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The present study was designed and conducted to evaluate the influence of methoxyfenozide on the reproductive potential of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars larvae, as a safe and suitable alternative for the conventional organic insecticide. Results showed that the highest concentration i.e. 15 ppm of methoxyfenozide caused maximum reduction in fecundity i.e. 118.43 ± 6.08 eggs laid/ female and hatchability i.e. 31.52 ± 1.18% when both males and females were crossed emerged from treated culture in case of 1st instar exposed larvae. Such pairs showed maximum sterility also when emerged from 15 ppm concentration of food in 1st instar exposure. Fecundity, fertility and sterility comparatively decreased in 2nd, 3rd and 4thinstar larvae due to their comparatively poor exposure duration. Such knowledge may offcourse be beneficial for the effective control of rice-moth in particular and lepidopterous pest in general in eco-friendly way.

Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of infant care that provides numerous benefits for both infants and mothers. The socio-cultural changes of the 21st century require optimisation of this practice and research into the physiological stages of milk secretion, including the hormonal regulation of lactation and factors that influence breast secretion, which is crucial for supporting breastfeeding and improving the overall well-being of infants and mothers. The purpose of the work was to investigate current views on breastfeeding support through a comprehensive review of the existing literature, with a particular focus on studies on the physiological stages of milk secretion during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We used bibliographic, analytical and regulatory search methods. The review contributes to the deepening of knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding, emphasising its importance for newborn care and maternal well-being. The material covers a wide range of factors that influence lactation as a physiological process and breastfeeding as a social practice. The findings highlight the physiological basis of the lactation process: the key role of prolactin and oxytocin in initiating and maintaining milk secretion, internal (hormonal imbalances, breast anatomy and surgery), and external factors such as the mother’s somatic condition, including gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. The positive aspects of breastfeeding for both the child and the mother are analysed. The various positive effects of this practice on the child are considered, including the most favourable balance of nutrients in the mother’s milk, the formation of passive immunity and the maintenance of a healthy intestinal microbiota. Particular attention is paid to the changing views on infant feeding in light of social and economic changes in the early 21st century, including the growing role of artificial formula and the challenges of natural feeding in the workplace. Practical implications: it provides a basis for developing evidence-based interventions to improve the breastfeeding experience and well-being of both infants and mothers while informing healthcare professionals, policymakers, and support groups.

Simple Summary: Cocaine, a widely used drug, can influence sexual behavior. It has been shown, especially in mammals, that cocaine can cause various disorders of sexual activity and gonadal dysfunction in both sexes. Cocaine has been found to alter the cell cycle, alter the meiotic spindle, induce apoptosis, and alter sperm motility. This review provides an overview of the main effects of cocaine on spermatogenesis and oogenesis, laying the groundwork for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of cocaine and its metabolites with germ cells. Cocaine is one of the most widely used drugs that, due to its molecular properties, causes various behavioral alterations, including sexual behavior. In vivo and in vitro studies conducted mainly in mammals have shown various disorders of sexual activity and morpho-functional dysfunctions of the gonads in both sexes. Although the modalities are still unclear, cocaine has been shown to alter the cell cycle, induce apoptosis, and alter sperm motility. In females, this drug alters the formation of the meiotic spindle as well as may obstruct the ovulation mechanism of mature oocytes. The data provided in this review, in addition to reviewing the current literature on the main effects of cocaine on spermatogenesis and oogenesis mainly in mammals, will hopefully provide a basic overview that may help and support further future studies on the molecular interaction of cocaine and its metabolites with germ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), transmits a variety of pathogens and synthesizes nearly ten protein substances that trigger human allergies and asthma. With its strong fecundity and super resistance to various kinds of chemical pesticides, B. germanica is currently regarded as the most difficult to control global, household, insect pest. B. germanica uses sex pheromones for communication between the sexes. These pheromones are synthesized by sexually mature adult females. Their main function is to attract and stimulate male courtship and induce mating. Sex pheromone biosynthesis is therefore one of the core steps of sexual communication in this species. Articles on the regulation of sex pheromone synthesis in B. germanica have gradually increased in recent years, however, there has so far been no critical review summarizing progress and prospects for future research. This paper reviews important progress in research on contact sex pheromone biosynthesis and molecular regulation in B. germanica over the past three decades. It introduces researches on chemical composition and biosynthetic sites, focuses on the identification and characterization of key enzymatic genes involved in the sex pheromone biosynthesis pathway and the regulation of sex pheromone synthesis by the coordination between sex differentiation and juvenile hormone signaling. Prospects for future research are outlined with the aim of providing new theoretical support to develop new strategies for regulating cockroach behavior and new cockroach baits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the present study aims to evaluate body composition and its relationship with hormonal control in acromegaly, also comparing the performance of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a more accessible method, with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), technology frequently used in current studies. Methods: we studied 28 patients (78% female) of whom 13 with active disease, mean age was 52.11 ± 12.53 years; 64% had high blood pressure (HBP) and 50% had type 2 diabetes (T2D). Results: Although patients with controlled disease had lower serum GH (1.2 ± 1.68µg/L vs 6.61 ± 6.40µg/L, p=0.001) and IGF-1 (158.89 ± 54.53ng/mL and 503.31 ± 253.25ng/mL, p<0.001), they did not differ in body composition: percentage of fat mass: 36.13 ± 11.84% vs 37.73 ± 8.76%, p=0.691 for BIA and 37.10 ± 10.21% vs 37.89 ± 7.32%, p=0.819 for DXA; muscle mass parameters, BIA: FFMI 18.68 ± 2.38kg/m2 vs 19.14 ± 1.59kg/m2, p=0.560; SMI 10.17 ± 1.39kg/m2 vs 10.53 ± 1.01kg/m2, p=0.438; DXA: Baumgartner 7.99 ± 1.43kg/m2 vs 8.02 ± 1.24kg/m2, p=0.947, respectively for controlled and active disease. Patients with controlled acromegaly had lower fasting glucose (110.33 ± 55.48mg/dL vs 129.77 ± 40.17mg/dL, p=0.033) and were less likely to have persistent T2D (28.6 vs 71.4%, p=0.008) and HBP (38.9 vs 61.1%, p=0.049). There were strong positive correlations between BIA and DXA for fat mass (r=0.929, p<0.001) and muscle mass parameters: SMI X Baumgartner: r=0.890, p<0.001; and FFMI X Baumgartner: r=0.868, p<0.001. Conclusion: our data showed similar results in body composition assessment by BIA and DXA, with good correlation between the methods, regardless of the hormonal status of acromegaly. Furthermore, in patients with adequate hormonal control, there was preservation of muscle mass and a lower prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, such as T2D and HBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introductionthe present study aims to evaluate body composition and its relationship with hormonal control in acromegaly, also comparing the performance of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a more accessible method, with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), technology frequently used in current studies. Methodswe studied 28 patients (78% female) of whom 13 with active disease, mean age was 52.11 ± 12.53 years; 64% had high blood pressure (HBP) and 50% had type 2 diabetes (T2D).ResultsAlthough patients with controlled disease had lower serum GH (1.2 ± 1.68µg/L vs 6.61 ± 6.40µg/L, p=0.001) and IGF-1 (158.89 ± 54.53ng/mL and 503.31 ± 253.25ng/mL, p

This review presents a synthesis of shark bioluminescence knowledge. Up to date, bioluminescent sharks are found only in Squaliformes, and specifically in Etmopteridae, Dalatiidae and Somniosidae families. The state-of-the-art knowledge about the evolution, ecological functions, histological structure, the associated squamation and physiological control of the photogenic organs of these elusive deep-sea sharks is presented. Special focus is given to their unique and singular hormonal luminescence control mechanism. In this context, the implication of the photophore-associated extraocular photoreception—which complements the visual adaptations of bioluminescent sharks to perceive residual downwelling light and luminescence in dim light environment—in the hormonally based luminescence control is depicted in detail. Similarities and differences between shark families are highlighted and support the hypothesis of an evolutionary unique ancestral appearance of luminescence in elasmobranchs. Finally, potential areas for future research on shark luminescence are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) prevalence among children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and to assess hormonal control role as a contributing factor for TART development. Testicular adrenal rest tumors are benign tumors complicating CAH. It affects adult males with CAH commonly, with a reported prevalence of 40% on average, and up to 94%. There is insufficient data regarding their prevalence in children aged above 4 years and adolescents. Methods: This descriptive study included 21 children and adolescents with CAH (17 salt wasting type, 4 non salt wasting type) aged 4-20 years who were screened for TARTs by routine testicular ultrasonography from October 2012 to December 2020 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone, 17-hydroxy progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels were measured. Results: Testicular adrenal rest tumors were detected in 6 (28%) patients (median age: 12.5 years). The youngest affected child was 8 years old. All patients with TARTs were asymptomatic with impalpable testicular masses at the time of detection. Bilateral involvement was observed in 5 patients, while one patient had unilateral involvement. All patients with TARTs had poor hormonal control, and 4 patients had advanced bone age. Conclusion: Testicular adrenal rest tumors development has been shown to correlate with poor hormonal control. Annual screening of young children with CAH for TART development is crucial, even for asymptomatic or with impalpable testicular masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, which facilitates more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Magnesium is essential for nucleic material and protein synthesis, neuromuscular conduction, cardiac contractility, energy metabolism, and immune system function. Gastrointestinal system and kidneys closely regulate magnesium absorption and elimination to maintain adequate storage of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to many diseases and poor health outcomes. Magnesium has also been proven to be an effective therapeutic agent in many diseases, such as bronchial asthma, cardiac arrhythmia, and pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is the second most important fruit or vegetable crop next to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). It is cultivated for fresh fruit and processed products. Tomatoes contain many health-promoting compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. In addition to its economic and nutritional importance, tomatoes have become the model for the study of fleshy fruit development. Tomato is a climacteric fruit and dramatic metabolic changes occur during its fruit development. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of tomato fruit metabolism. We begin by detailing the genetic and hormonal control of fruit development and ripening, after which we document the primary metabolism of tomato fruits, with a special focus on sugar, organic acid, and amino acid metabolism. Links between primary and secondary metabolic pathways are further highlighted by the importance of pigments, flavonoids, and volatiles for tomato fruit quality. Finally, as tomato plants are sensitive to several abiotic stresses, we briefly summarize the effects of adverse environmental conditions on tomato fruit metabolism and quality.

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a chronic disorder causing adrenal insufficiency and hyperandrogenism affecting the quality of life (QOL). The objective of the study was to assess the health-related QOL (HRQOL) in Egyptian children and adolescents with CAH and to identify factors affecting it. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 CAH patients (with 21-hydroxylase deficiency [21-OHD]) who were assessed according to their age, sex, clinical phenotype, timing of genitoplasty, hospital admissions within the last year, compliance to treatment, regularity of follow-up, presence of complications and hormonal control. HRQOL was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO)QOL-BREF questionnaire with four domains analyzed independently including physical, psychological, social and environmental domains, with higher scores indicating better QOL. Results: The study included 140 females and 60 males with a mean age of 6.6 ± 4.5 years, and 88% were salt-wasting (SW). Older patients had significantly lower QOL scores (r = − 0.151, p = 0.033). The physical domain correlated significantly with the degree of virilization (r = − 0.491, p = 0.001) and frequency of hospitalization (r = − 0.495, p < 0.001). The psychological domain was affected by age (r = − 0.157, p = 0.026) and timing of genitoplasty (r = − 0.326, p = 0.001), while the social domain was affected by age (r = −0.277, p < 0.005) and pubertal stage (r = − 0.195, p = 0.006). Females had lower scores at the psychological domain (p < 0.001), whereas males had lower scores at the physical domain (p = 0.003). Salt-losing patients had lower scores at the physical domain (p = 0.001). Patients with good hormonal control had higher scores at the physical domain (p = 0.03). Genitoplasty affected both psychological and social domains (p = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively). Patients with hypertension and hirsutism had lower QOL scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HRQOL was relatively more affected in CAH patients with older age, poor hormonal control, high frequency of hospital admissions and those who developed complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is the second most important fruit or vegetable crop next to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). It is cultivated for fresh fruit and processed products. Tomatoes contain many health-promoting compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. In addition to its economic and nutritional importance, tomatoes have become the model for the study of fleshy fruit development. Tomato is a climacteric fruit and dramatic metabolic changes occur during its fruit development. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of tomato fruit metabolism. We begin by detailing the genetic and hormonal control of fruit development and ripening, after which we document the primary metabolism of tomato fruits, with a special focus on sugar, organic acid, and amino acid metabolism. Links between primary and secondary metabolic pathways are further highlighted by the importance of pigments, flavonoids, and volatiles for tomato fruit quality. Finally, as tomato plants are sensitive to several abiotic stresses, we briefly summarize the effects of adverse environmental conditions on tomato fruit metabolism and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stolonization in syllid annelids is a unique mode of reproduction among animals. During the breeding season, a structure resembling the adult but containing only gametes, called stolon, is formed generally at the posterior end of the animal. When stolons mature, they detach from the adult and gametes are released into the water column. The process is synchronized within each species, and it has been reported to be under environmental and endogenous control, probably via endocrine regulation. To further understand reproduction in syllids and to elucidate the molecular toolkit underlying stolonization, we generated Illumina RNA-seq data from different tissues of reproductive and nonreproductive individuals of Syllis magdalena and characterized gene expression during the stolonization process. Several genes involved in gametogenesis (ovochymase, vitellogenin, testis-specific serine/threonine-kinase), immune response (complement receptor 2), neuronal development (tyrosine-protein kinase Src42A), cell proliferation (alpha-1D adrenergic receptor), and steroid metabolism (hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2) were found differentially expressed in the different tissues and conditions analyzed. In addition, our findings suggest that several neurohormones, such as methyl farnesoate, dopamine, and serotonin, might trigger stolon formation, the correct maturation of gametes and the detachment of stolons when gametogenesis ends. The process seems to be under circadian control, as indicated by the expression patterns of r-opsins. Overall, our results shed light into the genes that orchestrate the onset of gamete formation and improve our understanding of how some hormones, previously reported to be involved in reproduction and metamorphosis processes in other invertebrates, seem to also regulate reproduction via stolonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical concepts of human sodium balance include 1) a total pool of Na+ of ≈4,200 mmol (total body sodium, TBS) distributed primarily in the extracellular fluid (ECV) and bone, 2) intake variations of 0.03 to ≈6 mmol·kg body mass-1·day-1, 3) asymptotic transitions between steady states with a halftime (T½) of 21 h, 4) changes in TBS driven by sodium intake measuring ≈1.3 day [ΔTBS/Δ(Na+ intake/day)], 5) adjustment of Na+ excretion to match any diet thus providing metabolic steady state, and 6) regulation of TBS via controlled excretion (90-95% renal) mediated by surrogate variables. The present focus areas include 1) uneven, nonosmotic distribution of increments in TBS primarily in "skin," 2) long-term instability of TBS during constant Na+ intake, and 3) physiological regulation of renal Na+ excretion primarily by neurohumoral mechanisms dependent on ECV rather than arterial pressure. Under physiological conditions 1) the nonosmotic distribution of Na+ seems conceptually important, but quantitatively ill defined; 2) long-term variations in TBS represent significant deviations from steady state, but the importance is undetermined; and 3) the neurohumoral mechanisms of sodium homeostasis competing with pressure natriuresis are essential for systematic analysis of short-term and long-term regulation of TBS. Sodium homeostasis and blood pressure regulation are intimately related. Real progress is slow and will accelerate only through recognition of the present level of ignorance. Nonosmotic distribution of sodium, pressure natriuresis, and volume-mediated regulation of renal sodium excretion are essential intertwined concepts in need of clear definitions, conscious models, and future attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of areas affected by drought worldwide has a negative effect on yield and crops production, making water deficits the most significant abiotic stress that limits the growth and development of plants. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a strategy that mitigates the effects of this stress in a sustainable way, given the increase in the tolerance to water deficit stress in plants inoculated with these fungi; however, the exact mechanism is unknown because the response depends on the water-deficit stress type and is specific to the AMF and the plant. This review describes the mechanisms that explain how the AMF colonization of roots can modify the response of plants during a water deficit, as well as its relationship with physiological processes that determine yield, photosynthesis and photoassimilate partitioning. These mechanisms may include modifications in the content of plant hormones, such as strigolactones, jasmonic acid (JA) and absicic acid (ABA). The JA appears to be involved in the stress signal in mycorrhizal plants through an increase of ABA concentrations and, at the same time, ABA has a regulating effect on strigolactone concentrations. Also, there is improvement of plant water status, stomatal conductance, nutritional status and plant responses to cope with a water deficit, such as osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant activity. These modifications cause an increase in CO2 assimilation and photoassimilate production, improving plant growth during a drought.

Aims: This retrospective audit of long-term outcomes and treatment sequelae with conventional radiotherapy (RT) is presented with an objective to provide baseline data with which outcomes of high precision techniques (fractionated radiosurgery and intensity-modulated RT [IMRT]) may be compared. Materials and Methods: Between the years 1990 and 2012, a total of 182 patients of pituitary adenoma were registered in the Department of Radiotherapy. Of these, 156 received RT. Immobilization consisted of a plaster of Paris cast (1990–1995), acrylic cast (1996–2000), a three-point head fixation thermoplastic cast (2001–2006), and now we are using “U”-IMRT thermoplastic cast since 2007 onward. A 2-field technique was used in 7% patients, whereas in the remaining 93% patients, 3-field technique was used. Forty-seven percent of patients were treated on a telecobalt unit and the remaining 53% patients on 6 MV linear accelerator. Rectangular fields, no field shaping, and appropriate wedges were used with mean field sizes (standard deviation [SD] and range) being 41.4 cm2 (16, 25–100). Mean dose (SD, range) was 47.5 Gy (SD 3.2; range 45–55) given in 1.8–2.0 Gy/fraction, 5 fractions/week. Results: Sixty percent of patients were (93/156) males. Median age was 37 years (mean - 37, SD - 13.2, range 12–66); 40.4% (63/156) had functional tumors. Presenting features were mainly headache 125 (80%), field defects 91 (58.3%), menstrual disturbances 33 (53% of women), and acromegalic features 38 (24.4%). Suprasellar extension, 129 (82.7%), was most common. All patients underwent resection; out of them, 28.2% patients had multiple surgeries. At a median (range) follow-up of 33 months (2–212) of all patients, the estimated freedom from progression was 96% at 2 years and 92% at 5 and 10 years with no patient failing beyond 18 months. Conclusions: Conventional external RT as described in postoperative cases of pituitary adenoma is safe and effective for tumor control with a median time to normalization of hormonal hypersecretion being about 30 months.

How the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system affects osmoregulation in basal vertebrates remains unknown. We examined changes in the expression of components of the GH/IGF axis and gill ion transporters during metamorphosis and following seawater (SW) exposure of sea lamprey. During metamorphosis, increases in gill nka and nkcc1 and salinity tolerance were accompanied by increases in pituitary gh , liver igf1 , gill ghr and igf1 , but not liver ghr. SW exposure of fully metamorphosed sea lamprey resulted in slight increases in plasma chloride concentrations after SW exposure, indicating a high level of SW tolerance, but no major changes in mRNA levels of gill ion transporters or components of the GH/IGF axis. Our results indicate that metamorphosis is a critical point in the lifecycle of sea lamprey for stimulation of the GH/IGF axis and is temporally associated with and likely promotes metamorphosis and SW tolerance. • The GH/IGF axis developed early in the vertebrate lineage. • Metamorphosis is key in the lifecycle of sea lamprey for stimulation of the GH/IGF axis. • The role of GH/IGF axis is osmoregulation evolved early in vertebrate evolution. • The GH/IGF axis in sea lamprey works similarly to that of teleost fishes. • In sea lamprey, gill ion secretion mechanisms develop prior to ocean entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodnius prolixus , a major vector of Chagas disease, may be considered the model upon which the foundations of insect physiology and biochemistry were built. It is an obligate blood feeder in which the blood meal triggers growth, development and reproduction. The blood meal also triggers a post-prandial diuresis to maintain osmotic homeostasis. In R. prolixus , as with other insects, the Malpighian tubules play a critical role in this diuresis, and much has been learned about diuresis in R. prolixus , and in other model insects. But the post-genomic era has brought new insights, identifying functions quite apart from diuresis for Malpighian tubules. Indeed, microarrays, transcriptomes, and proteomics have revealed the major roles that Malpighian tubules play in immunity, detoxification, pesticide resistance, and in tolerance to overall stress. This is particularly relevant to R. prolixus since gorging on blood creates several challenges in addition to osmotic balance. Xenobiotics may be present in the blood or toxins may be produced by metabolism of blood; and these must be neutralized and excreted. These processes have not been well described at the molecular level for Malpighian tubules of R. prolixus. This paper will review the involvement of Malpighian tubules in immunity and detoxification, identifying new aspects for Malpighian tubule physiology of R. prolixus by virtue of a transcriptome analysis. The transcriptome analysis indicates the potential of Malpighian tubules of R. prolixus to mount a robust innate immune response, and to contribute to antioxidant production and heme detoxification., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Orchard, Al-Dailami, Leyria and Lange.)

The renewal of the natural resources is one of the most concerning aspects of modern farming. In animal production, there are many barriers breeders and researchers have to overcome to develop new practices to improve reproductive potential and hasten sexual maturation of the commercially viable species, while maintaining meat quality and sustainability. With the utilization of molecular biology techniques, there have been relevant advances in the knowledge of spermatogenesis, especially in mammals, resulting in new possibilities to control male fertility and the selection of desirable characteristics. Most of these discoveries have not been implemented in animal production. In this review, recent studies are highlighted on the molecular pathways involved in spermatogenesis in the context of animal production. There is also exploration of the interaction between environmental factors and spermatogenesis and how this knowledge may revolutionize animal production techniques. Furthermore, new insights are described about the inheritance of desired characteristics in mammals and there is a review of nefarious actions of pollutants, nutrition, and metabolism on reproductive potential in subsequent generations. Even though there are these advances in knowledge base, results from recent studies indicate there are previously unrecognized environmental effects on spermatogenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction are not well understood. Research in spermatogenesis, therefore, remains pivotal as a pillar of animal production sustainability. • An adequate nutritional status is crucial to achieve normal spermatogenesis. • Environmental factors can modulate the inheritance of desirable characteristics. • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals disrupt both the endocrine and reproductive systems. • Epigenetic factors regulate spermatogenesis and embryo development in mammalians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In insects that lay eggs in large clutches, yolk accumulation in each of the many ovarioles is restricted to the basal (terminal) oocyte, the one closest to the lateral oviduct. All succeeding (subterminal) oocytes remain small until the terminal oocytes finished their development and were ovulated into the oviduct. The major step regulating yolk uptake by terminal oocytes is the formation of gaps between cells of the follicle layer, a process termed patency. In the migratory as well as in the desert locust, patency is induced by a Patency Inducing Factor (PIF) produced by the lateral oviducts. PIF is secreted in all regions of the lateral oviducts and interacts with the basal follicle cells via the pedicel, a fine duct that connects an ovariole with the oviduct. By this mechanism, patency is triggered in the follicle cells of the terminal oocyte only, restricting yolk accumulation to the oocytes next to ovulation. In contrast to the previous hypothesis, juvenile hormone (JH) is not necessary to induce patency, rather JH amplifies the effect of PIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Molecular markers for saffron flower induction time have been identified. • Working models for hormone signalling pathways mediating flowering have been proposed. • Corm dormancy release is inhibited by abscisic acid, but induced by auxins. • Flower initiation is promoted by auxins and it may be inhibited by gibberellins. • Enlargement of scape during flower development is induced by gibberellins. The demand for saffron is expected to rise in the coming years due to its nutraceutical and medicinal properties. To cope with this, it will be necessary to develop a mechanised production of saffron. Upgrading the production methods requires accurate control of the flowering time in this species. Nevertheless, little is known about the control of flowering time in Crocus sativus L. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the floral induction regulatory networks operating in this species. A transcriptomic analysis was performed from saffron main buds in different stages of development. The identification of putative integrators of flowering time signals, like FT , as well as meristem identity genes, such as LFY and TFL1 , permitted the definition of the time of flowering induction of the buds, being able to use them as molecular markers. The identification of the transcripts encoded by a DROOPING LEAF-like (DL) gene is of particular relevance because this gene might be a novel factor for carpel specification in saffron. To elucidate the hormonal signalling networks working during flower induction, transcriptomic data were used, and the content of IAA, ABA and gibberellins was determined in competent and non-competent buds to flower, during the saffron life cycle. Our results suggested that ABA might be negatively regulating corm dormancy release, but its involvement in flower induction cannot be ruled out. ABI5 and the mediator of ABA regulated dormancy gene MARD1, could be key players of this pathway. In addition, a drop in GA 4 levels may also be a necessary, but insufficient, condition for floral induction and development. DELLA , TFL1 and PIF3 genes might be involved in the gibberellin pathway. Notably, IAA seems to be a positive regulator of the process, involving MP/ARF5 and ANT genes in the pathway. Taken together, these results pave the way to the unveiling of the regulatory networks controlling the vegetative-to-reproductive phase change in saffron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spermatogenesis is an extraordinarily complex process in which are produced spermatozoa. • Among vertebrates we know two distinct testicular organizations. • In Podarcis sicula spermatogenesis is regulated by different factors. Spermatogenesis is an extraordinarily complex process, regulated by several factors, which leads to the differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa. Among vertebrates, several reports have been focused on the lizard Podarcis sicula , a seasonal breeder and a good model for the study of reproductive processes. The goal of this review is to resume all the available data about systemic and above all local control factors involved in the control of P. sicula testicular activity. During the seasonal reproductive cycle, the variation of the expression levels of these factors determines significant variations that induce the activation or blocking of spermatogenesis. The data supplied in this review, in addition to analyze the current literature regarding the main actors of Podarcis sicula spermatogenesis, will hopefully provide a basic model that can be used for further studies on the intratesticular interaction between molecular factors that control spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sunburn is one of the most important damage in apple fruit production all over the world. • Physiological and metabolical disorders are triggered by sun radiation exposure. • New strategies for early detection in field have been developed. • Genomic and transcriptomic information will useful to understand the molecular mechanisms involved. Climate change negatively influences many human activities and one of the most affected is agriculture. In the apple industry, water availability, elevated temperatures and altered phenology will transform fruit production in traditional growing regions. Extended periods of intense solar radiation and high temperatures during the growing season cause problems in fruit quality increasing losses and reducing sustainability and profitability. Photooxidative and heat stress stimulate sunburn development on apple fruit in the field growing under increasingly stressful conditions. In particular, apples growing in semi-arid conditions are frequently exposed to high solar irradiance and elevated temperature during the growing season that promote the development of sun-related skin disorders. Furthermore, regions that have traditionally not faced sunburn pressure may begin to experience losses in this area. Apple cultivars differ in their susceptibility to sun damage, which is evidenced, in part, by the timing of symptom development and severity. Some studies attribute genotypic variation to physiological and morphological differences while others do to antioxidant-related metabolic differences between them. Here, we discuss the physiological and molecular progress and gaps in knowledge of sunburn damage and the development of sunburn resistance in apple fruit. This information will help develop stronger sunburn mitigation strategies and enhance breeding efforts to address challenges associated with sunburn in apple production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the effects of porcine growth hormone (GH) and cortisol on plasma insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in juveniles of three subspecies of Oncorhynchus masou (masu, amago, and Biwa salmon). Ligand blotting using digoxigenin-labeled human IGF-I was used to detect and semi-quantify three major circulating IGFBP bands at 41, 28, and 22 kDa, corresponding to IGFBP-2b, -1a, and -1b, respectively. GH increased plasma IGFBP-2b concentration in masu and Biwa salmon but suppressed it in amago salmon. Plasma IGFBP-2b levels were increased by cortisol in the three subspecies. Cortisol induced plasma IGFBP-1a in the three subspecies, whereas GH had a suppressive effect in masu and Biwa salmon. Sham and cortisol injections increased plasma IGFBP-1b levels after 1 day in masu and amago salmon, suggesting that IGFBP-1b is induced following exposure to stressors via cortisol. Increased IGFBP-1b levels were restored to basal levels when co-injected with GH in Biwa salmon, and the same trend was seen in masu and amago salmon. However, the suppressive effect of GH disappeared 2 days after injection in the three subspecies. Despite some differences among subspecies, the findings suggest that cortisol is a primary inducer of plasma IGFBP-1b; however, GH counteracts it in the short term. Therefore, GH has the potential to modulate the degree of increase in circulating IGFBP-1b levels during acute stress., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)