Search Results (289)

Spawning diversity plays an essential role in fish survival and reproduction, which contributes to the exceptional diversity of teleosts among vertebrates. Different zona radiata structures reflect the adaptability of fish to the environment of spawning and early embryonic development. The morphological and transcriptional characteristics of fish follicle development between different spawning habits, particularly the zona radiata variations, have been poorly documented. In this study, we integrated histology and transcriptomics to investigate the differences in the zona radiata structure and gene expression profiles among follicles from different spawning habits of Culter alburnus. Our results revealed that stage Ⅲ was the crucial period for zona radiata thickening and structure differentiation. Transcriptomic analyses of adhesive and semi-buoyant eggs at stage Ⅲ revealed a significant upregulation of genes involved in glycoprotein synthesis, extracellular matrix formation, and regulation of protease activity in adhesive eggs, such as the wfdc and a2ml gene family. This upregulation likely underpins the thicker zona radiata in adhesive eggs, facilitating their attachment to substrates. This study represents the first elucidation of the ultrastructure of the zona radiata and gene expression patterns in different developmental stages of adhesive and semi-buoyant eggs of Culter alburnus, offering new perspectives for aquaculture research in understanding fish reproductive adaptations. Full article

To investigate temporal deformation mechanisms of hydraulic asphalt concrete slope flow under evolving temperatures, this study developed a novel temperature-controlled slope flow intelligent test apparatus. Using this apparatus, slope flow tests were conducted at four temperature levels: 20 °C, 35 °C, 50 °C, and 70 °C. By applying nonlinear dynamics theory, the temporal evolution of slope flow deformation and its nonlinear mechanical characteristics under varying temperatures were thoroughly analyzed. Results indicate that the thermal stability of hydraulic asphalt concrete is synergistically governed by the phase-transition behavior between asphalt binder and aggregates. Temporal evolution of slope flow exhibits a distinct three-stage pattern as follows: rapid growth (0~12 h), where sharp temperature rise disrupts the primary skeleton of coarse aggregates; decelerated growth (12~24 h), where an embryonic secondary skeleton forms and progressively resists deformation; stabilization (>24 h), where reorganization of coarse aggregates is completed, establishing structural equilibrium. The thermal stability temperature influence factor (δ) shows a nonlinear concave growth trend with increasing test temperature. Dynamically, this process transitions sequentially through critical stability, nonlinear stability, period-doubling oscillatory stability, and unsteady states. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of maternal supplementation with rumen-protected methionine (RPM), alone or combined with rumen-protected choline (RPC) and betaine (RPB), during the periconceptional and prepartum periods on reproductive outcomes and offspring performance in Chios ewes. One hundred synchronized ewes were assigned to three groups—control (no supplementation), M (5.50 g RPM/day), and MCB (3.50 g RPM, 1.60 g RPC, 0.49 g RPB/day)—from day −14 to +14 relative to mating. Blood was collected on days −14, 0, and +14 for ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), and malondialdehyde (MDA), on days 18 and 21 for progesterone, and on day 26 for pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) detection. Thirty days before and up to lambing, the ewes were further divided into C-C, C-M, C-MCB, M-M, M-C, MCB-MCB, and MCB-C subgroups. Embryonic loss did not differ between groups. FRAP was higher (p < 0.001) in MCB ewes, and ABTS was lower (p < 0.05) in M ewes, in the periconceptional period. Offspring in the C-M, C-MCB, M-M, M-C, and MCB-MCB groups had higher birth weights (p < 0.01), along with increased MDA levels (p < 0.05). The results suggest that maternal methyl donor supplementation during early and/or late gestation enhances antioxidant status, supports embryonic development, and increases birth weight. Full article

Background: Often, neoadjuvant therapy, which relies on the induction of double-strand breaks (DSBs), is used prior to surgery to shrink tumors by inducing cancer cell apoptosis. However, recent studies have suggested that this treatment may also induce a fluctuating state between senescence and stemness in PA-1 embryonal carcinoma cells, potentially affecting therapeutic outcomes. Thus, the respective epigenetic pathways are up or downregulated over a time period of days. These fluctuations go hand in hand with changes in spatial DNA organization. Methods: By means of Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy in combination with mathematical evaluation tools for pointillist data sets, we investigated the organization of euchromatin and heterochromatin at the nanoscale on the third and fifth day after etoposide treatment. Results: Using fluorescently labeled antibodies against H3K9me3 (heterochromatin tri-methylation sites) and H3K4me3 (euchromatin tri-methylation sites), we found that the induction of DSBs led to the de-condensation of heterochromatin and compaction of euchromatin, with a peak effect on day 3 after the treatment. On day 3, we also observed the co-localization of euchromatin and heterochromatin, which have marks that usually occur in exclusive low-overlapping network-like compartments. The evaluation of the SMLM data using topological tools (persistent homology and persistent imaging) and principal component analysis, as well as the confocal microscopy analysis of H3K9me3- and H3K4me3-stained PA-1 cells, supported the findings that distinct shifts in euchromatin and heterochromatin organization took place in a subpopulation of these cells during the days after the treatment. Furthermore, by means of flow cytometry, it was shown that the rearrangements in chromatin organization coincided with the simultaneous upregulation of the stemness promotors OCT4A and SOX2 and senescence promotors p21Cip1 and p27. Conclusions: Our findings suggest potential applications to improve cancer therapy by inhibiting chromatin remodeling and preventing therapy-induced senescence. Full article

Bovine serum albumin (BSA), the most commonly used protein in preimplantation embryo culture media, performs a variety of physiological functions. However, its involvement in long-term effects remains largely unclear. To investigate its physiological importance in culture media, we examined the developmental and metabolic consequences of BSA deprivation during preimplantation stages in mice. Embryos cultured in BSA-free media during specific time windows exhibited impaired blastocyst formation, with continuous deprivation from the two-pronuclei (2PN) stage significantly reducing trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) cell numbers (p < 0.05), indicating compromised viability. Short-term BSA deprivation similarly disrupted lineage allocation, underscoring the sensitivity of early embryos to nutrient availability during cell fate determination. Although birth rates remained unaffected, suggesting compensatory mechanisms, longitudinal analysis revealed sex-specific metabolic dysfunction. Male offspring developed progressive glucose intolerance by 16 weeks, exhibiting elevated fasting glucose levels (p < 0.05) and impaired glucose clearance, whereas females showed no significant alterations in glucose metabolism. This study demonstrates that protein restriction during the preimplantation period not only disrupts early embryonic development but also programs long-term metabolic dysfunction, underscoring the importance of optimizing culture conditions in assisted reproductive technologies to minimize future health risks. Full article

Species have different strategies for implantation and placentation. Much can be learned about general molecular and cellular biology through the examination and comparison of these differences. To varying degrees, implantation in all species includes alterations in epithelial polarity, the transformation of the endometrial stroma, the differentiation of the trophoblast, cell-to-cell and tissue-to-tissue signaling through hormones, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, and the alteration of the maternal immune system. This review focuses on implantation in pigs, sheep, and cows. These species share with mice/rats and humans/primates the key events of early embryonic development, pregnancy recognition, and the establishment of functional placentation. However, there are differences between the pregnancies of livestock and other species that make livestock unique biomedical models for the study of pregnancy and cell biology in general. Pig, sheep, and cow conceptuses (embryo/fetus and associated placental membranes) elongate prior to implantation, displaying central implantation, extended periods of conceptus attachment to the uterus, and epitheliochorial (pigs) and synepitheliochorial (sheep and cows) placentation. This review will discuss what is understood about how the trophoblast and extraembryonic endoderm of pig, sheep, and cow conceptuses elongate, and how a major goal of current in vitro models is to achieve conceptus elongation. It will then examine the adhesion cascade for conceptus implantation that initiates early placental development in pigs, sheep, and cows. Finally, it will conclude with a brief overview of early placental development in pigs, sheep, and cows, with a listing of some important “omics” studies that have been published. Full article

Assisted reproduction technology (ART) has advanced significantly over the past four decades, leading to improved pregnancy outcomes and a reduction in complications, particularly those associated with multiple pregnancies. These improvements largely stem from advances in understanding embryonic physiology, which has enabled better culture conditions. As a result, embryologists can now efficiently culture embryos to the blastocyst stage and successfully cryopreserve them for future use. However, while incubators aim to replicate the maternal environment of the oviduct and uterus, embryos in vitro are cultured in static conditions, unlike the dynamic, constantly changing environment they experience in vivo. Key factors such as pH, temperature, osmolality, and gas concentrations are crucial for establishing optimal embryo development and implantation potential. Moreover, the vitrification procedure for gametes or embryos can introduce oxidative stress, as well as osmotic shock and cryoprotectant toxicity, which may affect embryo viability and increase the risk of birth defects. Since the first successful ART birth in 1978, over 10 million babies have been conceived through these techniques. Although most of these children are healthy, concerns exist about potential birth defects or changes linked to the handling of gametes and embryos. The preimplantation period is marked by significant epigenetic reprogramming, which can be influenced by ART procedures such as ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, and cryopreservation. However, the long-term health implications for offspring remain uncertain. Epigenetic reprogramming during early embryogenesis is essential for proper embryo development and can be changed by ART-related conditions. These concerns have raised questions about the possible connection between ART and a higher risk of birth defects or other changes in children born through these methods. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map evidence on ART-related risks, including epigenetic and birth defect outcomes. Full article

In addition to the male genome, the fertilizing spermatozoon delivers to the oocyte several factors whose deficiency can cause embryo dysfunction. Sperm oocyte-activating factor, identified as phoshoplipase C zeta (PLCζ), drives oocyte exit from meiotic arrest through a signaling pathway initiated by periodic rises of free cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration (calcium oscillations). Sperm centrioles, together with oocyte proteins, form centrosomes that are responsible for aster formation, pronuclear migration, and DNA polarization before nuclear syngamy and subsequent mitotic divisions. Sperm DNA fragmentation can be at the origin of aneuploidies, while epigenetic issues, mainly abnormal methylation of DNA-associated histones, cause asynchronies of zygotic gene activation among embryonic cells. Sperm long and short non-coding RNAs are important epigenetic regulators affecting critical developmental processes. Dysfunction of sperm PLCζ, centrioles, DNA, and RNA mostly converge to aneuploidy, developmental arrest, implantation failure, miscarriage, abortion, or offspring disease. With the exception of DNA fragmentation, the other sperm issues are more difficult to diagnose. Specific tests, including heterologous human intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into animal oocytes, genetic testing for mutations in PLCZ1 (the gene coding for PLCζ in humans) and associated genes, and next-generation sequencing of sperm transcriptome, are currently available. Oral antioxidant treatment and in vitro selection of healthy spermatozoa can be used in cases of sperm DNA fragmentation, while ICSI with assisted oocyte activation is useful to overcome oocyte-activation defects. No clinically confirmed therapy is yet available for sperm RNA issues. Full article

The development of secondary hair follicles in cashmere goats directly influences the yield and quality of cashmere, and hair follicle morphogenesis is a complex biological process involving multiple signaling pathways and regulatory factors. In recent years, the regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs in hair follicle development has gradually been uncovered. Based on a previously established transcriptome database of embryonic skin tissue from cashmere goats, this study ultimately identified lncRNA MRPS28, which exhibits significant differential expression during the morphogenesis of secondary hair follicles. Our results indicate that lncRNA MRPS28 is a non-coding RNA transcribed from the intron region of the MRPS28 gene. Additionally, it can inhibit the proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts while promoting their apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies have shown that lncRNA MRPS28 acts as a competing endogenous RNA, sponging chi-miR-145-5p, thereby relieving its inhibitory effect on the target gene NUAK1. This, in turn, inhibits the formation of dermal papilla structures and ultimately affects the morphogenesis of secondary hair follicles during the embryonic period. This study provides a novel perspective on dissecting the regulatory network of hair follicle development in cashmere goats and offers potential theoretical insights for breeding new strains of cashmere goats. Full article

The creation of transgenic chickens holds significant promise for the agricultural and biotechnological sectors, offering potential improvements in disease resistance and production efficiency. The preferred method for generating gene-edited chickens involves the genetic manipulation of primordial germ cells (PGCs), making the identification and isolation of these cells a growing focus of research. PGCs are the precursors to sperm and oocytes, responsible for transmitting genetic material to the next generation. In humans, PGCs are characterized by their large size, round nuclei, and refractive lipids in the cytoplasm, and can be identified using periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining and the surface marker stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (SSEA1). Similarly, chicken PGCs express SSEA1, but their most specific marker is the chicken vasa homologue (CVH), the avian equivalent of the RNA-binding factor gene vasa. However, SSEA1, along with other known surface markers, does not bind to all PGCs or lacks specificity, while CVH, although highly specific to PGCs, is intracellular and unsuitable for isolating viable cells. This study aims to develop an antibody targeting a PGC surface marker with the same specificity as CVH. Despite the importance of identifying surface markers for PGC characterization, to date, such reagents are limited. To address this, whole chicken PGCs were injected into mice, leading to the generation of a panel of monoclonal antibodies. One antibody was found to bind cultured chicken PGCs and showed reduced expression upon differentiation with retinoic acid, indicating its specificity to PGCs. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry identified the antigen as myosin heavy chain-like (MYH9) protein. The antibody, αMYH9, was further characterized and shown to bind circulating PGCs and embryonic gonadal PGCs (Hamburger Hamilton (H-H) stage 30, embryonic day 6.5–7). Whilst our primary aim was to determine the binding to PGCs, further investigation is required to determine potential binding to somatic cells. In conclusion, this study provides the characterization of a surface marker for chicken PGCs, with significant implications for advancements in avian genetic preservation, agriculture, and biotechnology. Full article

Polyurethane (PU) is widely employed in the biomedical field. As application scenarios become increasingly complex, it is essential to modify PU to meet diverse requirements. Additionally, the degradation of PU is closely linked to the sustainability of its function, with degradation products having a direct impact on adjacent tissues. In this study, a novel PU containing double bonds in its main chain was developed. We investigated the influence of various ratios of soft segment composition on the degradation performance of PU, maintaining a fixed ratio of soft to hard segments and utilizing specific synthesis methods. The structure and molecular weight of the PU were analyzed using FTIR, NMR, and GPC techniques. The results of physical and chemical performance tests indicated that an increase in polycaprolactone diol (PCL diol) content within the soft segment enhanced the mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, and degradation performance of the PU. A further assessment of the degradation toxicity of PU was carried out using zebrafish as a model organism. The findings indicated that the degradation solution of PU exhibited slight toxicity to zebrafish embryonic development over prolonged degradation periods. However, it also significantly enhanced the hatching of zebrafish embryos. In summary, the novel PU developed in this study demonstrates favorable biocompatibility, and the approach of introducing reaction sites or modifying the composition of its soft segments within the molecular structure offers a promising and effective strategy to address specific application requirements. Full article

The relevance of O₃ exposure in critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) remains uncertain and requires further investigation. The present study aims at quantitatively assessing the association between ambient O₃ exposure during the early pregnancy period with fetal CCHD and identifying possible susceptible exposure windows. A retrospective cohort study involving 24,516 pregnant women was conducted using data from the Maternal–Fetal Medicine Consultation Network, which encompassed 1313 medical centers across China from 2013 to 2021. We extracted daily O₃ concentrations from a validated grid dataset with a spatial resolution of 0.1° at each participant’s residential county to assess ambient O₃ exposure, followed by calculating the average exposure levels in the periconceptional period, embryonic period, first trimester, and preconception period. The diagnosis of CCHD was based on fetal echocardiography. Exposure–response analyses were carried out using logistic regression models. During the study period, a total of 1541 (17.4%) subjects were diagnosed with fetal CCHD. Each 10 µg/m³ increase in ambient O₃ exposure in the periconceptional period was associated with a 26.0% increase in the odds of CCHD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.260, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.189, 1.335; p < 0.001). Importantly, the association was not modified by factors including maternal age and occupation status, paternal age and smoking status, conception mode, and the presence of risk factors. In the sensitivity analysis, significant associations were observed between O₃ exposure and CCHD in the embryonic period, first trimester, and preconception period, which was consistent with the results of the main analyses. These findings suggest that lowering ambient O₃ exposure in the preconception and early pregnancy periods may be beneficial in reducing the risk of fetal CCHD, especially in regions with elevated O₃ levels. Full article

Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas are rare sellar embryonic malformational tumors of low-grade histological malignancy. Despite high overall survival rates (92%), quality of life is frequently reduced due to adverse late effects caused by hypothalamic obesity. It is well known that morbid hypothalamic obesity is associated with the grade of hypothalamic damage. Accordingly, craniopharyngioma should be considered a paradigmatic disease, reflecting challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of acquired hypothalamic obesity. Methods: A narrative review was performed after searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for initial identifying articles. The search terms childhood-onset craniopharyngioma and hypothalamic obesity were used. Results: Despite the availability of promising therapeutic approaches, such as medication with central stimulating agents, antidiabetic drugs, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists, and Setmelanotide, it must be emphasized that there is currently no pharmaceutical treatment for hypothalamic obesity in craniopharyngioma proven to be effective in randomized controlled trials. For Setmelanotide, a prospective blinded randomized trial over a 12-month treatment period is ongoing. Bariatric interventions are effective, but non-reversible procedures such as bypass operations are controversial in the pediatric age group due to legal and ethical concerns. Recently, a treatment algorithm was introduced to improve the management of hypothalamic syndrome/obesity by offering more personalized treatment. Decisions on treatment strategies focusing on the preservation of visual, neuroendocrine, and hypothalamic integrity should be made by experienced multidisciplinary teams. Conclusions: Treatment approaches for hypothalamic obesity are limited. Further research on novel treatment approaches for hypothalamic obesity is warranted to improve the quality of life after childhood-onset craniopharyngioma. Full article

Inefficient stock space use in urban and rural areas causes economic losses and environmental harm, needing better solutions. Currently, this field is constrained by a relatively underdeveloped research history, which has led to the lack of a comprehensive theoretical framework and established solution methodologies. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify the principles of spatial evolution within theoretical approaches to promote the rapid advancement and practical application of subsequent theories. This effort will improve the understanding of the effective utilization of inefficient inventory space and encourage critical analysis by systematically reviewing the developmental trajectory of previous research. This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of the developmental trajectory, evaluation frameworks, and strategies for the effective utilization of inefficient space by utilizing the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Through the application of CiteSpace for visualization and analysis, the research investigates the pertinent literature on inefficient stock space, covering the period from 2004 to the present. The results show that research on inefficient stock space exhibits diverse characteristics, with WOS publications focusing on four primary dimensions, namely land space reuse, the establishment of evaluation systems, environmental governance, and urban and rural development planning. Conversely, CNKI publications tend to prioritize spatial optimization design and the mechanisms of planning and development. In relation to policy frameworks and evolutionary trends, the study of inefficient stock space in urban and rural contexts has evolved through three distinct phases, the embryonic stage (2004–2013), the exploration stage (2013–2020), and the growth stage (2020–present). While the effective utilization of currently inefficient stock space in urban areas has been addressed through various initiatives, there remains a significant gap in research focused on rural areas, highlighting the necessity for an enhanced exploration of urban–rural coupling mechanisms. Additionally, the efficient utilization of inefficient stock space in both urban and rural environments is a multidisciplinary challenge that requires the development of innovative urban and rural development models aligned with the principles of sustainable development, drawing insights from disciplines such as economics, architecture, and urban planning. Full article

Trophoblast–endometrium interactions play a critical role in the processes of conceptus elongation, attachment, and adhesion, followed by placental development during early pregnancy in ruminants. The attachment between uterine epithelium and trophoblast cells, which is epithelial in nature, requires epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), where the fetal trophoblasts come into contact with maternal epithelial cells without fully invading the maternal tissues. Understanding the early developmental period driving EMT processes in utero in ruminants is fundamental to improving fertility through the prevention of early pregnancy failure and enhancing overall reproductive efficiency in livestock. This review highlights the key events necessary for the early conceptus to progress properly towards firm adhesion with the endometrium, focusing on trophoblast–endometrium interactions. This field holds the potential to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with trophoblast and endometrium attachment and adhesion, leading to reduced early embryonic losses and enhanced economic sustainability by developing effective reproductive management strategies. Full article