Aspects Of Reproduction Research Articles

Reproductive traits of the deep-sea shrimp Plesionika williamsi (decapoda: Pandalidae) from the eastern-central atlantic

The reproductive aspects of all Plesionika species are relatively well known worldwide, except for the deepest species of the genus, Plesionika williamsi, for which little information is available throughout its range. The ovarian maturity, sex ratio, brood size, and size-depth distribution of the deep-sea shrimp Plesionika williamsi (Pandalidae) in the Canary Islands (eastern-central Atlantic) were analysed. Ovigerous females were observed all year round, with the highest number of ovigerous females recorded between July and October. The presence of a greater number of ovigerous females during the summer may reflect a high local availability of food or the optimal abiotic conditions, which are factors with a strong influence on reproduction. The presence of non-ovigerous mature females throughout the year indicates that their resting period in the reproductive cycle occurs asynchronously. The physiological size at first sexual maturity was 19.24 mm in carapace length (CL) and the length at first sexual maturity was estimated at 23.15 mm CL. Estimates of size at first sexual maturity based on ovigerous females describe the result of the reproduction process, whereas size at first sexual maturity based on ovarian maturity deals with physiological preparation for reproduction. The modal size class of egg production was 24–30 mm CL, which yielded 83.22% of the population egg production. Plesionika williamsi is an iteroparous species that can produce small eggs during egg extrusion. The mean number of external embryos carried by females was 3048 and can be considered a true approximation of the number of larvae released in each batch, which depend on the conditions existing in each system. The shallower individuals are associated with a depth stratum that represents the boundary between two water masses present in the Canary Islands. The increase in size with depth is related to the presence of submarine volcanic canyons, which constitutes a flow channel of surface organic matter to depth.

Diet, sexual dimorphism, and fertility aspects of Melanophryniscus fulvoguttatus (Mertens, 1937) from Central-East Brazil

Melanophryniscus fulvoguttatus is a small toad that inhabits the Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, and humid Chaco of South America. Due to its aposematic coloration and behavior, it is a species that may present chemical defenses such as alkaloids and a restricted diet similar to other species of the genus. Although it was described in the early 20th century, there is still little information on its natural history and ecology. Here, we described the diet, tested the sexual dimorphism, and calculated the fertility index of M. fulvoguttatus based on a sample of eight males and 21 females from a population within the Cerrado. Sexual dimorphism was assessed using 15 morphometric measures; diet was calculated as an index of relative importance by prey item and tested for sex differences; fertility was tested for relations between body size and the number of eggs; and we also estimated the reproductive investment. Our results demonstrate that this population’s diet consisted mostly of ant species, with Pheidole radoszkowskii being the most important, followed by Crematogaster sp. and Cyphomyrmex transversus. Regarding sexual dimorphism, we observed that females were significantly larger than males, with a positive relationship between female size and the number of eggs. We did not find significant differences in the diets of males and females. Although the diet and reproductive aspects of M. fulvoguttatus are similar to those of its congeneric species, further studies are needed in order to address the relationship between the species diet and its chemical defenses.

42 Group sow housing considerations for improved survival and productivity

Abstract Group sow housing considerations for improved survival and productivity. The Australian pork industry decided in 2010 to voluntarily phase out stall housing for pregnant sows by 2017. The change was supported by extensive R&D by the Pork CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork and the time line was brought forward by two major retailers in Australia. For 85 to 90% of producers the transition was complete by 2019-2020 and sows were grouped at weaning or straight after mating. I reviewed the pertinent literature, interviewed many producers on what is required to make group housing successful for the sow and the producer and looked at trend from an Australian bench making project in some aspects of reproduction and sow mortality from 2006 to 2020. The research showed sows adapt to grouping and exhibit reduced aggressive behaviors, injuries and plasma indicators of stress within 4 to 5 d after mixing. During this period, it was all about space at mixing, grouping sows based on size/parity, ensuring they all receive adequate feed and familiarization with group housing by the sow and staff. Producers said it is all about ensuring sows are grouped on size/parity, feeding with many using ad libitum feeding for the week after mixing, space with a preference between 1.8 and 2.2 m2, flooring (slats preferred) and minimizing mixing events. Producers were split on the use of drop feeding and electronic sow feeders with opinions very divided. For drop feeding the preferred housing system comprised full length feeding stalls without a back gate. All producers said they would not go back to stalls. Most producers experienced a decline in farrowing rate and increased lameness during the transition. However, reproduction improved over time and sow mortality decreased. If the top 4 to 5 factors affecting aggressiveness and overall welfare are followed, group housing sows improves their welfare and does not reduce their reproductive performance or longevity. Detection of estrus can be more difficult in groups and a number of Australian producers have implemented the use of satiety blocks during the first 2 and last 2 wk of gestation to further improve welfare and meet retailer requirements. Mating in groups (not stalls) has also been reported to improve reproduction.

Abstract PO5-27-04: The epidemiological profile and lifestyle of non-village indigenous women from Amazonas, Brazil and the likely impact on breast cancer mortality

Abstract Introduction: The high and growing incidence of breast cancer is a reality in almost every continent. However, the low mortality from this neoplasm among indigenous people of Amazonas, Brazil, is an intriguing fact (table 1). Inspite having a lower life expectancy at birth, the magnitude of low mortality is even greater. Indigenous women have gradually integrated into the non-indigenous community, and the reality of low mortality from breast cancer may be at risk of not existing in the future if the justification is in their reproductive epidemiological profile and lifestyle. Objective: This work seeks to find variables that can justify the fact that indigenous women from the Amazon region die less from breast cancer when compared to non-indigenous women. To achieve this, we evaluated reproductive epidemiological factors and lifestyle in non-village indigenous women and compared them with the same data in non-indigenous women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study consisting of a convenience sample in which all indigenous people treated at the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of the Getúlio Vargas University Hospital of the Federal University of Amazonas were invited to participate from September 2020 to March 2023. There were 126 women: 39 non-village indigenous people who have lived in Manaus for more than 5 years and are integrated into society, 47 non-village indigenous people who live in riverside and interior populations of Amazonas - or in Manaus for less than 5 years - and 40 non-indigenous individuals. A questionnaire in interview format was administered with the objective of evaluating epidemiological and reproductive aspects such as age, education, BMI, menarche, parity, age at first pregnancy, breastfeeding, use of hormonal medications as well as lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, use of herbs, roots and seeds for therapeutic purposes and practice of religious devotional habits. Results: There was no difference in age, BMI, education, menarche and parity between the interviewed patients, nor in the assessment of the consumption of milk, sugar, fruits, vegetables and legumes, smoking habits, alcohol intake or physical activity between the groups. Indigenous women living in Manaus had a lower age at first pregnancy when compared to non-indigenous women. The variable “breastfeeding time” did not reach statistical significance but demonstrated a very close index (p 0.058) and a tendency to suggest that indigenous people, regardless of their place of residence, breastfeed for a longer duration. Non-indigenous women had a longer history of using hormonal medications when compared to indigenous women living in Manaus. Regarding meat consumption habits, indigenous women living in riverside and interior populations showed higher percentages of sporadic consumption of beef, sporadic consumption of wild animals, and daily consumption of white meat compared to non-indigenous people. On the other hand, non-indigenous women had a higher percentage of never having consumed wild animal meat when compared to the two other groups. Among indigenous women from riverside populations, there was a lower percentage of religious practices. The consumption of herbs, roots or seeds for therapeutic purposes was more commonly observed among indigenous people living in Manaus when compared to non-indigenous people. Conclusion: No epidemiological or lifestyle variables were found in both groups of indigenous people that justify the low mortality from breast cancer in these women. However, although the variable “breastfeeding time” did not reach statistical significance, it demonstrated a very close index (p 0.058) and a tendency to suggest that indigenous people, regardless of their place of residence, breastfeed for a longer duration. This could be a potential explanation for the low mortality from this disease among indigenous women. Table 1: Participation of breast cancer deaths in the total number of deaths in women over 20 years of age in the State of Amazonas Source: prepared by researchers Table 2 - Menarch, parity (childbirth and miscarage), breastfeed, Family history of breast cancer, image exam Table 3: Red and white meat consumption Citation Format: Maria Riselda Vinhote Da Silva, Lilian Cristina De Souza Guimarães, Afonso Nazário, Mariana Guimaraes De Oliveira Castro. The epidemiological profile and lifestyle of non-village indigenous women from Amazonas, Brazil and the likely impact on breast cancer mortality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-27-04.

변종 가족의 출현, 청소년의 미완 가족 만들기 -2010년대 청소년 ‘가출팸’ 영화를 중심으로-

This study focuses on the films “Another's Melody(2014)”, “Dream Jane(2016)”, and “Park Hwa-young(2018)”, which are based on “Gachulfam” among independent youth films of the 2010s. The aim was to examine the aspects of reproduction and their meanings. Movies dealing with youth deviance continue to exist throughout this age. The meaning of runaway, which was understood as rebellion and beating, changed with the times, and “Gachulfam” became a precarious youth in the 2010s. In this situation, this study noted that the appearance of the “Gachulfam” made by adolescents from post-family families can be interpreted as a way of living and revealing their consciousness in the reality of crisis. First, the “home” as a fluid and open space created by the youth of the three “Gachulfam” films reveal the fear of isolation and causes relationship obsession. Second, the “Gachulfam” made by the youth is a kind of abnormal family that is not recognized in the existing society. However, owing to the irresponsible and incomplete appearance of adults, including parents, teenagers are gaining an upper hand in power relations and the positivity of family building. Third, these families are completed by re-calling the “dedicated mother”. However, the pursuit of motherhood, which appears in “Gachulfam”, stands at a different point from the existing maternal ideology that led to the establishment of patriarchal authority for the survival of the family. Therefore, it is meaningful because it has the possibility of an incomplete but new family.

Bionomics, reproductive traits and assessment of forensic relevance of Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a colonizer of cadavers in the Neotropical Region. Nevertheless, data on development for the P. (P.) chrysostoma (e.g., instar duration) and behavioral strategies used by the species for locating and colonizing a corpse are scant. We aimed to explore bionomic and reproductive aspects of the flesh fly P. (P.) chrysostoma, and in this article we: (a) provide quantitative data on the life cycle of P. (P.) chrysostoma; (b) present bionomic measurements (length and weight) of larvae and pupae; (c) describe intrauterine egg and larvae development; and (d) analyze the ovo/larviposition behavior by gravid females. Females showed ovaries with discernible eggs and larvae between 8 and 10 days (x̅ = 23.3 eggs/female). This study reports the first observation of egg deposition, an atypical behavior for the species. The average development time for immature stages was 22.24h and 21.36h for 1st and 2nd respectively, and 3rd showed an average development time of 80.47h. Pupa had the longest duration (x̅ = 295.69h). A direct increase was observed in weight (P < 0.05) and length (P < 0.05) throughout time. The average survival time of males and females is approximately 30 days. This study expands the knowledge on P. (P.) chrysostoma, such as facultative ovoviviparity under laboratory conditions and the life cycle, which may benefit future studies for accuracy in entomology-based estimation of minimum post-mortem interval (min PMI).

Sex on steroids: how brassinosteroids shape reproductive development in plants.

Since the discovery of brassinolide in the pollen of rapeseed, brassinosteroids (BRs) have consistently been associated with reproductive traits. However, compared to what is known for how BRs shape vegetative development, the understanding of how these hormones regulate reproductive traits is comparatively still lacking. Nevertheless, there is now considerable evidence that BRs regulate almost all aspects of reproduction, from ovule and pollen formation to seed and fruit development. Here, we review the current body of knowledge on how BRs regulate reproductive processes in plants, and what is known about how these pathways are transduced at the molecular level. We then discuss how the manipulation of BR biosynthesis and signaling can be a promising avenue for improving crop traits which rely on efficient reproduction. We thus propose that BR hold an untapped potential for plant breeding, which could contribute to attain food security in the coming years.

Dehydroepiandrosterone with a high-fat diet treatment at inducing polycystic ovary syndrome in rat model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) treatment of reproductive and endocrine metabolism in rats and then identify an ideal model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsThree-week-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously with DHEA or oil, fed with or without a HFD, for 21 days, during which body weight, feed intake, and estrous cycle monitoring were carried out. Fasting blood glucose was measured, and serum fasting insulin, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were estimated by ELISA. Serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by colorimetric assay. Whereas, histologic changes in rat ovaries were evaluated by H&E staining. Ovarian steroid hormone synthases and their protein levels (StAR, 3β-HSD2, 17β-HSD1, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1) were examined by Western blotting. ResultsBoth DHEA and DHEA + HFD-treated rats lost a regular estrous cycle; had polycystic ovarian changes, significantly higher serum fasting insulin and testosterone levels; and increased ovarian StAR, 3β-HSD2, and CYP11A1 protein levels. Additionally, rats in the DHEA + HFD-treated group were obese; had elevated fasting blood glucose, TG, DHT, AMH levels and LH:FSH ratios; increased ovarian 17β-HSD1 protein levels. ConclusionDHEA combined with HFD treatment is more effective at inducing PCOS than DHEA alone. The reproductive and endocrine metabolic aspects of this method are more consistent with the clinical characteristics of PCOS patients.

HormonomicsDB: a novel workflow for the untargeted analysis of plant growth regulators and hormones

Background Metabolomics is the simultaneous determination of all metabolites in a system. Despite significant advances in the field, compound identification remains a challenge. Prior knowledge of the compound classes of interest can improve metabolite identification. Hormones are a small signaling molecules, which function in coordination to direct all aspects of development, function and reproduction in living systems and which also pose challenges as environmental contaminants. Hormones are inherently present at low levels in tissues, stored in many forms and mobilized rapidly in response to a stimulus making them difficult to measure, identify and quantify. Methods An in-depth literature review was performed for known hormones, their precursors, metabolites and conjugates in plants to generate the database and an RShiny App developed to enable web-based searches against the database. An accompanying liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS) protocol was developed with retention time prediction in Retip. A meta-analysis of 14 plant metabolomics studies was used for validation. Results We developed HormonomicsDB, a tool which can be used to query an untargeted mass spectrometry (MS) dataset against a database of more than 200 known hormones, their precursors and metabolites. The protocol encompasses sample preparation, analysis, data processing and hormone annotation and is designed to minimize degradation of labile hormones. The plant system is used a model to illustrate the workflow and data acquisition and interpretation. Analytical conditions were standardized to a 30 min analysis time using a common solvent system to allow for easy transfer by a researcher with basic knowledge of MS. Incorporation of synthetic biotransformations enables prediction of novel metabolites. Conclusions HormonomicsDB is suitable for use on any LC-MS based system with compatible column and buffer system, enables the characterization of the known hormonome across a diversity of samples, and hypothesis generation to reveal knew insights into hormone signaling networks.

Perinatal bisphenol S exposure exacerbates the oxidative burden and apoptosis in neonatal ovaries by suppressing the mTOR/autophagy axis

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an emerging environmental endocrine disruptor capable of crossing the placental barrier, resulting in widespread exposure to pregnant women due to its extensive usage. However, the impact of perinatal maternal exposure to BPS on reproductive health in offspring and the underlying molecular mechanism remain underexplored. In this study, gestational ICR mice were provided with drinking water containing 3.33 mg/L BPS to mimic possible human exposure in some countries. Results demonstrated that BPS accelerated the breakdown of germ-cell cysts and the assembly of primordial follicles in neonates, leading to oocyte over-loss. Furthermore, the expression levels of folliculogenesis-related genes (Kit, Nobox, Gdf9, Sohlh2, Kitl, Bmp15, Lhx8, Figla, and Tgfb1) decreased, thus compromising oocyte quality and disrupting early folliculogenesis dynamics. BPS also disrupted other aspects of offspring reproduction, including advancing puberty onset, disrupting the estrus cycle, and impairing fertility. Further investigation found that BPS exposure inhibited the activities and expression levels of antioxidant-related enzymes in neonatal ovaries, leading to the substantial accumulation of MDA and ROS. The increased oxidative burden exacerbated the intracellular apoptotic signaling, manifested by increased expression levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9) and decreased expression levels of anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl2). Concurrently, BPS inhibited autophagy by increasing p-mTOR/mTOR and decreasing p-ULK1/ULK1, subsequently down-regulating autophagy flux-related biomarkers (LC3b/LC3a and Beclin-1) and impeding the degradation of autophagy substrate p62. However, the imbalanced crosstalk between autophagy, apoptosis and oxidative stress homeostasis was restored after rapamycin treatment. Collectively, the findings demonstrated that BPS exposure induced reproductive disorders in offspring by perturbing the mTOR/autophagy axis, and such autophagic dysfunction exacerbated redox imbalance and promoted excessive apoptosis. These results provide novel mechanistic insights into the role of autophagy in mitigating BPS-induced intergenerational reproductive dysfunction.

Baseline glucocorticoids alone do not predict reproductive success across years, but in interaction with enzymatic antioxidants

AbstractGlucocorticoids are known to adjust organismal functions, such as metabolism, in response to environmental conditions. Therefore, these hormones are thought to play a key role in regulating the metabolically demanding aspects of reproduction, especially in variable environments. However, support for the hypothesis that variation in glucocorticoid concentrations predicts reproductive success is decidedly mixed. Two explanations may account for this discrepancy: (i) Glucocorticoids might not act independently but could interact with other physiological traits, jointly influencing reproduction, and (ii) such an association could become apparent primarily in challenging environments when glucocorticoid concentrations increase. To address these two possibilities, we determined natural variation in circulating baseline glucocorticoid concentrations in parental great tits (Parus major) alongside two physiological systems known to be related with an individual's metabolism: oxidative status parameters (i.e., concentrations of pro‐oxidants, dietary, and enzymatic antioxidants) and body condition. These systems interact with glucocorticoids and can also influence reproductive success. We measured these variables in two breeding seasons that differed in environmental conditions. When accounting for the interaction of baseline glucocorticoids with other physiological traits, we found a positive relationship between baseline glucocorticoids and the number of fledglings in adult great tits. The strength of this relationship was more pronounced for those individuals who also had high concentrations of the enzymatic antioxidant glutathione peroxidase. When studied independently, glucocorticoids were not related to fitness proxies, even in the year with more challenging environmental conditions. Together, our study lend to support the hypothesis that glucocorticoids do not influence fitness alone, but in association with other physiological systems.

Disruption of Thyroid Hormone Receptor Thrab Leads to Female Infertility in Zebrafish.

Thyroid hormones (THs) T4 and T3 are vital for development, growth, and metabolism. Thyroid dysfunction can also cause problems in fertility, suggesting involvement of THs in reproduction. In zebrafish, there exist 2 forms of TH receptor alpha gene (thraa and thrab). Disruption of these genes by CRISPR/Cas9 showed no reproductive irregularities in the thraa mutant; however, inactivation of the thrab gene resulted in female infertility. Although young female mutants (thrabm/m) showed normal ovarian development and folliculogenesis before sexual maturation, they failed to release eggs during oviposition after sexual maturation. This spawning failure was due to oviductal blockage at the genital papilla. The obstruction of the oviduct subsequently caused an accumulation of the eggs in the ovary, resulting in severe ovarian hypertrophy, abdominal distention, and disruption of folliculogenesis. Gene expression analysis showed expression of both TH receptors and estrogen receptors in the genital papilla, suggesting a direct TH action and potential interactions between thyroid and estrogen signaling pathways in controlling genital papilla development and function. In addition to their actions in the reproductive tracts, THs may also have direct effects in the ovary, as suggested by follicle atresia and cessation of folliculogenesis in the heterozygous mutant (thrab+/m), which was normal in all aspects of female reproduction in young and sexually mature fish but exhibited premature ovarian failure in aged females. In summary, this study provides substantial evidence for roles of THs in controlling the development and functions of both reproductive tract and ovary.

Copulation record of Tropidurus imbituba (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

Tropidurus imbituba is a lizard with endemic distribution. Data on the species are scarce as it is a new species and has the only known habitat to date. Understanding reproductive aspects is important for their conservation. Thus, the present study presents the first records of the courtship and copulation behavior of T. imbituba. Sampling was carried out in spring 2022 and summer 2023, between September 24, 2022 and March 19, 2023. Monitoring was adapted from the Squamata Reptile Monitoring Protocol in Federal Conservation Units of the Caatinga Biome, following the active search method without time limitation (BANLT), in order to register T. imbituba individuals without any type of physical restraint. The individuals viewed had their coordinates taken with GPS, photographed with a DSLR camera – 65x zoom with a 21 mm ultra-wide angle lens. Viewing was done with the naked eye and with the aid of 8x40 binoculars. In areas with a concentration of lizards, the fixed point methodology was also used for five to 10 minutes, to observe the animals and other important data, where, at opportune moments, filming and photographs of courtship or copulation behavior were recorded.

Mechanistic interplay of dual environmental stressors: Bisphenol-A and cadmium-induced ovarian follicular damage and hepatocyte dysfunction in vivo

This study investigates the individual and combined toxic effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Cadmium (Cd) in zebrafish, recognizing the complex mixture of pollutants organisms encounter in their natural environment. Examining developmental, neurobehavioral, reproductive, and physiological aspects, the study reveals significant adverse effects, particularly in combined exposures. Zebrafish embryos exposed to BPA + Cd exhibit synergistically increased mortality, delayed hatching, and morphological abnormalities, emphasizing the heightened toxicity of the combination. Prolonged exposure until 10 days post-fertilization underscores enduring effects on embryonic development. BPA and Cd induce oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. This oxidative stress disrupts cellular functions, affecting lipid metabolism and immune response. Adult zebrafish exposed to BPA and Cd for 40 days display compromised neurobehavioral functions, altered antioxidant defenses, and increased oxidative stress, suggesting potential neurotoxicity. Additionally, disruptions in ovarian follicle maturation and skeletal abnormalities indicate reproductive and skeletal impacts. Histological analysis reveals significant liver damage, emphasizing the synergistic hepatotoxicity of BPA and Cd. Molecular assessments further demonstrate compromised cellular defense mechanisms, synaptic function, and elevated cellular stress and inflammation-related gene expression in response to combined exposures. Bioaccumulation analysis highlights differential tissue accumulation patterns. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted toxicological effects of BPA and Cd in zebrafish, raising concerns about potential adverse impacts on environmental ecosystems and human health.

Population structure and reproductive indicators of the surubim Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) in the São Miguel River, Amazon basin, Brazil.

Fish is an important source of food and income for a significant portion of the Amazonian population, especially those who live along the rivers and lakes in the region. Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (Castelnau, 1855), known as surubim, is a species of Neotropical catfish widely exploited by fisheries and commercially valuable in the Guaporé River basin, Brazil. However, population dynamics are poorly known in the region. To understand the population structure and reproductive biology aspects of the surubim, monthly experimental fisheries were carried out in the São Miguel River, state of Rondônia, Brazil, between August 2020 and July 2021. The captured fish were weighed, and its gonads were removed and weighed for histological analyses (microscopic description) and classification of the maturation stages (macroscopic description). The collected gonads were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, dehydrated, cut into 4-μm-thick sections, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A total of 34 individuals were collected (20 females and 14 males), showing positive allometric growth and condition factor from 0.81 to 1.79 for females and males, respectively. Females were larger in size and weight than males. P. punctifer reaches its first maturation at an average length of 68.30 cm, indicating the importance of respecting the minimum capture size as an alternative to ensure the natural stocks of this fishery resource in the region. The results provide support for the establishment of public policies and actions for conservation, management, and regulation of fishing.

Effect of spermidine on reproductive, seed quality and bio-physiological characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes under salt stress

The experiment aimed to investigate the impact of foliar application of spermidine on the physiological and reproductive aspects of chickpea genotypes subjected to salt stress, with a focus on its consequences for seed quality. The study involved treating chickpea genotypes (CSG 8962, HC 3, HC 5, RSG 931) with 4 and 8 dSm−1 Cl− dominate salinity during the seedling stage, and application of 0.5 and 1.0 mM spermidine at the flowering stage. Result revealed that salinity significantly reduced chlorophyll and membrane stability index by approximately 46.97% and 23.19%, respectively. Concurrently, pollen germination and viability decreased about 14.14% and 22.24%, leading to a substantial decline in seed protein content (37.70%) at 8 dSm−1 salinity. While there was an increase in antioxidant activity (45.83%), phenol content decreased in response to salinity stress. Foliar application of spermidine (0.5 and 1.0 mM) proved to be a promising intervention, enhancing chlorophyll stability and phenol content by approximately 24.35% and 36.05%, respectively, at 8 dSm−1 salinity. This improvement is associated with a notable 20.01% increase in pollen viability, resulting in a subsequent rise in protein content by about 20.73% at 1.0 mM spermidine. Additionally, the application of spermidine mitigated Na+ ion accumulation in chickpea seeds. The findings underscore the varying performance of chickpea genotypes under salinity stress, with CSG 8962 and RSG 931 exhibiting poorer outcomes compared to other genotypes. Notably, the positive impact of spermidine was more pronounced, especially with the use of 1.0 mM spermidine, which demonstrated a more significant positive effect in salt-sensitive chickpea genotypes. These results emphasize the potential of spermidine as a strategic tool in alleviating the adverse effects of salinity on chickpea crops, offering valuable insights for the development of sustainable practices to enhance chickpea resilience and seed quality under challenging environmental conditions.

Management of Adolescent PCOD: A Real Challenge

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 5-10% of women worldwide, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and cysts on the ovaries. Its exact cause is unknown, but early identification and intervention can reduce the risk of complications like diabetes and heart disease. PCOS manifests in various ways, impacting reproductive, cosmetic, metabolic, and psychological aspects. Prevalence is higher in certain ethnic groups, and diagnosis can occur in adolescence but is often delayed. Despite its global impact, most studies focus on developed countries. Aim of the study: The study aims to explore the diagnosis and treatment procedures for managing adolescent PCOD in Bangladesh. Methods: This study, conducted at the Holly lab hospital &amp;Missionary Hospital Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. The study spanned one year from January 2023 to December 2023. Diagnosis relied on clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism and persistent menstrual irregularities. A one-on-one interview gathered comprehensive medical information. Inclusion criteria covered females aged 10 to 19, while exclusions involved specific medical conditions and ongoing treatments. Statistical analyses using SPSS included expressing variables and logistic regression to identify metabolic syndrome risk factors. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05 for statistical relevance. Result: The study involves 107 adolescent participants with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOD). Most were aged 10-15 (55.14%) with an average age of 16.8. BMI analysis showed high prevalence of overweight (29.70%) and obesity (39.40%). Abdominal obesity was normal in 76.60%, while 20.00% were pre-hypertensive, and 3.40% had hypertension. Glycemic status varied, with 76.00% normoglycemic, 21.10% prediabetic, and 2.90% diabetic. Dyslipidemia was present in 90.90%, and metabolic syndrome in 42.30%. Biochemical hyperandrogenism was observed in 33.70%. PCOD features included hirsutism (94.90%) and menstrual irregularities (oligomenorrhea 87.85%). Ovarian morphology showed diverse patterns. Hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, ovarian morphology, and metabolic factors were primary contributors to PCOD diagnosis. Treatment approaches varied, including classical interventions (34.58%), lifestyle changes (14.95%), combined oral contraception (12.15%), and antiandrogens (7.48%). Therapeutic treatments included N-acetylcysteine, Inositol, Vitamin D supplementation, and Chromium supplementation. Conclusion: Managing adolescent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is challenging due to the high prevalence of metabolic complications. Diagnostic complexity emphasizes careful evaluation to prevent premature labelling and psychological stress. Treatment involves lifestyle interventions, hormonal contraceptives, and anti-androgen medications. Standardized diagnostic criteria and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial. Early intervention and continuous monitoring are essential for mitigating long-term health risks. Further research on PCOS in diverse populations is recommended for tailored interventions and a nuanced understanding.

Reproductive aspects of the Amazon giant paiche (Arapaima gigas): a review

Reproductive aspects of the Amazon giant paiche (Arapaima gigas): a review

Stallion semen cryopreservation: Frozen semen preparation, handling and breeding

SummaryThe use of cryopreserved stallion semen is a significant aspect of equine reproduction, despite the tendency for lower per cycle pregnancy rates than cooled or fresh semen. This decreased fertility of thawed frozen semen is due in part to the innate subfertility of the chosen male breeding population, but also to the direct insults to the sperm cell during the freezing and subsequent thawing process. The mare aspect of frozen semen breeding is intensively managed to compensate for the aforementioned damages, and acceptable pregnancy rates can be achieved. Here we describe the stallion semen cryopreservation process including semen collection, expected causes of damage in processing, freezing and thawing, mare management and future directions.

Road Traffic Pollution, Motor Driving Occupation and Human Reproductive Health- An Overview

Generally, automobile vehicles discharge specific contaminants into the surrounding environment during operation, which might affect human and reproductive health. Additionally, a more extended period of sitting while driving is linked with the manifestation of heat in the pelvic region, which might also impact the driver’s semen quality. The data on motor traffic pollution, sitting posture duration while driving, and their impact on reproduction was collected by searching various websites. The data on the effects of traffic-related contamination on motorway tollgate workers indicated an alteration in semen quality parameters to some extent compared to control, i.e., nonexposed to traffic-connected pollution. Still, the data on other male reproductive endpoints are scanty. Some data on the impact of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on pregnancy outcomes are accessible based on the studies mostly carried out in women residing close to the main road, which suggests the adverse impact of TRAP on pregnancy outcomes. The comprehensive data on drivers with reverence to professional driving i.e., long duration of sitting while driving and reproductive health, is scanty and needs more studies. The available information suggests that vehicular pollution might affect the semen quality and pregnancy outcome to some extent. At the same time, the impact on the other reproductive endpoints of both sexes is inconsistent, and additional data is needed to conclude these aspects of human reproduction. Further, there is a need to adopt better efficient fuel engines to reduce TRAPs or use alternate technology or fuel to petrol/diesel.