Fertilization Rate Research Articles

Nitrogen and Spacing Requirements for Advanced Chipping Selections ND7799c-1 and ND7519-1

AbstractAdoption of new cultivars is challenging for commercial growers. To understand the best nitrogen fertilization rate (90, 134, 179, and 224 kg N ha-1) and within-row spacing (15, 23 and 31 cm) for two potential potato cultivar releases from North Dakota State University, a study was carried out in 2019 and 2020 in North Dakota. The advanced chipping selections ND7799c-1 and ND7519-1 were compared to a chip industry standard, Dakota Pearl. In 2019, ND7799c-1 grown at 23 cm within-row spacing had similar marketable yield to Dakota Pearl. In 2020, ND7519-1 at all within-row spacings, and ND7799c-1 at 15 and 23 cm within-row spacing, yielded similarly to Dakota Pearl. Nitrogen rate did not affect yield or chipping quality in 2019 or 2020. The advanced selections had lower sucrose and glucose levels one month after harvest compared to Dakota Pearl in 2020. ND7799c-1 stored for 8 months, and ND7519-1 for 6 months, before chip quality declined. This research demonstrates the potential for ND7799c-1 and ND7519-1 to be successful chip processing cultivars for the Northern Plains.

Effects of dietary quercetin on retrieved mouse oocytes and in vitro fertilization outcomes.

To investigate the effects of dietary quercetin on the retrieved mouse oocytes and IVF outcomes. Female mice were divided into two groups. Mice were given 0.2 mL water without (control group) or with quercetin 30 mg/kg (quercetin group) orally via gavage, once a day for 21 consecutive days. After that female mice were superovulated for in vitro fertilization. We observed the effect of dietary quercetin on the number of retrieved oocytes, oocyte degeneration rate, fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate, and blastocyst cell numbers. There was no difference in the number of retrieved oocytes per mouse (27.3±6.7 and 27.2±5.8), oocyte fragmentation rate (28.4% and 25.0%), fertilization rate (47.4% and 50.6%) and blastocyst formation rate (34.8% and 34.7%) in the quercetin group compared to the control group. The proportion of hatching and hatched blastocyst was significantly lower in the quercetin group (17.2% and 27.8%, p=0.004) and significantly lower numbers of cells in TE (47.4±15.3 and 57.2±17.7) and total cells (66.2±18.5 and 77.5±20.7) compared to the control group (p=0.001). Dietary quercetin supplementation has a detrimental effect on mouse embryo quality. Moreover, it did not show any beneficial effect on the ovary in both quantity and quality. This finding raises awareness of the general use of dietary quercetin supplements in infertile females.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection compared with in vitro fertilisation in patients with non-male factor infertility with low oocyte retrieval: a single-centre, retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on the clinical outcomes of non-male factor patients aged >35 with three or fewer oocytes retrieved.DesignRetrospective...

Soil test crop response nutrient prescription equations for improving soil health and yield sustainability—a long-term study under Alfisols of southern India

IntroductionEnhancing soil health and nutrient levels through fertilizers boosts agricultural productivity and global food security. However, careful fertilizer use is essential to prevent environmental damage and improve crop yields. The soil test crop response (STCR) is a scientific approach to fertilizer recommendation that ensures efficient use, supporting higher crop production while protecting the environment and preserving resources.MethodologyA long-term field experiment on the STCR approach was initiated in 2017 at the Zonal Agriculture Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. The experiment aimed to study the impact of STCR-based nutrient prescription along with farmyard manure (FYM) for a targeted yield of soybean (Glycine max), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), dry chili (Capsicum annuum), aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), and kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) on yield and changes in soil health in comparison with other approaches of fertilizer recommendation.ResultsThe results showed a significant and positive impact of the integrated use of fertilizer with FYM based on the STCR approach on the productivity of all the crops and soil fertility. Significantly higher yields of soybean (23.91 q ha−1), sunflower (27.13 q ha−1), dry chili (16.67 q ha−1), aerobic rice (65.46 q ha−1), foxtail millet (14.07 q ha−1), okra (26.82 t ha−1), and kodo millet (17.10 q ha−1) were observed in the STCR NPK + FYM approach at yield level 1 compared to the general recommended dose and soil fertility rating approach. This approach outperformed the standard recommendations, enhancing nutrient uptake and efficiency across various crops. Utilizing the principal component analysis, the soil quality index effectively reflected the impact of nutrient management on soil properties, with the STCR NPK + FYM treatment at yield level 1 showing the highest correlation with improved soil physical and chemical parameters.DiscussionThe STCR approach led to improved yield, nutrient uptake, utilization efficiency, and soil health, thanks to a balanced fertilization strategy. This strategy was informed by soil tests and included factors like crop-induced nutrient depletion, baseline soil fertility, the efficiency of inherent and added nutrients through fertilizers and farmyard manure, and the success of yield-targeting techniques in meeting the nutritional needs of crops.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a predictor of oocyte yield following controlled ovarian stimulation in the rhesus macaque.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is widely used in the clinic as a biomarker for ovarian reserve and to predict ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation. Patients with higher AMH levels tend to yield more oocytes and have better outcomes from assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. The goal of this study is to determine if AMH can be used to predict the outcome of controlled ovarian stimulation in rhesus macaques, which are commonly used in biomedical research, to refine animal use while maximizing oocyte yield. We hypothesized that pre-stimulation AMH values can be used to predict oocyte yield and quality. Regularly cycling adult macaques underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and baseline (pre-stimulation) plasma AMH levels were determined using an AMH-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay. Oocytes were collected by laparoscopic or ultrasound-guided aspiration, then counted and evaluated for quality and stage of meiosis. Sperm from established fertile males were used to inseminate the oocytes in vitro with fertilization success checked 14 - 16 hours later. Females were grouped by oocyte yield: low ≤ 17; mid = 18 - 41; high ≥ 42. We found that high and mid yielders had significantly higher AMH than low yielders (p<0.0001) and the percent of mature oocytes was greater in the high and mid yielders. There were no significant differences in oocyte quality or ova fertilization rate. These data suggest that AMH is a useful measure for controlled ovarian stimulation success in rhesus macaques and can be used to identify suitable animals for oocyte donation before entering them into a stimulation protocol.

Assessing the reproductive potential and development of the tropical short-spined white sea urchin, Salmacis sphaeroides (Linnaeus, 1758)

ABSTRACT Previous studies have achieved success in obtaining cultured juveniles of the sea urchin Salmacis sphaeroides, but few have reported their reproduction potential and development rates. This comprehensive study examined the spawning potential of broodstock and described embryonic, larval and juvenile development. The broodstock consisted of wild-caught specimens from Singapore’s coastal waters that were regularly provided a mixed animal-plant diet comprising 3 g prawn and 3 g corn. Gametes were obtained using 0.5 M of potassium chloride (KCl) injection into the coelomic cavity. Fertilization rates of the 32 spawning attempts varied from 42.9% to 100%. Hatched larvae were subsequently reared with a density of 0.5 larvae ml−1 in 50 µm filtered seawater at 28°C and fed 20,000 cells ml−1 of Tisochrysis lutea once every 2 days. Despite the presence of natural biofilms as settlement cues, the settlement rates in culture were very low and variable (2.08–9.78%). The majority of juvenile S. sphaeroides from F1 and F2 generations was sexually mature at ≥35 mm in test diameter, and the sex ratios were female-biased, ranging from 1:1.14 to 1:8. Findings from this study open up new opportunities for developing tropical sea urchin cultures under controlled rearing systems that can guarantee production.

Effects of calcium lactate on in vitro fertilization and embryonic development in cattle.

Growing demand for embryo transfer is steadily expanding and further studies on in vitro fertilization of cattle. To assess the effect of calcium lactate by replacing Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP) medium composition during fertilization and embryonic development. Sodium lactate and CaCl2 were replaced with 2.0, 3.0, 4.5 mM calcium lactate for TALP medium during fertilization in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, the concentrations of sodium lactate and CaCl2 were re-modified as control, in comparison with the same concentration of calcium lactate at 4.5 mM. Zygotes were moved to sequential media to match early-and late-stage environments. Embryonic development was examined on day 8 after insemination. 4.5 mM calcium lactate enhanced the rate of fertilization and blastocyst formation (p<0.0001, p<0.01, respectively). It represented differences in the ROS (p<0.01) and GSH levels (p<0.05) and increased blastocyst diameter and total cell number (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, fertilization (p<0.05) and blastocyst formation rates (p<0.01) were increased in 4.5mM calcium lactate under same concentration effect of sodium lactate and CaCl2. Additionally, it reduced the ROS (p<0.01) and increased the GSH levels (p<0.05), leading increase embryo quality. The replacement of calcium lactate in TALP medium enhances fertilization and embryonic development while also improving oxidative stress. Specifically, it has been determined that a concentration of 4.5 mM calcium lactate is the most effective, irrespective of the varying concentrations of sodium lactate and CaCl2. This study presents a novel formulation of a modified TALP medium intended for implantation withing the bovine embryo industry. The current implications of the study are discussed in relation to previously stated objectives and hypotheses.

A repeated gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger improves pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in GnRH antagonist cycles: a retrospective propensity-matched score analysis.

To evaluate whether co-treatment of repeated GnRHa triggers with GnRH antagonist protocols can improve the clinical outcomes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) procedures. In this retrospective study, 712 Chinese Han women aged 20-42 undergoing autologous IVF/ICSI-ET with a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol were analyzed. The 735 cycles were split into the single (n = 238) and the repeated (n = 497) GnRHa groups. In the single GnRHa group, 0.2mg of triptorelin was given for oocyte maturation, whereas in the repeated GnRHa group, two doses of 0.2mg were administered 12h apart. PSM design was used for a fair comparison. The main study outcomes included the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), good-quality embryo rate, and fertilization rate. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify all potential factors affecting clinical outcomes. Post-PSM, analysis of 159 cycles per group showed the repeated GnRHa group outperforming the single GnRHa group in IVF fertilization rates (71.5% vs. 67.7%, P < 0.05) and good-quality embryo rate (47.1% vs. 43.7%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the repeated GnRHa group achieved higher CPR (72.6% vs. 53.4%, P < 0.05) and LBR (59.7% vs. 43.8%, P < 0.05) in FET cycles. Multivariate logistic regression indicated a significant negative correlation between the use of a single GnRHa trigger and both clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.382, P < 0.05) and live birth (OR = 0.518, P < 0.05). Our study reported that individuals who received a repeated GnRHa trigger exhibited higher CPR and LBR during FET cycles compared to those who received a single dose GnRHa trigger.

Nitrogen fertilization and sowing date as wheat climate change adaptation tools under Mediterranean conditions

In the current situation, climate change has substantially disturbed precipitation occurrence in the Mediterranean region, by increasing its variability and decreasing the total annual amount, which both negatively affect rainfed crop productivity. We hypothesize that a simple cost-effective method for enhancing crop adaptation to new climate conditions would consist of modifying the crop sowing date. Traditional nitrogen (N) fertilization rates could also be adjusted to the current situation given the interdependent water/N relation in plant nutrition. Based on this hypothesis, during a 4-year field experiment with bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., var. Pistolo), the effects of three sowing dates (October, November, February) and three N fertilization rates (54kgN ha-1, 27kgN ha-1, 0kgN ha-1) on crop development, yield, grain quality, soil N content and N use efficiency were analyzed. The results showed that water scarcity was the predominant limiting factor, because it outweighed N deficiency with half-fertilized crops being as productive as fully fertilized treatments. Nevertheless, sowing date was the most influential factor, with up to a 30% yield increase noted for the November-sown wheat compared to that sown in October, while delaying wheat sowing to February decreased crop yields. Grain protein content remained the same between the November- and October-sown crops, but increased in the February one crops. Optical sensor measurements showed that an optimal assessment of the current water/N nutritional status of crops can be achieved with these tools.

Impact of Omicron Variant Infection on Female Fertility and Laboratory Outcomes: A Self-Controlled Study.

Investigating the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on female fertility and laboratory outcomes in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment who were initially uninfected but later became infected. This self-controlled study included 197 patients who underwent repeated oocyte retrieval before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2021 and April 2023, of which 117 used the same ovarian stimulation protocol within a consistent age range. We evaluated the ovarian reserve, ovarian response, and laboratory outcomes in patients before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ovarian reserve (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], estrogen [E2], anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH], antral follicle count [AFC]), ovarian response (total Gn dosage, duration of Gn administration, number of follicles ≥14mm on trigger day, number of retrieved oocytes), and laboratory outcomes (cleavage stage good-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, and cycle freezing rate) showed no significant differences before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection in 117 patients (p>0.05). When stratified by age, the ≤ 35years group showed a higher two pronuclei (2PN) fertilization rate post-infection, while the >35years group had increased mature metaphase II (MII) oocyte and blastocyst stage good-quality embryo rates. Additionally, upon stratified by the time interval between SARS-CoV-2 infection and ART treatment, in the ≤ 3months group, there was an increased post-infection MII oocyte rate, 2PN fertilization rate, and blastocyst stage good-quality embryo rate. Meanwhile, no significant differences were found in any indicators when the interval exceeded threemonths. Our study suggested that undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment after recovering from COVID-19 may not adversely affect female fertility and laboratory outcomes.

Parental Balanced Translocation Carriers do not have Decreased Usable Blastulation Rates or Live Birth Rates Compared to Infertile Controls.

To determine if translocation carriers have a reduced number of usable blastocysts compared to infertile controls. Retrospective cohort study. All cycles of balanced translocation carriers undergoing IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-SR) for structural rearrangements at a single infertility center compared to an age-matched control cycles of infertile patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) from January 2012-August 2022. Balanced translocation carriers. Primary outcome measures were blastulation rate, usable blastulation rates and live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures were sustained implantation rate, fertilization rate, number of oocytes retrieved, number of metaphase II oocytes, total blastulation failure, number of 2 pronuclear embryos, and number of euploid embryos. Outcome measures were compared between male translocation carriers and controls, female translocation carriers and controls, and Robertsonian versus reciprocal translocation carriers. A total of 1,291 retrieval cycles from 993 patients were included, of which 255 patients were translocation carriers, while 738 were controls. Of those with translocations, 30 (11.5%) were Robertsonian and 231 (88.5%) were reciprocal carriers. There was a statistically significant difference in the blastulation rate between carriers and controls (59.5% versus 62.1%; p-value = 0.01). However, usable blastulation rates (47.2% versus 50.0%) were equivalent between groups. There were no differences in number of oocytes retrieved (18.5 versus 18.3), number of 2 pronuclear embryos (13.4 versus 12.5), sustained implantation rate (71.4% versus 75.1%) or live birth rate (63.0% versus 66.1%) between translocation carriers and controls. In both male and female translocation carriers versus controls, there were no differences in usable blastulation rates or live birth rates. When comparing Robertsonian with reciprocal translocation carriers, rates of blastulation, usable blastulation, sustained implantation, and live birth rate were equivalent. Despite fewer euploid embryos, there were no differences in rates of usable blastulation or live birth rates in balanced translocation carriers, regardless of sex of affected partner or type of rearrangement, compared to controls. Routine karyotyping for blastulation failure may not be necessary based on these findings.

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Fertilization on Winter Oilseed Rape Yield

Oilseed rape is one of many crops with high nutritional requirements, particularly for nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S). Both macronutrients affect important physiological plant functions and are essential for the proper growth and development of oilseed rape. The objective of the experiment was to investigate the impact of nitrogen and sulphur fertilization on the yield of the winter oilseed rape cultivar LG Absolut. The experiment was conducted during the 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2022/2023 growing seasons on Haplic Cambisol soil formed from loess, with medium levels of mineral nitrogen and sulphur. In the experiment, two nitrogen fertilization treatments (150 and 200 kg ha−1) were compared in combination with three additional sulphur fertilization rates (20, 40, and 60 kg ha−1). The results demonstrated that the effectiveness of N and S fertilization varied between individual years. On average, the highest seed yields were obtained with the application of 200 kg N ha−1 combined with sulphur, regardless of the rate. This was attributed to a significant increase in soil–plant analysis development (SPAD) values, the number of pods per plant, and the thousand-seed weight. The increase in seed yield with the higher nitrogen rate without sulphur ranged from 0.36 to 0.57 t ha−1 compared to the lower rate (control 150 N kg ha−1). Supplementary sulphur fertilization increased seed yield ranging from 0.22 to 0.76 t ha−1. The protein content in the seeds increased, while the fat content decreased, following the application of the higher nitrogen rate. The decrease in fat content was mitigated by higher rates of sulphur. The application of 60 kg S ha−1 yielded similar results of the tested parameters to the lower rates. Therefore, for soils with moderate levels of mineral nitrogen and sulphur, it is recommended to fertilize winter oilseed rape with 200 kg N ha−1 combined with 20 or 40 kg S ha−1.

Assessment of loliolide extracted from Biserula pelecinus, present during in vitro oocyte maturation, on fertilisation and embryo development in sheep

Context As a ‘duty of care’, it is important to test whether new forage plants for ruminants contain secondary compounds (PSCs) that affect reproductive performance. We have previously observed, a posteriori, that the presence of a methanolic extract of Biserrula pelecinus during maturation of sheep oocytes increased fertilisation rate and blastocyst development. This result needed to be verified a priori and, if the outcome was repeated, we needed to identify the plant secondary metabolite responsible. Aims To test whether PSCs from B. pelecinus, when added to the oocyte maturation medium, improve fertilisation rate and blastocyst development; to test whether loliolide is the active molecule produced by B. pelecinus. Methods Methanol–chloroform extracts of B. pelecinus were fractionated using rapid silica filtration and solvents of increasing polarity. Fractions at final concentrations of 0, 100 or 200 μg mL−1 were added to the medium used to mature sheep cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) and effects were determined for maturation, subsequent cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, hatching rate, blastocyst efficiency and total blastocyst cell number (TCN). Results Fraction BP-6 at 100 μg mL−1 reduced blastocyst rate (P &lt; 0.05), but had no effect when the dose was doubled to 200 μg mL−1. Further fractionation using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography showed loliolide as the most abundant compound in BP-6. Supplementation of the in vitro maturation medium with loliolide (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 25 μg mL−1) did not affect any measure of embryo development. All COCs treated with B. pelecinus fractions reached the final stage of embryo development, blastocyst hatching. Total blastocyst cell number was not affected. Conclusion The presence of fractions of B. pelecinus extract during in vitro oocyte maturation can reduce embryo development. Implications In vitro techniques can detect potential effects of forages on reproduction. Some fractions from an extract of B. pelecinus when present during oocyte maturation can reduce embryo development. The abundant PSC, loliolide, was not responsible. There was no indication that a PSC in B. pelecinus improves outcomes.

Relationships Between Photosynthetic Efficiency and Grain Antioxidant Content of Barley Genotypes Under Increasing Nitrogen Rates

Nitrogen fertilization may affect the functioning of photosynthesis as well as the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of cereal grains. Little is known about the relationship between the efficiency of photosynthesis and the content of phenolic compounds in barley grain, especially in conditions of varying nitrogen availability. In this regard, a field experiment was conducted to examine the responses of two primary barley genotypes with elevated phenolic compound content (TPC) in grain and an intensive modern cultivar H. v. vulgare with high protein content to increasing nitrogen fertilization (rates of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha−1) during the study years, which differed in terms of hydrothermal conditions. The leaf greenness index (SPAD) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were evaluated on three occasions throughout the growing season. Following the harvest, the chemical composition of the grains, including phenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidant potential, was evaluated. The antioxidant potential and chemical composition of the grain, including TPC and protein content, depended to the greatest extent on genetic and environmental factors, and only then on nitrogen fertilization. Nitrogen increased the TPC content and antioxidant capacity ABTS+ of the grains of all studied genotypes and the protein content in H. v. vulgare grain. Rates of 60 and 90 kg N ha−1 resulted in a significant increase in the SPAD, PIabs and Fv/Fm in BBCH 34 and 57. A positive correlation was confirmed between the SPAD and PIabs and the content of TPC and ABTS+ in the grain. The dependence of qualitative characteristics on the Fv/Fm was also demonstrated. The primary genotypes are characterized by a greater genetic potential for the synthesis of phenolic compounds than the modern cultivar H. v. vulgare. The synthesis of phenolic compounds, and thus their accumulation in the grain, is clearly stimulated by unfavorable environmental factors and moderate nitrogen rates and depends on the chlorophyll content in the leaves and the efficiency of photosynthesis. N fertilization has a beneficial effect on the content of phenolic compounds in grain resulting from the improvement in the SPAD and PIabs. The chemical composition of grain and the increase in antioxidant potential are determined by the Fv/Fm, which is low under hydrothermal stress conditions.

Ex situ spawning, larval development, and settlement in massive reef‐building corals (Porites) in Palau

AbstractReproduction, embryological development, and settlement of corals are critical for survival of coral reefs through larval propagation. Yet, for many species of corals, a basic understanding of the early life‐history stages is lacking. In this study, we report our observations for ex situ reproduction in the massive reef‐building coral Porites cf. P. lobata across 2 years. Spawning occurred in April and May, on the first day after the full moon with at least 2 h of darkness between sunset and moonrise, on a rising tide. Only a small proportion of corals observed had mature gametes or spawned (14–35%). Eggs were 185–311 μm in diameter, spherical, homogenous, and provisioned with 95–155 algal cells (family Symbiodiniaceae). Males spawned before females, and ex situ fertilization rates were high for the first 2 h after egg release. Larvae were elliptical, ~300 μm long, and symbiotic. Just 2 days after fertilization, many larvae swam near the bottom of culture dishes and were competent to settle. Settlers began calcification 2 days after metamorphosis, and tentacles were developed 10 days after attachment. Our observations contrast with previous studies by suggesting an abbreviated pelagic larval period in Porites cf. P. lobata, which could lead to the isolation of some populations. The high thermal tolerance and broad geographic range of Porites cf. P. lobata suggest that this species could locally adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, especially if larvae are locally retained. The results of this study can inform future work on reproduction, larval biology, dispersal, and recruitment in Porites cf. P. lobata, which could have an ecological advantage over less resilient coral species under future climate change.

Potassium Fertilizer Application Rates for Fertigated Edamame Grown on Low-K Soils

Edamame, a legume consumed fresh as a vegetable, is highly nutritious, particularly protein-rich, and holds significant economic value. However, its cultivation faces challenges, especially on dry land, due to water scarcity and limited nutrient availability, particularly potassium (K). This study, which investigated the impact of potassium fertilization rate on edamame cultivation, underscores the need for further research. The study utilized a single factor, potassium fertilization rate, arranged in a completely randomized block design. Potassium rates consist of 0% X, 50% X, 100% X, 150% X, and 200% X, where X represents the recommended potassium fertilization rate according to the dry soil test device (DSTD) guidelines. Each treatment was replicated five times. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level, and any significant effects were further examined using orthogonal polynomial and regression analysis. The results indicated that potassium fertilizer rates did not significantly affect edamame height, pod weight per plot, and marketable yield. However, the study identified the optimal potassium fertilizer rate, which was between 83%X and 119%X, equivalent to 83–119 kg.ha⁻¹ of KCl (50–72 kg.ha⁻¹ of K₂O). This range positively increased total branch yield, productive branches, number of flowers, pod weight per plant, number of pods per plant, and plant dry weight, producing a quadratic response pattern. The study recommends further research to optimize potassium fertilizer doses based on DSTD recommendations, particularly at a low K nutrient status, to maximize marketable yields through fertigation.

Control of sperm penetration using stereumamide A derived from Trichaptum fuscoviolaceum in the in vitro fertilization of pig oocytes.

Fungal metabolites are known to have potent and diverse properties such as antiviral, antidiabetic, antitumour, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and antibacterial effects which can be utilized to treat diseases. In this study, we investigated the functional activity of stereumamide A (StA) derived from a culture broth of Trichaptum fuscoviolaceum during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) of pig oocytes, to determine its effects on sperm penetration. Oocytes matured in vitro were fertilized in the absence or presence of varying concentrations of StA (0-50 μg/ml StA). When StA was directly added into the IVF medium, significantly lower fertilization rates were seen with the 20 or 50 μg/ml StA (2.0-17.5%) treatments compared with those of 10 μg/ml StA or the controls (60.9-62.3%), whereas StA had no influence on the survival of oocytes and spermatozoa throughout the IVF process. For evaluating the control of sperm entry, mature oocytes were pre-incubated in a medium containing 20 μg/ml StA for 1 h, and then IVF was subsequently performed. The incidence of polyspermy was significantly reduced when oocytes were pre-incubated with StA (15.0% vs. 50.4-57.5% in controls). In conclusion, sperm penetration was inhibited in the medium in the presence of StA during IVF, while StA did not affect sperm motility and fertility competence. Fertilization was controlled when mature oocytes were incubated with StA prior to IVF, suggesting the possible use of the fungal metabolite in assisted reproductive technology for humans and animals.

Clinical outcomes of round spermatid injection versus intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection: The potential role of hormonal pretreatment in male patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Round spermatid injection (ROSI) into oocytes offers men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) the opportunity to have biological offspring in cases where mature spermatozoa are not detected. However, the clinical outcomes of ROSI remains poor. This study compares the outcomes of ROSI with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and investigates the effect of hormonal pretreatment. This retrospective cohort study enrolled infertile couples undergoing either ROSI or ICSI at the reproductive center in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. The administration of selective estrogen receptor modulators, gonadotropins, and aromatase inhibitors in male patients were collected. Relevant hormonal markers and biochemical parameters were determined. The outcomes of ROSI and ICSI were assessed based on fertilization rate, implantation rate, and live birth rate. A total of 36 couples were recruited in the ROSI group, whereas 39 couples were recruited in the ICSI group for the analysis. Patients in each group demonstrated similar characteristics, except for a higher proportion of male patients in the ROSI group who were pretreated with anastrozole. The fertilization rate and implantation rate were similar between ROSI and ICSI groups after adjusting for confounding variable. The live birth rate was significant lower in the ROSI group (8.3%) than in the ICSI group (30.8%) before and after adjusting for confounding variable. ROSI demonstrated fertilization and implantation rates comparable to those of ICSI for male patient with NOA undergoing testicular sperm extraction surgery. Further studies evaluating the effect of anastrozole administration on ROSI outcomes are warrant.

Temporal variations of N and P losses via surface runoff from Chinese farmland after fertilisation

The loss of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) via surface runoff induced by fertilisation leads to water pollution and aggravates water scarcity. Studies estimating N and P losses from farmland have focused on the efficacy of agricultural management actions at reducing the amount of N and P lost. However, a gap remains in understanding the dynamics of N and P losses from farmland, especially differences among types of farmland, crop and fertiliser. Thus, the temporal variations of N and P losses via surface runoff from farmland induced by fertilisation were estimated using 5530 groups of paired observations collected in China. The results showed that N and P losses via surface runoff from paddy fields associated with fertilisation were greater than losses from upland fields. However, after > 90 days post-fertilisation, the effects of fertilisation on N and P loss from paddy fields were non-significant, while the effects of fertilisation on N and P losses from upland fields remained significant. Organic fertilisation decreased N losses from upland and paddy fields, but at more than 60 days post-fertilisation, N and P losses from upland fields were greater with organic than chemical or combined fertilisation. Increasing the fertilisation rate led to higher N and P losses from upland and paddy fields and extended the occurrence time of N and P loss from paddy fields. Overall, this study demonstrates the dynamic processes associated with fertilisation underlying N and P losses from farmland via surface runoff.

Buspirone administration: Influence on growth, spawning, immune response, and stress in female goldfish (Carassius auratus)

The current study evaluated the impact of buspirone supplementation on the growth, physiology, stress response, spawning, and immunity in female goldfish (Carassius auratus). For this purpose, buspirone was dissolved in absolute methanol and sprayed onto the feed to create four experimental groups: B0 (control), B25 (25 mg kg−1), B50 (50 mg kg−1), and B100 (100 mg kg−1). Fish were fed their respective diets for 56 days and subjected to stress using the air exposure method at the end of the experiment. Growth performance analysis revealed that fish in the B100 group exhibited significantly higher final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and average daily gain than the other groups (P < 0.05). Plasma stress response indicated that cortisol levels were significantly lower in the B100 group after stress exposure, accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in glucose levels. The mucus stress response also showed lower cortisol and glucose levels in the B100 group compared to the other groups. Immunological analysis revealed significant increases in total protein, albumin, complement C3 and C4, and immunoglobulin M concentrations in both plasma and mucus of the B100 group (P < 0.05). Reproductive performance showed a notable enhancement in the number of eggs, fertilization rate, hatching rate, and survival rate in the B100 group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Buspirone at higher concentrations, positively impacted various physiological aspects of goldfish, including growth, stress, immune activity, and reproductive performance. The significant improvements observed in growth parameters, cortisol levels, immunological markers, and reproductive outcomes suggest the potential of buspirone supplementation as a beneficial strategy in aquaculture practices.