Reproductive Material Research Articles

Identification of a TuMV isolate (TuMV-ZR) from Pseudostellaria heterophylla and its development into a viral expression vector

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (P. heterophylla) is a popular Chinese medicinal herb that is cultivated widely in China. Viral infection is commonly encountered during the production of P. heterophylla. To identify viruses causing P. heterophylla disease, sRNA and mRNA libraries were built for 2 sets of P. heterophylla plants, one set that was planted only once (FGP) and one that was planted three consecutive three times (TGP) in a field, using virus-free tuberous roots as reproductive materials. A comprehensive procedure, including assembling virus-derived sRNA (vsRNA), assessing and cloning the full-length viral genome, building an infectious cloning vector and constructing a virus-based expression vector, was performed to identify viruses infecting P. heterophylla. Ultimately, 48 contig-related viruses were mined from 6 sRNA and 6 mRNA P. heterophylla libraries. A 9762-bp fragment was predicted to be the complete genome of TuMV virus. This sequence was cloned from P. heterophylla, and its infectivity was evaluated using the virus-infection model plant Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) and host plant P. heterophylla. The resulting 9839-bp viral genome was successfully obtained from P. heterophylla and identified as a new P. heterophylla TuMV-ZR isolate. Simultaneously, TuMV-ZR infectious clones were shown to effectively infect P. heterophylla. Furthermore, TuMV-ZR expression vectors were developed, and the ability of a TuMV-ZR-based vector to express foreign genes was determined by analysis with the reporter gene EGFP. TuMV-ZR-based vectors were found to continuously express foreign genes in different organs of P. heterophylla throughout the whole vegetative period. In addition, TuMV-ZR vectors carrying EGFP accumulated in the tuberous roots of P. heterophylla, confirming that tuberous roots are key targets for viral infection and transmission. This study revealed the core pathogenicity of P. heterophylla mosaic virus and developed a new TuMV-ZR-based expression tool that led to long-term protein expression in P. heterophylla, laying the foundation for the identification of the mechanisms of P. heterophylla infection with mosaic viruses and developing tools to express value proteins in the tuberous roots of the medicinal plant P. heterophylla.

Prospects for Regulating the Right to Posthumous Reproduction in the Context of War in Ukraine: Foreign Experience and Formation of Legal Support for the Realisation of Reproductive Rights of Military Personnel

Background: This article focuses on the analysis of posthumous reproduction regulation perspectives in Ukraine through the lens of war risks, considering how the reproductive rights of male and female military personnel could be best guaranteed. In particular, the peculiarities of different legal and ethical problems, like formal requirements for the disposal of reproductive biological material and embryos in case of death, as well as issues of inheritance and establishment of paternity/maternity, are disclosed. The problem of posthumous reproduction legal regulation unification in the application of technology of posthumous reproduction is considered. Attention is also focused on the possibility of reproductive tourism for the sake of posthumous reproduction. Methods: The methodological framework of the study was a range of philosophical, general, and legal methods. The-dialectical method of cognition made it possible to investigate the problem’s social and ethical content and legal form and conduct a systematic theoretical and legal analysis of the applying posthumous reproduction in practice, especially under the scope of risks for health and life, which are conditioned by war in Ukraine. Thanks to the comparative method, the diversity of posthumous reproduction regulation models worldwide was investigated and compared with current Ukrainian draft Laws, particularly considering which of the models listed could best fit the Ukrainian law and moral traditions and the current situation in our country. With the help of a formal-legal approach, the content and peculiarities of contractual and legal practice were analysed. Results and Conclusions: It was comprehensively considered that posthumous reproduction should be allowed and regulated in the special law of Ukraine, which must perform the clear and justified legal framework to protect the rights of all participants of these sensitive relationships: consumers and performers of these reproductive services, as well as so-called postmortal children.

ETHICS OF HEALTHY LIFE SUSTAINABILITY

Advances in biological sciences have led to the emergence of a specialized field called biolaw, which deals with the legal aspects of technology in this domain. A significant issue in biolaw revolves around determining the legal status of embryos and their relationship to pregnant women. This question is intertwined with the beginning of human life and the protection of the unborn. Furthermore, advancements in genetics, such as DNA decoding and mapping of the human genome, alongside developments in Medically Assisted Reproduction, have shifted legal focus to the legal status and protection of reproductive material and fertilized eggs. The European Court of Human Rights also considers these matters in relation to the European Convention. These deliberations involve balancing the rights of fathers, the value and protection of embryos, women's freedom and autonomy in motherhood choices, access to contraception and abortion, as well as public interests in preserving the health of pregnant women during situations where conflicts arise between the lives of the woman and the embryo. Based on the above, this work seeks to present some of the fundamental common aspects of biolaw from a legal standpoint, always relating to the embryo or fetus: a) The right to life and how it relates to human dignity, b) the question of conception and how it relates to pregnancy, the observed conflicts of rights, the right to reproduction and prenatal diagnosis, but also death, and c) the right to health. All the above will be described as simply as possible using jurisprudential examples from cases heard by the European Court of Human Rights (E.C.H.R). Finally, certain ethical problems about current technologies (synthetic life? mouse embryogenesis? Vaccine trials with pregnant women?) and red lines in the context of bioethics will be raised.

Incapacitous patients, assisted reproductive technology, and the importance of informed consent

Abstract The principle of self-determination has gained significant judicial support over the last three decades, and the choice to procreate using assisted reproductive technology is a clear example of our right to choose a treatment that enhances our personal lives. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (as amended in 2008) stipulates that each party must give written, informed consent to ensure that our reproductive materials are used within strict parameters. However, the growing number of posthumous conception cases in several jurisdictions has raised concerns, particularly in situations where gametes are extracted from incapacitous patients without their consent, leading to posthumous parenthood. The landmark case of Y v A Healthcare NHS Trust [2018] EWCOP 18 caused significant concern when it authorised the retrieval, storage and use of sperm from a suspected brain stem dead man for procreative purposes under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It has never been known to be in the ‘best interests’ of a patient who lacks capacity to procreate in English law, and the consequences of this decision could be highly significant, raising questions about the exploitation of incapacitous patients and the misuse of genetic material. The decision has since been confirmed as the correct approach by the Court of Protection in Re X (Catastrophic Injury: Collection and Storage of Sperm) [2022] EWCOP 48, and a public consultation has now been opened by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. This paper examines the rigorous consent regime of the 1990 Act and the ethical complexities of retrieving gametes from incapacitous patients for procreative purposes. It will be determined that the 1990 Act's preference for a rigorous consent regime for public policy reasons is appropriate, and any alternative forms of consent could open a slippery slope to the unethical use of vulnerable individuals for their reproductive materials.

Development of Educational Game-Based Student Worksheets on Reproductive System Materials to Improve Student Interest and Learning Outcomes

Learning media is an important thing that plays a very important role in the learning process in the classroom. Based on the results of the interview, it is known that the learning media at SMA N 1 Kendal still uses limited sources, namely package books and Student Worksheets which are still conventional. The speaker mentioned that one of the materials that were considered difficult was the Reproductive System material. The development of educational game-based Student Worksheets (LKPD) is needed to overcome problems that arise. This study aims to determine the validity of LKPD media and the effectiveness of using educational game-based LKPD on Reproductive System material in increasing student interest and learning outcomes. The research was designed with 4D research methods: Define, design, develop, and disseminate. The research design used is a one-group pretest-posttest design. The sampling technique uses the purposive sampling method. The validity of the LKPD developed gets very feasible criteria for use for learning media on the Reproductive System material. The results of LKPD validation obtained a percentage of 89.85% from media experts, and 97.5% from material experts, both of whom are in the very decent category. Validation results by students obtained a percentage of 81.47% with the category of very decent. Analysis of learning outcomes obtained an N-gain score of 74.75% with medium and high categories and for classical completion, students obtained results of 85.04%. Based on the results of research and data analysis that has been carried out, it was concluded that LKPD based on educational games on the Reproductive System material is suitable for use as a learning medium and is effective in increasing student interest and learning outcomes at SMA Negeri 1 Kendal.

Review of the Current Research Progress of Seed Germination Inhibitors

Germination inhibitors, which inhibit the germination of seeds, spores and other plant reproductive material, are abundant in the plant kingdom and include phenols, cyanides, alkaloids, essential oils, amino acids, etc. These inhibitors can be classified as germination destructors and germination retarders depending on whether they harm the morphology, structure and physiology of the seed. Germination retarders are closely related to seed dormancy, and exogenous retarders can be used to extend the “dormancy” period of non-dormant seeds or perishable seeds by applying the proper dosage. They have significant potential applications as preservatives for seed preservation following harvest or for the storage of long-term germplasm resources. Germination destructors, as a type of relatively high-efficiency, low-specificity “toxic chemicals”, are of significant benefit in the application of effective and environmentally benign herbicides. At present, the main problems related to the research methods of germination inhibitors include difficulty in determining the specific endogenous substances and the minimum inhibitory concentration to induce dormancy, as well as whether the application of exogenous inhibitors will cause physiological damage to seeds. In the future, we should strengthen the tracking of germination inhibitors, explore the mechanisms of action of specific substances and deeper molecular mechanisms and finally explore new developments and new applications of different inhibitors.

IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN SELF-PROTECTION USING MEDIA CROSSWORD PUZZLE MAGNETIC BOARDS IN STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Background: Adolescent reproductive health is an important indicator in achieving public health development (Notoatmodjo, 2011). Method: The statistical test used was the Paired Sample T-Test, in which the subject was measured twice on 28 students with intellectual disabilities before and after being given the material. Results : The score before being given reproductive health material in self-protection, obtained the lowest score of 14.3 and the highest score of 100 with an average score of 49.5. Analysis: The results of the analysis show that the Sig.(2-tailed) value is 0.000, with an α of 0.05, it means that there is a significant difference in the average increase in the score for understanding reproductive health in self-protection. Conclusion: Magnetic board crossword puzzle media was effective in providing an understanding of health education to students with intellectual disabilities, especially on reproductive health material in self-protection.

Raptors bred in captivity: semen characteristics and assisted reproduction outcome in goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).

Three sexually mature goshawks reared in captivity and imprinted on humans to express reproductive behavior according to the cooperative method were studied for three consecutive breeding seasons to assess the quality of their sperm. The following parameters were analyzed: ejaculate volume and sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology. Ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and motility fluctuated along the reproductive season, revealing the greatest quality of the reproductive material at full springtime (i.e., April). Motility of the sperm collected in March strongly reduced with age, contrary to samples collected in April or May. Sperm viability was not influenced by either age or month of collection within each season. Ultrastructural investigations provided information on normal sperm morphology for the first time in this species. The morphological categories of sperm defects in fresh semen, present at low percentages, are also described. Functional analyses (perivitelline membrane assay and artificial inseminations) confirmed the good quality of the semen obtained using the cooperative method. The reported data provide the basis for further studies aimed at developing protocols to improve the outcome of artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation in the goshawk as well as other bird of prey species.

Sylvainia, a new monospecific genus within the subtribe Cephalanthinae (Rubiaceae, Naucleeae)

Background and aims – The genus Cephalanthus belongs to the tribe Naucleeae together with 26 other genera. Members of Cephalanthus mainly grow in temperate and subtropical wetlands in the Americas and Asia, but there is a single African species that is associated with forest margins and rocky outcrops in moist temperate grasslands. The genus comprises six species and was historically known to have species with a markedly disjunct distribution: three species are from the Americas: C. glabratus, C. occidentalis, and C. salicifolius; two species are from tropical Asia: C. angustifolius and C. tetrandrus, and one species is from tropical Africa: C. natalensis. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have supported the monophyly of the genus, however, most of the morphological synapomorphies are absent in the only African species, which is sister to the remaining species of the genus. This work aims to provide a short taxonomic revision of the genus Cephalanthus, taking into consideration morphological aspects previously underestimated or not considered, and to describe a new monospecific genus based on comparative morphological analysis. Material and methods – Vegetative and reproductive material from all the species of Cephalanthus were analysed following conventional taxonomy techniques. Key results – We transferred C. natalensis to a new genus, Sylvainia. Morphological similarities and differences between Cephalanthus and the new genus are discussed. Cephalanthus glabrifolius, a poorly known species and previously considered a synonym of C. tetrandrus, is resurrected as a valid species, bringing the number of species in Cephalanthus to six again. All species are described, illustrated, and their known distributions plotted on regional maps. Conclusion – The subtribe Cephalanthinae now has two genera, its type Cephalanthus with six species, and a new monospecific genus Sylvainia endemic to south-eastern Africa. Based on the amended description of Cephalanthus, now absent from Africa, the generic concept is substantially modified, being represented now by three American and three Asian species.

EuMAR: a roadmap towards a prospective, cycle-by-cycle registry of medically assisted reproduction in Europe.

More than 20 years ago, the survey of activities in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) was initiated in Europe and resulted in cross-sectional annual reports, as issued by the European IVF Monitoring (EIM) consortium of ESHRE. Over time, these reports mirror the continuous development of the technologies and contribute to increased transparency and surveillance of reproductive care. Meanwhile, progressive changes of existing treatment modalities and the introduction of new technologies resulted in the need of a cumulative approach in the assessment of treatment outcomes, which warrants a prospective cycle-by-cycle data registry on MAR activities, including fertility preservation. This change in the paradigm of data collection in Europe towards the construction of cumulative outcome results is expected to generate additional insights into cross-institutional but also cross-border movements of patients and reproductive material. This is essential to improve vigilance and surveillance. The European monitoring of Medically Assisted Reproduction (EuMAR) project, co-funded by the European Union, will establish a registry for the transnational collection of prospective cycle-by-cycle MAR and fertility preservation data on the basis of an individual reproductive care code (IRCC). The rationale for the project and the objectives are presented here.

How susceptible is Sudetan larch to larch canker Lachnellula willkommii (R. Hartig) Dennis? Consequences for breeding and deployment

ABSTRACT Historical results from provenance trials tended to position Sudetan larch (Larix decidua Mill. sudetica) populations among the least susceptible to larch canker (Lachnellula willkommi (R.Hartig) Dennis), in sharp contrast to Alpine populations. However, a recent large-scale outbreak of larch canker in artificial French stands planted with Sudetan larch brings into question this conclusion but also, as a consequence, the value of Sudetan larch seed orchards to mass-propagate risk-limited forest reproductive material. Clonal material from the French breeding population and seed orchards was investigated for its susceptibility to larch canker. As a first step, a genetic structure analysis of this population (220 clones) was conducted: it revealed its genetic heterogeneity, with 53.1% of the clones classified as “pure” Sudetan, 3.1% as Alpine; 1.5% as Central European and 42.3% as introgressed. Following artificial inoculation, “pure” Sudetan clones appeared generally less susceptible to canker than Alpine clones; admixed clones behaved in a similar way to the pure Sudetan material. However, the broad clonal variability observed within each population prevents the sole use of genetic origin of clones to rogue the most susceptible ones within orchards. Artificial inoculation is, so far, the only reliable way to properly assess clonal behaviour towards canker and thus support genetic roguing of orchards.

Family Support for Anxiety Facing Menarche in School-Age Children

The first menstruation (menarche) in early adolescents causes anxiety. Family support is needed in dealing with adolescent anxiety so that young women are ready to face menarches such as knowledge, age, self-perception, and attitudes. The research design is quantitative and descriptive using a correlational approach. This research was conducted in July - August 2022. The number of samples in this research was 50 people. Based on a family support survey conducted by SMP Negeri 29 Semarang for grade 7 students, 27 (54.0%) and 28 (56.0%) respondents had anxiety about family support. Based on the Spearman Rank test results, it has a p = 0.013, p a (0.013 0.05). The calculated coefficient value is 0.350 (35.0%), indicating a negative relationship. The degree of increase in the number of respondents increased directly proportional to the ratio of family support. Most respondents have moderate family support, namely 27 respondents (54.0%). The school hopes that the research findings will be able to become reproductive health learning materials or materials, given the importance of education related to reproductive health.

Monitoring of Engineered Stones Used in Artwork Reproductions: Mechanical Characterization by Laser Vibrometry

Many museums have been producing reproductions for several years to replace artworks weakened by outdoor exhibition. Among these, in order to imitate the original aesthetic, the French consortium Réunion des Musées Nationaux–Grand Palais has chosen to work from large-format marble sculpture molds to complex composite materials based on resins comprising mineral fillers. However, similar to the original works of art, these reproductions age and deteriorate due to constant outdoor exposure. For this reason, current research focuses on the preventive conservation and monitoring of the structural health of these reconstructed objects. The goal of this paper was to study the resin/mineral powder composite materials used to produce cultural heritage reproductions of sculptures. This work is oriented toward a comparison of the mechanical properties of composite materials used in the replacement of cultural heritage sculptures (for instance, in the Garden of the Palace of Versailles or the Rodin Museum). The objectives were to first characterize the physical and mechanical properties of these materials in order to identify the most suitable material for cultural heritage reproduction, and secondly, to propose a method with minimal contact that obtained equivalent information as analyses performed with conventional ultrasonic techniques. These nondestructive evaluation techniques could be used for laboratory and in situ analyses. Samples of different polymer/mineral powder filler compositions were analyzed by compressional, shear and surface waves, generated by a 1 MHz center frequency ultrasonic transducer. Firstly, the measurements made it possible to evaluate the velocities of the bulk acoustic waves and extract the Young’s modulus of each tested material. Secondly, in order to have minimal contact with the analyzed structure, a laser interferometry system was used to detect waves at the surface and follow their propagation. The results clearly showed the possibility of using this technique to extract mechanical characteristics of composite materials, allowing for selection of material for the reproduction of large-format statues. For different types of polymer resins, the ability of ultrasonic analysis to track the impact of rock powder (marble or slate) on the mechanical properties of these synthetic materials was clearly observed, proving that this technique holds promise for monitoring the structural health of large-format artwork.

Mathematical Model of Basal Sprout Production in Vector-Borne Tree Disease

Some tree species respond to disease by producing basal sprouts from the base and root system of a dying tree, which can alter disease dynamics by altering demography. In the case of many lethal, airborne tree diseases, the production of basal sprouts can be a key contributor to population resurgence post-epidemic, but the effect in lethal, vector-borne tree diseases has not yet been studied. To determine the role of basal sprout production and secondary infection via the root system of infected parent trees in lethal, vector-borne tree diseases, we develop a stage-structured SI-X mathematical model and use laurel wilt, a vector-borne tree disease in which infected trees provide suitable material for vector reproduction, as our model system. The mathematical model shows that the production and secondary infection of basal sprouts do not affect the short-term dynamics of laurel wilt but profoundly alter the long-term dynamics of the laurel wilt epidemic. In particular, in the absence of basal sprout infection, basal sprout production yields a larger host population after disease establishment, but as secondary infection increases, the utility of basal sprouts to maintain the host population decreases. Results suggest management strategies for lethal, vector-borne diseases should depend on the ratio of the basal sprout production rate to the secondary infection rate.

ModERFoRest: A new software for assessing the environmental performance of forest species

Aim of study: We introduce the software ModERFoRest (Modelling Environmental Requirements for Forest Restoration), which is a tool to estimate the environmental requirements and environmental performance of the main forest tree species growing in Spain. Area of study: Two of their modules have been developed to be applied mainly in Spain, but the main section can be used elsewhere as long as the user provides with presence data and environmental information. Material and methods: ModERFoRest has been programmed in C++, also using the Armadillo library for algebraic computation. The application can be downloaded from the INIA website (https://www.inia.es/serviciosyrecursos/recursosinformaticos/modernforest/Paginas/ModERFoRest.aspx) where there are also more accessible resources (currently only in Spanish language). Main results: ModERFoRest provides three basic utilities, firstly, to select the optimal species to be used for forest restoration, at local or regional scale, among the 22 most important taxa or formations in Spain, based on ecological criteria and physiographic, climatic and edaphic information. Secondly, to explore the potential distribution areas of the species using the ecological niche models and algorithms developed throughout different projects on the autecology of the species over the last 55 years. Finally, the application provides the option of comparing different areas of the species ecologically, in order to obtain the most suitable reproductive material for the forest site under study. Research highlights: Users can also run not only recent but also future climate scenarios in order to simulate the distribution of ecological species and use the results in reforestation programmes and planning.

Advancing height growth models for the improved forest reproductive material of the main tree species in Latvia

The breeding of economically important forest tree species in the Baltic Sea region has contributed notably to the availability of quality wood for bioeconomy. Accordingly, the altered stand dynamics of improved trees should be identified and incorporated in growth models to accurately reflect these gains. Such advanced models can be used for assessment of different alternatives, e.g. strategies for increased carbon sequestration. We tested and modified dynamic forms of the King-Prodan height growth function based on the remeasured National Forest Inventory plots in Latvia to predict the growth of improved Scots pine, Norway spruce and silver birch forest reproductive material (FRM) categories ‘qualified’ and ‘tested’ using height measurements from progenies of 371, 390, and 690 open-pollinated families, respectively. Both categories had steeper growth trajectories at young age compared to an unmodified function. Growth of category ‘tested’ for pine and birch exceeded that of category ‘qualified’ across the modelled age range, while trajectories mainly overlapped for spruce on lower site indices. The functions with FRM category-specific multipliers more accurately reflect the actual growth of improved stands, advancing planning of timely management activities like thinning. The single model with category-specific set of multipliers may be easy applicable in practice or incorporated in growth simulators without increased complexity for end-users. However, the predictions are limited to the sites with medium and high site indices, where improved planting stock is typically used. Keywords: GADA approach, dynamic modelling, tree breeding, FRM categories

Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant potential of Allium ursinum L. cultivated on different soil types- a preliminary study

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) has been used as nutrition and medicine for centuries. Although this plant species is a typical springgeophyte that grows spontaneously in moist, steep, shady beech forests, but information on phytochemical and antioxidant propertiesunder various soil types are scarce. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of the leaves ofA. ursinum grown on different soil types, but under identical climatic conditions of South Banat, Serbia. For the purpose of reproduction,A. ursinum bulbs were collected from two different locations in Serbia and then planted on different types of soil, namely: Arenosol,Fluvisol, Cambisol and Chernozem. Fresh leaves of sprouted plants were sampled at the beginning of spring, morphologically analysedand stoma was counted. The leaf extract was prepared and its phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential were assessed.Regardless of the origin of the reproductive material (bulbs), the leaves of A. ursinum plants cultivated in Chernozem soil had the bestmorphological characteristics and the largest number of stomata. Phytochemical analyses revealed the following ranges for selectedbioactive compounds (expressed on fresh weight, FW): chlorophyll content (289.9-642.4 μg/g for chlorophyll a i.e. 358.2-458.6 μg/gfor chlorophyll b), total carotenoid content (TCC, 91.2-263.2 μg/g), total phenolic content (TPC, 1.43-1.98 mg/g GAE), total flavonoidcontent (TFC, 0.36-1.28 mg/g QE), and total dihydroxycinnamic acid derivative content (HCA, 0.53-0.59 mg/g CGAE). The highestvalues were obtained on Chernozem (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and TPC and HCA) and Cambisol (TCC and TFC). Chernozem appearedto be the best soil type during three applied standard antioxidant assays (CUPRAC, TAC and FRP) while DPPH radical quenching assayrevealed no significant differences among all examined soil types. Based on the obtained results it could be assumed that Chernozemexhibited the most desirable physico-chemical properties for optimal development of A. ursinum (in particular its green parts) as a sourceof different antioxidants. Correlation analysis of phytochemical parameters has proved significant influence of total chlorophylls, phenolics,flavonoids and duhydroxycinnamic acid derivatives on antioxidant activity of A. ursinum leaves (unlike total carotenoid content) with thehighest correlation between HCA and FRP assay (r2= 1.00). In addition, PCA analysis clearly determined Chernozem type of soil as thebest choice for optimal leaf growth and development.Keywords: Wild garlic; cultivation; morphology; leaves; phytochemicals

Practical analysis of the impact of social marketing strategies on attitudes of potential reproductive cell donors in the Republic of Serbia

Background/Aim. There is a constant increase in the need to use third-party reproductive cells among couples who are unable to conceive with their own reproductive cells or in order to prevent the passing of an existing hereditary genetic disorder to the child. The aim of the study was to present a theoretical overview and perform a practical analysis of the use of social marketing strategies using the first technique of analyzing the attitudes of potential donors of reproductive cells in the Republic of Serbia (RS) in the interest of adapting to the target group. Methods. Empirical research in this study, in which both women and men from the RS participated, was based on a questionnaire about people?s willingness to be potential reproductive cell donors and about having information on the donation of reproductive cells. The data in this paper were obtained during 2021, and the questionnaire was focused on a particular population group. The questionnaire was sent to people aged 20 to 34 years who could become potential donors of reproductive cells. In the research, 201 women and men from the RS participated. The first part of the questionnaire was tested for internal consistency, which was tested by Cronbach?s alpha coefficient calculation (?). Values of ? lower than 0.5 indicate that the questionnaire possesses unacceptable conistency. Results. A total of 57% of participants were in-formed about reproductive cell donation through the Internet, 29% by friends and family, and 11% of them were informed by doctors. Only 32% of participants were fully informed, and 25.1% were partially informed about the donation of reproductive material in the RS. Forty-three percent of participants were not informed about the donation of re-productive material. Most of the participants (54%) said they would maybe donate their reproductive material if they had more information, 20% would donate in any case, and 26% would refuse to donate reproductive material. Conclusion. The target group of potential donors of reproductive cells is present in the RS. In addition to the analysis of attitudes, further planning and implementation measures for the promotion of donation could have an influence on raising awareness about the lack of reproductive material and increase the recruitment of gamete donors.

Notes: Can ownership of reproductive material be transferred?

Regulation 18 of the Regulations Relating to the Artificial Fertilisation of Persons provides for an ownership scheme in reproductive material — eggs, sperm and embryos — outside the human body. Within this regulatory scheme, the following question is pertinent: can ownership of reproductive material, once acquired in terms of reg 18, be transferred to someone else? To answer this question, reg 18 is analysed using well-established tools of statutory interpretation. The conclusion drawn is that a broad interpretation of reg 18 should be followed that allows for the transfer of ownership. Attention is drawn to case law that contradicts this conclusion, but it is shown that the rationale for the relevant decision lacks any depth. Accordingly, the decision should urgently be challenged in the public interest.

Learning Biology Through the Ethnoscience-PBL Model: Efforts to Improve Students' Scientific Thinking Skills

This study was intended to analyze the effect of the ethnoscience-based Problem Based Learning (PBL) model on scientific thinking skills in reproductive system material. This research is a quasi-experimental design in the form of a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. This research was conducted at class XI MIPA students for the 2022/2023 academic year in Sumedang. The research instruments used were pretest-posttest sheets and questionnaires. The data collection technique used in this study included a test of 15 essay questions and a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is the normality test, independent sample t-test, and N-Gain test. The results showed that the students' scientific skills increased significantly after applying the ethnoscience-based learning model on the material of reproductive system. The independent sample t-test obtained p-value = 0.000 <0.05, which was significantly different between the posttest and pretest scores. N-Gain also obtained an average of 0.75 which indicates an increase in students' scientific skills in high category. The results of students' responses to learning with the ethnoscience-based PBL model on students' scientific thinking skills were included in very good category with an overall percentage of 82.5%. This study concluded that students' scientific thinking experienced an increase after learning through the ethnoscience-based PBL model on the reproductive system material.