Reproductive Cycle Research Articles

Genomic revolution in parasitology: Unlocking the mysteries of parasites

Whole-genome sequencing has revolutionized parasitology, offering insights into parasites' biology, evolution, and potential interventions. This discussion explores the profound impact of genomics on parasitology, from democratizing research to understanding parasites' intricacies and their relationships with hosts. High-throughput sequencing has made genomics accessible globally, allowing labs worldwide to study parasitic organisms. Whole-genome sequencing provides a comprehensive view of parasite genes and regulatory elements, facilitating in-depth biological investigations. It helps identify drug targets and reveals the genetic basis of drug resistance, which is vital for new antiparasitic drug development. Comparative genomics is a powerful tool for understanding the evolutionary relationships among parasites. Researchers create robust phylogenetic trees that clarify parasite evolution by comparing genomic data. Case studies of malaria parasites, trypanosomes, schistosomes, and Leishmania species illustrate the insights gained. Genomics also sheds light on parasite life cycles, uncovering gene expression, regulatory networks, key proteins, and molecular markers. This informs our understanding of host-specific adaptations. Practical applications encompass drug target discovery, vaccine development, diagnostics, intervention strategies, understanding drug resistance, and disease eradication efforts. In conclusion, genomics is transforming parasitology, especially whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics. It offers a holistic view of parasites and their evolution, paving the way for innovative antiparasitic strategies and contributing to the control and potential eradication of parasitic diseases.

Primary metabolic profiling of four broomrapes belonging to Orobanche and Phelipanche species

Abstract Genera of the Orobanchaceae family are holoparasites that parasitize various hosts. Several members of this family cause severe damage to diverse crop plants. While the biological and life cycles of these parasites have been studied, their metabolism has received little attention, most of which focused on Phelipanche aegyptiaca. This study aimed at obtaining more knowledge about the primary metabolic profiling of four parasite species belonging to the Orobanchaceae family – Orobanche cumana, Orobanche cernua, Phelipanche aegyptiaca and Phelipanche ramosa – that developed on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) as a host. Using GC-MS, it was shown that significant differences in metabolites content occur between species belonging to Orobanche compared to those belonging to Phelipanche. This finding adds another layer to the separation of these two genera in addition to morphological separation. Moreover, each of these four species exhibits different metabolic profiles, indicating that the parasites can absorb the host’s metabolites but also have the ability to self-regulate their metabolites in order to grow and develop.

Phenotypic characterization of different seed coat color of cowpea cultivars, Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp. in West-Central Côte d'Ivoire

Cowpea is a widely consumed legume in sub-Saharan Africa. Several cowpea cultivars based on seed coat color are widely observed. Consumers' choice of cultivar varies from one region to another. However, the lack of improved varieties and the limited availability of information on the productive potential of these cultivars is one of the constraints on the development of cowpea production. Thus, red, white, black and brown seed coat widely consumed were evaluated in the field over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023 on a plot following a randomized complete block design with four replications. Morphological and agronomic parameters showed that there were two groups of cultivars with interesting agronomic characteristics. The first group composed of the black, brown and red cultivars had a relatively short reproductive time, averaging 66 days. These cultivars are considered early. The number of fruits of these cultivars was also high, with an average of 12 fruits per plant. The second group, consisting exclusively of the white seed coat cultivar produced high biomass and plant length. It had also twice the pod and seed weight of the other cultivars. It would be possible to develop hybrids in the future, seeking, for example, to improve the seed weight of the red cultivar with a short reproductive cycle by crossing with the white seed coat cultivar, with a view to creating an early variety with a high yield.

Study of Some Reproductive Traits in Mabuya multifasciata (Sauria: Scincidae) Regarding Sexual Dimorphism during 2013-2015

The Mabuya skink is a widely distributed species in India as well as in North East India and China (Zhaao and Adler, 1995; Ngnyen et al., 2009). In fact the species Mabuya multifasciata is commonly found in the open region of villages, secondary forests of different humid regions and in the region with variable temperatures (Ngnyen et al. 2009; Li et al. 2010). Many reptiles lay eggs while Mabuya gives birth to live young. This is a unique feature in case of lizards and skink as for example Mabuya multifasciata. We studied the size of the eggs and the nutrients and its effect on the reproductive cycle. The male reproductive cycle was also studied.

Reproductive biology of the rock oyster Striostrea prismatica in two populations of the Mexican Central Pacific

ABSTRACT The oyster Striostrea prismatica is a fishery-relevant species in the eastern tropical Pacific, particularly in the Mexican Central Pacific (MCP), and little is known about its reproductive cycle. Therefore, our study analysed gametogenesis, sex ratio, sexual maturity stages, shell height at first maturity, and condition index during 2014 and 2015 in El Tizate and La Victoria in the MCP. The sex ratio was significantly biased towards males at both sites, presumably due to ontogeny or fishing pressure. The highest condition index was observed between April and May in both years, while lower values were observed from September to December. The reproductive cycle in both sites was annual, with maturity and spawning from June to August and the degradation phase in August. The condition index showed a negative correlation with temperature and chlorophyll a in both sites: as a result, the period of maximum maturity and spawning coincided with the closure of the fishery in Mexico (June-August). Females had more significant shell height at first maturity than males at both sites, possibly associated with fishing pressure. The information from this study is a significant contribution, but it is necessary to extend the studies to populations further south and further north.

Rethinking asexuality: the enigmatic case of functional sexual genes in Lepraria (Stereocaulaceae)

BackgroundThe ubiquity of sex across eukaryotes, given its high costs, strongly suggests it is evolutionarily advantageous. Asexual lineages can avoid, for example, the risks and energetic costs of recombination, but suffer short-term reductions in adaptive potential and long-term damage to genome integrity. Despite these costs, lichenized fungi have frequently evolved asexual reproduction, likely because it allows the retention of symbiotic algae across generations. The lichenized fungal genus Lepraria is thought to be exclusively asexual, while its sister genus Stereocaulon completes a sexual reproductive cycle. A comparison of sister sexual and asexual clades should shed light on the evolution of asexuality in lichens in general, as well as the apparent long-term maintenance of asexuality in Lepraria, specifically.ResultsIn this study, we assembled and annotated representative long-read genomes from the putatively asexual Lepraria genus and its sexual sister genus Stereocaulon, and added short-read assemblies from an additional 22 individuals across both genera. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that both genera were heterothallic, with intact mating-type loci of both idiomorphs present across each genus. Additionally, we identified and assessed 29 genes involved in meiosis and mitosis and 45 genes that contribute to formation of fungal sexual reproductive structures (ascomata). All genes were present and appeared functional in nearly all Lepraria, and we failed to identify a general pattern of relaxation of selection on these genes across the Lepraria lineage. Together, these results suggest that Lepraria may be capable of sexual reproduction, including mate recognition, meiosis, and production of ascomata.ConclusionsDespite apparent maintenance of machinery essential for fungal sex, over 200 years of careful observations by lichenologists have produced no evidence of canonical sexual reproduction in Lepraria. We suggest that Lepraria may have instead evolved a form of parasexual reproduction, perhaps by repurposing MAT and meiosis-specific genes. This may, in turn, allow these lichenized fungi to avoid long-term consequences of asexuality, while maintaining the benefit of an unbroken bond with their algal symbionts.

Expression and localization of Uhrf1 in the major reproductive organs of yaks during different reproductive cycles

Uhrf1 is a multi-domain and multifunctional epigenetic regulator playing key roles in DNA methylation, cell metabolism, and cell proliferation. To investigate the role of Uhrf1 in the reproductive physiology of female yaks, we collected three reproductive organs (ovaries, oviducts, and uteri) from healthy yaks during three reproductive phases (follicular, luteal, and gestational phases), with a total of nine groups. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to determine the expression levels of Uhrf1 and the subcellular localization of this protein. RT-qPCR and Western blotting results showed that Uhrf1 was expressed highest in the oviduct during the follicular phase, moderate expression in the uterus during the gestational phase, and the lowest expression in the uterus during the luteal phase (P < 0.05). IHC results showed that Uhrf1 was mainly expressed in the ovarian germinal epithelium, theca follicular, follicular granulosa, luteal cells, oviduct mucosal epithelial cells, and uterine glands (UG) of yaks. In conclusion, Uhrf1 was differentially expressed in the major reproductive organs during the reproductive cycle of female yaks, indicating its important regulatory role in the reproductive physiology of yaks.

Preconception Health Education is Provided to Healthy Childbearing Couples in The Preconception Phase

&lt;div&gt;&lt;table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"&gt;&lt;tbody&gt;&lt;tr&gt;&lt;td align="left" valign="top"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Several biological, behavioral, and social preventative strategies can improve the chances of having a healthy baby during pregnancy. Preconception health care spans the entire reproductive life cycle. Early preconception counseling should attempt to improve both women's and men's sexual and reproductive health. It should begin with early instruction on healthy lifestyle behaviors, safe sex, and pregnancy planning for childbearing couples. This research aims to develop preconception health education for family-based childbearing age couples planning a healthy pregnancy in Deli Serdang district. The Equivalent Time Series Samples approach was employed in this study as a quasi-experimental approach. The total sample size was 90 couples of reproductive age. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;The analysis in this study was carried out descriptively to see the characteristics of each variable studied and to measure the effect of providing health education during the preconception period on the knowledge and perception of Couples of Childbearing Age about preconception health using a paired sample T test. The intervention provided is health education about preconception health provided to couples of childbearing age. The implementation of the research has received approval from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Medan Health Polytechnic with the number: 01.25.174 /KEPK/POLTEKKES KEMENKES MEDAN 2023. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;There is a difference in the average variable knowledge of couples of childbearing age at pretest and posttest with an increase of 5, 2778, and there is also an increase in the perception variable with an increase of 0.8889, and the results of statistical tests using the Paired Samples Test obtained show differences in respondents' knowledge and perceptions before and after the intervention. Family-based preconception health education has been effective in raising the awareness and attitudes of childbearing couples regarding the planning and preparation of a healthy pregnancy as well as in motivating them to seek a check-up at a health care facility.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="TableParagraph"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords: Health Behavior, Health Services, Preconception Care, Pregnancy&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;

Vaccine-induced human monoclonal antibodies to PfRH5 show broadly neutralizing activity against P. falciparum clinical isolates

Vaccines to the Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte binding-like protein homologue 5 (PfRH5) target the blood-stage of the parasite life cycle. PfRH5 has the potential to trigger the production of strain-transcendent antibodies and has proven its efficacy both in pre-clinical and early clinical studies. Vaccine-induced monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to PfRH5 showed promising outcomes against cultured P. falciparum laboratory strains from distinct geographic areas. Here, we assessed the functional impact of vaccine-induced anti-PfRH5 mAbs on more genetically diverse P. falciparum clinical isolates. We used mAbs previously isolated from single B cells of UK adult PfRH5 vaccinees and used ex-vivo growth inhibition activity (GIA) assays to assess their efficacy against P. falciparum clinical isolates. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to assess the breadth of genetic diversity in P. falciparum clinical isolates and to infer the genotype/phenotype relationship involved in antibody susceptibility. We showed a dose-dependent inhibition of clinical isolates with three main GIA groups: high, medium and low. Except for one isolate, our data show no significant differences in the mAb GIA profile between P. falciparum clinical isolates and the 3D7 reference strain, which harbors the vaccine allele. We also observed an additive relationship for mAb combinations, whereby the combination of GIA-low and GIA-medium antibodies resulted in increased GIA, having important implications for the contribution of specific clones within polyclonal IgG responses. While our NGS analysis showed the occurrence of novel mutations in the pfrh5 gene, these mutations were predicted to have little or no functional impact on the antigen structure or recognition by known mAbs. Our present findings complement earlier reports on the strain transcendent potential of anti-PfRH5 mAbs and constitute, to our knowledge, the first report on the susceptibility of P. falciparum clinical isolates from natural infections to vaccine-induced human mAbs to PfRH5.

Daily activity rhythm of sympatric ungulate species in Fanjingshan Reserve, China

Sympatric species inhabiting similar ecological niches can coexist by partitioning aspects of available ecological resources, such as temporal, spatial, and nutritional niches. Ungulates often coexist in the same habitat, resulting in temporal partitioning and divergence in foraging strategies and spatial utilization. To understand the temporal patterns of ecological differentiation and coexistence mechanisms among sympatric ungulates, we analyzed the monitoring data in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China, from 2017 to 2022. Kernel density estimation was used to scrutinize disparities in diurnal activity patterns among four ungulates [tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and mainland serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii)] as well as the interspecies variances during different seasons, at diverse altitudes, and between breeding and non-breeding periods. Daily activity patterns differed significantly among four species, with those of tufted deer, Reeves' muntjac, and wild boar affected significantly by season and breeding cycle. In addition, the daily activity rhythms of four species were affected by altitude. Thus, the daily activity rhythms of these ungulates were resulted from a combination of environmental factors and interspecific competitive interactions, as well as the reproductive cycle of each species. Our results provided a scientific reference for the effective management of wildlife and forest ecosystems, and we suggest that knowledge of temporal dynamics should be integrated into conservation planning for these sympatric species.

Outcomes for Female Physicians Compared With Nonphysicians After Assisted Reproductive Technology.

To evaluate outcomes of female physicians after assisted reproductive technology (ART). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 248 physician patients and 3,470 nonphysician patients who underwent a total of 10,095 fresh or frozen ART cycles at a single academic center in an insurance-mandated state between January 2015 and March 2022. The primary outcome was live-birth rate. The secondary outcomes were implantation rate, early pregnancy loss rate, and time to pregnancy. Models were adjusted for confounders where appropriate. Both groups were similar in age (mean physician age 36.29 years; mean nonphysician age 35.96 years, P=.35). Physicians had lower body mass index (BMI) (mean physician BMI 23.51, mean nonphysician BMI 26.37, P<.01), and a higher proportion were diagnosed with unexplained infertility (physician 33.9%, nonphysician 25.9%, P<.01) and used preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (physician 21.5%, nonphysician 12.7%). Physicians and nonphysicians had similar live-birth rates (physician 39.3%, nonphysician 38.2%; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.01 95% CI, 0.91-1.13), implantation rates (physician 34.7%, nonphysician 33.7%; relative risk 1.03 95% CI, 0.94-1.14), and early pregnancy loss rates (physician 21.9%, nonphysician 19.8%; aRR 1.18 95% CI, 0.99-1.41) per transfer. Physicians had a shorter time from initial ART cycle to pregnancy (physician 21.82 weeks, nonphysician 25.16 weeks; aRR 0.86, 95% CI, 0.83-0.89). There was no difference between female physicians and nonphysicians in assisted reproduction cycle outcomes. Physicians become pregnant slightly faster than nonphysicians.

Seasonal variations of vitamins A, E and carotenoids in eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) from a Danish fjord, in relation to reproductive cycle

Retinoids (vitamin A) and tocopherols (vitamin E) are essential for key biological functions in vertebrates, including cell growth, cell death and differentiation, embryonic development, reproduction and vision. In fish, however, much less is known about the retinoid functions, although retinoic acid has been shown to be involved in embryonic development. In this study, we quantified the levels of different retinoids, carotenoids and vitamin E in various tissues of both adult and embryos of the viviparous fish eelpout (Zoarces viviparus). Our results demonstrate clear seasonal differences in the levels of these vitamins in the liver of the female fish as well as in its ovarian tissues, eggs and/or embryos. Overall, this study is a baseline assessment and describes the annual variations in the vitamin status by comparing the tissue distribution of retinoids, carotenoids and vitamin E. This baseline study investigates the natural background levels of these compounds and relates their seasonal fluctuations to the reproductive cycle in the viviparous eelpout. The results of this study strengthen the current evidence base necessary to understand retinoid pathways during fish development. This understanding is crucial for utilizing retinoid composition in fish as a biological response to exposure to environmental pollution with hazardous substances in the marine environment.

Patterns and Drivers of Pollen Temperature Tolerance.

Pollen, a pivotal stage in the plant reproductive cycle, is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, impacting seed quality and quantity. While the importance of understanding pollen temperature limits (Tmin, Topt, Tmax - collectively PTLs) is recognized, a comprehensive synthesis of underlying drivers is lacking. Here, we examined PTLs, correlating them with vegetative tissue thermotolerance and assessing variability at the intra- and interspecific levels across 191 species with contrasting phylogeny, cultivation history, growth form and ecology. At the species level, the PTLs range from 9.0 to 42.4°C, with considerable differences among individual species. Vegetative tissue showed greater tolerance to both low and high temperatures than pollen. A significant, though weak, correlation was observed between PTLs and leaf temperature tolerance. Pollen heat tolerance was independent of that in leaves and stems. The greatest intraspecific variability was observed in pollen cold tolerance (Tmin), followed by Topt and Tmax. Phylogenetic analysis revealed family-level conservation in all three pollen temperature tolerance measures. Climate emerged as a significant PTL driver of pollen cold tolerance, with species from colder and stable climates exhibiting enhanced cold tolerance. Cultivated and wild species did not differ in their pollen temperature tolerances. Herbaceous plants showed higher tolerance to high temperatures compared to shrubs and trees, potentially reflecting divergent thermal conditions during anthesis. This study provides the first formal analysis of complex relationships between pollen temperature limits, plant characteristics and environmental factors, providing crucial insights into climate change impacts on plant reproduction.

Benchmarks defining high-quality sperm in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are increasingly recognized as valuable nonhuman primates (NHPs) for biomedical research due to their small size and short reproductive cycle and lifespan relative to other NHP species. Maximizing the utility of captive research marmosets, including genetically manipulated animals, will require the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) including manipulation, storage, and sharing of marmoset sperm. Here, we identify characteristics of high-quality semen samples and validate a simple method for selecting high-quality sperm. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to evaluate sperm quality in semen samples collected from 44 marmosets and assessed the use of the swim-up method for the selection of high-quality sperm was also tested in half the samples as a potential means to optimize in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination. For each reference parameter, samples at or below the 5th percentile were categorized as abnormal sperm, while those above the 5th percentile were considered to be normal. Among normal samples, those at or above the 50th percentile were categorized as high-quality. High-quality semen samples exhibited the following characteristics: semen volume ≥ 30µL; sperm count ≥ 107/ejaculate; total motility ≥ 35%; and normal morphology ≥ 5%. Sperm isolated by swim-up exhibited superior sperm progressive motility (19.7%±4.5vs. 5.6%±2.1; P=0.01) and normal morphology (13.1±1.59vs. 7.65±1.1; P<0.001) compared with unselected sperm. This study defines robust, statistically supported reference values for evaluating marmoset semen samples to assist with the identification of optimal sperm donors and the selection of high-quality sperm samples for assisted reproduction. Ultimately, these reference values combined with a validated selection method will contribute to consistent standards for the international sharing of genetically diverse and/or gene-edited marmoset sperm for research and reproduction.

The lifespan of corpora lutea in nonpregnant females is positively correlated with gestation length

Abstract In mammals, a temporary endocrine gland called the corpus luteum forms on the ovary shortly after ovulation and is required for the initiation and maintenance of early pregnancy. However, the corpus luteum persists even when fertilization or pregnancy does not occur, and species-specific variation in the length of this persistence remains enigmatic. Here we perform a comparative evolutionary study across 72 species and show that corpus luteum lifespan in nonpregnant females is positively correlated with gestation length. We argue that the most likely explanation for this correlation is physiological inertia. The corpus luteum begins secreting progesterone prior to implantation, and when pregnancy does not occur it takes time for females to degrade it and prepare the next reproductive cycle. Our study suggests that this physiological inertia is stronger in species with long gestation times.

Foraging by predatory ants: A review.

In this review, we show that predatory ants have a wide range of foraging behavior, something expected given their phylogenetic distance and the great variation in their colony size, life histories, and nesting habitats as well as prey diversity. Most ants are central-place foragers that detect prey using vision and olfaction. Ground-dwelling species can forage solitarily, the ancestral form, but generally recruit nestmates to retrieve large prey or a group of prey. Typically, ants are omnivorous, but some species are strict predators preying on detritivorous invertebrates or arthropod eggs, while those specialized on termites or other ants often have scouts that localize their target and then trigger a raid. They can use compounds that ease this task, including chemical insignificance, mimicry, and venoms triggering submissive behavior. Army ants include 8 Dorylinae and some species from other subfamilies, all having wingless queens and forming raids. Dorylinae from the Old World migrate irregularly to new nesting sites. The foraging of most New World species that prey on the brood of other ants is regulated by their biological cycle that alternates between a "nomadic phase" when the colony relocates between different places and a "stationary phase" when the colony stays in a bivouac constituting a central place. Among arboreal ants, dominant species forage in groups, detecting prey visually, but can use vibrations, particularly when associated with myrmecophytes. Some species of the genera Allomerus and Azteca use fungi to build a gallery-shaped trap with small holes under which they hide to ambush prey.

Progesterone increases metabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway in bovine uterine epithelial cells.

During early pregnancy, glucose is essential for the uterine epithelium and the developing embryo. In cows, progesterone increases the secretion of glucose into the uterine lumen. The uterine epithelium can convert glucose to fructose, but other fates of glucose in the uterine epithelium have been sparsely investigated. Therefore, our objective was to investigate how progesterone influences glucose metabolism in immortalized bovine uterine epithelial (BUTE) cells. BUTE cells were grown to 80% confluence and treated with vehicle (DMSO) or 10 µM progesterone for 24h. Cells were collected and analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed on endometrial samples collected from the bovine endometrium on days 1 and 11 of the reproductive cycle. Progesterone treatment increased glucose consumption of BUTE cells. RNAseq identified 3,072 genes regulated by progesterone. KEGG analysis indicated that progesterone altered genes associated with metabolic pathways and glutathione metabolism. Manually examining genes unique to specific glucose metabolic pathways identified an increase in the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Functionally, a major product of the pentose phosphate pathway is NADPH, and progesterone treatment increased NADPH levels in BUTE cells. In cows, immunohistochemistry confirmed that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels were higher in the uterine epithelium in the luteal phase when progesterone concentrations are high. Progesterone increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression and metabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway in the bovine uterine epithelium. This metabolism could provide substrates for cell proliferation, molecules to be secreted into the uterine lumen, or maintain reduction/oxidation balance in the uterine epithelium.

Reproductive biology of three oyster species from a lagoon in the southeastern Gulf of California

ABSTRACT Oyster fishing in Mexico holds significant importance, but official records show a consistent drop in production. To understand the reproductive behaviour of key oyster species —Crassostrea corteziensis, Saccostrea palmula, and Striostrea prismatica— in a southeastern Gulf of California lagoon (May 2019 to April 2020), this research delved into their reproductive traits. C. corteziensis and S. palmula exhibited five phases of gonadal development, including: undifferentiated/resting, initial gametogenesis, advanced gametogenesis, maturation, and spawning; S. prismatica showed four: undifferentiated/resting, gametogenesis, maturation, and spawning phases. The three oysters displayed hermaphroditism. Spawning peaks varied: C. corteziensis from September to November, S. palmula from May to September, and S. prismatica from August to November. Sex ratio (female:male) of S. prismatica differed from the expected 1:1 proportion. C. corteziensis and S. palmula showed continuous reproduction; S. prismatica displayed a single annual reproductive cycle. Since the obtained peak spawning of C. corteziensis and S. prismatica presented discrepancy with the official protection period and there are no regulatory measures for S. palmula, the information on their reproductive behaviour aids in regulating their extraction for sustainability and conservation in the southeastern Gulf of California. Similar information can be replicated in coastal areas of other latitudes where several oyster species coexist.

Effect of individual quick freezing treatment and cold storage on the host egg (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) quality for the production of the parasitoid Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)

BackgroundThe augmentative release of the parasitoid species Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is essential for managing the recent invasion of litchi stink bugs (Tessaratoma papillosa (Drury)) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) in Taiwan. The mass release program in the spring targets this univoltine pest’s reproduction cycle. Low-temperature storage for the host eggs and parasitoids is required to maximize the production for the annual release program. This study aimed to enhance the shelf life of Samia cynthia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) eggs using the combination of refrigeration and individual quick freezing (IQF) as a storage treatment. Storage of A. japonicus in the IQF-treated S. cynthia eggs was evaluated to determine the optimal production process during the short preparation window before the release.ResultsThe influences of cold storage and IQF treatment on the host eggs were evaluated for different storage durations. The host quality was determined according to the emergence rate and female ratio of A. japonicus. The study’s results demonstrated that the host quality of S. cynthia eggs did not change significantly compared to the control group after 28 d of refrigeration at 7 °C. IQF treatment extended S. cyathia’s shelf life to 5 months without significantly affecting the host quality. Applying IQF at different developmental stages of the host eggs affected the parasitism rates of A. japonicus. Significantly higher emergence rates of A. japonicus were recorded in the eggs treated during the initial development (D0 to D2). However, storing parasitoids in the IQF-treated eggs under the current storage condition for one month at 12 °C significantly impacted the parasitoid’s emergence rate.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the potential benefits of the individual quick freezing technique. This technique didn’t alter the egg quality of S. cynthia, a crucial factor for the mass production of A. japonicus. The IQF treatment extends the shelf life of the host eggs to 5 months when stored at − 20 °C, a significant improvement compared to the 4-week shelf life without IQF treatment. This technology offers a promising and efficient approach for the mass production of A. japonicus and supports field releases. The treatment allowed for the stockpiling of host eggs during the off-season, which can help expedite the mass production of A. japonicus to fit an eight-week production window.

Targeting Leishmaniasis with Nitrovinyl Derivatives: Their Synthesis, In Vitro Assessment, and Computational Exploration.

Leishmaniasis is an affliction caused by the protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. This disease impacts a substantial global populace, exceeding one million individuals, leading to disability-adjusted life years and fatalities, particularly within tropical regions. At present, the existing drug therapies have not attained a degree of efficacy that can be unequivocally classified as genuinely triumphant. In this context, the conception of novel compounds possessing the capacity to impede the parasite's life cycle at various stages holds considerable significance. In this research endeavor, an exploration was undertaken involving the design and synthesis of nineteen derivatives incorporating the nitrovinyl pharmacophore. The subsequent evaluation of their impacts on L. major was conducted through a combination of in vitro (amastigote and promastigote inhibition) and in silico (molecular docking) investigations. All of the compounds were synthesized and purified with good yields. In the amastigote inhibition assay, compounds 10, 15, and 18 showed better inhibitory effects than the standard drug meglumine antimonate (MA). Regarding the synergistic impact of synthesized compounds and MA together, all outcomes were significantly better than those of monotherapy of each in amastigote and macrophage forms. In the promastigote assay, compounds 2, 8, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 19 demonstrated superior inhibitory effects compared to MA. Moreover, compounds 4, 12, and 15 showed the best synergies with MA in inhibiting amastigotes. According to docking scores, 1XTP (a SAM-dependent methyltransferase) and 4G5D (Prostaglandin F synthase) receptors were found to be the most probable targets in their mechanism of action. In vitro evaluations and computational analyses strongly suggest that these compounds could be effective against both L. major amastigotes and promastigotes. Additionally, they exhibited notable synergistic interactions with MA against both living forms of the parasite.