Simultaneous determination of five plant hormones in cotton leaves using QuEChERS combined with HPLC‒MS/MS

Background Plant hormones profoundly influence cotton growth,development,and responses to various stresses.Therefore,there is a pressing need for an efficient assay to quantify these hormones in cotton.In this groundbreaking study,we have established QuEChERS-HPLC‒MS/MS method,for the simultaneous detection of multiple plant hormones in cotton leaves,allowing the analysis and quantification of five key plant hormones.Results Sample extraction and purification employed 0.1%acetic acid in methanol and C18 for optimal recovery of plant hormones.The method applied to cotton demonstrated excellent linearity across a concentration range of 0.05–1 mg・L−1,with linear regression coefficients exceeding 0.99.The limits of quantification(LOQs)were 20μg・kg−1 for GA3 and 5μg・kg−1 for the other four plant hormones.Recovery rates for the five plant hormones matrix spiked at levels of 5,10,100,and 1000μg・kg−1 were in the range of 79.07%to 98.97%,with intraday relative standard deviations(RSDs)ranging from 2.11%to 8.47%.The method was successfully employed to analyze and quantify the five analytes in cotton leaves treated with plant growth regulators.Conclusion The study demonstrates that the method is well-suited for the determination of five plant hormones in cotton.It exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity in detecting field samples,thus serving as a robust tool for indepth research into cotton physiology.

Overview of ectopic pancreas

This editorial discusses the article written by Zheng et al that was published in the latest edition of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Our primary focus is on the causes,location,diagnosis,histological classification,and therapy of ectopic pancreas.Ectopic pancreas refers to the presence of pancreatic tissue that is situated in a location outside its usual anatomical placement,and is not connected to the normal pancreas in terms of blood supply or anatomical struc-ture.Currently,the embryological origin of ectopic pancreas remains uncertain.The most prevalent form of ectopic pancreatic is gastric ectopic pancreas.Endoscopic ultrasonography examination can visualize the morphological charac-teristics of the ectopic pancreatic lesion and pinpoint its anatomical location.The histological categorization of ectopic pancreas evolves.Endoscopic treatment has been widely advocated in ectopic pancreas.

Gut microbiota affects the estrus return of sows by regulating the metabolism of sex steroid hormones

Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.

The Effects of Age and Ejaculatory Abstinence on Semen Quality and Reproductive Hormones in Africa and the Middle East

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.

Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy: Epidemiology and Management in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital, Conakry University Hospital

Introduction: The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the quality of GEUR management in the general surgery department and in the maternity ward of the Ignace Deen national hospital, Conakry University Hospital. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive study lasting two years (January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022), carried out in the general surgery and gyneco-obstetrics departments of the Ignace Deen national hospital, Conakry University Hospital. We included all patients with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy who received surgical treatment during the study period. Results: We collected 13,524 cases of surgical interventions in the two services, among them, we recorded 89 cases or 0.66% GEUR. The average age of the patients was 24.26 years. Brides were the most represented with 80.96% of cases. Women practicing a liberal profession were 51.69% (n = 46) and housewives 26.97% (n = 24). Clinically, amenorrhea was noted in all patients, i.e. 100%, abdominal-pelvic pain in 95.2% (n = 85) of cases, metrorrhagia in 94.08% (n = 84), abdominal-pelvic sensitivity in 97.44% (n = 87) of cases and anemia in 85.39% of cases. The GEUR was ampullary in 69.66% (n = 62) cases. Salpingectomy was performed in 90.72% (n = 81). The surgical outcomes were satisfactory in 98.87% (n = 88) of cases. We recorded one case of surgical site infection. We have not recorded any deaths. The average length of hospitalization was 4 days. Conclusion: GEUR is relatively high in our context. A good understanding of the prognostic factors of GEUR, awareness and family planning could reduce GEUR.

Unraveling the gut-brain axis:the impact of steroid hormones and nutrition on Parkinson's disease

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the context of the gut-brain axis.The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease,encompassing diverse components such as the gut microbiota,immune system,metabolism,and neural pathways.The gut microbiome,profoundly influenced by dietary factors,emerges as a key player.Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life shapes the gut microbiota composition,influencing immune responses and impacting both child development and adult health.High-fat,high-sugar diets can disrupt this delicate balance,contributing to inflammation and immune dysfunction.Exploring nutritional strategies,the Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show promise in reducing Parkinson's disease risk.Microbiome-targeted dietary approaches and the ketogenic diet hold the potential in improving brain disorders.Beyond nutrition,emerging research uncovers potential interactions between steroid hormones,nutrition,and Parkinson's disease.Progesterone,with its anti-inflammatory properties and presence in the nervous system,offers a novel option for Parkinson's disease therapy.Its ability to enhance neuroprotection within the enteric nervous system presents exciting prospects.The review addresses the hypothesis thatα-synuclein aggregates originate from the gut and may enter the brain via the vagus nerve.Gastrointestinal symptoms preceding motor symptoms support this hypothesis.Dysfunctional gut-brain signaling during gut dysbiosis contributes to inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances,emphasizing the potential of microbiota-based interventions.In summary,this review uncovers the complex web of interactions between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the gut-brain axis framework.Understanding these connections not only offers novel therapeutic insights but also illuminates the origins of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Differences between two wheat genotypes in the development of floret primordia and contents of pigments and hormones

Promoting more floret primordia within a spike to acquire fertile potential during the differentiation and pre-dimorphism phases is critical for increasing the number of fertile florets per spike(NFFs).However,it is yet unknown the physiological mechanism regulating the complex and dynamic process.This study aimed to clarify how intra-spike hormones,pigments,and assimilates coordinate with each other to regulate spike morphology and then floret primordia development.A two-year field experiment was conducted with two winter wheat genotypes:N50(big-spike with greater NFFs)and SM22(mediumspike with fewer NFFs).We monitored high temporal and spatial-resolution changes in the number and morphology of floret primordia within a spike,as well as in intra-spike hormones,pigments,and assimilates.Our results revealed that the big-spike genotype had more NFFs than the medium-spike genotype,not only because they had more spikelets,but also because they had greater NFFs mainly at central spikelets.More floret primordia at central spikelets had sufficient time to develop and acquire fertile potential during the differentiation phase(167-176 d after sowing,DAS)and the pre-dimorphism phase(179 DAS)for the big-spike genotype than the medium-spike genotype.Floret primordia with fertile morphology during the pre-dimorphism phase always developed into fertile florets during the dimorphism phase.Those early-developed floret primordia most proximal and intermediate to the rachis in the big-spike genotype developed faster than the medium-spike genotype.Correspondingly,the spike dry matter and pigments(chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,carotene,and carotenoids)content during 170-182 DAS,auxin(IAA)and cytokinin(CTK)content on 167 DAS were significantly higher in the big-spike genotype than in the medium-spike genotype,while jasmonic acid(JA)content was significantly lower in the big-spike genotype compared to the medium-spike genotype during 167-182 DAS.Since the significant differences in intra-spike hormone content of the two genotypes appear earlier than those in dry matter and pigments,we propose a possible model that helped the N50 genotype(big-spike)to form more fertile florets,taking the intra-spike hormone content as a signaling molecule induced assimilates and pigments synthesis,which accelerated the development of more floret primordia during the differentiation phase and then acquired fertile potential during the pre-dimorphism phase,finally improved the NFFs.Our high temporal and spatial-resolution analysis provides an accurate time window for precision cultivation and effective physiological breeding to improve the number of fertile florets in wheat.

Metformin:A promising clinical therapeutical approach for BPH treatment via inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormones-induced prostatic epithelial cells proliferation

The occurrence of benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH)was related to disrupted sex steroid hormones,and metformin(Met)had a clinical response to sex steroid hormone-related gynaecological disease.However,whether Met exerts an antiproliferative effect on BPH via sex steroid hormones remains unclear.Here,our clinical study showed that along with prostatic epithelial cell(PEC)proliferation,sex steroid hormones were dysregulated in the serum and prostate of BPH patients.As the major contributor to dysregulated sex steroid hormones,elevated dihydrotestosterone(DHT)had a significant positive relationship with the clinical characteristics of BPH patients.Activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)by Met restored dysregulated sex steroid hormone homeostasis and exerted antiproliferative effects against DHT-induced proliferation by inhibiting the formation of androgen receptor(AR)-mediated Yes-associated protein(YAP1)-TEA domain transcription factor(TEAD4)heterodimers.Met’s anti-proliferative effects were blocked by AMPK inhibitor or YAP1 overexpression in DHT-cultured BPH-1 cells.Our findings indicated that Met would be a promising clinical therapeutic approach for BPH by inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormone-induced PEC proliferation.

New frontiers in ectopic pancreatic tissue management

The pancreatic development variations are relatively frequent but are often overlooked in clinical practice.This is due to the fact that they do not present with a distinct clinical picture and are usually asymptomatic.It also refers to the ectopic pancreatic tissue in the stomach.This anomaly can be diagnosed in any part of the digestive system,but it is mostly seen in the upper gastrointestinal tract,especially in the stomach,duodenum and jejunum.The management of this condition has evolved due to the development of minimally invasive procedures.

Evaluation of Spontaneous Fertility after Medical Treatment of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy in Two Hospitals in the City of Yaounde

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, estimated to occur in 1% - 2% of pregnancies worldwide. This condition also has an adverse effect on the fertility prospects of women who experience it. Objective: To determine the outcomes of subsequent spontaneous fertility after medical treatment of patients with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with ectopic pregnancy at two university teaching hospitals of Yaounde. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection in two university teaching hospitals of Yaounde during a six years period from 1st January 2015 to 31st May 2021. Seventy records of patients who had medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy were included in this study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. 23. The Chi-2 statistical test was used to compare qualitative variables. Binary logistic regression method was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with infertility after medical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP). The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age in our study population was 27.8 ± 3.8 years. According to the past medical history, 52.9% had a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the most frequently germ found was C. trachomatis (47.1%). Almost 15% of our study population had previous surgery for EP. The median Fernandez score was 11 with a minimum score of 4 and a maximum score of 13. The route of administration of methotrexate was intramuscular in all our patients, and the single-dose protocol was used most frequently (58.6%). After medical treatment of the EP, we found a spontaneous conception rate of 58.6%. After multivariate analysis, we were unable to confirm that there was an association between a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and fertility prognosis. Conclusion: The spontaneous fertility rate after medical management of EP was 58.6%, of which 73.2% were term pregnancies and 14.6% were recurrent ectopic pregnancies.

Hepatoprotective effects of Xiaoyao San formula on hepatic steatosis and inflammation via regulating the sex hormones metabolism

BACKGROUND The modified Xiaoyao San(MXS)formula is an adjuvant drug recommended by the National Health Commission of China for the treatment of liver cancer,which has the effect of preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonging patient survival.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying that remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of MXS in ameliorating hepatic injury,steatosis and inflammation.METHODS A choline-deficient/high-fat diet-induced rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)model was used to examine the effects of MXS on lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes.Liver tissues were collected for western blotting and immunohisto chemistry(IHC)assays.Lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis were detected using oil red staining and Sirius red staining.The serum samples were collected for biochemical assays and NMR-based metabonomics analysis.The inflammation/lipid metabolism-related signaling and regulators in liver tissues were also detected to reveal the molecular mechanisms of MXS against NASH.RESULTS MXS showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in hepatocytes under metabolic stress.The western blotting and IHC results indicated that MXS activated AMPK pathway but inhibited the expression of key regulators related to lipid accumulation,inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH.The metabonomics analysis systemically indicated that the arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis are the two main target metabolic pathways for MXS to ameliorate liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis.Mechanistically,we found that MXS protected against NASH by attenuating the sex hormone-related metabolism,especially the metabolism of male hormones.CONCLUSION MXS ameliorates inflammation and hepatic steatosis of NASH by inhibiting the metabolism of male hormones.Targeting male hormone related metabolic pathways may be the potential therapeutic approach for NASH.

Using laparoscope to remove an ectopic intrauterine device in the anterior wall of urinary bladder:A case report

BACKGROUND An intrauterine device(IUD)is a contraceptive device placed in the uterine cavity and is a common contraceptive method for Chinese women.However,an IUD may cause complications due to placement time,intrauterine pressure and other factors.Ectopic IUDs are among the most serious complications.Ectopic IUDs are common in the myometrium and periuterine organs,and there are few reports of ectopic IUDs in the urinary bladder,especially in the anterior wall.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old woman was hospitalized due to a urinary bladder foreign body found via abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography(CT)examination.The patient had a 2-year history of recurrent abdominal distension and lower abdominal pain,accompanied by frequent urination,urgency,dysuria and other discomfort.Ultrasound examination revealed foreign bodies in the bladder cavity,with calculus on the surface of the foreign bodies.CT revealed a circular foreign body on the anterior wall of the urinary bladder,suggesting the possibility of an ectopic IUD.After laparoscopic exploration,an annular IUD was found in the anterior wall of urinary bladder,and an oval calculus with a diameter of approximately 2 cm was attached to the surface of the bladder cavity.The IUD and calculus were successfully and completely removed.The patient recovered well after surgery.CONCLUSION Abdominal ultrasound and CT are effective methods for detecting ectopic IUDs.The IUD is located in the urinary bladder and requires early surgical treatment.The choice of surgical method is determined by comprehensively considering the depth of the IUD in the bladder muscle layer,the situation of complicated calculus,the situation of intravesical inflammation and medical technology and equipment.

The biosynthesis of alarm pheromone in the wheat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi is regulated by hormones via fatty acid metabolism

Aphids are major insect pests in agriculture and forestry worldwide.Following attacks by natural enemies,many aphids release an alarm pheromone to protect their population.In most aphids,the main component of the aphid alarm pheromone(AAP)is the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon(E)-β-farnesene(EβF).However,the mechanisms behind its biosynthesis and regulation remain poorly understood.In this study,we used the bird cherry–oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi,which is an important wheat aphid,to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of EβF biosynthesis.Our results showed that EβF biosynthesis occurs during the mature embryo period and the molting period of the 1st-and 2nd-instar nymphs.Triglycerides provide the prerequisite material for EβF production and release.Based on transcriptome sequencing,RNAi analysis,hormone treatments,and quantitative measurements,we found that the biosynthesis of EβF utilizes acetyl coenzyme A produced from fatty acid degradation,which can be suppressed by juvenile hormone but it is promoted by 20-hydroxyecdysone through the modulation of fatty acid metabolism.This is the first systemic study on the modulation of EβF production in aphids.The results of our study provide insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of AAP biosynthesis,as well as valuable information for designing potential aphid control strategies.

Dietary supplementation of Macleaya cordata extract and Bacillus in combination improve laying performance by regulating reproductive hormones,intestinal microbiota and barrier function of laying hens

Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, sex hormones and cognitive decline in male patients with schizophrenia receiving continuous antipsychotic therapy

BACKGROUND There are systematic differences in clinical features between women and men with schizophrenia(SCZ).The regulation of sex hormones may play a potential role in abnormal neurodevelopment in SCZ.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and sex hormones have complex interacting actions that contribute to the etiology of SCZ.AIM To investigate the influence of BDNF and sex hormones on cognition and clinical symptomatology in chronic antipsychotic-treated male SCZ patients.METHODS The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),progesterone,testosterone(T),prolactin(PRL)and BDNF were compared between chronic antipsychotic-treated male(CATM)patients with SCZ(n=120)and healthy controls(n=120).The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to quantify SCZ symptoms,while neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognition.Neuropsychological tests,such as the Digit Cancellation Test(DCT),Semantic Verbal Fluency(SVF),Spatial Span Test(SS),Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test(PASAT),Trail Making Task(TMT-A),and Block Design Test(BDT),were used to assess executive functions(BDT),attention(DCT,TMT-A),memory(SS,PASAT),and verbal proficiency(SVF).RESULTS Although E2 levels were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the healthy controls,T,PRL,and LH levels were all significantly higher.Additionally,the analysis revealed that across the entire sample,there were positive correlations between E2 Levels and BDNF levels as well as BDNF levels and the digital cancellation time.In CATM patients with SCZ,a significant correlation between the negative symptoms score and PRL levels was observed.CONCLUSION Sex hormones and BDNF levels may also be linked to cognitive function in patients with chronic SCZ.

Effects of Polygonatum odoratum Polysaccharide on Reproductive Hormones in Male Rats Fed a High-fat Diet

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)on organ relative weights and reproductive hormone levels in male rats fed a high-fat diet.[Methods]Thirty healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into two groups according to their body weight:10 in normal control group(Group NC,n=10)and 20 in experimental group(n=20).The rats in experimental group were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks before they were further randomly divided into two groups:high fat group(Group HF)and high fat+400 mg/(kg·d)POP group(Group HF+POP).In Group HF+POP,the rats were administered with POP for another six weeks,before their blood plasma was collected,and the relative weights of their testis and epididymis were calculated.The plasma levels of testosterone(T),estrogen(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),cortisol(C)and luteinizing hormone(LH)were measured by radioimmunoassay,and the plasma levels of sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.[Results]Compared with Group HF,POP could effectively inhibit rat obesity caused by high-fat diets,increase the relative weights of their testis and epididymis,plasma levels of LH,E2,FSH,T,SHBG and IGF-1,and reduce the plasma level of E2.[Conclusions]Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)is able to effectively regulate the level of reproductive hormones in high-fat diet fed rats,and helps to protect their reproductive function.

Salt Stress Affects the Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Altering the Antioxidant Machinery and Expression of Hormones and Stress- Specific Genes

Understanding physiological responses in saline agriculture may facilitate wheat breeding programs.Based on a screening test,the Ningmai-14(NM-14)and Yangmai-23(YM-23)wheat cultivars were selected for further experiments to understand the underlying salinity tolerance mechanism.This study investigated the effects of five salinity levels such as Control(CK)=0(without NaCl stress),S1=0.20%,S2=0.25%,S3=0.30%and S4=0.35%of NaCl concentrations of soil on wheat plants.The results showed that increased salinity concentration reduced the growth and yield of wheat cultivars(NM-14 and YM-23).However,YM-23(12.7%)yielded more than NM-14 at maximum salinity stress.The higher salinity(S4)increased the concentration of Na^(+)(4.3 to 5.8-fold)and P contents(2.5 to 2.2-fold),while reducing the average concentrations of K^(+),Cu,and K^(+)/Na^(+)ratio.The higher salinity(S4)reduced the spikelet length by 21.35%(followed by grain spike−1),and the starch content by 18.81%.In the YM-23 cultivar,higher salinity increased superoxide dismutase(SOD),total antioxidant capacity(TAC),and amylase.Compared to NM-14,induced expression of TaYUC2,6,and TaGA13ox,20ox genes were recorded in YM-23.Similarly,in YM-23 the stress-specific genes such as TaHSP70,90 were enhanced whereas,TaSOS1,2 were suppressed.Overall,our study revealed that salt tolerant cultivars modulate hormonal and antioxidant activities,thus maintaining high growth.

Association of novel and legacy PFAS with reproductive hormones in women of child‑bearing age

Objective:To evaluate the legacy and novel per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)exposure in women of reproductive age,and to explore the effects on female reproductive hormones.Methods:We used cross-sectional data of 433 normal women of reproductive age from 2013 to 2015.Data of age,age at menarche,parity,BMI,education,and income were collected through questionnaires,serum samples were collected for reproductive hormones,and plasma samples for PFAS measurement by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-MS/MS).Multiple linear regression and quantile g-computation were adopted to analyze the association between PFAS and reproductive hormones.Results:The detection rates of 6:2 Cl-PFESA,8:2 Cl-PFESA and HFPO-DA in the plasma were 100%,99.8%and 99.9%,respectively.The median concentrations of these chemicals were 2.27 ng/mL,0.07 ng/mL and 0.03 ng/mL,respectively.Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive association between branched PFOS[1m-PFOS(β=0.131,95%CI:0.021,0.242),br-PFOS(β=0.119,95%CI:0.005,0.234)]and progesterone.In addition,mixed exposure model suggested that PFAS had a positive association with progesterone(β=0.549,95%CI:0.323,0.774).Conclusion:In this study,a mixed exposure model was used to evaluate the combined effects of PFAS mixtures,reflecting the association between multiple environmental PFAS exposure and reproductive hormones,and a higher concentration of novel PFAS was found in women of reproductive age,confirming that PFAS exposure may be related to reproductive hormone disorders in women of reproductive age.

Expression Profiles and Response to Exogenous Hormones of β-Fructofuranosidase Gene BmSuc1 in Silkworms(Bombyx mori)

[Objectives]In order to clarify the regulatory effects of insect hormones on the expression of BmSuc1 and provide a reference for further analysis of the function and expression regulation mechanism of BmSuc1,this study explored the expression profiles of BmSuc1 in different tissues and periods of silkworm larvae and the expression changes of BmSuc1 after treatment with exogenous hormones.[Methods]By using the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technique,the expression characteristics of BmSuc1 were detected in different periods,different tissues and after treatment with exogenous hormones during the development of silkworm larvae.The expression of BmSuc1 and 20E receptor gene USP was detected after RNA interference with double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)of USP.[Results]The relative expression of BmSuc1 gene in the midgut was the highest,followed by the silk glands,epidermis and hemolymph.However,there was much lower or almost no expression in other tissues.In addition,the BmSuc1 expression profile exhibited a pulse-like pattern in silkworm larvae.The expression level of BmSuc1 was higher at each instar stage before molting,late fifth instar before cocooning and prepupal stage.Silkworm larvae at day 2 of the fifth instar were treated with 20-hydroxyecdysone(20E)and juvenile hormone(JH).It was found that the expression of BmSuc1 was extremely significantly higher at 12 and 18 h after 20E treatment than the control group injected with 0.1%dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)(P<0.01,the same below).But there were no significant difference in BmSuc1 expression between the JH treatment and the control group during the measurement time range(P>0.05).The dsRNA of USP was synthesized in vitro and injected into silkworm larvae at day 3 of the fifth instar.It was showed that the USP relative expression was extremely significantly down-regulated at 24 and 36 h after injection,which indicated that dsRNA interference was successful.RNAi of USP would block 20E signal transduction,and the expression of BmSuc1 was inhibited and significantly down-regulated at 24 and 36 h after injection of dsRNA of USP(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The BmSuc1 expression peaks appeared in the molting of silkworm larvae and the metamorphosis of larvae to pupae,which suggests that BmSuc1 may be involved in the metamorphic development process of silkworms.Treatment with exogenous ecdysone 20E can activate the expression of BmSuc1,but blocking the 20E signal transduction pathway may suppress expression of BmSuc1.It indicates that BmSuc1 as a downstream target gene in the 20E signal transduction pathway is directly or indirectly regulated by 20E signals.

Comparison of the application value of transvaginal ultrasound and transabdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

BACKGROUND Ectopic pregnancy(EP) is one of the most common acute abdominal diseases in gynecology. Once the condition of EP is delayed, it may lead to massive hemorrhage, shock, and even death in a short time, seriously threatening the patient’s life. Early diagnosis is the key to preventing and improving the prognosis of EP.Transabdominal ultrasound(TAS) and transvaginal ultrasound(TVS) are the main diagnostic methods for abdominal diseases. The purpose of this study is to explore the application value and effect of TAS and TVS in the diagnosis of EP,hoping to provide more valuable references for the diagnosis of EP.AIM To explore the application value of TAS and TVS in the diagnosis of EP and to improve the level of clinical diagnosis.METHODS A total of 140 patients with EP admitted to our hospital from July 2018 to July 2020 were selected for this study. All patients were divided into two groups according to the examination methods. 63 patients who underwent abdominal ultrasound examination were set as the TAS group, while 77 patients who underwent TVS examination were set as the TVS group. We compared the diagnostic accuracy and misdiagnosis rates between the two types of ultrasound examinations, as well as the postoperative pathological results of the two diagnostic methods for different types of ectopic pregnancies. We also analyzed the sonograms for the presence of mixed ectopic masses,adnexal masses, ectopic gestational sacs, the presence or absence of visible embryo and fetal heart in the ectopic sac shadow, and the detection of fluid in the rectal fossa of the uterus, such as the adnexal area, yolk sac, and embryo, etc. In addition, the diagnosis time, days of gestational sac appearance, operation time, endometrial thickness, and blood flow resistance index were compared as well.RESULTS After performing both types of ultrasound examinations in 140 patients with EP, we found that the diagnostic accuracy of TVS was significantly higher than that of TAS, and the misdiagnosis rate was significantly lower than that of TAS. The differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05). In addition, the detection rate of TVS was better than that of TAS for the presence of mixed masses,adnexal masses, ectopic gestational sacs, the presence or absence of visible embryo and fetal heart in the shadow of the ectopic sac, and sonograms such as the adnexal area, yolk sac, and embryo,etc. The coincidence rate of its postoperative pathological examination results was significantly higher than those of TAS. The diagnosis time and the days of gestational sac appearance by TVS were significantly shorter than that by TAS, and the operation time was earlier than that by TAS.What’s more, the detection rates of the endometrial thickness ￡ 1.5 mm and blood flow resistance ￡0.5 were significantly higher in TVS diagnosis of EP than in TAS. All differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with TAS, TVS has the advantages of high detection accuracy and good sonogram performance.