Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different grou...Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups.All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ)intravenously to induce diabetes.A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug,metformin(500 mg/kg)whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Meanwhile,another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract.Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through forcefeeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period.Assessments included the sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),histology of the testes,serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose(FBG)level.Results:The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group(P<0.05).Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility(P<0.05).The histology of the testes in Ficus caricatreated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer.Furthermore,serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group.Conclusions:Our findings provide compelling evidence for the profertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.展开更多
Synthetic nitrogen(N)fertilizer has made a great contribution to the improvement of soil fertility and productivity,but excessive application of synthetic N fertilizer may cause agroecosystem risks,such as soil acidif...Synthetic nitrogen(N)fertilizer has made a great contribution to the improvement of soil fertility and productivity,but excessive application of synthetic N fertilizer may cause agroecosystem risks,such as soil acidification,groundwater contamination and biodiversity reduction.Meanwhile,organic substitution has received increasing attention for its ecologically and environmentally friendly and productivity benefits.However,the linkages between manure substitution,crop yield and the underlying microbial mechanisms remain uncertain.To bridge this gap,a three-year field experiment was conducted with five fertilization regimes:i)Control,non-fertilization;CF,conventional synthetic fertilizer application;CF_(1/2)M_(1/2),1/2 N input via synthetic fertilizer and 1/2 N input via manure;CF_(1/4)M_(3/4),1/4 N input synthetic fertilizer and 3/4 N input via manure;M,manure application.All fertilization treatments were designed to have equal N input.Our results showed that all manure substituted treatments achieved high soil fertility indexes(SFI)and productivities by increasing the soil organic carbon(SOC),total N(TN)and available phosphorus(AP)concentrations,and by altering the bacterial community diversity and composition compared with CF.SOC,AP,and the soil C:N ratio were mainly responsible for microbial community variations.The co-occurrence network revealed that SOC and AP had strong positive associations with Rhodospirillales and Burkholderiales,while TN and C:N ratio had positive and negative associations with Micromonosporaceae,respectively.These specific taxa are implicated in soil macroelement turnover.Random Forest analysis predicted that both biotic(bacterial composition and Micromonosporaceae)and abiotic(AP,SOC,SFI,and TN)factors had significant effects on crop yield.The present work strengthens our understanding of the effects of manure substitution on crop yield and provides theoretical support for optimizing fertilization strategies.展开更多
The two bay scallop subspecies,Argopecten irradians irradians(NN)and A.i.concentricus(SS),are fast growing and major cultured bivalves in China.However,their relatively small sizes and decreasing production traits cau...The two bay scallop subspecies,Argopecten irradians irradians(NN)and A.i.concentricus(SS),are fast growing and major cultured bivalves in China.However,their relatively small sizes and decreasing production traits caused by long-term inbreeding have been major concerns to the industry in the last two decades.Hybridization between the two bay scallop subspecies may provide a new approach to breed a new variety with superior production traits for the industry.For this end,in this study,we hybridized the two bay scallop subspecies in order to obtain a new strain that incorporates the genes of both subspecies.No significant difference was found in fertilization rate,hatching rate and metamorphosis rate between the purebred and crossbred cohorts(NN♀×SS♂,denoted as NS;SS♀×NN♂,denoted as SN).Both mating strategy(intra-vs.inter-population crosses)and egg origin had significant effects on growth and survival at the larval stage.Heterosis was observed in the crossbred and was more pronounced in older stages.Genetic diversity of the reciprocal hybrids,especially that of SN,was increased compared with the purebred cohorts.Almost all hybrids were completely fertile and able to reproduce by selffertilization or by backcrossing with either parent.Apparently,male sterile individuals whose gonads were fully occupied by the ovary part at mature stage were found in the hybrids for the first time.The hybrids,especially SN,may provide precious germplasm resources for the production of ternary hybrids with the Peruvian scallop,A.purpuratus.展开更多
Background Despite their low abundance in sperm, mitochondria have diverse functions in this cell type, includ-ing energy production, signalling and calcium regulation. In humans, sperm mitochondrial DNA content(mtDNA...Background Despite their low abundance in sperm, mitochondria have diverse functions in this cell type, includ-ing energy production, signalling and calcium regulation. In humans, sperm mitochondrial DNA content(mtDNAc) has been reported to be negatively linked to sperm function and fertility. Yet, the association between mtDNAc and sperm function in livestock remains unexplored. For this reason, this study aimed to shed some light on the link between mtDNAc and sperm function and fertilising potential in pigs. A qPCR method for mtDNAc quantification was optimised for pig sperm, and the association of this parameter with sperm motility, kinematics, mitochondrial activity, and fertility was subsequently interrogated.Results First, the q PCR method was found to be sensitive and efficient for mtDNAc quantification in pig sperm. By using this technique, mtDNAc was observed to be associated to sperm motility, mitochondrial activity and in vivo, but not in vitro, fertility outcomes. Specifically, sperm with low mtDNAc were seen to exhibit greater motility but decreased mitochondrial activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, samples with lower mtD-NAc showed higher conception and farrowing rates, but similar in vitro fertilisation rates and embryo development, when compared to those with greater mtDNAc.Conclusions These findings enrich our comprehension of the association of mtDNAc with sperm biology, and lay the foundation for future research into employing this parameter as a molecular predictor for sperm function and fer-tility in livestock.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effect of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation(BHGAL)on women's pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in cases with severe postpartum hemorrhage.Methods:Patients hospitalized in a terti...Objective:To evaluate the effect of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation(BHGAL)on women's pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in cases with severe postpartum hemorrhage.Methods:Patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018 were included in the study.The records of cases were obtained from the hospital database,retrospectively.Maternal demographic data,morbidities or complications associated with BHGAL surgery,any additional haemostatic interventional or surgical procedures,preoperative admission and lowest postoperative haematocrit-hemoglobin values,blood products given,type of anaesthesia,intensive care unit(ICU)and length of hospital stay were recorded.In cases without surgical sterilization,future fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed for at least two years after operation.Information was obtained through face-to-face or telephone interviews with patients whose long-term fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed.Results:Sixty-eight patients with BHGAL surgery history were included in the study.26 Of 37 cases(70%)that did not undergo surgical sterilization had a desire for pregnancy after the surgery.Six of these cases(23%)were diagnosed with secondary infertility.The fertility rate of these cases was 77%,and subsequent pregnancy was detected in 20 women.A total of 25 pregnancies,including first and second pregnancies,developed,and 15 of these pregnancies resulted in term delivery,six preterm births,one stillbirth,and three abortions.Conclusions:The postoperative pregnancy rate was found to be higher than the rate of women with infertility problems,and this surgery does not seem to adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.This is a tertiary center experience and cohort studies with large patient series are needed.展开更多
In this editorial we comment on the article by Gu et al.We focus and debate the necessity of fertility sparing surgery in young women’s with gynecologic cancers,specifically on those patients with the desire to conce...In this editorial we comment on the article by Gu et al.We focus and debate the necessity of fertility sparing surgery in young women’s with gynecologic cancers,specifically on those patients with the desire to conceive.This type of individu-alized treatment options is often very difficult,due to the risk of disease evolution and multiple disparities in fertility preservation services among women in di-fferent countries and societies.For this reason national policy interventions are mandatory in order to ensure equitable access this procedures,in women with cancer.展开更多
The unbalanced and inadequate use of fertilizers is one of the causes of soil degradation. Combined with the ever-increasing population, it is necessary to find sustainable agricultural production alternatives. The pr...The unbalanced and inadequate use of fertilizers is one of the causes of soil degradation. Combined with the ever-increasing population, it is necessary to find sustainable agricultural production alternatives. The present work aims to determine the effect of different rates and mixtutes of organic amendments on soil fertility and the performance of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). In the field, treatments consisted of solid household waste and faecal sludge in the ratios of 3/5 (V1), and a mixture of faecal sludge and household waste in the ratio of 3/5 with 900 worms (V2). At the end of the composting process, V1, V2 composts and the poultry manure (PM) were applied at rates of 4, 5 and 6 t∙ha−1 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were collected before and after the experiment and analyzed. The main results revealed that at the end of the composting process, there was a progressive improvement in the physico-chemical properties of V1 and V2 composts. In particular, the C/N ratio, phosphorus (P) and total nitrogen (TN) initially at 16.49 ± 0.42 (V1, V2), 21.06 ± 0.07 mg∙kg−1 (V1, V2), 0.76% ± 0.08% (V1, V2) respectively, increased after 60 days to 12.40 ± 0.41 (V1), 9.74 ± 0.28 (V2) for C/N, 21.94 ± 0.63 mg∙kg−1 (V1) and 22.04 ± 0.04 mg∙kg−1 (V2) for P, 0.96% ± 0.0% (V1) and 1.22 ± 0.04 (V2) for TN. The application of 6 t∙ha−1of PM had the greatest influence on the diameter and weight of the flower heads (27.16 ± 4.01 t∙ha−1 and 230.83 ± 2.64 t∙ha−1), while 4 t∙ha−1 of V2 gave the tallest sunflower plants (110.07 ± 73.28 cm) as well as the diameter at the crown (19.30 ± 9.07 cm). However, CEC was most influenced by 4 t∙ha−1 of V1, while 4 t∙ha−1 of PM had the greatest effect on organic carbon and phosphorus. However, 5 t∙ha−1 of PM showed the highest sunflower production and yield (1.67 ± 0.21 t∙ha−1). The combination with 900 earthworms is recommended for composting and 5 t∙ha−1 of PM is recommended to obtain a better sunflower production.展开更多
The aim was to clarify the environmental driving factors of soil fertility indicators in artificial forests of Guangxi and comprehensively evaluate the soil fertility level.By collecting data on the current status of ...The aim was to clarify the environmental driving factors of soil fertility indicators in artificial forests of Guangxi and comprehensively evaluate the soil fertility level.By collecting data on the current status of soil in artificial forests,the spatial distribution of major soil fertility indicators was analyzed,and the distribution map of the fertility index of artificial forests in the entire region and the comprehensive fertility index of artificial forests of different soil types were obtained.Canonical correspondence analysis method was used to analyze soil fertility indicators and environmental factors,and the environmental driving factors of soil fertility indicators for artificial forests of the main soil types in Guangxi were obtained.The results showed that over 90%of the soil fertility index of artificial forests in the entire region was between 0.20 and 0.50.The order of soil fertility index of different soil types of artificial forests from high to low was yellow brown soil>yellow red soil>yellow soil>red soil>limestone soil>latosolic red soil>laterite.In artificial forests of latosolic red soil,the correlation between soil alkaline nitrogen and organic matter,annual average temperature was high,while the correlation between soil available phosphorus and organic matter,pH was high,and the correlation between soil available potassium and environmental factors such as slope,altitude,rainfall,accumulated temperature,and slope aspect was high.In artificial forests of red soil,the correlation between soil alkaline nitrogen and slope,altitude was high,while the correlation between soil available phosphorus and accumulated temperature,rainfall was high,and the correlation between soil available potassium and pH was high.In artificial forests of limestone soil,there was a high correlation between soil alkaline nitrogen and slope,organic matter,a high correlation between soil available phosphorus and accumulated temperature,rainfall,and a high correlation between soil available potassium and pH.展开更多
Genetic improvement has promoted wheat’s grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)during the past decades.Therefore,the current wheat cultivars exhibit higher grain yield and NUE than previous cultivars in the Yan...Genetic improvement has promoted wheat’s grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)during the past decades.Therefore,the current wheat cultivars exhibit higher grain yield and NUE than previous cultivars in the Yangtze River Basin,China since the 2000s.However,the critical traits and mechanisms of the increased grain yield and NUE remain unknown.This study explores the mechanisms underlying these new cultivars’increased grain yield and NUE by studying 21 local cultivars cultivated for three growing seasons from 2016 to 2019.Significantly positive correlations were observed between grain yield and NUE in the three years.The cultivars were grouped into high(HH),medium(MM),and low(LL)grain yield and NUE groups.The HH group exhibited significantly high grain yield and NUE.High grain yield was attributed to more effective ears by high tiller fertility and greater single-spike yield by increasing post-anthesis single-stem biomass.Compared to other groups,the HH group demonstrated a longer leaf stay-green ability and a greater flag leaf photosynthetic rate after anthesis.It also showed higher N accumulation at pre-anthesis,which contributed to increasing N accumulation per stem,including stem and leaf sheath,leaf blade,and unit leaf area at pre-anthesis,and promoting N uptake efficiency,the main contribution of high NUE.Moreover,tiller fertility was positively related to N accumulation per stem,N accumulation per unit leaf area,leaf stay-green ability,and flag leaf photosynthetic rate,which indicates that improving tiller fertility promoted N uptake,leaf N accumulation,and photosynthetic ability,thereby achieving synchronous improvements in grain yield and NUE.Therefore,tiller fertility is proposed as an important kernel indicator that can be used in the breeding and management of cultivars to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.展开更多
Fertilization is an effective technique to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield.The long-term effects of different fertilizers on soil considerably vary.Over 38 consecutive years of different fertilization p...Fertilization is an effective technique to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield.The long-term effects of different fertilizers on soil considerably vary.Over 38 consecutive years of different fertilization positioning experiments in a double cropping rice field of Qiyang Red Soil Experimental Station,seven different fertilization treatments including CK(no fertilization),NPK(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizer),M(cow manure),NPKM(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium with cow manure),NPM(nitrogen and phosphorus with cow manure),NKM(nitrogen and potassium with cow manure),and PKM(phosphorus and potassium with cow manure)were applied to study the effects on rice yield,soil fertility,and nutrient apparent balance in a paddy field.The results showed that the annual average yields of rice in NPKM,NPM,NKM,PKM,M,NPK and CK treatments ranged from 6214 to 11562 kg ha-1.Yields under long-term organic and inorganic treatments(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were 22.58,15.35,10.53 and 4.41%,respectively,greater than under the NPK treatment.Soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),available nitrogen(AN)and available potassium(AK)concentration with long-term organic and inorganic treatment(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were significantly higher than in inorganic fertilizer(NPK)treatments.Soil total phosphorus(TP)and available phosphorus(AP)contentration with organic fertilizer combined with inorganic N and P fertilizer treatment(NPKM,NPM and PKM)were significantly higher than with inorganic fertilizer alone(NPK treatments).The average annual rice yield(11562 kg ha-1),SOC(20.88 g kg-1),TN(2.30 g kg-1),TP(0.95 g kg-1),TK(22.50 g kg-1)and AP(38.94 mg kg-1)concentrations were the highest in the NPKM treatment.The soil AN concentration(152.40 mg kg-1)and AK contentration(151.00 mg kg-1)were the highest in the NKM treatment.N and P application led to a surplus of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil,but NPKM treatment effectively reduced the surplus compared with other treatments.Soils under all treatments were deficient in potassium.Correlation analysis showed that SOC,TN,AN,TP,and AP contentration was significantly correlated with rice yield;the correlation coefficients were 0.428,0.496,0.518,0.501,and 0.438,respectively.This study showed that the combined application of N,P,and K with cow manure had important effects on rice yield and soil fertility,but balanced application of N,P,and K with cow manure was required.展开更多
Introduction: In Nigeria, a major reason for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The inability to achieve conception and subsequently have a ch...Introduction: In Nigeria, a major reason for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The inability to achieve conception and subsequently have a child among couples may lead to psychological complications. Objective: This study assessed the psychological impact of infertility and its management on women receiving treatment at a Fertility Specialist Hospital in a poor resource setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 376 consenting married women who sought and received fertility treatment at a private Fertility Specialist Hospital, located at Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria between May 1, 2017 and May 31, 2022. Socio-demographic and Structured questionnaires were administered to the participants over a 5-year period. Results: The mean age of the women at presentation was 36.9 (±7.2 SD) years. The majority of the women (227) presented with secondary infertility accounting for 60.4%, while the rest had primary infertility (χ<sup>2</sup> = 16.18, P = 0.001). Male-only factor infertility accounted for 22.9% of all the infertility cases, female-only factor 21.3% while both (male and female factors co-existing) accounted for 52.7% of all the cases. The commonest cause of infertility in the study was poor sperm parameters (176) accounting for 46.8% of cases, tubal factor 19.1% and anovulatory factor 22.3% (χ<sup>2</sup> = 214.21, P = 0.001). Three hundred and thirty four (88.8%) felt depressed, 266 (70.7%) felt guilty about the past, and 222 (59.0%) had suicidal tendencies because of the infertility ordeal. Two hundred and fifty one (66.8%) felt inferior, 237 (63.0%) cried often and 174 (46.3%) were socially withdrawn. However, 10.4% of the women felt satisfied and well. These negative psychological feelings were statistically significant. Concerning the effect on marriage, the closeness of couples was reduced significantly in 57.7%, 62.8% had reduced coital intimacy, 79.3% had frequent quarrel and misunderstanding, 27.9% had threats of divorce while 4.5% had actually divorced and 11.% separated. However, there was no negative effect of infertility in 8.8% of couples. Conclusion: Psychological issues associated with infertility and its management in women include feelings of depression, guilt feelings, suicidal ideation, weeping episodes, social withdrawal, feelings of inferiority, reduced libido, and poverty of intimacy with frequent quarrels and misunderstanding. Women appear to bear more of the psychological issues associated with infertility. Early marriage on the part of the women, preservation of their reproductive youthful ages, and a better understanding of the concept of infertility by the couple will not only reduce the prevalence of infertility but will also reduce the dangerous psychological issues associated with infertility.展开更多
Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are small,single-stranded,non-coding RNA molecules of 22–24 nucleotides that regulate gene expression.In the last decade,miRNAs have been described in sperm of several mammals,including ca...Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are small,single-stranded,non-coding RNA molecules of 22–24 nucleotides that regulate gene expression.In the last decade,miRNAs have been described in sperm of several mammals,including cattle.It is known that miRNAs can act as key gene regulators of early embryogenesis in mice and humans;however,little is known about the content,expression,and function of sperm-borne miRNAs in early bovine embryo.In this study,total sperm RNA was isolated from 29 cryopreserved sperm samples(each coming from a separate bull)using a RNeasy kit and treatment with DNase I.RNA concentration and purity were determined through an Epoch spectrophotometer and an Agilent Bioanalyzer.The expression of 10 candidate miRNAs in bovine sperm(bta-miR-10a,bta-miR-10b,bta-miR-138,bta-miR-146b,bta-miR-19b,bta-miR-26a,bta-miR-34a,bta-miR-449a,bta-miR-495 and btamiR-7),previously identified in testis and/or epididymis,was evaluated with RT-qPCR.The cel-miR-39-3p was used as a spike-in exogenous control.Nonparametric Mann–Whitney tests were run to evaluate which miRNAs were differentially expressed between bulls with high fertility[HF;non-return rates(NRR)ranging from 39.5 to 43.5]and those with subfertility(SF;NRR ranging from 33.3 to 39.3).Several sperm functionality parameters(e.g.,viability,membrane stability or oxygen consumption,among others)were measured by multiplexing flow cytometry and oxygen sensing technologies.Results RNA concentration and purity(260/280 nm ratio)(mean±SD)from the 29 samples were 99.3±84.6 ng/μL and 1.97±0.72,respectively.Bioanalyzer results confirmed the lack of RNA from somatic cells.In terms of the presence or absence of miRNAs,and after applying the Livak method,8 out of 10 miRNAs(bta-miR-10b,-138,-146b,-19b,-26a,-449a,-495,-7)were consistently detected in bovine sperm,whereas the other two(bta-miR-10a,and-34a)were absent.Interestingly,the relative expression of one miRNA(bta-miR-138)in sperm was significantly lower in the SF than in the HF group(P=0.038).In addition to being associated to fertility potential,the presence of this miRNA was found to be negatively correlated with sperm oxygen consumption.The expression of three other miRNAs(bta-miR-19b,bta-miR-26a and bta-miR-7)was also correlated with sperm function variables.Conclusions In conclusion,although functional validation studies are required to confirm these results,this study suggests that sperm bta-miR-138 is involved in fertilization events and beyond,and supports its use as a fertility biomarker in cattle.展开更多
Colored rice is a type of high-quality,high-added-value rice that has attracted increasing attention in recent years.The use of large amounts of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer in rice fields results in low fertilizer u...Colored rice is a type of high-quality,high-added-value rice that has attracted increasing attention in recent years.The use of large amounts of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer in rice fields results in low fertilizer use efficiency and high environmental pollution.Organic fertilizer is a promising way to improve soil quality and sustain high yields.However,most studies focus on the effect of animal-based organic fertilizers.The effects of different ratios of plantbased organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer on the grain yield and quality of colored rice have rarely been reported.Therefore,a two-year field experiment was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to study the effects of replacing inorganic N fertilizers with plant-based organic fertilizers on the yield,nitrogen use efficiency(NUE),and anthocyanin content of two colored rice varieties in a tropical region in China.The experimental treatments included no nitrogen fertilization(T1),100% inorganic nitrogen fertilizer(T2),30%inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer(T3),60%inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer(T4),and 100% plantbased organic fertilizer(T5).The total nitrogen provided to all the treatments except T1 was the same at 120 kg ha-1.Our results showed that the T3 treatment enhanced the grain yield and anthocyanin content of colored rice by increasing nitrogen use efficiency compared with T2.On average,grain yields were increased by 9 and 8%,while the anthocyanin content increased by 16 and 10% in the two colored rice varieties under T3 across the two years,respectively,as compared with T2.Further study of the residual effect of partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers showed that the substitution of inorganic fertilizer with plant-based organic fertilizer improved the soil physiochemical properties,and thus increased the rice grain yield,in the subsequent seasons.The highest grain yield of the subsequent rice crop was observed under the T5 treatment.Our results suggested that the application of plantbased organic fertilizers can sustain the production of colored rice with high anthocyanin content in tropical regions,which is beneficial in reconciling the relationship between rice production and environmental protection.展开更多
Purpose: Fertility education for high school students leads them to be able to decide when to get pregnant and give birth, and to think about their desired life plan. However, knowledge of fertility in Japan is low co...Purpose: Fertility education for high school students leads them to be able to decide when to get pregnant and give birth, and to think about their desired life plan. However, knowledge of fertility in Japan is low compared to other countries. This study aims to understand the state of fertility knowledge among high school students in Japan and to clarify issues in fertility education. Method: Ten articles published from 2013 to July 2023 were selected for review from ICHUSHI Web Ver. 5 and CiNii with the keywords “high school students,” “fertility,” and “education.” The review was limited to Japanese-language literature due to differences in fertility education and knowledge between Japan and other countries. Results/Conclusion: 60% - 90% of the high school students indicated that their source of information on fertility was school lessons. Half of the students understood egg aging and the effects of smoking and drinking on fertility, but their knowledge of menstruation, male reproductive physiology/function, and infertility was insufficient. 50% - 80% of students wanted to marry by the age of 30, and 70% - 80% wanted to have children. 80% of students who attended a lecture on preconception care considered the lesson an opportunity to think about their future life plans. 90% of school nurse teachers reported that fertility should be taught in schools, and half said that egg aging, causes of infertility, and other topics should be covered in high school. Educational caution points included the consideration of developmental stages and the relatedness of the content to what had already been taught, among other things. High school is the best time for fertility education because it gives students the opportunity to accept their own sexuality and think about their future. In addition, since many students plan to marry and have children by the age of 30, the acquisition of fertility knowledge can be an effective means of future life design.展开更多
China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.However,the impact of this policy reform on food security and the ...China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.However,the impact of this policy reform on food security and the environment remains inadequately evaluated.Moreover,although green and low-carbon technologies offer environmental advantages,their widespread adoption is hindered by prohibitively high costs.This study analyzes the impact of removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies and explores the potential feasibility of redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in the diffusion of these technologies.Utilizing the China Agricultural University Agri-food Systems model,we analyzed the potential for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes regarding food security and environmental sustainability.The findings indicate that removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies has reduced greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions from agricultural activities by 3.88 million metric tons,with minimal impact on food production.Redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in green and low-carbon technologies,including slow and controlled-release fertilizer,organic-inorganic compound fertilizers,and machine deep placement of fertilizer,emerges as a strategy to concurrently curtail GHG emissions,ensure food security,and secure robust economic returns.Finally,we propose a comprehensive set of government interventions,including subsidies,field guidance,and improved extension systems,to promote the widespread adoption of these technologies.展开更多
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, constituting 25% of all cancer diagnoses. Even though it is only affecting 4% - 6% of women under the age of 40, it remains the most...Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, constituting 25% of all cancer diagnoses. Even though it is only affecting 4% - 6% of women under the age of 40, it remains the most common malignancy among younger patients. Advancement in the treatment and earlier detection gives excellent 5 years of survival. However, the standard treatment that comprises surgical-chemo radiation therapy or hormonal treatment often results in an increased incidence of treatment-induced infertility. Therefore, adding fertility preservation to primary cancer treatment may offer the best opportunity for future fertility. However, despite advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), the uptake of fertility services in this group remains low. In this review, we highlighted the effect of all breast cancer treatments on women’s fertility, the effectiveness and safety of ART in breast cancer patients as well as the safety of pregnancy in breast cancer survivors. Our aim is to improve awareness of fertility preservation for breast cancer to ensure all women diagnosed with breast cancer have multidisciplinary approaches with early referral to fertility specialists to discuss regarding potential risks and benefits of fertility preservation to improve the uptake of fertility preservation among this group of patients.展开更多
While generally recognized as a potential source of contamination during the collection process, lubricants are often used at the preference of the male partner to prevent irritation. While older lubricants have been ...While generally recognized as a potential source of contamination during the collection process, lubricants are often used at the preference of the male partner to prevent irritation. While older lubricants have been studied, there is currently no conscience within programs as to what constitutes a “safe” lubricant. The object of the current study was designed to evaluate chemically unique “next generation” lubricants in comparison to lubricants currently in use in fertility treatment and/or recognized as fertility safe;the first was a silicone-based lubricant, the second is a water-based, plant-based organic compound, in comparison to two established medical lubricants and a control. Twelve deidentified semen samples from the clinical andrology laboratory were used to test the lubricants following semen analysis. In order to enter the study, the sample had to have a minimum of 30 × 10<sup>6</sup> motile cells. Samples were then processed using a simple sperm wash modified to reconstitute the pellet into a final volume of 7 mL. Half-milliliter aliquots were then transferred into 13 wells of a standard 24-well culture plate. One well was used as a control. The remaining wells received one of the four lubricants at one of three volumes (10, 50, or 100 uL), producing 12 treatment combinations (four lubricants + 3 concentration levels) and the control. The samples were then cultured at room temperature for 24 hours. At times 0, 1, 3, 12, and 24 hrs, the plate was agitated to remix the sample, and a 4 uL aliquot of each well was analyzed for standard semen parameters using a computer-assisted semen analyzer. Results indicated the expected decrease in semen parameters over time in all treatments (P < 0.001). There was also a dose-dependent drop in most of the lubricants. However, samples contaminated with the newer lubricants appeared to maintain semen parameters similar to the controls at all but the 100 ul level of contamination, while the older lubricants caused decreases in sperm function at much lower concentrations. While semen parameters alone should not be the only criteria for the selection of a lubricant, the present study suggests newer formulations of lubricant are less likely to interfere with sperm function.展开更多
Experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 in North Dakota to determine the effects of foliar and soil applied fertilizers, variety and irrigation on yield and grain quality of spring wheat. Foliar application of N d...Experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 in North Dakota to determine the effects of foliar and soil applied fertilizers, variety and irrigation on yield and grain quality of spring wheat. Foliar application of N did not consistently increase yield and protein indicating the soil N levels were adequate to optimize yield. The variety Bolles had higher protein content than Faller. Zinc (Zn) content in the grain was greatest when applied at either flowering or post anthesis. It was also found to be correlated with grain protein content. Yield and grain protein content were negatively related. There was no consistent effect of phosphorous or Zn when applied to the soil on yield, protein, gluten, or Zn content in the grain. Zinc concentration in the grain was significantly correlated with the protein, gluten and P content of the grain. The timing of Zn application was critical to the success of translocating Zn to the grain. Grain Zn concentration increased with most late season foliar Zn applications to both varieties indicating potential for enriching spring wheat nutrient content through production management practices already common in areas that grow spring wheat.展开更多
Background Comparative and comprehensive omics studies have recently been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility.However,because these huge omics dataset...Background Comparative and comprehensive omics studies have recently been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility.However,because these huge omics datasets often contain irrelevant information,editing strategies for summarizing and filtering the data are necessary prerequisite steps for identifying biomarkers of male fertility.Here,we attempted to integrate omics data from spermatozoa with normal and below-normal fertility from boars and bulls,including transcriptomic,proteomic,and metabolomic data.Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted and visualized using g:Profiler,Cytoscape,EnrichmentMap,and AutoAnnotation to determine fertility-related biological functions according to species.Results In particular,gamete production and protein biogenesis-associated pathways were enriched in bull spermatozoa with below-normal fertility,whereas mitochondrial-associated metabolic pathways were enriched in boar spermatozoa with normal fertility.These results indicate that below-normal fertility may be determined by aberrant regulation of protein synthesis during spermatogenesis,and the modulation of reactive oxygen species generation to maintain capacitation and the acrosome reaction governs boar sperm fertility.Conclusion Overall,this approach demonstrated that distinct molecular pathways drive sperm fertility in mammals in a species-dependent manner.Moreover,we anticipate that searching for species-specific signaling pathways may aid in the discovery of fertility-related biomarkers within large omics datasets.展开更多
Age at first calving (AFC) affects the profitability of dairy enterprises. This study examined the relationships between AFC and subsequent fertility, milk production and survival up to third calving in UK Holstein-Fr...Age at first calving (AFC) affects the profitability of dairy enterprises. This study examined the relationships between AFC and subsequent fertility, milk production and survival up to third calving in UK Holstein-Friesian heifers;Study 1 comprised 134 consecutively born heifers from the same herd (AFC 764 ± 8 days) and Study 2 contained 445 heifers born on 17 farms (AFC 796 ± 6 days). Growth rates and fertility during rearing were monitored and animals were subsequently divided into four AFC groups for analysis: <23 months, 23 - 25 months, 26 - 30 months and >30 months. The actual AFC reflected both growth rate and heifer fertility, with later calving heifers already lighter by 6 months of age. The proportion conceiving to first service was highest (93% and 84% for Studies 1 and 2, respectively) for the youngest AFC group. Fertility in the first lactation was best in cows calving at 23 - 25 months and worst in the oldest AFC group. Milk production parameters in the first and second lactations were broadly similar between AFC groups but significantly more heifers with an AFC < 26 months calved for a third time. These younger calving animals therefore achieved more days in milk over 5 years, with >44% of their days alive spent in milk production compared with only 18% - 40% in cows calving at ≥26 months. Hence cows with an AFC < 26 months produced the most milk in their first 5 years of life. These results indicate that an AFC of 0.75 kg/d up to 15 months and good heifer fertility and resulted in the best subsequent performance.展开更多
文摘Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups.All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ)intravenously to induce diabetes.A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug,metformin(500 mg/kg)whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Meanwhile,another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract.Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through forcefeeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period.Assessments included the sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),histology of the testes,serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose(FBG)level.Results:The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group(P<0.05).Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility(P<0.05).The histology of the testes in Ficus caricatreated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer.Furthermore,serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group.Conclusions:Our findings provide compelling evidence for the profertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD2301403-2)the Major Special Project of Anhui Province,China(2021d06050003)+2 种基金the Postdoctoral Foundation of Anhui Province,China(2022B638)the Special Project of Zhongke Bengbu Technology Transfer Center,China(ZKBB202103)the Grant of the President Foundation of Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of Chinese Academy of Sciences(YZJJ2023QN37)。
文摘Synthetic nitrogen(N)fertilizer has made a great contribution to the improvement of soil fertility and productivity,but excessive application of synthetic N fertilizer may cause agroecosystem risks,such as soil acidification,groundwater contamination and biodiversity reduction.Meanwhile,organic substitution has received increasing attention for its ecologically and environmentally friendly and productivity benefits.However,the linkages between manure substitution,crop yield and the underlying microbial mechanisms remain uncertain.To bridge this gap,a three-year field experiment was conducted with five fertilization regimes:i)Control,non-fertilization;CF,conventional synthetic fertilizer application;CF_(1/2)M_(1/2),1/2 N input via synthetic fertilizer and 1/2 N input via manure;CF_(1/4)M_(3/4),1/4 N input synthetic fertilizer and 3/4 N input via manure;M,manure application.All fertilization treatments were designed to have equal N input.Our results showed that all manure substituted treatments achieved high soil fertility indexes(SFI)and productivities by increasing the soil organic carbon(SOC),total N(TN)and available phosphorus(AP)concentrations,and by altering the bacterial community diversity and composition compared with CF.SOC,AP,and the soil C:N ratio were mainly responsible for microbial community variations.The co-occurrence network revealed that SOC and AP had strong positive associations with Rhodospirillales and Burkholderiales,while TN and C:N ratio had positive and negative associations with Micromonosporaceae,respectively.These specific taxa are implicated in soil macroelement turnover.Random Forest analysis predicted that both biotic(bacterial composition and Micromonosporaceae)and abiotic(AP,SOC,SFI,and TN)factors had significant effects on crop yield.The present work strengthens our understanding of the effects of manure substitution on crop yield and provides theoretical support for optimizing fertilization strategies.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31972791)the Earmarked Fund for Agriculture Seed Improvement Project of Shandong Province(No.2020LZGC016)+1 种基金the Scientific and Technological Project of Yantai,Shandong Province(No.2022XCZX083)the Earmarked Fund for Shandong Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System(No.SDAIT-14)。
文摘The two bay scallop subspecies,Argopecten irradians irradians(NN)and A.i.concentricus(SS),are fast growing and major cultured bivalves in China.However,their relatively small sizes and decreasing production traits caused by long-term inbreeding have been major concerns to the industry in the last two decades.Hybridization between the two bay scallop subspecies may provide a new approach to breed a new variety with superior production traits for the industry.For this end,in this study,we hybridized the two bay scallop subspecies in order to obtain a new strain that incorporates the genes of both subspecies.No significant difference was found in fertilization rate,hatching rate and metamorphosis rate between the purebred and crossbred cohorts(NN♀×SS♂,denoted as NS;SS♀×NN♂,denoted as SN).Both mating strategy(intra-vs.inter-population crosses)and egg origin had significant effects on growth and survival at the larval stage.Heterosis was observed in the crossbred and was more pronounced in older stages.Genetic diversity of the reciprocal hybrids,especially that of SN,was increased compared with the purebred cohorts.Almost all hybrids were completely fertile and able to reproduce by selffertilization or by backcrossing with either parent.Apparently,male sterile individuals whose gonads were fully occupied by the ovary part at mature stage were found in the hybrids for the first time.The hybrids,especially SN,may provide precious germplasm resources for the production of ternary hybrids with the Peruvian scallop,A.purpuratus.
基金funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation,Spain (AGL2017-88329-R, FPU18/00666 and PID2020-113320RB-I00)the Regional Government of Catalonia,Spain (2017-SGR-1229, 2020-FI-B-00412 and 2020-SGR-0900)the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA)。
文摘Background Despite their low abundance in sperm, mitochondria have diverse functions in this cell type, includ-ing energy production, signalling and calcium regulation. In humans, sperm mitochondrial DNA content(mtDNAc) has been reported to be negatively linked to sperm function and fertility. Yet, the association between mtDNAc and sperm function in livestock remains unexplored. For this reason, this study aimed to shed some light on the link between mtDNAc and sperm function and fertilising potential in pigs. A qPCR method for mtDNAc quantification was optimised for pig sperm, and the association of this parameter with sperm motility, kinematics, mitochondrial activity, and fertility was subsequently interrogated.Results First, the q PCR method was found to be sensitive and efficient for mtDNAc quantification in pig sperm. By using this technique, mtDNAc was observed to be associated to sperm motility, mitochondrial activity and in vivo, but not in vitro, fertility outcomes. Specifically, sperm with low mtDNAc were seen to exhibit greater motility but decreased mitochondrial activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, samples with lower mtD-NAc showed higher conception and farrowing rates, but similar in vitro fertilisation rates and embryo development, when compared to those with greater mtDNAc.Conclusions These findings enrich our comprehension of the association of mtDNAc with sperm biology, and lay the foundation for future research into employing this parameter as a molecular predictor for sperm function and fer-tility in livestock.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effect of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation(BHGAL)on women's pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in cases with severe postpartum hemorrhage.Methods:Patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018 were included in the study.The records of cases were obtained from the hospital database,retrospectively.Maternal demographic data,morbidities or complications associated with BHGAL surgery,any additional haemostatic interventional or surgical procedures,preoperative admission and lowest postoperative haematocrit-hemoglobin values,blood products given,type of anaesthesia,intensive care unit(ICU)and length of hospital stay were recorded.In cases without surgical sterilization,future fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed for at least two years after operation.Information was obtained through face-to-face or telephone interviews with patients whose long-term fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed.Results:Sixty-eight patients with BHGAL surgery history were included in the study.26 Of 37 cases(70%)that did not undergo surgical sterilization had a desire for pregnancy after the surgery.Six of these cases(23%)were diagnosed with secondary infertility.The fertility rate of these cases was 77%,and subsequent pregnancy was detected in 20 women.A total of 25 pregnancies,including first and second pregnancies,developed,and 15 of these pregnancies resulted in term delivery,six preterm births,one stillbirth,and three abortions.Conclusions:The postoperative pregnancy rate was found to be higher than the rate of women with infertility problems,and this surgery does not seem to adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.This is a tertiary center experience and cohort studies with large patient series are needed.
文摘In this editorial we comment on the article by Gu et al.We focus and debate the necessity of fertility sparing surgery in young women’s with gynecologic cancers,specifically on those patients with the desire to conceive.This type of individu-alized treatment options is often very difficult,due to the risk of disease evolution and multiple disparities in fertility preservation services among women in di-fferent countries and societies.For this reason national policy interventions are mandatory in order to ensure equitable access this procedures,in women with cancer.
文摘The unbalanced and inadequate use of fertilizers is one of the causes of soil degradation. Combined with the ever-increasing population, it is necessary to find sustainable agricultural production alternatives. The present work aims to determine the effect of different rates and mixtutes of organic amendments on soil fertility and the performance of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). In the field, treatments consisted of solid household waste and faecal sludge in the ratios of 3/5 (V1), and a mixture of faecal sludge and household waste in the ratio of 3/5 with 900 worms (V2). At the end of the composting process, V1, V2 composts and the poultry manure (PM) were applied at rates of 4, 5 and 6 t∙ha−1 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were collected before and after the experiment and analyzed. The main results revealed that at the end of the composting process, there was a progressive improvement in the physico-chemical properties of V1 and V2 composts. In particular, the C/N ratio, phosphorus (P) and total nitrogen (TN) initially at 16.49 ± 0.42 (V1, V2), 21.06 ± 0.07 mg∙kg−1 (V1, V2), 0.76% ± 0.08% (V1, V2) respectively, increased after 60 days to 12.40 ± 0.41 (V1), 9.74 ± 0.28 (V2) for C/N, 21.94 ± 0.63 mg∙kg−1 (V1) and 22.04 ± 0.04 mg∙kg−1 (V2) for P, 0.96% ± 0.0% (V1) and 1.22 ± 0.04 (V2) for TN. The application of 6 t∙ha−1of PM had the greatest influence on the diameter and weight of the flower heads (27.16 ± 4.01 t∙ha−1 and 230.83 ± 2.64 t∙ha−1), while 4 t∙ha−1 of V2 gave the tallest sunflower plants (110.07 ± 73.28 cm) as well as the diameter at the crown (19.30 ± 9.07 cm). However, CEC was most influenced by 4 t∙ha−1 of V1, while 4 t∙ha−1 of PM had the greatest effect on organic carbon and phosphorus. However, 5 t∙ha−1 of PM showed the highest sunflower production and yield (1.67 ± 0.21 t∙ha−1). The combination with 900 earthworms is recommended for composting and 5 t∙ha−1 of PM is recommended to obtain a better sunflower production.
文摘The aim was to clarify the environmental driving factors of soil fertility indicators in artificial forests of Guangxi and comprehensively evaluate the soil fertility level.By collecting data on the current status of soil in artificial forests,the spatial distribution of major soil fertility indicators was analyzed,and the distribution map of the fertility index of artificial forests in the entire region and the comprehensive fertility index of artificial forests of different soil types were obtained.Canonical correspondence analysis method was used to analyze soil fertility indicators and environmental factors,and the environmental driving factors of soil fertility indicators for artificial forests of the main soil types in Guangxi were obtained.The results showed that over 90%of the soil fertility index of artificial forests in the entire region was between 0.20 and 0.50.The order of soil fertility index of different soil types of artificial forests from high to low was yellow brown soil>yellow red soil>yellow soil>red soil>limestone soil>latosolic red soil>laterite.In artificial forests of latosolic red soil,the correlation between soil alkaline nitrogen and organic matter,annual average temperature was high,while the correlation between soil available phosphorus and organic matter,pH was high,and the correlation between soil available potassium and environmental factors such as slope,altitude,rainfall,accumulated temperature,and slope aspect was high.In artificial forests of red soil,the correlation between soil alkaline nitrogen and slope,altitude was high,while the correlation between soil available phosphorus and accumulated temperature,rainfall was high,and the correlation between soil available potassium and pH was high.In artificial forests of limestone soil,there was a high correlation between soil alkaline nitrogen and slope,organic matter,a high correlation between soil available phosphorus and accumulated temperature,rainfall,and a high correlation between soil available potassium and pH.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771711 and 32071953)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0300405)+1 种基金the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China,the Project of the Vice General Manager of Science and Technology of Jiangsu Province,China(FZ20211472)the Plan of Gathering 1000 Leading Talents of Suqian,China.
文摘Genetic improvement has promoted wheat’s grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)during the past decades.Therefore,the current wheat cultivars exhibit higher grain yield and NUE than previous cultivars in the Yangtze River Basin,China since the 2000s.However,the critical traits and mechanisms of the increased grain yield and NUE remain unknown.This study explores the mechanisms underlying these new cultivars’increased grain yield and NUE by studying 21 local cultivars cultivated for three growing seasons from 2016 to 2019.Significantly positive correlations were observed between grain yield and NUE in the three years.The cultivars were grouped into high(HH),medium(MM),and low(LL)grain yield and NUE groups.The HH group exhibited significantly high grain yield and NUE.High grain yield was attributed to more effective ears by high tiller fertility and greater single-spike yield by increasing post-anthesis single-stem biomass.Compared to other groups,the HH group demonstrated a longer leaf stay-green ability and a greater flag leaf photosynthetic rate after anthesis.It also showed higher N accumulation at pre-anthesis,which contributed to increasing N accumulation per stem,including stem and leaf sheath,leaf blade,and unit leaf area at pre-anthesis,and promoting N uptake efficiency,the main contribution of high NUE.Moreover,tiller fertility was positively related to N accumulation per stem,N accumulation per unit leaf area,leaf stay-green ability,and flag leaf photosynthetic rate,which indicates that improving tiller fertility promoted N uptake,leaf N accumulation,and photosynthetic ability,thereby achieving synchronous improvements in grain yield and NUE.Therefore,tiller fertility is proposed as an important kernel indicator that can be used in the breeding and management of cultivars to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
基金This study was financially supported by the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-01-02A)the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,China(2022NK2009)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province,China(2021RC2081)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province,China(2022NSFSC1059)the Development Program of Hunan Province,China(2021NK2029).
文摘Fertilization is an effective technique to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield.The long-term effects of different fertilizers on soil considerably vary.Over 38 consecutive years of different fertilization positioning experiments in a double cropping rice field of Qiyang Red Soil Experimental Station,seven different fertilization treatments including CK(no fertilization),NPK(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizer),M(cow manure),NPKM(nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium with cow manure),NPM(nitrogen and phosphorus with cow manure),NKM(nitrogen and potassium with cow manure),and PKM(phosphorus and potassium with cow manure)were applied to study the effects on rice yield,soil fertility,and nutrient apparent balance in a paddy field.The results showed that the annual average yields of rice in NPKM,NPM,NKM,PKM,M,NPK and CK treatments ranged from 6214 to 11562 kg ha-1.Yields under long-term organic and inorganic treatments(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were 22.58,15.35,10.53 and 4.41%,respectively,greater than under the NPK treatment.Soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),available nitrogen(AN)and available potassium(AK)concentration with long-term organic and inorganic treatment(NPKM,NPM,NKM and PKM)were significantly higher than in inorganic fertilizer(NPK)treatments.Soil total phosphorus(TP)and available phosphorus(AP)contentration with organic fertilizer combined with inorganic N and P fertilizer treatment(NPKM,NPM and PKM)were significantly higher than with inorganic fertilizer alone(NPK treatments).The average annual rice yield(11562 kg ha-1),SOC(20.88 g kg-1),TN(2.30 g kg-1),TP(0.95 g kg-1),TK(22.50 g kg-1)and AP(38.94 mg kg-1)concentrations were the highest in the NPKM treatment.The soil AN concentration(152.40 mg kg-1)and AK contentration(151.00 mg kg-1)were the highest in the NKM treatment.N and P application led to a surplus of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil,but NPKM treatment effectively reduced the surplus compared with other treatments.Soils under all treatments were deficient in potassium.Correlation analysis showed that SOC,TN,AN,TP,and AP contentration was significantly correlated with rice yield;the correlation coefficients were 0.428,0.496,0.518,0.501,and 0.438,respectively.This study showed that the combined application of N,P,and K with cow manure had important effects on rice yield and soil fertility,but balanced application of N,P,and K with cow manure was required.
文摘Introduction: In Nigeria, a major reason for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within a year or two of marriage. The inability to achieve conception and subsequently have a child among couples may lead to psychological complications. Objective: This study assessed the psychological impact of infertility and its management on women receiving treatment at a Fertility Specialist Hospital in a poor resource setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 376 consenting married women who sought and received fertility treatment at a private Fertility Specialist Hospital, located at Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria between May 1, 2017 and May 31, 2022. Socio-demographic and Structured questionnaires were administered to the participants over a 5-year period. Results: The mean age of the women at presentation was 36.9 (±7.2 SD) years. The majority of the women (227) presented with secondary infertility accounting for 60.4%, while the rest had primary infertility (χ<sup>2</sup> = 16.18, P = 0.001). Male-only factor infertility accounted for 22.9% of all the infertility cases, female-only factor 21.3% while both (male and female factors co-existing) accounted for 52.7% of all the cases. The commonest cause of infertility in the study was poor sperm parameters (176) accounting for 46.8% of cases, tubal factor 19.1% and anovulatory factor 22.3% (χ<sup>2</sup> = 214.21, P = 0.001). Three hundred and thirty four (88.8%) felt depressed, 266 (70.7%) felt guilty about the past, and 222 (59.0%) had suicidal tendencies because of the infertility ordeal. Two hundred and fifty one (66.8%) felt inferior, 237 (63.0%) cried often and 174 (46.3%) were socially withdrawn. However, 10.4% of the women felt satisfied and well. These negative psychological feelings were statistically significant. Concerning the effect on marriage, the closeness of couples was reduced significantly in 57.7%, 62.8% had reduced coital intimacy, 79.3% had frequent quarrel and misunderstanding, 27.9% had threats of divorce while 4.5% had actually divorced and 11.% separated. However, there was no negative effect of infertility in 8.8% of couples. Conclusion: Psychological issues associated with infertility and its management in women include feelings of depression, guilt feelings, suicidal ideation, weeping episodes, social withdrawal, feelings of inferiority, reduced libido, and poverty of intimacy with frequent quarrels and misunderstanding. Women appear to bear more of the psychological issues associated with infertility. Early marriage on the part of the women, preservation of their reproductive youthful ages, and a better understanding of the concept of infertility by the couple will not only reduce the prevalence of infertility but will also reduce the dangerous psychological issues associated with infertility.
基金the Ministry of Science and Innovation,Spain(IJC2019-039615-I and PID2020-113320RB-I00)the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation scheme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No.801342(Techniospring INDUSTRY+2 种基金TECSPR-19-1-0003)the Regional Government of Catalonia(2017-SGR-1229 and 2021-SGR-00900)the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies(ICREA).
文摘Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are small,single-stranded,non-coding RNA molecules of 22–24 nucleotides that regulate gene expression.In the last decade,miRNAs have been described in sperm of several mammals,including cattle.It is known that miRNAs can act as key gene regulators of early embryogenesis in mice and humans;however,little is known about the content,expression,and function of sperm-borne miRNAs in early bovine embryo.In this study,total sperm RNA was isolated from 29 cryopreserved sperm samples(each coming from a separate bull)using a RNeasy kit and treatment with DNase I.RNA concentration and purity were determined through an Epoch spectrophotometer and an Agilent Bioanalyzer.The expression of 10 candidate miRNAs in bovine sperm(bta-miR-10a,bta-miR-10b,bta-miR-138,bta-miR-146b,bta-miR-19b,bta-miR-26a,bta-miR-34a,bta-miR-449a,bta-miR-495 and btamiR-7),previously identified in testis and/or epididymis,was evaluated with RT-qPCR.The cel-miR-39-3p was used as a spike-in exogenous control.Nonparametric Mann–Whitney tests were run to evaluate which miRNAs were differentially expressed between bulls with high fertility[HF;non-return rates(NRR)ranging from 39.5 to 43.5]and those with subfertility(SF;NRR ranging from 33.3 to 39.3).Several sperm functionality parameters(e.g.,viability,membrane stability or oxygen consumption,among others)were measured by multiplexing flow cytometry and oxygen sensing technologies.Results RNA concentration and purity(260/280 nm ratio)(mean±SD)from the 29 samples were 99.3±84.6 ng/μL and 1.97±0.72,respectively.Bioanalyzer results confirmed the lack of RNA from somatic cells.In terms of the presence or absence of miRNAs,and after applying the Livak method,8 out of 10 miRNAs(bta-miR-10b,-138,-146b,-19b,-26a,-449a,-495,-7)were consistently detected in bovine sperm,whereas the other two(bta-miR-10a,and-34a)were absent.Interestingly,the relative expression of one miRNA(bta-miR-138)in sperm was significantly lower in the SF than in the HF group(P=0.038).In addition to being associated to fertility potential,the presence of this miRNA was found to be negatively correlated with sperm oxygen consumption.The expression of three other miRNAs(bta-miR-19b,bta-miR-26a and bta-miR-7)was also correlated with sperm function variables.Conclusions In conclusion,although functional validation studies are required to confirm these results,this study suggests that sperm bta-miR-138 is involved in fertilization events and beyond,and supports its use as a fertility biomarker in cattle.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32060430 and 31971840)the Research Initiation Fund of Hainan University,China(KYQD(ZR)19104)。
文摘Colored rice is a type of high-quality,high-added-value rice that has attracted increasing attention in recent years.The use of large amounts of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer in rice fields results in low fertilizer use efficiency and high environmental pollution.Organic fertilizer is a promising way to improve soil quality and sustain high yields.However,most studies focus on the effect of animal-based organic fertilizers.The effects of different ratios of plantbased organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer on the grain yield and quality of colored rice have rarely been reported.Therefore,a two-year field experiment was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to study the effects of replacing inorganic N fertilizers with plant-based organic fertilizers on the yield,nitrogen use efficiency(NUE),and anthocyanin content of two colored rice varieties in a tropical region in China.The experimental treatments included no nitrogen fertilization(T1),100% inorganic nitrogen fertilizer(T2),30%inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer(T3),60%inorganic nitrogen fertilizer substitution with plant-based organic fertilizer(T4),and 100% plantbased organic fertilizer(T5).The total nitrogen provided to all the treatments except T1 was the same at 120 kg ha-1.Our results showed that the T3 treatment enhanced the grain yield and anthocyanin content of colored rice by increasing nitrogen use efficiency compared with T2.On average,grain yields were increased by 9 and 8%,while the anthocyanin content increased by 16 and 10% in the two colored rice varieties under T3 across the two years,respectively,as compared with T2.Further study of the residual effect of partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers showed that the substitution of inorganic fertilizer with plant-based organic fertilizer improved the soil physiochemical properties,and thus increased the rice grain yield,in the subsequent seasons.The highest grain yield of the subsequent rice crop was observed under the T5 treatment.Our results suggested that the application of plantbased organic fertilizers can sustain the production of colored rice with high anthocyanin content in tropical regions,which is beneficial in reconciling the relationship between rice production and environmental protection.
文摘Purpose: Fertility education for high school students leads them to be able to decide when to get pregnant and give birth, and to think about their desired life plan. However, knowledge of fertility in Japan is low compared to other countries. This study aims to understand the state of fertility knowledge among high school students in Japan and to clarify issues in fertility education. Method: Ten articles published from 2013 to July 2023 were selected for review from ICHUSHI Web Ver. 5 and CiNii with the keywords “high school students,” “fertility,” and “education.” The review was limited to Japanese-language literature due to differences in fertility education and knowledge between Japan and other countries. Results/Conclusion: 60% - 90% of the high school students indicated that their source of information on fertility was school lessons. Half of the students understood egg aging and the effects of smoking and drinking on fertility, but their knowledge of menstruation, male reproductive physiology/function, and infertility was insufficient. 50% - 80% of students wanted to marry by the age of 30, and 70% - 80% wanted to have children. 80% of students who attended a lecture on preconception care considered the lesson an opportunity to think about their future life plans. 90% of school nurse teachers reported that fertility should be taught in schools, and half said that egg aging, causes of infertility, and other topics should be covered in high school. Educational caution points included the consideration of developmental stages and the relatedness of the content to what had already been taught, among other things. High school is the best time for fertility education because it gives students the opportunity to accept their own sexuality and think about their future. In addition, since many students plan to marry and have children by the age of 30, the acquisition of fertility knowledge can be an effective means of future life design.
基金The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72061147002).
文摘China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.However,the impact of this policy reform on food security and the environment remains inadequately evaluated.Moreover,although green and low-carbon technologies offer environmental advantages,their widespread adoption is hindered by prohibitively high costs.This study analyzes the impact of removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies and explores the potential feasibility of redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in the diffusion of these technologies.Utilizing the China Agricultural University Agri-food Systems model,we analyzed the potential for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes regarding food security and environmental sustainability.The findings indicate that removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies has reduced greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions from agricultural activities by 3.88 million metric tons,with minimal impact on food production.Redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in green and low-carbon technologies,including slow and controlled-release fertilizer,organic-inorganic compound fertilizers,and machine deep placement of fertilizer,emerges as a strategy to concurrently curtail GHG emissions,ensure food security,and secure robust economic returns.Finally,we propose a comprehensive set of government interventions,including subsidies,field guidance,and improved extension systems,to promote the widespread adoption of these technologies.
文摘Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, constituting 25% of all cancer diagnoses. Even though it is only affecting 4% - 6% of women under the age of 40, it remains the most common malignancy among younger patients. Advancement in the treatment and earlier detection gives excellent 5 years of survival. However, the standard treatment that comprises surgical-chemo radiation therapy or hormonal treatment often results in an increased incidence of treatment-induced infertility. Therefore, adding fertility preservation to primary cancer treatment may offer the best opportunity for future fertility. However, despite advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), the uptake of fertility services in this group remains low. In this review, we highlighted the effect of all breast cancer treatments on women’s fertility, the effectiveness and safety of ART in breast cancer patients as well as the safety of pregnancy in breast cancer survivors. Our aim is to improve awareness of fertility preservation for breast cancer to ensure all women diagnosed with breast cancer have multidisciplinary approaches with early referral to fertility specialists to discuss regarding potential risks and benefits of fertility preservation to improve the uptake of fertility preservation among this group of patients.
文摘While generally recognized as a potential source of contamination during the collection process, lubricants are often used at the preference of the male partner to prevent irritation. While older lubricants have been studied, there is currently no conscience within programs as to what constitutes a “safe” lubricant. The object of the current study was designed to evaluate chemically unique “next generation” lubricants in comparison to lubricants currently in use in fertility treatment and/or recognized as fertility safe;the first was a silicone-based lubricant, the second is a water-based, plant-based organic compound, in comparison to two established medical lubricants and a control. Twelve deidentified semen samples from the clinical andrology laboratory were used to test the lubricants following semen analysis. In order to enter the study, the sample had to have a minimum of 30 × 10<sup>6</sup> motile cells. Samples were then processed using a simple sperm wash modified to reconstitute the pellet into a final volume of 7 mL. Half-milliliter aliquots were then transferred into 13 wells of a standard 24-well culture plate. One well was used as a control. The remaining wells received one of the four lubricants at one of three volumes (10, 50, or 100 uL), producing 12 treatment combinations (four lubricants + 3 concentration levels) and the control. The samples were then cultured at room temperature for 24 hours. At times 0, 1, 3, 12, and 24 hrs, the plate was agitated to remix the sample, and a 4 uL aliquot of each well was analyzed for standard semen parameters using a computer-assisted semen analyzer. Results indicated the expected decrease in semen parameters over time in all treatments (P < 0.001). There was also a dose-dependent drop in most of the lubricants. However, samples contaminated with the newer lubricants appeared to maintain semen parameters similar to the controls at all but the 100 ul level of contamination, while the older lubricants caused decreases in sperm function at much lower concentrations. While semen parameters alone should not be the only criteria for the selection of a lubricant, the present study suggests newer formulations of lubricant are less likely to interfere with sperm function.
文摘Experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 in North Dakota to determine the effects of foliar and soil applied fertilizers, variety and irrigation on yield and grain quality of spring wheat. Foliar application of N did not consistently increase yield and protein indicating the soil N levels were adequate to optimize yield. The variety Bolles had higher protein content than Faller. Zinc (Zn) content in the grain was greatest when applied at either flowering or post anthesis. It was also found to be correlated with grain protein content. Yield and grain protein content were negatively related. There was no consistent effect of phosphorous or Zn when applied to the soil on yield, protein, gluten, or Zn content in the grain. Zinc concentration in the grain was significantly correlated with the protein, gluten and P content of the grain. The timing of Zn application was critical to the success of translocating Zn to the grain. Grain Zn concentration increased with most late season foliar Zn applications to both varieties indicating potential for enriching spring wheat nutrient content through production management practices already common in areas that grow spring wheat.
基金supported by the Basic Science Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2020R1C1C1003380).
文摘Background Comparative and comprehensive omics studies have recently been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility.However,because these huge omics datasets often contain irrelevant information,editing strategies for summarizing and filtering the data are necessary prerequisite steps for identifying biomarkers of male fertility.Here,we attempted to integrate omics data from spermatozoa with normal and below-normal fertility from boars and bulls,including transcriptomic,proteomic,and metabolomic data.Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted and visualized using g:Profiler,Cytoscape,EnrichmentMap,and AutoAnnotation to determine fertility-related biological functions according to species.Results In particular,gamete production and protein biogenesis-associated pathways were enriched in bull spermatozoa with below-normal fertility,whereas mitochondrial-associated metabolic pathways were enriched in boar spermatozoa with normal fertility.These results indicate that below-normal fertility may be determined by aberrant regulation of protein synthesis during spermatogenesis,and the modulation of reactive oxygen species generation to maintain capacitation and the acrosome reaction governs boar sperm fertility.Conclusion Overall,this approach demonstrated that distinct molecular pathways drive sperm fertility in mammals in a species-dependent manner.Moreover,we anticipate that searching for species-specific signaling pathways may aid in the discovery of fertility-related biomarkers within large omics datasets.
文摘Age at first calving (AFC) affects the profitability of dairy enterprises. This study examined the relationships between AFC and subsequent fertility, milk production and survival up to third calving in UK Holstein-Friesian heifers;Study 1 comprised 134 consecutively born heifers from the same herd (AFC 764 ± 8 days) and Study 2 contained 445 heifers born on 17 farms (AFC 796 ± 6 days). Growth rates and fertility during rearing were monitored and animals were subsequently divided into four AFC groups for analysis: <23 months, 23 - 25 months, 26 - 30 months and >30 months. The actual AFC reflected both growth rate and heifer fertility, with later calving heifers already lighter by 6 months of age. The proportion conceiving to first service was highest (93% and 84% for Studies 1 and 2, respectively) for the youngest AFC group. Fertility in the first lactation was best in cows calving at 23 - 25 months and worst in the oldest AFC group. Milk production parameters in the first and second lactations were broadly similar between AFC groups but significantly more heifers with an AFC < 26 months calved for a third time. These younger calving animals therefore achieved more days in milk over 5 years, with >44% of their days alive spent in milk production compared with only 18% - 40% in cows calving at ≥26 months. Hence cows with an AFC < 26 months produced the most milk in their first 5 years of life. These results indicate that an AFC of 0.75 kg/d up to 15 months and good heifer fertility and resulted in the best subsequent performance.