Identification and Expression Profile of a Neuropeptide LFRFamide-Like Gene During Different Stages of Gonadal Development in the Cephalopod Sepia pharaonis

Neuropeptides are widely distributed in vertebrates and invertebrates,regulating a variety of physiological activities in the organisms,such as metabolism,feeding and reproduction.In this study,to explore the function of neuropeptide LFRFamide in Sepia pharaonis,the full-length cDNA of LFRFamide-like gene(named SpLFRFL,MG869822.1)was identified with rapid amplification of cDNA ends(RACE)method.The sequence of SpLFRFL was 860 bp in length and encoded 188 amino acids containing 4 different mature peptides:1 copy of PHTPFRFamide,NSLFRFamide,TIFRFamide,and 3 copies of GNLFRFamide.Multiple alignment and phylogenetic analysis results showed that SpLFRFL shared high identity with LFRFamides of Sepia officinalis and Sepiella japonica and had the closest relationship with them.Through quantitative Real-time PCR(qRT-PCR),it was found that the SpLFRFL gene was highly expressed in the optic lobe and brain at three different stages during gonad development in both genders.Moreover,the four mature peptides at a concentration of 0.01μmol L^(−1) could inhibit the protein synthesis in the Chinese hamster ovary cell strain-K1(CHOK1)induced by SpGnRH.These data suggest that SpLFRFL might be involved in the development and reproduction of S.pharaonis.The results can contribute to future studies on neuropeptide evolution and function and benefit the cuttlefish farming.

OsPPG encodes a pseudouridine-5'-phosphate glycosidase and regulates rice spikelet development

Florets are the basic structural units of spikelets,and their morphogenesis determines the yield and quality of rice grains.However,whether and how pseudouridine-5’-phosphate glycosidase participates in rice spikelet development remains an open question.In this study,we identified a novel gene,OsPPG,which encodes a peroxisome-localized pseudouridine-5’-phosphate glycosidase and regulates the development of rice spikelets.osppg mutants exhibited abnormal sterile lemma,lemma,palea,lodicule,stamens,and pistils;male sterility;shorter panicles;and reduced plant height.OsPPG was found to regulate several OsMADS genes,thereby affecting the morphogenesis of rice spikelets.Furthermore,metabolomics revealed that the OsPPG gene was involved in the decomposition of pseudouridine via the pyrimidine metabolism pathway and may affect the jasmonic acid signaling pathway.These results suggest that OsPPG is a key regulator of rice spikelet development.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on post-vitrification mouse embryo development

Objective:To investigate the effects of coenzyme Q10(CoQ10)supplementation on post-vitrification embryo development and gross morphology.Methods:Balb/c mouse embryos were cultured in potassium simplex optimised medium(KSOM)with varying CoQ10 concentrations[0(control),20,40,and 60μM].The most effective CoQ10 concentration(40μM)was selected for subsequent post-vitrification morphology study.Embryos were randomly divided into four groups:Group A(non-vitrified without CoQ10),Group B(non-vitrified with CoQ10),Group C(vitrified without CoQ10),and Group D(vitrified with CoQ10),followed by vitrification at the 8-cell stage.Survival rates and development until the blastocyst stage were evaluated through morphological examinations using ASEBIR's system,distinguishing normal and abnormal embryos.Results:Supplementation of 40μM CoQ10 significantly increased blastocyst formation(95%)compared to the control group(92%),20μM(62%),and 60μM(56%)(P<0.001).Following vitrification,Group D exhibited a significant increase in blastocyst formation(92%)compared to Group C(82%)(P<0.05).Morphological assessments indicated superior embryo quality in Group B over Group D during the cleavage stage,morula,and blastocyst(P<0.05).Conclusions:CoQ10 supplementation exhibits promising potential to enhance preimplantation embryo development,increase blastocyst formation rates,and improve embryo quality post-vitrification.This offers a promising approach to mitigate oxidative stress on embryos,potentially improving overall assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

EcR/USP-1-mediated ecdysteroid signaling regulates wolf spider(Pardosa pseudoannulata) development and reproduction

Lycosidae females demonstrate meticulous maternal care of offspring by carrying egg sacs and juvenile spiderlings during the reproductive stage. Nuclear receptors(NRs), especially the ecdysone receptor(EcR) and ultraspiracle(USP), have attracted considerable attention in the regulation of arthropod development and reproduction due to their pivotal roles in ecdysteroid signaling cascades. In the present study, 23 NRs, including one EcR and two USPs, were identified in the genome of the predatory wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata. RNA interference(RNAi) targeting EcR and USP-1inhibited spiderling development and resulted in nonviable eggs in the egg sacs. EcR and USP-1responded to changes in ecdysteroid levels, and interference in ecdysteroid biosynthesis led to similar phenotypes as ds EcR and ds USP-1 treatments.These findings suggest that EcR/USP-1-mediated ecdysteroid signaling regulates P. pseudoannulata development and reproduction. The P.pseudoannulata females with suppressed ecdysteroid signaling proactively consumed their non-viable egg sacs, resulting in a 7.19 d shorter first reproductive cycle than the controls. Termination of the failed reproductive cycle enabled the spiders to produce a new egg sac more rapidly. This reproductive strategy may partially rescue the reduction in population growth due to non-viable eggs and compensate for the physiological expenditure of wasted maternal care, which would be beneficial for the conservation of P.pseudoannulata populations and their natural control of insect pests.

Performance in Survival,Development and Reproduction of Aphis glycines Matsumura Virginoparae at High Temperatures

The soybean aphid,Aphis glycines Matsumura,is an important pest of soybean,which is native to Asia.In this study,A.glycines fed on soybean(AgFS)and A.glycines fed on wild soybean(AgFW)were reared at 25℃,27℃,29℃,31℃,33℃and 35℃,respectively,and some of the life parameters were determined.At temperature ranging from 25℃to 31℃,nymphs of AgFS and AgFW all developed into adults successfully.Only a few nymphs of AgFS and AgFW developed into adults at 33℃and no nymphs could develop into adults at 35℃.Lifespan,fecundity and body size of AgFS and AgFW adults all decreased gradually with temperatures increasing from 25℃to 33℃.At 25℃,the intrinsic rate of increase of AgFS was as big as that at 27℃,which was smaller than that at 29℃,but was bigger than that at 31℃.Intrinsic rate of increase of AgFW decreased gradually with temperatures increasing from 25℃to 31℃.Nymph stage duration of AgFW was longer than or as long as that of AgFS;adult lifespan of AgFW was shorter than or as long as that of AgFS.Adult fecundity,intrinsic rate of increase and adult body size of AgFW were all smaller than or as big as those of AgFS.It showed that AgFS and AgFW both survived and developed well at temperature ranging from 25℃to 31℃,and AgFW was more adaptive to low temperatures.These results were important to study the adaptability of A.glycines to high temperatures and for predicting its dynamics in the temperature keeping rising region.

Problems and Countermeasures of Fruit and Vegetable Logistics Distribution Development in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

The logistics transportation and distribution of fruits and vegetables has become one of the important links for people to obtain food,and it is also an important direction and emerging challenge in the logistics industry.As the social economy and transportation develop,the consumption ability of residents has been improved,and the high demand for fruits and vegetables has promoted the transportation of fruits and vegetables to meet the development conditions of the future fruit and vegetable industry.The study of fruit and vegetable logistics distribution can improve the efficiency of fruit and vegetable distribution,improve the construction of fruit and vegetable distribution system,and also meet the needs of people for different kinds of fruits and vegetables.Taking Guangxi fruit and vegetable distribution as an example,through empirical investigation,this paper studies the existing problems in the development of logistics distribution in the fruit and vegetable distribution industry,and puts forward corresponding measures and countermeasures according to the problems,so as to innovate the fruit and vegetable distribution mode in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Characterization and differential expression of three GnRH forms during reproductive development in cultured turbot Schophthalmus maximus

Turbots( Schophthalmus maximus), one of the most important economic marine flatfish species, fail to undergo final spawning and spermiation naturally under artificial farming conditions. In vertebrates, reproduction is regulated by the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis(BPG-axis), and gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH) is one of its key components. Therefore, to better understand the physiology of reproduction in the turbot, three of the genes encoding GnRH subtypes— sbGnRH, c GnRH-II and sGnRH —were cloned and sequenced by isolating the cDNA sequences. The localizations and patterns of expression of their mRNAs were also evaluated during seasonal gonadal development. All three mRNAs were expressed abundantly in the brain; sbGnRH and sGnRH mRNAs were also detected in the gonads and pituitary gland, and sbGnRH expression was much higher than that of sGnRH, indicating the critical role of sbGnRH in regulating the BPG-axis. Moreover, the brain expression patterns of sbGnRH and sGnRH mRNAs showed an increased trend during gonadal development, peaking in mature stages. This indicated the direct regulation of gonadal development by the GnRH system. In addition, c GnRH-II mRNA expression showed no significant variations, suggesting that c GnRH-II is not critically involved in the control of reproduction. Further, the mRNA abundances of the three GnRH forms in the breeding season were significantly higher than those in immature and post-breeding stages in all analyzed brain areas. Therefore, we propose that sbGnRH is the most important hormone for the regulation of reproduction in turbot via the BPG-axis. These results will help in better understanding the reproductive endocrine mechanisms of turbots and lay the groundwork for additional studies aimed at comparing the reproductive physiology of wild individuals with those raised under artificial conditions.

Growth Development and Reproductive Performance of Congjiang Fragrance Pig

[Objective] The paper was to determine whether the germplasm resources of Congjiang fragrance pig had changed over the past 30 years. [Method]The growth development and reproductive performance of 100 pigs from six towns in central fragrance pig producing area and Congjiang fragrance pig stock seed farm were measured,and further compared with the data in Guizhou Livestock and Poultry Breeds 1986. [Result]The growth and development status was basically consistent,and the average litter size was at a downward trend: the first litter decreased by 26. 2%; the second litter decreased by 7. 0%; the third litter decreased by8. 55%. [Conclusion] The study laid the foundation for vigorous promotion of Congjiang fragrance pig in industrial development process,acceleration of breeding pace,gradual updating of farming breeds by farmers and improvement of production efficiency of fragrance pig.

Long-term vegetation development on a wildfire slope in Innerzwain(Styria,Austria)

Forest fires in mountainous areas can cause severe defores-tation which can potentially trigger secondary natural hazards like debris falls and avalanches. We documented an extreme case study for the range of possible post-fire land cover （LC） dynamics. We investigated a 15-ha, steep （10°-65°） burnt slope in Styria （Austria） at elevation of 760-1130 m, which burned in 1946 and has not fully recovered to date. Seven 8-class legend LC maps were produced （1954, 1966, 1973, 1982, 1998, 2004, 2009） and integrated in a vector-based GIS, mainly by on-screen interpretation of aerial photos. Our aim was to clarify how post-wildfire LC dynamics take place on a severely damaged, steep slope and to give a basic projection of the future vegetation recovery process. The pre-fire Pinus sylvestrisstands have been mainly replaced by Picea abies and Larix decidua. Regeneration proceeded mainly from the base of the slope upwards. All tree species together still cover no more than 40% of the slope after more than 60 years of recovery, while grassland communities and rock/debris areas have expanded. Multitemporal analysis showed a slow but steady increase in woodland cover. Degraded rock/debris areas, however, expanded as well because soil erosion and related debris flows remained active. Slope angle （with a threshold value of approx. 35-40°） seemed to control whether erosion or regeneration prevailed. According to a simple extrapolation, the slope will not reach its former condition before 2070. This extreme disturbance window of more than 120 years is owed to the steepness of the slope and to the shallow soils on dolomitic bedrock that were severely damaged by the fire. The neglect of any game fencing is a further factor slowing regeneration.

Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock

Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources,but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways.The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years.Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development,oocyte maturation and embryo development,as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development,through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones,such as steroid hormones and prosta-glandins.However,many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle,lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages.Therefore,an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establish-ment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.

Seed Germination and Vegetative Propagation of Promising Decorative Lonicera tatarica L. (Caprifoliaceae Juss.), Introduced into the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan)

Seed germination (in laboratory and field conditions) and vegetative reproduction (by cuttings) of a promising decorative species—Lonicera tatarica L. (Caprifoliaceae Juss.) was studied for the first time in the conditions of introduction of the Tashkent Botanical Garden of Uzbekistan. Thus, the optimal temperature for germination of L. tatarica seeds in laboratory conditions is +20°C + 22°C, at which germination was 73%. The germination rate of seeds sown in autumn in the field was 62%, and the germination rate of seeds sown in spring was 71%. It was noted that in greenhouse conditions at an air temperature of 20°C - 22°C and a relative humidity of 49% - 53%, the rootability of cuttings was 75%. It was revealed that the studied species adapted well to the conditions of introduction. Taking into account the effectiveness of vegetative reproduction of L. tatarica, it can be recommended for improving the aesthetic condition and landscaping of cities, landscaping and landscape design.

Home Range and Habitat Use of the Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon) during the Reproductive Period in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula

Many populations of the Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon) have suffered a noticeable decrease over the last decades. This work has the aim of estimating the home range of the Moustached Warbler and its habitat use during the reproductive season. We captured 11 males during the reproductive period with mist nets and marked them with radio transmitters. We determined the home range by calculating minimum convex polygon and kernel areas at 95% (home range) and 50% (core area). Then, to study the habitat use, we registered the proportion of the different vegetation types within these areas and carried out a compositional analysis to investigate if there is a detectable habitat preference. The results seem to indicate that the marked individuals did not show territorial behavior, given that the overlaps between home ranges and also the core areas were over 70%. The compositional analysis showed that A. melanopogon prefers tall and short reeds and mixed vegetation with rushes and bulrushes. Thus, maintaining heterogeneous and stratified vegetation would favor this species.

Reproduction,Development,and Growth Response to Captive Diets in the Shangcheng Stout Salamander,Pachyhynobius shangchengensis(Amphibia,Urodela,Hynobiidae)

The Shangcheng stout salamander(Pachyhynobius shangchengensis) is a poorly known stream dwelling hynobiid salamander from China. We studied the reproduction, development and growth response of the salamander to different diets in captivity. Two females each produced two unique, striated egg sacs, with each containing 18 and 20, and 22 and 32 white eggs with an average diameter of 3.3 mm. Hatchlings(n = 27) had front- and hind-limb buds with interdigit membranes and a large yolk sac, and developed cornified finger and toe tips during further development. Metamorphosis occurred between d 441 and d 454 after hatching at an average total length of 94.8 mm(n = 21). These reproductive and developmental traits fit in well with the ancestral state reconstruction in hynobiids. If corrected for dry mass, feed conversion ratios obtained by feeding bloodworms(Chironomidae) to P. shangchengensis larvae and mealworms(Tenebrio molitor) to postmetamorphs, were very low(0.33 and 0.34 respectively), equaling a very high mass conversion efficiency.

Effect of diet on the development, survival, and reproduction of the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus dubia

Pseudodiaptomus dubia is a calanoid copepod abundant in the mariculture ponds of southern China. However, our understanding of the population dynamics of P . dubia in aquaculture ponds is limited. In this study, groups of larval P . dubia were each fed a diff erent microalgal species, and the eff ects of these diff erent diets on development, survival, and reproduction were assessed. The fi ve microalgae used were species common in aquaculture farms in China, and included two chlorophytes ( Chlorella saccharophila and Platymonas subcordiformis ), one golden microalga ( Isochrysis zhanjiangensis ), and two diatoms ( Chaetoceros muelleri and Cyclotella meneghiniana ). Our results indicated that C . saccharophila was not a suitable food for larval P . dubia , as all larvae fed this microalga died at stage III (as copepodites). The survival rates of P . dubia larvae fed C . muelleri , I . zhanjiangensis , and P . subcordiformis were signifi cantly higher than that of larvae fed C . meneghiniana . In the adult stage, copepods fed C . muelleri , I . zhanjiangensis , and C . meneghiniana produced more nauplii (430-566 nauplii/female), had higher intrinsic growth rates (0.2- 0.253/d), and better longevity (59-60 days) than those fed P . subcordiformis . Our results therefore suggest that P . dubia has diff erent nutritional needs and food preferences at diff erent life stages. For example, P . subcordiformis was suitable for developing larvae but not for breeding adults, while C . meneghiniana was suitable for breeding adults but not for developing larvae. Both C . muelleri and I . zhanjiangensis were excellent foods for P . dubia throughout the entire life cycle.

Attitude of Health Care Providers towards Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

The aim of the review was to synthesise the best available evidence regarding attitude of health care providers towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. The review was conducted following qualitative research method. An online search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), British Nursing Index (BNI), EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was conducted to identify relevant studies for the review. There were nine studies that met the inclusion criteria and these were critically assessed by two independent reviewers using the standardised Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal forms. Data were extracted using the standardised JBI data extraction forms. A narrative synthesis was done on the findings. Key findings from the review indicate that unprofessional attitude of health care professionals and lack of youth friendly reproductive health services, inhibit adolescents from gaining access to sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. It is recommended that youth friendly reproductive health services be provided to increase uptake of re-productive health services by adolescents.

Current Situations of Development and Use of Wild Vegetables in Yichun Area and Recommendations

Based on the survey on wild plants in 21 counties( cities) in Yichun Area,89 species of 32 families of wild vegetables were collected. The species,parts,edible parts,distribution and current development and use of wild vegetables in Yichun Area were expounded. Then,existing problems of wild vegetables in Yichun Area were discussed. Finally,pertinent recommendations were put forward.

Vegetative Reproduction through Green Cuttings of the Introduced Form <i>Weigela florida</i>f. “<i>Bristol ruby</i>” (Caprifoliaceae) in the Conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan)

For the first time, work was carried out on the vegetative reproduction of Weigela florida f. “Bristol Rubru” (Caprifoliaceae) was introduced into the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan) through green branches. As a result of the research conducted, it was noted that the vegetative reproduction possibilities of the “Bristol Ruby” form of Weigela florida were high. When placed on stimulants of two types (kornevin, heteroauxin), it became known that kornevin stimulants are effective in taking root. It was found that the effective way to multiply this form by green branches in a vegetative way—when placed on the stimulator of kornevin from the middle part of the rod, the indicators of root extraction of the cuttings were 93.3%, which is more effective than other options. When vegetative reproduction of this decorative form, it is recommended that the seedlings come to the standard state in 3 - 4 years and the root extraction indicators are high—this is its use as the second row shrubs in the case of growing on strongly saline soils in the conditions of Uzbekistan. The cultivation of green cuttings of the form in the fog showed that they are more effective than in the open ground.

Temporal and Spatial Requirement of EMF1 Activity for Arabidopsis Vegetative and Reproductive Development

EMBRYONIC FLOWER （EMF） genes are required to maintain vegetative development via repression of flower homeotic genes in Arabidopsis. Removal of EMF gene function caused plants to flower upon germination, producing abnormal and sterile flowers. The pleiotropic effect of ernfl mutation suggests its requirement for gene programs involved in diverse developmental processes. Transgenic plants harboring EMF1 promoter：：glucuronidase （GUS） reporter gene were generated to investigate the temporal and spatial expression pattern of EMF1. These plants displayed differential GUS activity in vegetative and flower tissues, consistent with the role of EMF1 in regulating multiple gene programs. EMFI：：GUS expression pattern in emf mutants suggests organ-specific auto-regulation. Sense- and antisense （as） EMF1 cDNA were expressed under the control of stage- and tissue-specific promoters in transgenic plants. Characterization of these transgenic plants showed that EMF1 activity is required in meristematic as well as differentiating tissues to rescue emf mutant phenotype. Temporal removal or reduction of EMF1 activity in the embryo or shoot apex of wild-type seedlings was sufficient to cause early flowering and terminal flower formation in adult plants. Such reproductive cell memory is reflected in the flower MADS-box gene activity expressed prior to flowering in these early flowering plants. However, temporal removal of EMF1 activity in flower meristem did not affect flower development. Our results are consistent with EMF1＇s primary role in repressing flowering in order to allow for vegetative growth.