Reproductive Phase Research Articles

Selected Indicators of Immunothrombosis in Apparently Healthy Nigerian Women of Different Reproductive Status

Introduction: Women are considered to be vulnerable with regards to immunothrombotic conditions. Exploring this bidirectional susceptibility across the different female reproductive phases is important for effective maternal healthcare delivery. This study assessed selected indicators of immunothrombosis between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: Equal numbers of premenopausal and postmenopausal women totaling one hundred were recruited for this comparative study. Blood sample was collected from each participant into appropriate sample bottles. Blood cell counts were carried out by haemocytometry and microscopic blood film reading. Standard manual methods were also employed for prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and relative plasma viscosity tests, while blood cell ratios were calculated. Results are expressed as Mean ±SD following student t-test analysis of data on SPSS version 22.0. Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05. Results: The eosinophils count (0.42±0.31x109/l), monocyte count (0.05±0.05x109/l) and platelets count (150.04±46.88x109/l) were significantly higher in premenopausal women than postmenopausal women (0.29±0.27x109/l, 0.03±0.03x109/l and 132.62±38.37x109/l respectively), while a significantly higher value was observed in the relative plasma viscosity of postmenopausal women (1.74±0.17mPa/s) than the premenopausal women (1.59±0.10mPa/s). The two derived indicators of inflammation (NLR) and thrombosis (PLR) correlated positively in both premenopausal (r=0.397, p=0.004) and postmenopausal (r=0.293, p=0.039) women. Conclusion: Immune and thrombotic parameters are largely comparable in apparently healthy adult females irrespective of their reproductive phase. However, eosinophil, monocyte and platelet counts were observed to be significantly higher in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women.

Introduction: Women are considered to be vulnerable with regards to immunothrombotic conditions. Exploring this bidirectional susceptibility across the different female reproductive phases is important for effective maternal healthcare delivery. This study assessed selected indicators of immunothrombosis between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: Equal numbers of premenopausal and postmenopausal women totaling one hundred were recruited for this comparative study. Blood sample

Introduction: Maternal healthcare takes into consideration the immediate state of an individual woman with regards to health status and subsequent management. Anaemia is a common maternal health challenge that is affected by hormonal shifts in women. Thus, this study focused on prevalence of anaemia and iron requirement across women of premenopausal and postmenopausal phases. Methods: This study enrolled apparently healthy 100 females with equal numbers of premenopausal and postmenopausal subjects. Blood sample was appropriately obtained from each subject for assessment of red cell and iron parameters. Microhaematocrit and cyanmethaemoglobin methods were employed for the measurement of packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration respectively, while the iron parameters were assayed by colorimetric methods. Transferrin saturation was mathematically derived. Results are expressed as Frequencies and Mean ±SD, while student t-test was used for analysis of data on SPSS version 22.0. Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05. Results: Postmenopausal women had significantly higher values of packed cell volume (0.38 ± 0.03 l/l), haemoglobin concentration (125.50 ± 9.30 g/l), serum iron (23.17 ± 0.93 µmol/l) and transferrin saturation (36.88 ± 2.00 %) than the premenopausal women (0.37 ± 0.02 l/l, 121.44 ± 7.83 g/l, 15.53 ± 2.60 µmol/l and 20.70 ± 3.60 % respectively) while the premenopausal women had significantly higher values in total iron binding capacity (75.24 ± 3.32 µmol/l) than the postmenopausal women (62.97 ± 1.88 µmol/l. Whereas 30% of the premenopausal women were anaemic and 10% had low transferrin saturation, anaemia in postmenopausal women occurred at a prevalence of 18% and the indicators of iron need were adequate. Conclusion: This study has shown that among apparently healthy individuals, prevalence of anaemia and iron requirement are lower in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women.

Ecophysiological mechanisms underlying the positive relationship between seed protein concentration and yield in soybean under field heat and drought stress

AbstractA positive relationship between protein concentration and yield has been documented in different combinations of genotype and environment, often under potential conditions. However, the ecophysiological bases underlying this positive relationship under heat stress (HS) and drought stress (DS) during seed filling are still lacking. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between seed protein content and concentration with yield in field experiments exposed to HS, DS and HS × DS interaction during the seed filling. Two field experiments were conducted and assimilates accumulation, remobilization and redistribution patterns were analysed in high and low seed protein soybean genotypes. The crop was exposed to four treatments: control (ambient temperature and soil water content near field capacity), HS (episodes above 32°C, 6 h d−1) during 15 days, DS (soil water content ≤25% of field capacity) during the whole seed filling and HS × DS. Significant and positive relationships between seed protein content and concentration with yield were observed across treatments and genotypes. Under DS and HS × DS, assimilates available during the seed filling decreased, and assimilates remobilization and partition to seeds were limited, responses significantly associated with seed protein content and concentration, and yield reductions. Furthermore, we demonstrated here that the high leaf N content at the beginning of seed filling, the short early reproductive phase duration, the high source to sink ratio and the high dry matter stem remobilization capacity, as well as the low seed number and high seed weight are intrinsic characteristics of the high protein genotype that could be associated with its high seed protein content and concentration and yield under stressful conditions. This knowledge is key to develop soybean management strategies to improve seed protein level and yield under contrasting productive scenarios.

Spectrum of Genetics Variations, Association, Path Coefficient Analysis in Green Gram (Vigna radiata L. wilzeck)

The high protein content and ability of Vigna radiata L. Wilczek, sometimes known as the mung bean, to fix nitrogen in the soil make it a highly significant pulse crop. The most challenging feature, seed yield is greatly influenced by the environment and other factors. This interpretation states that the study's goal was to evaluate the relationships between 22 distinct genotypes of mung beans in terms of yield and yield-attributing traits. Research on variations in genetics identified that there was a fair level of diversity among the 22 genotypes. Secondary branches had the highest PCV and GCV, followed by grain yield. The characters, 50% flowering, days to reproductive phase, days to maturity, plant height (cm), pods per plant, length of the pod, seeds per pod, primary branches, secondary branches, clusters per plant, grain yield (g), 100 seed weight (g) had shown high heritability combined with genetic advance as percent mean. Pod length, cluster per plant, primary branches, seeds per pod, and 100 seed weight pod length were shown as a highly significant and positive correlation. cluster per plant, plant height, seeds per pod, and reproductive phase explained the highest positive direct effect on seed yield, as shown by the analysis of path coefficients. Therefore, to increase the seed yield of green gram, these traits 50% flowering, days to reproductive phase, days to maturity, plant height (cm), pods per plant, length of the pod, seeds per pod, primary branches, secondary branches, clusters per plant, grain yield (g), 100 seed weight (g) must be focused on in developing a breeding strategy.

Response of sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) to different concentrations of metals and doses of gamma radiation (241Am)

The sunflower crop (Helianthus annuus L.) presents great tolerance to heavy metals and in pre-determined doses of gamma (γ) radiation it presents gains in plant increments. This study aimed to evaluate the response to doses of γ radiation and different concentrations of toxic metals in the vegetative development of sunflower. Mirasol sunflower seeds were subjected to different doses of 241Am γ rays and concentrations of Aluminum, Cerium and Copper (mg L-1). Sunflower plants were evaluated only in the vegetative period for germination, aerial length, root length, aerial and root fresh mass, aerial and root dry mass. The doses of γ radiation promoted increases in the variables in the vegetative phase, especially for 5 and 10 minutes of exposure to γ rays. The concentrations of the toxic elements Al and Ce showed significant differences in all increments, however, doses higher than 85 mg L-1 demonstrated losses in length and mass of sunflower plants. For the Cu element, the doses did not have a significant effect, these being non-significant and the cultivar Mirasol resistant. Future studies should be carried out evaluating the reproductive phase and its gains in increasing biomass and production.

The reduced growth due to elevated CO2 concentration hinders the sexual reproduction of mature Northern pipevine (Aristolochia contorta Bunge).

The phenology has gained considerably more attention in recent times of climate change. The transition from vegetative to reproductive phases is a critical process in the life history of plants, closely tied to phenology. In an era of climate change, understanding how environmental factors affect this transition is of paramount importance. This study consisted of field surveys and a greenhouse experiment on the reproductive biology of Northern pipevine (Aristolochia contorta Bunge). During field surveys, we investigated the environmental factors and growth characteristics of mature A. contorta, with a focus on both its vegetative and reproductive phases. In its successful flowering during the reproductive phase, A. contorta grew under the conditions of 40% relative light intensity and 24% soil moisture content, and had a vertical rhizome. In the greenhouse experiments, we examined the impact of increased CO2 concentration on the growth and development of 10-year-old A. contorta, considering the effect of rhizome direction. Planted with a vertical rhizome direction, A. contorta exhibited sufficient growth for flowering under ambient CO2 concentrations. In contrast, when planted with a horizontal rhizome direction, it was noted to significantly impede successful growth and flowering under elevated CO2 concentrations. This hindered the process of flowering, highlighting the pivotal role of substantial vegetative growth in achieving successful flowering. Furthermore, we observed a higher number of underground buds and shoots under the conditions of elevated CO2 concentration and a horizontal rhizome direction instead of flowering. Elevated CO2 concentrations also exhibited diverse effects on mature A. contorta's flower traits, resulting in smaller flower size, shorter longevity, and reduced stigma receptivity, and pollen viability. The study shed light on elevated CO2 concentrations can hinder growth, potentially obstructing sexual reproduction and diminishing genetic diversity.

Development and validation of a versatile non-invasive urinary steroidomics method for wildlife biomonitoring

Wildlife conservation is often challenged by a lack of knowledge about the reproduction biology and adaptability of endangered species. Although monitoring steroids and related molecules can increase this knowledge, the applicability of current techniques (e.g. immunoassays) is hampered by species-specific steroid metabolism and the requisite to avoid invasive sampling. This study presents a validated steroidomics method for the (un)targeted screening of a wide range of sex and stress steroids and related molecules in urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). In total, 50 steroids (conjugated and non-conjugated androgens, estrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids) and 6 prostaglandins could be uniquely detected. A total of 45 out of 56 compounds demonstrated a detection limit below 0.01 ng μL−1. Excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (CV < 20 %), and recovery (80–120 %) were observed for 46, 41, and 39 compounds, respectively. Untargeted screening of pooled giant panda and human samples yielded 9691 and 8366 features with CV < 30 %, from which 84.1 % and 83.0 %, respectively, also demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.90). The biological validity of the method was investigated on male and female giant panda urine (n = 20), as well as pooled human samples (n = 10). A total of 24 different steroids were detected with clear qualitative and quantitative differences between human and giant panda samples. Furthermore, expected differences were revealed between female giant panda samples from different reproductive phases. In contrast to traditional biomonitoring techniques, the developed steroidomics method was able to screen a wide range of compounds and provide information on the putative identities of metabolites potentially important for reproductive monitoring in giant pandas. These results illustrate the advancements steroidomics brings to the field of wildlife biomonitoring in the pursuit to better understand the biology of endangered species.

Phenotypic and genetic variations of endangered Lysimachia maritima at global distribution limit

Species can respond to environmental pressures through genetic and phenotypic variation. Lysimachia maritima (L.) Galasso, Banfi & Soldano, a perennial halophyte, is distributed sporadically along the east coast in south Korea and is designated as an endangered plant species in Korea and ‘Least Concern’ in the IUCN Red List. To understand the phenotypic and genetic variations of L. maritima among sites and the environmental factors contributing to these differences, field surveys and genetic analyses were conducted. The principal component analysis of the environmental characteristics revealed that soil type, temperature, soil moisture content, and organic matter content were major factors determining variations among sites. L. maritima in Goseong (GS) and Yangyang (YY) sites faced significant limitations in its distribution due to competition with Phragmites australis for limited soil water and nutrients. There were significant phenotypic differences of L. maritima among sites. In sand-based sites of GS and YY, studied growth characteristics of L. maritima except stem length in YY and the number of seed-bearing individuals were smaller than those in organic soil substrate sites of US and PH, where L. maritima grew vigorously and were almost exclusively in the sexual reproductive phase. Genetic diversity at species level was high (h= 0.31, I= 0.46) but genetic diversities at site level were low, varying among sites (h= 0.133 ∼ 0.244). Also, genetic variation of L. maritima was higher within sites (58.32%) than among sites (41.68%). This indicates that L. maritima might prefer outcrossing more than selfing. L. maritima were strongly differentiated among sites (Gst= 0.336) because of limited gene flow (Nm= 0.987). Geographical isolation might have led to differentiated genetic structure in L. maritima, contributing to the formation of its spatial genetic structure. This high genetic diversity is crucial for the biodiversity of L. maritima at its global distribution limit, and this study emphasize the necessity of conserving distribution limit in the sense of soil characteristics.

Ozone-induced oxidative stress alleviation by biogenic silver nanoparticles and ethylenediurea in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) under high ambient ozone.

Ground-level ozone (O3) is the most phytotoxic secondary air pollutant in the atmosphere, severely affecting crop yields worldwide. The role of nanoparticles (NP) in the alleviation of ozone-induced yield losses in crops is not known. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of biogenicB-AgNPs on the mitigation of ozone-induced phytotoxicity in mung bean and compared its results with ethylenediurea (EDU) for the first time. Two mung bean cultivars (Vigna radiata L., Cv. SML-668 and PDM-139) were foliar sprayed with weekly applications of B-AgNPs (0 = control, 10 and 25ppm) and EDU (0 = control, 200 and 300ppm) until maturation phase. Morphological, physiological, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidant data were collected 30 and 60days after germination (DAG). The mean O3 and AOT40 values (8hday-1) during the cultivation period were approximately 52ppb and 4.4ppm.h, respectively. More biomass was accumulated at the vegetative phase due to the impact of B-AgNPs and EDU, and more photosynthates were transported to the reproductive phase, increasing yield. We observed that the 10ppm B-AgNPs treatment had a more noticeable impact on yield parameters and lower Ag accumulation in seeds for both cultivars. Specifically, SML-668 cultivar treated with 10ppm B-AgNPs (SN1) showed greater increases in seed weight plant-1 (124.97%), hundred seed weight (33.45%), and harvest index (37.53%) in comparison to control. Our findings suggest that B-AgNPs can enhance growth, biomass, yield, and seed quality, and can improve mung bean ozone tolerance. Therefore, B-AgNPs may be a promising protectant for mung bean.

Nitrogen fertilization and application of brassinosteroid in cowpea in the Amazon

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a legume of socioeconomic importance in the northern region of the country, however, its production requires high fertilizer costs, especially nitrogen fertilizers. The use of techniques with the potential to increase crop productivity, such as the application of plant regulators (brassinosteroids-BRs) and the use of nitrogen (N) are necessary. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the vegetative and reproductive phases of cowpea (BR3-Tracuateua) in relation to the application of BRs, mineral nitrogen fertilization and inoculation with the bacterium Azospirillum brasilense. The research was carried out in the experimental area of ​​the Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Campus Capitão Poço. An experimental design was used in randomized blocks, with three replications, in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme: three N supply conditions (Without N, with mineral N and with biological N) and foliar application of four doses of BRs (0, 15, 30 and 45nM). The growth and production variables were not significantly influenced by the application of BRs and the forms of N supply. However, M100 and productivity were increased by the supply of N, both mineral and biological. Therefore, inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense in cowpea cultivation becomes a viable practice, with the objective of supplying N to plants, replacing mineral nitrogen fertilization.

Phylogeny and expression patterns of ERF genes that are potential reproductive inducers in hybrid larch.

Larch is an important component of northern forests and a major cultivated tree species in restoration of forest cover using improved seed material. In recent years, the continuous low seed production has severely affected the production of improved variety seedlings and natural regeneration. However, research on the reproductive growth of gymnosperms is extremely scarce. In this study, based on differential transcriptome analysis of two asexual reproductive phases, namely high-yield and low-yield, we further screened 5 ERF family genes that may affect the reproductive development of larch. We analyzed their genetic relationships and predicted their physicochemical properties. The expression patterns of these genes were analyzed in different tissues, developmental stages, hormone treatments, and environmental conditions in hybrid larch. The results showed that all 5 genes were induced by low temperature and ABA, and their expression patterns in different tissues suggested a suppressive role in the development of female cones in larch. Among them, LkoERF3-like1 and LkoERF071 may be involved in the flowering age pathway. This study enriches the scarce research on reproductive development in gymnosperms and provides a theoretical basis and research direction for regulating the reproductive development of larch in seed orchards.

Steps toward developing legume cover crop varieties: Study of biomass and nitrogen partitioning and within‐plant δ115N variation of faba bean at different growth stages

AbstractModern legumes are engineered to enhance nutrient allocation to grains and maximize harvest index (HI) and yield. Breeding legumes for cover crop requires optimizing source‐sink relationship to prolong nutrient allocation to vegetative organs, support post‐flowering nodule activity, and extend biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). We studied the variation of faba bean (Vicia faba) germplasm for biomass (DM) and nitrogen (N) allocation to plant organs at the lower and upper parts of the canopy. Three genotypes were established during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, and DM, N, and δ15N of upper and lower leaves, stems, pods, seeds, and pod shells were quantified at vegetative, first‐pod, and full‐pod stages. Of the three genotypes, PI 678631 displayed early vigor, allocated more DM and N in vegetative organs, and accumulated more total DM and N than Windsor and PI 655333 by first‐pod stage. The advantage of PI 678631 over the other two genotypes seemed to be associated with smaller allocation of DM and N in pods at early reproductive phase. These findings support existing variations within faba bean germplasm that can be used to improve its ecosystem service as cover crop. Within‐plant variation of δ15N was minimal, suggesting that under favorable soil N and moisture where N remobilization is low, vegetative organs can serve as proxies to estimate the entire plant %Ndfa (proportion of plant N derived from the atmosphere) prior to plant maturity. The δ15N of plant organs at vegetative and early‐pod stages were similar and consistent with the only whole plant δ15N measurement in 2020.

Growth And Yield Of Tomato As Influenced By Water Stress At Different Phenological Stages

The study investigates the effect of water stress at different phenological stages on tomato growth and yield. Tomato is a vital vegetable crop in Nigeria, and water scarcity poses challenges to its productivity. The study was carried out in a screen house, water was applied daily with 100% potential evapotranspiration rate except during the ten days water stress applied at every phenological stage. The parameters assessed include number of leaves, plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), and root and shoot dry weights (g), in addition, the water use efficiency. The results were subjected to Analysis of Variance and the means were compared using Least Significant Difference at 5% level of significance. The results show that there was no significant difference (p≥0.05) in the water use efficiency of the tomato plants subjected to water stress at the phenological stages. Notably, the study highlights that the vegetative stage is particularly sensitive to water stress, leading to reduced shoot dry weight and compromised overall biomass. Similarly, water stress during the flowering stage diminishes root dry weight. However, the fruiting stage exhibits relatively better yields under water stress than other stages. The findings emphasize the importance of effective irrigation management, particularly during the vegetative phase, to promote optimal plant development. Moreover, the research underscores the significance of providing adequate water during reproductive phases to enhance fruit production and overall plant performance.&#x0D;

Seasonal flood risk for paddy rice production in northwest Peninsular Malaysia

ABSTRACT Managing flood risk to crop productions can be made cost-effective by considering the seasonality of flood hazard. This study attempts to quantify expected seasonal flood risk to paddy production in northwest Peninsular Malaysia. The seasonal flood risk was quantified following the region’s standard planting seasons and accounts the seasonal annual maxima flood and potential losses to the crop production. The highest expected annual damage (EAD) is from the wet planting season between September and November during the vegetative and reproductive growth phases, amounting to more than MYR 700,000 EAD. These months coincide with the northeast monsoon season, typically occurring from November to March each year. Seasonal flood risk remains a threat to the nation, and the quantified expected losses provide strong justification of the need for a proactive and strategic action plan.

Evaluation of the effect of cervical and lumbar disc herniations on female sexual function: a comparative prospective study

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the effect of cervical disc herniation (CDH) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) on female sexual functioning before and after surgical intervention.MethodsThe current study was conducted from February 2022 to February 2023. A total of 100 sexually active female patients in their reproductive phase who were diagnosed with CDH and LDH based on physical examination and previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, as well as 50 healthy females, were enrolled. The female subjects were evaluated using the validated Arabic version of the female sexual function index (ArFSFI), a 0 to 10 visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Beck’s depression index (BDI).ResultsThe baseline ArFSFI domains and total scores were greatest in the controls, followed by the CDH group. The ArFSFI domains and total scores were greatest in the control group, followed by the postoperative ArFSFI domains and total scores in the cervical group. The variations in satisfaction, pain, and overall ArFSFI ratings were significant across research groups. The difference in desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm was substantial in the lumbosacral group, but there were no significant changes between the cervical and control groups. Postoperatively, ArFSFI domains and overall scores improved in both of the cervical and lumbar groups. Both research groups’ ODI score and grade improved after surgery. Finally, both groups’ BDI score and grade improved after surgery.ConclusionFemale sexual dysfunctions caused by CDH and LDH improved considerably after surgery.

Genetic variability parameters and character association studies among phenological traits, yield traits and quality traits under different dates of planting in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The study was conducted during rabi 2020-2021 at RARS, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh to determine relationships among phenological traits, seed yield, yield attributes and quality traits in chickpea under different dates of planting. In the present study, in all three dates of planting, seed yield recorded highly significant and positive association with two phenological traits viz., duration of reproductive phase and duration of flowering. However, these traits were influencing seed yield via other contributing characters like days to first f lowering, duration of vegetative phase, leaf area index, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index. Strong correlations have been established between seed size and cooking time especially in kabuli and therefore, special emphasis may be given for improving the seed size with less cooking time in extra-large seeded kabuli chickpea. Further, there is sufficient genetic variability recorded for leaf area index, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, plant height, harvest index, seed yield, 100 seed weight, hydration capacity, swelling capacity, cooking time and iron content in the genotypes and the traits exhibited high heritability and high to moderate genetic advance in all three dates of planting.

164 Effect of distillers grains supplementation and fertilization rate on performance of stocker cattle grazing wheat pasture and stand performance

Abstract Within this study, the objectives were to determine how varied Nitrogen (N) fertilization rates and inclusion of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) impacted stocker and wheat stand performance within a no-till (NT) production system. A total of twenty-four 1.62-ha pastures were split between 3 unsupplemented treatments with urea spread at fixed rates of 50.44, 67.25, 84.06 kg N/ha in autumn and again in spring along with an additional 6 pastures fertilized with 50.44 kg N/ha each growing season plus supplemented with DDGS. From fall of 2021 to Spring of 2023, 576 beef steers (286.62 ± 36.67 kg) were randomly allocated at fixed stocking rates of 2.47 steers/ha (4 steers/pasture) in the fall, and 4.94 steers/ha (8 steers/pasture) in the spring. Steers were weighed upon arrival, at turnout, every 28 d, and when pulled off pasture. Steers were pulled off pasture when forage mass (FM) became insufficient, temperatures became too cold to support regrowth, or forage entered reproductive phase. Sampling dates to determine forage mass and quality coincided with weigh dates, where 20 plate meter readings were taken in every field and were recorded with a 0.25m2 plate meter, and 0.25m2 grass clippings were obtained from 15 fields every sampling date to estimate FM. Pairwise comparisons using the Mixed Model procedure in JMP were used to analyze data, with N rates with and without supplementation as a single fixed categorical variable, and year modeled as a random effect. In the fall, supplemented pastures produced greater ADG than 67.25 and 84.06 kg N/ha pastures (P &amp;lt; 0.05), along with greater total costs of supplemented pastures compared with all unsupplemented treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). In the spring, supplemented pastures produced greater end weights, gain per hectare, forage mass and ADG than all unsupplemented treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), and supplementation provided more grazing days (P &amp;lt; 0.05). While total sale income for supplemented pastures were greater than all unsupplemented treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.05), total costs of supplemented pastures were all increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), resulting in less income after variable costs (P &amp;lt; 0.0002). Response changes to supplementation were more pronounced than responses to increased fertilization. In conclusion, these results indicate that DDGS supplementation provided greater performance benefits to stocker cattle grazing wheat pasture than increased N fertilization rate, but the added costs associated with feeding resulted in lower profitability. However, the addition of DDGS supplementation may provide an opportunity to increase stocking rates to potentially improve profitability.

SULTR2;1 Adjusts the Bolting Timing by Transporting Sulfate from Rosette Leaves to the Primary Stem.

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and metabolism. SULTR2;1 is a low-affinity sulfate transporter facilitating the long-distance transport of sulfate in Arabidopsis. The physiological function of SULTR2;1 in the plant life cycle still needs to be determined. Therefore, we analyzed the sulfate transport, S-containing metabolite accumulation and plant growth using Arabidopsis SULTR2;1 disruption lines, sultr2;1-1 and sultr2;1-2, from seedling to mature growth stages to clarify the metabolic and physiological roles of SULTR2;1. We observed that sulfate distribution to the stems was affected in sultr2;1 mutants, resulting in decreased levels of sulfate, cysteine, glutathione (GSH) and total S in the stems, flowers and siliques; however, the GSH levels increased in the rosette leaves. This suggested the essential role of SULTR2;1 in sulfate transport from rosette leaves to the primary stem. In addition, sultr2;1 mutants unexpectedly bolted earlier than the wild-type without affecting the plant biomass. Correlation between GSH levels in rosette leaves and the bolting timing suggested that the rosette leaf GSH levels or limited sulfate transport to the early stem can trigger bolting. Overall, this study demonstrated the critical roles of SULTR2;1 in maintaining the S metabolite levels in the aerial part and transitioning from the vegetative to the reproductive growth phase.

Proposal to improve the patient journey for women's cardiovascular prevention

The relevance of gender medicine in cardiovascular prevention is still underestimated, and there is a lack of viable women-specific preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. To ensure women have equal access to cardiovascular prevention, cardiovascular disease risk stratification needs to consider gender-specific factors related to women reproductive cycle phases together with the different impact that traditional risk factors have on men and women. The aim of this document is to improve the patient journey for cardiovascular risk prevention in women, enhancing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the role of the various professional figures involved, starting with the general practitioner, as the main actor of the first risk stratification. The goal of the proposed patient journey is to ensure effective risk assessment of cardiovascular disease in women, by raising attention on the risk factors related to different hormonal phases and to bridge the sex and gender gap in cardiovascular prevention. We hope that this journey can be implemented as uniformly as possible in clinical practice throughout Italy.

Sexual reproduction: Is the genetic pathway for female germ cell specification conserved in land plants?

Land plants share several core factors responsible for female gametophyte development, despite their differing structures and developmental programs. New work providing molecular dissection of reproductive phases in non-angiosperm plants is a powerful tool for elucidating the underlying genetic network.