Buriyev Sulaymon, Karimova Nilufar, Rakhmatov Akhmad
et al.
This study investigates the reproduction dynamics of
Chlorella vulgaris under controlled laboratory conditions and evaluates its application in enhancing aquaculture productivity. Pure cultures of Ch. vulgaris were propagated in photobioreactor systems under optimized conditions involving varied light intensities, pH ranges, and nutrient concentrations. Reproductive performance was assessed through growth rate, chlorophyll content, cell density, and autosporulation analysis. Maximum biomass yield was obtained at 25°C, pH 7.5, and light intensity of 150 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ using nitrogen-enriched media. Harvested biomass was incorporated into experimental aquafeeds at 5% and 10% inclusion levels, and its effect on the growth performance, feed efficiency, and water quality in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) was assessed over a 45-day period in recirculating aquaculture systems. Results demonstrated that Ch. vulgaris supplementation significantly improved specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and fish survival compared to control groups. Furthermore, live microalgae addition contributed to reduced ammonia and nitrate levels, confirming its biofiltration capacity. This study highlights the dual role of Chlorella vulgaris as a nutrient-rich feed additive and an eco-functional agent in aquaculture. The findings support the integration of laboratory-optimized Ch. vulgaris into sustainable fish farming systems and provide a scalable model for enhancing productivity while improving environmental resilience.
Aastha Subedi, Daniel W. Heck, Daniel W. Heck
et al.
Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB), caused by the hemibiotrophic fungus, Stemphylium vesicarium, is the dominant foliar disease affecting onions in New York (NY), USA. The development of integrated disease management strategies for SLB is challenged from the lack of information surrounding phylodynamics and evolutionary patterns of the causal organism. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal patterns of genetic diversity, differentiation and population structure of 210 S. vesicarium isolates from populations collected over 6 years (2016 to 2022) across five onion production regions in NY using nine microsatellite loci. A total of 158 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were identified among the 210 isolates, indicating high genetic diversity and genotypic variation. Low genetic differentiation was observed across spatial and temporal populations, with greater genetic variation within populations than between them. Population structure analyses using multiple approaches revealed no clear temporal or spatial genetic patterns, although isolates from 2016 and the Orange County region showed some genetic divergence. Additionally, significant linkage disequilibrium among loci suggested a predominantly clonal population structure in all regions, except the Finger Lakes, which displayed non-significant linkage disequilibrium. These findings highlight the complex population biology and dynamics of S. vesicarium, characterized by high genetic diversity, admixture, and mixed reproduction modes and emphasize the challenges in managing SLB, as these characteristics can enable rapid population adaptation to diverse environmental conditions and management practices.
Hamidreza Ashrafzadeh, Farzaneh Tafvizi, Nasrin Ghasemi
et al.
Background: All considerable families are seeking genetic counseling aiming to manage the next pregnancy according to the positive family history of heterogenetic disorders. Prenatal diagnosis utilizing next-generation sequencing provides a significant means to identify the causes of genetic abnormalities, allowing for timely interventions that support informed family planning. This study explores the power of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in uncovering genetic variants in couples who are seeking genetic counseling for their next pregnancy.
Case Presentations: In this study, WES was used to identify genetic variations associated with disability in families seeking genetic counseling. 3 families who had at least 1 child with developmental delay (DD) and/or intellectual disability (ID) participated in a genetic counselling clinic, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Yazd, Iran to have successful outcomes for the next pregnancy. 3 distinct mutation sites from 3 families were diagnosed, following the WES for affected children with intellectual disabilities. Results showed a homozygous de novo stop-gain mutation in malate dehydrogenase 1 gene (NM_005917.4:c.4C>T; p.Arg2Ter), a splice acceptor mutation in the post-glycosylphosphatidylinositol attachment to proteins inositol deacylase 1 gene (NM_024989.4:c.1221–1G>T), and a missense mutation in the lysosomal trafficking regulator gene (NM_000081.4:c.949G>A; p.Glu317Lys) in each family, respectively.
Conclusion: For cases with DD and unexplained ID, WES is a very successful diagnostic approach. Unfortunately, large Iranian families exhibit significant genetic heterogeneity, highlighting the critical role of de novo variants in diagnosis. The results of this study confirm that proteins inositol deacylase 1, malate dehydrogenase 1, and lysosomal trafficking regulator are involved in the pathophysiology of ID/DD and the transformative potential of prenatal genetic screening.
Abstract Background Oocyte maturation is a critical process responsible for supporting preimplantation embryo development and full development to term. Understanding oocyte gene expression is relevant given the unique molecular mechanism present in this gamete. Comparative transcriptome analysis across species offers a powerful approach to uncover conserved and species-specific genes involved in the molecular regulation of oocyte maturation throughout evolution. Results Transcriptome analysis identified 4,625, 3,824, 4,972 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stage in human, porcine and mouse oocytes respectively. These DEGs showed dynamic changes associated with oocyte maturation. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs in all three species were mainly involved in DNA replication, cell cycle and redox regulation. Comparative transcriptome analysis identified 551 conserved DEGs in the three species with significant enrichment in mitochondria and mitochondrial intima. Conclusions This study provides a systematic comparative analysis of oocyte meiotic maturation in humans, pigs and mice identifying both conserved and species-specific patterns during oocyte meiosis. Our findings also implied that the selection of oocyte expressed genes among these three species could form a basis for further exploring their functional roles in human oocyte maturation.
Mahmoud Abd-Elkareem, Mohsen A. Khormi, Mohammed A. Alfattah
et al.
Abstract Background Saidi sheep are one of the most important farm animals in Upper Egypt, particularly in the Assiut governorate. Since they can provide meat, milk, fiber, and skins from low-quality roughages, sheep are among the most economically valuable animals bred for food in Egypt. Regarding breeding, relatively little is known about the Saidi breed. In mammals, the uterus is a crucial reproductive organ. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to provide further details on the histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione reductase (GR), and progesterone receptor alpha (PRA) as well as terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling assay (TUNEL) of the uterus during the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep. Thus, 11 healthy Saidi ewes (38.5 ± 2.03 kg weight) ranging in age from 2 to 5 years were used to examine the histological changes in the uterus. Results In Saidi sheep, the uterine histological and immunological picture during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle was characterized by epithelial and stromal proliferation and apoptosis. Leucocytic recruitment (lymphocytes, plasma, and mast cells) was also observed. Uterine gland adenogenesis, vascular angiogenesis, oxidative marker expression, and PRA expression in the muscles, stroma, and epithelium were the most noticeable features of the follicular phase. Conclusion This study provides new evidence of the role of PRA, SOD2, GR, and mast cells in controlling uterine epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in the Saidi sheep during the follicular phase of the estrus cycle. These findings have growing significance in understanding the key mechanisms that characterize successful reproduction and enhancing the fertility and reproductive efficiency in Saidi Sheep.
Anastasios Potiris, Sofoklis Stavros, Ioanna Zouganeli
et al.
Background/Objectives: Embryo implantation is a highly complex process that requires the precise regulation of numerous molecules to be orchestrated successfully. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play a crucial role in the regulation of embryo implantation. This article aims to summarize the key findings of the literature regarding the role of miRNAs in human embryo implantation, emphasizing their involvement in critical stages such as decidualization, endometrial receptivity and trophoblast adhesion. Methods: This review includes primary research articles from the past decade. The studies utilize a range of experimental methodologies, including gene expression analysis and in vitro studies. Results: MicroRNAs, like miR-320a, miR-149, and miR30d secreted by preimplantation embryos and blastocysts significantly influence endometrial receptivity by promoting essential cellular processes, such as cell migration and trophoblast cell attachment, while others—miR17-5p, miR-193-3p, miR-372, and miR-542-3p—secreted from the endometrium regulate the decidualization phase. During the apposition and adhesion phases, miRNAs play a complex role by promoting, for example, miR-23b-3p, and inhibiting—as do miR-29c and miR-519d-3p—important biological pathways of these stages. During invasion, miR-26a-5p and miR-125-5p modulate important genes. Conclusions: This review underscores the critical impact of miRNAs in the regulation of embryo implantation and early pregnancy. The ability of miRNAs to modulate gene expression at various stages of reproduction presents promising therapeutic avenues for improving assisted reproductive technologies outcomes and addressing infertility. Further research into miRNA-based diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies is essential to enhance our understanding of their role in reproductive health and to exploit their potential for clinical applications.
The narrative biographical interview is a research tool that has been successfully used to study the reproductions of the overall constellations of social life that occur within an individual life. The entire methodological proposal as well as the issue of reproduction are based on a dichotomous epistemology. In the presented article, we analyse this issue of reproduction as it appears in Fritz Schütze’s work. Next, we describe a proposal for an alternative narrative interview – interview about the present based on a non-dichotomous epistemology. In our opinion, this epistemological perspective addresses the issue of reproduction in a completely different way. And, more importantly it introduces in the field of sociology an issue of emergence. To illustrate this non-dichotomous logics, we are using the material from one of the interviews from the research data collection.
Ethnology. Social and cultural anthropology, Sociology (General)