Reproductive Cycle Research Articles

Endocannabinoid levels in female-sexed individuals with diagnosed depression: a systematic review

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental health disorder with females experiencing higher rates of depression (11.6%), anxiety (15.7%) and physiological distress (14.5%) than males. Recently, the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been proposed to be a key contributing factor in the pathogenesis and symptom severity of MDD due to its role in neurotransmitter production, inflammatory response and even regulation of the female reproductive cycle. This review critically evaluates evidence regarding ECS levels in female-sexed individuals with depressive disorders to further understand ECS role.Materials and methodsA systematic literature review of available research published prior to April 2022 was identified using PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, AMED and Scopus (Elsevier). Studies were included if they reported ECS analysis of female-sexed individuals with depression and were excluded if they did not differentiate results between sexes, assessed mental health conditions other than depression, tested efficacy of endocannabinoid/n-acylethanolamine/cannabis or marijuana administration and that were unable to be translated. Critical appraisal of each included study was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews.ResultsThe 894 located citations were screened for duplicates (n = 357) and eligibility by title and abstract (n = 501). The full text of 33 studies were reviewed, and 7 studies were determined eligible for inclusion. These studies indicated that depressed female-sexed individuals have altered levels of ECS however no significant pattern was identified due to variability of study outcomes and measures, limiting overall interpretation.DiscussionThis review suggests potential involvement of ECS in underlying mechanisms of MDD in female sexed-individuals, however no pattern was able to be determined. A major contributor to the inability to attain reliable and valid understanding of the ECS levels in female-sexed individuals with depression was the inconsistency of depression screening tools, inclusion criteria’s and analysis methods used to measure eCBs. Future studies need to implement more standardised methodology to gain a deeper understanding of ECS in female-sexed individuals with depressive disorders.Trial registration This review was submitted to PROSPERO for approval in April 2022 (Registration #CRD42022324212).

Identifying and predicting climate change impact on vector-borne disease using machine learning: Case study of Plasmodium falciparum from Africa

Abstract. Vector-borne diseases pose a significant threat to human health, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change. Among these diseases, malaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum and transmitted through the Anopheles mosquito, remains a major global health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the use of machine learning techniques to identify and predict the impact of climate change on the transmission dynamics of P. falciparum malaria in Africa.The research utilizes a combination of climate data, epidemiological records, and machine learning algorithms to analyze historical patterns and project future trends in malaria transmission. Key climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and vegetation cover are integrated into predictive models to assess their influence on the abundance and distribution of mosquito vectors and the parasite's lifecycle. Through the application of machine learning models such as Maximum Entropy, this study aims to uncover complex relationships between climatic factors and malaria transmission dynamics. By training these models on historical data, they can accurately predict future scenarios under various climate change scenarios. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the potential impact of climate change on the spatial and temporal distribution of P. falciparum malaria in Africa. Such insights are crucial for designing targeted interventions and adaptation strategies to mitigate the anticipated rise in malaria cases and associated morbidity and mortality in the region. Moreover, the methodology developed in this study can serve as a framework for assessing and addressing the impact of climate change on other vector-borne diseases globally.

Speed Breeding: A Transformative Approach to Accelerate Crop Improvement

Speed breeding has emerged as a transformative approach to expedite crop improvement by optimizing environmental conditions to achieve rapid generation turnover. This technique manipulates factors such as photoperiod, temperature, light intensity, and nutrition to hasten plant growth and reproduction cycles. Through the production of 4-6 generations per year, compared to 1-2 generations in traditional breeding, speed breeding unlocks the potential for rapid development of crop varieties with enhanced yield potential, biotic and abiotic stress resilience, improved nutritional quality, and climate adaptation. The key principles involve tailoring photoperiods, controlling temperatures, employing specialized lighting, creating controlled environments, and formulating targeted nutrition. Speed breeding has diverse applications across cereals, legumes, vegetables, and other crops, enabling accelerated introgression of desirable traits, efficient hybrid breeding, and integration with contemporary genomics technologies. The primary advantages of speed breeding include rapid genetic gain, year-round breeding, precision phenotyping and selection, flexibility across diverse species, and seamless integration with molecular tools. However, challenges such as infrastructure costs, protocol optimization needs, genetic diversity implications, phenotyping data management, and accessibility constraints, particularly in developing countries, require attention. Future prospects encompass the integration of advanced genomics techniques, next-generation phenotyping, sustainable approaches, global consortiums for collaboration, capacity building initiatives, and responsible governance frameworks. Realizing the immense potential of speed breeding through collaborative efforts, cutting-edge innovations, and participatory approaches can contribute significantly to global food and nutritional security in the face of climate change.

Harnessing cholesterol uptake of malaria parasites for therapeutic applications

Parasites, such as the malaria parasite P. falciparum, are critically dependent on host nutrients. Interference with nutrient uptake can lead to parasite death and, therefore, serve as a successful treatment strategy. P. falciparum parasites cannot synthesise cholesterol, and instead source this lipid from the host. Here, we tested whether cholesterol uptake pathways could be ‘hijacked’ for optimal drug delivery to the intracellular parasite. We found that fluorescent cholesterol analogues were delivered from the extracellular environment to the intracellular parasite. We investigated the uptake and inhibitory effects of conjugate compounds, where proven antimalarial drugs (primaquine and artesunate) were attached to steroids that mimic the structure of cholesterol. These conjugated antimalarial drugs improved the inhibitory effects against multiple parasite lifecycle stages, multiple parasite species, and drug-resistant parasites, whilst also lowering the toxicity to human host cells. Steroids with introduced peroxides also displayed antimalarial activity. These results provide a proof-of-concept that cholesterol mimics can be developed as a drug delivery system against apicomplexan parasites with the potential to improve drug efficacy, increase therapeutic index, and defeat drug resistance.

The regenerative solar system. Unified theory of physics

The Euler’s holomorphic regenerative universe is a quantum-gravitational theory of Earth development recognizing that oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the Earth’s hydrosphere engender biological processes along with living organisms able to reshape the planet as surely as any physical force, but with delayed effects, the so-called torsional/gravitational buckling lag. Herein, the environmental sciences as a Vernadsky’s hypothesis precursor to these, become vital for preserving biological recurrent cycles, their nature being artificially changed by a vicious human intervention. The present paper describes the thermal gravitational mechanism of a solar system associated with the regenerative processes of molecular structures (in biology called metabolism or growth) at the quantum-gravitational scale, too slow to be perceived. The term “morph” (or the concept of “morphing” in aeronautics, in mathematics called topological holomorphism) originates from ancient Greeks and refers to the shape, figure, or other related aspects of an evolving entity. Therefore, morphing/morphism pertains to the process of modifying the original form or appearance of a particular object or system. The planets of solar system like “cosmic organisms” can manipulate the curvature and twist of their surfaces to maintain precise control over their recurrent cyclical complex motions (double, orbital and sideral rotations) by the thermal gravitational waves. The out of order function of the thermal gravitational mechanism can lead to the global warming effects associated with both reshaping (earthquakes, fires, floods) surfaces and morphing (as a whole energy metabolism) mutations, crucial for perpetuity of human beings. At the same time, the concept of quantum-gravity light with a topological dual isomorphic structure solves the fundamental problem of a unified theory of physical forces, as kinematic fast dynamo electromagnetic forces for splitting quanta bonded into atomic structures, and persistent (long time) gravitational forces for non-splitting quanta bonded into thermomolecular morphing structures. The only problem remains to gauge such multiple cooperative physical phenomena induced by light, which is solved by diverse reciprocity/equivalence theorems and corresponding conversion factors.

High-fat diet-negative impact on female fertility: from mechanisms to protective actions of antioxidant matrices.

Excessive calorie intake poses a significant threat to female fertility, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive challenges. Overconsumption of unhealthy fats exacerbates ovarian dysfunction, with an overproduction of reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress, impairing ovarian follicle development and leading to irregular ovulation and premature ovarian failure. Interest in biological matrices with high antioxidant properties to combat diet-related oxidative stress has grown, as they contain various bioactive factors crucial for neutralizing free radicals potentially preventing female reproductive health. This systematic review evaluates the female reproductive impact of biological matrices in mitigating oxidative damages induced by over calory habits and, in particular, high fat diets. A comparative approach among mammalian models was utilized to interpret literature available data. This approach specifically investigates the antioxidant mechanisms of biological matrices on early and late ovarian folliculogenesis, under physiological and hormone-induced female reproductive cycle. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, only English-language publications from peer-reviewed international indexes were considered. The analysis of 121 publications meeting the inclusion criteria facilitated the identification of crucial components of biological matrices. These components, including carbocyclic sugars, phytonutrients, organosulfur compounds, and vitamins, were evaluated for their impact on ovarian follicle resilience, oocyte quality, and reproductive lifespan. The detrimental effects of oxidative stress on female fertility, particularly exacerbated by high saturated fat diets, are well-documented. In vivo studies across mammalian preclinical models have underscored the potential of antioxidants derived from biological matrices to mitigate diet-induced conditions. These antioxidants enhance steroidogenesis and ovarian follicle development, thereby improving oocyte quality. Additionally, discussions within these publications emphasized the clinical significance of these biological matrices, translating research findings into practical applications for female health. Further research is essential to fully exploit the potential of these matrices in enhancing female reproduction and mitigating the effects of diets rich in fatty acids. This requires intensified in vitro studies and comprehensive collection of in vivo data before clinical trials. The promotion of ovarian resilience offers promising avenues for enhancing understanding and advancing female reproductive health world-wide.

Особенности накопления минеральных элементов и азота в ассимиляционном аппарате сосны обыкновенной

The research has been carried out in the Arkhangelsk forestry of the Arkhangelsk Region in a drained shrub-sphagnum pine forest. Census trees of medium diameter and height for the stand have been selected, from which samples of needles, both living and dying yellow ones, and shoots of different ages have been taken on model branches. Soil samples have also been taken from the 3 upper horizons. It has been established that most of all nitrogen and mineral elements accumulate in the living needles – 4.4 % on average, in the dying needles and shoots there are 37–40 % less. Among all the elements, nitrogen, potassium and calcium make up the largest proportion; while the rest of the chemical elements are several time less. In descending order of the share, they are arranged in the following sequence: magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, manganese, silicon, iron and aluminum. The most important mineral elements are derived in significant quantities from the dying yellow needles. The content of sulfur, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and iron decreases in them by 3.3, 2.1, 8.0, 1.5 and 1.4 times, respectively, compared to the living needles. Data on the presence of nitrogen and mineral elements in the soil horizons A0, T1 and T2 have been obtained. It has been established that some of the essential elements for the life of a tree are concentrated in the living needles in much larger quantities than in the soil: potassium, phosphorus, manganese and calcium – by 12.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 1.9, respectively. The yellow falling needles create a biological cycle of substances. The amount of nitrogen and ash constituents in these needles is proportional to their presence in the soil. In turn, the content of mineral elements in the shoots is close to their amount in the yellow falling needles, on the one hand, and on the other, depends on the age of the shoots. There is a steady trend of decreasing the content of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and sulfur with the age of the shoots.

Potential of Sea Urchin Mesocentrotus nudus as a Target Catch Species in the Pacific Ocean off Eastern Hokkaido, Japan.

Scientific reports on the distribution of Mesocentrotus nudus in Hokkaido are limited from Cape Soya to Cape Erimo along the coast of the Sea of Japan; however, fishery statistics show that its distribution has extended to the Sea of Okhotsk and Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido. In 2021, large-scale harmful algal blooms (HABs) occurred in the Pacific Ocean off eastern Hokkaido, resulting in the massive die-off of marine organisms, including M. nudus. This study aimed to redefine the distribution of M. nudus in the Pacific Ocean off eastern Hokkaido after the HABs. Field surveys were conducted in July, August, and December 2023 in Akkeshi, the site farthest from Cape Soya among the areas where irregular catches of M. nudus have been recorded in eastern Hokkaido, and the distribution of this species was confirmed in August and December. All sea urchins collected were >6 years of age, indicating that they survived the HABs. High gonad indices and spermatozoa-filled gonads were observed in the sea urchins collected in December, suggesting that the reproductive cycle of M. nudus in Akkeshi may be close to that observed in specimens off Wakkanai, Cape Soya. Warming trends may cause population increases in the future.

Hydro-ecological modelling of a hypersaline lagoon ecosystem (Pulicat) in Southeast coast of India

Climate change impacts the coastal lagoons and can affect various species reproductive cycles, feeding habits, and survival. Due to natural factors, the ecosystem habitat at Pulicat Lagoon on the east coast of India is under severe stress. This study assesses the ecosystem using a numerical model and field-collected physical, chemical, biological, and meteorological data for 2018 and 2019. A coupled hydro-ecological model was used to analyze circulation features, biological and chemical interactions, and transformation processes. The study indicates that high abnormalities in the lagoon ecosystem are caused by less exchange of fresh/coastal water from river sources and sea mouths due to less rainfall during the study period. The model output depicts the salinity variation from 15 to 58 PSU in different seasons of 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, high concentrations of Chl-a ranged from 50 μg/L to 95 μg/L during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, triggering phytoplankton C (70–350 mg/m3) and zooplankton C (9–43 mg/m3) at the Lagoon, resulting in an algal bloom. The monsoonal shift of Chlorophyte (9.52%–9.68%), Cyanobacteria (13.22%–14.95%), Diatoms (66.08%–63.87%), and Dinoflagellates (11.18%–11.51%) is observed in the biological field, with Diatom showing the highest abundance (65%). As a result, appropriate scenario-based model studies were conducted to conserve and strengthen the ecosystem during such extreme events. The model studies suggest that widening the lagoon inlet (800m) with a depth of 5 m (3 km length) increases the optimal tidal exchange to the ecosystem. The model output demonstrates the optimal exchange that normalizes the salinity from 12 to 34 PSU from the inner Lagoon to the mouth region. This study will support environmental authorities in conserving the ecosystem through proper management adaptations.

Malnutrition alters protein expression of KNDy neuropeptides in the arcuate nucleus of mature ewes.

The neuropeptides kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A are imperative for the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone to ultimately regulate reproductive cyclicity. A population of neurons co-expressing these neuropeptides, KNDy neurons, within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) are positioned to integrate energy status from afferent neuronal and glial cells. We hypothesized that KNDy-expressing neurons in the ARC of mature ewes are influenced by energy balance. To test this hypothesis, ovary-intact, mature ewes were fed to lose, maintain, or gain body weight and hypothalamic tissue harvested during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Fluorescent, multiplex immunohistochemistry with direct antibody conjugation was employed to identify and quantify neurons expressing a single neuropeptide, as well as for the first time report co-expression of kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A protein in the ARC. Previous reports using this population of ewes demonstrated that concentrations of insulin and leptin differed between ewes fed to achieve different body weights and that ewes fed to gain body weight had increased concentrations of progesterone. Moreover, within this population of ewes tanycyte density and cellular penetration into the ARC was increased in ewes fed to gain body weight. Within the current report we have revealed that the number of neurons in the ARC expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A protein was increased in ewes fed to gain body weight. Moreover, the number of KNDy neurons in the ARC expressing all three neuropeptides within a single neuron was decreased in ewes fed to lose body weight and increased in ewes fed to gain body weight when compared to ewes fed to maintain body weight. The cumulative findings of this experimental model suggest that expression of kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A protein in the ARC during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle are influenced by energy balance-induced alterations in circulating concentrations of progesterone that drive changes in morphology and density of tanycytes to ultimately regulate central perception of global energy status. Moreover, these results demonstrate that changes in KNDy neurons within the ARC occur as an adaptation to energy balance, potentially regulated divergently by metabolic milieu via proopiomelanocortin afferents.

Reproductive cycle of the black coral Antipathes galapagensis in the Bay of La Paz, Gulf of California, Mexico

Reproductive cycle of the black coral Antipathes galapagensis in the Bay of La Paz, Gulf of California, Mexico

Effects of season and sex on the concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in captive and free-ranging endangered mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella).

The aim of our study was to measure fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations in captive and free-ranging male and female mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) during their circannual cycle. In addition, FGM concentrations were used to track the intensity of the adrenocortical response in mountain gazelles during the same period. Fecal samples were collected from the ground in the Hatay Mountain Gazelle Wildlife Development Area in the Hatay Province of Türkiye (36°32' N, 36°32' E) in each season of the year (December, April, July, September). The sex of the animals was determined by detecting the SRY gene of the Y chromosome in DNA isolated from the fecal samples. FGM was extracted from dried fecal samples with methanol, and its concentration was measured using a previously partially validated ELISA. The results indicate that season is the most important factor explaining the variability in FGM concentrations in mountain gazelles. In animals of both sexes, the highest concentrations of FGM were observed in September. The values were significantly higher in the captive population, perhaps due to unpredictable stress. In July, FGM concentrations were low in both populations. As a result of the overall analysis across seasons, the comparison of FGM concentrations between captive and free-ranging animals revealed higher concentrations in captive animals only in September but not in other seasons, although higher concentrations have been previously reported for several wild captive species. Due to predation risk, the presence of offspring can be considered a critical point in the biological cycle for the welfare of free-ranging mountain gazelles, as suggested by the higher FGM concentrations in the free-ranging population in July. The high number of visitors could be a challenge for mountain gazelles in captivity, as indicated by higher FGM concentrations during September. Sex had no effect on the FGM concentrations of either population.

Cage enrichment to minimize aggression in part-time group-housed female breeding rabbits.

In most rabbit farms, breeding does kindle and nurse their kits in single-litter cages throughout their entire reproduction cycle. However, the protective behavior can lead to aggressive displays and injuries when the does are housed in groups. This study aimed to evaluate cage enrichment for reducing the agonistic behavior in part-time group-housed does. A total of eighty does with their 22-day-old kits were allocated to 20 multi-litter cages, with each cage housing four does and their litters for 10 days. Each multi-litter group was subjected to one of four treatments: alfalfa blocks as distraction material (A), wooden panels underneath the platforms (P), both alfalfa and wooden panels (AP), or no extra enrichment (controls, C). This experiment was replicated for three consecutive reproduction cycles. The skin injuries of the does and the kits were scored with a tagged visual analog scale before grouping and at one, three, six, eight, and 10 days after grouping. Computer vision techniques were used to continuously monitor rabbit activity and agonistic behavior (aggression and fleeing/chasing) during the first 24 h after grouping, specifically during light hours. During the first day in the group, 67.2% of the does and 13.4% of the kits acquired new injuries. This increased to 82.0 and 33.2%, respectively after 10 days in the group relative to the onset of grouping. The injury scores of the does increased toward the sixth day after grouping compared to the first (p < 0.001) and were highest on the tenth day for the kits (p < 0.001). On all the observation days, the number of injured does was higher in C compared to A (p = 0.04) and AP treatment (p = 0.005). There were no other treatment effects observed on the doe or kit skin injuries. Rabbit activity was highest after grouping but decreased after the first and second days (p < 0.001). The agonistic interactions between the does involved more fleeing/chasing behavior (62.0%) rather than aggression (38.0%). Although hierarchy fights are likely when unacquainted does are group-housed, the many animals that sustained injuries and the high injury scores confirm that part-time group housing for does is challenging and possibly inevitable. This study has shown that alfalfa, with or without wooden panels, can slightly reduce the number of injured does.

Control of a gene transfer agent cluster in Caulobacter crescentus by transcriptional activation and anti-termination

Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs) are phage-like particles that cannot self-multiply and be infectious. Caulobacter crescentus, a bacterium best known as a model organism to study bacterial cell biology and cell cycle regulation, has recently been demonstrated to produce bona fide GTA particles (CcGTA). Since C. crescentus ultimately die to release GTA particles, the production of GTA particles must be tightly regulated and integrated with the host physiology to prevent a collapse in cell population. Two direct activators of the CcGTA biosynthetic gene cluster, GafY and GafZ, have been identified, however, it is unknown how GafYZ controls transcription or how they coordinate gene expression of the CcGTA gene cluster with other accessory genes elsewhere on the genome for complete CcGTA production. Here, we show that the CcGTA gene cluster is transcriptionally co-activated by GafY, integration host factor (IHF), and by GafZ-mediated transcription anti-termination. We present evidence that GafZ is a transcription anti-terminator that likely forms an anti-termination complex with RNA polymerase, NusA, NusG, and NusE to bypass transcription terminators within the 14 kb CcGTA cluster. Overall, we reveal a two-tier regulation that coordinates the synthesis of GTA particles in C. crescentus.

Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin concentrations in Black Bengal goats at different ages and gestation periods and their relationship to kid growth performance.

The impact of maternal hormone concentration on kid growth performance in relation to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and leptin is minimal. This study examined IGF-1 and leptin levels at varying ages and gestation periods for their correlation with Black Bengal goat kids' growth during the preweaning phase. Blood samples were collected from 43 dams with different reproductive cycles and 28 prepubertal goats to measure serum concentrations of IGF-1 and leptin. Among dams, both hormones were investigated in different age ranges (<2, 2-3, 3-4, and >4 years old) and reproductive cycles (non-pregnancy, early gestation (1-50 days), mid-gestation (51-100 days), late gestation (101-135 days), and the last 15 days before delivery). After delivery, 65 kids from 34 dams were weighted weekly for 8 weeks to calculate average daily weight gain (ADG) at 0-4 weeks (ADG0-4 W) and 4-8 weeks (ADG4-8 W) and growth performance, including weight (W), height (H), length (L), chest girth (C) measured at birth (W0, H0, L0, and C0) and at 10 weeks of age (W10, H10, L10, and C10) were related to hormone serum concentrations in their dams at different gestation periods including the last 15 days before delivery. Dams had higher mean serum IGF-1 (p < 0.001) and leptin (p < 0.05) than prepubertal goats. Dams at late gestation had higher IGF-1 concentrations than those at early and mid-gestation and during the last 15 days before delivery. However, it was consistent with non-pregnant goats. The kid's growth performance correlated positively with IGF-1 concentration, which was collected in the last 15 days before delivery. Multivariate analysis showed that ADG0-4 W was higher in kids born from dams with high IGF-1 than those with low IGF-1 measured during the last 15 days of delivery, whereas leptin tended to have a similar effect. Serum IGF-1 and leptin concentrations of dams measured during the last 15 days before delivery were associated with kid's growth during the preweaning period.

Variable Surface Antigens of Plasmodium falciparum: Protein Families with Divergent Roles.

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is an illness that contributes significantly to the global health burden. Pf makes significant alterations to the host cell to meet its metabolic demands and escape the immune response of the host. These include the export of a large number of parasite proteins to the infected Red Blood Cells (iRBC). Variable Surface Antigens (VSAs), which are highly polymorphic protein families with important roles in immune evasion, form an important component of the exported proteins. A total of five protein families constitute the VSAs, viz. PfEMP1 (Pf erythrocyte membrane protein 1), RIFIN (repetitive interspersed family), STEVOR (sub-telomeric open reading frame), SURFIN (surface-associated interspersed gene family), and PfMC-2TM (Pf Maurer's cleft two transmembrane). With orthologues present in various simian-infecting species, VSAs take up a variety of domain topologies and organizational structures while exhibiting differential expressions throughout the parasite life cycle. Their expression varies across clinical isolates and laboratory strains, which suggests their crucial role in host cell survival and defense. Members of VSAs are reported to contribute significantly to disease pathogenesis through immune evasion processes like cytoadherence, iRBC sequestration in the host vasculature, rosetting, reduced erythrocyte deformability, and direct immunosuppression. In this study, we have gathered information on various aspects of VSAs, like their orthologues, domain architecture, surface topology, functions and interactions, and three-dimensional structures, while emphasizing discoveries in the field. Considering the vast repertoire of Plasmodial VSAs with new emergent functions, a lot remains unknown about these families and, hence, malaria biology.

Size at maturity, reproductive cycle, and fecundity of the southern California brown box crab Lopholithodes foraminatus and implications for developing a new targeted fishery

AbstractObjectiveThe brown box crab Lopholithodes foraminatus is a member of the king and stone crab family (Lithodidae) that occurs in deepwater along the eastern Pacific coast. Historically, landings in California have been low for this species, but an increase in fishing pressure prompted the state to designate it as an emerging fishery and implement an experimental fishery program. With no known biological studies of California brown box crab, essential fisheries information is needed to evaluate the feasibility of a new targeted fishery.MethodsUsing field sampling and observations, along with laboratory studies, we investigated elements of reproductive capacity of the brown box crab in southern California.ResultWe found that females reach physiological maturity at a carapace width (CW) between 50.8 and 71.7 mm, and males do so at a CW between 43.3 and 66.3 mm. Morphometric maturity analysis showed a clear inflection point of abdomen width between immature and mature females. Females were 50% functionally mature at 75 mm CW. Morphometric and functional maturity was not detected for males, albeit samples of small male crabs were extremely limited, thus warranting further study. Females followed a biennial reproduction pattern: mating occurred in the fall, followed by an approximately 18‐month brooding period, with hatching in the second spring after mating. Fecundity was positively related to size and ranged from 8352 eggs/brood for a 67.8‐mm‐CW female to 62,181 eggs/brood for a 130.5‐mm‐CW female.ConclusionThese findings can inform the evaluation of a fishery for the brown box crab, including potential management strategies and models for assessing stock condition.

Assessment of water quality and plankton production in managed and unmanaged fresh water ponds in district Hisar, Haryana, India

Managed and unmanaged extensive fisheries culture systems in small village ponds in district Hisar of Haryana, India to correlate the water quality and biological cycles in ponds with fish production were undertaken. The studies revealed that the ponds are in good trophic status. Chlorides, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), phosphates (o-PO4) and ammonia were high whereas dissolved oxygen and fish growth/yield was low in unmanaged ponds in comparison to managed ponds. This may be due to high organic loads.The deterioration of water quality, as indicated by very high ammonia and BOD in unmanaged ponds might have decreased the fish growth and a variety of factors like organic load, ammonia production, nature/quantity of fertilizers may have influenced such correlations. Management of water quality by managing the optimization of waste input in village ponds may help in enhancing the fish production through such small scale aquaculture.. KEYWORDS :Water quality, Physico-chemical characteristics, Fish yield, BOD, Ammonia

INVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY FROM DEEP WELLS OF THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER OF SOUTH-CENTRAL TEXAS

Abstract This study examined the invertebrate fauna from three deep wells located at the Uvalde National Fish Hatchery in south-central Texas. These wells provide a water source from geological strata of the southern boundary of the Edwards Aquifer ranging in age from Lower Cretaceous to Recent. Forty-seven collections, sampled on a continuous basis from November 2020 to January 2022, produced a total of 738 specimens comprising 15 different species. These collections reveal a diverse crustacean assemblage along with dominant numbers of the stygobiotic snail Balconorbis uvaldensis. This study provides a preliminary survey for future investigations of unidentified crustacean species as well as revealing seasonal variations in the reproductive life cycle of Balconorbis uvaldensis.

Potential sexual pheromones of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and their functions on aggregative and spawning behavior

The surging market demand for sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) has fueled a thriving growth in the sea cucumber breeding industry. Pheromones are molecules that evolve signals in defined proportions in the case of multicomponent pheromones, emitted by one individual and received by a second individual of the same species to cause a specific response. It remains an enigma as to how the species of sea cucumber, devoid of visual, auditory, and olfactory senses, aggregate and communicate within their groups, as well as coordinate gamete release during the breeding period. We hypothesize that pheromones may serve as the medium for facilitating these behaviors and propose conducting experiments centered around pheromonal investigation. In this study, we aimed to analyze common metabolites of male A. japonicus using LC-MS/MS technology and bioinformatics. Coelomic fluid and ejaculate fluid were analyzed, with aquaculture water serving as the control. Eight target pheromones were analyzed, and eight of metabolite analogs were tested for aggregation and spawning behaviors. Results showed that β-sitosterol at a concentration of 10 μg·L−1 significantly promoted aggregation (21.25 % average rate) and induced a significant increase in spawning rate (58 %) of A. japonicus. The significance of this study lies in the fact that by collecting and utilizing pheromones of A. japonicus, farmers can accurately determine the reproductive cycle and optimal breeding season for A. japonicus. This enables fish farmers to implement effective breeding management strategies at the appropriate time, thereby increasing the success rate of reproduction and providing valuable technical support for the cultivation of A. japonicus seedlings.