Reproductive Cycle Research Articles

A Review on Wearable Devices for Animal Health Monitoring

Internet of Things has changed everyone's life. It often changes the way people interact with their environment and objects. IoT devices use wearable devices that are used to monitor the activities of animals. The Internet of Things for Animal Health (IoTAH) uses biosensors and software to monitor and manage animal health information. This work concerns the development of a mobile application coupled with a hardware device (called CAHM) attached to an animal’s collar. Companion Animal Health Monitoring App. Equipped with a smart collar, the system feature’s location tracking, heart rate, body temperature measurement, disease detection and isolation, detection of reproductive cycles, as well as monitoring physiological wellbeing of the animal. With further advancements in technology, data analysis algorithms and IoT systems, using these technologies we can improve our understanding of animal health, improve prevention and support healthy, happy animals.

Progestins for pituitary suppression during ovarian stimulation in artificial reproductive technology

Background: Progestins can suppress endogenous luteinizing hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. Progestins can be used orally and are less expensive than gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs. However, early endometrial exposure to progestin precludes fresh embryo transfer (ET), but the emergence of vitrification for oocyte cryopreservation cycles allows more opportunities for using progestins for pituitary suppression.
 Objective: To assess the mechanism of pituitary suppression by progestins, the effectiveness of progestins compared with GnRH analogs, the effect of progestins on oocyte and embryo developmental potential and euploidy status, and the cost-effectiveness of progestin-primed stimulation. 
 Methods: A literature search using the keywords “multiple waves of antral ovarian follicular development, In Vitro Fertilization, Ovarian stimulation ” was performed in the PubMed database.
 Results: The duration of stimulation, gonadotrophin consumption, and oocyte yield were similar in progestins and GnRH analogs. However, progestins were associated with significantly lower gonadotrophin consumption than their analogs. Overall, live birth and clinical pregnancy rates per ET were similar to those of progestins and GnRH analogs. Studies comparing medroxyprogesterone acetate, dydrogesterone, and micronized progesterone suggest similar ovarian responses and pregnancy outcomes. The euploidy status of embryos and obstetric and neonatal outcomes from progestin-primed cycles are similar to those of embryos from conventional stimulation cycles. Despite the lower cost of progestins than GnRH analogs, the mandatory cryopreservation of all embryos followed by a deferred transfer may increase the cost per live birth with progestins compared with an artificial reproductive technology cycle culminating in a fresh ET.
 Conclusion: Progestins present an effective option for women who do not contemplate a fresh ET, e.g., fertility preservation, anticipated hyper responders, preimplantation genetic testing, oocyte donors, and double stimulation cycles.

Untargeted metabolomics of buffalo urine reveals hydracyrlic acid, 3-bromo-1-propanol and benzyl serine as potential estrus biomarkers

Buffalo is a silent heat animal and doesn't show prominent signs of estrous like cattle so it becomes difficult for farmers to determine the receptivity of the animal based purely on the animal behaviour. India, having a huge population size, needs to produce more milk for the population. Successful artificial insemination greatly depends on the receptivity of the animal. Hence the present study aimed to identify the changes in the metabolome of the buffalo. GC–MS based mass spectrometric analysis was deployed for the determination of estrous by differential expression of metabolites. It was found that hydracrylic acid, 3-bromo-1-propanol and benzyl serine were significantly upregulated in the estrous phase of buffalo (p.value ≤0.05, FC ≥ 2). The pathway enrichment analysis also supported the same as pathways related to amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism were up regulated along with the Warburg effect which is linked to the rapid cell proliferation which might help prepare animals to meet the energy requirement during the estrous. Further analysis of the metabolic biomarkers using ROC analysis also supported these three metabolites as probable biomarkers as they were identified with AUC values of 0.7 or greater. SignificanceThe present study focuses on the untargeted metabolomics studies of buffalo urine with special reference to the estrous phase of reproductive cycle. The estrous signals are more prominent in cattle, where animals show clear estrous signals such as mounting and discharge along with vocal signals. Buffalo is a silent heat animal and it becomes difficult for farmers to detect the estrous based on the physical and behavioral signals. Hence the present study focuses on GC–MS based untargeted metabolomics to identify differentially expressed urine metabolites. In this study, hydracrylic acid, 3-bromo-1-propanol and benzyl serine were found to be significantly upregulated in the estrous phase of buffalo (p-value ≤0.05, FC ≥ 2). Further confirmation of the metabolic biomarkers was done using Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis which also supported these three metabolites as probable biomarkers as they had AUC values of 0.7 or greater. Hence, this study will be of prime importance for the people working in the area of animal metabolomics.

Fertility Fails to Predict Voter Preference for the 2020 Election: A Pre-Registered Replication of Navarrete et al. (2010).

As part of the Systematizing Confidence in Open Research and Evidence (SCORE) program, the present study reassesses the claim made in Navarrete et al. (2010) Study 1, that women's voter preference for male candidates who demonstrate cues of strong genetic fitness increases across the reproductive cycle as a function of conception risk. We report an attempt to conceptually replicate these findings, modifying the outcome variables for voter preference to reflect the 2020 election rather than the 2008 election, while maintaining fidelity to the original study by including Barack Obama as a candidate. Contrary to the original findings, conception risk did not predict greater voter support for Obama as a younger, more attractive alternative to Donald J. Trump, nor was conception risk a significant factor in other matchups we presented to participants. Candidate intelligence and participant psychopathy scores on the Dark Triad were found to be factors in preference for Obama/Biden or Trump, respectively. We discuss these results in the context of evolutionary and political psychology, suggesting the need for further research that takes political factors into account.

Studies on Breeding Failures in Dogs: A Review

The domestic dog is a non-seasonal breeder. The female is monestrus and has a reproductive cycle that is marked by extended periods of proestrus and estrus. The estrous period is characterized by an estrogen peak that coincides with rising circulating progesterone concentration prior to ovulation. After estrus is diestrus and then anestrus, with the ovarian cycle regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In the male spermatogenesis is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis with testosterone playing a vital role. The reproductive cycle of most wild canids is similar to that of domestic dogs. Diestrus is followed by an extended period of ovarian inactivity. The causes of breeding failure in dogs are numerous and require thorough investigations for accurate diagnosis. Breeding failures can be infectious or non-infectious. Among the infectious causes in the bitch, bacterial endometritis was found to be responsible for the majority of reported cases. Non-infectious causes include primary and secondary anoestrus, cystic conditions of the uterus, and degenerative diseases of the endometrium. In the male, the causes can also be infectious and non-infectious. Non-infectious causes like bilateral cryptorchidism and acquired anatomical abnormalities can also cause male infertility. Spermatocele or sperm granulomas, obstruction of the genital ducts or inguinal or scrotal hernia, and prostatitis lead to infertility. Infections can lead to orchitis/epididymitis, with alteration of the quality of the semen. Nutrition also has important implications for reproductive performance. Undernutrition can result in loss of body condition, delay the onset of puberty, and ultimately lead to infertility.

Gonadotropin expression, pituitary and plasma levels in the reproductive cycle of wild and captive-reared greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili)

We compared the endocrine status of the pituitary-gonad axis of wild and captive-reared greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) during the reproductive cycle (April – July), reporting on the expression and release of the two gonadotropins for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. Ovaries from wild females were characterized histologically as DEVELOPING in early May and SPAWNING capable in late May-July, the latter having a 3 to 4-fold higher gonadosomatic index (GSI). SPAWNING capable wild females exhibited an increase in pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (Fsh) content, plasma testosterone (T) and 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-P), while almost a 10-fold increase was observed in pituitary luteinizing hormone (Lh) content. An increasing trend of plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) was also recorded between the two reproductive stages in wild females. Captive-reared females sampled during the reproductive cycle exhibited two additional reproductive categories, with REGRESSED females having extensive follicular atresia and fish in the REGENERATING stage having only primary oocytes in their ovaries. Pituitary content of Fsh and Lh, fshb and lhb expression and plasma levels of Fsh and Lh remained unchanged among the four reproductive stages in captive females, in contrast with plasma E2 and T that decreased in the REGENERATING stage, and 17,20β-P which increased after the DEVELOPING stage. In general, no significant hormonal differences were recorded between captive-reared and wild DEVELOPING females, in contrast to SPAWNING capable females, where pituitary Lh content, plasma Fsh and T were found to be lower in females in captivity. Overall, the captive females lagged behind in reproductive development compared to the wild ones and this was perhaps related to the multiple handling of the sea cages where all the sampled fish were maintained. Between wild males in the DEVELOPING and SPAWNING capable stages, pituitary Lh content, plasma T and 17,20β-P, and GSI exhibited 3 to 4-fold increases, while an increasing trend of pituitary Fsh content, lhb expression levels and plasma 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) was also observed, and an opposite trend was observed in plasma Lh. Captive males were allocated to one more category, with REGRESSED individuals having no spermatogenic capacity. During the SPAWNING capable phase, almost all measured parameters were lower in captive males compared to wild ones. More importantly, captive males showed significant differences from their wild counterparts throughout the reproductive season, starting already from the DEVELOPING stage. Therefore, it appears that captivity already exerted negative effects in males prior to the onset of the study and the multiple handling of the cage where sampled fish were reared. Overall, the present study demonstrated that female greater amberjack do undergo full vitellogenesis in captivity, albeit with some dysfunctions that may be related to the husbandry of the experiment, while males, on the other hand, may be more seriously affected by captivity even before the onset of the study.

Galleria mellonella Model of Coccidioidomycosis for Drug Susceptibility Tests and Virulence Factor Identification.

Coccidioidomycosis (CM) can manifest as respiratory and disseminated diseases that are caused by dimorphic fungal pathogens, such as Coccidioides species. The inhaled arthroconidia generated during the saprobic growth phase convert into multinucleated spherules in the lungs to complete the parasitic lifecycle. Research on coccidioidal virulence and pathogenesis primarily employs murine models typically associated with low lethal doses (LD100 < 100 spores). However, the Galleria model has recently garnered attention due to its immune system bearing both structural and functional similarities to the innate system of mammals. Our findings indicate that Coccidioides posadasii can convert and complete the parasitic cycle within the hemocoel of the Galleria larva. In Galleria, the LD100 is between 0.5 and 1.0 × 106 viable spores for the clinical isolate Coccidioides posadasii C735. Furthermore, we demonstrated the suitability of this model for in vivo antifungal susceptibility tests to validate the bioreactivity of newly discovered antifungals against Coccidioides. Additionally, we utilized this larva model to screen a Coccidioides posadasii mutant library showing attenuated virulence. Similarly, the identified attenuated coccidioidal mutants displayed a loss of virulence in a commonly used murine model of coccidioidomycosis. In this study, we demonstrated that Galleria larvae can be applied as a model for studying Coccidioides infection.

Effect of Suryanamaskara, Selected Pranayama and Yava Saktu Modaka in Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is the term for the natural and permanent cessation of monthly female reproductive cycles. Menopausal women are known to experience physical, psychological, and vasomotor symptoms. In Ayurveda, menopause is not mentioned separately or as a disease but it is considered as Rajakshaya, the transition period of body from predominance of Pittadosha to Vatadosha. Rajonivritti (menopause) occurring in Jarapakva Shareer (aged body) at the age of 50 years. In modern science, hormone therapy has been used to control the symptoms of menopause. But long term use of this therapy had an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, breast cancer etc. A lifestyle modification is therefore an essential component in reducing menopausal symptoms, which includes a healthy diet, physical exercise, stress reduction and weight management. In this study 25 subjects with menopausal symptoms between the age group of 45 to 55 years were selected, from OPD of Govt. Ayurveda College Hospital, Tripunithura, as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study subjects were advised to have two Yava saktu modakas of 10gm. each in morning at 7.30 a.m and the practice of Suryanamaskara and selected Pranayamas in the morning for 1 month. Assessment was done on 0th, 15th and 31st day of intervention. Along with this, the blood investigations like fasting blood sugar, post prandial blood sugar and serum cholesterol were assessed on 0th and 31st day of the study period. Results showed that Suryanamaskara, selected Pranayama and Yava saktu modaka have statistical significance in reducing menopausal symptoms.

Prostaglandin F2α Affects the Cycle of Clock Gene Expression and Mouse Behavior.

Prostaglandins are bioactive compounds, and the activation of their receptors affects the expression of clock genes. However, the prostaglandin F receptor (Ptgfr) has no known relationship with biological rhythms. Here, we first measured the locomotor period lengths of Ptgfr-KO (B6.129-Ptgfrtm1Sna) mice and found that they were longer under constant dark conditions (DD) than those of wild-type (C57BL/6J) mice. We then investigated the clock gene patterns within the suprachiasmatic nucleus in Ptgfr-KO mice under DD and observed a decrease in the expression of the clock gene cryptochrome 1 (Cry1), which is related to the circadian cycle. Moreover, the expression of Cry1, Cry2, and Period2 (Per2) mRNA were significantly altered in the mouse liver in Ptgfr-KO mice under DD. In the wild-type mouse, the plasma prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels showed a circadian rhythm under a 12 h cycle of light-dark conditions. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that the addition of PTGFR agonists altered the amplitude of Per2::luc activity, and this alteration differed with the timing of the agonist addition. These results lead us to hypothesize that the plasma rhythm of PGF2α is important for driving clock genes, thus suggesting the involvement of PGF2α- and Ptgfr-targeting drugs in the biological clock cycle.

Reproductive cycle of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) in Delta do Parnaíba, Brazil

This study describes some aspects of the reproductive biology of the native oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae in the Delta do Parnaíba estuary, located between the states of Maranhão and Piauí, Brazil. The oysters were acquired from landings at Porto dos Tatus (Ilha Grande - PI) between June 2017 and May 2018. Approximately 50 individuals per month (n=611) with an average total shell length of 74.44 mm (±14.31 SD) were collected for analysis of gonadal development and condition index and correlated with temporal variations in local rainfall. The C. rhizophorae population in the Parnaíba Delta estuary showed a sex ratio of 2.18 females to 1 male and continuous reproduction. The condition index (CI) values in the dry period were higher, coinciding with a greater proportion of individuals in the gametogenesis and pre-spawning stages. In the rainy season, there was a reduction in the CI as a result of animals in the gamete release stage.

Effects of overgrazing on the functional diversity of rodents in desert areas.

Environmental stressors and disturbances can cause changes in an ecosystem's community structure, which can be reflected in its functional diversity. As grazing intensity increases, this causes changes in the environment that inevitably lead to changes in the community structure, which can especially affect rodents due to their sensitivity to the environment. The effects of grazing prohibition and overgrazing on the functional diversity of desert rodent communities in Alxa were studied in April, July, and October of 2018-2020. The trap-day method was used to study rodent communities in disturbed habitats. Five functional traits were selected and quantified: nutrition, life history, physiology, morphology, and activity rhythm. The results showed that: (1) The species composition of rodent communities in the Alxa Desert in spring and autumn was significantly correlated with the functional traits of the hibernation, reproductive cycle, and feeding habits. The species composition in the summer was only significantly correlated with the functional traits of reproductive cycle and diet. (2) The effects of overgrazing on the functional diversity of rodents in desert areas have significant temporal and spatial characteristics. (3) In spring and summer, overgrazing made the Functional Richness index of the rodent community lower than that of areas where grazing is prohibited, but the Functional Evenness index was higher than that of grazing-prohibition areas. In autumn, overgrazing increased the Functional Richness index of the rodent community and decreased the Functional Evenness index. The Functional Divergence index was higher in overgrazing areas than in grazing-prohibited ones. These results suggest that, in spring and summer, overgrazing reduced the ecological space utilization ability of rodent communities; however, the impact on the degree of utilization of community resources is more comprehensive. In autumn, overgrazing increases the ability of rodent communities to use ecological space but reduces resource efficiency. Overgrazing makes the niche differentiation of rodent communities higher, the degree of overlap lower, and the competition between species weaker. Therefore, overgrazing will affect the functional diversity of the community through the utilization of ecological space, resource utilization, interspecific competition, and niche.

Abstract A046: Liver involution generates a pro-metastatic niche in a murine model of postpartum breast cancer liver metastasis

Abstract Postpartum breast cancer (PPBC), cases diagnosed within 10 years of childbirth, has increased risk of liver metastases. Our lab has shown that the liver undergoes growth during pregnancy and lactation to support milk production, and upon weaning, undergoes involution. We have previously shown the actively involuting liver supports breast cancer liver metastasis in rodent models of PPBC, yet the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we performed RNAseq analysis in mouse livers across a lactation/wean cycle, and identify stromal alterations that may contribute to the “involution-educated” metastatic niche. During involution, RNA seq analysis reveals increased signatures for apoptotic cell death, catabolic metabolism, regulatory immune cell abundance, and extracellular matrix remodeling consistent with fibroblast activation. Using liver perfusion methods in live animals, we isolated viable stromal cells from livers of nullip or involution mice and validated these cells as highly enriched for fibroblasts by quantitative PCR. Liver fibroblasts were then mixed 1:1 with mouse mammary tumor cells, and injected into host mice at the flank site. We found fibroblasts from involuting livers generated larger tumors (n=28 tumors/group p=0.013), with decreased caspase 3 staining. Further, involution fibroblast tumors had increased ECM deposition as measured by trichrome staining, consistent with involution liver fibroblasts being more activated. Combined these data suggest that involution liver fibroblasts support tumor growth by suppressing tumor cell death, and by providing a pro-tumor collagen matrix when compared to nulliparous liver fibroblasts. These data implicate fibroblasts as components of the involution-educated metastatic niche in the postpartum liver. RNAseq analysis of involuting livers also identified gene signatures correlated with immature myeloid cells that associate with immune suppression and worse prognosis in numerous cancers. We thus evaluated for immature myeloid cells by multiplex immunohistochemistry in healthy mouse livers across a reproductive cycle, and identified increased abundance of immature myeloid cells (CD45+, CD11b+, Gr-1+) specifically during involution (n=6/group, p&amp;lt;0.05). Further, our data suggest liver involution may have a durable impact on immune composition of breast cancer liver metastases, as we find evidence for increased immature myeloid cells (CD45+, CD11b+, CD33+, CD68-, CD66b-, Cd56-, CD11c-, CD20-) in liver metastases of PPBC patients compared to non-PPBC patients. These data implicate immature myeloid cells as another component of the involution-educated liver metastatic niche. In sum, we find physiological involution of the liver post-wean alters the liver stromal microenvironment in a manner consistent with establishing a metastatic niche. Our findings may lead to the identification of liver stromal targets that can be exploited for prevention and or treatment strategies for PPBC liver metastasis. Citation Format: Michelle K Ozaki, Yi Zhang, Zheng Xi, Pepper Schedin. Liver involution generates a pro-metastatic niche in a murine model of postpartum breast cancer liver metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Breast Cancer Research; 2023 Oct 19-22; San Diego, California. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(3 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A046.

Abstract 134: Thrombotic Complications of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Introduction: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a well-known complication of ovarian stimulation used during assisted reproductive technology cycles. In severe OHSS, increases in capillary permeability can result in hemoconcentration and hypercoagulability leading to thrombotic events, including stroke and cerebral venous thrombosis. Herein we sought to determine the prevalence of hospitalization for thrombotic events shortly after OHSS using population-level data. Methods: We conducted two separate retrospective cohort studies of patients with OHSS using publicly available datasets: (1) administrative claims data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) across 11 states from 2016 to 2020 and (2) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) registry data from the end of 2015 to 2020. HCUP contains both emergency department and inpatient encounters whereas NIS contains a nationally representative sample of inpatient encounters. For our study, all female patients with an encounter for OHSS, defined using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code N98.1 were included from each dataset. Our primary study outcome was any stroke or major thrombotic event identified within 60 days of OHSS diagnosis in HCUP or during the index admission for OHSS in NIS. We used previously validated ICD-10-CM codes for acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral venous thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and acute deep venous thrombosis to define our study outcome. Results: We identified a total of 747 patients with OHSS in HCUP. Within the HCUP cohort, fewer than 10 patients (&lt;1%) were hospitalized with a stroke or thrombotic event within 60 days of OHSS diagnosis. There were 1,955 hospitalizations for OHSS in NIS. There were 20 (1%) pulmonary embolisms and 35 (1.8%) acute deep venous thromboses, but no other stroke/thrombotic complications in NIS. Conclusions: We found very few thrombotic events shortly after OHSS diagnosis using two large datasets. The low rate of outcome events after OHSS seen in each of our population-level analyses increases the reliability of these study results.

Super-responder and clinical remission in patients with asthma on treatment with single biologic therapy or cycling therapy using dupilumab in a real-world setting.

Regarding the therapeutic target in asthma, super-responder status (SR) is a status without systemic corticosteroids. Recently, clinical remission (CR), being a status of prolonged absence of asthma symptoms without systemic corticosteroids and/or normal pulmonary function, has gained attention as a new therapeutic target in asthma. Here, we examined the percentage and features of asthma patients on treatment with dupilumab showing SR and CR. 49 asthma patients used subcutaneous dupilumab for >1 year between April 2019 and November 2022. The status of SR and CR for 1 year was evaluated. Patients without any maintenance oral corticosteroids and exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids were classified as SR. CR was defined using three definitions based on changes in asthma symptoms and pulmonary function in addition to achieving SR for 1 year: CR without pulmonary function criteria (CR w/o F), fulfilment of asthma symptom improvement (asthma control questionnaire score <0.75 or asthma control test score ≥23); and CR-70 or CR-80, pulmonary function improvement (%forced expiratory volume in 1 second ≥70% or ≥80%) in addition to achieving CR w/o F, respectively. 38 (77.6%), 22 (44.9%), 13 (26.5%), 12 (24.5%) of patients had SR, CR w/o F, CR-70, and CR-80, respectively. Severe eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis was significantly more found in patients with SR and CR based on all three definitions than in those without. This study identified the percentage and features of patients on treatment with dupilumab showing SR and CR in a real-world setting. The outcome beyond CR on biologic treatment should be clarified.

Phenology and impact of abiotic factors with a temporal lag on the abundance of common crab spider, Xysticus cristatus (Clerck, 1757) (Araneae: Thomisidae) in the agroecosystems of Kashmir

ABSTRACT Xysticus cristatus is a Palearctic species, very abundant in the north-western Himalayas having a temperate climate. It is one of the predominant species in the agroecosystems of Kashmir. For a period of two years, we conducted a study on the population of Xysticus cristatus inhabiting the agroecosystems of Kashmir. A phenological study was conducted under field and laboratory conditions and temperature, rainfall, and humidity were monitored as indicators of population size. The spiders appear to have an annual reproductive cycle and a spring–summer stenochronous phenological pattern. Adult spiders emerge in spring, recruitment of spiders occurs in summer, they undergo overwintering in the immature stage and all stages of development show sequential phenological maxima. Under laboratory conditions, almost all spiders took VII instars to develop, and considerable variations were observed among all the instars. The abundance of Xysticus cristatus did not show any correlation with climatic variables at time 0, although there was a correlation with temporal lag. The best-adjusted correlation was found with a 3 month time lag, indicating that species require time to respond to changes in the environment.

Thin film structural color is widespread in slime molds (Myxomycetes, Amoebozoa).

Brilliant colors in nature arise from the interference of light with periodic nanostructures resulting in structural color. While such biological photonic structures have long attracted interest in insects and plants, they are little known in other groups of organisms. Unexpected in the kingdom of Amoebozoa, which assembles unicellular organisms, structural colors were observed in myxomycetes, an evolutionary group of amoebae forming macroscopic, fungal-like structures. Previous work related the sparkling appearance of Diachea leucopodia to thin film interference. Using optical and ultrastructural characterization, we here investigated the occurrence of structural color across 22 species representing two major evolutionary clades of myxomycetes including 14 genera. All investigated species showed thin film interference at the peridium, producing colors with hues distributed throughout the visible range that were altered by pigmentary absorption. A white reflective layer of densely packed calcium-rich shells is observed in a compound peridium in Metatrichia vesparium, whose formation and function are still unknown. These results raise interesting questions on the biological relevance of thin film structural colors in myxomycetes, suggesting they may be a by-product of their reproductive cycle.

“Potential pathogens detection in Spodoptera frugiperda larvae maintained under laboratory conditions”

The microbiome of Spodoptera frugiperda plays a fundamental role during its biological cycle, since a great diversity of microorganisms interact through different mechanisms to maintain homeostasis. Their functions include, for example, defense against pathogens, degradation and the supply of functional molecules, among others. However, factors such as changes in diet, the use of insecticides, antibiotics, environmental factors, age or sex can interfere with the microbiome causing dysbiosis. Therefore, the objective of this work was to perform a metagenomic analysis of healthy and dead larvae with symptoms of infection to detect potential pathogenic agents. The results show that the genus Enterococcus presented an average relative abundance of 89.2% in healthy larvae and an average of 94.75% in dead larvae. The presence of Pseudomonas was also detected, with an average relative abundance of 10.8% in healthy larvae and 0.5% in dead larvae. While Acetobacter presented an average relative abundance in dead larvae of 4.5%. Interestingly, readings corresponding to viruses were 0.004% in healthy larvae and 1.48% in dead larvae, which were related to pathogenic viruses of the baculovirus family. The detection of potential pathogens that can affect S. frugiperda during rearing is of most importance to avoid their dispersal or affecting the colony.

Correlation of self-reported racial background to euploidy status and live birth rates in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

To determine whether the embryonic euploidy rate and live birth outcomes following single, euploid embryo transfer (SEET) differ among women of self-reported racial and ethnic backgrounds. This retrospective cohort study included all infertile patients of different self-reported racial backgrounds who underwent In vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and an autologous single euploid embryo transfer (SEET) from December 2015 to December 2019 at a single private and academic assisted reproduction technology center. Primary outcome measures included ploidy rates among different racial groups. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy loss, and live birth rates. Five thousand five hundred sixty-two patients who underwent an IVF cycle with ICSI-PGT-A were included. A total of 24,491 blastocysts were analyzed. White participants had on average more euploid embryos and higher euploidy rates when compared to their counterparts (p ≤ 0.0001). However, after controlling for confounding factors, there was no association between race and the odds of having ahigher euploidy rate (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 0.63-2.17, p = 0.42). A total of 4949 patients underwent SEET. Pregnancy outcomes did not differ among patients of varying self-reported races. Euploidy rates and pregnancy outcomes were comparable among patients of different racial backgrounds who underwent a SEET.

Phytoremediation, When Plant Species Biological Cycle is the Key to Success

Phytoremediation, When Plant Species Biological Cycle is the Key to Success

The use of theater to teach the biological cycle of life

The Physical Education courses are mainly composed of disciplines related to biological, human, and social sciences. In general, students have difficulties in understanding specific knowledge of biological sciences such as physiology. The purpose of this work is to describe and analyze a pedagogical experience in which the language of theater was used in the classroom to enable students to access bioenergetic content, a component of physiology. The pedagogical experience was carried out in a planned situation of classes at a public university in southern Brazil in the year 2023 and had the participation of about 40 students. The results indicate that the theater enabled the subjects to produce multiple meanings to the treated content, indicating that the students understood the concepts worked on the theme. The fundamental elements in the process were the increase in interaction between students and the sharing of meanings between teacher and students.