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The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Maternal heat stress during late pregnancy can lead to intrauterine hyperthermia and affect fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis development and function. Herein, we investigated the effects of chronic environmental heat stress exposure of Holstein cows in the last 2 mo of gestation on their offspring's adrenal gland histomorphology and transcriptome. Cows in their last 54 ± 5 d of gestation were either heat stressed (housed under the shade of a freestall barn) or provided heat stress abatement via active cooling (via water soakers and fans) during a subtropical summer (temperature-humidity index >68). Respiration rate (RR) and skin temperature (ST) were elevated in heat-stressed dams relative to the cows with access to heat abatement (23 breaths/min and 2°C higher for RR and ST, respectively). Heifers born to heat-stressed cows experienced heat stress in utero (HS), whereas heifers born to actively cooled cows did not (CL). The adrenal gland was harvested from 6 heifers per group that were euthanized at birth (d 0; n = 12) or 1 wk after weaning (d 63; n = 12). Circulating cortisol was measured from blood samples collected weekly throughout the preweaning period. At d 63, heifers that experienced HS while developing in utero had heavier adrenal glands, with a greater total tissue surface area and thickness of the zona glomerulosa (ZG), fasciculata (ZF), and reticularis (ZR), compared with CL heifers. In addition, the adrenal gland of HS heifers had fewer cells in the ZG, more and larger cells in the ZF, and larger cells in the ZR, relative to CL heifers. Although no changes in circulating cortisol were observed through the preweaning period, the transcriptomic profile of the adrenal tissue was altered by fetal exposure to hyperthermia. Both at birth and on d 63, approximately 30 pathways were differentially expressed in the adrenal glands of HS heifers relative to CL. These pathways were associated with immune function, inflammation, prolactin signaling, cell function, and calcium transport. Upstream regulators significantly activated or inhibited in the adrenal glands of heifers exposed to intrauterine hyperthermia were identified. Maternal exposure to heat stress during late gestation caused an enlargement of their offspring's adrenal glands by inducing ZG and ZF cell hypertrophy, and caused gene expression changes. These phenotypic, histological, and molecular changes in the adrenal gland might lead to alterations in stress, immune, and metabolic responses later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess public exposure to radon, thoron, and their progeny, measurements were conducted in 50 dwellings within the bauxite-rich area of Fongo-Tongo in western Cameroon. Passive integrating radon-thoron discriminative detectors (specifically RADUET) were employed for radon and thoron measurements. Additionally, concentrations of short-lived radon and thoron progeny were estimated using Direct Radon Progeny Sensors (DRPSs) and Direct Thoron Progeny Sensors (DTPSs) based on LR-115 detectors. The findings revealed indoor radon concentrations ranging from 31 to 123 Bq m−3 with a geometric mean (GM) of 62 Bq m−3, and indoor thoron concentrations ranging from 36 to 688 Bq m−3 with a GM of 242 Bq m−3. The Equilibrium Equivalent Radon Concentration (EERC) ranged from 3 to 86 Bq m−3 with a GM of 25 Bq m−3, while the Equilibrium Equivalent Thoron Concentration (EETC) ranged from 1.2 to 12.5 Bq m−3 with a GM of 7.6 Bq m−3. Notably, all dwellings recorded radon concentrations below 100 Bq m−3. Arithmetic means of radon and thoron equilibrium factors were calculated as 0.47 and 0.04, respectively. To assess annual effective doses from radon and thoron inhalation, equilibrium factors were used along with direct measurements of EERC and EETC. The differences observed in annual effective doses were 4.5% for radon and 42.5% for thoron. Furthermore, the contribution of thoron and its decay products to the annual effective dose from radon, thoron, and their progeny ranged from 12 to 94%, with an average contribution of 58%. Thus, this study found that the effective dose due to thoron inhalation in the study area exceeded that due to radon inhalation. It is concluded that, when evaluating radiation doses and health risks, it is crucial to consider both thoron and its progeny alongside radon and its progeny. This underscores the importance of considering direct measurements for accurately estimating radiation doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silkworm is an economically important insect known for its uniqueness in silk production. Oviposition is an important aspect of insect seed production which needs in-depth study. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the mating period on the fecundity, egg fertility and performance of bivoltine silkworm. Adult males and females were allowed to mate for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours respectively. The eggs laid by the mother moth were acid treated, incubated and hatched larvae were reared following standard protocol. The treatments were replicated 5 times and laid out in a Completely Randomized Design. Data were collected on female fecundity, egg fertility, larval and pupal weights, larval survival and cocoon parameters. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separate using DMRT (P

A study has been carried out to assess the exposure levels due to radon, thoron, and progeny, for inhabitants of the Kapurthala district of Punjab, India. In the present investigation, the average values of radon concentration in winter, summer, and rainy seasons were found to be 27.4 ± 10.3 Bqm−3, 15.9 ± 8.0 Bqm3, and 21.1 ± 8.6 Bqm−3, respectively, while the corresponding values for thoron were 43.9 ± 20.6 Bqm−3, 28.1 ± 20.1 Bqm−3, and 34.5 ± 20.4 Bqm−3, respectively, in the Kapurthala district of Punjab. Similarly, the values of annual inhalation dose have been found to be 0.68 ± 0.23 mSvy−1, 0.42 ± 0.18 mSvy−1, and 0.54 ± 0.20 mSvy−1 in winter, summer, and rainy seasons, respectively. The results of our survey indicate that radon, thoron, and their progeny concentrations and inhalation dose are within the safe limits as prescribed by health agencies.

Almonds are one of the most popular and widely consumed tree nuts in the world, prized for their taste, texture, and nutritional benefits. However, the quality and characteristics of almonds can vary significantly depending on the variety and growing conditions. In this context, a comparative study was conducted to explore the nut quality traits of almond local and foreign cultivars, as well as their F1 hybrid offspring resulting from crossbreeding. "Nut quality" is a dynamic concept changing based on consumer needs and perceptions that reflect sociocultural evolution. The aim of this study was to identify the most promising almond varieties and hybrids based on some nut quality traits including macro–micro elements and tocopherol contents. To accomplish this goal, samples were collected from local (Gulcan 2 and Nurlu) and foreign (Lauranne and Guara) almond cultivars, as well as F1 hybrid offspring resulting in two cross-breading ("Gulcan 2 × Lauranne" and "Guara × Nurlu"), and conducted a comprehensive analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Our results showed that the nut quality traits of almonds can vary significantly among different cultivars and hybrids, with some varieties and hybrids exhibiting superior characteristics compared to others. These findings provide important insights into the potential for improving almond quality through crossbreeding and the development of new varieties with improved characteristics which can help inform breeding programs and improve the quality of almonds available in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silkworm is an economically important insect known for its unique silk production. Oviposition is an important aspect of insect reproduction which needs in-depth study. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the mating period on the fecundity, egg fertility, and performance of bivoltine silkworm (Bombyx mori L). Adult males and females were allowed to mate for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours respectively. The eggs laid by the mother moth were acid treated, incubated, and subsequent hatched larvae were reared following standard protocols. The treatments were replicated five times and placed in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on female fecundity, egg fertility, larval and pupal weights, larval survival, and cocoon parameters. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using DMRT (P <0.05). The results showed that the number of eggs laid, larval weight, number of cocoons harvested, shell ratio, and effective rate of rearing were significantly higher in progeny whose parents were allowed to mate for one hour. The cocoon weight, pupal weight, and shell weight were highest in progeny whose parents were allowed to mate for five hours, but not significantly different from the ones of other mating durations. There was a negative linear relationship between mating duration and hatchability (r=-0.88) at P<0.05. The study conclusively established that mating duration of one hour in bivoltine silkworms is enough to produce the best larval and cocoon performance. Hence, one-hour mating duration can be recommended for silkworm producers in the sericulture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a prevalent early pregnancy digestive tract anomaly. The intricate anatomy of the embryonic cloaca region makes it challenging for traditional high-throughput sequencing methods to capture location-specific information. Spatial transcriptomics was used to sequence libraries of frozen sections from embryonic rats at gestational days (GD) 14 to 16, covering both normal and ARM cases. Bioinformatics analyses and predictions were performed using methods such as WGCNA, GSEA, and PROGENy. Immunofluorescence staining was used to verify gene expression levels. Gene expression data was obtained with anatomical annotations of clusters, focusing on the cloaca region's location-specific traits. WGCNA revealed gene modules linked to normal and ARM cloacal anatomy development, with cooperation between modules on GD14 and GD15. Differential gene expression profiles and functional enrichment were presented. Notably, protein levels of Pcsk9, Hmgb2, and Sod1 were found to be downregulated in the GD15 ARM hindgut. The PROGENy algorithm predicted the activity and interplay of common signaling pathways in embryonic sections, highlighting their synergistic and complementary effects. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed from whole transcriptome data. Spatial transcriptomics provided location-specific cloaca region gene expression. Diverse bioinformatics analyses deepened our understanding of ARM's molecular interactions, guiding future research and providing insights into gene regulation in ARM development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT: The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGFI) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality.

The objective was to investigate the effects of feeding broiler breeders (BB) hydroxychloride (HC) or organic (OR) sources of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) from 42 to 63 wk of age (woa) on plasma concentration of trace minerals (TM) in offspring at hatch through to 42 d of life (Table 1 to 4). A total of 408 ♀ Ross 708 and 48 ♂ Yield Plus cockerels were placed in pens (17 ♀ and 2 ♂) and allocated to one of two diets: 1) HO, a blend of 80% HC and 20% OR sources, and 2) OR, 100% OR sources. In total, 2,160 eggs (90 eggs from each pen replicate) were collected and labelled by BB pen at 46, 52 and 62 woa and incubated. Upon hatching, chicks were sexed, weighed, and placed in 24 pens (40 birds/pen) within BB diet identification. For offspring phase, one-half of chicks from BB fed HO or InO were fed HC and the other half were fed inorganic (InO) sources of Zn, Cu and Mn, effectively creating 4 treatments for offspring phase (n = 6; 3 pens per sex). There were no BB diets effects (P > 0.05) on plasma concentration in hatchlings (Table 5, 6). However, BB age effect was such that plasma of hatchlings of 54- and 62-wk-old BB exhibited increased concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn compared with those from 46-wk-old parents (P < 0.0001; Table 6-7). Additionally, female hatchings displayed greater Cu concentrations in plasma compared with males (P = 0.024). Broiler chickens fed HC exhibited greater plasma Zn, Cu, and iron on d 21 compared with the other groups (P < 0.05) while 42-d chickens fed HC diet exhibited increased concentrations of Mn and iron compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Forty-two-d old broiler chickens from 62-wk-old breeders exhibited greater TM concentrations compared with those from younger parents (P < 0.0001). The findings provide valuable insights for enhancing TM supplementation in BB diets to enhance the plasma concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn in offspring. Notably, hatchlings fed with HC as a source of Zn, Cu, and Mn exhibited increased concentrations of these minerals through 42 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study’s objective was to assess the efficacy and to identify the toxic mechanisms of action of some plant-derived monoterpenes and yucca extract as alternatives to chemical insecticides against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Carvone, 1,8-cineole, cuminaldehyde, and linalool, as well as Yucca schidgera extract, were the control agents whose efficacy against the red flour beetle was tested in the laboratory and compared to malathion. The criteria for evaluating efficacy were the effects of the tested compounds on adult mortality and red flour beetle progeny. Furthermore, the effects of the control agents on some enzymes (Acetylcholinesterase, ά-amylase, and alkaline phosphatase) in T. castaneum were investigated. Moreover, the effect of the tested control measures on weight loss of treated wheat grain was studied. The tested substances showed a high ability to control T. castaneum with regard to adult mortality and offspring production, especially when used as fumigants. For adult mortality, malathion showed the highest potential against T. castaneum as a fumigant, followed by carvone, yucca extract, cuminaldehyde, linalool, and 1,8-cineole with LC 50 values of 0.05, 331.5, 365.1, 372.2, 460, and 467.5 mg · 1000 cm –2 after 72 hours, respectively. The highest reduction in progeny was for malathion followed by carvone, linalool, cineole, yucca extract, and cuminaldehyde with reduction percentages of 100, 90, 89.3,79.4 and 65.8%, respectively. The tested compounds significantly affected acetylcholinesterase activity, alpha-amylase activity, and alkaline phosphatase in the red flour beetle. There was no significant reduction in the weight of wheat grains treated with the tested materials compared to the untreated healthy grains. Finally, the tested compounds as fumigants, especially 1,8-cineole, can be considered as effective alternatives to control the red flour beetle.

Current study was conducted to evaluate some plant oils (clove, spearmint and orange); plant powders (clove, spearmint and orange); two inert dusts (silica and katelsous) and the insecticide (malathion) as recommended standard reference against one of the most important stored grain insects, Rhizopertha dominica. Three methods of application, mixing with medium, residual and repellent activity were used to determine some criteria (toxicity, emergence, progeny reduction, which measure the susceptibility of the tested insect). In addition, the study included the damage of grains (% wheat loss) and the side effect on the germination. Results showed that toxicity of the tested materials were depending on insect species and bioassay methods. This variation may be regarding to feeding habit of tested insects and the vapor pressure and molecular weight of each compound, which influence the level of toxicity. Moreover, insecticidal activity in the tested materials was related to their chemical composition, and activity decreased with the time depends on the component volatility for oils. Moreover, clove oil showed to has the best effects among the oils in the present study, where it reduced the emerged adults, the percent of weight loss and increased the percent of reduction. However, the clove oil inhibited the percent of germination of R. dominica. Results also showed that the percent of germination did not influence by the method of mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunohistochemical study is one of the modern methods of disease diagnostics used in practical veterinary practice, as well as in scientific developments in differential diagnostics of animal diseases of tumour and non-tumour nature. Prenatal influence of estrogens results in reproductive system disorders in an adult organism which is accompanied by parallel growth of steroid dependent cancers of the offspring: testicles and ovaries. The aim of the study was to perform immunohistochemical analysis of Bcl-2 marker during prenatal exposure to different doses of the synthetic estrogen analogue Sinestrol in the testes of the offspring of white non-pedigreed laboratory mice. After fertilization, the pregnant females were divided into 3 groups, one intact and two experimental groups. The intact group was unaffected (n = 10). The first experimental group, C-25 (n = 13), was injected with the estrogen drug Sinestrol in the form of a 2 % oil solution at a dose of 25 g/kg. The second experimental group (n = 13) was given the estrogen preparation Sinestrol in the form of 2 % oil solution in a dose of 40 mkg/kg. When the offspring reached sexual maturity, they were removed from the experiment. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out on sections from paraffin blocks of testes of progeny intended for standard morphological study, the marker of apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2 was determined on indices of cellular elements of male glands of progeny: spermatogonia, spermatocytes, sperm-tides, spermatozoa and Leydig cells. Expression of Bcl-2 marker upon exposure to the synthetic drug Sinestrol at doses of 25 and 40 g/kg showed that the number of positively stained cells in spermatogonia increased by 8.6 and 9.4 % respectively compared to the intact group. When the intact group was compared with experimental groups C-25 and C-40, the expression of Bcl-2 marker in spermatocyte cells and spermatozoa showed no difference, a slight increase in positively stained cells in spermatids was observed. Bcl-2 marker expression rate in experimental groups C 25 and C-40 decreased in Leydig cells by 56.0 (P 0.05) and 60.0 % (P 0.05), respectively. Administration of the synthetic estrogen analogue Sinestrol during fetal gland initiation resulted in impaired morphology in the testes in adulthood. The expression index of Bcl-2 marker in experimental groups C-25 and C-40 decreased in Leydig cells, resulting in apoptotic cell death, which is responsible for production of male sex hormone testosterone. The results can be used to select optimal doses of the synthetic estrogen analogue Sinestrol in the prenatal period.

One of the breeding objectives for Shagya Arabian breed in Rădăuți Stud Farm, Romania, focuses on increasing the height at withers for mares. The current research aimed to study the entire female progeny (175 foals) of 58 broodmares and 44 stallions included in the breeding activity for 40 years The objective was to determine the influence of breeders' height and the foaling number (rank) on the foals' biometrics. The average value of this measurement in female foals has consistently increased from first foaling (157.63 cm) to the fifth one (158.80 cm) throughout 40 years of breeding, indicating the fulfilment of the breeding goal over consecutive reproductive seasons. According to the simulation based on the linear trend equation, the progeny's height at withers could match the fathers' height by the 10th foaling if the same breeding practices were continued. In addition, stallions would have much more influence than broodmares in increasing the height of the foals. Continuing the forecast analysis based on the variations, the required average height at withers values in stallions and mares can be computed to attain a certain value for the descendants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's objective was to assess the efficacy and to identify the toxic mechanisms of action of some plant-derived monoterpenes and yucca extract as alternatives to chemical insecticides against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Carvone, 1,8-cineole, cuminaldehyde, and linalool, as well as Yucca schidgera extract, were the control agents whose efficacy against the red flour beetle was tested in the laboratory and compared to malathion. The criteria for evaluating efficacy were the effects of the tested compounds on adult mortality and red flour beetle progeny. Furthermore, the effects of the control agents on some enzymes (Acetylcholinesterase,-amylase, and alkaline phosphatase) in T. castaneum were investigated. Moreover, the effect of the tested control measures on weight loss of treated wheat grain was studied. The tested substances showed a high ability to control T. castaneum with regard to adult mortality and offspring production, especially when used as fumigants. For adult mortality, malathion showed the highest potential against T. castaneum as a fumigant, followed by carvone, yucca extract, cuminaldehyde, linalool, and 1,8-cineole with LC50 values of 0.05, 331.5, 365.1, 372.2, 460, and 467.5 mg · 1000 cm-2 after 72 hours, respectively. The highest reduction in progeny was for malathion followed by carvone, linalool, cineole, yucca extract, and cuminaldehyde with reduction percentages of 100, 90, 89.3,79.4 and 65.8%, respectively. The tested compounds significantly affected acetylcholinesterase activity, alpha-amylase activity, and alkaline phosphatase in the red flour beetle. There was no significant reduction in the weight of wheat grains treated with the tested materials compared to the untreated healthy grains. Finally, the tested compounds as fumigants, especially 1,8-cineole, can be considered as effective alternatives to control the red flour beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional breeding involves considerable genetic recombination. To maximize breeding efforts, it is necessary to increase seed yield. This study proposes to improve seed yield by using tetraploid bananas as part of a genetic improvement programme for cooking varieties. To this end, the female fertility (seeding rate and embryo sac maturity) of tetraploid banana plants was characterised. The pollen potential of tetraploids was then assessed at anthesis and at the end of meiosis, as well as during crosses with seminiferous diploids, leading to a phenotypic characterisation of the value of an offspring. This study highlighted the low seed production rate of tetraploid genitors. At best, 7% of seeds are produced per fruit, but 57% of the ovules per fruit have mature embryo sacs. The use of tetraploids as male parents, free from any source of sterility associated with the domestication process, did not generally improve the seed rate, except in the case of FHIA 21 (2930 seeds). Its pollen potential was used in a cross with Banksii 0623 (♀). This resulted in progeny with interesting vigour and phenotypic characteristics. This latter combination has the potential to transfer its "cooking" genetic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maturation-related loss in the shooting and rooting ability of a species through macro or micropropagation techniques has been a limiting factor in any forest tree improvement program. The rejuvenation capacity of mature elite trees of Acacia mangium, Acacia crassicarpa, Acacia auriculiformis, and Acacia aulococarpa was investigated by evaluating the sprouting ability of decapitated trunks. Thus, a total of 120 trees were selected based on their superior phenotypic characteristics from four provenance and five progenies of each species, and trunks of the elite trees were decapitated into two different height groups to induce coppicing from the collar and base of the trunk. Coppicing ability varies with species, provenance, progeny, and cutting height. A. auriculiformis was the easiest to produce shoots by having the highest shooting percentage (84%) and the number of shoots per trunk (13.5), followed by A. mangium (75%) and A. aulococarpa (40%). The total shoot number increased significantly with the increase in the height of the stumps. Data indicated that there is a possibility to rejuvenate matured cutting through coppicing in the natural environment. This study will help in the standardization of the stumping procedure for the rejuvenation of elite Acacia genotypes while simultaneously assisting in preserving germplasm through clonal propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To avoid the surrounding pollination, seed orchards of Finnish plus trees have been established in Ukraine, i.e., far from their natural distribution. However, it is unknown whether the pollination site affects the frost hardiness (FH) of the progenies and thus their use in forest regeneration in Finland. Using whole-plant freezing tests, we examined the FH of plus tree seed orchard progenies in Finland and Ukraine, with three lots of seeds from each orchard, twice during cold acclimation in controlled conditions. The FH of needles, as assessed immediately after the freezing tests, was higher in the Finnish than Ukrainian seed orchard progenies. The variation in the FH of needles was high among the progenies, ranging from − 44 to − 79 °C by relative electrolyte leakage (REL), and from − 29 to − 46 °C by chlorophyll fluorescence (CF). However, when FH was assessed based on the growth of shoots and roots in the greenhouse after three weeks, the differences between the progenies and orchards disappeared. The FH was then between − 10 and − 15 °C based on shoot growth, between − 6 and − 12 °C based on root growth, and between − 8 and − 16 °C based on the number of new root tips. The results imply an epigenetic effect on FH of needles but no effect of progeny or orchard on FH of roots. In summary, it seems to be possible to use seed produced in southern Ukraine in practical reforestation actions in southern Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These studies aimed to identify differences and similarities within the progeny of Rhizoctonia solani AG5, which arose from basidiospores produced by the maternal strain ID23. The following characteristics were analyzed: the appearance of the mycelium (color, structure, zonation, and presence of sclerotia), growth rate (at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C), fungicide sensitivity, and hyphal structure. The mycelial color of R. solani AG5 ranged from white/cream to light and dark brown. The structure of the mycelium may be compacted or flattened with visible zoning or fluffy with dark brown sclerotia on the colony surface. Homokaryons and heterokaryons derived from homokaryons were analyzed by constructing a phylogenetic tree using morphological data. Single basidiospore-grown isolates formed a separate subclade, most of which were grouped with a maternal isolate; however, heterokaryons derived from them created a separate subclade. In addition, isolates grown in basidiospores germinated at low temperatures created their own group, but with some exceptions. This shows a divergence in the morphological parameters of the subsequent generations and within generations. The optimal temperature for growth was found to be between 20°C and 30°C. The exceptions were strains obtained from basidiospores that germinated at refrigerated temperatures. For these samples, 10°C was found to be the optimal growth temperature. The hyphae of homokaryons were characterized by branching at an almost right angle and a septum at the site of constriction of the branch itself. The mean diameter of hyphae ranged from 2.93–15.60 μm, depending on the age of the hyphae. The fungicidal compounds at a concentration of 10 ppm had no significant effect on the activity of the tested strains, whereas a tenfold increase in the dose reduced the growth ability of the tested isolates. The activity of fungicides containing azoxystrobin, thiuram, or thiophanate-methyl on R. solani resulted in a reduction in the mycelial growth rate only in the case of azoxystrobin and thiuram, and in some cases, it was completely inhibited (thiophanate-methyl).

ABSTRACT: Broiler breeders are subjected to feed restriction programs to control excessive growth. However, current levels of feed restriction and concomitant growth restriction are becoming severe, raising welfare and suboptimal reproductive performance concerns in underfed breeders. To circumvent the issue, our previous studies investigated the effects of new strategic growth curves, with various degrees of relaxed growth restrictions, on broiler breeders and their progeny's performance. The broiler breeder study was conducted with 40 Ross 708 broiler breeder pullets reared on 1 of 10 target growth trajectories using a precision feeding (PF) system. The growth trajectories were designed with 2 levels of the amount of prepubertal BW gain and 5 levels of pubertal growth timing. The prepubertal BW gain (g1) was estimated from the breeder-recommended standard BW gain (Standard g1) target, or 10% higher (High g1). The pubertal growth timing (I2) was advanced such that it happened at I2-0% = 22.29 wk, I2-5% = 21.16 wk, I2-10% = 20.05 wk, I2-15% = 18.94 wk, I2-20% = 17.82 wk of age. Two broiler experiments with different maternal ages (35 and 42 wk) were conducted as the extension of the breeder experiment to evaluate the intergenerational effects of a reduced degree of maternal prepubertal phase growth restriction and earlier maternal pubertal phase growth on offspring growth and development. The current paper investigated the economic aspects of implementing the growth curves using the partial budget analysis. Increasing prepubertal BW gain by 10% and advancing the pubertal growth phase by 20% (scenario 10) could increase margin over feed and chick cost for the hatching egg producers by CDN$1.97/hen. For broiler chicken supply chain as a whole, the highest differential margin over feed and chick cost was for maternal growth scenario 10 from 42-wk-old hens. The latter margin over feed and chick cost was greater than that of breeder-recommended maternal growth (from 35-wk-old hens) by $0.1053/kg live chicken under the current economic situation.

The objective of this study was to determine Cd accumulation under water-deficit conditions by young cacao plants. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions. Two full-sib families (IMC67 × PA121 and SCA6 × PA121), obtained through controlled crosses, and an open pollinated half-sib seedling family of IMC67, widely used as rootstock in Colombia, were employed. Plants were grown in Cd-contaminated soil (0.356 mg kg−1) without external sources of the metal. They were subjected to water deficit by suspending irrigation for consecutive periods of 19 and 27 days (D19 and D27), followed by rehydration. Water stress reduced leaf water potential (Ψleaf) with values from −1.51 to −2.09 MPa, with full-sib family SCA6 × PA121 being the most tolerant to water deficit. Cd concentration was influenced by biomass reduction (observed in IMC67 × PA121 and SCA6 × PA121) and transpiration rate (evident in IMC67) caused by water deficit. Full-sib progenies IMC67 × PA121 and SCA6 × PA121 accumulated more Cd in the plants than open pollinated IMC67, with higher Cd accumulation in leaves. The translocation factor (TF) revealed that the aboveground organs of the progenies were enriched with Cd (TF > 4). Water deficit increased Cd translocation from roots to leaves in IMC67 × PA121 and IMC 67, while there were no significant changes in SCA6 × PA121. Full-sib family SCA6 × PA121 stood out as the most promising progenies due to their water-stress tolerance and Cd accumulation stability. This study introduces a discussion about the influence of water stress on Cd accumulation in Theobroma cacao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Chronic stress can produce a severe negative impact on health not only in the exposed individuals but also in their offspring. Indeed, chronic stress may be contributing to the current worldwide scenario of increasing infertility and decreasing gamete quality in human populations. Here, we evaluate the effect of chronic stress on behavior and male reproductive parameters in zebrafish. Our goal is to provide information on the impact that chronic stress has at molecular, histological, and physiological level in a vertebrate model species. Results We evaluated the effects of a 21-day chronic stress protocol covering around three full waves of spermatogenesis in Danio rerio adult males. The induction of chronic stress produced anxiety-like behavior in stressed males as assessed by a novel tank test. At a molecular level, the induction of chronic stress consistently resulted in the overexpression of two genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the brain. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of testes suggested a dysregulation of the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway, which was also confirmed on qPCR analysis. Histological analysis of the testicle did not show significant differences in terms of the relative proportions of each germ-cell type; however, the quality of sperm from stressed males was compromised in terms of motility. RNA-seq analysis in stress-derived larval progenies revealed molecular alterations, including those predicted to affect translation initiation, DNA repair, cell cycle control, and response to stress. Conclusions Induction of chronic stress during a few cycles of spermatogenesis in the vertebrate zebrafish model affects behavior, gonadal gene expression, final gamete quality, and progeny. The NMD surveillance pathway (a key cellular mechanism that regulates the stability of both normal and mutant transcripts) is severely affected in the testes by chronic stress and therefore the control and regulation of RNAs during spermatogenesis may be affected altering the molecular status in the progeny. Graphical Abstract

Microglia belong to tissue-resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), representing the primary innate immune cells. This cell type constitutes ~7% of non-neuronal cells in the mammalian brain and has a variety of biological roles integral to homeostasis and pathophysiology from the late embryonic to adult brain. Its unique identity that distinguishes its “glial” features from tissue-resident macrophages resides in the fact that once entering the CNS, it is perennially exposed to a unique environment following the formation of the blood–brain barrier. Additionally, tissue-resident macrophage progenies derive from various peripheral sites that exhibit hematopoietic potential, and this has resulted in interpretation issues surrounding their origin. Intensive research endeavors have intended to track microglial progenitors during development and disease. The current review provides a corpus of recent evidence in an attempt to disentangle the birthplace of microglia from the progenitor state and underlies the molecular elements that drive microgliogenesis. Furthermore, it caters towards tracking the lineage spatiotemporally during embryonic development and outlining microglial repopulation in the mature CNS. This collection of data can potentially shed light on the therapeutic potential of microglia for CNS perturbations across various levels of severity.

The climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792), is a commercially important freshwater fish in Southeast Asia. To meet demand, establishing stock development breeding programmes is essential. However, there is a lack of scientific literature on parent-hybrids differences. This study aims to use morphometric characteristics to identify important predictors and determine their heritability to address the knowledge gap. Two strains of A. testudineus and their corresponding hybrid groups, represented by T1-T4 (T1: golden Thai (♀) × golden Thai (♂), T2: golden Thai (♀) × Malaysian (♂), T3: Malaysian (♀) × Malaysian (♂) and T4: Malaysian (♀) × golden Thai (♂)) were used for the experiment. Thirty individuals of each strain were randomly selected from their respective tanks for morphometric characteristics assessment. Twenty-five morphometric measurements were taken, and adjustments were made for body size effects. These measurements were then subjected to multivariate analysis with a 5 % selection intensity for genetic advancement, focusing on body depth and base of anal fin length. The morphometric characters, including postorbital length, lowest body depth, the base of anal fin length, total length, standard length, pre-pectoral fin length, the base of pectoral fin length, and base of pelvic fin length based on the canonical coefficient, were identified as distinguishing factors between hybrids and the parental population. The study showed that body length heritability was greater than 60 %, indicating a significant additive genetic effect that surpasses the impact of the environmental effect and thus could be used as a potential characteristic for selective breeding to improve the desired trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Among pests threatening stored food, Rhyzopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, Trogoderma granarium, and Sitophilus oryzae are highly dangerous because they cause considerable losses around the world. Taking into account that there is a narrow available spectrum of contact insecticides for the management of stored-grain insects, a laboratory study was conducted to evaluate an insecticidal formulation containing two active ingredients, i.e., thiamethoxam plus chlorantraniliprole, when applied on grains and different surfaces against adults of the aforementioned species. Complete mortality was observed for S. oryzae on all three commodities, for R. dominica on wheat and rice, and for T. castaneum on wheat, 14 days post-initial exposure at the highest dose. At the end of the 90-day storage period, S. oryzae showed the maximum mortality, whereas T. granarium showed the lowest. Bioassays on surfaces revealed that thiamethoxam plus chlorantraniliprole applied on metal killed more adult individuals of all species than on cement, ceramic, or wood. Sitophilus oryzae was found to be the most sensitive on metal, followed by R. dominica, T. castaneum, and T. granarium. An insecticide containing the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam + the diamide chlorantraniliprole was evaluated against adults of Rhyzopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, Trogoderma granarium, and Sitophilus oryzae under laboratory bioassays both on freshly treated grain as well as on treated grain stored over 90 days for its persistence in efficacy. In laboratory bioassays, the insecticide was applied on wheat, maize, or rice at four doses, while in persistence bioassays on wheat at the same doses. Mortality and progeny were assessed in both laboratory and persistence bioassays. After 14 days of exposure, S. oryzae exhibited 100% mortality on all three commodities at the highest dose, while R. dominica showed complete mortality on wheat or rice and T. castaneum on wheat. For a period of 90 days, S. oryzae exhibited 42.69% mortality, followed by R. dominica (35.26%), T. castaneum (27.08%), and T. granarium (18.63%) at the highest dose. Progeny was successfully suppressed in all cases of complete mortality in laboratory bioassays and for S. oryzae for 90 days in persistence bioassays. Laboratory trials were also performed on plywood, concrete, ceramic tile, and steel at one dose. The highest mortality was observed on steel, followed by concrete, ceramic tile, and plywood for all insect species tested. This study demonstrates that thiamethoxam + chlorantraniliprole is effective against the tested species depending on exposure, storage period, surface, commodity, and dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We investigated the vertical transmission potential of the Orthobunyavirus La Crosse virus (LACV) in the mosquitoes Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti. In both mosquito species, productive midgut infection with the virus was a prerequisite for the following ovary infection. However, the midgut infection levels varied between both species, with Ae. albopictus being more susceptible to LACV infection than Ae. aegypti. In both mosquito species, the vertical transmission rates of LACV from mothers to offspring were below those levels typically described for transovarial transmission (TOT). The LACV infection patterns in the ovarian tissue of Ae. aegypti suggested the transovum transmission of the virus. In several Ae. albopictus samples, LACV antigen was detected in follicular tissue or in a few developing oocytes, indicating that the TOT of LACV could be potentially occurring in this mosquito species. Thus, TOT is not a general feature of LACV infections in mosquitoes. La Crosse virus (LACV) is circulating in the midwestern and southeastern states of the United States and can cause human encephalitis. The main vector of the virus is the eastern tree-hole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus. Ae. albopictus has been also described as a natural LACV vector, while Ae. aegypti has been infected with the virus under laboratory conditions. Here, we compare the vertical transmission potential of LACV in Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, with emphasis given to the ovarian infection patterns that the virus generates in both species. Both mosquito species received artificial bloodmeals containing LACV. At defined time points post-infection/bloodmeal, midguts, head tissue, and ovaries were analyzed for the presence of virus. Viral infection patterns in the ovaries were visualized via immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and immunohistopathology assays using an LACV-specific monoclonal antibody. In Ae. aegypti, LACV was confronted with midgut infection and escape barriers, which were much less pronounced in Ae. albopictus, resulting in a significantly higher prevalence of infection in the latter. Following the ingestion of a single virus-containing bloodmeal, no progeny larvae were found to be virus-infected. Regardless, females of both species showed the presence of LACV antigen in their ovariole sheaths. Furthermore, in a single Ae. albopictus female, viral antigen was associated with the nurse cells inside the primary follicles. Following the ingestion of a second non-infectious bloodmeal at 7- or 10-days post-ingestion of an LACV-containing bloodmeal, more progeny larvae of Ae. albopictus than of Ae. aegypti were virus-infected. LACV antigen was detected in the egg chambers and ovariole sheaths of both mosquito species. Traces of viral antigen were also detected in a few oocytes from Ae. albopictus. The low level of vertical transmission and the majority of the ovarian infection patterns suggested the transovum rather than transovarial transmission (TOT) of the virus in both vector species. However, based on the detection of LACV antigen in follicular tissue and oocytes, there was the potential for TOT among several Ae. albopictus females. Thus, TOT is not a general feature of LACV infection in mosquitoes. Instead, the TOT of LACV seems to be dependent on its particular interaction with the reproductive tissues of a female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring radioactive gases which tend to build up (radon and thoron) in indoor environs can cause deleterious health effects including the development of lung cancer. The present study aims to measure 222Rn and 220Rn levels in dwellings in different seasons in the environs of Dakshina Kannada region of India. The 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations were measured in the monsoon, autumn, winter, and summer seasons using Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD, LR–115 type II) films fixed in single-entry pinhole cylindrical twin-cup dosimeters. The higher 222Rn levels in indoors were observed during winter with an average concentration of 38.8 Bq m−3 and lower during summer with an average of 14.1 Bq m−3. The average indoor thoron concentration was also highest in winter with an average value of 25.5 Bq m−3 and lowest in summer with 8.8 Bq m−3. The annual inhalation dose ranged from 0.44 to 1.06 mSv year−1 with a mean value of 0.66 mSv year−1. The annual effective dose varied from 1.03 to 2.57 mSv year−1 with an average value of 1.59 mSv year−1. The assessed values have been contrasted with the limit suggested by the UNSCEAR and the ICRP and were found to be within the permissible level. The normality of frequency distribution curves of 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations was assessed by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic stress can produce a severe negative impact on health not only in the exposed individuals but also in their offspring. Indeed, chronic stress may be contributing to the current worldwide scenario of increasing infertility and decreasing gamete quality in human populations. Here, we evaluate the effect of chronic stress on behavior and male reproductive parameters in zebrafish. Our goal is to provide information on the impact that chronic stress has at molecular, histological, and physiological level in a vertebrate model species. Results: We evaluated the effects of a 21-day chronic stress protocol covering around three full waves of spermatogenesis in Danio rerio adult males. The induction of chronic stress produced anxiety-like behavior in stressed males as assessed by a novel tank test. At a molecular level, the induction of chronic stress consistently resulted in the overexpression of two genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the brain. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of testes suggested a dysregulation of the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway, which was also confirmed on qPCR analysis. Histological analysis of the testicle did not show significant differences in terms of the relative proportions of each germ-cell type; however, the quality of sperm from stressed males was compromised in terms of motility. RNA-seq analysis in stress-derived larval progenies revealed molecular alterations, including those predicted to affect translation initiation, DNA repair, cell cycle control, and response to stress. Conclusions: Induction of chronic stress during a few cycles of spermatogenesis in the vertebrate zebrafish model affects behavior, gonadal gene expression, final gamete quality, and progeny. The NMD surveillance pathway (a key cellular mechanism that regulates the stability of both normal and mutant transcripts) is severely affected in the testes by chronic stress and therefore the control and regulation of RNAs during spermatogenesis may be affected altering the molecular status in the progeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of radon concentration (alpha particles) on cancer patients in the Kurdistan Iraq region; therefore, this study was carried out to detect and measure the concentration of radon in powdered blood samples from the humans who have cancer in Kurdistan Iraqi region (Sulaymaniya and Erbil) using CR-39 NTD (passive method). The results showed the activity concentrations of radon in the blood of cancer patients ranged from the highest value of 146.328 Bq m−3 in CP26-Colon cancer in Mawat to the lowest value of 7.376 Bq m−3 in CP32-Lung cancer in Zargatay taza with an average value of 34.312 Bq m−3 in Sulamaniya governorate (Hewa center for cancer) and concentrations of radon ranged from highest value of 56.996 Bq m−3 to lowest value 11. 610 Bq m−3 with an average value of activity concentrations of radon 29.183 Bq m−3 in Erbil governorate (Nana kaly center for cancer). The results showed that the radon concentration in powdered blood samples was lower than the global permissibility limiting of exposure to radon 200 Bq m−3, and the average annual effective dose in the studied blood samples was in the range of about 0.635 mSvy−1, which was below the range of 3–10 mSvy−1 reported by the ICRP (1993). The variation in concentrations of radon in different locations may be arisen due to the difference in the nature of blood samples and nuclei content in these samples, also depending on the allergic reaction of the body to radiation. This work owes its importance to the fact that it aims at knowing and measuring the concentrations of radon in the blood samples and its impact on cancer in particular. Knowledge of these concentrations is extremely important since it reveals whether the human has received the radiation in high value or not. The issues in this research are very important in strengthening the link between radon, radon progeny, uranium, and blood of patients with cancer in the Kurdistan Iraqi region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines the efficacy of the semi-synthetic insecticide spinetoram and entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) as wheat protectants against the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), under laboratory and field trials. One dose of B. bassiana, i.e., 1 × 107 conidia/kg wheat, two doses of spinetoram, i.e., spine1: 0.05 ppm (mg/kg wheat), spine2: 0.1 ppm, and their combinations (Bb + spine1, Bb + spine2) were evaluated at 20, 25, and 30 °C. All treatments provided significantly higher mortality at 30 °C compared with the other two temperatures. Maximum mortality levels were observed in the treatments where B. bassiana was combined with the higher dose of spinetoram (0.1 ppm). All treatments reduced progeny production in comparison with the control groups. Maximum progeny reduction was observed at 30 °C, on wheat treated with the Bb + spine2 combination. The combination Bb + spine2 also provided elevated mortality rates in both laboratory and field persistence trials, but at 180 days caused moderate mortality to all tested insect species. Concerning progeny, at laboratory persistence trials, the combination Bb + spine2 exhibited the lowest offspring emergence to all tested species compared to the other treatments and control. Overall, our study showed that R. dominica was the most susceptible species followed by S. granarius, T. castaneum, and T. granarium. Our findings revealed that the combination of B. bassiana and spinetoram may be a useful tool for efficient and advanced integrated pest management strategies for long storage periods under multiple temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European forest ecosystems are currently subject to various disturbances and shifts in land-use legacies. To be able to forecast the trends and consequences of the changes in genetic diversity following these disturbances, it is of crucial importance to understand the genetic dynamics of natural tree populations. The present study aimed at determining the extent and spatial distribution of genetic diversity in five common broadleaved tree species in Lithuania in both mature (putatively maternal) stands and in natural regeneration (juveniles) of the respective species. The genetic diversity of Quercus robur, Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Alnus glutinosa, and Fraxinus excelsior was assessed using eight nuclear microsatellite loci for each species; 417 samples of regenerating juveniles and 141 samples of putatively maternal trees were analyzed in total. The investigated populations of self-regenerating Q. robur, B. pendula, A. glutinosa, and F. excelsior juveniles showed spatially random genetic structures, while P. tremula regenerated mostly via root suckers and formed clonal groups. The genetic diversity in regenerating juveniles of all species was as high as in putatively maternal stands. The detection of adequate (substantial) genetic diversity in the studied regenerating populations of these five broadleaved tree species suggests that in Lithuania these species have a good potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional breeding involves considerable genetic recombination. To maximize breeding efforts, it is necessary to increase seed yield. This study proposes to improve seed yield by using tetraploid bananas as part of a genetic improvement programme for cooking varieties. To this end, the female fertility (seeding rate and embryo sac maturity) of tetraploid banana plants was characterised. The pollen potential of tetraploids was then assessed at anthesis and at the end of meiosis, as well as during crosses with seminiferous diploids, leading to a phenotypic characterisation of the value of an offspring. This study highlighted the low seed production rate of tetraploid genitors. At best, 7% of seeds are produced per fruit, but 57% of the ovules per fruit have mature embryo sacs. The use of tetraploids as male parents, free from any source of sterility associated with the domestication process, did not generally improve the seed rate, except in the case of FHIA 21 (2930 seeds). Its pollen potential was used in a cross with Banksii 0623 (♀). This resulted in progeny with interesting vigour and phenotypic characteristics. This latter combination has the potential to transfer its “cooking” genetic structure.

Maturation-related loss in the shooting and rooting ability of a species through macro or micropropagation techniques has been a limiting factor in any forest tree improvement program. The rejuvenation capacity of mature elite trees of Acacia mangium, Acacia crassicarpa, Acacia auriculiformis, and Acacia aulococarpa was investigated by evaluating the sprouting ability of decapitated trunks. Thus, a total of 120 trees were selected based on their superior phenotypic characteristics from four provenance and five progenies of each species, and trunks of the elite trees were decapitated into two different height groups to induce coppicing from the collar and base of the trunk. Coppicing ability varies with species, provenance, progeny, and cutting height. A. auriculiformis was the easiest to produce shoots by having the highest shooting percentage (84%) and the number of shoots per trunk (13.5), followed by A. mangium (75%) and A. aulococarpa (40%). The total shoot number increased significantly with the increase in the height of the stumps. Data indicated that there is a possibility to rejuvenate matured cutting through coppicing in the natural environment. This study will help in the standardization of the stumping procedure for the rejuvenation of elite Acacia genotypes while simultaneously assisting in preserving germplasm through clonal propagation.

In the genus Blepharisma, reproductive isolation between different species appears to be established at least by two barriers: (1) a mating pheromone, i.e., gamone 1, and (2) a factor involved in pair formation. Using four species, we experimentally investigated other potential barriers to interspecific conjugation in Blepharisma, as well as the first and second barriers. Cell-free fluid from type I cells (CFF1) of B. americanum had no effect on B. undulans, B. japonicum, or B. stoltei. Type II cells of B. americanum responded to CFF1 from B. americanum but not to CFF1 from B. undulans, B. japonicum, or B. stoltei. Gamone 1, therefore, seems to be the first reproductive barrier (with the inclusion of B. americanum species [megakaryotype 3]) as reported previously. In pretreated cells with complementary gamones in B. undulans and B. americanum, inter-species pair formation was rare, but pair formation between B. americanum and B. japonicum and between B. americanum and B. stoltei occurred at relatively high frequency. Most of the inter-species B. americanum–B. stoltei pairs underwent nuclear changes specific to conjugation. No significant difference was observed between the intra- and inter-species pairs over the time course of the nuclear changes, but the percentage of abnormal cells was higher in inter-species pairs than in intra-species pairs, and no progenies were produced by inter-species pairs. These results suggest a third barrier or step, in addition to the first and second ones, in nuclear changes after pair formation that prevents interspecific conjugation in Blepharisma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Freesia belongs to the family Iridaceae and is one of the most popular bulbous species that can be used both as a cut flower and as a pot flower, depending on the situation. This study was carried out to produce new, high-quality offspring by intervarietal hybridization between five commercial cultivars of freesia hybrids. Eighteen morphometric traits, which were mostly related to flower organs, were evaluated on twelve progenies and five parental plants in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications (2014-2018). The assessments were based on instructions of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The highest heritability of broad-sense traits was related to the outer segmental width of the perianth and the inner segmental width and length of the perianth. The lowest heritability was related to the length of stem between the first and second flowers. The number of flowers and buds had the most significant, positive correlation with spike length (r=+0.75). Likewise, the strongest positive, significant correlation was observed between the length of the inner and outer segments of the perianth (r=+0.79). Superior progenies consisted of the 20A hybrid, with a white color, which originated from the parental cross P1×P5. The 3A hybrid, with a yellow color, was obtained from the parental cross P2×P5, and the 28P hybrid, with a reddish brown color, was obtained from the parental cross P4×P5. These progenies were superior in terms of important traits such as plant height, branch number of the peduncle, spike length, number of buds and florets, compared to the parents. Thus, intervarietal hybridization in this research was proved as an effective way to generate new phenotypic variations of freesia hybrids, thereby providing opportunities to produce new plant materials for breeding purposes and release new cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, 1,000 of each variety were selected for the first year to study the generations in a trial nursery in order to organize the primary seeding of the new varieties of grain crops intended for planting in dry lands, including barley "Adir", durum wheat "Yakut-2014", and soft wheat "Istiqlol-6" on a scientific basis. As a result of researching the spikes characteristic of the variety, 617 generations of barley "Adir", 500 of durum wheat "Yakut-2014" and 500 of soft wheat "Istiqlol-6" were selected. In the second year, 500 offspring of each variety were planted separately on plots of 5 m2 in the nursery of the second year, and as a result of the primary seeding, 102 kg of "Adir" barley, 240 kg of hard wheat "Yakut-2014", 240 kg of soft wheat "Istiqlol-6" were produced. 465 kg of seed grain was collected. "Adir" barley variety in the first year breeding field 1050 kg, 750 kg of hard wheat variety "Yakut-2014", 2660 kg of soft wheat variety "Istiqlol-6", 2660 kg of high-generation seed grain, as well as information on the results of research on planting time, planting rate, maintenance of these varieties on dry land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golden rice contains β-carotene or provitamin A in the seed endosperm. Various attempts have been made to improve the resistance of Golden rice against leaf blast and bacterial blight diseases. Breeding and selection have been done and obtained several stable F8 breeding lines. This study aimed to elucidate the agromorphological characteristics and genotype of Golden rice F8 lines of PAC Nagdong/IR36/IR64. The experiment were using F8 lines of Golden rice PAC Nagdong/IR36/ IR64 with the code of 302/IR-2-2(6)/1, 302/IR-2-2(7)/2, 302/IR-2-2(8)/1, along with IR36 and IR64 varieties as the controls. Genotype analysis was performed to confirm the introgression of genes Pik-s, Pi54, Pi-ta, Xa4, and Xa7. This study showed that the Golden rice lines had relatively similar height as semidwarf, tiller numbers per plant > 24.6 with productive tillers of more than 85%, panicle lengths between 20.09-20.85 cm, and grain yield of 42.94 g per plant. All Golden rice lines have the targeted resistance genes to blast and bacterial leaf blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Etofenprox is a novel pyrethroid insecticide that targets the nervous system of insects by affecting the function of the sodium channel. The current study examines the insecticidal activity of etofenprox against Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae, Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) adults, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults, and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults and larvae on different grain commodities. For this purpose, etofenprox was applied on barley, maize, oats, rice, and wheat at 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 ppm. Mortality levels were recorded after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure. For E. kuehniella larvae, 10 ppm applied on whole rice killed 96.1% of the exposed individuals after 21 days of exposure. The application of etofenprox on oats at 5 ppm caused the death of 98.3% of the exposed R. dominica adults. Complete mortality was observed for R. dominica adults 21 days post-exposure to oats and whole rice treated with 10 ppm etofenprox. The highest concentration applied on barley caused 95.0% mortality to S. oryzae adults, while the same concentration on maize killed 76.8% of T. confusum adults after 21 days of exposure. Larvae of T. confusum exhibited high mortality levels reaching 99.4% after 21 days of exposure to barley treated with 10 ppm etofenprox. Progeny production of parental R. dominica adults was almost suppressed on all commodities treated with 5 ppm etofenprox. The offspring emergence of S. oryzae ranged between 4.4 and 24.6 adults per vial at 10 ppm. No T. confusum progeny was produced at 10 ppm etofenprox. Our results document that etofenprox is highly effective as grain protectant against several insect species, their developmental stages and their progeny production, but its performance depends on the type of the commodity that it is applied on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor ( GHR ). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I ( IGFI ) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental enrichment is used to provide well-being to the animals, such as fish, in captive conditions, mimicking their natural habitat. It may influence fish behavior, physiology, and survival. In terms of reproduction, however, the relationship between environment enrichment and successful reproduction in captivity is still poorly explored in fish species. Aiming to understand any possible benefits of structural enrichment on fish reproduction, 10-days-hatched larvae of the twospot astyanax Astyanax bimaculatus were raised for 18 weeks in tanks with different elements of structural environmental enrichment (PVC pipes, stones, and artificial plants). In the 5th month of life, those animals were hormonally induced to reproduce to assess gamete formation and offspring quality. Animals raised in a sterile-reared environment (non-enriched) showed earlier spawning than the enriched one, presenting significant quantities of Postovulatory follicle complexes (POCs) and cells in atresia in female ovaries, indicating possible reproductive dysfunction or stress, as well as a greater quantity of empty testicular lumen in males, indicating great release of sperm. On the contrary, animals cultivated in enriched environments showed gonads filled with semen in males and vitellogenic oocytes in females. Furthermore, offspring from the sterile-reared group presented significant rates of larval abnormality compared to the enriched group. In conclusion, the results of this study show that environmental enrichment can interfere with the reproduction of fish in captivity, mainly by preventing early maturation of gametes, which can result in low-quality offspring and, consequently, low production of fish species. • Environmental enrichment improves the reproduction of native fish in captivity. • Offspring from specimens reared in an enriched environment presents fewer abnormalities. • Gametes maturation of specimens reared in an enriched environment is similar to wild animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine Cd accumulation under water-deficit conditions by young cacao plants. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions. Two full-sib families (IMC67 × PA121 and SCA6 × PA121), obtained through controlled crosses, and an open pollinated half-sib seedling family of IMC67, widely used as rootstock in Colombia, were employed. Plants were grown in Cd-contaminated soil (0.356 mg kg−1) without external sources of the metal. They were subjected to water deficit by suspending irrigation for consecutive periods of 19 and 27 days (D19 and D27), followed by rehydration. Water stress reduced leaf water potential (Ψleaf) with values from −1.51 to −2.09 MPa, with full-sib family SCA6 × PA121 being the most tolerant to water deficit. Cd concentration was influenced by biomass reduction (observed in IMC67 × PA121 and SCA6 × PA121) and transpiration rate (evident in IMC67) caused by water deficit. Full-sib progenies IMC67 × PA121 and SCA6 × PA121 accumulated more Cd in the plants than open pollinated IMC67, with higher Cd accumulation in leaves. The translocation factor (TF) revealed that the aboveground organs of the progenies were enriched with Cd (TF > 4). Water deficit increased Cd translocation from roots to leaves in IMC67 × PA121 and IMC 67, while there were no significant changes in SCA6 × PA121. Full-sib family SCA6 × PA121 stood out as the most promising progenies due to their water-stress tolerance and Cd accumulation stability. This study introduces a discussion about the influence of water stress on Cd accumulation in Theobroma cacao.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic merit of the national Irish maternal index and genotype (i.e. beef vs. beef × dairy [BDX]) of beef cows and subsequent performance of their progeny. With the exception that high genetic merit cows produced 0.57 kg more milk and tended to have 0.04 of a lower body condition score (BCS), no significant differences were observed between cows of diverse genetic merit. Differences between contrasting cow genotype were apparent. Beef cows were 50 kg heavier and had a BCS 0.27 greater than BDX cows. The BDX cows produced 1.67 kg more milk and had a greater 24-d submission rate than beef cows. Calves generated from BDX cows were 19 kg heavier at weaning and were worth €51 more than progeny generated from beef cows. Beef cow progeny, however, had 0.77 of a greater conformation score at slaughter than BDX. While differences were observed across cows of different replacement strategies, results from the current study showed that genetic selection for national maternal index had no effect on the overall performance of suckler cows in a pasture-based spring-calving system.

Water deficit (WD) at the start of the flowering stage can negatively affect the productivity of plants. The aim was to investigate the morphophysiological strategies of two crambe lineages (FMS CR 1326 and 1307) submitted to WD during the flowering stage and their connection with the progeny's germination. Plants were submitted to WD at the start of flowering for 12 d and then were irrigated again (water resumption, WR). As a control, plants were cultivated with uninterrupted daily irrigation. Under WD, reductions were observed in the stomatal conductance, the number of xylem vessels, and the mass of grains. Positive K- and L-bands occurred, indicating lower stability and efficiency in the use of energy under WD. In the WR period, plants presented photochemical recovery. WD induced less vigorous seeds. FMS CR 1307 had the highest capacity to maintain its photochemical performance, due to alterations in water conductivity, resulting in greater seed production and vigor.

It is now recognised that parental diets could alter their offspring metabolism, concept known as nutritional programming. For agronomic purposes, it has been previously proposed that programming could be employed as a strategy to prepare individual for future nutritional challenges. Concerning cultured fish that belong to high trophic level, plant-derived carbohydrates are a possible substitute for the traditional protein-rich fishmeal in broodstock diet, lowering thus the dietary protein-to-carbohydrate ratio (HC/LP nutrition). However, in mammals, numerous studies have previously demonstrated that parental HC/LP nutrition negatively affects their offspring in the long term. Therefore, the question of possible adaptation to plant-based diets, via parental nutrition, should be explored. First, the maternal HC/LP nutrition induced a global DNA hypomethylation in the liver of their offspring. Interestingly at the gene expression level, the effects brought by the maternal and paternal HC/LP nutrition cumulated in the liver, as indicated by the altered transcriptome. The paternal HC/LP nutrition significantly enhanced cholesterol synthesis at the transcriptomic level. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly increased by the parental HC/LP nutrition, affecting thus both hepatic and muscle fatty acid profiles. Overall, the present study demonstrated that lipid metabolism could be modulated via a parental nutrition in rainbow trout, and that such modulations have consequences on their progeny phenotypes.

Trace mineral minerals Zn, Cu, and Mn play important roles in breeder production and progeny performance. The objective of this study was to determine maternal supplementation of trace mineral minerals on breeder production and progeny growth and development. A total of 540 broiler breeders, Cobb 500 (Slow feathering; 0–66 weeks old) were assigned to one of three treatment groups with the same basal diet and three different supplemental trace minerals: ITM–inorganic trace minerals in sulfates: 100, 16, and 100 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn respectively; MMHAC -mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of bis-chelated MINTREX®Zn, Cu and Mn (Novus International, Inc.), and TMAAC - trace minerals amino acid complex: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn. At 28 weeks of age, eggs from breeder treatments were hatched for progeny trial, 10 pens with 6 males and 6 female birds per pen were fed a common diet with ITM for 45 days. Breeder production, egg quality, progeny growth performance, mRNA expression of gut health associated genes in breeder and progeny chicks were measured. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA; means were separated by Fisher’s protected LSD test. A p-Value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically different and 0.1 was considered numerical trend. Breeders on ITM treatment had higher (p < 0.05) body weight (BW), weight gain and lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from0 to 10weeks, when compared to birds fedMMHAC. MMHAC significantly improved egg mass by 3 g (p < 0.05) and FCR by 34 points (0.05 < p < 0.1) throughout the reproductive period (26–66 weeks) in comparison to ITM. MMHAC improved (p < 0.01) egg yolk color versus (vs.) ITM and TMAAC in all periods, except 28 weeks, increased (p < 0.01) eggshell thickness and resistance vs. TMAAC at 58 weeks, and reduced (p < 0.05) jejunal NF-κB gene expression vs. TMAAC at 24 weeks. There was a significant reduction in tibial dry matter weight, Seedor index and resistance for the breeders that received MMHAC and/or TMAAC when compared to ITM at 18 weeks. Lower seedor index but numerically wider tibial circumference was seen in hens fed MMHAC at 24 weeks, andwider tibial circumference but lower tibial resistance in hens fed TMAAC at 66 weeks. Maternal supplementation of MMHAC in breeder hens increased (p < 0.0001) BW vs. ITM and TMAAC at hatching, reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake vs. ITM at d14 and d28, and improved (p < 0.01) FCR and performance index vs. TMAAC at d28, reduced (p < 0.01) NF-κB gene expression and increased (p < 0.05) A20 gene expression vs. TMAAC on d0 and vs. ITM on d14, reduced (p < 0.05) TLR2 gene expression vs. ITM on d0 and vs. TMAAC on d14, increased (p < 0.05) MUC2 gene expression vs. both ITM and TMAAC on d45 in progeny jejunum. Overall, these results suggest that supplementation with lower levels of MHA-chelated trace minerals improved breeder production and egg quality and reduced breeder jejunal inflammation while maintaining tibial development in comparison to those receiving higher inorganic mineral supplementation, and it also carried over the benefits to progeny with better growth performance, less jejunal inflammation and better innate immune response and gut barrier function in comparison to ITM and/or TMAAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]