Reproductive Period Research Articles

Nutritional requirements and reproductive performance of Neomysis orientalis: Evaluating the effects of different diets

Mysids have become the preferred diet for Sepia and Hippocampus breeding due to their nutritional content and size. Despite their potential as a high-quality feed, limited literature exists on the specific nutritional needs of N. orientalis and how diet influences their reproduction. This study investigated the effects of various diets—Corethron sp., Chlorella sp., mixed algae, and flakes—on the survival, total reproductive output, and whole tissue nutritional composition of N. orientalis. The main results were as follows: 1) N. orientalis fed with Corethron sp. exhibited the highest survival (90.11 ± 5.09% at 14 d; 57.78 ± 5.09% at 21 d); 2) Significant differences in total reproductive output were observed among the dietary groups, with the mixed diet group showing the highest output (121.67 ± 5.03 ind), followed by the Corethron sp. group (102.67 ± 3.51 ind); 3) Principal component analysis revealed that the nutritional composition of mysids predominantly comprises C18:2n-6, C22:6n-3, Σn-3 PUFA, Asp, Glu, Val, Phe, and TAA; 4) Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between the dietary C18:2n-6 and Σn-3 PUFA and the survival and total reproductive output of N. orientalis. Additionally, the dietary C20:4n-6 and C20:5n-3 showed a strong positive correlation with the C22:5n-3 and Σn-3 PUFA in N. orientalis. A similar strong positive correlation was observed between dietary amino acids and those in mysids. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that different diets directly influence the nutritional composition of mysids, affecting their survival and total reproductive output during the breeding period. Consequently, Corethron sp. emerges as a suitable diet for N. orientalis, enriching C20:5n-3 and Σn-3 PUFA, which fulfills the nutritional requirements of N. orientalis during their reproductive period, thereby enhancing individual survival and reproduction.

A long-term study on the impact of climatic variables on two common nest-dwelling ectoparasites of the Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus).

We explored the potential influence of temperature and precipitation on the abundance of two nest-dwelling ectoparasites (blowflies and mites) of Eurasian blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) during a period of 21 years and compared the results with those of a shorter period. The abundance of blowflies was negatively related to precipitation, which could prevent flies from locating their host, and laying date. In addition, blowflies were positively related to brood size (more food implies more parasites) and the interaction between precipitation and temperature. The highest abundances of blowfly pupae were attained in conditions of increasing precipitation and decreasing temperature, which should be more common at the beginning of the bird breeding season. Mites were significantly and positively related to laying date and the interaction between average precipitation and temperature but only for the larger dataset. Higher abundances of mites were related to intermediate values of temperature and precipitations, conditions that are found at the end of the breeding season. These results imply that optimal conditions for both parasites differ, with blowflies preferring earlier breeders and colder and more humid conditions than mites. Thus, the effects of the climatic conditions studied on parasite abundances are non-monotonic and can vary with years and parasite species. Finally, the fact that average temperature and precipitation decreases across the years of study is probably due to the advancement in Eurasian blue tit laying date because we calculated those variables for the period of birds' reproduction. This earlier nesting does not affect parasite abundance.

Effect of dietary vitamin E supplement on the reproductive performance and gene expression profiling in Ompok bimaculatus during breeding period

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin E on the reproductive responses and the expression of reproductive genes in butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus). Diets with different levels of vitamin E supplementation (0, 100, and 150 mg/kg) were provided to groups of fish for 60 days. After rearing for 60 days fish were induced with synthetic hormone, that is, Ovatide to study the breeding performance. Ovatide was administrated intramuscularly at the rate of 0.5 and 0.25 mL/kg of body weight for females and males, respectively, in all the treatments. Breeding performance result shows that supplements of vitamin E positively influenced the GSI%, fertilization rate, fecundity, and hatching rate. To understand the relationship between vitamin E and the breeding performance of the fish at the molecular level, a gene expression study was conducted. This study employed real‐time PCR for the selected genes critical for reproductive function. In the brain, testis, and ovary dietary vitamin E supplementation of 100 mg/kg significantly enhanced the mRNA transcription of FSHR, Brdt, ESR1, 17beta2, and LHR. Hence, it can be said that 100 mg/kg of vitamin E supplementation in the diet during the reproductive period of O. bimaculatus could improve breeding performance and the mRNA expression of reproductive hormone receptor genes in both males and females of O. bimaculatus.

Environmental transport of excess nitrogen fertilizer in peach orchard: Evidence arising from 15N tracing trial

In pursuit of high fruit yield, overwhelming amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer was unreasonably applied in orchard, resulting in lower fertilizer N uptake and higher environmental loss. It is crucial to propose appropriate fertilization timing and optimal N management by clarifying fruit tree N uptake pattern in orchard systems. Here, a 15N isotope enrichment trial was conducted in peach orchard to assess the transport of applied synthesized fertilizer-N to the plant and environment in the Taihu Lake region. Ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4, 10.12 atom % 15N), as the N source, was applied with four split applications at 382.5 kg N ha−1 during one plant growth cycle. Results showed N deriving from fertilizer (NDFF) accounted for 24.5% in leaves and 38.4% in fruits, respectively. During the annual growth cycle, the applied fertilizer-N uptake and utilization was higher in reproductive growth stage than vegetative growth stage. After harvest, 28.8% of applied fertilizer-N was absorbed by peach tree, 9.5% was lost to the environment through surface runoff, ammonia (NH3) volatilization and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, 29.6% was retained in the 0–160 cm soil profile, the remaining 32.1% was unaccounted N including N leaching and N loss from the N removal progress. Generally, more applied fertilizer-N moved to the environment in high N input peach orchard. In order to promote optimal N management, the applied fertilizer-N rate should be reduced by 30% and emphasized on fertilization at the reproductive growth period according to tree N uptake pattern.

Hydroelectric dam impacts shorten and delay the reproductive periods of female leaf-nosed bats in Western Amazonia

Abstract The life cycles of bats are constrained by availability of resources such as food and shelter. Disruptions limiting otherwise naturally regulated access to these resources ultimately affect the fitness of bat populations and may eventually lead to local extinctions. We sampled bats before and after an Amazonian mega-dam water filling and retrieved data on their reproductive phenology, testing if and how sex ratio, seasonal abundance, and reproductive patterns respond to impacts of the newly operating hydroelectric dam. We analyzed data from 3,298 bat captures of 49 species. Females outnumbered males, previously and after the dam implementation, and we observed seasonal variations in the abundance of bats, which was lower after the implementation of the dam for most species. All species had at least 1 reproductive peak of pregnancy and/or lactation beginning at a variable time across seasons. Most species and functional ensembles were reproductively bimodal, with exceptions being the polymodal Artibeus obscurus and unimodal Phylostomus elongatus. Operations of the hydroelectric dam affected the abundance of both sexes equally, and effects were stronger in the rainy season, altering the timing of reproduction for females, delaying and shortening pregnancy and lactation. These changes expressed in female reproductive activity may be related to the shortfall of resources because of loss of irreplaceable vegetation caused by the dam filling. As we cannot predict the roles of variation of reproductive patterns observed after the filling in the long run we reinforce the importance of long-term, continuous monitoring and management to safeguard the reestablishment of reproductive patterns of females in order to repopulate and keep bat populations healthy in remaining areas along following dam construction.

Histological aspects of the renal sexual segment of Brazilian snakes of the Boidae family.

Snakes represent a wide and diverse group of species and have anatomical particularities, such as the renal sexual segment (RSS), a structure located in the kidneys and formed from the hypertrophy of the urinary ducts and nephrons. This study aims at describing the histological aspects of the RSS of Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria and Corallus hortulanus, all of which are Brazilian snake species from the Boidae family. The reproductive system and kidneys of five male specimens of E. cenchria, three male specimens of C. hortulanus and two male specimens of B. constrictor were obtained. Tissue samples were processed histologically and different stains used (Toluidine Blue, Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid Schiff). The histological evaluation of the RSS of E. cenchria, C. hortulanus and B. constrictor shows that the RSS in these species varies when comparing individuals in the reproductive period with those which are not. It also allows for the observation of the segment's secretory activity in animals in the reproductive stage (mature sperm in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules) as well as in those which are not. Finally, the histological evaluation also reveals the variation of the secretion product in individuals in the reproductive period, in those which are not, and also among individuals within the same reproductive stage.

Aspectos ecofisiológicos e produção de biomassa de genótipos de soja sob condições de estresse por alagamento do solo

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecophysiological aspects and biomass production of three soybean genotypes subjected to soil flooding in the vegetative and/or reproductive stages. The design adopted was completely randomized with 5 replications, in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, with three soybean genotypes: PELBR 17-46, PELBR 15-7016, and 75I77RSF IPRO; and three water treatment conditions: soil flooding for 10 days in the vegetative period + 10 days in the reproductive period; soil flooding for 10 days only in the reproductive period, and the control treatment, where the soil was maintained at 70% of field capacity. There was a reduction in the relative water content for the PELBR 15-7016 and PELBR 17-46 genotypes in the vegetative/reproductive stages and in the reproductive stage, while for the 75I77RSF IPRO there was no difference. The levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were reduced only for the PELBR 15-7016 and 75I77RSF IPRO genotypes. The dry matter in the leaves and roots was lower for PELBR 17-46 and PELBR 15-7016 when subjected to stress in the R2 soybean stage and for the grain production. PELBR 17-46 and PELBR 15-7016 genotypes are more susceptible to stress, while the 75I77RSF IPRO showed mechanisms to overcome waterlogging stress.

The low survival rate of European hare leverets in arable farmland: evidence from the predation experiment.

The low survival rate of leverets may significantly contribute to steep population declines and slow recovery of European hares (Lepus europaeus). However, the leveret survival rate in farmlands with different landscape structures is poorly understood, and the existing evidence comes mainly from Western Europe. In this study, we explored the survival of leveret hare dummies along linear semi-natural habitats in homogeneous Central European arable farmland during the main part of the European hare reproduction period (March-April) in 2019 and 2020. The survival rate of hare leverets during the 14-day period was only 22.2%, and all predation events were recorded during the first six days of the experiment. Mammalian predators were responsible for 53.1% of predation events, avian predators for 40.8%, and agricultural operations for 6.1%. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was the dominant predator in our study area and was the primary cause of leveret dummy mortality (32.7%), but it also had the highest use-intensity and visit frequency of all of the study plots. Predation by avian predators was associated with patches of lower vegetation height and cover (such as plowed fields) and during daylight hours, whereas the opposite was true for mammalian predators. We propose that improving the habitat quality of arable landscapes by increasing the proportion and quality of extensively used non-farmed habitats (e.g., set-asides, wildflower areas, extensive meadows, fallow land, and semi-natural habitats on arable land) providing cover and shelter for leverets could be an effective management measure for reducing predation risk on leverets.

Unconventional life history in a migratory shorebird: desegregating reproduction and migration.

Conventional life-history theory predicts that energy-demanding events such as reproduction and migration must be temporally segregated to avoid resource limitation. Here, we provide, to our knowledge, the first direct evidence of 'itinerant breeding' in a migratory bird, an incredibly rare breeding strategy (less than 0.1% of extant bird species) that involves the temporal overlap of migratory and reproductive periods of the annual cycle. Based on GPS-tracking of over 200 female American woodcock, most female woodcock (greater than 80%) nested more than once (some up to six times) with short re-nest intervals, and females moved northwards on average 800 km between first and second nests, and then smaller distances (ca 200+ km) between subsequent nesting attempts. Reliance on ephemeral habitat for breeding, ground-nesting and key aspects of life history that reduce both the costs of reproduction and migration probably explain the prevalence of this rare phenotype in woodcock and why itinerant breeding so rarely occurs in other bird species.

The importance of polymorphism of the COL1A1 gene in the development of pelvic organ prolapse in women of childbearing age

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a chronic slowly progressive disease. One of the most significant risk factors for the formation of omissions and prolapses of the internal genitalia is connective tissue diseases. Type I collagen is the most common protein of the intercellular substance of connective tissue, mutation of the COL1A1 gene encoding it leads to the synthesis of a defective protein. The aim of our study was to investigate the significance of COL1A1 gene polymorphism in POP development and in the occurrence of relapses of the disease in operated patients of different age groups. Material and methods. The study included 68 patients with verified pelvic organ prolapse, divided into two age groups (n = 34 in each): the first group included women aged from 23 to 44 years, the second – aged from 46 to 72 years. In all patients, the presence of manifestations of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD) was assessed, a laboratory study of the polymorphism gene COL1A1 was conducted and the content of type 1 C-terminal collagen peptide (β-CrossLaps) in venous blood was measures. Results and discussion. 86.8 % of the examined patients had clinical signs of UCTD. Statistical analysis indicates that there is a relationship of the frequency of UCTD detection and severity of manifestations with age: the age of the patients with moderate to heavy UCTD (38 [37; 41] years, median [lower quartile; upper quartile]) was statistically significantly lower than that of the women with light degree (45.5 [38; 62] years; p < 0.001 years) and without UCTD (56 [48; 65] years; p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the polymorphism of the COL1A1 gene between patients under 45 (1 group) and over 45 (2 group) (p = 0.25), however, there is a tendency to decrease the frequency of G/G and increase T/T types of polymorphism in women of reproductive age. In patients with recurrent POP after surgical treatment, G/G polymorphism was less common (p < 0.001) and G/T was more common (p = 0.04). The level of β-CrossLaps was higher than the normative level in 8.8 % of the examined women; in 2 cases of identified heterozygous (G/T) polymorphisms, its significant rise was noted. ROC analysis performed to identify the relationship between age, gene COL1A1 polymorphism, signs of UCTD and the level of β-CrossLaps indicates the effectiveness of the integrated use of these indicators as predictors of POP development in women of the reproductive period. Conclusions. The results of the study suggest that the features of gene COL1A1 polymorphism, the level of β-CrossLaps can serve as predictors of the development of POP in women of reproductive age with clinical manifestations of signs of UCTD. Complex of these indicators allows to develop a prognostic model of POP early manifestation.

Study on the Mechanism of Slow-Release Fertilizer and Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Senescence Characteristics of Quinoa Leaves

The objective of this study was to investigate how nitrogen and slow-release fertilizers affect the traits of leaf senescence and quinoa production in order to explore the optimal slow-release fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer ratios suitable for quinoa production, as well as to provide theoretical references for the planting of quinoa fertilization methods and fertilizer amount. In this experiment, the main local strain Quinoa 77 was selected as the experimental material, and six treatments were set up: CK: no nitrogen fertilizer; T1: 100% urea (N); T2: 100% slow-release fertilizer (C); T3: 5:5 (C5N5); T4: 3:7 (C3N7); and T5: 7:3 (C7N3). This was done in order to investigate how various treatments affect the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); malondialdehyde (MDA) content; and yield of quinoa leaves. The findings revealed the following: (1) As the reproductive period progressed, the activities of CAT, POD, and SOD in quinoa leaves treated differently showed a tendency to increase and subsequently decrease, and they reached the peak value at the early stage of filling. The activity of CAT, POD, and SOD in the T3 treatment was the highest, and the average activities were 3148.74 U·g−1, 2197.84 U·g−1, and 118.51 U·g−1, respectively, which increased by 78.90%, 101.99%, and 108.14%, respectively, compared with CK. The content of MDA continued to increase with the progress of fertility. The average T3 treatment was 36.41 nmol·g−1, which was 46.87% lower than that of CK. (2) Out of all the treatments, T3 had the highest yield with an average of 3829.43 kg·hm−2, T5 the second with an average of 3313.52 kg·hm−2, and T4 the third with 2847.47 kg·hm−2, which increased yields by 96.18%, 69.75%, and 45.87%, respectively, compared with CK. (3) Yield was highly significantly and positively correlated with thousand kernel weight; number of grains per spike per plant; and the early filling stages of CAT, POD, and SOD sports, and it had a negative, extremely significant correlation with MDA content. Comprehensive analysis showed that slow-release fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer can improve the antioxidant enzyme activity of quinoa leaves, inhibit MDA content, improve the physiological characteristics of quinoa, and delay the purpose of leaf senescence, with a better effect of yield and income, of which the T3 treatment had the high-quality impact of increasing yields and was a more scientific and reasonable fertilization method.

Tandemly expanded OR17b in Himalaya ghost moth facilitates larval food allocation via olfactory reception of plant-derived tricosane

Herbivorous insects utilize intricate olfactory mechanisms to locate food plants. The chemical communication of insect-plant in primitive lineage offers insights into evolutionary milestones of divergent olfactory modalities. Here, we focus on a system endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to unravel the chemical and molecular basis of food preference in ancestral Lepidoptera. We conducted volatile profiling, neural electrophysiology, and chemotaxis assays with a panel of host plant organs to identify attractants for Himalaya ghost moth Thitarodes xiaojinensis larvae, the primitive host of medicinal Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus. Using a DREAM approach based on odorant induced transcriptomes and subsequent deorphanization tests, we elucidated the odorant receptors responsible for coding bioactive volatiles. Contrary to allocation signals in most plant-feeding insects, T. xiaojinensis larvae utilize tricosane from the bulbil as the main attractant for locating native host plant. We deorphanized a TxiaOR17b, an indispensable odorant receptor resulting from tandem duplication of OR17, for transducing olfactory signals in response to tricosane. The discovery of this ligand-receptor pair suggests a survival strategy based on food location via olfaction in ancestral Lepidoptera, which synchronizes both plant asexual reproduction and peak hatch periods of insect larvae.

Sex differences in foraging ecology of a zooplanktivorous little auk Alle alle during the pre-laying period: insights from remote sensing and animal-tracking

BackgroundEnergy and time allocation in seabirds differ between consecutive stages of breeding given various requirements of particular phases of the reproductive period. Theses allocations may also be sex-specific considering differential energetic or nutritional requirements of males and females and/or sexual segregation in foraging niches and/or areas. In this study we investigated the foraging ecology of an Arctic, zooplanktivorous seabird, the little auk Alle alle during the pre-laying period using remote sensing of the environment and GPS-TDR loggers deployed on birds. We compared foraging trips range and habitats of birds with other stages of the breeding period and between sexes.ResultsWe found that little auks during the pre-laying period foraged exclusively in cold sea surface temperature zones (with temperatures < 5 ºC) but in various sea depth zones. They dived to similar depths ranging from -4.0 to -10.9 m, exploring various thermal microhabitats (with mean temperatures values ranging from 2.2 °C in Shelf sea depth zone to 5.9 °C in Deep sea depth zone). The majority of foraging trips and dives characteristics were similar to subsequent phases of breeding. However, home ranges during the pre-laying trips were wider compared to the incubation period. As expected, females exhibited wider foraging niches compared to males (wider range of sea surface temperature and sea depth in foraging locations), which could be explained by sex specific energetic and/or nutritional requirements (females producing an egg). We also delineated local foraging areas important for little auks during their whole breeding season. Protection of these areas is crucial for sustaining the local marine biodiversity.ConclusionsWe found that little auks females during the pre-laying period explored wider foraging niches compared to males. These differences may be attributed to sex-specific nutritional or/and energetical constraints at this stage of breeding. The results of this study also emphasize the importance of shelf Arctic-type water masses as the foraging areas for little auks during successive stages of breeding.

Sustainability of dual exploitation (fry and adults) of the fish Semaprochilodus laticeps (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) in Colombia

Introduction: Semaprochilodus laticeps is a freshwater fish species native to the Orinoco Basin that is exploited in Colombia at two different stages of its life cycle: fry (for the ornamental trade) and adults (for the consumer market). This double exploitation of juveniles and adults raises concerns about the population stability of the species. Objective: To evaluate the sustainability of the exploitation of the species in these two life stages. Methods: 1 277 specimens of S. laticeps were sampled between June and December 2017. Population parameters were estimated from length-frequency data using ELEFAN 1 routine of the FISAT II package. Length at first maturity (Lm) and length at maximum yield (Lopt) were determined using the Froese and Binohlan equations. Virtual population analysis was performed based on Jones length cohort analysis. Results: Population parameters were as follows: K = 0.75, L∞ = 53.1 cm LE, Z = 2.92 yr-1, M = 1.24 yr-1 and F = 1.68. Lm was estimated to be 29.6 cm SL and Lopt at 33.4 cm SL. Of note, 96.3 % of the fish caught in the consumer fishery exceeded Lm and 80 % exceeded Lopt. The results of the virtual population analysis suggested that a very low proportion (0.85 %) of the population was caught as fry, possibly due to natural mortality. Conclusions: Based on the results, as no indicators of overexploitation were identified, it is recommended to continue with the dual use of S. laticeps. It is recommended to maintain the existing conservation measures, such as the closed season during the reproductive period, to ensure sustainable fishery exploitation. The results obtained can serve as a reference to analyze the situation of other species currently fished for both the ornamental (fry) and food (adult) markets.

Reproductive biologies of Psammogobius knysnaensis and Caffrogobius gilchristi in a warm-temperate South African estuary

Reproductive biologies (spawning period, length at maturity and fecundity) of the Knysna sand goby Psammogobius knysnaensis and the Prison goby Caffrogobius gilchristi were investigated between September 2018 and August 2019 in the warm-temperate Sundays Estuary, South Africa. The two species reproduced during the same period (spring and summer) with peak reproduction occurring in January. P. knysnaensis egg production was higher than C. gilchristi and was not affected by fish size. Although C. gilchristi egg production increased with fish size, this was not significant. P. knysnaensis reached LM50 at smaller sizes than C. gilchristi. Reproductive periods were likely coupled with prey availability, as phytoplankton and zooplankton abundances are highest in warm-temperate estuaries during this period. The ability of these gobies to reproduce at small sizes (< 40 mm TL), which is an adaptive trait of many r-selected species, underpins their high abundance in South African estuaries as they are well adapted to stochastic environments.

Perceptions of women on sexuality, intimacy, andhealth-related quality of life during the COVID-19 epidemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 epidemic and its restrictions have affected all aspects of people’s lives, including health-related quality of life and, considering sexuality as an integral part of individual needs, also intimacy and sexuality. Therefore, the aim of this article was to investigate women’s sexual functioning and health-related quality of life assessment in Slovenian women in the reproductive period. Methods: An online survey with valid questionnaires (short form 36 [SF-36] and Female sexual function index [FSFI-19]) was conducted in January 2022. All research ethical measures were taken to ensure the integrity of the participants. Results: The FSFI scale score was 25.37 ± 8.29, 1.18 points above the cutoff point, indicating a higher risk of sexual dysfunction (26.55). The estimated prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 36.8%, with sexual desire being the most problematic area. The mean score on the SF-36 scale in our sample reached 73.52 ± 13.84 on a 100-point scale, with 0 representing the worst and 100 the best quality of life; fatigue (x̅ = 48.50) was the most problematic category. The results partly reflect the results of foreign studies, but we must be aware of cultural differences in the understanding of sexuality and keep in mind that some countries faced difficult circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic and that social constraints were different in 2020 than in 2022. Conclusion: The epidemic affected the sexual function of women of reproductive age and their perception of (health-related) quality of life.

Transcription factor DREF regulates expression of the microRNA gene bantam in Drosophila melanogaster.

The bantam gene encodes a vital microRNA and has a complex expression pattern in various tissues at different stages of Drosophila development. This microRNA is involved in the control of normal development of the ocular and wing imaginal discs, the central nervous system, and also in maintaining the undifferentiated state of stem cells in the ovaries of adult females. At the cellular level, bantam stimulates cell proliferation and prevents apoptosis. The bantam gene is a target of several conserved signaling cascades, in particular, Hippo. At the moment, at least ten proteins are known to directly regulate the expression of this gene in different tissues of Drosophila. In this study, we found that the bantam regulatory region contains motifs characteristic of binding sites for DREF, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of Hippo cascade genes. Using transgenic lines containing a full-length bantam lethality-rescuing deletion fragment and a fragment with a disrupted DREF binding site, we show that these motifs are functionally significant because their disruption at the bantam locus reduces expression levels in the larvae and ovaries of homozygous flies, which correlates with reduced vitality and fertility. The effect of DREF binding to the promoter region of the bantam gene on its expression level suggests an additional level of complexity in the regulation of expression of this microRNA. A decrease in the number of eggs laid and a shortening of the reproductive period in females when the DREF binding site in the regulatory region of the bantam gene is disrupted suggests that, through bantam, DREF is also involved in the regulation of Drosophila oogenesis.

Baseline and stress-induced steroid plasma levels and immune function vary annually and are associated with vocal activity in male toads (Rhinella icterica)

Theoretical models predict that elevated androgen and glucocorticoid levels in males during the reproductive season promote immunosuppression. However, some studies report decreased stress response during this season. This study investigated annual variation in plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels, plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in free-living male toads (Rhinella icterica). Toads were sampled in the field (baseline) and 1 h-post restraint over five months, and we considered the occurrence of vocal activity. Baseline corticosterone, testosterone, and BKA showed higher values during the reproductive period, specifically in calling male toads. The NLR was similar throughout the year, but higher values were observed in calling toads. Moreover, baseline NLR and BKA were positively correlated with both testosterone and corticosterone, suggesting higher steroid levels during reproduction are associated with enhanced cellular and humoral immunity. Despite fluctuation of baseline values, post-restraint corticosterone levels remained uniform over the year, indicating that toads reached similar maximum values throughout the year. Testosterone levels decreased following restraint before one specific reproductive period but increased in response to restraint during and after this period. Meanwhile, BKA decreased due to restraint only after the reproductive period, indicating immune protection and resilience to immunosuppression by stressors associated with steroid hormones during reproduction. Our results show that baseline and stress-induced hormonal and immune regulation varies throughout the year and are associated with vocal activity in R. icterica males, indicating a possible compromise between steroids and immune function in anuran males.

Comparison of salpingectomy and tubal detorsion procedures after experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat fallopian tube model: biochemical and histopathological evaluation

To compare salpingectomy and detorsion procedures and investigate the biochemical and histopathological changes in fallopian tubes in the experimentally isolated fallopian tube torsion model in rats. Experimental study. Experimental surgery laboratory in a training and research hospital ANIMAL(S): Twenty-seven Sprague-Dawley rats in the reproductive period INTERVENTION(S): Group 1: Control group (n=6); Group 2: bilateral total salpingectomy group after 4 hours of tubal ischemia (n=7); Group 3: 4 hours of bilateral tubal ischemia plus one week of reperfusion (n=7); Group 4: 4-hour period of bilateral tubal ischemia plus 30-days of reperfusion (n=7). A 22-gauge catheter was administered before and after surgery using methylene blue through the uterine horn of the rat to evaluate tubal patency. Preoperative and postoperative serum AMH levels; histopathologic examination of rat tuba uterine and histopathologic damage scores; antioxidant compounds (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase); and oxidative stress end product levels (malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine). While a significant difference was observed in tissue SOD (p<0.001), GPx (p=0.002), MDA (p=0.001), and 8 OHdG (p<0.001) values, no significant difference was observed between the groups in serum samples (p>0.05). Tissue SOD and tissue GPx levels in group 2 significantly decreased, and a significant increase was observed in tissue MDA and 8-OHdG values in group 2. Among the histopathological parameters, epithelial changes (p<0.001), vascular congestion (p = 0.001), and the total fallopian tube mean damage score of 4 (p = 0.003) showed a significant decrease in group 4. When the methylene blue transitions before and after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury were compared, the value of the methylene blue transition after I/R injury in groups 2 (p = 0.008), 3 (p = 0.025), and 4 (p = 0.014) decreased significantly. When serum AMH levels are analyzed, the postoperative AMH value significantly increases in group 2 (p = 0.028). This study reveals that biochemical and histopathological improvement is observed in the fallopian tube tissues gradually when the detorsion procedure is performed for the necrotized tubal tissue instead of salpingectomy. Although there is a restoration in epithelial integrity after reperfusion, tubal passage remains absent.

Menopausal symptom management: Fezolinetant's varied doses provide effective relief for vasomotor symptoms in women - A meta-analysis of 3291 participants.

Menopause represents the physiological transition when a woman's reproductive period ends associated with a variety of symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral Fezolinetant for treating vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Five electronic databases were searched from their inception until May 2023. Via the Cochrane risk of bias tool, two reviewers assessed the studies' quality. The primary outcomes were a decrease in VMSs frequency and severity and safety outcomes at 4 and 12 weeks. Data were extracted and then analyzed using RevMan software. This meta-analysis included six trials with a total of 3291 women that compared Fezolinetant to a placebo in the treatment of menopausal VMSs. After 4 and 12 weeks of therapy, fezolinetant at 30 mg QD or 45 mg QD substantially decreased the frequency and severity of VMSs per 24 hours compared to placebo. Fezolinetant at 90 mg BID, 30 mg QD, or 45 mg QD did not show a significant difference in the rate of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), headache, and TEAEs leading to permanent discontinuation compared to placebo. Fezolinetant proves to be a successful and well-tolerated remedy for menopausal women suffering from VMSs. Notably, the 45 mg daily dosage over 12 weeks exhibited significant efficacy. Nonetheless, extensive future trials are necessary to ascertain its long-term safety, effectiveness, and relative potency compared to alternative VMS treatments like hormone therapy.