Ovarian Size Research Articles

Seasonal changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress and ovarian steroidogenesis in the muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus).

Many studies have shown roles for endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)/unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling cascades with ovarian folliculogenesis, and oocyte maturation. In this study, we investigated seasonal changes in ERS and ovarian steroidogenesis in the muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) during the breeding season (BS) and non-breeding season (NBS). There were noticeable seasonal variations in the weight and size of muskrat ovaries with values higher in the BS than that in NBS. The circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 17β-estradiol, and progesterone of the female muskrats were higher during the BS. The RNA-seq data of ovaries during different seasons revealed 2580 differentially expressed genes, further analysis showed a prominent enrichment of ERS-related pathways and ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. Immunohistochemical results showed that GRP78 and steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3β-HSD, P450c17, and P450arom) existed in the various kinds of cells in muskrat ovaries during the BS and NBS. In ovaries from the BS, the mRNA levels of P450scc, P450arom, P450c17, and 3β-HSD were considerably higher. Furthermore, the expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes (SOD2, CAT, and GPX1) and UPR signal genes (Bip/GRP78, ATF4, ATF6, and XBP1s) were increased strikingly higher during the BS in comparison with the NBS. However, the mRNA levels of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-3 had no considerable difference between the BS and NBS. Taken together, these results suggested that UPR signaling associated with the seasonal changes in ovarian steroidogenesis is activated in the BS and the delicate balance in redox regulation is important for seasonal reproduction in the muskrats.

Therapeutic Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Wistar Rats.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most frequent gynecological endocrine disorder that causes anovulatory infertility. The current study aimed to investigate the potential significance of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), an IL-1 inhibitor, in the treatment of letrozole-induced PCOS in rats that satisfied the metabolic and endocrine parameters found in PCOS patients. Letrozole (2ppm, per orally, p.o.) was given orally to female Wistar rats for 21days to develop PCOS. After PCOS induction, rats were given SeNPs (25ppm/day, p.o.), SeNPs (50ppm/day, p.o.), or metformin (2ppm/day, p.o.) for 14days. PCOS was associated with an increase in body weight, ovarian weight, ovarian size, and cysts, as well as an increase in blood testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and insulin, glycaemia, and lipid profile levels. The SeNP administration decreased all of these variables. Furthermore, SeNPs significantly reduced letrozole-induced oxidative stress in the ovaries, muscles, and liver by decreasing elevated levels of malondialdehyde and total nitrite while raising suppressed levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. SeNPs increased the amounts of the protective proteins Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and OH-1. It was depicted from the study that SeNPs reduce the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines that are interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and the interleukin 1 (IL-1). Our findings show that SeNPs, through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, alleviate letrozole-induced PCOS.

Ovule abortion and seed set of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown under high temperature

In pea, high temperatures during reproductive development lead to severe yield loss. Although the ovule is the seed precursor, studies elucidating the effect of heat on this plant structure are scarce. We investigated the impact of heat in the field and growth chamber on ovules 4 days after the open flower (4DOF) stage. Objectives were to identify associations between ovaries and plant performance, and to evaluate seed set and ovule abortion of heat-treated plants for six cultivars from a diverse range of seed-to-ovule ratios. In the field, plants were seeded at early (control, [early seeded pea, ESP]) and late (stress plant [late seeded pea, LSP]) periods in the season. In growth chambers, plants were exposed to heat (35/18 °C) at early flowering for 4 days and then evaluated at maturity. Stressed plants (LSP) displayed twice as many aborted ovules than ESP during early embryo growth (pro-embryo to globular stage) in synchrony with reduced ovaries, ovules, and embryo sac size. Cultivars with reduced ovary size at 4DOF were related to a high number of reproductive nodes and pods in LSP ( r = −0.44 to −0.48). Similarly, under growth chamber conditions, heat caused seed reduction by increasing the abortion of immature ovules (early embryonic stages) at various reproductive nodes. Collectively, our results indicated that pea seed loss from heat in the field is largely due to early embryo abortion, a novel finding, rather than disruption of pre-fertilization events. Compensatory effects on plant performance infer plant resource adjustment. Our findings contribute to the assessment and selection of high-yielding pea cultivars for future warming seasons.

Diagnostic Performance of Ovarian Morphology on Ultrasonography across Anovulatory Conditions-Impact of Body Mass Index.

The study objectives were to determine whether ovarian morphology can distinguish between women with regular menstrual cycles, normo-androgenic anovulation (NA-Anov), and PCOS and whether body mass index (BMI)-specific thresholds improved diagnostic potential. Women with PCOS (biochemical and/or clinical hyperandrogenism and irregular cycles; N = 66), NA-Anov (irregular cycles without clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism; N = 64), or regular cycles (controls; cycles every 21-35 days in the absence of clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism; N = 51) were evaluated. Participants underwent a reproductive history, physical exam, transvaginal ultrasound, and a fasting blood sample. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the impact of BMI on ovarian morphology across groups. The diagnostic performance of ovarian morphology for anovulatory conditions, and by BMI (lean: <25 kg/m2; overweight: ≥25 kg/m2), was tested using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Follicle number per ovary (FNPO) and ovarian volume (OV), but not follicle number per cross-section (FNPS), increased across controls, NA-Anov, and PCOS. Overall, FNPO had the best diagnostic performance for PCOS versus controls (AUCROC = 0.815) and NA-Anov and controls (AUCROC = 0.704), and OV to differentiate between PCOS and NA-Anov (AUCROC = 0.698). In lean women, FNPO best differentiated between PCOS and controls (AUCROC = 0.843) and PCOS versus NA-Anov (AUCROC = 0.710). FNPS better distinguished between NA-Anov and controls (AUCROC = 0.687), although diagnostic performance was lower than when thresholds were generated using all participants. In women with overweight and obesity, OV persisted as the best diagnostic feature across all analyses (PCOS versus control, AUCROC = 0.885; PCOS versus NA-Anov, AUCROC = 0.673; NA-Anov versus controls, AUCROC = 0.754). Ovarian morphology holds diagnostic potential to distinguish between NA-Anov and PCOS, with marginal differences in diagnostic potential when participants were stratified by BMI suggesting that follicle number may provide better diagnostic performance in lean women and ovarian size in those with overweight.

Effect of Different Protocols of Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination on Mucus, Ovarian Size, and Pregnancy of Mixed-Breed Cows in the Humid Tropics of Peru.

The objective of the research was to evaluate three synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in Bos indicus with Bos taurus crossbred cows. Forty-five cows of 5 ± 1.6 years were selected. The Jsynch treatment consisted of the application of an intravaginal device plus benzoate; on day 8, the device was removed and PGF2α, estradiol cypionate plus eCG was applied, and the FTAI was performed at 48-52 hours after. Conventional treatment consisted of the application of an intravaginal device plus benzoate; on day 8, the device was removed and PGF2α plus eCG was injected, and on day 9, estradiol benzoate was administered, and FTAI was performed at 30 hours. The Ovsynch treatment consisted of the application of GnRH, and on day 8, PGF2α was applied, on day 9, GnRH was applied again, and on day 10, FTAI plus GnRH was applied. The diagnosis of pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasound 45 days after the FTAI. The Jsynch (39.1%) and conventional (39.1%) treatment showed higher pregnancy compared to the Ovsynch treatment (21.7%) of pregnancy. The presence of crystalline mucus at the time of the FTAI was significantly associated with pregnancy. The results of this investigation indicate that it is possible to obtain acceptable pregnancy rates with the FTAI in B. indicus with B. taurus crossbred milk-producing cows, and treatments with progesterone-releasing devices plus eCG can improve the reproductive performance of cows.

Features of changes in morphometric indicators of ovaries of laying hans during postnatal ontogenesis

The peculiarities of changes in the linear size and weight of ovaries of oviparous hens at different physiological stages of postnatal ontogenesis have been studied. The absolute indicator of the linear size and weight of the egg of hens is characterized by an intensive increase from the first 15 days of postnatal ontogenesis to 35 days, as well as the duration of this condition up to 120 days, physiological maturity, that the highest at 168 days, a decrease in this indicator to 570 days due to the stage of generative extinction of ovarian function at the stages after 168 days, morphometrically established that the coefficient of increase in indicators is higher in weight compared with linear dimensions in the period from 15 to 570 days of postnatal ontogenesis. It was also established that the cytoplasm of the oocyte is homogeneous, weakly basophilic, the nucleus is somewhat shifted to the periphery, the chromatin is in a dispersed state, and the nucleolus is clearly visible in the nucleus. Follicular epithelium is single-layer squamous. The nuclei of epithelial cells are hyperchromatic, flattened, the cytoplasm is weakly basophilic. Around the follicle lies loose connective tissue, the main cellular elements of which are fibroblasts.

Prevalence and ultrasound features of polycystic ovaries in young females examined by pelvic ultrasound in primary health care in Qatar. Electronic Medical record-based study

Background and study aim: PCOS is a common recognized, heterogeneous disorder affecting women throughout their lifetime and it shows an excess production of androgens hor¬mone, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic changes of the ovaries which can be seen by ultrasonography. Ultrasound is the first imaging modality widely used in pelvic imaging. It is a non-invasive, rapid, painless, and safe imaging technique with no radiation. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and ultrasound features of PCOS among young females. Patients and Methods: A Multi-center retrospective descriptive electronic record-based study for all subjects with a valid ultrasound of the ovaries done in PHCC health centers from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The available pelvic ultrasound images were assessed for presence of PCOS sonographic criteria. Prevalence of PCO was calculated. The sonographic features of PCO were described. Results: The current study showed prevalence of PCO among young female with age ranging from 15 to 35 years, to be 6.85% with the majority of cases being bilateral. While unilateral cases were more in the right ovary. Cases with PCO peripheral follicular arrangement were found to be the highest described sonographic finding in PCO cases. Conclusion: Ultrasound plays a major role in PCO diagnosis. The assessment of the ovaries has been greatly improved by sonographic diagnostic criteria of PCO. In addition to demonstration of ovarian size, ultrasonography can evaluate the characteristic patterns of follicles distribution and ovarian stromal changes. Key Words: Prevalence, PCO, US, Pelvis, Qatar.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome complicating spontaneous molar pregnancy: a case report

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare finding that occurs in early pregnancy. There is a rapidly increasing ovarian size secreting vasoactive substances that lead to fluid shift into third spaces. It can be associated with a spectrum of other clinical findings, including ascites, hemoconcentration, hypercoagulability, and electrolyte imbalances. OHSS most commonly occurs as a complication of treatment with in vitro fertilization medications, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. OHSS has infrequently been reported to be caused by high hCG levels in molar pregnancies. We present a case of OHSS complicating spontaneous molar pregnancy. A 25‑year gravida 3, para 2+0, living 2 lady presented with complaints of continuous vaginal bleeding for 2 weeks and lower abdominal pain at 17 weeks' gestation. A bulky uterus containing a large hyperechoic structure with multiple cystic spaces suggestive of complete molar gestation and enlarged ovaries containing multiple cysts were seen on ultrasound imaging. She was managed successfully with conservative and supportive treatment.

The biological characteristics of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Weija Reservoir, Ghana

Abstract. Kpelly DK, Blay Jr.J, Yankson K. 2022. The biological characteristics of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Weija Reservoir, Ghana. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 12: 41-54. Studies on the biological characteristics of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) were undertaken in a manufactured lake, the Weija Reservoir, in Ghana from September 2007 to August 2008. From commercial landings, a sum of 657 specimens of O. niloticus was examined, of which 357 were males and 300 were females (sex ratio of 1: 0.84; P &lt; 0.05). GSI was highest in March and May 2008 and low in December 2007 and August 2008, which suggested that O. niloticus spawned throughout the year, but major spawning occurred in March. The length at first sexual maturity (L50) was 16.33 cm for males and 13.49 cm for females. Observations on the frequency distribution of ovum size measured between 1.2 to 3.1 mm showed two distinct peaks that were not completely separated, which were probably shedding eggs in batches, indicating protracted spawning in the population. Fecundity ranged from 563 to 1542 ova for fish of total length 15.6-21.5 cm with a mean of 851 ± 13.2 eggs. The relationships between fecundity and body weight (BW) and fecundity (F) and total length (TL) were: F = 0.519 BW + 785.4 and F = 12.36 TL + 628.5. Furthermore, based on studies on monthly fluctuations in the GSI and the occurrence of the ripe gonad, the major reproductive activity of O. niloticus in the reservoir coincided with months with increasing total alkalinity, reduced water temperature, and dissolved oxygen. The regression coefficient of 3.1 for the length-weight relationship (for both females and males) was not significantly different from the expected value of (P &gt; 0.05), indicating isometric growth of the population. Therefore, collection of the species as seed for stocking or brood stock or by fish farmers is recommended in March-April. Moreover, appropriate management policies with periodic studies of the fishery and the limnology of the reservoir are essential to sustain fishery production.

Effect of ondansetron for preventing of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: in an experimental rat model

Objective: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is an iatrogenic condition that occurs in the treatment of infertility. There is no specific treatment available for OHSS. Cabergoline is a dopamine receptor 2 agonist and VEGF-VEGF2 receptor antagonist . Recently, cabergoline has been widely used to prevent the development of OHSS and reduce its severity Serotonin is known as a neurotransmitter and thought to have a role in the mechanism of angiogenesis and in signaling in endothelial cells. Serotonin is said to have similar effects to VEGF . Ondansetron is Selective Serotonin (5-HT3) Receptor Antagonist . It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting. In the clinical practice today, there is no choice other than cabergoline, to prevent occurrence and reduce severity of OHSS, and sometimes its effects are limited. Methods: In our study, we compared the effect of cabergoline and ondansetron. 32 immature rats were used and the OHSS model was created. Parameters such as hematocrit value , ovarian size, the number of follicles in the ovary, endometrial capillary congestion and thickness values were evaluated and compared. Results: As a result, in our study, it was seen that ondansetron was effective on OHSS in many parameters. It is thought to be as effective as cabergoline. When we look at the literature, this is the first study in which ondansetron was evaluated for this purpose. It would be good to show this effect of ondansetron with other studies.

Anti-Müllerian hormone in queens: Serum concentrations and total ovarian follicle population

The objectives of this study were: a) To report anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum concentrations in neonatal, pre and postpubertal female cats. b) To establish the relationship between serum AMH with either age and estrous cycle c) To correlate the total number of different ovarian follicle types with AMH in adult queens. A single blood sample was collected from 10 neonates (including 5 male), 15 prepubertal and 48 postpubertal female cats to measure AMH. Eight, 10, and 18 of this latter group were in follicular (FP), luteal phase (LP), and anestrus (AN), respectively. The total number of each follicle type was histologically counted using the Gougeon and Chainy (1987) formula in a subgroup of 10 adult queens. Overall AMH mean of these the female cats was 6.31 ± 0.54 ng/mL. The neonatal females had lower AMH serum concentrations than their male littermates (2.56 ± 0.49 vs. >23 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Concentrations were also higher in prepubertal than in neonatal and postpubertal cats (11.79 ± 1.36 vs. 2.56 ± 0.49 vs. 4.87 ± 0.38 ng/mL; P < 0.01). Queens below 12 mo of age had the highest AMH levels (10.41 ± 1.16; P < 0.01). Age was inversely correlated with AMH (r = −0.5; P < 0.01). Animals in FP had lower AMH concentrations than AN females (2.51 ± 0.33 vs. 5.46 ± 0.76 ng/mL; P < 0.05). No difference in the total number of each follicle type were found between either ovary (P > 0.05). A high correlation was only found between small antral follicles and AMH concentrations (r = 0.85; P < 0.01). It was concluded, that AMH can provide an indirect, reliable marker for the assessment of ovarian follicle size and functionality. Age as well as pubertal state should be considered when evaluating AMH concentrations in this species.

Morphometric and physiological development confirm skull ossification level as a reliable indicator of age in a passerine bird, the Noisy Miner

In birds, several physiological characters have been proposed and tested as possible criteria of age. Among them, skull development is likely to provide a valuable reflection of other physiological developments, however the relationship between skull ossification and other physiological and morphometric traits has rarely been quantified within species. Here, we investigated suitability of skull ossification as an indicator of age in Noisy Miners (Manorina melanocephala), an Australian passerine bird. We compared skull ossification with other age indicators including the bursa of Fabricius, gonadal development, and a range of commonly used body size measures that included wing length and tarsus length. We carried out morphological measurements on 1251 individual Noisy Miner carcasses that had been collected during a culling experiment in November, December and May 2015–2016 from north-eastern NSW, Australia. The probability of a bursa of Fabricius being present in an individual bird changed with skull ossification level, with a significant reduction in the size of the bursa of Fabricius correlating with the degree of skull ossification. In male Noisy Miners, birds that were at a later stage of skull ossification had significantly larger testis size than those with a lower stages of skull ossification. In females, ovary size increased significantly as skull ossification progressed. In both sexes, skull ossification level was also correlated with body mass and skeletal measures. Given this, the level of skull ossification in Noisy Miners accurately correlates with other age indicators, and can justifiably be used as a non-invasive aging method in the field for live birds.

The molecular basis of socially induced egg-size plasticity in honey bees.

Reproduction involves the investment of resources into offspring. Although variation in reproductive effort often affects the number of offspring, adjustments of propagule size are also found in numerous species, including the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera. However, the proximate causes of these adjustments are insufficiently understood, especially in oviparous species with complex social organization in which adaptive evolution is shaped by kin selection. Here, we show in a series of experiments that queens predictably and reversibly increase egg size in small colonies and decrease egg size in large colonies, while their ovary size changes in the opposite direction. Additional results suggest that these effects cannot be solely explained by egg-laying rate and are due to the queens' perception of colony size. Egg-size plasticity is associated with quantitative changes of 290 ovarian proteins, most of which relate to energy metabolism, protein transport, and cytoskeleton. Based on functional and network analyses, we further study the small GTPase Rho1 as a candidate regulator of egg size. Spatio-temporal expression analysis via RNAscope and qPCR supports an important role of Rho1 in egg-size determination, and subsequent RNAi-mediated gene knockdown confirmed that Rho1 has a major effect on egg size in honey bees. These results elucidate how the social environment of the honey bee colony may be translated into a specific cellular process to adjust maternal investment into eggs. It remains to be studied how widespread this mechanism is and whether it has consequences for population dynamics and epigenetic influences on offspring phenotype in honey bees and other species.

Follicular Dynamics and Endocrine Profile during Normal Estrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy in Surti Buffaloes

The study was conducted on Surti buffaloes for follicular dynamics and endocrine profile during normal estrous cycle (n=6) and early pregnancy (n=6). In cyclic and early pregnant buffaloes, one-wave (33.33% vs. 50.00%) and two-waves (66.66% vs. 50.00%) follicular development was recorded, without three-wave pattern. In cyclic buffalo, the length of estrous cycle and duration of inter-ovulatory interval were little shorter in one wave cycles than in two wave cycles (22.50±0.50 and 23.25±0.25 days). The number of follicles differed non-significantly within and between cyclic and early pregnant buffaloes. The mean maximum diameter of dominant follicle of second wave was significantly larger in cyclic than early pregnant animals for two wave pattern (1.09±0.02 vs 0.73±0.02 cm). In cyclic buffaloes, the mean maximum CL size recorded was 1.21±0.02 and 1.52±0.05 cm (P&lt;0.05) in one- and two-wave cycles, respectively, whereas in early pregnant buffaloes, the corresponding CL size was 1.50±0.04 and 1.55±0.07 cm without significant difference. Thus the mean maximum CL size of early pregnant buffaloes was significantly larger than the cyclic buffaloes with one-wave cycle (1.50±0.04 vs. 1.21±0.02 cm). In the normal cyclic animals, the CL size increased gradually up to day 8 (1.30±0.04 cm) and then remained stable up to day 18 (1.26±0.15 cm), followed by regression and display of next estrus between day 19 and 21, whereas in early pregnant animals the CL size gradually increased up to day 10 (1.48±0.07 cm) and then it was maintained till day 22 (1.46±0.04 cm) of monitoring. The mean diameter of largest follicle recorded was on the day of estrus (0.98±0.07 cm) with variable development of follicles during metestrus to diestrus phase with a new follicles developed during proestrus to estrus phase reaching maximum diameter of ovulatory size (0.99±0.09 cm) between days 19 and 21, whereas in early pregnant animals, the diameter of larger follicle (0.76±0.05 cm) was not recorded up to ovulatory size. The mean concentrations of serum progesterone were lowest during peri-estrus phase, increased through early-luteal phase to a maximum concentration during mid-luteal phase (4.50±0.88 to 4.67±0.95 ng/ml) and then gradually declined through late-luteal phase of diestrus in normal cyclic animals with inverse trend in estradiol profile. However, in early pregnant animals the progesterone levels gradually increased initially and then were maintained higher (6.17±0.32 to 8.13±0.55 ng/ml) with basal estradiol throughout the luteal phase. The serum progesterone/estradiol levels were in harmony with the ovarian dynamics in both cyclic and early pregnant buffaloes. The mean concentrations of serum FSH, LH and kisspeptin in normal cyclic and early pregnant animals did not vary statistically between periods within the status or between reproductive status of animals at any of the periods. The concentration of serum kisspeptin dropped significantly in advanced pregnancy as compared to first and second trimester.

Originating ovarian follicle size is not correlated with PREGNANCY FOLLOWING transferred single thawed blastocysts regardless of the use of pre-implantation genetic screening

The effect of ovarian follicle size on oocyte maturity is a recurrent topic in the literature, while studies of the effect of follicle size on embryo implantation have been much less common. Only four prior studies have attempted to correlate the size of the ovarian follicle from which the oocyte originated with the subsequent embryo’s transfer outcome, and the findings of those studies have been mixed. No prior study included thawed embryos to preclude potential interaction effects between large follicles and endometrial receptivity, nor has any prior study included any pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) in order to consider potential effects of aneuploidy.

Cyclosporin A acts as a novel insecticide against Cry1Ac-susceptible and -resistant Helicoverpa armigera

Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is an economically important pest, which is difficult to manage due to its biological and ecological traits, and resistance to most insecticides. Alternative compounds for the sustainable management of H. armigera are needed. As a fungal metabolite, Cyclosporin A (CsA) has not been applied in agriculture pests. Here, CsA was evaluated as a propective insecticide for H. armigera. The results showed that CsA displayed high insecticidal activity against both Cry1Ac-susceptible and -resistant populations of H. armigera. Moreover, lower concentrations of CsA had clear effects, including significantly reduced pupal weight, pupation rate, emergence rate, ovary size, female fecundity and egg hatchability. Further study confirmed that CsA suppressed calcineurin activity and the subsequent expression of endogenous antimicrobial peptide genes (APMs), leading to impaired immunity, ultimately resulting in delayed development and increased mortality. Thus, CsA treatment could control the cotton bollworm population and even showed efficacy against those with Bt resistance. In addition, the morphological changes observed in insects fed CsA with lower concentrations provide insight into insect immunity, regulation of growth and development, regulation of body color, ovary development and sexual selection under external pressure. Overall, our study provides information on biological control potential of Cry1Ac-susceptible and -resistant populations of H. armigera to develop novel bioinsecticides.

PSUN373 Early Evidence for Ovarian Morphology as a Biomarker of Reproductive and Metabolic Health During the First Gynecological Year

Abstract Introduction Ovarian transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) is not recommended in the assessment of adolescent reproductive health. We have previously demonstrated feasibility of ovarian TAUS in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well as the utility of ovarian features to reflect the degree of reproductive symptomology in these older teens. Whether this feasibility and ovarian biomarker capability extends to the early post-menarcheal years is unknown. Objectives To determine the feasibility of TAUS to image ovarian morphology in early gynecological life, and to determine whether ovarian features reflect degree of metabolic or reproductive status as compared to menstrual cycle length. Methods 31 healthy adolescents are enrolled in a prospective cohort study monitoring ovarian morphology, reproductive health, and metabolic status during the first 2 years post-menarche. At 6-10 months post-menarche, all participants underwent a physical exam, TAUS and a fasting blood draw to measure reproductive hormones, lipids, and insulin. Self-recorded menstrual cycles were categorized as "irregular" if any of the three previous inter-menstrual-intervals (IMIs) were &amp;lt;21 or &amp;gt;45 days and "regular" if all three previous IMIs were 21-45 days. IMI groups were compared via Mann-Whitney U-tests. Spearman's rho correlations evaluated associations between ovarian variables, mean IMI, and reproductive and metabolic endpoints. Results Resolution of ovarian morphology was possible in all but one participant (97%). Overall image quality was judged as partially visible or excellent in 70% of the left ovaries and 80% of the right ovaries assessed. 19 participants were classified as having irregular cycles (61%), 10 as having regular cycles (32%), and 2 participants as undetermined (7%) within the first year of menarche. Reproductive, metabolic, and ovarian endpoints did not differ by cycle status (Mann-Whitney U-tests, P&amp;gt;0.05). Both the number of 2-9mm antral follicles per ovary (FNPO) and ovarian volume (OV) were positively associated with anti-Müllerian hormone (ρ=0.66, P&amp;lt;0.01; 0.55, P&amp;lt;0.01) and negatively associated with fasting insulin (ρ=-0.42, P&amp;lt;0.05; -0.51, P&amp;lt;0.01). FNPO was also positively associated with total testosterone (ρ=0.34, P&amp;lt;0.1) and negatively associated with waist-to-hip ratio (ρ=-0.32, P&amp;lt;0.1). Ovarian features were not associated with clinical measures of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism score). Unlike aspects of ovarian morphology, IMI was only significantly associated with triglycerides (ρ=-0.39, P&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion Transabdominal ovarian imaging during the early post-menarcheal period is feasible and provides sufficient resolution to enable the identification of antral follicles and ovarian size. Unlike IMI, ovarian features in early gynecological life correspond with measures of both reproductive and metabolic health. Similar to adults, we provide evidence that ovarian morphology may represent a clinically feasible biomarker to monitor reproductive health in early gynecological life. Whether ovarian features change as reproductive dysfunction, such as PCOS manifests will be determined in follow-up studies within this longitudinal cohort. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Allium halfetiense (Amaryllidaceae), a New Species from SE Turkey

Allium halfetiense Balos (Amaryllidaceae), a new species in sect. Codonoprasum, is described from Sanliurfa Province, SE Turkey. Two distinct varieties are recognized, var. halfetiense and var. cecenii Balos. These taxa resemble A. pallens, A. convollarioides, A. dentiferum and A. galileum but differ from them in a few morphological characters of leaves, flowers, spathe valves, interstaminal teeth, and in ovary and capsule size. Diagnostic characters, a description, photographs and a distribution data are provided.

The presence of ovarian endometrioma adversely affect ovarian reserve and response to stimulation but not oocyte quality or IVF/ICSI outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe possible impact of ovarian endometriomas (OMAs) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of OMAs on IVF cycle parameters, including ovarian reserve and response to stimulation, embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 2067 patients undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycles between January 2018 and December 2020. The study group included 154 infertile women who had OMAs. The control group consisted of 1913 women without endometriosis, and finally 305 women were matched according to maternal age, body mass index (BMI), and infertility duration by propensity score matching (PSM). Cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) was set as the primary outcome measure. Logistic regression analysis was conducted on the basis of clinical covariates assessed for their association with CLBRs. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of ovarian surgery, cyst size and laterality on CLBRs.ResultsWomen with OMAs had significantly lower ovarian reserve markers (AMH and AFC), number of follicles, oocytes, embryos, and top-quality embryos than women in the control group (p < 0.05). However, the CLBRs were comparable between the two groups (55.64% versus 54.34%, p = 0.806), regardless of previous history of ovarian surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed association between age (OR = 0.861; 95% CI [0.806–0.921]; p = 0.000), top-quality embryos (OR = 1.829; 95% CI [1.526–2.193]; p = 0.000) and the CLBRs. A negative correlation between OMA size and AFC levels in patients with unoperated OMAs was detected (r = -0.264, p = 0.007). Meanwhile, significant decrease in ovarian reserve with lower AFC, fewer oocytes, embryos and top-quality embryos were observed in patients with OMAs size ≥ 6 cm (p < 0.05). Moreover, ovaries with OMAs had a significantly lower AFC (P = 0.006) but similar number of oocytes when compared with contralateral ovaries without OMAs.ConclusionInfertile women with OMAs were implicated in considerable decreases in ovarian reserve and response to stimulation, but no apparent adverse effects on oocyte quality or clinical outcomes. OMAs surgery and OMAs size may adversely affect ovarian reserve, but not CLBR.

Cyclosporin A as a Potential Insecticide to Control the Asian Corn Borer Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Simple SummaryWhile chemical insecticides are conventionally effective for pest control, they also cause severe problems, such as insect resistance and environmental pollution. Alternative insecticides with distinct mechanisms are needed. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a polypeptide produced by fungi, is widely used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplantation. This study used Ostrinia furnacalis, a major pest of maize in Asia, as a model to investigate the insecticidal activity of CsA. CsA had marked insecticide activity against O. furnacalis larvae. Furthermore, sublethal doses of CsA caused negative effects on larval, pupal and adult development. CsA treatments suppressed reproduction, significantly decreasing the mating rate, ovary size, and numbers and hatchability of eggs. CsA showed excellent combined toxicities when mixed with five common insecticides, respectively. Importantly, CsA acts by suppressing calcineurin, which represents a novel insecticidal target. Thus, CsA has potential as a new insecticide for sustainable pest management.The long-term use of chemical insecticides has caused serious problems of insect resistance and environmental pollution; new insecticides are needed to solve this problem. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a polypeptide produced by many fungi, which is used to prevent or treat immune rejection during organ transplantation. However, little is known about the utility of CsA as an insecticide. Therefore, this study evaluated the insecticidal activity of CsA using Ostrinia furnacalis as a model. The results demonstrated that CsA was toxic to O. furnacalis with LC50 values of 113.02 μg/g and 198.70 μg/g for newly hatched neonates and newly molted third-instar larvae, respectively. Furthermore, CsA treatment had sublethal effects on the development of O. furnacalis, and significantly reduced the fecundity of adults; this suggests that CsA has great potential to suppress O. furnacalis populations. Further analysis revealed that CsA suppressed calcineurin activity in larvae. CsA had independent or synergistic toxic effects on O. furnacalis when combined with β-cypermethrin, indoxacarb, emamectin benzoate, azadirachtin, and the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ac, which suggests that CsA can help prevent or manage resistance. Our study provides detailed information on the potential of CsA as an insecticide for controlling lepidopterans.