Number Of Ova Research Articles

The miR319-based repression of SlTCP2/LANCEOLATE activity is required for regulating tomato fruit shape.

Fruit morphogenesis is determined by the coordination of cell division and expansion, which are fundamental processes required for the development of all plant organs. Here, we show that the regulation of TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) LANCEOLATE (TCP2/LA) by miR319 is crucial for tomato fruit morphology. The loss of miR319 regulation in the semi-dominant La mutant led to a premature SlTCP2/LA expression during gynoecium patterning, which results in modified cell division during carpel development. As a consequence, La mutants exhibited elongated ovary and fruit shape, and a reduced number of ovules and seeds. Elongated fruit shape in La may be partially due to the SlTCP2/LA-mediated repression of OVATE activity in young floral buds. Further analysis showed that the de-repression of SlTCP2/LA decreases auxin responses in young floral buds by directly repressing SlYUCCA4 expression, but SlTCP2/LA also acts in parallel with ENTIRE (E) to orchestrate fruit morphology and seed production. Our study defines a novel miRNA-based molecular link between the domestication-associated OVATE gene and auxin responses. Given the striking variation in fruit morphology among members of the Solanaceae family, fine-tuning regulation of gene expression by miRNA coupled with modulation of auxin dynamics may be a common driver in the evolution of fruit shape diversity.

Synergistic Effect and Mechanism of Combined Astaxanthin and Curcumin Administration on Ovarian Function in PCOS Mice

ABSTRACTTo investigate the synergistic effect of astaxanthin and curcumin on ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, fifty 4‐week‐old female mice were randomly divided into five groups: (i) normal control group; (ii) PCOS model group; (iii) PCOS + astaxanthin group; (iv) PCOS + curcumin group; and (v) PCOS + astaxanthin–curcumin. Throughout the study, various parameters were meticulously evaluated, including serum levels of key reproductive hormones (testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH)), as well as monitoring alterations in the estrous cycle, follicle development, and ovulation rates. Additionally, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured. Findings revealed that PCOS mice exhibited disordered estrous cycle, polycystic ovarian morphologies, abnormal serum reproductive hormones and lipid metabolism, heightened oxidative stress, and augmented inflammatory responses. Notably, upon administration of the combined astaxanthin and curcumin, PCOS mice exhibited significant improvements in their estrous cyclicity and ovarian histology. The treatment led to a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC) levels and normalization of T, E2, FSH, LH, and AMH levels. Moreover, there was a marked decrease in the levels of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Concurrently, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) significantly increased, while proinflammatory cytokines interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the ovarian tissue were notably decreased. The combined treatment also resulted in a substantial increase in the number of ova and a significant decline in the rate of abnormal ova, with these therapeutic effects proving more effective compared to either astaxanthin or curcumin alone. In conclusion, the co‐administration of astaxanthin and curcumin demonstrated a remarkable effect in improving abnormal lipid metabolism and restoring reproductive endocrine functions in PCOS mice. Furthermore, it effectively mitigated systemic and local oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory injury, thereby promoting follicular growth and enhancing ovulatory function in the context of PCOS.

Comparative effectiveness of sildenafil citrate and estradiol valerate as adjuvants during clomiphene citrate-assisted ovarian stimulation cycles in patients with unexplained infertility: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the effect of sildenafil citrate and estradiol valerate as adjuvant therapy during ovarian stimulation cycles with clomiphene citrate in patients with unexplained infertility in Kisangani.MethodA double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted for two years at two specialized health facilities in Kisangani (University Clinics of Kisangani and “Clinique des Anges Kisangani”). The population included 148 patients, 74 of whom were on clomiphene citrate + sildenafil citrate (CCSC) regimens and 74 of whom were on clomiphene citrate + estradiol valerate (CCEV) regimens for three months. The primary indicator was the conception rate, with secondary outcomes encompassing endometrial thickness, appearance and vascularity, the number of mature follicles and ovulation rate.ResultsThe two groups were comparable in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The mean duration of attempting to conceive was 4.39 years versus 4.36 years (P = 0.839), while the mean AFC was 11.51 versus 11.46 (P = 0.831), in the CCSC group versus CCEV group respectively. Secondary infertility was the most frequent diagnosis in each of the two groups. The biochemical pregnancy rate was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.385), while the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the CCSC group versus CCEV group (P = 0.04). Both perifollicular flow and the ovulation rate were significantly higher in the CCSC group versus the CCEV group (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002 respectively). However, endometrial vascularity/thickness, and the number of Graafian follicles were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionAs an adjuvant, sildenafil increases the rate of clinical pregnancy more than does estradiol in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate.Study registrationPACTR 202,310,849,449,401 (Pan African Clinical Trials Registry).

Brassinosteroid signaling represses ZINC FINGER PROTEIN11 to regulate ovule development in Arabidopsis.

Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and the C-class MADS-box gene AGAMOUS (AG) play important roles in ovule development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, how BR signaling integrates with AG functions to control the female reproductive process remains elusive. Here, we showed that the regulatory role of BR signaling in proper ovule development is mediated by the transcriptional repressor gene ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 11 (ZFP11), which is a direct target of AG. ZFP11 expression initiates from the placenta upon AG induction and becomes prominent in the funiculus of ovule primordia. Plants harboring zfp11 mutations showed reduced placental length with decreased ovule numbers and some aborted ovules. During ovule development, the transcription factor BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1 (BZR1), which functions downstream of BR signaling, inhibits ZFP11 expression in the chalaza and nucellus. Weakened BR signaling leads to stunted integuments in ovules, resulting from the direct repression of INNER NO OUTER (INO) and WUSCHEL (WUS) by extended ZFP11 expression in the chalaza and nucellus, respectively. In addition, the zfp11 mutant shows reduced sensitivity to BR biosynthesis inhibitors and can rescue outer integument defects in brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (bri1) mutants. Thus, the precise spatial regulation of ZFP11, which is activated by AG in the placenta and suppressed by BR signaling in the central and distal regions of ovules, is essential for ensuring sufficient ovule numbers and proper ovule formation.

Simulation analyses of the evolution of intra-inflorescence flowering patterns assuming selection on anthesis interval among individual flowers

What conditions select flowering patterns within inflorescences, or variation in the anthesis interval within inflorescences among plants? Under what conditions are gradual blooming and simultaneous blooming, both traits related to floral display size, advantageous? We constructed a simulation model in which the opening times and longevities of individual flowers within inflorescences, the sizes of attractive structures of individual flowers, and the numbers of ovules and pollen grains produced by individual flowers evolve. Individual plants in the population compete for pollinators, and plants are selected by pollinators according to their floral display sizes and amounts of resources allocated to attractive structures. We found that, if the proportion of pollen on a pollinator deposited on a stigma was low, gradual blooming did not evolve even if inbreeding depression was greater than 0.5. This is because the amount of outcross-pollen on pollinators decreased at a low rate during flower visits within a single inflorescence, and the selfing rate was suppressed to a low level even if the floral display size was large. On the other hand, if the proportion of pollen deposition was high, gradual blooming evolved even if inbreeding depression was smaller than 0.5. This may be because gradual blooming can enhance pollen delivery to other plants by reducing the loss of self-pollen by geitonogamy. On the other hand, allocation ratios among floral organs (female and male organs and attractive structures) were independent of the degree of simultaneous and gradual blooming within inflorescences. We concluded that the evolution of gradual blooming is more strongly affected by the proportion of pollen on a pollinator deposited on a stigma than by inbreeding depression.

Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Mutation (LHRN316S) Causes Abnormal Follicular Development Revealed by Follicle Single-Cell Analysis and CRISPR/Cas9

Abnormal interaction between granulosa cells and oocytes causes disordered development of ovarian follicles. However, the interactions between oocytes and cumulus granulosa cells (CGs), oocytes and mural granulosa cells (MGs), and CGs and MGs remain to be fully explored. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), we determined the transcriptional profiles of oocytes, CGs and MGs in antral follicles. Analysis of scRNA-seq data revealed that CGs may regulate follicular development through the BMP15-KITL-KIT-PI3K-ARF6 pathway with elevated expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). Because internalization of the LHR is regulated by Arf6, we constructed LHRN316S mice by CRISPR/Cas9 to further explore mechanisms of follicular development and novel treatment strategies for female infertility. Ovaries of LHRN316S mice exhibited reduced numbers of corpora lutea and ovulation. The LHRN316S mice had a reduced rate of oocyte maturation in vitro and decreased serum progesterone levels. Mating LHRN316S female mice with ICR wild type male mice revealed that the infertility rate of LHRN316S mice was 21.4% (3/14). Litter sizes from LHRN316S mice were smaller than those from control wild type female mice. The oocytes from LHRN316S mice had an increased rate of maturation in vitro after progesterone administration in vitro. Furthermore, progesterone treated LHRN316S mice produced offspring numbers per litter equivalent to WT mice. These findings provide key insights into cellular interactions in ovarian follicles and provide important clues for infertility treatment.Graphical

Hybrid capture resolves the phylogeny of Tetradium (Rutaceae) and supports the inclusion of a species from Sulawesi

AbstractTetradium, a genus within Rutaceae, comprises nine species found in Eastern and Southeastern Asia, distinguished by their opposite pinnate leaves and apocarpous or subapocarpous gynoecium with follicular fruits. While Hartley's 1981 monograph provided foundational insights, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus is lacking. Using next‐generation sequencing (NGS), this study aims to (i) establish an NGS molecular data set for Tetradium, (ii) elucidate interspecific relationships via the hybrid capture method and (iii) investigate the taxonomic status of Euodia meliifolia var. celebica. Our data set comprised 28 samples across nine species, sequenced using Illumina Miseq and Hiseq 4000 platforms, with downstream analyses conducted using the HybPhyloMaker pipeline and ASTRAL. Our findings revealed five main groups supported by both molecular and morphological data, highlighting changes in ovule number and seed functionality. Notably, the hybrid capture method proved invaluable for studying old herbarium specimens. Finally, taxonomic revisions were proposed, including the reclassification of E. meliifolia var. celebica as Tetradium celebicum, the fossil Euodia costata as Tetradium costatum, and the fossil Euodia lignata as Tetradium lignatum. An updated description for T. celebicum, supplemented by a specific identification key, is provided.

Large-scale analysis to identify risk factors for ovarian cancer

ObjectiveOvarian cancer is characterized by late-stage diagnoses and poor prognosis. We aimed to identify factors that can inform prevention and early detection of ovarian cancer.MethodsWe used a data-driven machine learning...

Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Improves Ovarian Function and Oocyte Quality in Aged Mice.

Age-related decline in the number of ovulations and ovum quality are major causes of female infertility, and stem cells have been reported to be effective in tissue regeneration. However, current therapeutic modalities are inadequate. This study investigated the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) on ovarian functions in aged mice. Following the characterization of ASCs using flow cytometry, the effects of ASCs on the number of ovulations, fertilization rate, and blastocyst-formation rate were investigated. In addition, the number of ovarian follicles and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were examined. ASCs marked with Kusabira Orange were used to examine the location after cell administration. The quality of ovulated oocytes was analyzed using next-generation RNA sequencing. ASCs showed characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and were distributed to various organs, including the ovarian stroma. The transplantation resulted in increased number of oocytes and ovulation in the ovaries and increased AMH values. Genetic analysis revealed improved oocyte quality and increased fertilization and blastocyst-formation rates. ASC therapy may be effective in improving fertility in older women.

Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction improves the taxonomic understanding of Indian Dipcadi (Asparagaceae) and reveals a new species from the bank of Hiranyakeshi River, Maharashtra, India.

Dipcadi (Scilloideae: Asparagaceae) is a genus of bulbous monocots with approximately 40 species, of which 13 occur in India. Species delimitation within the genus has been troublesome hindering a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. The most recent phylogeny of the subfamily Ornithogaloideae included six species of Dipcadi only from Africa. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Ornithogaloideae including 23 accessions comprising 13 recognized taxa (11 species and two varieties) of Indian Dipcadi. The phylogenetic analyses were based on nucleotide sequences of three plastid regions (rbcL, matK and trnL-F spacer) and one nuclear region (ITS). Pseudogaltonia clavata exhibited sister relationship to Dipcadi. Our combined nuclear + plastid dataset analyses revealed a monophyletic Dipcadi with five clades, Clade I-V. Clade I, II and III included mainly Indian species whereas Clade V included mostly African species. Clade IV comprised D. serotinum. Clade I included nine taxa including our newly described species, D. mukaianum. The new species was phylogenetically placed with D. erythraeum, D. saxorum and D. ursulae. Morphologically, the species resembled D. montanum and D. ursulae but differed in characters such as tepal cohesion, number of ovules per locule and foul-smelling flowers. Clade II and III included 11 and six taxa, respectively. D. erythraeum which has a native range from Egypt to western India was found in Clades I and V. The widespread Dipcadi species, viz. D. erythraeum and D. serotinum showed polyphyly however, the monophyly of Dipcadi is established. Our studies suggest that additional molecular markers (plastid as well asnuclear) should be tested for their taxonomy utility. Further work on the historical biogeography of Dipcadi on the subfamily Ornithogaloideae with more genetic data will yield insights how aridification of the landscape would have shaped the evolution of the geographical clades.

Exploring Hyperprolific Sows: A Study of Gross Morphology of Reproductive Organs and Oxytocin Receptor Distribution across Parities.

This study investigated the gross morphology of reproductive organs and oxytocin receptor distribution across different parities in hyperprolific sows. A total of thirty-two reproductive organs from Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows were categorized into three groups based on parity numbers: 1 (n = 10), 2-5 (n = 12), and ≥6 (n = 10). All sows were culled due to management problems, and none had reproductive disorders. A gross morphology examination of the ovaries, uterus, and the rest of the reproductive tract was conducted. Using immunohistochemistry, the levels of oxytocin receptor were evaluated in five layers of the uterus, the epithelial, superficial glandular, deep glandular, and circular and longitudinal smooth muscles of the myometrium, and were quantified using an H-score. On average, the age and body weight of sows and the total number of piglets born per litter were 799.8 ± 327.8 days, 213.2 ± 31.7 kg, and 15.5 ± 4.8, respectively. The numbers of ovulations in sows in parity number 1 (19.9 ± 2.4) were lower than those in sows in parity numbers 2-5 (29.7 ± 2.0, p = 0.004) and ≥6 (27.7 ± 2.1, p = 0.022). The uterine weights of sows in parity number 1 (902.9 ± 112.5 g) were lower than those of parity numbers 2-5 (1442.1 ± 111.8 g, p = 0.001) and ≥6 (1394.3 ± 125.1 g, p = 0.004). The length of the uterus in sows with parity number 1 (277.9 ± 26.1 cm) was shorter than those in sows with parity numbers 2-5 (354.6 ± 25.9 cm, p = 0.033) and tended to be shorter than those in sows with parity numbers ≥ 6 (346.6 ± 29.0 cm, p = 0.068). The immunolocalization of oxytocin receptors could be detected in various parts of the porcine endometrium and myometrium. Among the five tissue layers of the uterus, the H-score of oxytocin receptors in the deep uterine glands was greater than in the superficial uterine glands (p = 0.023) and the circular muscle layer of the myometrium (p = 0.011), but it did not differ from the epithelial layer of the endometrium (p = 0.428) or the longitudinal muscle layer of the myometrium (p = 0.081). Sows with parity numbers ≥ 6 had a lower oxytocin receptor H-score than those with parity numbers 1 (p < 0.001) and 2-5 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, these data emphasize the notable variations in several reproductive parameters and the levels of oxytocin receptor within the uterus of hyperprolific sows. Across the majority of uterine tissue layers, there was a marked decrease in the H-score of the oxytocin receptor in the older sows.

Impact of the oral contraceptive pill on the rate of ovarian cancer incidence in different races of women.

10521 Background: The rate of ovarian cancer incidence has drastically decreased over the years, though it is the fifth most leading cause of cancer death in women. Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are a major cause for the decline due to decreasing the number of ovulations in a woman’s lifetime. In fact, women who have ever used OCPs have a 30-50% lower risk of ovarian cancer incidence compared to women who have never used OCP. This study compares the use of OCP in different races of women and its effect on the decline in incidence of ovarian cancer. Methods: The average rate of incidence per 100,000 cases per year for ovarian cancer in White, Asian and Black females was obtained from the National Program of Cancer Registries and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program SEER*Stat Database: NPCR and SEER Incidence – U.S. Cancer Statistics 2001–2019 Public Use Research Database. The National Center for Health Statistics, National Survey of Family Growth was used to find ever use of OCP among sexually experienced women ages 15–49 in the United States for 2002 and 2015-2019. Results: White women, in the year 2002 and 2019 had a rate of ever OCP use of 87% and 87.5% respectively. During that same time period, they had the most drastic decrease in ovarian cancer incidence of 43%, compared to Black and Asian female population. In 2002, the incidence rate of ovarian cancer for White women was 14.6 per 100,000. 17 years later, in 2019, it dropped to 10.2 per 100,000. Black women had the second highest ever use of OCP and the second highest rate of change for ovarian cancer incidence. In 2002, 79.1% of Black women had ever used OCPs compared to 73% in 2019. In 17 years, the incidence rate per 100,00 decreased 39% for Black women. Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2002 was 10.4 and incidence rate in 2019 was 7.5 per 100,000. Asian women comparatively had the lowest ever use of OCP and the lowest rate of change for ovarian cancer incidence. Data was not available for 2002, but in 2019, Asian women’s ever use of OCP was 65.6%. Incidence of ovarian cancer for Asian women decreased by 21% between the years 2002 to 2019. Rate per 100,000 was 10.8 in 2002 and decreased to 8.9 per 100,000 in 2019. Conclusions: The oral contraceptive pill was made available in the year 1960. Since then, it has been a large factor as to why ovarian cancer incidence has declined. Healthcare disparities and cultural differences play a part in the rate of OCP use across different races of women. This, in turn, leads to varying levels of ovarian cancer incidence decline with White women having the highest rate, followed by Black, then Asian women. Ovarian cancer has a high mortality due to inadequate screening techniques and late diagnosis which is perpetuated by cultural barriers to receiving care. A decreased risk of ovarian cancer should be considered as a benefit when prescribing OCPs and a protective factor among all studied races.

Berberine alleviates ovarian tissue damage in mice with hepatolenticular degeneration by suppressing ferroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress

ObjectiveHepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that manifests as multiorgan damage due to impaired copper (Cu) metabolism. Female patients with HLD often experience reproductive impairments. This study investigated the protective effect of berberine against ovarian damage in toxic-milk (TX) mice, a murine model for HLD. MethodsMice were categorized into control group, HLD TX group (HLD group), penicillamine (Cu chelator)-treated TX group and berberine-treated TX group. Body weight, ovary weight and the number of ovulated eggs were recorded. Follicular morphology and cellular ultrastructure were examined. Total iron, ferrous iron (Fe2+) and trivalent iron (Fe3+) levels, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), were measured in the ovaries. Western blot analysis was used to analyze the expression of proteins related to ferroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ResultsOvarian tissue damage was evident in the HLD group, with a significant increase in ferroptosis and ER stress compared to the control group. This damage was inhibited by treatment with penicillamine, a Cu chelator. Compared with the HLD group, berberine increased the number of ovulations, and improved ovarian morphology and ultrastructure. Further, we found that berberine reduced total iron, Fe2+, MDA and GSSG levels, elevated GSH levels, decreased the expression of the ferroptosis marker protein prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and increased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. Furthermore, berberine inhibited the expression of ER stress-associated proteins mediated by the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway. ConclusionFerroptosis and ER stress are involved in Cu-induced ovarian damage in TX mice. Berberine ameliorates ovarian damage in HLD TX mice by inhibiting ferroptosis and ER stress.Please cite this article as: Liu QZ, Han H, Fang XR, Wang LY, Zhao D, Yin MZ, Zhang N, Jiang PY, Ji ZH, Wu LM. Berberine alleviates ovarian tissue damage in mice with hepatolenticular degeneration by suppressing ferroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(4): 494–503.

Taxonomic Evaluation of Zingiberaceae

The order Scitaminales is generally accepted as a well-knit assemblage of closely related and highly advanced monocotyledons and forms a natural group. Among the families of the order, the Zingiberaceae are the largest and are best represented in India, there being 21 genera including more than 200 species.The family is of special interest from the taxonomic stand point. On the basis of morphological differences, Schumann (1904) divided the Zingiberaceae into two subfamilies : the Zingiberoideae with many genera and Gostoidae with four genera namely, Costus (tropics), Monocostus (Peru), Dimerocostus (tropical America) and Tapeinochilus (Tabutu). The Costoideae differs from the rest of the family in showing vegetative and floral organization that is unique among the flowering plants. Therefore, morphologically, they form a natural group that deserves the status of a subfamily.It is accepted that taxonomy should be based on evidences from as many disciplines as possible in the final evaluation of its units. But among the Costoideae, only Costus has been studied in detail. As the other genera of the Costoideae agree with Costus in anatomy, Tomlinson (1956) considers it reasonable to assume that the features that serve to distinguish Costus from the Zingiberaceae are equally diagnostic for the Costoidae as a whole. A list of diagnostic characters obtained from various disciplines are given in table I. These evidences also reveal that Costoideae is distinct and forms a natural group deserving the rank of a subfamily.Certain-outstanding feature of the Costoideae are unique not only to the family, but also to the order Scitaminales as a whole. Perhaps, because of these Tomlinson (1956) has suggested that the Costoideae may possibly be given a family rank. However, although Tomlinson’s view is really encouraging, it is necessary to study the features of other genera of the Costoideae, with respect to various disciplines, in order to decide such an issue, instead of depending on the results obtained only on Costus.The Zingiberaceae is further subdivided into three tribes Globbeae, Hedychieae and Zingibereae on the basis of the nature of lateral staminodes and the ovary. For the taxonomic consideration of tribes, there are no adequate data. However, it can be said that further research in the divergent fields on many more genera may only help in solving the taxonomic problems.To a systematist the four families of the Scitaminales show an interesting floral organization, although they form a natural group because of certain morphological features common to all the families. A line of reduction in the number of stamens and ovules can be recognised in this order. The data available from various disciplines are too inadequate to verify the prevailing systematic arrangement of the families of the order. Nevertheless, the available embryological data consolidated in the table II unmistakably speak of a common ancestry of the families and their grouping in the order Scitaminales. At the same time certain distinguishing features of each family are probably suggestive of a family rank for each of them.

Bariatric surgery for spontaneous ovulation in women living with polycystic ovary syndrome: the BAMBINI multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Obesity exacerbates the reproductive complications of PCOS; however, the management of obesity in women with PCOS remains a large unmet clinical need. Observational studies have indicated that bariatric surgery could improve the rates of ovulatory cycles and prospects of fertility; however, the efficacy of surgery on ovulation rates has not yet been compared with behavioural modifications and medical therapy in a randomised trial. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery versus medical care on ovulation rates in women with PCOS, obesity, and oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea. In this multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial, 80 women older than 18 years, with a diagnosis of PCOS based on the 2018 international evidence-based guidelines for assessing and managing PCOS, and a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher, were recruited from two specialist obesity management centres and via social media. Participants were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to either vertical sleeve gastrectomy or behavioural interventions and medical therapy using a computer-generated random sequence (PLAN procedure in SAS) by an independent researcher not involved with any other aspect of the clinical trial. The median age of the entire cohort was 31 years and 79% of participants were White. The primary outcome was the number of biochemically confirmed ovulatory events over 52 weeks, and was assessed using weekly serum progesterone measurements. The primary endpoint included the intention-to-treat population and safety analyses were per-protocol population. This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN16668711). Participants were recruited from Feb 20, 2020 to Feb 1, 2021. 40 participants were assigned to each group and there were seven dropouts in the medical group and ten dropouts in the surgical group. The median number of ovulations was 6 (IQR 3·5-10·0) in the surgical group and 2 (0·0-4·0) in the medical group. Women in the surgical group had 2.5 times more spontaneous ovulations compared with the medical group (incidence rate ratio 2·5 [95% CI 1·5-4·2], p<0·0007). There were more complications in the surgical group than the medical group, although without long-term sequelae. There were 24 (66·7%) adverse events in the surgical group and 12 (30·0%) in the medical group. There were no treatment-related deaths. Bariatric surgery was more effective than medical care for the induction of spontaneous ovulation in women with PCOS, obesity, and oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea. Bariatric surgery could, therefore, enhance the prospects of spontaneous fertility in this group of women. The Jon Moulton Charity Trust.

Impact of a heterogeneous environment on the population expansion of the harmful plant Iris ruthenica Ker-Gawl. in the high mountain grasslands.

Iris ruthenica Ker-Gawl. (Russian iris) is a perennial, clonal, herbaceous plant that is spread across the degraded mountain grasslands in northern Xinjiang. In this study, to explore the breeding system and the impact of slope orientation on the flowering phenology, pollination characteristics, and other aspects of I. ruthenica, we used a combination of field observations and controlled experiments to compare the population density, flowering phenology, floral characteristics, breeding system, and pollinator type and behavior of plants on different slope orientations. Vegetation coverage on the north (N), southwest (SW), and southeast (SE) slopes was 90%, 67%, and 53%, respectively. Differences in plant height and diameter were observed between the SE slope and the N and SW slopes, whereas the N and SW slopes were similar in these respects. The SE slope exhibited the earliest initial flowering time, followed by the SW and N slopes. The diameter of the corolla, distance between the stigma and anther, length of the anther and ovary, number of pollen grains, and number of ovules on the N slope were smaller than those on the SE and SW slopes, whereas those of the SE and SW slopes were similar. Artificial pollination experiments showed that neither bagging nor unbagging resulted in seed formation after emasculation for all slope orientations. The pollinating insects of I. ruthenica included Bombus sp., Amegilla leptocoma, Andrena sp., and Halictus sp.; the types and numbers of pollinating insects differed among slopes. In summary, on SE and SW slopes with high temperatures and sufficient sunlight, this species attracted pollinators and provided them with more opportunities to visit and pollinate by flowering early, with large numbers of blooms, and a longer flowering period and lifespan, ensuring successful reproduction. Under unfavorable conditions, such as insufficient pollinators and limited activity caused by the more stressful environmental conditions of the N slope (including low temperature and insufficient light), this species ensures a certain seed yield by increasing its self-compatibility.

Study on the relationship between the changes in polyamine content and seedless grapes embryo rescue breeding.

This study was envisaged to investigate the physiological reasons affecting the embryo development and abortion of seedless grapes on the basis of the previous embryo rescue breeding techniques of seedless grapes. Specifically, the relationship between the embryo rescue breeding of seedless grapes and the change of polyamine content was evaluated, in order to provide hybrid germplasm in the breeding of new seedless grape cultivars. Four ovules of 4 naturally pollinated Eurasian seedless grape cultivars, including 'Thompson Seedless' grape (hereinafter referred to as 'Seedless White' grape), 'Flame Seedless' grape, 'Heshi Seedless' grape and 'Ruby Seedless' grape were employed for the study. Changes in the endogenous polyamine content, exogenous polyamine content, and the suitable combination of exogenous polyamines in the seedless grape berries and isolated ovules were determined during the best embryo rescue period. Furthermore, the effect of different exogenous polyamine contents on the germination and seedling rate of different seedless grape embryos was analyzed. In the best embryo rescue period, the number of ovules had different effects on the content of polyamines. For seedless grape cultivars with 4 ovules, a high content of polyamines was found to be more beneficial in the embryonic development. The existence of embryos had different effects on the development of embryos. In the ovules with embryo, an increase in the content of polyamine was beneficial to the growth and development of the ovule. Different ratios of exogenous polyamines had varying effects on the embryonic development. Putrescine (Put) exhibited the greatest effect on the embryonic development. Further, correlation analysis showed that different combinations of exogenous polyamines had varying effects on the embryonic development. A maximal ovule development was observed in the combination of exogenous polyamines of putrescine2+spermidine2+spermine1. For maximal embryo germination and seeding formation, the optimal combination was putrescine2+spermidine2+spermine2. Irrespective to the number of ovules or the existence of embryos, the results indicated that a high content of endogenous polyamines promoted the growth and development of embryos. The embryo rescue efficiency of different exogenous polyamines was different, and the appropriate combination of exogenous polyamines was beneficial to the growth and development of ovules, with a high development rate of the ovule and seedling.

A randomized controlled trial comparing pioglitazone and metformin prior to in vitro fertilization in polycystic ovary syndrome - associated infertile women: impact on pregnancy rates.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the significant causes of infertility. Impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance add chiefly to the pathogenesis of PCOS. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of metformin and pioglitazone (insulin sensitizers) on the quality of the ovum and pregnancy rate in the IVF cycle. In this randomized clinical trial study, 172 infertile women with PCO were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either 15mg pioglitazone (case group) or 1000mg metformin (control group) twice a day for 6 weeks before IVF, and the pregnancy rate was compared across the groups. The number of ovum and embryos were also accessed and compared between the two groups. In the study, 172 patients participated. The mean age in the control and case groups was 32.09±3.9 years and 32.12±3.9 years, respectively, with no significant age difference. In both groups, the mean number of IVF eggs retrieved was 11.76±3.7 (control) and 11.86±3.7 (case), and the number of embryos formed was 7.43±2.8 (control) and 7.87±3.5 (case), with no significant disparities (P<0.05). Regarding positive pregnancies, 28 out of 86 (32.6%) occurred in the control group, while 42 out of 86 (48.8%) happened in the case group, demonstrating a significant difference (P=0.03). According to the results obtained in this study, it may be concluded that pioglitazone is superior to metformin in IVF cycles in PCOS-associated infertile women leading to a higher pregnancy rate.

Soil drought during the development of cotton ovule destroyed the antioxidant balance of cotton pistil to hinder the ovule formation

AbstractReproductive failure in cotton caused by drought has been reported to be closely associated with alterations in pistil fertility; however, the mechanism of the effect of drought on pistil fertility in cotton is less studied. We hypothesized that drought would inhibit the ovule formation to alter pistil potential fertility. To address this hypothesis, we conducted a water deficit induction experiment with a cotton cultivar, Dexiamian 1. Results showed that drought damaged the cytological structure of the developing ovules. This resulted in a lower ovule number, finally leading to lower cottonseed number and boll weight. And the decreased ovule number was closely related to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in pistil during ovule development. Further analysis of antioxidant metabolism found that in the enzymatic antioxidant system, drought decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), resulting in the accumulation of superoxide anion () and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Regarding the non‐enzymatic antioxidant system, the elevated glutathione reductase gene (GhGR) expression under drought promoted the glutathione (GSH) accumulation; however, the decreased dehydroascorbate reductase gene (GhDHAR2) expression under drought inhibited the conversion of GSH to ascorbic acid (AsA). Although the increased monodehydroascorbate reductase gene (GhMDHAR) expression under drought promoted AsA accumulation, drought‐induced reduced ascorbate peroxidase gene (GhAPX) expression inhibited the reduction of H2O2 by AsA, which ultimately led to higher AsA content and H2O2 content. We conclude that drought impedes the ovule formation by disturbing pistil's antioxidant metabolic homeostasis to destruct the cytological structure of the developing ovules.

JAGGER localization and function are dependent on GPI anchor addition

Key messageGPI anchor addition is important for JAGGER localization and in vivo function. Loss of correct GPI anchor addition in JAGGER, negatively affects its localization and function.In flowering plants, successful double fertilization requires the correct delivery of two sperm cells to the female gametophyte inside the ovule. The delivery of a single pair of sperm cells is achieved by the entrance of a single pollen tube into one female gametophyte. To prevent polyspermy, Arabidopsis ovules avoid the attraction of multiple pollen tubes to one ovule–polytubey block. In Arabidopsisjagger mutants, a significant number of ovules attract more than one pollen tube to an ovule due to an impairment in synergid degeneration. JAGGER encodes a putative arabinogalactan protein which is predicted to be anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Here, we show that JAGGER fused to citrine yellow fluorescent protein (JAGGER-cYFP) is functional and localizes mostly to the periphery of ovule integuments and transmitting tract cells. We further investigated the importance of GPI-anchor addition domains for JAGGER localization and function. Different JAGGER proteins with deletions in predicted ω-site regions and GPI attachment signal domain, expected to compromise the addition of the GPI anchor, led to disruption of JAGGER localization in the cell periphery. All JAGGER proteins with disrupted localization were also not able to rescue the polytubey phenotype, pointing to the importance of GPI-anchor addition to in vivo function of the JAGGER protein.