Reproductive Ability Research Articles

Estimation of genetic parameters for reproductive traits evaluated by ultrasonography in Senepol heifers

Studies on reproductive tract score (RTS) and antral follicle count (AFC) in Senepol cattle are limited. These traits are essential as they are linked to the reproductive ability and reproductive performance of animals. Understanding the heritability and genetic correlation of these traits is crucial for guiding selection programs and selecting animals with greater reproductive efficiency and higher production potential. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of weight, RTS, and AFC in Senepol cattle using transrectal ultrasonography. Reproductive data were collected from 850 female Senepol cattle aged 10-16 months. At the time of evaluation, the following were measured: RTS traits (scores from 1 to 5), AFC (0 to 100), and female weight (kg). Variance and covariance components, genetic heritability, and correlations were estimated by univariate and bivariate analyses using the bull model. Heritability estimates were moderate for AFC (0.52) and weight (0.46), and low for RTS (0.12). The genetic correlation between RTS and AFC was almost zero (-0.05). The estimated genetic correlation between weight and AFC was -0.41, while the correlation between weight and RTS was 0.48. Selective breeding of AFC and RTS can enhance the reproductive efficiency of the herd and result in animals with earlier pubertal age and increased fertility.

Kudzu: An invasive plant or a sustainable resource

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) is a fast growing leguminous vine plant that has strong reproductive ability and low requirements on its growing conditions. It has been considered an invasive plant in some places because of its aggressive growth, which can destroy the habitat for native plants and animals. However, its strong environmental adaptability makes it easily cultivated as a sustainable resource. Kudzu can also keep soil from washing away and play an important role in ecological protection. Kudzu has had numerous practical uses in our daily lives since ancient times. For example, its root, stem, flower and pod are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its root is a healthy food. And its leaf is used as fodder and forage for livestock. Moreover, some recent studies on kudzu have found that it is in rich of bioactive ingredients, especially isoflavones, which further broadens its uses in medicine, healthy food, and cosmetics industries. Its high starch and cellulose content makes it a promising feedstock for biofuel production and paper preparation. This editorial will give a brief discussion on kudzu and its comprehensive utilization.

A comparative investigation of three-dimensional printing models (rapid prototyping) made by imaging systems including multidetector computed tomography and cone-beam computed tomography systems

Abstract Introduction: Biomedical models (rapid prototyping) had a vast use in maxillofacial diagnosis and surgeries. Using this technology can lead to improvement in preoperative treatment planning and an increase in surgery quality. In this study, we investigated and compared the models derived from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiography systems. Aim: In this study, we investigated and compared the models derived from MDCT and CBCT radiography systems to see which is the most accurate. Materials and Methods: Five dried human mandibles were chosen in this study. These landmarks were chosen to investigate the reproduction ability: mental foramen, genial tubercle, central incisor, alveolar crest edge to the inferior mandibular border in midline, two bone defects in approximate dimensions of 3 × 3 mm2, first molar socket depth in the mesiobuccal line angle, mesiodistal length of tooth socket bone at the buccal and buccolingual width of tooth socket bone at mesial. Radiographs were taken using one MDCT and two CBCT systems. Then, models were built through a three-dimensional (3D) printer, and the mentioned landmarks were measured using a digital caliper. Data were entered in SPSS version 23 software and were analyzed with the ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: In the reproduction of superior-inferior dimension and mesiodistal width of all mentioned landmarks, there were no significant differences between models made by data derived from Cranex 3D and NewTom 3G with a small field of view, in comparison with the gold standard (P > 0.05). However, there is a significant difference in the reproduction of landmarks between models made from MDCT and NewTom 3G with a large field of view, in comparison with the gold standard (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Models made from CBCT Devices with a small field of view have an acceptable and reliable accuracy for assessing bone structures. However, for CBCT devices with a large field of view and computed tomography-scan devices, models have less accuracy.

The effect of inflammatory cytokines on occurrence of retained placenta in cattle

Background: In simple terms, retained placenta is a common issue after parturition in cattle that can affect their reproductive ability. In pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR), the placenta has low anti-inflammatory cytokines and high pro-inflammatory cytokines. By looking at variations in cytokine levels in the blood, we can diagnose the condition. The focus of a recent study was to examine the role of some interleukins (Interleukins -10, Interleukins -6, Interleukins -1β), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, in retained placenta occurrence in cattle.Methods: The study involved 40 cows, aged 3-8 years in the Salah-Din province. Each animal suffered from retained placenta also eleven healthy cows served as the control group in a period of January to August 2022. The blood serum was analyzed using enzyme immunoassay techniques (ELIZA) to measure the levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, CRP and TNF-α.Results: Serum levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, CRP and TNF-α showed a significant increase in cows experiencing retained fetal membranes compared to healthy cows (2.31±0.11 vs 1.41 ±0.07) (10.48±0.24 vs 5.40±0.19), (13.6±2.1 vs 4±0.9), (0.9±0.02 vs 0.32±0.04) and (60.1 ± 12.79 vs 29.5 ± 16.58) respectively.Conclusion: from the present study we conclude that IL10, IL6, IL1β and TNFα play an essential component in retained placenta incidence, and the estimation levels of these parameters in serum may be considered good indicator for occurrence in cattle. RT-PCR revealed increased expression of SDHA genes in the maternal compartment of the placenta.Keywords: Retained placenta; Cytokines; C-reactive protein

The impact of Withania somnifera and carbamazepine on epileptic phenotype in Drosophila temperature-sensitive mutants

BackgroundEpilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder affecting individuals across all age groups, often requires treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). While Carbamazepine (CBZ) serves a commonly prescribed first-line medication, its efficacy is limited in 30–40 % of patients. In exploring alternative treatment options. Herbal medicines like Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) offer promising benefits with reduced adverse effects. This study aims to assess the therapeutic impacts of W. somnifera and CBZ on behavioral paralysis, reproductive abilities, and lifespan in a Drosophila paralytic temperature-sensitive mutant (paraST76). MethodsparaST76 flies were exposed to three distinct concentrations of W. somnifera or CBZ added to wheat flour-agar media. ResultsThe results indicate that high concentration of W. somnifera effectively extended the lifespan of Drosophila paraST76 without compromising fecundity and fertility. Conversely, exposure to 40 μg/ml of CBZ resulted in a shortened lifespan and decreased reproductive ability in the paraST76 mutant. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that neither W. somnifera nor CBZ exerted any notable impact on behavioral paralysis, as per our dataset analysis. ConclusionThis study exhibits that W. somnifera is a safe compound, devoid of any adverse effects, and possesses the capability to prolong the lifespan of Drosophila. Nevertheless, it does not affect the voltage-gated sodium channel of the paraST76 mutant.

Long-term effect of exposure to triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) on male mouse reproduction.

Our study investigated the impact on male mouse fertility and reproduction of long-term (14 weeks) exposure to triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a co-monomer of resin-based compounds, at doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10ppm. Test and control mice were then paired with sexually mature untreated female mice and their fertility evaluated. Females paired with males exposed to all TEGDMA doses exhibited a significant decline in pregnancy rates, and significant increases in the total embryonic resorption-to-implantation ratio, except for males exposed to 0.01ppm TEGDMA. Males in the highest dose group (10ppm) showed significant increases in seminal vesicle and preputial gland weights. They also had significantly higher serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) than the controls, and the 0.01ppm dosage group for FSH levels. TEGDMA exposure resulted in notable histopathological alterations in the testis, with detachment of germ cells and shedding of germinal epithelium into the tubule lumen. These results strongly indicate that TEGDMA exposure has detrimental consequences on the reproductive abilities and functions in male mice through disruption of the standard hormonal regulation of the reproductive system, leading to changes in spermatogenesis and ultimately leading to decreased fertility.

Supplementing Boar Diet with Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Improves Sperm Quality Probably through the Activation of the SIRT3 Signaling Pathway.

Sperm quality is an important indicator to evaluate the reproduction ability of animals. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) participates in cell energy metabolism and reduces cell oxidative stress. However, the effect and regulatory mechanism of NMN on porcine sperm quality are still unknown. Here, 32 Landrace boars were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8) and fed with different levels of NMN (0, 8, 16 or 32 mg/kg/d) for 9 weeks, and then serum and semen samples of the boars were collected to investigate the function and molecular mechanism of NMN in sperm quality. The results showed that the dietary NMN supplementation significantly increased sperm volume, density and motility (p < 0.05). Interestingly, NMN apparently improved the antioxidative indexes and increased the levels of testosterone (p < 0.05) in serum. Furthermore, NMN upregulated the protein levels of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), antioxidation and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), but downregulated the protein levels of apoptosis in semen. Mechanically, NMN protected sperm from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis through SIRT3 deacetylation. Importantly, the SIRT3-specific inhibitor 3-TYP attenuated the antioxidation and antiapoptosis of NMN in sperm. Therefore, NMN exerts antioxidation and antiapoptosis to improve boar sperm quality via the SIRT3 signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that NMN is a novel potential boar antioxidative feed additive to produce high-quality porcine semen.

Cattle Reproductive Disorders Documented from Gaushalas of Nepal.

Cow is the national animal of Nepal, yet it is one of the most abused animal species here. Under realized utilities of cow that is nonlactating or pregnant is the reason for demonic cruelty. Since the Vedic period, gaushalas have been caring for cows. At present, most gaushalas have responsibility to rescue, offer refuge, and treat poorly treated or confiscated cattle from smuggling rackets in Nepal. It is no surprise that these abused animals suffer from many health issues and compromised reproductive ability. This study was conducted to know about husbandry practice and to determine prevalence of reproductive disorders in cows of Gaushala from Nepal. Altogether, 27 gaushalas were visited throughout the study period and cows (≥2 years) (n = 2959) were included for the study. From the study, respondents from 14.81% Gaushala admitted indigenous cattle only, 11.11% admitted any breed (indigenous and crossbreed), 44.44% admitted stray animals only, and 29.63% admitted all types (indigenous, crossbreed, and stray animals). The study revealed that among (n = 2959) animals examined, 5.54% (n = 164) were affected by either one or more reproductive problems. The major reproductive disorders identified in study area were repeat breeding 0.47%, cervico-vaginal and uterine prolapse 0.34%, retention of placenta 2.13%, dystocia 0.61%, and abortion 1.66%. Herd size of Gaushala had a significant difference (P < 0.05) on the overall prevalence of reproductive problems in cows of Gaushala. The main issues with gaushalas included a lack of resources like adequate fund, feeds, fodder, and water, shortage of grazing acreage, veterinary services, and difficulties in managing male cattle. To mitigate the issues and welfare related to gaushalas strict adherence to disease surveillance and biosecurity rules, avoidance of unlimited reproduction in cows, and separation of males and females, fund raising and resource management, collaboration with local government and NGOs, veterinary hospital, clinics, research, and innovation with veterinary institution and universities.

A systematic toxicologic study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on aquatic organisms via food-web bioaccumulation

Pollution-induced declines in fishery resources restrict the sustainable development of fishery. As a kind of typical environmental pollutant, the mechanism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) facilitating fishery resources declines needs to be fully illustrated. To determine how PAHs have led to declines in fishery resources, a systematic toxicologic analysis of the effects of PAHs on aquatic organisms via food-web bioaccumulation was performed in the Pearl River and its estuary. Overall, PAH bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms was correlated with the trophic levels along food-web, exhibiting as significant positive correlations were observed between PAHs concentration and the trophic levels of fishes in the Pearl River Estuary. Additionally, waterborne PAHs exerted significant direct effects on dietary organisms (P < 0.05), and diet-borne PAHs subsequently exhibited significant direct effects on fish (P < 0.05). However, an apparent block effect was found in dietary organisms (e.g., zooplankton) where 33.49 % of the total system throughput (TST) was retained at trophic level II, exhibiting as the highest PAHs concentration, bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and biomagnification factor (BMF) of ∑15PAHs in zooplankton were at least eight-fold greater than those in fishes in both the Pearl River and its estuary, thereby waterborne PAHs exerted either direct or indirect effects on fishes that ultimately led to food-web simplification. Regardless of the block effect of dietary organisms, a general toxic effect of PAHs on aquatic organisms was observed, e.g., Phe and BaP exerted lethal effects on phytoplankton Chlorella pyrenoidosa and zooplankton Daphnia magna, and decreased reproduction in fishes Danio rerio and Megalobrama hoffmanni via activating the NOD-like receptors (NLRs) signaling pathway. Consequently, an assembled aggregate exposure pathway for PAHs revealed that increases in waterborne PAHs led to bioaccumulation of PAHs in aquatic organisms along food-web, and this in turn decreased the reproductive ability of fishes, thus causing decline in fishery resources.

Changing the Perspective on Fertility Preservation for Women with Metastatic or Advanced Stage Cancer.

In this Perspective we share the personal story of a 33-year-old patient diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and her journey through fertility preservation, surrogacy, and eventually motherhood, highlighting misconceptions about fertility preservation in this population. There are nearly 1 million women under the age of 50 diagnosed and living with cancer in the USA. These patients are met with life-altering decisions, including those that may limit their reproductive ability. While there have been tremendous advances and advocacy in the field of oncofertility, there has been limited focus on patients with advanced stage or metastatic cancer. We describe five key misconceptions surrounding fertility preservation in patients with advanced stage cancer, offering a review of the literature and our approach to challenging topics like desiring fertility preservation in the face of Stage 4 disease, the safety and timing of ovarian stimulation during cancer treatment, and passing away following fertility preservation. We review the importance of assessing perceptions of fertility preservation in patients with metastatic cancer and highlight the lack of research in this area as a call to action.

Comparative analysis of reproductive tract microbiomes in modern and slower-growing broiler breeder lines.

The reproductive tract microbiome in hens is of interest because bacteria in the reproductive tract could potentially affect fertilization and egg production, as well as integrate into the forming egg and vertically transmit to progeny. The reproductive tract microbiome of 37-week-old modern commercial Cobb breeding dams was compared with that of dams from a broiler Legacy line which has not undergone selection since 1986. All animals were kept together under the same management protocol from day of hatch to avoid confounders. In regards to reproductive abilities, Cobb dams' eggs weighed more and the magnum section of their reproductive tract was longer. In regards to microbiome composition, it was found that the reproductive tract microbiomes of the two lines had a lot in common but also that the two breeds have unique reproductive tract microbiomes. Specifically, the order Pseudomonadales was higher in the magnum of Legacy dams, while Verrucomicrobiales was lower. In the infundibulum, Lactobacillales were higher in the Legacy dams while Verrucomicrobiales, Bacteroidales, RF32 and YS2 were lower. our results show that breeding programs have modified not only the physiology of the reproductive tract but also the reproductive tract microbiome. Additional research is required to understand the implications of these changes in the reproductive tract microbiome on the chicken host.

Induction of mutation in Neurospora Crassa using neem (Azadirachta Indica A. Juss) leaf extract

Filamentous fungus has been used as a significant source of biotechnological applications. Neurospora crassa, a type of red bread mold, has been well recognized as a model system in fundamental scientific investigations. It can be effectively utilized as a valuable resource for molecular tools, and many mutations are available. Furthermore, N. crassa exhibits rapid growth and has no harmful properties. These characteristics indicate a significant, although unexplored, capacity of this fungus for use in biotechnological endeavors. The present investigation aimed to induce morphological changes in the N. crassa wild type by employing leaf extracts derived from Azadirachta indica A. Juss. To determine the mutagenic and growth-inhibitory effects of A. indica leaves, morphological mutants were identified and individually examined. Six morphological mutants such as albino (al), cauliflower (clf), conidial band (co.band), ropy light (ro.lig), dirty (dir), and ropy (ro) were obtained from the conidia of the wild-type N. crassa Ema (5297) strain, treated with A. indica A. Juss. leaf extracts. These mutants were compared to the wild-type, natural form of the organism in terms of their morphology, radial growth, and reproduction ability. Apparent variations were observed when a comparative study of Ema and the selected morphological mutants was undertaken. Linkage among the selected mutants in their specific linkage group was determined. Ropy, dirty, and albino were all linked to leu-3 (linkage group I), conidial-band and ropy light to trp-1 (linkage group III), and cauliflower to trp-4 (linkage group VII). Complementation was not observed in similar morphological N. crassa mutants. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(1): 79-98, 2024 (January)

Dynamics of the content of immunoglobulin classes in blood serum and vaginal secretions of cows with genital mycoplasmosis with various methods of therapy

The economic efficiency of industrial animal husbandry in modern conditions provides not only for an increase in productivity, but also for maintaining the optimal level of basic physiological functions, including reproductive ones. The successful implementation of the task of preserving reproductive function is hindered by diseases of females of various etiologies that negatively affect their reproductive ability. One of these diseases is genital mycoplasmosis of cattle, which has a significant prevalence on dairy farms, both abroad and in the Russian Federation. The effectiveness of therapy for this disease largely depends on the initial state of the immune system. The objective of our research was to study the therapeutic efficacy and effect on the immunoglobulin composition of blood serum and vaginal secretions of patients with genital mycoplasmosis of cows of the use of the antibiotic tulathromycin and its combination with the immunomodulator thymalin. The results obtained demonstrated that the use of tulatromycin for treatment leads to the recovery of 75% of experimental animals and ensures the restoration of the immunoglobulin profile of vaginal secretions, whereas the immunodeficiency state observed in blood serum is only partially restored. The combination of an antibiotic and an immunomodulator ensured the recovery of all experimental animals and the restoration of the immunological characteristics of blood serum and vaginal secretions to the level of healthy cows.

Effect of temperature-humidity index on the evolution of trade-offs between fertility and production in dairy cattle

BackgroundIn the current context of climate change, livestock production faces many challenges to improve the sustainability of systems. Dairy farming, in particular, must find ways to select animals that will be able to achieve sufficient overall production while maintaining their reproductive ability in environments with increasing temperatures. With future forecasted climate conditions in mind, this study used data from Holstein and Montbeliarde dairy cattle to: (1) estimate the genetic-by-temperature-humidity index (THI) interactions for female fertility, and (2) evaluate the production-fertility trade-off with increasing values of THI.ResultsTwo-trait random regression models were fitted for conception rate (fertility) and test-day protein yield (production). For fertility, genetic correlations between different THI values were generally above 0.75, suggesting weak genotype-by-THI interactions for conception rate in both breeds. However, the genetic correlations between the conception rate breeding values at the current average THI (THI = 50, corresponding to a 24-h average temperature of 8 °C at 50% relative humidity) and their slopes (i.e., potential reranking) for heat stress scenarios (THI > 70), were different for each breed. For Montbeliarde, this correlation tended to be positive (i.e., overall the best reproducers are less affected by heat stress), whereas for Holstein it was approximately zero. Finally, our results indicated a weak antagonism between production and fertility, although for Montbeliarde this antagonism intensified with increasing THI.ConclusionsWithin the range of weather conditions studied, increasing temperatures are not expected to exacerbate the fertility-production trade-off. However, our results indicated that the animals with the best breeding values for production today will be the most affected by temperature increases, both in terms of fertility and production. Nonetheless, these animals should remain among the most productive ones during heat waves. For Montbeliarde, the current selection program for fertility seems to be adequate for ensuring the adaptation of fertility traits to temperature increases, without adverse effects on production. Such a conclusion cannot be drawn for Holstein. In the future, the incorporation of a heat tolerance index into dairy cattle breeding programs would be valuable to promote the selection of animals adapted to future climate conditions.

An audit of breast cancer in patients 40 years and younger in two Johannesburg academic hospitals.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, usually diagnosed after the age of 50 years. There is a perceived increase in breast cancer cases in young women in two public sector Johannesburg academic hospitals; however, there is a shortage of data to confirm this. This study aimed to assess data on breast cancer in young patients and determine any increase in the number of cases in patients 40 years and younger. A retrospective analysis of radiology and histopathology reports of patients 40 years and younger, seen at the radiology departments of two Johannesburg academic hospitals, was performed over a 5-year period. The frequency, histology and immunohistochemical results of breast cancer diagnoses were determined in patients with a Breast Imaging - Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification of 4 or above. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 73% of the total eligible 469 patients. The mean patient age was 34.35 years. Invasive ductal carcinoma was diagnosed in 83% (n = 283) of patients classified as BI-RADS 5 on imaging. Luminal A and B subtypes were the most common. The highest number of patients (n = 142) were seen in 2016 of which 92 had breast cancer. In this very specific sample set, there was a lower number of breast cancer diagnoses in 2015 and then an increase of breast cancer diagnoses in young patients from 2016 to 2018. Earlier breast cancer detection benefits the patient, their families and their reproductive ability. Knowledge of breast cancers in young patients can increase awareness, leading to effective, early diagnoses.

Ecological Traits and Socio-Economic Impacts of the Alien Invader Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. in South Africa’s Rangeland Ecosystems: A Review

Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as famine weed in South Africa, is one of the most invasive weeds worldwide, accountable for losses to biodiversity, agriculture, the economy, and the health of livestock and human beings. The spread of this weed is not easy to manage or reverse. With globalization, trade, and human movement, it will continue to spread, allowing its range to expand into new areas. This weed has serious adverse effects on rangeland and agricultural crop production. Because of its unique characteristics, its invasiveness and competitive success rates are attributed to its high reproductive ability, fast growth rate, tolerance to environmental stresses, climate change adaptability, allelopathic potential, and unpalatability to animals. Parthenium hysterophorus dominates diverse habitats by spreading quickly as a contaminant of grain and other crop products and through farm machinery. It is widely distributed and has become problematic in various countries, including South Africa. It has successfully invaded several provinces in the country since its introduction in 1880. Since plant invasions are not universal, this study aimed to review research that has been conducted on the aggressive weed P. hysterophorus to understand the ecological characteristics that enable its successful establishment, the economic costs associated with its detrimental impacts, and to briefly assess knowledge gaps to improve its management strategies.

Reproductive Ability Disparity in the Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei): Insights from Ovarian Cellular and Molecular Levels.

The Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is a highly significant species in shrimp aquaculture. In the production of shrimp larvae, noticeable variations in the reproductive capacity among female individuals have been observed. Some females experience slow gonadal development, resulting in the inability to spawn, while others undergo multiple maturations and contribute to the majority of larval supply. Despite numerous studies that have been conducted on the regulatory mechanisms of ovarian development in shrimp, the factors contributing to the differences in reproductive capacity among females remain unclear. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, this study examined the differences in the ovarian characteristics between high and low reproductive bulks at different maturity stages, focusing on the cellular and molecular levels. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the abundance of the endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, and mitochondrial cristae in oocytes of high reproductive bulk was significantly higher than that of the low reproductive bulk in the early stages of ovarian maturation (stages I and II). As the ovaries progressed to late-stage maturation (stages III and IV), differences in the internal structures of oocytes between females with different reproductive capacities gradually diminished. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the mitochondria between two groups, suggesting that energy production processes might play a crucial role in the observed variations in ovary development. The expression levels of the ETS homology factor (EHF) and PRDI-BF1 and RIZ homology domain containing 9 (PRDM9), which were significantly different between the two groups, were compared using qRT-PCR in individuals at different stages of ovarian maturation. The results showed a significantly higher expression of the EHF gene in the ovaries of high reproductive bulk at the II and IV maturity stages compared to the low reproductive bulk, while almost no expression was detected in the eyestalk tissue of the high reproductive bulk. The PRDM9 gene was exclusively expressed in ovarian tissue, with significantly higher expression in the ovaries of the high reproductive bulk at the four maturity stages compared to the low reproductive bulk. Fluorescence in situ hybridization further compared the expression patterns of EHF and PRDM9 in the ovaries of individuals with different fertility levels, with both genes showing stronger positive signals in the high reproductive bulk at the four ovarian stages. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved in shrimp ovarian development, but also provide valuable insights for the cultivation of new varieties aimed at improving shrimp fecundity.

Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Whole-Transcriptome Sequencing in High- and Low-Fecundity Chongming White Goat Ovaries during the Estrus Phase.

Reproductive performance is one of the most important economic traits in the goat industry. Increasing the number of goats is an effective measure to improve production efficiency and reduce production costs. Ovaries are important reproductive organs in female mammals that directly affect the estrous cycle and reproductive abilities. Understanding the complex transcription network of non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs) and messenger RNA (mRNA) could lead to significant insights into the ovarian regulation of the reproductive processes of animals. However, the whole-transcriptome analysis of the non-coding RNAs and mRNA of the ovaries in Chongming white goats between high-fecundity (HP) and low-fecundity (LP) groups is limited. In this study, a whole-transcriptome sequencing approach was used to identify lncRNA, circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression in the ovaries of Chongming white goats during the estrus phase using RNA-Seq technology. More than 20,000 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 10,000 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 3500 circular RNAs (circRNAs), and 1000 micro RNAs (miRNAs) were identified. A total of 1024 differential transcripts (724 mRNAs, 112 lncRNAs, 178 circRNAs, and 10 miRNAs) existing between the HP and the LP groups were revealed through a bioinformatics analysis. They were enriched in the prolactin signaling pathway, the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, and the GnRH signaling pathway, as well as various metabolic pathways. Differentially expressed mRNAs (such as LYPD6, VEGFA, NOS3, TNXB, and EPHA2) and miRNAs (such as miR-10a-5p) play key roles in the regulation of goat ovaries during the estrus phase. The enrichment of pathways related to reproduction, such as the Hippo, Hedgehog, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways, suggests that they might be involved in the prolificacy of goat ovaries. Overall, we identified several gene modules associated with goat fecundity and provided a basis for a molecular mechanism in the ovaries of Chongming white goats.

Адвентивный компонент банка семян некоторых лесных сообществ островов реки Волги

The paper presents the results of studying the adventive component of the seed bank of the Oak Mane Island of the Volga River Valley in the vicinity of the city of Saratov. Seeds of 12 species of adventitious plants were registered in the seed bank of the studied forest communities. All identified seeds belong to plant species belonging to one department of Magnoliophyta, 8 families and 12 genera. The Asteraceae family plays a leading role in the taxonomic spectrum of adventitious seed bank species (42%). Mesophytic mesotrophic (63.6%) heliophytic grouping of plants dominates in relation to ecological regimes. Mostly there are species of North American origin (60%). Herbaceous annuals (33% of species) and trees (34%) play a significant role. A significant impact on the composition of seed banks was caused by the unintentional entry of seeds of plants that are “refugees from culture” into this territory. Most adventitious plants, represented by both vegetating individuals and seeds, have penetrated into natural cenoses, and in some cases even partially transformed their structure, which is due to their reproductive potential and ability to compete with representatives of the native flora of natural habitats. In the studied area, foci of the concentration of seeds of drift plants in different communities were revealed, in continuous placement (Acer negundo, Bidens frondosa and Populus alba), disjunctive (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Echinocystis lobáta, Impatiens glandulifera), sporadic – Ambrosia trifida, Artemisia sieversiana, Crataegus sanguinea, Inula caspica and Ulmus pumila. An increase in the number of adventitious species presented in the seed bank was recorded, but the number of seeds decreased.

Status of the reproductive system of anchovy sprat (Clupeonella engrauliformis, Borodin, 1904) in the Caspian sea

The impact of negative factors on the population of anchovy sprat (Clupeonella engrauliformis, Borodin, 1904) continues, and therefore in recent years there has been a steady downward trend in the abundance and density of the species. Research catches of anchovy sprat are declining. One of the conditions contributing to the population recovery is an optimal, without critical pathologies condition of reproductive system of individuals. The purpose of this work is to study the condition of testes and ovaries of anchovy sprat. According to the histological picture of germ cells it is possible to objectively assess the state of reproductive ability of individuals. The study was carried out using the methods of classical histology. The material was gonads of females and males sampled in the summer of 2023 in the Middle Caspian Sea. According to the results of histological study it was found that gonads have different stages of maturity (II–III, III, IV and V). The presence of direct correlations between maturity indices (gonad weight, gonadosomatic index, maturity coefficient) in individuals of both sexes was found. In females, the size of oocytes of different stages of maturity is described, and the absence of correlation between cell diameter and length and mass of the individual is revealed. Distinctive features of resorption of oocytes of III and IV stages of maturity by such characteristics as shape, color and transparency of the cell are given. The proportion of females with resorbed oocytes (67%) and the average proportion of cells with developmental abnormalities (24%) were noted. The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the processes occurring in the reproductive glands of male and female anchovy sprat, which is very important for fish reproduction.