Fertilization Of Eggs Research Articles

Larval performance, osteological development and skeletal abnormalities in wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) under a standard rearing protocol and different light intensities and rearing temperatures

Wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) is a promising new species for aquaculture diversification due to its fast growth, late reproductive maturation, and high market price. Nowadays, low larval survival is considered the biggest limitation in wreckfish farming. Here, the fertilization, hatching and survival rates of 20 spawning events from an established wreckfish broodstock have been analyzed in order to characterize the main bottlenecks in wreckfish early and larval development. The ontogenesis of the skeletal system and the incidence of skeletal deformities have been assessed in 632 samples from larval rearing trials using currently available protocols. Furthermore, the effect of different rearing temperatures (13 vs 16 °C) and light intensities at water surface (600, 900 and 1200 lx) on the skeletal development have been also explored. Results showed as while a variable egg fertilization rate (61.75 ± 34.62%) were achieved, a very poor hatching (4.52 ± 9.27%) and survival rate (0.01 ± 0.00%) until 71 days post hatching (dph) were observed. Swim bladder inflation was first seen at 7 dph, and at 11 and 25 dph a 61–63% of fish functional swim bladder. The first skeletal structures to be formed were those related with breathing and feeding activities (e.g., cleithrum, Meckel's cartilage and ceratobranchials) and were visible in larvae of 4–5 mm of standard length (SL). Ossification of the vertebral column progressed in an anterior-to-posterior direction, being fully ossified at 7–14 mm of SL. Regarding the skeletal deformities, a high incidence (63%) of jaw deformity (particularly lower jaw deformity) was observed in larvae of 4–5 mm of SL, progressively decreasing (up to 5%) in larvae of >6 mm of SL. Deformed vertebrae (compressed, fused, and/or displaced) were mainly located at 13 to 15th vertebra, and were associated to lordosis, most probably due to the no swim bladder inflation. No clear relationship between temperature and the incidence of lower jaw deformity was observed during endotrophic larval development. Light intensity had a clear effect on survival but not in skeletal development. Larvae reared under 600 lx had lower survival (0.15 ± 0.21%) at 21 dph than when reared with 900 and 1200 lx (0.6 ± 0.28 and 0.7 ± 0.28%, respectively). The present research work represents an important step forward to solve wreckfish larval rearing bottlenecks, suggesting that while temperature and light intensity might have an effect on wreckfish larval survival and development, egg quality and incubation seemed to be the most limiting factors for successful wreckfish aquaculture.

Exploration of The Natural Extender for Dilution of Walking Catfish Clarias batrachus Sperm in Refrigerated Storage

Walking catfish Clarias batrachus is a freshwaterr fish that has high economic value. Currently, the culture of this local catfish has been initiated in Indonesia, but the breeding technology has not been well developed. Therefore, this study aims to explore the type of natural extender for sperm preservation of local catfish C. batrachus so that it can support the development of its breeding technology, especially in remote areas. The research was conducted at the Hatchery Laboratory of the Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiahh Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.. Four types of natural extenders were tested in this study, namely young coconut water, nira water, sugarcane water, and old coconut water. Completely randomized design method consisting of five treatments and three replications were used in this study. Sperm were diluted with each tested extender with a sperm dilution rate of 1:20 (sperm: extender, v/v), then stored at 4 °C. The motility and viability were monitored every 24 h interval for 6 days. The results showed that the natural extender significantly affected the motility, viability, and sperm fertility of walking catfish (P<0.05). Young coconut water produced higher motility and viability on all observation days. The higher sperm motility, viability, and egg fertility on the last day of the experiment were also found in sperm diluted in young coconut water, with values of 45.83%, 43.83%, and 41.50%, respectively. These values were significantly different from other types of extenders. Therefore, it is concluded that young coconut water is the most suitable natural extender for sperm preservation of local catfish at 4 °C.

Additional of coconut water and glycerol in sperm storage spermatozoa motility and viability of comet fish, Carassius auratus

This study aims to determine the effect of giving coconut water and glycerol to comet fish (Carassius auratus) sperm storage on the motility, viability of comet fish (Carassius auratus) sperm and the degree of fertilization of comet fish eggs. This research was carried out at the Fish Hatchery Laboratory, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala. This research method used was a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments with five replications, namely (P0) Sperm + 100% NaCl, (P1) Sperm + 50% coconut water + 50% glycerol, (P2) Sperm + 60% coconut water + 40% glycerol, and (P3) Sperm + 70% coconut water + 30% glycerol. The results showed that adding coconut water and glycerol to Storage of comet fish sperm had a significant effect (<0.05) on the value of motility and viability. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the highest values of post-cryopreservation sperm motility and viability in comet fish in this study were found in the P2 treatment with a concentration of 60% d coconut water + 40% glycerol.

Evaluating the Prevalence of Congenital Anomalies in Neonatal Live Births in Rafsanjan

Introduction: Congenital anomalies are one of the important causes of disability and infant mortality. These abnormalities occur during egg fertilization or embryonic development, which can be detected by laboratory methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of congenital anomalies in Rafsanjan City.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 4868 infants born in Rafsanjan city in 2018. Data collection tool was a questionnaire including information about mothers and infants. The questionnaire was completed using health records available in health centers of Rafsanjan city. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and independent t-test and Chi-square.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the overall prevalence of congenital anomalies in Rafsanjan was 5/38 per 1000 live births. Out of 4868 pregnant women, 474 (9/7%), had abortions or stillbirths before the second trimester, and 12 (0/2%) had therapeutic abortions. After analyzing these anomalies, three cases of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), three cases of Edward syndrome (trisomy 18), one case of aneuploidy, and two cases of microcephaly were found, and the rest had one of the structural abnormalities..&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study indicated a high rate of congenital anomalies in Rafsanjan. Therefore, further studies are recommended to better understand the causes and prevent these anomalies.

Examining willingness to donate frozen oocytes among women of reproductive age

Research questionWhat are the predictors of willingness to donate frozen oocytes among women of reproductive age in Australia? DesignAn online survey involving 303 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) in Australia who had not frozen their oocytes or planned to freeze their oocytes in the next 12 months. The survey assessed demographic variables, prototype willingness model variables (attitude, subjective norm, prototype similarity and prototype favourability) and additional variables (altruism, empathy and infertility awareness) as predictors of hypothetical scenarios of willingness to donate frozen oocytes. A multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance explored differences in willingness to donate frozen oocytes. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis examined predictors of donor willingness. ResultsWomen's willingness to donate their frozen oocytes was higher for donating to a friend or family member and to research compared with an egg bank or fertility clinic, or a couple advertising online for an egg donor (all P < 0.001). The prototype willingness model variables were significant predictors of willingness to donate showing slightly varied patterns across four scenarios. After accounting for demographics, regression models including prototype willingness model variables and additional variables accounted for 45-64% of variance in donor willingness. ConclusionsFrozen oocyte donation may be facilitated by improving attitudes towards donation and establishing positive images of donors. Professionals requiring frozen oocytes for research could focus on creating a sense of social approval for donating in this context. Encouraging frozen oocyte donation could increase access to oocytes for IVF treatment and aid in reducing the psychological burdens associated with involuntary childlessness.

Receptivity and Remating Propensity in Female Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) after Mating with an Irradiated Male or Its F1 Male Progeny.

The 'Inherited or F1 sterility technique' (IS), using sub-sterilized male moths, is a widely proposed pest management tool for Lepidoptera pests in general, and the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) in particular. However, the multiple mating tendency of female moths and the ejaculate quality of male moths might influence the efficiency of this technique. Reduced ejaculate quality was observed in irradiated males, as evidenced by radiation's impact on certain bio-parameters, such as the weight of the spermatophores and their protein content, sperm count, the molecular expression of the sex peptide receptor (SPR) and egg fertility, with a greater impact in F1 male progeny. During the remating of females with untreated males, irrespective of the irradiation status of the first male, there was an increase in calling behavior, remating propensity and fertility in females, with a larger time gap between consecutive matings. The ability of F1 male progeny to check remating propensity in females 24 h after the initial mating was lower than that of unirradiated males. Partially sterile (130 Gy) males were as successful as unirradiated males in inducing the level of mating refractoriness in females. Decreased ejaculate quality in F1 male progeny could be associated with increased female receptivity during remating. Understanding the influence of male moth irradiation, insemination quality and post (initial)-mating intervals on the remating behavior of normal female moths and induced sterility might help in simulation modeling and optimizing IS insect programs.

Effects of crossbreeding on growth, production and selected egg quality traits of Improved Horro crosses with Cosmopolitan chickens

The effect of crossbreeding aims to characterize heterosis, additive, and maternal values for growth, egg production and selected egg quality traits in Improved Horro (H), Cosmopolitan (C), ♂Improved Horro*Cosmopolitan♀(HC) and ♂Cosmopolitan*Improved Horro♀(CH) chickens. A completely randomized design was used in the study. A total of 1200 eggs and 300 eggs of each genotype were used for the hatchability and fertility trials. A total of 480 chickens were used for the growth, egg production and quality test. The results demonstrated that egg production traits like egg mass (7.74 ± 0.79%), hen day egg production (5.16 ± 0.24%), hen housed egg production (1.65 ± 0.29%), egg number (1.65 ± 0.06%), and hatchability from fertile eggs set (0.92 ± 0.02%) had positive heterosis. The egg production traits of egg fertility (-0.29 ± 0.01%), age at first egg (-1.77 ± 0.14%), age at peak egg production (-0.44 ± 0.06%), and hatchability from eggs set (-8.20 ± 0.76%) showed negative heterosis. The estimates of heterosis values for the examined egg quality traits were generally positive, with the exception of the yolk weight heterosis estimate value. The estimated direct additive values were positive for all selected egg quality traits except yolk weight, egg weight, and egg width. The estimated direct maternal values were significant and positive for all of the egg quality traits examined, with the exception of yolk weight and eggshell thickness. It was found that CH crossbred had the majority of the traits that were estimated to be associated with higher egg production and quality. HC crossbred was characterized for the majority of the traits linked to growth. Conclusively: the majority of egg traits favor CH crossbred chickens over HC crossbreds, whereas the majority of growth traits favor CH over HC crossbreds.

Egg provisioning explains the penetrance of symbiont-mediated sex allocation distortion in haplodiploids.

Maternally transmitted symbionts such as Wolbachia can alter sex allocation in haplodiploid arthropods. By biasing population sex ratios towards females, these changes in sex allocation may facilitate the spread of symbionts. In contrast to symbiont-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), the mechanisms that underpin sex allocation distortion remain poorly understood. Using a nuclear genotype reference panel of the haplodiploid mite Tetranychus urticae and a single Wolbachia variant that is able to simultaneously induce sex allocation distortion and CI, we unraveled the mechanistic basis of Wolbachia-mediated sex allocation distortion. Host genotype was an important determinant for the strength of sex allocation distortion. We further show that sex allocation distortion by Wolbachia in haplodiploid mites is driven by increasing egg size, hereby promoting egg fertilization. This change in reproductive physiology was also coupled to increased male and female adult size. Our results echo previous work on Cardinium symbionts, suggesting that sex allocation distortion by regulating host investment in egg size is a common strategy among symbionts that infect haplodiploids. To better understand the relevance that sex allocation distortion may have for the spread of Wolbachia in natural haplodiploid populations, we parametrized a model based on generated phenotypic data. Our simulations show that empirically derived levels of sex allocation distortion can be sufficient to remove invasion thresholds, allowing CI to drive the spread of Wolbachia independently of the initial infection frequency. Our findings help elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the widespread occurrence of symbionts in haplodiploid arthropods and the evolution of sex allocation.

Effect of genotype and season on fertility and hatchability of eggs in Dahlem Red, Native and DND chicken under intensive system in Himachal Pradesh

The present study assessed the effect of genotype, season and period on fertility and hatchability of chicken eggs during five year period (April 2017 to March 2022). The eggs for hatching were collected from birds belonging to three genotypes viz. Dahlem Red (DR), Native and cross of (Dahlem Red × Native) with Dahlem Red (DND). Average fertility percentage was observed highest in DND followed by native and Dahlem Red. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was 80.91 &amp; 70.20, 80.83 &amp; 70.29 and 76.78 &amp; 66.52 in native, DND and Dahlem Red respectively. Significant difference in hatchability percentage of Dahlem Red with native and DND was observed. Hatchability percentage was found better in native and DND bird. Season wise, fertility percentage was observed highest in winter (87.40) followed by rainy (86.34) and summer (86.01). Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was observed highest in rainy (81.22 &amp; 70.09) followed by summer (80.60 &amp; 69.36) and winter (77.31 &amp; 67.63). Mean difference in hatchability on fertile egg set in winter was significant from rainy and summer season. Dead embryo percentage was observed significantly higher in winter than summer and rainy season. Hatchability percentage on fertile egg set and total egg set was highest in 2021-22 (83.73 &amp; 76.54) followed by 2017-18 (80.91 &amp; 69.48), 2018-19 (80.58 &amp; 70.19), 2019-20 (76.76 &amp; 66.08) and 2020-21 (76.38 &amp; 65.93). The hatchability operations under sub temperate condition of the region can be carried out efficiently throughout the year without a significant drop in fertility and hatchability. However, greater care and managerial precision are required in winter season during the hatching.

Effect of short periods of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) on hatchability of broiler breeder eggs

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Short Periods of Incubation During Egg Storage (SPIDES) on the hatchability of broiler breeder eggs. Broiler hatching eggs (500) were divided into five groups (A to E) containing 100 eggs in each and further subdivided into five replicates of 20 each. These groups were subjected to SPIDES treatment at temperature 37.50C and 55-60% relative humidity (RH) viz. control A (7 days egg storage without SPIDES and incubated on 8th day), B (10 days storage with 1 h SPIDES on 5th day and incubated on 11th day), C (10 days storage with 2 h SPIDES on 5th day and incubated on 11th day), D (15 days storage with 1 h SPIDES on 5th and 10th day and incubated on 16th day), E (15 days storage with 2 h SPIDES on 5th and 10th day and incubated on 16th day). All eggs were stored at 16-180C temperature and 65-70% RH. Egg weight loss, fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, hatch window, chick quality and healthy chick production were studied. SPIDES treatment in Group E restored hatchability and healthy chick production, reduced late embryonic mortality and improved day-old chick length. In conclusion, SPIDES treatment at 37.5°C and 55-60% RH for 2 h on 5th and 10th day during 15 days egg storage restored the hatchability; and improved embryonic survivability, healthy chick production and chick quality.

Possible role of translation in unfertilized sea urchin eggs.

Unfertilized eggs of animals contain maternal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and proteins, which are required for the maintenance of metabolism and regulation of development during the initial stages of embryogenesis. Unfertilized eggs are transcriptionally and translationally quiescent. After fertilization, activated translation of maternal mRNAs is one of the major forces that direct the early stages of embryogenesis before activation of the zygotic genome. However, a low rate and level of protein synthesis have been detected in unfertilized sea urchin eggs indicating that translation is not completely inhibited. Analysis of translatomes of unfertilized eggs and early embryos detected three sets of maternal mRNAs translated either before or after fertilization, or both before and after fertilization. Proteins encoded by maternal mRNAs, which are translated in unfertilized eggs, perform many different functions required for homeostasis, fertilization, egg activation, and early development. This suggests that translation in unfertilized sea urchin eggs may be required to renew the pool of proteins involved in these processes. Thus, translation may be necessary to maintain the fertility and developmental potential of sea urchin eggs during the long-term storage of eggs in ovaries until spawning begins.

Semen quality parameters of the Tanzanian Horasi chicken ecotype

Predicting potential fertility and eventual egg hatchability in chickens can be done by evaluating the quality of the semen. This study's objective was to describe the semen characteristics of three different age groups of Horasi chicken ecotype cocks (24-32, 28-36, and 32-40 weeks). From 20 Horasi cocks; 6 cocks (24-32 weeks), 6 cocks (28-36 weeks), and 8 cocks (32-40 weeks) over the course of four weeks (5-29th Dec 2022), 80 semen samples in total were taken. Sperm was harvested from cocks using the abdominal massage technique. The amount of semen, pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, live spermatozoa percentage, and spermatozoa with normal morphology percentage were all measured. Between the three age groups, the semen volume, pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage of live spermatozoa, and percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology ranged from 0.52 ± 0.03mL to 0.68 ± 0.03mL, 7.24 ± 0.01 to 7.31 ± 0.01, 75.16 ± 0.91% to 76.67 ± 1.07%, 4.31 ± 2.27 to 4.56 ± 3.34 × 109 sperm cells/mL, 90.00 ± 0.55% to 91.04 ± 0.85% and 87.78 ± 0.51 to 89.71 ± 0.68% respectively. Only differences in ejaculate volume between the three age groups of Horasi chicken ecotype cocks were significant at p&lt;0.05. The semen quality parameters had extremely low to moderate Pearson correlation coefficients, with values ranging from - 0.22 to 0.38 between sperm concentration and sperm motility, and between the percentage of morphologically normal sperm cells and the percentage of spermatozoa that are alive respectively. The Horasi chicken ecotype's semen parameters are within the normal range, notwithstanding the possibility that individual cocks may differ from one another in some semen characteristics as a result of environmental influences. Using artificial insemination, breeding programs can therefore exploit the Horasi chicken ecotype to increase the productivity of indigenous chickens.

Effects of reproductive hormones on reproductive biology of commonly consumed fish in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Nutritionally proteinous food and feed are required for a balance healthy living. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of some reproductive hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Ovaprim (OVA), extract of carp pituitary (CPE) and deoxy- corticosterone acetate (DOCA) on some aspects of reproductive biology of gravid Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus. A 25 number each of gravid males and females H. longifilis and C. gariepinus were employed in this study. Five experimental set up were designed for the study. Each treatment group was dosed with the required amount of the four reproductive hormones while in the fifth treatment breeders were treated with normal saline. This served as the control experimental. All protocol followed standard procedure. Results showed the highest mean value of relative fecundity (148.177) recorded in H. longifilis treated with ovaprim. This was followed by HCG treated C. gariepinus (145.668). Egg fertility rate had the highest mean value of 61.4803 in C. gariepinus treated with ovaprim, followed by 55.583 mean value in H. longifilis with HCG treatment. Egg hatchability mean value of 70.9280 was the highest observed in H. longifilis with ovaprim treatment. The mean values of survival rate were high in both species with OVA and HCG treatment showing values of 61.86% and 61.00% respectively. Treatment of the species with these reproductive hormones yielded good outcomes, except in the case of DOCA. Thus, CPE, OVA and HCG are recommended for breeding of C. gariepinus and H. longifilis.

O-115 Fertility preservation or egg donation for hereditary cancer syndromes?

Abstract Individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes are at risk of developing multiple tumours and, therefore, undergo life-long surveillance procedures and risk-reducing and/or therapeutic surgeries. Knowledge and testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility genes is rapidly spreading, often performed at the first cancer diagnosis. Different physical, psychosocial, ethical and economic considerations need to be taken into account when deciding on reproductive options in individuals with a hereditary cancer syndrome. The psychosocial impact of genetic predisposition to cancer may be particularly problematic and still represents an ongoing challenge for the professional taking care of these patients. In fact, worries about passing on a genetic risk for cancer to offspring are concerns expressed by the 65% of female young adult cancer survivors when specifically interviewed. At cancer diagnosis, fertility preservation procedures represent an effort to retain the opportunity to have genetically related children. Unfortunately, oocytes, embryo or ovarian cortex cryopreservation do not guarantee live birth. The success rates of these procedures are highly dependent on age, number of oocytes cryopreserved and may be influenced by other medical, lifestyle and (future) male factors. In addition, carriers of pathogenetic gene variants for cancer predisposition should also be thoroughly counselled about preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), a technique allowing the interruption of passing on the gene associated to cancer risk. However, this option inevitably lowers the efficacy of fertility preservation interventions in terms of future pregnancies. Egg donation is a spreading procedure with higher success rates than fertility preservation techniques. This approach allows individuals to avoid undergoing oocytes retrieval or ovarian tissue cryopreservation surgery, thus avoiding procedural risks (infection, haemorrhage, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) and postponement of oncological treatments. On the other side, offspring will not have a genetic link with recipient and the beneficial psychological role of fertility preservation would be missing. In fact, several recent studies have underlined the message of hope that is indirectly perceived by oncological patients when counselled for fertility preservation. Moreover, counselling on the possibility of egg donation is challenging at the time of cancer diagnosis. Making the right reproductive choice in carriers of hereditary cancer syndromes is a dilemma which can’t be solved generalizing. Even patients’ attitude could be different according to the time of counselling, whether is at cancer diagnosis or at the genetic predisposition diagnosis in healthy carriers. Egg donation should be considered in the available armamentarium. The complexity of the topic needs a personalized and multidisciplinary counselling.

O-057 Prevalence of T-shaped uterus among women undergoing fertility treatments based on ESHRE/ESGE and Congenital Uterine Malformation by Experts (CUME) criteria.

Abstract Study question What is the prevalence of a T-shaped uterus among women undergoing fertility treatments based on ESHRE/ESGE (Grimbizis et al.,2013) and CUME (Ludwin et al.,2020)? Summary answer The prevalence of T-shaped uterus was 4.1% according to the ESHRE/ESGE, and according to the CUME, 1.1% T-shaped uterus and 0.9% borderline T-shaped uterus. What is known already The definition of a T-shaped uterus by the ESHRE/ESGE consensus (Grimbizis et al., 2013) was based on three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) images, defining it as a narrow uterine cavity caused by thickened lateral walls with a ratio of two-thirds uterine body and one-third cervix. This definition is subjective and therefore makes giving an objective diagnosis difficult. The CUME group (Ludwin et al., 2020) described practical diagnostic criteria for a T-shaped uterus according to 3D-US images. As there is no consensus regarding the definition, the overall prevalence according to different studies varied from 0.2 to 10.0%. Study design, size, duration A retrospective cohort study with prospective analysis of 3D-US images was conducted. All women who were admitted to our unit for fertility treatments and underwent 3D-US between 12/2017-12/2021 were included. Women were grouped according to infertility type. All 3D-US images of uteri suspected to be T-shaped according to ESHRE/ESGE were assessed according to the CUME criteria, based on the following three measurements: lateral indentation angle ≤130°, lateral indentation depth ≥7 mm, and T-angle ≤40°. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study was conducted in a single university-affiliated hospital. Women who underwent fertility treatments due to various indications were included. The exclusion criteria were women undergoing fertility preservation, egg donation and oocyte recipients. All 3D-US were performed by well-trained ultrasound technicians. We first screened all images and calculated the prevalence of T-shaped uteri in our population based on the ESHRE/ESGE consensus. Next, we performed the three measurements according to the CUME criteria. Main results and the role of chance Altogether 451 women were admitted to our fertility unit. Nine cases were excluded due to unsatisfactory 3D-US images because of technical difficulties. Finally, 442 women were included in the study and divided into in the following groups: anovulation 10.6% (n = 47), mechanical factor 11.1% (n = 49), male factor 38.7% (n = 171), and unexplained infertility 39.6% (n = 175). The prevalence of T-shaped uterus according to the ESHRE/ESGE was 4.1% (n = 18). Among them, 3.2% (n = 3) were from the female factor groups (anovulation + mechanical), 4.1% (n = 7) from the male factor group, and 4.6% (n = 8) from the unexplained infertility group. Afterwards, the 3D-US images were analyzed according to the CUME criteria. T-shaped uterus was defined when all three criteria were met, and borderline T-shaped uterus was defined when two out of three criteria were met. According to CUME criteria, the prevalence of T-shaped uterus was only 1.1% (n = 5), three being from the male factor group and two from the unexplained infertility group. No T-shaped uteri were found in the female factor groups. Additionally, 0.9% (n = 4) were considered borderline T-shaped. Limitations, reasons for caution The ESHRE/ESGE consensus is subjective and may lead to either under- or over-diagnosis. On the other hand, the CUME criteria are objective and well-defined, but due to their strictness, dysmorphic uteri with very narrow uterine cavities and thickened lateral walls may not be diagnosed as T-shaped uteri. Wider implications of the findings Diagnosis and management of women with T-shaped uteri are very controversial topics. Therefore, making the diagnosis more precise and objective can help us to screen for the most significant cases and tailor the management accordingly. The similar prevalence among different infertility groups reflects the incidental nature of this diagnosis. Trial registration number Not applicable.

Биотехнология воспроизводства и выращивания рыбопосадочного материала балхашской маринки (Schizothrax argentatus) в индустриальных условиях

Artificial reproduction is one of the most popular ways to preserve rare fish species. Researchers of the Balkhash branch of the Research and Production Center for Fisheries of the Republic of Kazakhstan carried out the reproduction and cultivation of Balkhash marinka at their own fish farm using a recirculating water supply system. There have been considered the technological methods of removing the marinka spawners from the natural environment, their pre-spawning maintenance in fish tanks, hormonal stimulation of spawning, intravital methods for selecting reproductive products, artificial insemination, incubation of eggs, growing viable material for stocking a native reservoir. The catch of the required number of spawners was carried out from the river Tokyraun (Northern Balkhash). After adaptation and quarantine, female species were exposed to 2x and 3x hormonal stimulation with acetonated carp pituitary. Males were injected once. Reproductive products were obtained from a female injected 3 times, after 15 hours; from a female 2x injected – after 21 hours. Duration of insemination for marinka was 2 minutes. The degluing process lasted 40 minutes with constant stirring and partial replacement of the solution. The eggs were incubated in Weiss apparatus, completely protected from light. With a high quality of reproductive products, the fertilization of eggs was 90%. The incubation time at a water temperature of 19.5-20.0 °C continued 3-4 days (60-78 degree days). The yield of prelarvae made 19-20%. Under industrial conditions, keeping the larvae lasted 4-5 days. When feeding marinka larvae, in order to increase their survival, it is advisable to use only decapsulated Artemia eggs. The juvenile period of development of Balkhash marinka began on the 30-35th day. Aller Aqua dry food was gradually introduced into the diet of fry. Under optimal abiotic and biotic conditions, the fry growth rate reached 0.075 and 7.32%/day. At the end of September marinka underyearlings with an average weight of 11.0 g were released into Lake Balkhash. The research results will serve as a theoretical and practical basis for the development of adapted technologies for the artificial reproduction of rare and endemic fish species and their introduction at fish farms.

Outcomes of Social Egg Freezing: A Cohort Study and a Comprehensive Literature Review.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the live birth outcome following oocyte thaw in women who underwent social egg freezing at Guy's Hospital, alongside a detailed published literature review to compare published results with the current study. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2016 and March 2022 for all women who underwent egg freezing during this period. Overall, 167 women had 184 social egg freezing cycles. The mean age at freeze was 37.1 years and an average of 9.5 eggs were frozen per retrieval. In total, 16% of the women returned to use their frozen eggs. The mean egg thaw survival rate post egg thaw was 74%. The mean egg fertilisation rate was 67%. The pregnancy rate achieved per embryo transfer was 48% and the live birth rate per embryo transfer was 35%. We also noted that irrespective of age at freezing, a significantly high live birth rate was achieved when the number of eggs frozen per patient was 15 or more. Despite the rapid increase in social egg freezing cycles, the utilisation rate remains low. Pregnancy and live birth rate post thaw are encouraging if eggs are frozen at a younger age and if 15 eggs or more were frozen per patient.

Morphological changes in the adrenal glands of chickens under heat stress

Heat stress as a result of hyperthermia and dehydration of the body due to natural or artificial environmental factors negatively affects the well-being of birds. Heat stress factor can lead to significant economic losses in poultry farms due to a decrease in egg production, egg fertilization, hatching and viability of young animals, morphological indicators of eggs, an increase in bird mortality during maintenance and transportation, the occurrence of immunosuppression and metabolic disorders. Pathomorphological changes in the internal organs of birds under heat stress are classified as degenerative changes, necrosis, circulatory disorders, changes in tissue fluid, growth disorders, and inflammation. The adrenal gland affects the number of functional and metabolic processes in the body of birds, its hormones ensure its resistance to heat stress. In the current global warming climate, the study of the morphology of the adrenal gland of birds due to the action of a thermal stress factor is an urgent problem of poultry farming, since its solution contributes to the scientific justification of technologies for growing, using and treating birds. The aim of the study was to identify morphological changes in the adrenal gland of white leghorn chickens aged 3 months under heat stress. Anatomical, morphometric, microscopic and statistical research methods were used in the course of the study. It was found that the indicators of absolute mass and linear dimensions of the adrenal glands of chickens under heat stress increased relative to such indicators in clinically healthy chickens. Microscopically, circulatory disorders (edema, hyperemia, hemorrhages, congestion, thrombosis) were recorded in the adrenal glands of chickens, which on the 4th day of exposure to the heat stress factor were accompanied by activation of regenerative processes (an increase in the number of fibroblasts under the capsule) and secretory activity of endocrinocytes (an increase in the size of interrenal and suprarenal cells). Intense and prolonged stress of the adrenal glands of chickens caused by heat stress led to the withdrawal of their plastic and energy resources, and as a result caused the development of adrenal deficiency on Day 8, which was observed destructive and dystrophic changes in the interrenal and supraranal cells. The obtained data can be used to develop morphofunctional diagnostic and prognostic criteria for the state of both the adrenal glands and the avian organ as a whole under heat stress. In the future of further research-to study the features of the content and localization of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids in the adrenal glands of chickens under heat stress.

Quality of fish eggs and production of androgenetic and gynogenetic doubled haploids (DHs).

Induced development of haploid embryos (H) with only paternal (androgenesis) or maternal (gynogenesis) chromosomes requires irradiation of eggs before fertilization or activation of eggs with irradiated spermatozoa, respectively. To provide doubled haploids (DHs), androgenetic and gynogenetic haploid zygotes need to be subjected to the thermal or high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) shock to suppress the first mitotic cleavage and todouble paternal or maternal haploid set of chromosomes. Androgenesis and mitotic gynogenesis (mito-gynogenesis) result in the generation of fully homozygous individuals in a single generation. DHs have been utilized in selective breeding programs, in studies concerning the phenotypic consequences of recessive alleles and to evaluate the impact of sex chromosomes on the early ontogeny. Moreover, the use of DHs for the NGS approach radically improves de novo the assembly of the genomes. However, reduced survival of the doubled haploids limits the wide application of androgenotes and gynogenotes. The high mortality of DHs may be only partly explained by the expression of recessive traits. Observed inter-clutch variation in the survival of DHs developing in eggs originating from different females make it necessary to take a closer look at the quality of the eggs used during induced androgenesis and gynogenesis. Moreover, the developmental competence of eggs that are subjected to irradiation before fertilization in order to deactivate maternal chromosomes when undergoing induced androgenesis and exposed to the physical shock after fertilization that leads to the duplication of the zygotes in both mito-gynogenesis and androgenesis may be also altered as irradiation and sublethal values of temperatures and hydrostatic pressure are considered as harmful for the cell organelles and biomolecules. Here, recently provided results concerning the morphological, biochemical, genomic, and transcriptomic characteristics of fish eggs showing high and low competence for androgenesis and mito-gynogenesis are reviewed.

Kuluçkahane Kökenli F5 ve F6 Nesil Karadeniz Somonu Anaçlarının (Salmo labrax PALLAS, 1811) Üreme Performansları

In this study, reproductive performances of F5 and F6 generation hatchery-originated female Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax) were evaluated to determine the effects of the ongoing selective breeding program. The study was conducted in freshwater pools and marine cage systems between 2018 and 2021. For the study, 53 specimens from F5 generation females with an average length of 52.71±7.08 cm and weight of 1561.29±639.76 gr, and also 56 broodstıcks specimens from F6 generation females with an average length of 51.92±5.35 cm and weight of 1506.12±417.28 gr were used. Gonad maturity controls and spawning studies were carried out in the 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 breeding periods along the entire season, lasting from November to January. The number of ovulating females, their fecundity, egg diameters and fertilisation rates of eggs were recorded. In all seasons, 36.17% of F5 females ovulated in November, and the remaining females (63.83%) ovulated in December. Ovulation time in F6 females also showed a similar pattern of 1/3 of females (37.40%) ovulating in November and the remaining majority (62.60%) ovulating in December. According to the results, total egg yields as 4439.31±1675.69 and 4112.08±1041.16 egg/broodstock, relative egg yields as 2313.44±278.48 and 2345.76±516.30 egg/kg, egg diameters as 5.08±0.19 and 5.21±0.17 mm, and fertilisation rates as 96.78±3.24% and 96.63±3.73% were determined for F5 and F6 generations, respectively. In both generations, as the size of the broodstock increases, the total egg production increases (F5: r=0.9169, F6: r=0.74254), while the relative egg production (F5: r=-0.2526, F6: r=-0.3486) decreases. When the total egg yields and fertilisation rates were compared, the difference between the F5 and F6 groups was insignificant (p≤0.05). The condition factors of the two generations were found to be statistically similar (p≤0.05).