Reproductive Period Research Articles

Age-associated risk of sarcopenia, falls and fractures: results of Ukrainian cohort study

Background. It is well-known that sarcopenia increases the risk of falls and fractures, and therefore, requires correction to improve the quality of life of elderly people. This research purposed to study the age-related changes in the sarcopenia risk, falls, and fractures in Ukrainian women in the late reproductive and postmenopausal periods. Materials and methods. We examined 573 females aged from 40 to 89 years old. The subjects were grouped by age decades and presence of high sarcopenia risk (HSR). The SARC-F questionnaire measured the sarcopenia risk, and the risk of falls using the Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire, the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures was assessed by FRAX, and daily activity — according to the IADL scale. Also, we performed the hand grip strength and five-repetition sit-to-stand tests. Results. The frequency of HSR increased with age from 1.5 % in the 40–49-year-old group to 73.7 % in subjects over 80, as well as fracture and fall risks (p < 0.00001 for both indices) related to decreasing independence in the subject’s everyday life. Also, we revealed age-dependent loss of muscle strength according to the hand grip and the five-repetition sit-to-stand tests. After the adjustment of the subjects by age we found that the females with HSR had a higher risk of falls, a lower level of independence, and increased frequency and risk of osteoporotic fractures. Conclusions. Women with HSR have a higher risk of falls, fractures, and more limitations in daily living activities independently from age and body mass index. These findings request comprehensive management of older women with attention to various parameters for the increase of independence and quality of life.

Lactating striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) do not decrease the thermogenic capacity to cope with extreme cold temperature

For small non-hibernating mammals, a high thermogenic capacity is important to increase activity levels in the cold. It has been previously reported that lactating females decrease their thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), whereas their capacity to cope with extreme cold remains uncertain. In this study we examined food intake, body temperature and locomotor behavior, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, and cytochrome c oxidase activity, and the rate of state 4 respiration of liver, skeletal muscle, and BAT in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) at peak lactation and non- breeding hamsters (controls). The lactating hamsters and non- breeding controls were acutely exposed to −15°C, and several markers indicative of thermogenic capacity were examined. In comparison to non-breeding females, lactating hamsters significantly increased food intake and body temperature, but decreased locomotor behavior, and the BAT mass, indicative of decreased BAT thermogenesis at peak lactation. Unexpectedly, lactating hamsters showed similar body temperature, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis with non-breeding females after acute exposure to −15°C. Furthermore, cytochrome c oxidase activity of liver, skeletal muscle and BAT, and serum thyroid hormone concentration, and BAT uncoupling protein 1 expression, in lactating hamsters were similar with that in non-breeding hamsters after acute extreme cold exposure. This suggests that lactating females have the same thermogenic capacity to survive cold temperatures compared to non-breeding animals. This is particularly important for females in the field to cope with cold environments during the period of reproduction. Our findings indicate that the females during lactation, one of the highest energy requirement periods, do not impair their thermogenic capacity in response to acute cold exposure.

Quantification of ADHD medication in biological fluids of pregnant and breastfeeding women with liquid chromatography: a comprehensive review.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has long been considered a concern only in the pediatric population. However, symptoms often sustain into adulthood and may require medication. For women with ADHD, this also means dealing with the disorder during the reproductive period. Medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a critical concern, and the potential transfer of ADHD medication to infants remains a topic of scientific interest. The quantification of ADHD medications in both maternal blood and breast milk are vital for understanding their pharmacokinetics and potential exposure risks for (nursing) infants. This review aims (1) to compile and critically assess existing research on the transfer of ADHD medications into breast milk and the potential implications for nursing infants and (2) to provide a comprehensive overview and discussion of the literature regarding the quantification of methylphenidate, amphetamine, atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine, clonidine and bupropion in the blood, urine, oral fluid, and breast milk with liquid chromatography. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant articles published from January 2014 up to December 2023. We illustrate the lack of methods to simultaneously monitor multiple ADHD medications as well as the lack of developed methods for breast milk. Finally, we highlight the need for continued research to refine our understanding of medication transfer into breast milk and potential risks, and to develop clinical guidelines to support mothers with ADHD in making informed choices regarding medication use during pregnancy and lactation.

Moderate Drought Stress Interferes with the Physiological State and Promotes the Accumulation of Isoflavone in Reproductive Iris domestica Rhizomes

Drought stress is one of the main factors affecting the growth and secondary metabolism of plants. Iris domestica, rich in isoflavones, is a common herbal medicine in China. In this study, the effects of drought stress and rehydration on resistance physiological characteristics and the secondary metabolism of two-year-old I. domestica during the vegetative and reproductive growth period were investigated. The results showed that the dry weight and fresh weight of rhizomes and roots under severe drought stress were significantly decreased, while those under moderate drought stress were not significantly changed. Meanwhile, the SOD activities, POD activities, MDA content and Pro content increased to resist drought at D1 and D2. In the vegetative growth period, the changes in isoflavone concentration and the expression levels of genes in isoflavone synthesis were more dramatic. Isoflavone accumulation was promoted, to some extent, in the reproductive growth period under the D1 drought treatment. In the actual production process, different measures, namely short-term stress regulation in the vegetative growth period and moderate drought stress (13.44% < soil water content ≤ 16.8%) in the reproductive growth period, need to be adopted to regulate isoflavone biosynthesis.

Effect on Temperature Influences of the Life Table Studies for Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. in Cowpea under Laboratory Condition

Aim: To study the life table aphid, Aphis craccivora in cowpea at different temperature. Study Design: Simple random sampling design with two treatments and 12 replications. Place and Duration Study: Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai and 2019-2020. Methodology: We used a simple random sampling design, which included two temperature variables (30 and 35°C) and 12 repetitions for A. craccivora. The female adult aphids were placed in dishes with leaf dishes and 12 hours light appropriate temperature. Female adult aphids were placed in dishes containing leaf discs and incubated at the appropriate temperature, with a 12-hour light phase. They were transferred to new dishes as needed. We evaluated the pre-reproductive and reproductive periods under a stereomicroscope every 24 hours, and we determined the number of nymphs produced and their longevities at each temperature. Results: Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. is most important pest in Pulses ecosystem and life table studies on cowpea, the net reproductive rate (22.53 individuals / female at 300 C; 14.23 individuals / female at 350 C, mean generation time 11.41days at 300C; 10.39 at 350C, population doubling time (2.710 days at 300C, 2.539 at 350C in Cowpea. The age specific survivorship curve revealed that the population followed Type III curve and 50 per cent mortality of A. craccivora 9 days at 300C and 7.5 days at 350C in cowpea. Conclusion: The life table aphids insects parameters of net reproductive rate, population doubling time, mean generation time and age specific curve was maximum in 300C than 350C in Cowpea.

The role of morphofunctional asymmetries of the female body in the autonomic regulation of heart rate during menopause

The aim of the work was to study the features of autonomic regulation of heart rhythm (HR) in women in the peri- and postmenopausal periods, depending on morphofunctional asymmetries of the female body. A total of 417 women aged 35–60 were examined. According to the lateral behavioral profile of asymmetries of the female body (Annette’s test), the nature of vegetative regulation at rest and orthostasis was determined according to the data of cardiac intervalography using the Varicard 2.51 complex and the Eskim-6 program. As a result, it was found that in the reproductive period in women with the right lateral phenotype, the autonomous circuit of HR variability regulation prevailed, and in ambidextrous women, the central one dominated. Ambidextrous and right-handers were characterized by egalitarian modulation, while left-handers were characterized by a respiratory typology of autonomic regulation of HR. In perimenopause, a moderate tension of regulatory mechanisms was formed in the lateral subgroups, and a high tension was formed in the postmenopausal subgroups. In ambidextrous and left-handers, discoordination of HR regulation prevailed. Thus, women with the polarity of the lateral phenotype in the late reproductive period were distinguished by the stability and economy of the mechanisms of autonomic regulation of HR. Ambidextrous had the most energy-consuming mechanisms in the postmenopausal period, which is a risk of cardiovascular disease pathology.

Improvement of Flowering Stage in Japonica Rice Variety Jiahe212 by Using CRISPR/Cas9 System.

The flowering period of rice significantly impacts variety adaptability and yield formation. Properly shortening the reproductive period of rice varieties can expand their ecological range without significant yield reduction. Targeted genome editing, like CRISPR/Cas9, is an ideal tool to fine-tune rice growth stages and boost yield synergistically. In this study, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex genome-editing vector containing five genes related to three traits, Hd2, Ghd7, and DTH8 (flowering-stage genes), along with the recessive rice blast resistance gene Pi21 and the aromatic gene BADH2. This vector was introduced into the high-quality japonica rice variety in Zhejiang province, Jiahe212 (JH212), resulting in 34 T0 plants with various effective mutations. Among the 17 mutant T1 lines, several displayed diverse flowering dates, but most exhibited undesirable agronomic traits. Notably, three homozygous mutant lines (JH-C15, JH-C18, and JH-C31) showed slightly earlier flowering dates without significant differences in yield-related traits compared to JH212. Through special Hyg and Cas marker selection of T2 plants, we identified seven, six, and two fragrant glutinous plants devoid of transgenic components. These single plants will serve as sib lines of JH212 and potential resources for breeding applications, including maintenance lines for indica-japonica interspecific three-line hybrid rice. In summary, our research lays the foundation for the creation of short-growth-period CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility, CMS) lines, and also provides materials and a theoretical basis for indica-japonica interspecific hybrid rice breeding with wider adaptability.

Increasing concurrent exposure of global breadbaskets to reproductive heat extremes

Abstract In recent years, circumglobal heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent, motivating concerns about the concurrent exposure of global breadbaskets to heat extremes during crop reproductive periods. Here we project the likelihood of concurrent exposure of global breadbaskets of staple crops to widespread reproductive heat extremes. We find that circumglobal reproductive extreme heat exposure would be an agriculturally relevant climate feature in the coming decades. By 2028‒2057 (with approximately 2 oC warming above preindustrial levels), the probability of major breadbaskets of the world concurrently enduring at least 5 days of reproductive extreme heat over more than half of their croplands in a typical year is projected to rise from virtually unlikely to 0.43 for maize, 0.27 for wheat, 0.33 for rice and soybean. While as of 2050‒2079 (with approximately 3 oC warming above preindustrial levels), these probabilities would grow rapidly to 0.91, 0.83, 0.87, and 0.80, respectively. Should such dramatic increases in circumglobal reproductive extreme heat exposure occur, they could pose substantial stress on food production and agricultural adaptation, particularly when coinciding with agricultural droughts.

Study of the impact of multiple sclerosis on the reproductive life of Spanish women: An online survey

BackgroundWomen have a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) than men. The natural reproductive period from menarche to menopause corresponds to the period of active inflammatory disease in MS. Mothers and pregnant women with MS need information about how their disease may affect pregnancy and breastfeeding. AimThe aim was to explore the reproductive factors in an MS-diagnosed population and to identify ways to support patients and their decision-making process. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, Web-based survey of women living with MS in Asturias (Spain) using a community-based participatory approach. FindingsEarly menarche may predict the onset of MS. Pregnancy improves the general health of patients and reduces the number of relapses. Breastfeeding is often not practised and may cause concern in women. MS does not affect the age of menopause, but it can worsen symptoms. However, menopause does not increase the number of MS relapses. ConclusionsMS is increasingly diagnosed at an earlier age, which increases the number of women who become pregnant after being diagnosed with MS. The decrease in MS relapses during pregnancy and the increase during the postpartum period are consistent with previous reports. Women who choose to breastfeed are in the minority due to treatment incompatibility, although some currently used treatments are compatible with breastfeeding. However, there is a lack of information on this which should be investigated.

Identification and Characterization of miRNAs and lncRNAs Associated with Salinity Stress in Rice Panicles.

Salinity is a common abiotic stress that limits crop productivity. Although there is a wealth of evidence suggesting that miRNA and lncRNA play important roles in the response to salinity in rice seedlings and reproductive stages, the mechanism by which competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) influence salt tolerance and yield in rice has been rarely reported. In this study, we conducted full whole-transcriptome sequencing of rice panicles during the reproductive period to clarify the role of ceRNAs in the salt stress response and yield. A total of 214 lncRNAs, 79 miRNAs, and 584 mRNAs were identified as differentially expressed RNAs under salt stress. Functional analysis indicates that they play important roles in GO terms such as response to stress, biosynthesis processes, abiotic stimuli, endogenous stimulus, and response to stimulus, as well as in KEGG pathways such as secondary metabolite biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. A ceRNA network comprising 95 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets was constructed. Two lncRNAs, MSTRG.51634.2 and MSTRG.48576.1, were predicted to bind to osa-miR172d-5p to regulate the expression of OsMYB2 and OsMADS63, which have been reported to affect salt tolerance and yield, respectively. Three lncRNAs, MSTRG.30876.1, MSTRG.44567.1, and MSTRG.49308.1, may bind to osa-miR5487 to further regulate the expression of a stress protein (LOC_Os07g48460) and an aquaporin protein (LOC_Os02g51110) to regulate the salt stress response. This study is helpful for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of ceRNA that drive the response of rice to salt stress and provide new genetic resources for salt-resistant rice breeding.

The use of anthropogenic areas helps explain male brown bear movement rates and distance travelled during the mating season

AbstractDuring the reproductive period, mating strategies are a significant driver of adaptations in animal behaviour. For instance, for polygamous species, greater movement rates during the mating season may be advantageous due to the increased probability of encountering several potential mates. The brown bear Ursus arctos is a solitary carnivore that lives at low densities, with a polygamous mating system and an extended mating season of nearly 3 months. Here, we hypothesized that male brown bears may show changes in movement patterns and space‐use behaviour during their mating season. Using long‐term (2002–2013) telemetry data from the Finnish Karelia male population (n = 24 individuals; n = 10 688 GPS locations), we first analysed daily movement metrics, that is, speed, net and total distance with respect to the period (mating vs. post‐mating) and several environmental predictors. Then, we conducted a step‐selection analysis for each of these periods. Throughout the year, male bears selected forested/shrub habitats and increased movement rates near main roads. During the mating season, reproductive needs seem to trigger roaming behaviour in adult males to maximize encounter rates with potential receptive females. However, all movement metrics increased within areas of high human activity, suggesting a bear response to a higher risk perception while using those areas. During the post‐mating period, overlapping with the bear hyperphagia and the hunting season, males selected anthropogenic areas farther from main roads and trails, suggesting a trade‐off between foraging opportunities and risk avoidance.

Identification of differentially expressed genes controlling the expression of flowering in Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc.)

Bambara groundnut flowering is a crucial developmental stage in the vegetative to reproductive period. The earliness to lateness of flowering is regulated by various interconnected genetic pathways encoded by genes. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the selected accessions was extracted through leaf samples at 3 weeks old, using Dellaporta Miniprep for Plant DNA Isolation procedure. The high-quality DNA was sequenced using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s) associated with flowering was identified. There is need to investigate the genetic make-up of the cleistogamous flower of Bambara through associated genes for improvement. This research work identified four markers associated with the flowering of Vigna subterranea and the role of variant identified genes in flowering. The identified markers from the sequence and the selected amino acid sequence were used as a query to search the legume protein database in Vigna radiata. The four markers with adequate information associated with flowering in the sequence were 24385352|F|0–28:T > C-28:T > C; 27641816|F|0–17:C > T-17:C > T; 24384204|F|0–24:C > T-24:C > T and 24346601|F|0–67:T > C-67:T > C and significant at P < 1.68 × 10−4 at chromosomes 7, 11, 4, and 5. The identified genes including histones, Polyketide, cyclase/dehydrase, Transcription factor MYC/MYB N-terminal, Rhamnogalacturonate lyase, DHHC-type zinc finger protein, Putative S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase, Ribosomal protein L2, D-galactoside/L-rhamnose binding SUEL lectin domain, Lipase GDSL, Histone deacetylase superfamily, Basic-leucine zipper domain, TUP1-like enhancer of split, Zinc finger ZZ-type, Homeodomain-like, Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein PEBP, Leucine-rich repeat which are tools in controlling flowering in Bambara groundnut. This study revealed that Bambara groundnut flowering is controlled by the interplay of genes.

Differential Gene Expression in Contrasting Common Bean Cultivars for Drought Tolerance during an Extended Dry Period.

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), besides being an important source of nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and protein, are crucial for food security, especially in developing countries. Common bean cultivation areas commonly face production challenges due to drought occurrences, mainly during the reproductive period. Dry spells last approximately 20 days, enough time to compromise production. Hence, it is crucial to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms that confer drought tolerance to improve common bean cultivars' adaptation to drought. Sixty six RNASeq libraries, generated from tolerant and sensitive cultivars in drought time sourced from the R5 phenological stage at 0 to 20 days of water deficit were sequenced, generated over 1.5 billion reads, that aligned to 62,524 transcripts originating from a reference transcriptome, as well as 6673 transcripts obtained via de novo assembly. Differentially expressed transcripts were functionally annotated, revealing a variety of genes associated with molecular functions such as oxidoreductase and transferase activity, as well as biological processes related to stress response and signaling. The presence of regulatory genes involved in signaling cascades and transcriptional control was also highlighted, for example, LEA proteins and dehydrins associated with dehydration protection, and transcription factors such as WRKY, MYB, and NAC, which modulate plant response to water deficit. Additionally, genes related to membrane and protein protection, as well as water and ion uptake and transport, were identified, including aquaporins, RING-type E3 ubiquitin transferases, antioxidant enzymes such as GSTs and CYPs, and thioredoxins. This study highlights the complexity of plant response to water scarcity, focusing on the functional diversity of the genes involved and their participation in the biological processes essential for plant adaptation to water stress. The identification of regulatory and cell protection genes offers promising prospects for genetic improvement aiming at the production of common bean varieties more resistant to drought. These findings have the potential to drive sustainable agriculture, providing valuable insights to ensure food security in a context of climate change.

Changes in the leaf area-seed yield relationship in soybean driven by genetic, management and environments: Implications for High-Throughput Phenotyping

Abstract High-throughput crop phenotyping (HTP) in soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)] has been used to estimate seed yield with varying degrees of accuracy. Research in this area typically makes use of different machine learning approaches to predict seed yield based on crop images with a strong focus on analytics. On the other hand, a significant part of the soybean breeding community still utilizes linear approaches to relate canopy traits and seed yield relying on parsimony. Our research attempted to address the limitations related to interpretability, scope and system comprehension inherent in previous modelling approaches. We utilized a combination of empirical and simulated data to augment the experimental footprint as well as to explore the combined effects of genetics (G), environments (E) and management (M). We use flexible functions without assuming a pre-determined response between canopy traits and seed yield. Factors such as soybean maturity date, duration of vegetative and reproductive periods, harvest index (HI), potential leaf size, planting date and plant population affected the shape of the canopy-seed yield relationship as well as the canopy optimum values at which selection of high yielding genotypes should be conducted. This work demonstrates that there are avenues for improved application of HTP in soybean breeding programs if similar modelling approaches are considered.

It is not a vacation of leisure: The effect of maternity-leave stigma on fertility intentions in China

In response to the public's puzzle about why maternity leave has unexpectedly failed to improve fertility problem in the Chinese context of a widespread extension of maternity leave, our study concentrates on a prevailing stigmatization phenomenon of maternity leave in the workplace, proposes the construct “maternity-leave stigma”, operationalizes it, and examines its probable detrimental effect on working individuals' fertility intentions drawing on conservation of resources theory, self-verification theory, and research on stigma and psychological contract violation. Conceptually, maternity-leave stigma is a kind of workplace stigma that primarily depicts the extent to which working individuals in the reproductive period view maternity leave or the event of taking maternity leave in a biased way. It mainly consists of four subdimensions called cognitive stigma, emotional stigma, moral stigma, and consequence stigma. Based on multiple analyses of the three-stage questionnaire survey data from working individuals of childbearing age in China, Study 1 (N1 = 296, N2 = 340) acquires a 12-item maternity-leave stigma scale with good reliability and validity and Study 2 (N2 = 340) substantiates that, working individuals' maternity-leave stigma tends to directly and indirectly inhibit their fertility intentions and their anticipatory psychological contract violation from organization is the crucial mediator. Moreover, working women are inclined to display a much stronger inhibiting effect of maternity-leave stigma on fertility intentions compared to working men. Our findings therefore resolve the public's puzzle, enrich workplace stigma, deepen the implementation effectiveness research of maternity leave policy, and are of practical implications for building a fertility-friendly society.

Reproductive Cycle, Sexual Maturity and Fecundity of Mullus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

The study aims to determine the reproductive biology and 50% maturity length of red mullet fish (M. barbatus) by taking monthly samples in the Black Sea between October 2017 and September 2018. It was determined that the difference between the sexes of the samples (female: 936, male: 454) was significant and methods used to determine the reproductive period (GSI, macroscopic analysis of gonads, microscopic analysis of gonads) matched the monthly analysis results. The reproduction period of red mullet was between April and August in the Black Sea, but spawning occurred between May and August according to the histological method. Considering the oocyte structures and oocyte diameter distributions in the histological sections, it was observed that the red mullet in the Black Sea was a multiple spawner and had an indeterminable fecundity. Mean FB hydrated oocytes and mean FR hydrated eggs of red mullet during the spawning period were calculated as 4813.0±5324.0 and 124.6±124.1 g-1, respectively. The maturity sizes of females and males were 12,40 cm and 11,29 cm, respectively. As a result, for the sustainability of red mullet stocks in the Black Sea, a new management plan should be established, considering spawning periods, reproductive strategy, and maturity sizes.

A wingless fly on a winged mammal: host-parasite dynamics between Basilia travassosi (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) and Myotis lavali (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae).

Nycteribiidae encompasses a specialized group of wingless blood-sucking flies that parasitize bats worldwide. Such relationships are frequently species- or genus-specific, indicating unique eco-evolutionary processes. However, despite this significance, comprehensive studies on the relationships of these flies with their hosts, particularly in the New World, have been scarce. Here, we provide a detailed description of the parasitological patterns of nycteribiid flies infesting a population of Myotis lavali bats in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, considering the potential influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the establishment of nycteribiids on bat hosts. From July 2014 to June 2015, we captured 165 M. lavali bats and collected 390 Basilia travassosi flies. Notably, B. travassosi displayed a high prevalence and was the exclusive fly species parasitizing M. lavali in the surveyed area. Moreover, there was a significant predominance of female flies, indicating a female-biased pattern. The distribution pattern of the flies was aggregated; most hosts exhibited minimal or no parasitism, while a minority displayed heavy infestation. Sexually active male bats exhibited greater susceptibility to parasitism compared to their inactive counterparts, possibly due to behavioral changes during the peak reproductive period. We observed a greater prevalence and abundance of flies during the rainy season, coinciding with the peak reproductive phase of the host species. No obvious correlation was observed between the parasite load and bat body mass. Our findings shed light on the intricate dynamics of nycteribiid-bat interactions and emphasize the importance of considering various factors when exploring bat-parasite associations.

Towards Cross-Border Fisheries Management: An Analysis of Fleet Structures and Species-Specific Regulatory Measures in the Aegean Sea

Intrinsic differences in the applied management measures of shared stocks in transboundary waters inhibit the ability of either state to benefit from such measures, as one state may benefit in lieu of the other, thus reducing the efficacy of both. This study compares for the first time the fleet structure, specific management measures applied to species-specific regulations for commercial fishing, species listed in official monitoring schemes, and protected taxa between Greece and Türkiye for the Aegean Sea. A comparative analysis utilizing the official data was sourced from both countries. Large-scale Greek and Turkish fishing fleets have been modernized within the last 30 years (1991-2021). Greek and Turkish large-scale fishing fleets included smaller trawlers with lower tonnage and slightly higher engine horsepower, while purse seines of both states included larger vessels with higher horsepower and tonnage. This indicates that the fishing pressure on the demersal resources in the Aegean Sea has partially decreased, but the fishing pressure on pelagic resources has increased despite the decrease in the number of vessels. Only 11 out of 74 minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS) are sufficiently set above the Lm50 sizes they should be based on, whereas 18 species need reproductive studies, and 22 are set below the Lm50, and could benefit from an increase. The application of specific closed seasons for commercial species was used by both states with the intent to protect the reproductive periods of some stocks. However, several of these closure periods did not fully or even partially cover the spawning periods of the respective species. Species-specific closures were applied to 13 species in Greece and 23 species in Türkiye, with only two fish species (Xiphias gladius and Thunnus thynnus) listed for both countries. Only 14 species (out of 34 protected by Greece and 46 by Türkiye) are protected by both states, most of which are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Harmonization of fisheries management measures currently does not align between the two neighbouring states, and the General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean is the competent authority that would be able to restructure such measures, especially as Türkiye has been aligning their measures with that of the EU for the accession process. This contribution highlights the clear differences between Greece and Türkiye, and provides advice for developing a unified management regime for the Aegean Sea.

Medico-demographic and medico-social determinants of the birth rate of the population in the Chechen Republic

BACKGROUND: Over the years, the birth rate in Russia has decreased due to a transformation in the family structure, a change in attitudes toward marriage and family, and economic and social reasons. The ratio of fertility and mortality determines the population reproduction regime, changing economic development and national security conditions. The analysis and assessment of the birth rate in the Chechen Republic is crucial because the results can be used to formulate a system of demographic policy measures considering national traditions of matrimonial behavior. AIM: To develop recommendations for increasing the birth rate of the population in the Chechen Republic as a territory with strong traditions of the priority of family values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted based on official statistics of the Chechen Republic for 2010–2021 and a sociological survey of mothers. RESULTS: Medical and demographic processes in the territory of the Chechen Republic had a general unfavorable trend in the 12-year period from 2010 to 2021. The only positive aspect that can be considered is a threefold decrease in the birth rate in the same period among mothers aged 40 years, as older mothers carry a large burden of chronic pathology, causing a risk to the health of newborns. CONCLUSION: Negative stable trends in age-specific decline in fertility in the reproductive period among women in the Chechen Republic indicated the unfavorable demographic situation in Russia, despite the priority of family values and stable traditions of large families. The reserves for improving the demographic situation in the region are hidden in the need for systematic information support for families to use their rights to state benefits aimed at protecting motherhood and childhood, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these measures.

Rhizobium Inoculant and Seed-Applied Fungicide Effects Improve the Drought Tolerance of Soybean Plants as an Effective Agroecological Solution under Climate Change Conditions.

Rhizobial inoculation in combination with fungicidal seed treatment is an effective solution for improving soybean resistance to modern climate changes due to the maximum implementation of the plant's stress-protective antioxidant properties and their nitrogen-fixing potential, which will contribute to the preservation of the environment. Model ecosystems at different stages of legume-rhizobial symbiosis formation, created by treatment before sowing soybean seeds with a fungicide (fludioxonil, 25 g/L) and inoculation with an active strain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum (titer 109 cells per mL), were subjected to microbiological, biochemical, and physiological testing methods in controlled and field conditions. Seed treatment with fungicide and rhizobia showed different patterns in the dynamics of key antioxidant enzymes in soybean nodules under drought conditions. Superoxide dismutase activity increased by 32.7% under moderate stress, while catalase increased by 90.6% under long-term stress. An increase in the antioxidant enzyme activity induced the regulation of lipoperoxidation processes during drought and after the restoration of irrigation. Regeneration after stress was evident in soybean plants with a combination of fungicide seed treatment and rhizobial inoculant, where enzyme levels and lipoperoxidation processes returned to control plant levels. Applying seed treatment with fungicide and Rhizobium led to the preservation of the symbiotic apparatus functioning in drought conditions. As proof of this, molecular nitrogen fixation by nodules has a higher efficiency of 25.6% compared to soybeans without fungicide treatment. In the field, fungicidal treatment of seeds in a complex with rhizobia inoculant induced prolongation of the symbiotic apparatus functioning in the reproductive period of soybean ontogenesis. This positively affected the nitrogen-fixing activity of soybeans during the pod formation stage by more than 71.7%, as well as increasing soybean yield by 12.7% in the field. The application of Rhizobium inoculant and fungicide to seeds contributed to the development of antioxidant protection of soybean plants during droughts due to the activation of key enzymatic complexes and regulation of lipoperoxidation processes, which have a positive effect on nitrogen fixation and productivity of soybeans. This is a necessary element in soybean agrotechnologies to improve plant adaptation and resilience in the context of modern climate change.