Semen analysis(SA)remains the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation and should ideally be performed by an accredited andrology laboratory or in vitro fertilization(IVF)clinics based on the standards defined by th...Semen analysis(SA)remains the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation and should ideally be performed by an accredited andrology laboratory or in vitro fertilization(IVF)clinics based on the standards defined by the World Health Organization(WHO)for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen and in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s Basic Semen Examination on Specification and Test Methods.展开更多
Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)is a staple crop critical for global food security,yet its productivity is significantly affected by abiotic stresses such as drought,salinity,and waterlogging,which are exacerbated by clima...Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)is a staple crop critical for global food security,yet its productivity is significantly affected by abiotic stresses such as drought,salinity,and waterlogging,which are exacerbated by climate change.This study evaluated the effects of these stresses on vegetative growth,physiological responses,and yield.Field experiments were conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design(RCBD)at the Mona Reclamation Experimental Project(MREP),WAPDA,Bhalwal,Sargodha,Punjab Pakistan.Stress treatments included three levels of drought(25%,50%,and 75%field capacity),salinity(4,8,and 12 dS/m),and waterlogging(24,48,and 72 h).Key parameters measured included plant height,leaf area,tiller number,stomatal conductance,chlorophyll content,and antioxidant enzyme activities.The results revealed that drought stress caused a 46%reduction in yield,while salinity and waterlogging reduced yield by 54%and 35%,respectively,with statistically significant differences(p 0.05).Key<physiological changes included a significant reduction in stomatal conductance(from 0.55 to 0.15 mmol m^(2)/s under drought stress,p 0.01)and chlorophyll content(from 48 to 28 SPAD units under drought,p 0.01).Biochemical<<responses indicated elevated levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and hydrogen peroxide(H2O2),with significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities,particularly superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT).These findings underscore the need for developing stress-tolerant wheat varieties and implementing agronomic practices to mitigate the impact of abiotic stresses on wheat yield.展开更多
This paper was to explore the mechanism of single basal application of controlled-release fertilizers for increasing yield of rice （Oryza sativa L.）. Pot trials and cylinder trials were carried out from 2002 to 2005...This paper was to explore the mechanism of single basal application of controlled-release fertilizers for increasing yield of rice （Oryza sativa L.）. Pot trials and cylinder trials were carried out from 2002 to 2005 to study the influences of single basal application of 3 controlled-release fertilizers on the changes of soil available N, root development, senescence and lodging resistance at late growth stages. Results showed that at 30 days after fertilization, single basal application of controlled-release fertilizers coated with vegetal-substance （CRF1） and polymer materials （CRF3） increased soil available N to 12.0 and 147.9%, respectively, in comparison to split fertilization of rice-specific fertilizer （RSF1）. Treatments of the two CRFs obviously benefited the development of root system, resulting in greater rice root weights with extensive distribution and higher root activity. In addition, the two CRF treatments, in comparison to RSF1, enhanced chlorophyll consents of the flag leaves to 9.5 and 15.5%, and soluble protein up to 89.7 and 108.0% respectively. Application of the two CRFs also made the base of rice stems strong and large, declined the proportion of shoot and root, increased root depth index. Though relatively low K rate, single basal application of the CRF3 coated with NH4MgPO4 could also promote the development of root system, enhance root activity and some physiological functions of flag leaves. Based on these results, it was concluded that major mechanisms for increasing rice yield by single basal application of the CRFs should be attributed to grater soil available N supply, superior development of root systems, better nutrient absorption capacity, slower senescence and enhancement of lodging resistance at late stages.展开更多
Poor spermatogenesis in patients with inflammation of the genital tract is associated with scrotal hyperthermia.These patients can benefit from acupuncture treatment.We conducted a study to verify whether the influenc...Poor spermatogenesis in patients with inflammation of the genital tract is associated with scrotal hyperthermia.These patients can benefit from acupuncture treatment.We conducted a study to verify whether the influence of acupuncture treatment on sperm output in patients with low sperm density is associated with a decrease in scrotal temperature.The experimental group included 39 men who were referred for acupuncture owing to low sperm output.The control group,which comprised 18 normal fertile men,was used to define a threshold(30.5℃)above which scrotal skin temperature was considered to be high.Accordingly,34 of the 39 participants in the experimental group initially had high scrotal skin temperature;the other five had normal values.Scrotal skin temperature and sperm concentration were measured before and after acupuncture treatment.The five patients with initially normal scrotal temperatures were not affected by the acupuncture treatment.Following treatment,17 of the 34 patients with hyperthermia,all of whom had genital tract inflammation,had normal scrotal skin temperature;in 15 of these 17 patients,sperm count was increased.In the remaining 17 men with scrotal hyperthermia,neither scrotal skin temperature nor sperm concentration was affected by the treatment.About 90%of the latter patients suffered from high gonadotropins or mixed etiological factors.Low sperm count in patients with inflammation of the genital tract seems to be associated with scrotal hyperthermia,and,consequently,acupuncture treatment is recommended for these men.展开更多
Angiotensin-converting enzyme functions in the male reproductive system, but the extent of its function in reproduction is not fully understood. The primary objective of this work was to investigate the relationship b...Angiotensin-converting enzyme functions in the male reproductive system, but the extent of its function in reproduction is not fully understood. The primary objective of this work was to investigate the relationship between the testicular isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme present in human spermatozoa and semen parameters, human embryo quality, and assisted reproduction success. A total of 81 semen samples and 635 embryos from couples undergoing oocyte donation cycles at the IVI Bilbao Clinic were analyzed. Semen parameters, embryos quality, and blastocyst development were examined according to the World Health Organization standards and the Spanish Association of Reproduction Biology Studies criteria. The percentage of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive spermatozoa and the number of molecules per spermatozoon were analyzed by flow cytometry. Both parameters were inversely correlated with human sperm motility. Higher percentages of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive spermatozoa together with fewer enzyme molecules per spermatozoon were positively correlated with better embryo quality and development. Our results suggest that embryos with a higher implantation potential come from semen samples with higher percentages of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive cells and fewer enzyme molecules per spermatozoon. Based on these findings, we propose that testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme could be used to aid embryologists in selecting better semen samples for obtaining high-quality blastocysts during in vitro fertilization procedures.展开更多
The Sertoli cell tight junction （T J） is the key component of the blood-testis barrier, where it sequesters developing germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis within the seminiferous tubules. Hormonally regulated clau...The Sertoli cell tight junction （T J） is the key component of the blood-testis barrier, where it sequesters developing germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis within the seminiferous tubules. Hormonally regulated claudin-11 is a critical transmembrane protein involved in barrier function and its murine knockout results in infertility. We aimed to assess quantitatively the significance of the contribution of claudin-11 to TJ function, in vitro, using siRNA-mediated gene silencing. We also conducted an analysis of the contribution of occludin, another intrinsic transmembrane protein of the TJ. Silencing of claudin-11 and/or occludin was conducted using siRNA in an immature rat Sertoli cell culture model. Transepithelial electrical resistance was used to assess quantitatively TJ function throughout the culture. Two days after siRNA treatment, cells were fixed for immunocytochemical localization of junction proteins or lyzed for RT-PCR assessment of mRNA expression. Silencing of claudin-11, occludin, or both resulted in significant decreases in TJ function of 55% （P 〈 0.01）, 51% （P 〈 0.01）, and 62% （P 〈 0.01）, respectively. Data were concomitant with significant decreases in mRNA expression and marked reductions in the localization of targeted proteins to the Sertoli cell TJ. We provide quantitative evidence that claudin-11 contributes significantly （P 〈 0.01） to Sertoli cell TJ function in vitro. Interestingly, occludin, which is hormonally regulated but not implicated in infertility until late adulthood, is also a significant （P 〈 0.01） contributor to barrier function. Our data are consistent with in vivo studies that clearly demonstrate a role for these proteins in maintaining normal TJ barrier structure and function.展开更多
Semen analysis is characterized by high levels of intra-and inter-laboratory variability,due to a low level of standardization,high subjectivity of the assessments,and problems with automated procedures.To improve con...Semen analysis is characterized by high levels of intra-and inter-laboratory variability,due to a low level of standardization,high subjectivity of the assessments,and problems with automated procedures.To improve consistency of laboratory results,quality control and training of technicians are important requisites.The goals of this study are to evaluate the results of an external quality control(EQC)program and standardized training by ESHRE Basic Semen Analysis Courses(BSAC)on the variability in manual assessments of semen parameters.We performed retrospective analyses of(1)the interlaboratory variability in the Dutch EQC program and(2)the interobserver variability in BSACs for concentration,motility,and morphology assessments.EQC data showed that the interlaboratory coefficient of variation(CV)for concentration assessment decreased(range from 24.0%–97.5%to 12.7%–20.9%)but not for morphology and motility assessments.Concentration variability was lower if improved Neubauer hemocytometers were used.Morphology assessment showed highest CVs(up to 375.0%),with many outliers in the period of 2007–2014.During BSAC,a significant reduction of interobserver variability could be established for all parameters(P<0.05).The absence of an effect in the EQC program for motility and morphology might be explained by respectively the facts that motility assessment was introduced relatively late in the EQC program(since 2013)and that criteria for morphology assessment changed in time.BSAC results might have been influenced by the pretraining level of participants and the influence of external factors.Both EQC and training show positive effects on reducing variability.Increased willingness by laboratories to change their methods toward standards may lead to further improvements.展开更多
Preoperative and postoperative sperm parameter values from infertile men with varicocele were analyzed by computer-aided sperm analysis （CASA） to assess if sperm characteristics improved after varicocelectomy. Semen...Preoperative and postoperative sperm parameter values from infertile men with varicocele were analyzed by computer-aided sperm analysis （CASA） to assess if sperm characteristics improved after varicocelectomy. Semen samples of men with proven fertility （n = 38） and men with varicocele-related infertility （n = 61） were also analyzed. Conventional semen analysis was performed according to WHO （2010） criteria and a CASA system was employed to assess kinetic parameters and sperm concentration. Seminal parameters values in the fertile group were very far above from those of the patients, either before or after surgery. No significant improvement in the percentage normal sperm morphology （P = 0. 10）, sperm concentration （P = 0.52）, total sperm count （P = 0.76）, subjective motility （%） （P = 0.97） nor kinematics （P = 0.30） was observed after varicocelectomy when all groups were compared. Neither was significant improvement found in percentage normal sperm morphology （P = 0.91）, sperm concentration （P =0. 10）, total sperm count （P = 0.89） or percentage motility （P = 0.77） after varicocelectomy in paired comparisons of preoperative and postoperative data. Analysis of paired samples revealed that the total sperm count （P = 0.01） and most sperm kinetic parameters： curvilinear velocity （P = 0.002）, straight-line velocity （P = 0.0004）, average path velocity （P = 0.0005）, linearity （P = 0.02）, and wobble （P = 0.006） improved after surgery. CASA offers the potential for accurate quantitative assessment of each patient＇s response to varicocelectomy.展开更多
Advanced maternal age is characterized by declines in the quantity and quality of oocytes in the ovaries,and the aging process is accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition.However,little is known about the ...Advanced maternal age is characterized by declines in the quantity and quality of oocytes in the ovaries,and the aging process is accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition.However,little is known about the relationship between gut microbiota and ovarian aging.By using fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)to transplant material from young(5-week-old)into aged(42-week-old)mice,we find that the composition of gut microbiota in FMT-treated mice presents a“younger-like phenotype”and an increase of commensal bacteria,such as Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcaceae.Moreover,the FMT-treated mice show increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ.Fertility tests for assessing ovarian function reveal that the first litter size of female FMT-treated mice is significantly higher than that of the non-FMT group.Morphology analysis demonstrates a dramatic decrease in follicle atresia and apoptosis as well as an increase in cellular proliferation in the ovaries of the FMT-treated mice.Our results also show that FMT improves the immune microenvironment in aged ovaries,with decreased macrophages and macrophage-derived multinucleated giant cells(MNGCs).These results suggest that FMT from young donors could be a good choice for delaying ovarian aging.展开更多
Crop phosphorus(P) deficiency and poor utilization of added P is a major agricultural problem due to reduced solubility of soil P and rapid fixation or precipitation of applied P fertilizer in alkaline and calcareous ...Crop phosphorus(P) deficiency and poor utilization of added P is a major agricultural problem due to reduced solubility of soil P and rapid fixation or precipitation of applied P fertilizer in alkaline and calcareous soils. The effects of P-enriched compost and single superphosphate(SSP) fertilization on maize and wheat yields and P use efficiency in a maize–wheat rotation system were studied for three years. On a three-year average, grain yields of maize and wheat after application of P-enriched compost were increased by 18% and 24%, respectively, in comparison with sole addition of a recommended dose of SSP fertilizer. P-enriched compost addition to soil increased maize and wheat yields by 12% and 17%, respectively, compared to P fertilizer plus FYM incorporation. Soil available P concentration and P uptake were affected significantly by the addition of P-enriched compost. On average, increases in P recovery, use efficiency, and agronomic efficiency of 52%, 18%, and 43% were recorded in maize and increases of 50%, 23%, and 49% in wheat. P-enriched compost application yielded 30% and 32%higher economic returns in maize and wheat than SSP fertilization alone.展开更多
Decision support system for agro-technology transfer (DSSAT), OIL CROP-SUN Model was used to stimulate the phenology, growth, yield of different two sunflower hybrids. i.e. Hysun-33 and S-78 by applying different nitr...Decision support system for agro-technology transfer (DSSAT), OIL CROP-SUN Model was used to stimulate the phenology, growth, yield of different two sunflower hybrids. i.e. Hysun-33 and S-78 by applying different nitrogen levels. The effect of nitrogen (N) on growth and yield components of different sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids were evaluated under agro-climatic conditions of Sargodha, Pakistan during spring 2013. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications, keeping cultivars in the main plots and nitrogen levels (0, 45, 90,135 and 180 kg/ha) in sub plots. OIL CROP-SUN Model showed that the model was able to simulate the growth and yield of sunflower with an average of 10.44 error% between observed and simulate achene yield (AY). The result of simulation indicates that nitrogen rate of 180 kg/ha produced highest achene yield in S-78 hybrid as compared to other treatments and Hysun-33 cultivar.展开更多
文摘Semen analysis(SA)remains the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation and should ideally be performed by an accredited andrology laboratory or in vitro fertilization(IVF)clinics based on the standards defined by the World Health Organization(WHO)for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen and in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s Basic Semen Examination on Specification and Test Methods.
基金supported by grants from the Mona Reclamation Experimental Project WAPDA,Pakistan.Researchers Supporting Project Number(RSP2024R410),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)is a staple crop critical for global food security,yet its productivity is significantly affected by abiotic stresses such as drought,salinity,and waterlogging,which are exacerbated by climate change.This study evaluated the effects of these stresses on vegetative growth,physiological responses,and yield.Field experiments were conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design(RCBD)at the Mona Reclamation Experimental Project(MREP),WAPDA,Bhalwal,Sargodha,Punjab Pakistan.Stress treatments included three levels of drought(25%,50%,and 75%field capacity),salinity(4,8,and 12 dS/m),and waterlogging(24,48,and 72 h).Key parameters measured included plant height,leaf area,tiller number,stomatal conductance,chlorophyll content,and antioxidant enzyme activities.The results revealed that drought stress caused a 46%reduction in yield,while salinity and waterlogging reduced yield by 54%and 35%,respectively,with statistically significant differences(p 0.05).Key<physiological changes included a significant reduction in stomatal conductance(from 0.55 to 0.15 mmol m^(2)/s under drought stress,p 0.01)and chlorophyll content(from 48 to 28 SPAD units under drought,p 0.01).Biochemical<<responses indicated elevated levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and hydrogen peroxide(H2O2),with significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities,particularly superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT).These findings underscore the need for developing stress-tolerant wheat varieties and implementing agronomic practices to mitigate the impact of abiotic stresses on wheat yield.
文摘This paper was to explore the mechanism of single basal application of controlled-release fertilizers for increasing yield of rice （Oryza sativa L.）. Pot trials and cylinder trials were carried out from 2002 to 2005 to study the influences of single basal application of 3 controlled-release fertilizers on the changes of soil available N, root development, senescence and lodging resistance at late growth stages. Results showed that at 30 days after fertilization, single basal application of controlled-release fertilizers coated with vegetal-substance （CRF1） and polymer materials （CRF3） increased soil available N to 12.0 and 147.9%, respectively, in comparison to split fertilization of rice-specific fertilizer （RSF1）. Treatments of the two CRFs obviously benefited the development of root system, resulting in greater rice root weights with extensive distribution and higher root activity. In addition, the two CRF treatments, in comparison to RSF1, enhanced chlorophyll consents of the flag leaves to 9.5 and 15.5%, and soluble protein up to 89.7 and 108.0% respectively. Application of the two CRFs also made the base of rice stems strong and large, declined the proportion of shoot and root, increased root depth index. Though relatively low K rate, single basal application of the CRF3 coated with NH4MgPO4 could also promote the development of root system, enhance root activity and some physiological functions of flag leaves. Based on these results, it was concluded that major mechanisms for increasing rice yield by single basal application of the CRFs should be attributed to grater soil available N supply, superior development of root systems, better nutrient absorption capacity, slower senescence and enhancement of lodging resistance at late stages.
文摘Poor spermatogenesis in patients with inflammation of the genital tract is associated with scrotal hyperthermia.These patients can benefit from acupuncture treatment.We conducted a study to verify whether the influence of acupuncture treatment on sperm output in patients with low sperm density is associated with a decrease in scrotal temperature.The experimental group included 39 men who were referred for acupuncture owing to low sperm output.The control group,which comprised 18 normal fertile men,was used to define a threshold(30.5℃)above which scrotal skin temperature was considered to be high.Accordingly,34 of the 39 participants in the experimental group initially had high scrotal skin temperature;the other five had normal values.Scrotal skin temperature and sperm concentration were measured before and after acupuncture treatment.The five patients with initially normal scrotal temperatures were not affected by the acupuncture treatment.Following treatment,17 of the 34 patients with hyperthermia,all of whom had genital tract inflammation,had normal scrotal skin temperature;in 15 of these 17 patients,sperm count was increased.In the remaining 17 men with scrotal hyperthermia,neither scrotal skin temperature nor sperm concentration was affected by the treatment.About 90%of the latter patients suffered from high gonadotropins or mixed etiological factors.Low sperm count in patients with inflammation of the genital tract seems to be associated with scrotal hyperthermia,and,consequently,acupuncture treatment is recommended for these men.
文摘Angiotensin-converting enzyme functions in the male reproductive system, but the extent of its function in reproduction is not fully understood. The primary objective of this work was to investigate the relationship between the testicular isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme present in human spermatozoa and semen parameters, human embryo quality, and assisted reproduction success. A total of 81 semen samples and 635 embryos from couples undergoing oocyte donation cycles at the IVI Bilbao Clinic were analyzed. Semen parameters, embryos quality, and blastocyst development were examined according to the World Health Organization standards and the Spanish Association of Reproduction Biology Studies criteria. The percentage of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive spermatozoa and the number of molecules per spermatozoon were analyzed by flow cytometry. Both parameters were inversely correlated with human sperm motility. Higher percentages of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive spermatozoa together with fewer enzyme molecules per spermatozoon were positively correlated with better embryo quality and development. Our results suggest that embryos with a higher implantation potential come from semen samples with higher percentages of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme-positive cells and fewer enzyme molecules per spermatozoon. Based on these findings, we propose that testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme could be used to aid embryologists in selecting better semen samples for obtaining high-quality blastocysts during in vitro fertilization procedures.
文摘The Sertoli cell tight junction （T J） is the key component of the blood-testis barrier, where it sequesters developing germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis within the seminiferous tubules. Hormonally regulated claudin-11 is a critical transmembrane protein involved in barrier function and its murine knockout results in infertility. We aimed to assess quantitatively the significance of the contribution of claudin-11 to TJ function, in vitro, using siRNA-mediated gene silencing. We also conducted an analysis of the contribution of occludin, another intrinsic transmembrane protein of the TJ. Silencing of claudin-11 and/or occludin was conducted using siRNA in an immature rat Sertoli cell culture model. Transepithelial electrical resistance was used to assess quantitatively TJ function throughout the culture. Two days after siRNA treatment, cells were fixed for immunocytochemical localization of junction proteins or lyzed for RT-PCR assessment of mRNA expression. Silencing of claudin-11, occludin, or both resulted in significant decreases in TJ function of 55% （P 〈 0.01）, 51% （P 〈 0.01）, and 62% （P 〈 0.01）, respectively. Data were concomitant with significant decreases in mRNA expression and marked reductions in the localization of targeted proteins to the Sertoli cell TJ. We provide quantitative evidence that claudin-11 contributes significantly （P 〈 0.01） to Sertoli cell TJ function in vitro. Interestingly, occludin, which is hormonally regulated but not implicated in infertility until late adulthood, is also a significant （P 〈 0.01） contributor to barrier function. Our data are consistent with in vivo studies that clearly demonstrate a role for these proteins in maintaining normal TJ barrier structure and function.
基金This study was supported by an unrestricted grant from the Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessment in Medical Laboratories(SKML),Nijmegen,the NetherlandsSKML is a nonprofit organization for external quality control for medical laboratories.
文摘Semen analysis is characterized by high levels of intra-and inter-laboratory variability,due to a low level of standardization,high subjectivity of the assessments,and problems with automated procedures.To improve consistency of laboratory results,quality control and training of technicians are important requisites.The goals of this study are to evaluate the results of an external quality control(EQC)program and standardized training by ESHRE Basic Semen Analysis Courses(BSAC)on the variability in manual assessments of semen parameters.We performed retrospective analyses of(1)the interlaboratory variability in the Dutch EQC program and(2)the interobserver variability in BSACs for concentration,motility,and morphology assessments.EQC data showed that the interlaboratory coefficient of variation(CV)for concentration assessment decreased(range from 24.0%–97.5%to 12.7%–20.9%)but not for morphology and motility assessments.Concentration variability was lower if improved Neubauer hemocytometers were used.Morphology assessment showed highest CVs(up to 375.0%),with many outliers in the period of 2007–2014.During BSAC,a significant reduction of interobserver variability could be established for all parameters(P<0.05).The absence of an effect in the EQC program for motility and morphology might be explained by respectively the facts that motility assessment was introduced relatively late in the EQC program(since 2013)and that criteria for morphology assessment changed in time.BSAC results might have been influenced by the pretraining level of participants and the influence of external factors.Both EQC and training show positive effects on reducing variability.Increased willingness by laboratories to change their methods toward standards may lead to further improvements.
文摘Preoperative and postoperative sperm parameter values from infertile men with varicocele were analyzed by computer-aided sperm analysis （CASA） to assess if sperm characteristics improved after varicocelectomy. Semen samples of men with proven fertility （n = 38） and men with varicocele-related infertility （n = 61） were also analyzed. Conventional semen analysis was performed according to WHO （2010） criteria and a CASA system was employed to assess kinetic parameters and sperm concentration. Seminal parameters values in the fertile group were very far above from those of the patients, either before or after surgery. No significant improvement in the percentage normal sperm morphology （P = 0. 10）, sperm concentration （P = 0.52）, total sperm count （P = 0.76）, subjective motility （%） （P = 0.97） nor kinematics （P = 0.30） was observed after varicocelectomy when all groups were compared. Neither was significant improvement found in percentage normal sperm morphology （P = 0.91）, sperm concentration （P =0. 10）, total sperm count （P = 0.89） or percentage motility （P = 0.77） after varicocelectomy in paired comparisons of preoperative and postoperative data. Analysis of paired samples revealed that the total sperm count （P = 0.01） and most sperm kinetic parameters： curvilinear velocity （P = 0.002）, straight-line velocity （P = 0.0004）, average path velocity （P = 0.0005）, linearity （P = 0.02）, and wobble （P = 0.006） improved after surgery. CASA offers the potential for accurate quantitative assessment of each patient＇s response to varicocelectomy.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC1003703-1)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81871628,82172288,81902027)。
文摘Advanced maternal age is characterized by declines in the quantity and quality of oocytes in the ovaries,and the aging process is accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition.However,little is known about the relationship between gut microbiota and ovarian aging.By using fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)to transplant material from young(5-week-old)into aged(42-week-old)mice,we find that the composition of gut microbiota in FMT-treated mice presents a“younger-like phenotype”and an increase of commensal bacteria,such as Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcaceae.Moreover,the FMT-treated mice show increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ.Fertility tests for assessing ovarian function reveal that the first litter size of female FMT-treated mice is significantly higher than that of the non-FMT group.Morphology analysis demonstrates a dramatic decrease in follicle atresia and apoptosis as well as an increase in cellular proliferation in the ovaries of the FMT-treated mice.Our results also show that FMT improves the immune microenvironment in aged ovaries,with decreased macrophages and macrophage-derived multinucleated giant cells(MNGCs).These results suggest that FMT from young donors could be a good choice for delaying ovarian aging.
文摘Crop phosphorus(P) deficiency and poor utilization of added P is a major agricultural problem due to reduced solubility of soil P and rapid fixation or precipitation of applied P fertilizer in alkaline and calcareous soils. The effects of P-enriched compost and single superphosphate(SSP) fertilization on maize and wheat yields and P use efficiency in a maize–wheat rotation system were studied for three years. On a three-year average, grain yields of maize and wheat after application of P-enriched compost were increased by 18% and 24%, respectively, in comparison with sole addition of a recommended dose of SSP fertilizer. P-enriched compost addition to soil increased maize and wheat yields by 12% and 17%, respectively, compared to P fertilizer plus FYM incorporation. Soil available P concentration and P uptake were affected significantly by the addition of P-enriched compost. On average, increases in P recovery, use efficiency, and agronomic efficiency of 52%, 18%, and 43% were recorded in maize and increases of 50%, 23%, and 49% in wheat. P-enriched compost application yielded 30% and 32%higher economic returns in maize and wheat than SSP fertilization alone.
文摘Decision support system for agro-technology transfer (DSSAT), OIL CROP-SUN Model was used to stimulate the phenology, growth, yield of different two sunflower hybrids. i.e. Hysun-33 and S-78 by applying different nitrogen levels. The effect of nitrogen (N) on growth and yield components of different sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids were evaluated under agro-climatic conditions of Sargodha, Pakistan during spring 2013. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications, keeping cultivars in the main plots and nitrogen levels (0, 45, 90,135 and 180 kg/ha) in sub plots. OIL CROP-SUN Model showed that the model was able to simulate the growth and yield of sunflower with an average of 10.44 error% between observed and simulate achene yield (AY). The result of simulation indicates that nitrogen rate of 180 kg/ha produced highest achene yield in S-78 hybrid as compared to other treatments and Hysun-33 cultivar.
