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Plant Grow Regulators (PGR) are used widely to reduce the risk of lodging in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown at high nitrogen rates. A field experiment was conducted during 2015-2016 winter wheat growing season at Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda to evaluate the effect of PGR on plant height, lodging, internodes length, grain yield and grain protein content of seven winter wheat genotypes tested at different rates of applied nitrogen fertilizer, in combination with foliar treatment with trinexapac-ethyl- based Plant Growth Regulator sprayed over the foliage. Results showed that high rates of applied nitrogen fertilizer and high rainfall stimulated stem elongation and increase the risk of cereal lodging. The PGR application on wheat cause shorter plants due to the reduction of the internodes length and less lodging. The response depends on factors like: wheat variety, amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied and the weather conditions. PGR applications significantly reduced lodging but didn't necessarily completely eliminate it, some genotypes even after PGR treatment still lodged. On yield and grain protein content nitrogen fertilization had a bigger influence than the trinexapac-ethyl treatment so these technology elements are not exclusive to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometriosis is recognized as a steroid-dependent disorder; however, the precise roles of nuclear receptors (NRs) in steroid responsiveness and other signaling pathways are not well understood.Objective and Rationale: Over the past several years, a number of paradigm-shifting breakthroughs have occurred in the area of NRs in endometriosis. We review and clarify new information regarding the mechanisms responsible for: (i) excessive estrogen biosynthesis, (ii) estrogen-dependent inflammation, (iii) defective differentiation due to progesterone resistance and (iv) enhanced survival due to deficient retinoid production and action in endometriosis. We emphasize the roles of the relevant NRs critical for these pathological processes in endometriosis.Search Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search using PubMed for human, animal and cellular studies published until 2018 in the following areas: endometriosis; the steroid and orphan NRs, estrogen receptors alpha (ESR1) and beta (ESR2), progesterone receptor (PGR), steroidogenic factor-1 (NR5A1) and chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (NR2F2); and retinoids.Outcomes: Four distinct abnormalities in the intracavitary endometrium and extra-uterine endometriotic tissue underlie endometriosis progression: dysregulated differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal cells, abnormal epigenetic marks, inflammation activated by excess estrogen and the development of progesterone resistance. Endometriotic stromal cells compose the bulk of the lesions and demonstrate widespread epigenetic abnormalities. Endometriotic stromal cells also display a wide range of abnormal NR expression. The orphan NRs NR5A1 and NR2F2 compete to regulate steroid-synthesizing genes in endometriotic stromal cells; NR5A1 dominance gives rise to excessive estrogen formation. Endometriotic stromal cells show an abnormally low ESR1:ESR2 ratio due to excessive levels of ESR2, which mediates an estrogen-driven inflammatory process and prostaglandin formation. These cells are also deficient in PGR, leading to progesterone resistance and defective retinoid synthesis. The pattern of NR expression, involving low ESR1 and PGR and high ESR2, is reminiscent of uterine leiomyoma stem cells. This led us to speculate that endometriotic stromal cells may display stem cell characteristics found in other uterine tissues. The biologic consequences of these abnormalities in endometriotic tissue include intense inflammation, defective differentiation and enhanced survival.Wider Implications: Steroid- and other NR-related abnormalities exert genome-wide biologic effects via interaction with defective epigenetic programming and enhance inflammation in endometriotic stromal cells. New synthetic ligands, targeting PGR, retinoic acid receptors and ESR2, may offer novel treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of PGR (2, 4-D, NAA and GA3) at different concentrations on fruit drop and enhancement in fruit quality of Kinnow. Three sprays of PGR viz. 2, 4-D, NAA and GA3 were given to the Kinnow plants as per the treatment concentrations from initiation of flowering to before harvesting. The results revealed that among all the PGR's tried at different concentrations, spray of 2, 4-D @ 30 ppm was the most promising in reducing the fruit drop in Kinnow as fruit physical and chemical characters were found to be superior as compared to all other treatments. There was an enhancement in the fruit size with the application of 2, 4-D @ 30 ppm, which led to an overall increase in the yield of Kinnow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Tissue cultures are the only effective way to proliferate this valuable species (Daphne mezereum). These researches may help in solving the problem of reproduction of other woody plants.Abstract: Daphne mezereum L. commonly known as February daphne or mezereon is a decorative shrub from the family Thymelaeaceae. It is a valuable nursery plant due to its high ornamental values, but its propagation by traditional methods is ineffective, therefore, little profitable. Micropropagation may be a good alternative way to produce this ornamental shrub. The experiment aimed to examine the effect of cytokinins (meta-Topolin, benzyladenine, and zeatin) and other growth regulators (gibberellic acid GA3 and auxin 1-naphthalene acetic acid NAA) added to the Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Woody Plant Medium (WPM) nutrients on regeneration of explants of D. mezereum 'Alba'. In the all treatments containing plant growth regulators (PGR), 100% regeneration of explants has been observed. The highest number of shoots, after 6 weeks of culture, was produced on MS medium with 1 mg·L−1 BA and 0.1 mg·L−1 NAA. The longest shoots were produced on MS medium with 0.1 mg·L−1 of gibberellic acid (GA3) and 1 mg·L−1 of meta-Topolin (mT). Generally, the type and concentration of plant growth regulators had an essential effect on regeneration and growth of shoots of Daphne mezereum 'Alba' in the in vitro culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine leiomyomas are estrogen-dependent benign tumors with unknown etiologies. Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals and ubiquitous in the environment; thus, it has been suggested that they play a role in the development of uterine leiomyoma. We aimed to investigate whether the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma is related to methylation changes in promoter regions of estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) genes in response to phthalates and alternative plasticizers exposure. Urinary concentrations of 20 phthalate metabolites and seven metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHTP) and di (isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) were measured by UHPLC-MS/MS in thirty leiomyoma patients, who provided both paired leiomyoma and myometrium tissues. Methylation levels of ESR1 and PGR were analyzed by pyrosequencing assay. A total of 12 phthalate metabolites and 5 alternative metabolites (3 DEHTP and 2 DINCH) were detected >70% among study participants. The methylation of ESR1 and PGR were significantly lower in leiomyoma tissues compared to those in myometrium (18.10 ± 4.41 vs. 28.72 ± 4.95; 2.32 ± 0.81 vs. 3.27 ± 0.56, respectively). ESR1 methylation in leiomyoma was negatively associated with mono-2-carboxylmethyl-hexyl phthalate (2cx-MMHP) and mono-3-carbocyl-propyl phthalate (MCPP) after adjusting for confounding factors. However, 1-mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (5OXO-MEHTP), one of the alternatives, showed positive association with ESR1 methylation in leiomyoma. PGR methylation in leiomyoma was significantly associated with mono butyl phthalate (MnBP), but negatively associated with cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate-mono-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-heptyl ester (cx-MINCH). Our results suggest that phthalates exposure may contribute to leiomyoma pathogenesis via ESR1 and PGR methylation changes.

Gynerium sagitatum Aubl. (Poaceae) is an important environmental, cultural and economic species for aboriginal communities in Northern Colombia, in which the centrale central nerve is used to make precious craftsmanship products. The massive use of the plant with no restoration has dangerously decreased natural populations. Micropropagation has emerged as a way to efficiently produce planting material for cropping and restoration of affected areas. To improve cost efficiency of the micropropagation protocol, in vitro rhizome structures were induced using in vitromaintained plants as explants under three quantities of sucrose, four of benzyl aminopurine - BAP and four of abscisic acid - ABA supplied in MS with (in mg L-1) myo-inositol (100), thiamine HCL (0.4), and solidified with Phytagel® (3.000). Treatments (48) were distributed using a complete randomized design with six replicates per treatment. Cultures were stored during eight weeks at 25 °C with 12 h photoperiod (40 μmol photons m-2 s-1) provided by with cold fluorescent lamps. Statistical differences were observed with respect to number of rhizomes and rhizome length as a result of three factor interaction. Ex vitro plantlet recovery occurred at highest percentage from rhizomes developed in media supplied with sucrose at 263000 µM combined with 4.44 and 8.88 µM BAP. Data evidenced the possibility of inducing in vitro rhizome growth from arrow cane explants to use them as a way for propagation and plant conservation.

Background. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is one of the most frequent pathologies that reduce quality of woman`s life. The main reason for its occurrence is gynecological diseases (extragenital endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine leiomyoma). But role of morphological changes in the endometrium for the occurrence of these diseases is still unexplored. Objective. Assess the links between morphological and immunohistochemical (markers ER, PGR, Ki-67, VEGF, COX-2, NF) features and the level of pain on VAS. Methods. 10 samples were divided according to expression of investigated marker in glands (ER, PGR, Ki-67, VEGF, COX-2, NF) and in stroma (ER, PGR, Ki-67). Rating staining immunohistochemical markers was conducted in at least 10 fields of view. Statistical processing of the data included non­parametric tests. Results. We observed heterogeneous expression of ER, PGR, more importat role of high level expression PRG in stroma, increased proliferative activity in glands is focal in the most cases. Expression of VEGF is often higher, when the level of VAS is up. Conclusion. Formation of the CPP and adenomyosis is associated with hyperplastic processes of endometrium , increased proliferative activity , and severe expression of COX - 2 ( p < 0.05 ).

Purpose: Cumulus cells have a critical role in normal oocyte development and fertilization. Prunus cerasus is an anthocyanin rich berry and performs strong antioxidant activity. The present study set to determine if Prunus cerasus can affect expression of HAS2 (hyaluronan synthase 2) and progesterone receptor in Cumulus cells and its consequences outcome of the in vitro fertilization. Methods: 60 female and 15 male adult mice were used for mating and IVF (in vitro fertilization). Prunus cerasus extraction was added to the diet of female mice for 30 days. Ovulation induction and oocytes collection were done as routine. The cumulus cells were dissected apart, and the expression of progesterone receptor and HAS2 was detected using RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction). Fertilization rate was evaluated by IVF. All data were analyzed using t-test. Results: Data was showed that expression of progesterone receptor and HAS2 in cumulus cells of mice that received prunus cerasus increased. Moreover, oocyte fertilization rate also increased significantly. Conclusion: Prunus cerasus as an antioxidant natural can become an important medication for improving oocyte quality and opening new opportunities for infertility treatment. It is concluded that Prunus cerasus consumption could improve fertility rate by increasing progesterone receptor and HAS2 activity in cumulus cells.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are described in the literature as having a significant role in securing crop management of modern agriculture in conditions of abiotic and biotic stressors. A joint field experiment was carried out to assess the role of seaweed-based extracts in pear trees and to test the “less for more” theory, which consists of getting more and better agricultural produce using fewer innovative inputs. The trials took place on two production seasons (from March till September 2018–2019) and the selected case study was on a pear orchard (Pyrus communis L. cv. Abate Fètel) in Emilia Romagna (Italy) by Fondazione Navarra and Timac Agro Italia S.p.A. Results demonstrate that, depending on the yearly climate conditions, it was possible to substantially reduce the primary nutrients by 35–46% and total fertilisation units applied by 13% and significantly improve quantitative and qualitative production indicators (average weight of fruits (5%) and total yield (19–55%)). Results also confirm a positive correlation between plant growth regulators and agronomic efficiency of pears which increased between five and nine times compared to the conventional nutrition programme. These outcomes constitute scientific evidence for decision making in farm management.

This 38-page publication provides current information on pest, disease, and weed management, and plant growth regulator use for commercial blueberries in Florida. It is a minor revision written by Jeffrey G. Williamson, Philip F. Harmon, Oscar E. Liburd, and Peter Dittmar, and published by the Horticultural Sciences Department, September 2018. HS1156/HS380: 2022 Florida Blueberry Integrated Pest Management Guide (ufl.edu)

Ovulation requires proteinases to promote the rupture of ovarian follicles. However, the identity of these proteinases remains unclear. In our previous studies using RNA-seq analysis of differential expressed genes, we found significant down-regulation of five metalloproteinases: adam8b (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 8b), adamts8a (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 8a), adamts9, mmp2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2), and mmp9 in the nuclear progestin receptor knockout (pgr−/−) zebrafish that have failed to ovulate. We hypothesize that these metalloproteinases are responsible for ovulation and are regulated by progestin and Pgr. In this study, we first determined the expression of these five metalloproteinases and adamts1 in preovulatory follicles at different times within the spawning cycle in pgr−/− and wildtype (wt) zebrafish and under varying hormonal treatments. We found that transcripts of adam8b, adamts1, adamts9, and mmp9 increased drastically in the preovulatory follicular cells of wt female zebrafish, while changes of adamts8a and mmp2 were not significant. This increase of adam8b, adamts9, and mmp9 was significantly reduced in pgr−/−, whereas expression of adamts1 was not affected in pgr−/− zebrafish. Among upregulated metalloproteinases, adamts9 mRNA was found to be expressed specifically in follicular cells. Strong immunostaining of Adamts9 protein was observed in the follicular cells of wt fish, and this expression was reduced drastically in pgr−/−. Interestingly, about an hour prior to the increase of metalloproteinases in wt fish, both Pgr transcript and protein increased transiently in preovulatory follicular cells. The results from in vitro experiments showed that adamts9 expression markedly increased in a dose, time and Pgr-dependent manner when preovulatory follicles were exposed to a progestin, 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP). Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that upregulation of adamts9 occurs specifically in preovulatory follicular cells of zebrafish prior to ovulation. Progestin and its receptor (Pgr) are essential for the upregulation of metalloproteinases.

Yam tuber (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) is a staple for many populations in the Colombian Atlantic Coastland and the Caribbean basin, and its demand has recently increased in the international market; however, conventional crops practices negatively affect the quantity and quality of production. In order to provide mechanisms for the production of high quality planting material for yam, the effect of three sucrose concentrations combined with four abscisic acid levels on in vitro growing of microtubers from nodal explants was evaluated. Treatments were distributed using a complete randomized design, and the analysis of variance and Duncan´s Multiple Range Test showed that plant growth variables as well as microtuber number were significantly affected byABA/sucrose levels. Sucrose dose of 60 g L-1 combined with 3.0 mg L-1 of ABA induced the highest number of microtubers, while plants cultured in a medium supplied with 90 g L-1 of sucrose developed more stems, leaves and roots.

The pathophysiology of endometriosis is not fully understood. It is believed that Progesterone Receptors (PGRs) play an important rule in the development of the disease. PGRs are expressed in human endometrial stromal. Reduction level of PGRs is related to the molecular basis of progesterone resistance in endometriosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between methylation level of PGR-A and PGR-B gene and its mRNA expression in ovarian endometriosis. We used endometriotic tissues from 20 patients, aged 20-35 years, compared to endometrial tissues obtained from 20 normal women, age-matched to endometriosis group, who underwent micro-curettage to evaluate methylation status and mRNA expression of PGR-A and PGR-B gene. Methylation status of both PGRs was analyzed using MSP, and mRNA expression was investigated using qPCR. Methylation level of PGR-A (10,84%) and PGR-B (98,72%) in ovarian endometriosis were significantly different compared to control. The mRNA expression of PGR-A and PGR-B in ovarian endometriotic tissues significantly decreased by 2.35 and 6.37 folds compared to the normal endometrial tissues. Hypermethylation of PGR-B gene was correlated to mRNA expression, while methylation level of PGR-A had no correlation to mRNA expression. Promoter regions of PGR-A and -B genes in ovarian endometriosis are hypermethylated compared to controls. These hypermethylationmay reduce their expressions, hence might contribute to pathogenesis of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant growth regulator (PGR) ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid; ETH] can be sprayed on floriculture crops to inhibit internode elongation, hinder apical dominance, increase lateral branching, and abort flower buds and flowers. However, the efficacy of ETH can be reduced as the pH of the carrier water used to mix the spray solution or temperature increase. Therefore, our objective was to quantify how the efficacy of ethephon sprays is influenced by carrier water alkalinity (CaCO3; ALK) and the air temperature at application (TEMP). Young plants of verbena (Verbena peruviana) 'Aztec Blue Velvet', ivy geranium (Pelargonium × peltatum) 'Precision Pink', and petunia (Petunia × hybrida) 'Easy Wave Neon Rose' were transplanted into 11-cmdiameter containers and grown in a greenhouse with an average daily air temperature (ADT) set point of 21 °C. Before the ETH spray application(s), the ADT in each greenhouse compartment was changed from a set point of 21°C to 14, 17, 20, 23, or 26 °C for~24 hours. Plants were sprayed with 0, 250, 500, or 750 mg·L-1 ETH mixed with carrier water containing '50, 150, or 300 mg·L-1 CaCO3 2 and 3 weeks (Expt. 1) or 1 or 2 weeks (Expt. 2) after transplant. Generally, high ALK had a negative effect on spray efficacy. For example, an increase in ALK from 50 to 300 mg·L-1 CaCO3 resulted in one and five fewer ivy geranium and verbena branches, respectively. In addition, as application TEMP increased above 23 °C, chemical efficacy generally decreased in all species. For instance, as ETH increased from 0 to 750 mg·L-1 across ALKs, inflorescence number of ivy geraniums increased from 7 to 18 at a TEMP of 23 °C, but was unaffected at 26 °C. Based on our results, we can conclude that both ALK and TEMP influence ETH efficacy and are additional factors for greenhouse growers to consider when making applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth regulators (PGR) exert beneficial effects on plant growth even under stress, but combined effect of both of them has not been evaluated yet. Present investigation was aimed to determine the responses of 2 chickpea varieties (differing in drought tolerance) to 3 PGPR viz. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus megaterium and PGR (SA and Putrescine) on physiology of chickpea grown in sandy soil. The PGR, Salicylic acid (SA) and Putrescine (Put) were sprayed on the seedling 20 days after germination. Results revealed, synergistic effects of PGPR and PGR on chlorophyll, protein and sugar contents. Addition of PGR to PGPR inoculated plants assisted the plant in osmoregulation and amelioration of oxidative stresses and in induction of new proteins. Combined application of PGR and PGPR decreased lipid peroxidation more effectively but increased the leaf area. It is inferred that PGPR and PGR work synergistically to promote growth of plants under moisture and nutrient deficit condition of sandy soil. Since, SA induces Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) in plants hence the addition of SA along with PGPR may render the plant more productive and better tolerant to diseases/pathogen attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the key restraints to agricultural productivity worldwide and is expected to increase further. Drought stress accompanied by reduction in precipitation pose major challenges to future food safety. Strategies should be develop to enhance drought tolerance in crops like chickpea and wheat, in order to enhance their growth and yield. Drought tolerance strategies are costly and time consuming however, recent studies specify that plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) can help plants to withstand under harsh environmental condition and enable plants to cope with drought stress. PGPR can act as biofertilizer and bioenhancer for different legumes and non-legumes. The use of PGPR and symbiotic microorganisms, may be valuable in developing strategies to assist water conservation in plants. The use of PGPR has been confirmed to be an ecologically sound way of enhancing crop yields by facilitating plant growth through direct or indirect mechanism. The mechanisms of PGPR for water conservation include secretion of exopolysaccharides, biofilm formation, alternation in phytohormone content, improvement in sugar concentration, enhancing availability of micro- and macronutrients and changes in plant functional traits. Similarly, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are specially noticed in actively growing tissues under stress conditions and have been associated in the control of cell division, embryogenesis, root formation, fruit development and ripening, and reactions to biotic and abiotic stresses and upholding water conservation status in plants. Previous studies also suggest that plant metabolites interact with plant physiology under stress condition and impart drought tolerance. Metabolites like, sugars, amino acids, organic acid and polyols play a key role in drought tolerance of crop plants grown under stress condition. It is concluded from the present study that PGRs in combination with PGPR consortium can be an effective formulation to promote plant growth and maintenance of plant turgidity under drought stress. This review is a compilation of the effect of drought stress on crop plants and described interactions between PGPR/PGRs and plant development, knowledge of water conservation and stress release strategies of PGPR and PGRs and the role of plant metabolites in drought tolerance of crop plants. This review also bridges the gaps that summarizes the mechanism of action of PGPR for drought tolerance of crop plants and sustainability of agriculture and applicability of these beneficial rhizobacteria in different agro-ecosystems under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovulation requires proteinases to promote the rupture of ovarian follicles. However, the identity of these proteinases remains unclear. In our previous studies using RNA-seq analysis of differential expressed genes, we found significant down-regulation of five metalloproteinases: adam8b (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 8b), adamts8a (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 8a), adamts9, mmp2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2), and mmp9 in the nuclear progestin receptor knockout (pgr −/−) zebrafish that have failed to ovulate. We hypothesize that these metalloproteinases are responsible for ovulation and are regulated by progestin and Pgr. In this study, we first determined the expression of these five metalloproteinases and adamts1 in preovulatory follicles at different times within the spawning cycle in pgr −/− and wildtype (wt) zebrafish and under varying hormonal treatments. We found that transcripts of adam8b, adamts1, adamts9 , and mmp9 increased drastically in the preovulatory follicular cells of wt female zebrafish, while changes of adamts8a and mmp2 were not significant. This increase of adam8b, adamts9 , and mmp9 was significantly reduced in pgr −/−, whereas expression of adamts1 was not affected in pgr −/− zebrafish. Among upregulated metalloproteinases, adamts9 mRNA was found to be expressed specifically in follicular cells. Strong immunostaining of Adamts9 protein was observed in the follicular cells of wt fish, and this expression was reduced drastically in pgr −/−. Interestingly, about an hour prior to the increase of metalloproteinases in wt fish, both Pgr transcript and protein increased transiently in preovulatory follicular cells. The results from in vitro experiments showed that adamts9 expression markedly increased in a dose, time and Pgr-dependent manner when preovulatory follicles were exposed to a progestin, 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP). Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that upregulation of adamts9 occurs specifically in preovulatory follicular cells of zebrafish prior to ovulation. Progestin and its receptor (Pgr) are essential for the upregulation of metalloproteinases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Prevalence of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PgR) and human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER2) vary by age among women with breast cancer (BC). Such variation has a large significance for the prognosis and treatment process. This study characterizes the prevalence of breast cancer subtypes by age in a hospital sample in Poland. Material and methods. The study population included 735 women with BC aged 27-91 years old (ICD-10: C50) and treated in the years 2009-2011 in the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw. Subjects were divided into 2 age categories - 27-44 and 45+ - which included 66 (9%) and 669 (91%) women respectively. In each group prevalence of PgR, ER and HER2+ receptors was investigated. Results. In both age groups the most frequent BC subtype was luminal A (hormone dependent BC - with PgR and ER receptor expression) - 27-44 years old - 44% and 45+ years old - 56%. The lowest number of cases in the age group 27-44 was luminal B (triple positive breast cancer) - about 15% of cases and for 45+ age group - HER2+ BC - about 11%. Discussion. Performed research shows relationship between growing age of diagnosis and presence of more desirable features of BC among women aged 55 and more, such as expression of steroid receptors or lack of expression of HER2 receptors, which is a good prognostic indicator for treatment outcomes. In the same time, many studies suggest that more aggressive types of breast cancer (basal-like - triple negative) are more characteristic for younger age groups (under 45 y.o. and younger women in perimenopausal age). Same results have been obtained in own study. Conclusions. A high incidence of BC in older age groups (45+) and more frequent occurrence of aggressive types of BC among younger women (27-44 years old) indicate the need to educate women from both age groups about risk factors and early symptoms of the disease. As we still have not recognized all BC risk factors, education about well-known agents, such as alcohol intake, overweight and obesity, play significant role in decrease of BC incidence and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was documented that 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP), a fish specific progestin, might play critical roles in spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and spermiation partially through activating nuclear receptor (Pgr). However, no direct evidence is available to demonstrate the functions of DHP in fish spermatogenesis. To further elucidate the roles of DHP in teleosts, we generated a pgr homozygous mutant line in XY Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ). Pgr gene mutation resulted in the development of a smaller, thinner testis and a lower GSI compared with normal testis. Pgr gene knockout led to irregular arrangement of spermatogenic cysts, decline of sperm count and sperm motility. Significant decrease of spermatocytes and spermatozoa was observed, which was further proved by the PCNA and Ph3 staining. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that mutation of pgr gene resulted in a significant up-regulation of steroidogenesis-related genes of cyp17a , cyp11b2 , StAR , scc , 20β-HSD, and sf1 , and down-regulation of fshb, fshr , oct4 , sycp3 , cdk1 , prm , cyclinB1 , cyclinB2 and cdc25 genes. Furthermore, both Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting experiments revealed a remarkable increase of Cyp17a1, Cyp17a2 and Cyp11b2 expressions in the pgr −/− testis. EIA measurement showed that an evident increase of 11-KT level was found in the pgr −/− XY fish. There was a significant increase in the mortality of offspring when crossing pgr −/− XY fish with wild type XX fish. Increased TUNEL staining and enhanced apoptosis maker gene ( bax ) expressions were also observed. Taken together, our data suggested that DHP-activated physiology via pgr is crucial for the fertility in the XY tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) had been widely utilized in improving plant quality and productivity. The mechanism includes the manipulation of plant adaptibility over environmental stress. This research aimed to study the efect of PGR on the growth of C. tagal seedling and to formulate the applicable treatment to improve its growth performance. The research was conducted through laboratory experiment, including tthe combination of NAA and GA3 with the designed concentration of 0 ppm, 150 ppm and 300 ppm. The experiment lasted for one month and involved weekly observation. The plants were treated by spraying once every three days. Observations were conducted to the survival rate, height increment and leaf number development. ANOVA was conducted as statistical analysis method. The result showed that there were no significant effect of PGRs on the height increment of C. tagal seedling. The survival rate was lowest in the control and 150 ppm NAA treatments, while treatment with 300 ppm GA3was highest. The application of 300 ppm GA3was the best treatment for the livelihood of C. tagal seedling, while the application of 150 ppm GA3 was considerable alternative due to its growth performance. This research provide a novel finding concerning the application of PGRs on the seeding process of C. tagal. Thus, it could be applied in the seeding activities by the mangrove farmers to improve the productivity and quality of mangrove seedling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT: This study has aimed to evaluate the effect of prohexadione-calcium as a plant growth regulator on growth and quality of Japanese lawn grass, Broadleaf carpet grass and Bermudagrass. The treatments and doses of the prohexadione-calcium tested with two three reapplications were 27.5, 55.0, 110.0, 165.0 and 165.0 g a.i. ha-1, and a control without application of a growth regulator. Visual injury evaluations were performed using a scale of scores and plant height and chipping dry matter were determined. We have evaluated the total thickness of the sod grass, root length and dry matter of this material at the end of the experimental period. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. The results were submitted to analysis of variance by F-test and the averages of the treatments were compared by t test at 5% probability. The prohexadione-calcium plant growth regulator was visually selective and reduced shoot growth of the three species of grass and can thus be used in the management of lawns in gardens and sports areas. As for the production of sod grass, the prohexadione-calcium can be recommended for Japanese lawn grass and Broadleaf sod grass, especially doses 165.0+165.0 and 55.0+55.0+55.0 respectively, because they have provided a better quality sod grass. For Bermudagrass, the effect of the treatments was harmful for the quality of sod grass and is not recommended for production purposes.

Recurrent miscarriage is a polyetiology disease, which is an acute social and health problem. The aim of the study – to reduce the incidence of early reproductive losses by developing an algorithm pre-gravid diagnosis and prediction of the risk of miscarriage. Materials and Methods. This study conducted an analysis of early reproductive losses for the period 2009–2016 years, determination gene polymorphism of progesterone receptors and endothelial growth factor as a possible cause of the pathology of embryo implantation. The study included 88 women with a diagnosis of reccurent miscarriage that met the inclusion criteria and exclusion. Results and Discussion. During the reporting period were recorded 533 cases of spontaneous abortion, 1130 cases of missed abortion. Using molecular genetic studies polymorphism of progesterone receptor gene was found in 26 women (29.46 %) and polymorphism of endothelial growth factor in 70 women (79.54 %). Conclusions. These data suggest an important role of polymorphism of progesterone receptor gene and endothelial growth factor in the disruption of implantation and placentation in women with recurrent miscarriage.

Red fescue (Festuca rubra) is used in seed mixtures for lawns and pastures. It is prone to lodge at flowering, and plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used to prevent lodging, ensuring sufficient pollination. Seed yield and lodging were studied over three years in a red fescue field established with four seeding rates (2, 4, 6 and 8 kg ha−1) and sprayed each year with three doses of the PGR trinexapac-ethyl (250 g L−1) (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 L ha−1). Half of each plot was sprayed with the PGR and the other half was left unsprayed as control. The degree of lodging was assessed by analysing drone images in the second year of the experiment and using a 10-point scale for scoring lodging at the ground. Generally, application of PGR increased the seed yield but the effect varied between years. There was no interaction between the PGR dosage and seeding rate. We found a positive correlation between the blue intensity of the images and lodging. PGR dosage significantly affected lodging evaluated by visual ranking and the blue intensity of the images, while the seeding rates did not affect lodging. Lodging affected seed yield negatively.

The effect of the exogenous hormone and light quality on breaking hypocotyl and epicotyl dormancy was studied. The results showed that the greatest percentage of hypocotyl dormancy breaking was observed with the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with or without 1.0 mg·L−1 gibberellin 3 (GA3), while ABA and endosperm greatly inhibited hypocotyl dormancy breaking. This suggests that hypocotyl dormancy of the Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ embryo could be easily overcome by removing constraints of the surrounding endosperm, and ABA may be one of the constraint factors contained in the endosperm. The percentage of epicotyl dormancy breaking was also greatly affected by the concentration of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and GA3. Compared to BA by itself, adding GA3 to the medium containing BA highly enhanced epicotyl dormancy breaking, with the greatest percentage of epicotyl dormancy breaking in MS medium supplemented with both 0.5 mg·L−1 BA and 0.5−1.0 mg·L−1 GA3. The percentage of hypocotyl and epicotyl dormancy breaking was also affected by light and its quality. Red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) had the same effect as a dark condition on the hypocotyl dormancy breaking, while blue LEDs and a combination of red and blue LEDs had a negative effect on the hypocotyl dormancy breaking. Unexpectedly, blue LEDs greatly enhanced, whereas red LEDs inhibited, epicotyl dormancy breaking. Conclusively, a two-stage culture method was recommended for breaking the hypocotyl and epicotyl dormancy: hypocotyl dormancy was broken first using the MS medium without any plant growth regulators in the dark (25 °C), and epicotyl dormancy was subsequently broken with the MS medium supplemented with both 1.0 mg·L−1 GA3 and 0.5 mg·L−1 BA under blue light.

The influence of contrasting trophic conditions of vernalization on the allelic state of the Vrn genes and development rates of two winter wheat varieties, Mironovskaya 808 and Olvia, was investigated. Vernalization was carried out during 45 days at the temperature 4 ± 1°С under different conditions of trophic support. Whole seeds with endosperm and isolated buds, with added water and 3% solution of sucrose, were vernalized. The allelic state of the Vrn genes was identified by PCR using allele-specific primers on the sprouts at different phases of vernalization - 15, 30, and 45 days. Phenological observations were carried out by determining of the transition to the generative development of wheat plants, cultivated from the vernalized sprouts. According to the results obtained, it was established that the recessive state of the genes Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1 and Vrn-D1 was unchanged in all variants of the two winter wheat varieties on the 15th and 30th days of vernalization. After 45 days of vernalization, the recessive and dominant alleles in sprouts, vernalized under normal trophic conditions and with added 3% solution of sucrose, were detected at the Vrn-B1. All variants of wheat plants grown from vernalized sprouts under contrasting trophic conditions were transferred to the generative phase, but at different times. It could indicate an epigenetic regulation vernalization process. It was established that different trophic conditions during vernalization affected the changes of the allelic state of the Vrn-B1 gene and determined the transition to the generative development of winter wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Alacrán mining zone, Puerto Libertador town, Córdoba department, Colombia, is evident the natural resources degradation as a result of informal gold mining; however, in this area the level knowledge of the problem related with explotaition and crop soil pollution by heavy metal is deficient, considering the serious environmental impacts that it has been causing. The aim of this research was to evaluate mercury, iron and copper pollution in crop soils and its relationship with some soil chemical characteristics through multivariate analysis. The study area was 1.4 ha located five kilometers downstream of the Alacrán mine dump in the Valdéz stream. 25 soil samples were collected between eriales and cultivated areas, with a density of 17.8 sample/ha. The results evidenced excessive concentrations of iron and copper and low concentrations of mercury, whereby soils showed copper contamination with values higher than the maximum allowed in all international standards and did not have evidence of mercury contamination. The concentration of iron and copper for both totals and available forms was strongly related to the properties of pH, MO and CICe. There was no statistical evidence to confirm the existence of different soil populations due to chemical properties or concentrations of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gladiolus is a valuable asexually propagated plant of horticultural importance. Here, in the present communication, in vitro embryogenesis protocol and 2C DNA content of embryo regenerated plant are described. Callus was first induced from corms on 2, 4-D and NAA + BAP amended MS medium and the frequency was maximum (75.12%) in 0.5 mg/l NAA + 0.5 mg/l BAP added medium. The callus differentiated into embryos on 2, 4-D at variable numbers (3.13-5.32/callus mass); the addition of 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.25 mg/l NAA was found very efficient in proliferating embryos (7.99/callus mass). Direct somatic embryos were also formed on corm surfaces on 2, 4-D (0.5-1.0 mg/l) amended medium at varying numbers. The embryos did not progress to maturity in same induction medium, so other PGR treatments containing GA3 and ABA were added. The amendment of GA3 was more responsive compared to ABA and 0.5- 1.0 mg/l of GA3 was identified as best effective treatment. The embryos showed a maximum of 62.15% maturity in 0.5 mg/l GA3 added medium after 8th of culture. On BAP containing medium the mature embryos converted into plantlets and highest germination (42.65%) was noticed on 0.5 mg/l BAP added medium. The 2C DNA content of regenerated plant was measured by flow cytometry and was noted to be 1.34 pg. The somatic embryo derived plantlets are true-to-type, stable and grew normally in outdoor conditions, genome size is identical to corm derived gladiolus plants. This is the first flow cytometric DNA analysis description in somatic embryo regenerated gladiolus plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-parturient behavior of mammalian females is essential for early parent-offspring contact. After delivery, lambs need to ingest colostrum for obtaining the related immunological protection, and early interactions between the mother and the lamb are crucial. Despite visual and auditory cues, olfactory cues are decisive in lamb orientation to the mammary gland. In sheep, the inguinal sinus is located bilaterally near the mammary gland as a skin pouch (IGS) that presents a gland that secretes a strong-smelling wax. Sheep IGS gland functions have many aspects under evaluation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate sheep IGS gland functional aspects and mRNA transcription and the protein expression of several hormone receptors, such as progesterone receptor (PGR), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and 2 (ESR2) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) present. In addition, another aim was to achieve information about IGS ultrastructure and chemical compounds produced in this gland. All hormone receptors evaluated show expression in IGS during the estrous cycle (follicular/luteal phases), pregnancy, and the post-partum period. IGS secretion is rich in triterpenoids that totally differ from the surrounding skin. They might be essential substances for the development of an olfactory preference of newborns to their mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central roles of luteinizing hormone (LH), progestin and their receptors for initiating ovulation have been well established. However, signaling pathways and downstream targets such as proteases that are essential for the rupture of follicular cells are still unclear. Recently, we found anovulation in nuclear progestin receptor (Pgr) knockout (Pgr-KO) zebrafish, which offers a new model for examining genes and pathways that are important for ovulation and fertility. In this study, we examined expression of all transcripts using RNA-Seq in preovulatory follicular cells collected following the final oocyte maturation, but prior to ovulation, from wild-type (WT) or Pgr-KO fish. Differential expression analysis revealed 3567 genes significantly differentially expressed between WT and Pgr-KO fish (fold change ⩾ 2, p < 0.05). Among those, 1543 gene transcripts were significantly more expressed, while 2024 genes were significantly less expressed, in WT than those in Pgr-KO. We then retrieved and compared transcriptional data from online databases and further identified 661 conserved genes in fish, mice, and humans that showed similar levels of high (283 genes) or low (387) expression in animals that were ovulating compared to those with no ovulation. For the first time, ovulatory genes and their involved biological processes and pathways were also visualized using Enrichment Map and Cytoscape. Intriguingly, enrichment analysis indicated that the genes with higher expression were involved in multiple ovulatory pathways and processes such as inflammatory response, angiogenesis, cytokine production, cell migration, chemotaxis, MAPK, focal adhesion, and cytoskeleton reorganization. In contrast, the genes with lower expression were mainly involved in DNA replication, DNA repair, DNA methylation, RNA processing, telomere maintenance, spindle assembling, nuclear acid transport, catabolic processes, and nuclear and cell division. Our results indicate that a large set of genes (>3000) is differentially regulated in the follicular cells in zebrafish prior to ovulation, terminating programs such as growth and proliferation, and beginning processes including the inflammatory response and apoptosis. Further studies are required to establish relationships among these genes and an ovulatory circuit in the zebrafish model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate determination of the predictive markers human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2), estrogen receptor (ER/ESR1), progesterone receptor (PgR/PGR), and marker of proliferation Ki67 (MKI67) is indispensable for therapeutic decision making in early breast cancer. In this multicenter prospective study, we addressed the issue of inter- and intrasite reproducibility using the recently developed reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction-based MammaTyper® test.Methods: Ten international pathology institutions participated in this study and determined messenger RNA expression levels of ERBB2, ESR1, PGR, and MKI67 in both centrally and locally extracted RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast cancer specimens with the MammaTyper® test. Samples were measured repeatedly on different days within the local laboratories, and reproducibility was assessed by means of variance component analysis, Fleiss' kappa statistics, and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).Results: Total variations in measurements of centrally and locally prepared RNA extracts were comparable; therefore, statistical analyses were performed on the complete dataset. Intersite reproducibility showed total SDs between 0.21 and 0.44 for the quantitative single-marker assessments, resulting in ICC values of 0.980-0.998, demonstrating excellent agreement of quantitative measurements. Also, the reproducibility of binary single-marker results (positive/negative), as well as the molecular subtype agreement, was almost perfect with kappa values ranging from 0.90 to 1.00.Conclusions: On the basis of these data, the MammaTyper® has the potential to substantially improve the current standards of breast cancer diagnostics by providing a highly precise and reproducible quantitative assessment of the established breast cancer biomarkers and molecular subtypes in a decentralized workup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of all the progestin receptor genes (PRs) found in the European eel has been performed. There were five membrane PRs (mPRs): mPRα (alpha), mPRAL1 (alpha-like1), mPRAL2 (alpha-like2), mPRγ (gamma), mPRδ (delta) and two nuclear PRs (nPRs or PGRs): pgr1 and pgr2 . In silico studies showed that the C and E(F) domains of Pgr are well conserved among vertebrates whereas the A/B domain is not. Phylogeny and synteny analyses suggest that eel duplicated pgr ( pgr1 and pgr2 ) originated from the teleost-specific third whole genome duplication (3R). mPR phylogeny placed three eel mPRs together with the mPRα clade, being termed mPRα, mPRAL1 and mPRAL2, while the other two eel mPRs clustered with mPRγ and mPRδ clades, respectively. The in vivo study showed differential expression patterns along the brain-pituitary-gonad axis. An increase in nPR transcripts was observed in brain (in pgr1 ) and pituitary (in pgr1 and pgr2 ) through the spermatogenesis, from the spermatogonia B/spermatocyte stage to the spermiation stage. In the testis, mPRγ , mPRδ and pgr2 transcripts showed the highest levels in testis with A spermatogonia as dominant germ cell, while the highest mPRα , mPRAL1 and mPRAL2 transcripts were observed in testis from spermiating males, where the dominant germ cell were spermatozoa. Further studies should elucidate the role of both nuclear and membrane progestin receptors on eel spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Folia Pomeranae Universitatis Technologiae Stetinensis Agricultura Alimentaria Piscaria et Zootechnica is the property of West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The female breast is subjected to a lifetime of hormonal controls, whose effect is evident at the time of menarche and during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and lactation. Studies have reported multiple risk factors for breast cancer, some of which are a reflection of hormonally mediated events. The steroid receptors are also served as prognostic factors for evaluating status of malignant tumor of the breast. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) formation are influenced by Estrogen and progesterone concentration. The aim of this study was to clarify the hormonal milieu of the breast cancer such as Estradiol (E2), Progesterone (Pg), Prolactin (PRL) and their correlation with prognostic factors like ER, PgR. Materials and Methods: In this study we examined fourthy four samples removed from patients with primary breast cancer by radical mastectomy. The specimens include thirty six malignant and eight benign breast tissues. Blood samples were also obtained before surgery. steroid receptors was assayed by the method of single-point dextrane-coated charcoal (DCC), hormones by radioimmunoassay. Results: The results demonstrated that serum prolactin was higher in patients with benign and malignant tumors than that of normal (progesterone1.5 ng/ml and those of

When methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was added at 1 mg/l, it could stimulate the development of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) or PLB thin cell layers of hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’, when added to Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium without plant growth regulators. This is a simple means to mass produce PLBs for commercial purposes.

The preservation of plant biodiversity of Bulgarian flora is the main priority in scientific activities of IPGR-Sadovo. It is a part of the National Programme on Plant Genetic resources (PGR). Plant accessions in the base collections are evaluated according to the standards of FAO and European programme for PGR. The scientific programme for conservation of germplasm under controlled conditions in the gene bank is prepared according to the FAO requirements. The national collection of PGR in Sadovo includes crops and crop wild relatives-new varieties, selection lines, old varieties, local populations, mutants and wild species. The collection is divided into 7 main groups: cereals, grain legumes, industrial crops, vegetable crops, forage crops and medical and ornamental plants. The scientific work is carried out in 6 directions: enrichment with new geneplasm; evaluation of PGR; maintenance of PGR; conservation of PGR; documentation of PGR; use of PGR.