Reproductive Characteristics Research Articles

Sociodemographic and Health-Related Risk Factors Associated With Planned and Emergency Cesarean Births in Mexico.

Cesarean delivery is a contributing factor to many delivery care and postpartum maternal morbidities, especially when a cesarean delivery is unnecessary. Mexico has one of the highest cesarean birth rates in Latin America, and as such, our objective was to identify the sociodemographic, reproductive, maternal care, and health-related characteristics associated with the prevalence of planned and emergency cesarean births in Mexico. Using nationally representative data from a Mexican probabilistic survey (ENSANUT 2021), we examined and developed a cross-sectional analysis of women aged 12 to 19 with a live-birth and women 20 to 49 years who had their last live-birth within five years before the survey (n = 1330). We used multinomial logistic regression analysis to examine predictors associated with planned and emergency cesarean births. The live-births within our sample included 50.7% vaginal, 27.5% emergency cesarean births, and 21.8% planned cesarean births. Younger age groups at delivery, speaking an indigenous language, and receiving delivery care at open public services are negatively associated with having any cesarean birth. Receiving delivery care at private institutions and having hypertension during pregnancy increases the odds of having both planned and emergency cesarean births. Emergency cesarean births are positively associated with tertiary education and negatively correlated with the parity of three or more children, while planned cesarean births are more likely for women with a parity of two. Efforts to reduce unnecessary cesarean births should include evidence-based medicine recommendations, actions to avoid the first cesarean birth, and providing pregnant women with counseling to support informed decisions.

Is it beneficial to be a city dweller? Impact of urban conditions on red fox reproduction

AbstractVarious species inhabit cities around the world, and numerous changes in their biology can be observed. Among them, changes in the time of reproduction or productivity are often recorded in urban populations. Firstly, we compared selected reproductive features (i.e., litter size and time of breeding) of two red fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations, one living in the city of Warsaw and the other inhabiting a forest‐field mosaic in Central Poland. Secondly, we investigated fox reproductive and social behaviour in an extensive camera trap study in Warsaw (2018–2021). By means of generalized linear mixed effects models, we identified which factors (fox social group size, share of natural food, and level of urbanization, created by using principal components analysis for habitat and landscape variables) affected the reproduction and/or social group size of urban foxes. We found that urban foxes started breeding about 2 weeks earlier than their rural counterparts and produced bigger litters (3.98 vs. 3.48 cubs). Opposite to rural foxes where only pairs of adult foxes were reported, in the urban population, social groups were observed with a mean number of 2.37 individuals. Interestingly, none of the studied factors affected group size or litter size in urban foxes, while breeding time was influenced by the level of urbanization and share of natural food. Earlier reproduction in urban areas is fairly frequently observed and may be attributed to altered environmental conditions in urban habitats, while higher productivity is probably a consequence of higher food availability.

Morphological, ecological and genetic characteristics of the sandy sculpin (<i>Leocottus kesslerii</i>, Cottidae) from the lakes Baikal, Arakhlei and Gusinoe, Transbaikalia

Studies on local forms of the Sandy sculpin, Leocottus kesslerii, in the lakes Baikal, Arakhlei and Gusinoye show that the differences between lake forms in terms of external morphology lie in the head length to width ratio. In the Baikal form, the head is wider than long, vs the opposite in both Apakhlei and Gusinoe forms. In the Baikal and Gusinoe forms, there is a gap between the dorsal fins, a gap being absent from the Arakhlei form and the dorsal fins are in touch with each other. In the Arakhlei form, the anal fin is long (37.4–43%, on average 39.3% SL). In the Baikal form, the length of the A base reaches 32.9% SL (29.0–34.5%). In the Baikal and Arakhlei forms, small and sparse bone prickles are present on the body, these being large and dense in the Gusinoe form. The differences identified show a low level of morphological isolation of the forms. More significant differences are established in ecological features: growth rate, food spectrum, reproductive characteristics, and fecundity values. The differences in ecological features are due to the adaptation of the Sandy sculpin forms to specific conditions of the lakes they inhabit. Studies on genetic differentiation were carried out using the control region (CR) of mtDNA. The study forms of the Sandy sculpin revealed weak genetic isolation. The p-distances between the L. kesslerii forms averaged from 0.33 ± 0.12 to 0.51 ± 0.24%. Such low values of genetic distances clearly lie within the limits of intraspecific variability. The data obtained on the morphological, ecological and genetic differentiation of lake forms of the Sandy sculpin show that fish from the lakes Baikal, Arakhlei and Gusinoe belong to the same nominative subspecies, Leocottus kesslerii kesslerii.

Productive and morphological features of females and calves of domestic deer of the Evenk and Nenets breeds during the calving period

Purpose: to conduct a comparative description of the productive and morphological characteristics of domestic reindeer of the Nenets and Evenki breeds.Materials and methods. Study of the morphological, behavioral and reproductive characteristics of domestic reindeer of the Nenets and Evenki breeds, kept in various natural and climatic conditions of the tundra and northern taiga, during the calving and dairy periods. Experimental data were collected from clinically healthy animals. The research was carried out in accordance with the basic methods of zootechnical research (observation, examination). Their gender (visually) and age were determined (using ear tags and animal registration data, and, if necessary, based on the degree of tooth wear); An assessment of the exterior of the reindeer herd was carried out before the rut to select males and females for mating. Methods of visual assessment, linear measurements of animals, and field chronometry of calving were used.Results. The Evenki breed of deer is distinguished by its large size, height, high load-carrying capacity and endurance when transporting goods and people. It has been established that the dynamics of calving of domestic reindeer of the Evenki breed is identical to the dynamics of calving of Nenets reindeer, but there are some peculiarities. In the tundra zone, calving takes 3—5 days longer, and the initial phase begins (on average) 7-10 days earlier than in the taiga zone. The live weight of Evenki breed calves at birth is 0.8 kg higher than that of Nenets breed calves. The intensity of growth up to 3 months of age is higher in the early, mass and late periods of calving. It has been established that calves of the early calving period exceed in live weight at birth and its growth the calves of the mass period, and those, in turn, exceed the calves of the late calving period. This pattern can be traced up to 6 months of age. Calves of early and mass calving periods, having the potential for rapid growth, find themselves in more favorable nutritional conditions in the first months of life than late calves. This is expressed in the ability to receive green pasture food 15-25 days earlier and be stronger by the time the blood-sucking dipterous insects appear. Early calving Nenets calves are more active at night, since there is still a lot of snow in the tundra zone during this period and the temperature sometimes drops below 0ºC.

The impact of enhanced early postnatal nutrition on the histomorphological features of the ovaries in fat-tailed Sanjabi ewe lambs.

This study aimed to investigate whether providing additional ad libitum feeding could improve reproductive characteristics in prepubertal ewe lambs. Twelve Sanjabi ewe lambs, approximately one-month-old and with an average initial weight of 11.6 ± 1.3kg, were monitored over a 3-month period, which was divided into three distinct periods of 30 days each. The first period spanned from the lambs' age of one to two months, the second period covered their age range of two to three months, and the third period encompassed their age range of three to four months. The lambs were randomly assigned to either a control group (C) or a treatment group (T). The control group received a basal diet consisting of hay and milk, whereas the treatment group received an enhanced diet comprising hay, milk, and concentrate. Live weight (LW) and average daily gain (ADG) were measured weekly, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at days 30, 60, and 90 of the experiment to determine the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2). Following the 90-day experiment, the lambs were humanely euthanized in accordance with established protocols. Subsequently, both ovaries from each animal were removed, weighed and subjected to a comprehensive histological analysis. The ovaries underwent fixation, embedding, and sectioning procedures, followed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to facilitate microscopic examination. Ovary microscopic sections from both C and T groups were examined to assess follicles at various developmental stages, including primordial follicle number (PreFN) and diameter (PriFD), primary follicle number (PriFN) and diameter (PriFD), secondary follicle number (SFN) and diameter (SFD), antral follicle number (AFN) and diameter (AFD), and granulosa layer thickness of secondary (GLTSF) and antral follicles (GLTAF). The impact of diet and three experimental periods on ADG and LW exhibited significant variations. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in LW in the T group compared to the T group, with noticeable differences in LW fluctuations observed during distinct periods. However, ADG was more prominent in the initial and second observation periods than in the third. The impact of diet and experimental periods on P4 and E2 concentrations was found to be negligible. The T group showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in PreFD, PriFN, and GLTAF compared to the C group. This study suggests that ad libitum concentrate feeding may promote reproductive characteristics in prepubertal ewe lambs. Further research is needed to explore its potential impact on the age of puberty.

Maternal exercise opportunity before, during, and after pregnancy alters maternal care behavior and offspring development and survival, but has few effects on offspring physical activity or body composition.

Early-life experiences, especially during critical periods of development and growth, can have long-lasting effects on adult phenotypes. Parents are a crucial part of the offspring early-life environment, particularly in mammals (e.g., via pregnancy), and parental behaviors (e.g., maternal exercise) can modify the early-life environment experienced by offspring. Such changes might be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how they affect offspring development and growth or interact with other key parental behaviors (e.g., nursing). We used mice from a long-term artificial selection experiment for high voluntary wheel-running behavior to determine whether maternal exercise opportunity affected (1) maternal physical activity, (2) maternal care behavior, or (3) offspring physical activity and body composition. Eighty prospective dams (40 from 4 selectively bred High Runner [HR] lines and 40 from 4 non-selected Control [CON] lines) were housed with continuous wheel access starting two weeks prior to breeding and ending 10 days postpartum, after which dams were housed without wheels until offspring weaning (21 days postpartum). An additional 100 dams (50 HR, 50 CON) were housed without wheels. Prospective dams from HR lines ran more revolutions/day (mainly by running faster) than those from CON lines when individually housed and in the days leading up to, but not after, birth. During postpartum days 1-5, HR and CON dams with wheels tended to exhibit less maternal behavior than those without (PWheel = 0.0672). During post-partum days 6-10, HR dams with wheels continued to exhibit less maternal behavior than those without, whereas CON dams with wheels exhibited more than those without (PLinetype*Wheel = 0.0218). The proportion of dams giving birth did not differ among groups. However, CON dams with wheels were less likely to have litter death between birth and weaning than those without wheels, whereas the opposite was true for HR dams (PLinetype*Wheel = 0.0447). Both HR and CON dams with wheels had litters with a higher proportion of females at weaning than those without wheels (PWheel = 0.0129). Maternal wheel access had few statistically significant effects on offspring, but may have resulted in developmental delays (e.g., delayed eye opening and decreased lean mass at weaning and sexual maturity). Additionally, maternal wheel access and sex may have interacted to affect wheel-running distance (PSex*Wheel = 0.0683) and duration (PSex*Wheel = 0.0926); female offspring from dams with wheels ran fewer revolutions per day, by running fewer minutes per day, than from dams without wheels, whereas males ran more. However, maternal exercise had no statistically significant effects on offspring food consumption (mass-adjusted), home-cage activity, open-field behavior, the reproductive characteristics of offspring, their adult body composition, nor relative organ masses; nor did maternal wheel access have statistically significant effects on grand-offspring food consumption, body composition or voluntary exercise behavior. Overall, our results provide some support for maternal exercise opportunity altering maternal care behavior. Altered maternal care could explain the observed trends in offspring survival, development, and voluntary exercise behavior. However, these effects did not have apparent long-lasting impacts on offspring or grand-offspring body composition or reproductive characteristics.

Assessing Blue Catfish population dynamics across varying introduction timelines in Georgia

AbstractObjectiveUnderstanding the dynamic rate functions of introduced fish populations is essential in guiding management strategies. Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus population dynamics have been well studied; however, there is a gap in knowledge from populations that have been introduced into novel systems.MethodsBlue Catfish were collected from the Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Satilla rivers in Georgia. Age estimates were obtained through otolith analysis. Multimodel growth analysis was used to describe growth patterns, and early life growth was modeled with linear regression. Instantaneous mortality of each population was estimated and compared by using a generalized linear model approach.ResultThe four introduced Blue Catfish populations exhibited rapid growth and low mortality rates during establishment; however, we found that populations with earlier introduction histories generally had slower growth rates and lower mortality. The Satilla River population is comparatively the most recently introduced population (first discovered in 2011) that exhibited the fastest growth and highest mortality.ConclusionOur results suggest that Blue Catfish in our study systems are in an intermediate stage of invasion and have not yet reached an equilibrium state. As density continues to increase in these river systems, we expect a decline in growth rates, delayed sexual maturation, and a greater observed maximum age. However, additional monitoring is needed to identify how population dynamics and reproductive characteristics vary over time.

Investigation of pregnancy tendency, reproductive characteristics, and disability in women with multiple sclerosis: A secondary data analysis of the national registry in Iran

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) predominantly affects women of childbearing age, significantly impacting their quality of life (QOL).The diagnosis of MS can influence pregnancy intention, and the level of disability associated with MS may change before and after pregnancy. This study aims to analyze the reproductive characteristics of Iranian female patients with MS (PwMS) and their association with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and pregnancy tendency, providing valuable insights into disease progression and the development of tailored treatments. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI) from 2018 to 2021. Patients without a documented history of pregnancy, MS type, or EDSS score were excluded from the study. Various statistical methods, including nonparametric tests, the generalized estimating equation (GEE) model, and multiple logistic regression, were employed to analyze the data. Results: The study included 1120 PwMS with a median diagnostic age of 31 and a disease duration of 6 years. The majority had relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and the mean EDSS score at bassline was 1.5 ± 1.4. A history of pregnancy or abortion was associated with higher EDSS scores. Multiparity before MS diagnosis was linked to EDSS score ≥ 5, while this EDSS range was associated with decreased parity after MS diagnosis (all P-values &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Pregnancy and parity can affect the disability in female PwMS irrespective of clinical symptoms, diagnosis age, and MS type. Moreover, the chance of parity may be affected by a higher disability score, which should be considered in the clinical setting.

Comparative study of five scab resistant apple cultivars

Vegetative and reproductive characteristics of five resistant apple cultivars budded on ‘М9-Т337’ rootstock were compared in the intensive orchard, planted at the density of 2380 trees per hectare (3.5 × 1.2 m) in the period 2017-2023. Trees were formed as tall spindle, under an insecticidal net against hail. Trees were grown under drip irrigation and sod-mulch system was applied. The cultivars FUJIONpbr and ENTERPRISE demonstrate greater trunk-cross section area, higher trees and greater crown volume to the tested cultivars. The smallest trees were noted in Cultivar GEMINI*. The lowest yield per unit area was obtained on cultivar FUJIONpbr. There was no significant difference among other cultivars. Despite of generally good characteristics the cultivar GEMINI* has relatively small fruits. Keywords: apple, vigor, productivity, fruit weight, yield

Vegetative traits, floral biology, and mutualistic interactions in the tropical mountain shrub Ribes ciliatum (Grossulariaceae)

Plant species in tropical mountain ecosystems experience significant environmental variation across short spatial distances. These systems offer an opportunity to assess geographic variation in plant traits in relation to biotic and abiotic environments. We examined plant vegetative and reproductive traits in the shrub R. ciliatum across two native conifer forests in central Mexico. We measured plant height, number of branches, leaf size, flower production, floral morphology, floral longevity, and plant reproductive success in R. ciliatum populations found in fir forests (3100 m) and Hartweg's pine forests (subalpine habitat, 3700 m). We also quantified the level of pollinator dependence, pollinator visitation rates, and fruit consumption rates by frugivorous birds in both populations. Plants were shorter and had smaller leaves in the subalpine forest than in the fir forest. Floral longevity decreased in the subalpine forest, but flower production, flower size, and fruit weight remained similar across populations. Fruit set and pollinator visitation rates were higher in the subalpine forest; however, seed weight and fruit consumption rates did not differ between sites. Hummingbirds and bumblebees were the primary pollinators of R. ciliatum, and the bird Ptiliogonys cinereus was the most important fruit consumer at both sites. Fruit set was entirely dependent on pollinators. Reduced plant size in the subalpine forest coincides with a general pattern associated with high mountain environments. In contrast, reproductive characters had a closer relationship to the pollination environment. The absence of variation in flower size and shape was consistent with the similarity in the composition of the pollinator community. Meanwhile, compared to lower-elevation forests, the subalpine forest exhibited shorter-lived flowers and increased fruit set, associated with higher pollinator visitation rates. Ribes ciliatum is a key resource for pollinators and frugivores at a time of year when few other floral resources are available in these high-elevation mountain forests.

Back together: Over 1000 single-copy nuclear loci and reproductive features support the holoendoparasitic Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae as sister lineages in the order Malpighiales

The systematics of the holoendoparasitic flowering plant families Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae has been discussed for over two centuries. The morphological reduction of roots, shoots and leaves in all members of both families, resulting in a cryptic mycelium-like vegetative body, has been interpreted either as a key common feature, or as a result of convergent evolution due to full dependence upon their hosts. Historically, the two families have been placed together due to similar morphological features, but recent analyses based on few mitochondrial and ribosomal gene markers placed them in the distantly related orders Cucurbitales and Malpighiales. Here we reevaluate the affinities of the Apodanthaceae and the Rafflesiaceae using a phylogenomic approach. We present (1) a historical account on their affinities over the last 200 years; (2) phylogenetic analyses reinstating their sister group relationship as part of the order Malpighiales, based on over 1000 single-copy nuclear protein-coding loci; and (3) a comprehensive list of putative morphoanatomical and developmental synapomorphies in light of the phylogenomic results, with emphasis on shared reproductive traits regardless of dramatic differences in floral size.

12500 Objective Evaluation Of Clustering Methods For Resolving The Heterogeneity Of PCOS

Abstract Disclosure: K. Brewer: None. R. Sisk: None. M. Dapas: None. C. Li: None. A. Dunaif: Consulting Fee; Self; AcaciaBio, Inc, Neurocine Biosciences, Inc. Speaker; Self; Quest Diagnostics. Other; Self; Co-Editor Endocrine Today, Healio, Slack Inc. Clustering methods have been used to resolve heterogeneity within complex diseases to elucidate underlying biologic mechanisms. We (Dapas et al. PLoS Med, 2020) and others have applied these methods to PCOS and identified discrete subtypes, including those that capture distinct reproductive or metabolic features. We objectively compared two widely used methods, hierarchical clustering (HC), which recursively merges subjects based on their similarity, and k-means (Km), which iteratively groups individuals to minimize their distance to cluster centroids. The number of clusters (k) was predefined in both approaches. We compared HC vs Km in 874 European ancestry PCOS cases diagnosed by NIH criteria using 8 traits (BMI, testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, LH, FSH, fasting insulin, fasting glucose) and 9 traits with the addition of AMH. The ConsensusClusterPlus R package was used to evaluate cluster stability of both approaches with k=2, 3, or 4, using 8 or 9 traits. Genomewide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis was performed as reported with a discovery cohort (620 cases, 2951 controls) and a replication cohort (371 cases, 926 controls), except that genotypes were imputed to the newer TOPMED (r2) panel. Clustering using 8 traits and k=3 resulted in the best cluster stability for both HC and Km (pairwise consensus proportion: HC 0.98, Km 0.93) compared to k=2 with 8 traits (HC 0.88, Km 0.88) or 9 traits (HC 0.95, Km 0.92). No stability was observed for k=4 with 8 or 9 traits using either method (range: 0.35-0.66). Km showed slightly better cluster separation than HC (average silhouette width: Km 0.12 vs HC 0.09) with k=3 and 8 traits. The biologic relevance of the three PCOS subtypes, which we have designated as reproductive (cases with higher LH, FSH, SHBG), metabolic (higher BMI, insulin, glucose), and background, was assessed by GWAS, an orthogonal (i.e., uncorrelated) approach for subtype confirmation. The subtypes identified with HC had genomewide significant associations (metabolic subtype, c9orf3/FANCC, rs10761370, minor allele frequency [MAF] 0.47, p=1.21 x 10-8; background subtype, FSHB/ARL14EP, rs10835649, MAF 0.17, p=8.49 x 10-[1]0). There were no genomewide significant signals when the subtypes were identified with Km despite having a better cluster separation. In summary, only HC clusters appeared to capture biologically meaningful differences since two of the three subtypes thus identified were associated with genomewide significant loci. Neither the addition of AMH nor increasing the number of groups improved clustering metrics. Our results emphasize the importance of independent validation of clustering approaches using an orthogonal confirmation strategy such as GWAS. We conclude that HC clustering using 8 traits is superior to Km for resolving the genetic heterogeneity of PCOS. Presentation: 6/2/2024

12500 Objective Evaluation Of Clustering Methods For Resolving The Heterogeneity Of PCOS

Abstract Disclosure: K. Brewer: None. R. Sisk: None. M. Dapas: None. C. Li: None. A. Dunaif: Consulting Fee; Self; AcaciaBio, Inc, Neurocine Biosciences, Inc. Speaker; Self; Quest Diagnostics. Other; Self; Co-Editor Endocrine Today, Healio, Slack Inc. Clustering methods have been used to resolve heterogeneity within complex diseases to elucidate underlying biologic mechanisms. We (Dapas et al. PLoS Med, 2020) and others have applied these methods to PCOS and identified discrete subtypes, including those that capture distinct reproductive or metabolic features. We objectively compared two widely used methods, hierarchical clustering (HC), which recursively merges subjects based on their similarity, and k-means (Km), which iteratively groups individuals to minimize their distance to cluster centroids. The number of clusters (k) was predefined in both approaches. We compared HC vs Km in 874 European ancestry PCOS cases diagnosed by NIH criteria using 8 traits (BMI, testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, LH, FSH, fasting insulin, fasting glucose) and 9 traits with the addition of AMH. The ConsensusClusterPlus R package was used to evaluate cluster stability of both approaches with k=2, 3, or 4, using 8 or 9 traits. Genomewide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis was performed as reported with a discovery cohort (620 cases, 2951 controls) and a replication cohort (371 cases, 926 controls), except that genotypes were imputed to the newer TOPMED (r2) panel. Clustering using 8 traits and k=3 resulted in the best cluster stability for both HC and Km (pairwise consensus proportion: HC 0.98, Km 0.93) compared to k=2 with 8 traits (HC 0.88, Km 0.88) or 9 traits (HC 0.95, Km 0.92). No stability was observed for k=4 with 8 or 9 traits using either method (range: 0.35-0.66). Km showed slightly better cluster separation than HC (average silhouette width: Km 0.12 vs HC 0.09) with k=3 and 8 traits. The biologic relevance of the three PCOS subtypes, which we have designated as reproductive (cases with higher LH, FSH, SHBG), metabolic (higher BMI, insulin, glucose), and background, was assessed by GWAS, an orthogonal (i.e., uncorrelated) approach for subtype confirmation. The subtypes identified with HC had genomewide significant associations (metabolic subtype, c9orf3/FANCC, rs10761370, minor allele frequency [MAF] 0.47, p=1.21 x 10-8; background subtype, FSHB/ARL14EP, rs10835649, MAF 0.17, p=8.49 x 10-[1]0). There were no genomewide significant signals when the subtypes were identified with Km despite having a better cluster separation. In summary, only HC clusters appeared to capture biologically meaningful differences since two of the three subtypes thus identified were associated with genomewide significant loci. Neither the addition of AMH nor increasing the number of groups improved clustering metrics. Our results emphasize the importance of independent validation of clustering approaches using an orthogonal confirmation strategy such as GWAS. We conclude that HC clustering using 8 traits is superior to Km for resolving the genetic heterogeneity of PCOS. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Hormonal determination of rhizogenesis in Shrub rose regenerants cultivated in vitro

The study of the reproduction characteristics of roses of the garden class Shrub, the definition of the dependence of the hormonal determination of explant rhizogenesis on the concentrations of phytohormones that are part of the nutrient media, is relevant and has both scientific and practical interest. The article presents the results of studies of hormonal determination of rhizogenesis in explants of cultivars of roses of the garden class Shrub: ‘Gärtnerfreude’ (W. Kordes’ Söhne, 1991), ‘Lavender Dream’ (G. P. Ilsink, 1984), ‘Pomponella’ (W. Kordes’ Söhne, 2005), ‘Red Cascade’ (R. S. Moore, 1976), ‘Sommerabend’ (W. Kordes’ Söhne, 1995) cultivated in vitro on nutrient media containing growth regulators. It has been established that of the nutrient media modified by the addition of 0.2–1.0 mg/l α-naphthylacetic acid (α-NAA), the most effective was the medium with the content of α-NAA 0.5 mg/l, the content of macro- and microelements half of the Murashige and Skoog prescriptions, and a decrease in the sucrose content to 2.0%. On this medium, the frequency of rhizogenesis averaged 61.2% for the studied cultivars. Hormonal determination of rhizogenesis and efficiency of root formation in vitro in the Shrub rose regenerants depended on the genotype of the plant (the cultivar): cv. ‘Gärtnerfreude’ (61.0%) and cv. ‘Lavender Dream’ (66.0%) had the highest rhizogenesis ability. The use of the universal growth regulator “Humifield” in combination with 0.5 mg/l α-NAA contributed to an increase in the rooting rate of the studied rose cultivars up to 70.0–86.0%.

A study on the genetic and phenotypic factors affecting specific ewe productivity traits in Sangsari sheep.

The study's objectives were to assess the genetic parameters of reproductive characteristics in Sangsari sheep. A data set of reproductive information with pedigree details from 1995 to 2016 was used. Studied traits were litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB), litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB) and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Test significance of the environmental factors to be included in the model was conducted using the general linear model procedure of the SAS program. All traits were significantly affected by the year of lambing and ewe age at lambing (P < 0.01). The AI-REML procedure of the Wombat program was used to evaluate genetic parameters. A series of bivariate animal models were employed to calculate genetic (rg) and phenotypic (rp) correlations between traits. The total least square means ± standard error of LSB and LSW were 1.04 ± 0.05 and 0.96 ± 0.03, while LMWLB, LMWLW, TLWB, and TLWW were 3.12 ± 0.08, 15.40 ± 0.13, 3.28 ± 0.04, and 19.31 ± 0.16kg, respectively. The estimates of h2 were relatively low (P < 0.01) and ranged from 0.063 ± 0.028 for LSW to 0.181 ± 0.063 for TLWW. Repeatability estimates varied from 0.101 for LSW to 0.241 for TLWW. The sire service effects for LMWLB, TLWB, and TLWW were 0.012 ± 0.004, 0.023 ± 0.006, and 0.039 ± 0.009, respectively. The traits studied showed a greater magnitude of genetic correlation than phenotypic correlation, with values ranging from - 0.59 (LSB-LMWLB) to 0.87 (LMWLB-TLWB). It appears that focusing on TLWW for selection could result in more significant improvements in the reproductive performance of Sangsari ewes.

Characterisation of Fatty Acid Profiles in Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon Muscle, Oocytes and Eggs in Differing Fully Commercial Settings

ABSTRACTTasmanian Atlantic salmon broodstock may be conditioned in flow‐through (FT) systems where water quality fluctuates and temperatures approach their upper limit of thermal tolerance, or in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) where conditions are comparatively cool and stable. The impact of broad conditioning approach on the molecular cargo of salmon eggs has never been explored in dynamic commercial settings. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise the reproductive features of broodstock conditioned using different commercial approaches and determine whether the fatty acid (FA) profiles of muscle, oocytes and eggs varied between groups during vitellogenesis and at stripping. The collective conditioning approach had a marked impact on the somatic and reproductive dynamics of female salmon broodstock, and the eggs produced by each group of fish were fundamentally different in terms of their FA composition. Of particular note is the increased maternal investment of saturated FAs (mg.g−1) and monounsaturated FAs (percent and mg.g−1) by FT‐based eggs, and the higher n3 polyunsaturated FA (percent and mg.g−1), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, percent and mg.g−1), arachidonic acid (ARA, percent), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, percent), n3:n6 ratio and ARA:EPA ratio of RAS‐based eggs. These metrics combined with the apparently higher prevalence of neural development and survival of RAS embryos suggest that RAS eggs were of higher quality. On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that FT broodstock attempt to prepare their offspring for a (presumably) challenging early life environment by producing larger eggs that are proportionally rich in short‐chain FAs and contain a higher total quantity of FAs per egg.

Population dynamics and reproductive features of the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) in Neotropical reservoirs under drought events

Here, we describe population and reproductive dynamics of four populations of Macrobrachium amazonicum in reservoirs during drought events. Additionally, we analyze possible phenotypic changes in this species promoted by fish predation. Two populations had a large-size phenotype (with large body proportions and morphotypes in males) while a small-size phenotype (with reduced sizes and no morphotypes) was found in the two other populations. Overall, females were larger than males and there were varying sex ratios among the four studied populations. All populations had bimodal or polymodal patterns in their monthly size-class frequency, suggesting a seasonal influence and a potentially great capacity of these populations to adapt to adverse environmental conditions. No major changes were found in the patterns of sex ratio, recruitment, frequency of (larger) male morphotypes and female ovarian development stages during drought events. Macrobrachium amazonicum is a resilient species and undergoes continuous reproduction. Females with immature ovaries were predominant in all populations, performing multiple spawns and exhibiting rapid ovarian development cycles. In males, the initial morphotype (TC - translucent claw) was predominant in populations with a social hierarchy. Males of dominant morphotypes (GC1 and GC2 - green claw 1 and 2) use more energy to carry out and maintain metabolic processes, which could probably one of the explanations why their number in populations are limited. We did not find any clear evidence that fish predation affected phenotypes, suggesting that phenotypic plasticity could be more related to intrinsic factors, which would have to be further investigated.

Obesity may impair response to ovarian stimulation. A retrospective observational study on oocyte quality.

Ovulatory dysfunction is more common in women with obesity. Body fat distribution is also crucial because anovulatory women have a greater waist circumference and more abdominal fat than ovulatory women of similar BMI. The primary aim of the present study is to determine whether there is a relationship between BMI and reproductive characteristics, including hormonal values, antral follicle count (AFC), endometrial assessment at transvaginal ultrasound evaluation (TVUS) during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), and oocyte retrieval after Ovum Pick-Up (OPU). Data from a cohort of 183 patients were analyzed and divided into three groups based on weight status: normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Evaluated reproductive characteristics included: age, basal values of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17-beta-estradiol (E2), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), antral-follicle-count (AFC), duration of COS, E2, and progesterone at the last monitoring, TVUS endometrial thickness at the last monitoring before OPU, FOI after OPU. Additionally, the number of meiosis II oocytes retrieved (MII), the total dose of FSH administered, the ratio between MII and total FSH administered, and OSI were registered. AMH levels were significantly lower in obese patients compared to normal weight and overweight women (1.05 IQR 1.20, 1.58 IQR 2.16, 1.32 IQR 1.38, respectively, p-value = 0.032). When looking at the MII/FSH ratio, the normal weight group showed a median value of 3.3 with an IQR of 4.0, the overweight group showed a median value of 2.3 with an IQR of 1.9, and the obese group had a median value of 2.6 with an IQR of 2.8. Those data were statistically significant (p-value = 0.049). These results emphasize the importance of considering weight status in fertility assessment and treatment planning.

Genetic Variations of (SOD2; Rs5746136) and (PON2; Rs705379) are Associated with the Risk Of PCOS and Influence Metabolic Profile Among the Iranian Population

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting women's metabolic, psychological, and reproductive features. This study investigated the roles of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2; rs5746136) and paraoxonase 2 (PON2; rs705379) gene polymorphisms on the risk of PCOS and oxidative stress and clinical indices in Iranian women. This cross-sectional study included 56 patients (female) with PCOS and 54 healthy women (control group), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of rs5746136 and rs705379 were genotyped. The results showed that there were no detectable variations in frequency between PCOS and control groups in SOD2 genotypes and alleles (p&gt;0.05). Compared with controls, the frequency of rs705379-CC genotype was higher in PCOS individuals [adjusted OR (95%CI) = 2.171 (1.098-4.313), P=0.016], which showed a significant association. While the frequency of the TT genotype was higher in the reference group (OR= 0.464 (0.236-0.97), P=0.015). Patients with the A and C alleles exhibited considerably greater serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH/FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) than the control group. Our results revealed that the PON1 gene (C&gt;T) polymorphism is related to the risk of PCOS. However, the SOD2 gene (G&gt;A) polymorphism in our study population did not show any relation to PCOS. Importantly, oxidative stress parameters showed a significant relationship with PON1 rs705379-genotype.

Embryonic development of the world's smallest puffer fish, Carinotetraodon travancoricus - a threatened freshwater fish of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot.

The Malabar dwarf puffer, Carinotetraodon travancoricus is the smallest known pufferfish (family Tetraodontidae) and one of the smallest freshwater fishes of the Indian subcontinent. Due to their miniature size, wacky behaviour and appearance, they are much preferred in the international aquarium fish trade, although little is known regarding their breeding activity in captivity and their embryonic development. The purpose of this study was to fill these knowledge gaps. Wild-caught Malabar dwarf puffers were acclimatised to conditions, and pairs were introduced to breeding tanks. Adult fishes were fed with live and frozen diets including Artemia nauplii, moina and bloodworm. During spawning seasons, adult fish displayed elaborate courtship behaviour around sunset. Carinotetraodon travancoricus is a batch spawner releasing 1 to 5 eggs per diem. The eggs were spherical, and non-sticky, with a diameter of 1.48 ± 0.1 mm, and hatching took place after 108 to 116 h post-incubation. The newly hatched larvae were 3.5 ± 0.2 mm in length, and weighed 2.9 ± 0.4 mg. The early larvae have substantial yolk and oil globules as an energy reserve. Histological studies on mature females suggested the batch spawning nature of the species and low fecundity. Given its unique reproductive behaviour and characters, in situ protected habitats are required to ensure their continued survival in the wild, apart from encouraging captive breeding to augment the demand in the international aquarium fish trade.