle sizes of 0.25-0.5 mm produced the best predictions for all three physicochemical properties. After further using the dimensionality reduction approach, the LAR algorithm (R2C = 0.979, R2P = 0.976, RPD = 6.613) performed optimally in the prediction model for hydrolytic nitrogen at a soil particle size of 0.25~0.5. The models using data dimensionality reduction and those that used the BOSS method to estimate available potassium (R2C = 0.977, R2P = 0.981, RPD = 7.222) and effective phosphorus (R2C = 0.969, R2P = 0.964, RPD = 5.163) had the best accuracy. In order to offer a reference for the accurate detection of soil physicochemical properties in tea plantations, this study investigated the modeling effect of each physicochemical property under various soil particle sizes and integrated the regression model with various downscaling strategies.

Evaluation of nano-nitrogen fertilizers and other nitrogen sources on the performance of Guinea grass plants grown in newly reclaimed soil under water deficiency

Water deficiency and chemical fertilizers' pollution are two of many factors causing imbalance in the ecosystem rhythm, which reflects on farm livestock quality and quantity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Limited research is available on the use of different sources of nitrogen fertilizers on pasture crops; hence, an open field research experiment was carried out in newly reclaimed soil to investigate the effect of different sources of nitrogen fertilizers on maximizing protein level and production of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) plant under water deficiency. Present data from two successive seasons revealed that: plants received nitrogen in the form of nano particles recorded significant increases in yield, morphological parameters, leaf anatomy, and chemical composition (macro and micro nutrients, total carbohydrates, plant pigments and crude protein) over control (plants that received the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers) in both growing seasons. In addition, endogenous hormones; gibberellins (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) beside enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) had been affected by different treatments. The lowest amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were resulted from nitrogen nano particles treatment, while the rates of leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and water use efficiency were enhanced also by nitrogen nano particles treatment application. The present findings suggested that increasing crude protein level of Guinea grass plant grown in newly reclaimed soil by addition of the mentioned nanoparticles could be a promising approach to improve crop productivity under water deficiency and reduce environmental pollution.

Expression of sperm microRNAs related to bull fertility: A systematic review

In this study we proposed to address the following question: “Are there differentially expressed sperm microRNAs related to fertility in bulls?”. A systematic review of scientific literature until November 2022 was performed, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The main outcome was differentially expressed sperm microRNA from bulls with low versus high fertility profiles identified by using different methods such as field fertility evaluation and sperm laboratory analysis. Were identified 786 documents, of which 13 were selected for qualitative analysis. A total of 182 unique differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, among these, 49 miRNAs were found in common between at least two studies. It is believed that from these 49 miRNAs, it is possible that miRNAs such as miR-10a, −10b, −103, −15b, −122, −125b, −126-5p, −151-5p, −193a-5p, −196a, −27a-5p and -99b could be potential universal biomarkers to assess the reproductive potential of males.

Cumulative cyclophosphamide dose and serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels in adolescent cancer survivors in Indonesia

Background As both the prevalence and survival rates of cancer in children and adolescents has risen, longer-term effects of cancer treatment must be investigated. High-risk gonadotoxic chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide may affect the ovarian reserve and impact female adolescent fertility. Anti-Mullerian hormone is a reliable marker to assess ovarian reserve.
 Objective To assess for a possible correlation between the cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide and serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels among adolescent cancer patients.
 Methods This cross-sectional study included 12-18-year-old adolescent female cancer patients who had experienced menarche and received cyclophosphamide therapy. We recorded the patients’ full history, including menstrual history, computed the cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide received, and measured serum AMH levels. The correlation test was performed to evaluate for a possible correlation between the cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide and ovarian reserve as represented by AMH levels.
 Results Out of 12 female adolescent cancer patients, three complained of disturbances in their menstrual cycles. Low levels of AMH (<1.5 ng/mL) were noted in five patients. Median cumulative cyclophosphamide dose was 1,000 mg/m2 (range 1,000 to 5,250 mg/m2). Cumulative cyclophosphamide dose was negatively correlated with serum AMH levels, but this correlation was not statistically significant (r=-0.316, P=0.318).
 Conclusion This study has not been able to show a correlation between cumulative cyclophosphamide dose and serum AMH level. Regular evaluation of fertility and involvement of fertility team is recommended in adolescents receiving high-risk gonadotoxic chemotherapeutic agents.

Improving rates of referrals for fertility preservation among adult patients with cancer.

462 Background: Urgent fertility preservation (FP) represents a critical unmet need for patients of child-bearing potential undergoing cancer-directed therapies. A retrospective review of electronic medical record (EMR) based FP referrals placed prior to initiation of systemic cancer-directed therapies in patients aged 18-50 years, identified only 26 referrals to urology and 2 referrals to reproductive endocrinology during 2020. To address this issue, we conducted a division-wide survey to identify barriers to FP and designed and implemented a new FP referral EMR order set to facilitate timely fertility evaluation in patients about to begin cancer-directed therapy. Methods: We conducted a division-wide survey of faculty and fellows to identify barriers to FP (PDSA cycle 1), which identified that 50% of respondents did not know how to make a referral and 85% did not know the correct pre-requisite labs. Based on these results, we gathered multi-stakeholder input from reproductive endocrinology, urology, and stakeholders from different hematology/oncology disease groups to develop and design a common FP referral EMR order set (PDSA 2). The FP order set was tested and refined based on stakeholder input. Once the order set was implemented, we gave educational presentations at division-wide and disease group-specific conferences, placed informational flyers throughout the Cancer Center, and Cancer Center-wide communications via email to increase provider awareness (PDSA 3). The primary objective of the study was to increase in number of referrals for FP evaluation in patients aged 18-50 years undergoing cancer-directed therapy. We tracked number of FP referrals pre and post-intervention using EMR data. Results: In PDSA Cycle 2 and 3, the number of referrals increased further to 62 for urology and 35 for reproductive endocrinology. Of those referred, 35/97 (36.1%) were female. Regarding race/ethnicity, the largest percentage of patients referred identified as White and Asian with the lowest percentage being of Southwest Asian/North African or Black/African American (see Table 1). Conclusions: The development and implementation of a FP order set greatly increased the number of patients who underwent fertility evaluation prior to starting cancer-directed therapy. We did identify differences in groups with regards to referral rates with fewer women being referred, and fewer number of racial/ethnic minorities being referred. Further analysis is needed to identify potential areas of intervention to increase referrals and access to FP, particularly in under-represented groups.[Table: see text]

Effect of leukocytes on semen quality in men from primary and secondary infertile couples: A cross-sectional study.

Leukocytospermia (LCS) is a known cause of male infertility. However, the relationship between seminal leukocytes and semen quality among infertile couples remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between semen quality and LCS in male partners of infertile couples. Semen samples were collected from 512 men who asked for a fertility evaluation in a reproductive center in China. Seminal leukocytes were counted following peroxidase staining with benzidine. Other semen parameters were compared in subfertile men with and without LCS. Poor semen quality (e.g., low semen volume, sperm concentration, and sperm progressive/total motility) was observed among men with LCS compared to those without LCS. Men with LCS had a higher risk of low sperm progressive motility (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p = 0.02) and total motility (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p = 0.02), even after adjustment for potential confounders (both OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p = 0.03). Lower sperm viability was observed in LCS from male partners of secondary couples, while no significant difference in semen parameters was found between men with and without LCS in male partners of primary infertile couples. Low sperm motility and viability were associated with LCS in men from secondary infertile couples after adjusting for confounders (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95-0.99, p = 0.04; OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89-0.99, p = 0.04, respectively). Our findings indicate that a higher risk of abnormal semen parameters was correlated with an increased number of leukocytes in men from secondary infertile couples.

Spatial Analysis of Soil Fertility Using Geostatistical Techniques And Artificial Neural Networks

Information on the spatial variation of soil fertility attributes is an essential input for precision agriculture and soil management decision making. In this study, soil fertility assessment was carried out through the spatial distribution of thematic maps of individual properties and the subsequent integration into a digital mapping model of local fertility classes, as fundamental bases for the implementation of fertilization and amendment plans adjusted to soil status and crop requirements. For the evaluation of fertility, a systematic surface sampling was carried out in 70 sites in the "Agronomy" production field of the National University of the Central Plains "Romulo Gallegos", El Castrero sector, Juan German Roscio municipality, Guárico state, Venezuela. Ten soil variables were analyzed: pH (1:2.5), electrical conductivity (1:5), organic matter, available phosphorus, assimilable potassium, available calcium and magnesium, and the relative amounts of sand, silt and clay. Soil property maps were produced by geostatistical analysis and interpolation by ordinary kriging, and artificial intelligence techniques based on an artificial neural network classification system were applied to generate soil fertility classes using the Fuzzy Kohonen Clustering Network (FKCN) algorithm by interpolating the values of the membership function for each of the classes. The reliability of the individual maps of each soil variable was obtained by cross validation with a reliability level higher than 90%, with the exception of the variables % Clay and % Silt that presented a reliability higher than 85%. The integration of the soil attribute maps and the combination of the values of belonging to each class produced a map integrated by five soil fertility categories. The final model of digital soil fertility classes presented a reliability equivalent to 86%, which indicated a high degree of homogeneity within the soil classes obtained for fertility purposes.

Greenhouse Evaluation of Biochar-Based Controlled-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer in Corn Production

Greenhouse Evaluation of Biochar-Based Controlled-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer in Corn Production

Accelerated spent coffee grounds humification by heat/base co-activated persulfate and products’ fertilization evaluation

Coffee, as the second most common beverage in the world, produced 60% of spent coffee grounds (SCG) with per ton of coffee beans processed. SCG is a typical lignocellulosic-rich organic waste and mainly disposed via composting or incineration. In this study, a rapid humification approach was proposed for the recycling of SCG using heat/base co-activated persulfate (heat/KOH/PS) advanced oxidation process. The yields of humic-like acid (HLA) and fulvic-like acid (FLA) reached 45 (3.96%) and 192 mg/g (19.2%) under the optimal humification conditions of 1% PS and 4% KOH at 100 ℃ in 1 h. The typical active groups of -OH and -COOH in FA standard were observed with higher amounts in the product compared to SCG, which may be related to occurrence of hydroxylation, carboxylation and Maillard reactions during humification. Radicals of •OH and SO4•- were identified in heat/KOH/PS system and made significant contribution to SCG humification. A slow-release nano FLA fertilizer (SNFF) was prepared by mixing treated SCG with attapulgite and showed good slow-release behaviors of HLA and FLA. In pot experiments with acid soil, SNFF increased the average root length of chickweeds by 233% compared with blank. Meanwhile, SNFF also contributed to increased abundance and richness of soil microbial community as well as a pH rise from 5 to 6.7, which was conducive to acid soil amendment. The earthworm test indicated positive ecological safety of SNFF. Overall, this study highlights an efficient humification method for the recycling of organic biowaste such as SCG in green agriculture.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Machine Learning-Driven Crop Recommendations and Disease Detection in Fertilizer Management

Modern agriculture faces a multitude of challenges, including crop failures, disease outbreaks, and suboptimal yields, primarily stemming from the underutilization of advanced farming technologies and a lack of expert guidance. This research proposes a comprehensive solution consisting of three key components: a Crop Disease Detection System, a Fertilizer Recommendation System, and a Crop Suggestion System. The Crop Disease Detection System employs state-of-the-art technology to evaluate crop health by analyzing the condition of plant leaves, enabling early and accurate identification of agricultural diseases. Simultaneously, the Fertilizer Recommendation System leverages soil quality data and environmental factors to provide personalized fertilizer recommendations, optimizing nutrient application. An essential element of this system is a robust soil testing module, recognizing the critical importance of assessing soil quality. Soil fertility evaluation, guided by soil pH measurements, enables precise crop predictions. The proposed system utilizes Machine Learning classification algorithms to predict suitable crops based on essential soil parameters—Phosphorus, Potassium, and Nitrogen levels. It also offers tailored fertilizer recommendations to enhance soil fertility. By implementing these interconnected solutions, this research aims to significantly improve crop yields while reducing crop damage. This holistic approach empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. Anticipated outcomes include higher crop yields and a reduced vulnerability of crops to diseases, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.

Optimizing the "Time to pregnancy" in women with multiple sclerosis: the OPTIMUS Delphi survey.

The debate on how to manage women affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) during reproductive age is still open, as is the issue of fertility in such patients. Main issue regard the identification of the optimal window for pregnancy and how to deal with medical therapy before and during conception. The aim of this Delphi consensus was to collect the opinions of a multidisciplinary group, involving reproductive medicine specialists and neurologists with experience in the management of multiple sclerosis women with reproductive desire. Four experts plus scientific coordinators developed a questionnaire distributed online to 10 neurologists and later discussed the responses and amended a list of statements. The statements were then distributed via an online survey to 23 neurologists (comprising the first 10), who voted on their level of agreement/disagreement with each statement. Consensus was achieved if agreement or disagreement with a statement exceeded 66%. Twenty-one statements reached consensus after two rounds of voting, leading to the following main recommendations: (1) Fertility evaluation should be suggested to wMS, in case of the need to shorten time to pregnancy and before treatment switch in women on DMTs contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly in case of highly active disease and age > 35 years. (2) ART should not be discouraged in wMS, but the use of DMTs until pregnancy confirmation should be suggested; ART may be considered in order to reduce time to pregnancy in MS women with a reduced ovarian reserve and/or age > 35 years, but in case of an expected poor ART prognosis and the need for more than one ART cycle, a switch to a high-efficacy DMD before ART should be offered. (3) Oocyte cryopreservation may be considered in women with reduced ovarian reserve, with unpredictable time to complete diagnostic workup and achieve disease control; a risk/cost-benefit analysis must be performed in women >35 years, considering the diminished ovarian reserve. This consensus will help MS neurologists to support family planning in wMS, respecting MS therapeutic needs while also taking into account the safety and impact of advancing age on fertility.

FRI452 A Rare Case of Klinefelter Syndrome, 48XXYY

Abstract Disclosure: P. Kachhadia: None. S. Khan: None. S. Aldasouqi: None. A. Abu Limon: None. Introduction: Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), 47XXY, is the most commonly seen chromosomal abnormality causing infertility, or primary hypogonadism. Other chromosomal variants are rare. We present a very rare case of nondisjunction of the sex chromosome resulting in a 48XXYY KS variant. Case Presentation: The patient is a 45-year-old male was referred to our clinic for evaluation of early onset osteoporosis. The patient was accompanied by his sister, given his cognitive delay. On initial physical exam, there was a concern about acromegaly with signs of frontal bossing, increased hand size, increased ring size and increased shoe size. More recent pictures of the patient showed significant changes in his facial appearance from few years prior. Other symptoms included night sweats. Physical exam revealed decreased testicular volume (less than 3mL bilaterally). Pituitary labs showed elevated prolactin, elevated LH, FSH and low free and total testosterone. GH, IGF-1 levels were within normal range. Chromosomal analysis showed an unexpected pattern of 48XXYY. In addition, MRI of the pituitary was done which showed increased infundibular stalk and increase in size of the pituitary gland which was thought to be secondary to pituitary microadenoma. DEXA scan confirmed osteoporosis. Patient was treated with testosterone injections and alendronate. The rationale for alendronate therapy was considered as a bridge to prevent fractures while the bone density would expectedly improve with androgen therapy, over time. Discussion: Although KS is commonly seen at a frequency of 1:500-1:1000 males, less common and variable phenotypical presentations can occur and can lead to a delayed diagnosis. The reason for the delay of diagnosis in these rare KS variants is the cognitive impairment which leads to delayed evaluation of fertility or hypogonadism, as contrasted to patients with the common variant, KS 47XXY. Additionally, unlike the classic KS variant, these rare variants are often associated with learning disabilities and gross bony features. Conclusion: Clinicians should be familiar with different clinical presentations of the less common KS genetic variants, in contrast to classical KS variants. Patients with classical KS typically present early in view of recognizable complaints of infertility, while patients with the less common KS variants may not present early on due to cognitive delay. Thus, familiarity with the additional manifestations of the less common KS variants (e.g., gross bony features) can help clinicians to suspect the possibility of these variants, prompting chromosomal analysis for further evaluation in such patients. Presentation Date: Friday, June 16, 2023

THU627 Fertility Outcomes And Anti Mullerian Hormone Levels In Women With Hypopituitarism

Abstract Disclosure: V.W. Fitz: None. C.O. Sailer: None. I. Remba-Shapiro: None. N. Bomani Gonzalez: None. W. Pierre: None. C. Bormann: None. I. Souter: None. L.B. Nachtigall: None. Background: Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis due to pituitary gland disorders presents a challenge for patients who desire conception. Women with hypopituitarism often require assisted reproductive technology (ART) to conceive. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) has been established as a marker of ovarian reserve in patients with normal HPG function, however, levels in women with hypopituitarism have not been reported. In this cohort, we investigate pre-conception AMH levels, reproductive treatments and fertility outcomes in women with hypopituitarism. Methods: We reviewed a large database and identified 19 patients with hypopituitarism who had undergone fertility treatment and 142 age-matched controls with male factor infertility. Clinical characteristics and AMH levels are shown using mean (SD) or median (IQR). AMH ratio using the lower limit of normal as denominator is used to normalize to the reference range as several assays with different reference ranges were used during the timeframe of data collection. Mann-Whitney U was used to compare AMH levels. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Patients with hypopituitarism and controls had a mean age of 33.4 years (2.5) and 33.3 years (2.2) p=0.857, at initial fertility evaluation, respectively. 17/19 (89.5%) patients in the hypopituitarism group experienced spontaneous menarche and had a post-pubertal onset of hypopituitarism. Hormonal deficiencies included GH (9), ACTH (8), TSH (10), FSH/LH (13), and vasopressin (3). Causes of hypopituitarism included 8 pituitary adenomas (7 functioning and 1 non-functioning), 3 Rathke’s cleft cysts, 4 intracranial neoplasms, 2 congenital or idiopathic hypopituitarism and 1 intracranial trauma. Median AMH level was 2.60 ng/mL (0.90-3.50) vs. 3.48ng/mL (1.99-4.70) p=0.017, and AMH ratio was 3.11ng/mL (1.13-4.17) vs. 4.11ng/mL (2.60-6.25) p=0.070, in the hypopituitary group and in controls, respectively. Among the 19 patients with hypopituitarism, 13 underwent ovulation induction (OI) with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse (TIC), 12 underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF), and 6 were treated with both OI and IVF. 18/19 (94.7%) conceived and 16/19 (84.2%) had a livebirth. Four patients (21%) conceived spontaneously. Among the patients who underwent OI, 4/13 (30.8%) had ≥1 livebirth with a median of 2 cycles (range 1-4) until first birth. Among the patients who underwent IVF, 10/12 (83.3%) had ≥ 1 livebirth with a median of 1.50 cycles (range 1-4) until first birth. Conclusions/Impact: Patients with hypopituitarism conceive through a variety of assisted reproductive technologies and may conceive spontaneously. Overall, AMH levels are comparable to age matched controls. Reproductive interventions among women with hypopituitarism are successful, with most patients achieving at least one livebirth. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Evaluation of nutrient status and soil fertility and utilization of local weeds as organic fertilizer in agricultural land affected by liquefaction natural disaster

The study’s first phase results identified 17 species of weeds with 11 species of low index class and six species of medium index class. Based on nutrient content, there were four locations with low fertility status, SPL1, SPL5, SPL6 and SPL7. In addition, there were three locations, SPL2, SPL3, and SPL4, with moderate fertility levels. In the study’s second phase, the highest pH H2O (6.38) was obtained at a dose of 25 tons per ha of Bokashi weed and 225 kg per ha of SP-36. This treatment was significantly different from other treatments. The highest available phosphorus was detected at a dose of 25 tons per ha of Bokashi weed 225 kg per ha of SP-36, namely 28.87 ppm, which was significantly different from other treatments. Moreover, there was an increase phosphorus uptake in plant due to the application of Bokashi fertilizer and SP-36 fertilizer. P uptake increased at a dose of 25 tones of Bokashi fertilizer per ha (P3) and SP-36 fertilizer dose of 225 kg per ha (S3) with an average of 0.68 g per plant.

Soil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer Requirements of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium for Wheat Production (Sharq El-Owainat – Western South Egypt)

Soil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer Requirements of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium for Wheat Production (Sharq El-Owainat – Western South Egypt)

Cellulose-based fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: Effective methods for increasing crop yield and soil health

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led to a growing need to develop novel eco-friendly fertilizers that can improve crop productivity and preserve soil quality. Research uses the distinctive characteristics of cellulose as a decomposable, and versatile biopolymer and presents an effective approach to producing fertilizers based on cellulose. This paper describes the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of fertilizers, with a specific emphasis on their ability to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient accessibility. Cellulose-based fertilizers are produced utilizing diverse chemical and physical procedures, incorporating nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, along with trace elements and beneficial microorganisms. Cutting-edge analytical techniques help to rigorously investigate the properties of materials such as shape, porosity and surface chemistry. The effectiveness of cellulose-based fertilizers in terms of nutrient release, crop development and yield is evaluated in laboratory and greenhouse environments. The results indicate that cellulose fertilizers can increase crop productivity, nutrient accessibility and soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices by influencing soil quality parameters such as organic content, microbial activity and water retention abilities. These findings help advance the corpus of knowledge on cellulose-derived products and their uses in agriculture and environmental management, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and fruitful future.

The evaluation of fertility achieved by modified different ovsynch treatments in holstein cows

Yapılan bu çalışmanın amacı süt ineklerinde modifiye preovsynch ve ovsynch senkronizasyon yöntemlerinin dölverimi üzerine etkisinin değerlendirilmesidir. Çalışmada Holştayn ırkı toplam 60 baş süt ineği kullanılmıştır. Süt inekleri I. Grup (n=30) modifiye preovsynch, II. Grup (n=30) modifiye ovsynch olmak üzere iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Çalışmada östrus takibi için son GnRH enjeksiyonundan suni tohumlama yapılana kadarki sürede çara miktarı kaydedildi. Suni tohumlama sonrası 40. günde ultrasonografi ile gebelik muayeneleri yapıldı. Araştırma sonunda modifiye preovsynch ve modifiye ovsynchten elde edilen gebelik oranları sırasıyla %63.33±0.08 ve 56.66±0.09 olarak tespit edildi (p>0.05). Modifiye preovsynch grubunda bulunan süt ineklerinin 16 başında hafif, 14 başında normal çara görülmüştür. Modifiye ovsynch grubunda bulunan süt ineklerinin 23 başında hafif, 4 başında normal, 1 başında yoğun çara tespit edilmiş ve 2 başında ise çara görülmemiştir. Sonuç olarak, preovsynch protokolünde elde edilen gebelik sonuçlarının ovsynch protokolünden elde edilen sonuçlarla birbirine benzer olduğu ancak modifiye protokollerin etkinliğinin belirlenmesi için daha fazla sayıda süt ineğine sahip sürülerde yapılacak çalışmalara gereksinim olduğu düşünülmektedir.

Assessment of soil properties and trace element accumulation in arid regions: A case study of Kalmykia's central dry steppe zone, Russia

Soil plays a pivotal role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. This study focuses on a critical region for soil research, Kalmykia's central dry steppe zone in southern Russia, characterized by arid conditions and unique challenges. Our investigation aimed to evaluate the current state of soil properties and assess trace element accumulation within this environment. The region's distinctive characteristics, including being home to Europe's first desert, present a complex scenario for soil conservation and management. A thorough analysis of key physicochemical properties, including organic matter content, soil texture, pH levels, and the concentrations of trace elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Pb) using established methodologies, was conducted. Our findings revealed several crucial insights into the soil conditions of this arid region. Soil samples predominantly consisted of Haplic Kastanozems Sodic, characterized by low organic carbon content (0.3-1.9%). Soil texture analysis indicated a predominantly light and medium loamy granulometric composition with a prevalence of sandy fractions. Soil pH values ranged from neutral (pH = 7.6-7.9) to slightly alkaline (pH = 8.0-8.4). Furthermore, the study provided the first assessment of soil conditions in residential areas of the Caspian Lowland's arid region. Notably, trace element analysis showed elevated concentrations of several metals, with Sr having the highest levels. Co, Cr, and Zn concentrations did not significantly increase compared to the background values. The results of this soil fertility evaluation hold significance for soil restoration and conservation efforts in this unique and fragile ecosystem. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for soil monitoring and management practices to address soil degradation and desertification driven by overgrazing and erosion. Understanding the physicochemical properties and trace element dynamics in arid regions is essential for developing strategies to restore and conserve these valuable soils.

Soil Fertility Evaluation for Cashew Production at Iyapo Farm Estate, Offa, Kwara State

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) is an important commodity crop with great potential as a foreign exchange earner. It is grown principally for it nuts and apple and is a hardy crop which is adapted to a wide range of agro-ecologies. The increase in the price of cashew nuts globally, has resulted in increased interest in the cultivation of cashew. The Management of Iyapo farms limited in its desire to key into this sector requested the technical assistance of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) to carry out soil fertility evaluation of the 50 hectares of land proposed for establishment of cashew. The farm was divided into three main sections (A, B and C) based on topography and four land use types (water logged, cassava plot, previously cultivated land and excavated land). Section A was parallel to River Oyun followed by section B in the middle of the farm, while the last section C ran parallel to the road from Ijagbo town. The land use types were scattered within the three blocks. The water logged area was however confined only to section A which was close to river Oyun.
 Soil samples were collected at soil depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil depth and at a distance of 20 m apart. The soil collected was put in nylon bags and properly labelled. Soil samples collected were air dried, passed through 2 mm sieve and analyzed for some of its physical and chemical properties. In section A, total soil nitrogen at 0-40 cm soil depth ranged between 0.07 g kg-1 to 0.18 g kg-1 with a mean value of 0.11 gkg-1 soil while mean soil available phosphorus at 0-40 cm soil depth was 3.16 mg kg-1 The exchangeable potassium content across 0-40 cm soil depth ranged between 0.09cmol kg-1 to 0.35 cmol kg-1 with a mean value of 0.25 cmolkg-1 and 0.19 cmol kg-1 for 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil depth respectively. In section B, nitrogen across the various soil depths ranged between 0.04 gkg-1 to 0.12 gkg-1 with nitrogen content of the soil decreasing with increasing soil depth. This falls below the soil critical level of 1 gkg-1 required for cashew and was grossly inadequate to meet nitrogen need for cashew. There is need for nutrient supplementation as nitrogen fertilizer is required to meet the nitrogen needs of the cashew. Similarly, phosphorus was also inadequate across the soil depths with a range of 2.47 mgkg-1 to 4.51 mgkg-1 across the various soil depth and a mean value of 3.24 mgkg-1 and 2.65 mgkg-1 for 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil depths respectively. This was below the soil critical value of 3.7 mgkg-1. There is therefore need to apply phosphorus fertilizer to boost cashew productivity.
 Soil exchangeable potassium was adequate across the various soil depths with a range of 0.13 to 0.20 cmol kg-1 and a mean value of 0.18 cmol kg-1 and 0.16 cmol kg-1 for 0-20cm and 20-40 cm soil depths respectively. There is no need for potassium fertilizer application. The results above indicated that sections A, B and C requires 180 kg ha-1 of urea and 31.5 kg of Single Super Phosphate (SSP). The cassava plot and previously cropped bare land requires 189 kg ha-1 urea and 9.9 kg ha-1 SSP, while the excavated land requires 194.2 kg urea 25.8 kg SSP and 32.28 kg MOP. Cashew should not be grown on the water-logged section.

Research Note: Spermatozoa proteins identification in domesticated pigeons by proteomic analysis

Proteins are considered major effectors of sperm function. However, the proteins expressed in pigeon sperm have not been explored. Here, we collected semen from meat and racing pigeons using the electroejaculation method and identified proteins in pigeon sperm using the proteomics approach. A total of 1,641 proteins were identified in the sperm of domesticated pigeons. Of which, 1,541 proteins were reliably quantified, and gene ontology (GO) and associated bioinformatics analyses indicated that annotated proteins were linked to the oxidation-reduction process, integral component membrane, and protein binding, etc. Among quantified proteins, 1,515 and 1,507 proteins were respectively presented in White King pigeons and racing pigeons, and 1,481 proteins were shared between these 2 types of pigeons, including axonemal dynein, solute carrier, cilia- and flagella-associated protein, outer dense fiber protein, etc. Proteins in our constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network are involved in oxidative phosphorylation, sperm axoneme assembly, cilium-dependent cell motility, axonemal dynein complex assembly, flagellated sperm motility, etc. In conclusion, this study characterized the sperm proteome of pigeons and provided a foundation for the subsequent research screening markers for fertility evaluation of pigeons.