Search Results (57)

Abdominal fat necrosis is a dystrophic–necrotic process that is relatively common in dairy cows. It is determined by productive strain (excess fat in the diet), negative energy balance after calving, a lack of physical activity, vitamin E and selenium deficiency, etc. Lipomatous masses are predominantly located in the omentum and mesentery in cattle, potentially causing intestinal obstruction. We report on an outbreak of abdominal fat necrosis that affected 135 of 220 cows and heifers (61.36%); this involved massive fat accumulation in the uterine and salpingian ligaments and severe reproductive disorders (reducing fertility to 20% in cows and 10% in heifers) caused by a hyperenergetic diet (supplementation with saturated fats). A transrectal ultrasound examination of the genital apparatus—both in heifers and in cows in the puerperium—revealed a diffuse pathological hyperechogenicity of the cervical folds, suggesting lipid infiltration, proliferation of the endocervical folds and hyperechogenic lipogranulomas located paracervically or in the uterine ligaments. An ultrasound examination of the ovaries showed the presence of parasalpingial lipogranulomas on the mesovarium, with a uniformly pixelated greasy appearance, that altered the topography of the salpinx, leading to the impossibility of oocyte retrieval. At the histopathological examination, in addition to the necrosis of adipocytes and the subacute–chronic inflammation of the abdominal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue, lipid infiltration of the uterine walls was also observed in the uterine ligaments and lymph nodes. Additionally, lipid infiltration was observed in the wall of the uterine artery. All muscular-type branches of the ovarian artery exhibited subendothelial (subintimal) amyloid deposits, severely reducing their lumen and leading to ischaemia. Amyloidosis was secondary to the systemic inflammatory process triggered by lipid deposition and necrosis. Fertility returned to normal 45–60 days after the exclusion of fat supplements from the diet and their replacement with a vitamin–mineral supplement rich in antioxidants. Full article

Rapeseed planter application in simultaneous fertilization faces extensive mode and poor precision challenges. In this study, we attempt to mitigate these problems by combining high-precision radar speed sensors and fertilization parameters with the relation between the rotation speed and the fertilizer amount of the fertilizer discharge apparatus. We designed a fertilization control system based on a high-precision radar sensor. The mathematical model of the permanent magnetic direct-current motor was constructed, and the transfer function of the control link was determined. Using the regulation toolbox in MATLAB 2020-PD, the proportional-derivative (PD) control parameters were determined. Finally, the tests were performed to validate the performance of the designed fertilization control system. The relation between the actual fertilizer discharge amount and the target value was used for evaluation. The relative errors of 2.82, 2.67, and 3.43% were obtained between the target fertilizer application rates and the actual rates in constant-speed fertilization, pave variable-speed, and field tests, respectively. They fall within the acceptable range, proving that the developed system satisfied the fertilization quality requirements and showed high control precision. The present research results can provide a theoretical reference for simultaneous rapeseed seeding and variable fertilization. Full article

Mouse sperm-associated antigen 6-like (SPAG6L) evolved from SPAG6, the mammalian ortholog of Chlamydomonas PF16, which is localized in the central apparatus of the motile cilia and is essential for ciliary motility. Even though the amino acid sequences of the two SPAG6 proteins are highly similar, the two proteins have different biological expression patterns in vivo. No major phenotypes were discovered in the global Spag6 knockout mice. However, the global Spag6l knockout mice demonstrated multiple phenotypes in tissues with and without cilia. Since SPAG6L decorates microtubules and modulates cytoskeleton function, and Sertoli cells have a well-developed microtubule transport network, the potential function of SPAG6L in Sertoli cells was evaluated. The floxed Spag6l mice were crossed with Amh-Cre transgenic mice to inactivate the Spag6l gene specifically in Sertoli cells. Surprisingly, the fertility of the homozygous mutant males was not reduced. The testis size and sperm number and motility showed no significant difference to those of the control mice. Testicular histology also showed normal spermatogenesis. No significant changes were observed in the number of Sertoli cells and blood–testis barrier function. Our study showed that the inactivation of only Spag6l does not affect Sertoli cell function during the first 6 months of life. Full article

The endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi apparatus system is an important organelle regulating male reproduction. USO1 vesicle transport factor (USO1), as an important molecule in this system, is a general vesicular transport factor and regulates various biological processes in vivo. However, the potential role of USO1 in mammalian testis development and spermatogenesis has not been investigated. We documented the presence of USO1 in mouse germ cells and its functional roles by generating Uso1-knockout germ cell lines. Uso1 depletion suppressed cell proliferation and growth while stimulating apoptosis in GC1 and GC2 cells. In addition, the Uso1 knockout blocked cell cycle progression and weakened DNA damage repair. Mechanistically, USO1 is associated with male reproduction by regulating the expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis, and we found evidence that USO1 is closely linked to centriolar satellites (CSs), which may play an important biological role. Overall, our findings reveal a vital role for USO1 in male fertility and offer a significant understanding of the functions of golgin proteins in reproductive biology. Full article

Yellow semen syndrome (YSS) is an increasingly common reproductive health problem in male turkeys. This condition is characterised by a yellow discolouration of semen, often linked to decreased semen quality and fertility. Yellow semen syndrome poses a significant concern due to its negative impact on the reproductive performance of turkeys. Phosphorylation is one of the major post-translational modifications of proteins. A better understanding of the function of the sperm phosphoproteome is crucial for the advancement of reproductive biology and the development of therapies for male infertility. Spermatozoa from semen samples with YSS were characterised by lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). However, these samples showed increased antioxidant enzyme activity and an elevated glutathione (GSH) content. Yellow sperm also had a lower percentage of viable cells and a higher proportion of apoptotic and necrotic cells. The phosphoproteins identified in turkey sperm play key roles in sperm maturation, the development of a functional motility apparatus, efficient cellular metabolism, protection against oxidative stress, and successful fertilisation of an egg. Yellow semen syndrome altered the phosphorylation of turkey sperm proteins on serine, threonine (p ≤ 0.05), and tyrosine residues, which could have influenced the metabolism and physiology of spermatozoa in yellow semen samples, thus affecting their reproductive potential. These findings highlight the impact of YSS on sperm function, including phosphorylation-dependent processes that are crucial for reproduction. Full article

Enhancing the growth and productivity of ornamental and horticultural plants is a major function of plant extracts and macronutrient elements. The growth properties of Artemisia abrotanum plants were evaluated in two successive seasons as affected by the magnesium (Mg) fertilizer added to the soil in the form of magnesium sulfate at four concentrations of 0 (as a control), 4, 6, and 8 g/L as well as Tropaeolum majus aqueous leaf extract (ALE) at concentrations of 0 (as a control), 4, 6, and 8 g/L as a foliar application. The chemical components of A. abrotanum essential oils (EOs) were analyzed using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) apparatus. The studied parameters, including plant height, total fresh weight, number of branches/plant, EO percentages, chlorophyll-a content, chlorophyll-b content, and carotenoid content, were enhanced by the application of Mg or T. majus ALE or their combinations. The highest plant heights, 48.83 cm, and 48.5 cm, were observed in the plants treated with Mg (8 g/L)+T. majus ALE (8 g/L) and Mg (6 g/L)+T. majus ALE (4 g/L), in both seasons, respectively. The highest values of total fresh weight, 54.80 and 60.59 g, were recorded in plants treated with Mg (8 g/L)+T. majus ALE (4 g/L) and Mg (8 g/L)+T. majus ALE (4 g/L), in both seasons, respectively. The highest number of branches/plant, 60.33 and 73.33, were measured in plants treated with Mg (8 g/L)+T. majus LAE (8 g/L), in both seasons, respectively. The highest EO percentages, 0.477% and 0.64%, were measured in plants treated with Mg (8 g/L)+T. majus ALE (8 g/L), in both seasons, respectively. The total fresh weight in both seasons (r = 0.96), the number of branches/plant in both seasons (r = 0.97), the number of branches/plant in the first season, and the number of branches/plant in both seasons (r = 0.96), the total fresh weight in the second season and the number of branches/plant in the first season (r = 0.95) and the second season (r = 0.94), and the number of branches/plant and the carotenoids in the first season (r = 0.90) were all found to be significantly and positively correlated. The major compounds in the EOs were 7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin (4-methylherniarin), cedrol, endo-borneol, and 7-epi-silphiperfol-5-ene. The antibacterial activity of the EOs was evaluated against the growth of Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, which causes soft rot of potato tubers. The EOs were found to be effective against P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum with the inhibition zones ranging from 1 to 5 mm at the concentration of 100 μg/mL, and no inhibitions were found against P. atrosepticum at the studied concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration against P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum was found at 75 μg/mL. In conclusion, using the combination treatments of Mg and T. majus ALE is highly suggested to enhance the growth of A. abrotanum plants. Full article

In light of the current dearth of strip intermittent fertilization devices in standardized orchards, this study presents the design of an intermittent fertilization control system based on fruit tree crown detection, developed with the objective of meeting the agronomic requirements of strip furrow fertilization in standardized orchards. The initial stage of the process entails the design of the essential components of the fertilization apparatus, followed by the construction of the intermittent fertilization control system. The ultrasonic sensor was employed as the fruit tree crown detection module, and a mathematical model of fertilization speed was constructed to achieve uniform intermittent fertilization. Furthermore, in order to enhance the responsiveness and reliability of the fertilization servo motor, MATLAB Simulink was employed to assess the dynamic performance of the system under disparate control strategies. Ultimately, to validate the simulation outcomes, a field trial was conducted to assess the precision and uniformity of intermittent fertilization. The results demonstrate that the dynamic performance of the system under the fuzzy PID control strategy is optimal, and the coefficient of variation of the fertilizer uniformity of the intermittent fertilization device is less than 7%. The mean effective fertilization rate exceeded 85%, with the primary indices satisfying the agronomic criteria. Full article

The availability of fixed nitrogen limits overall agricultural crop production worldwide. The so-called modern “green revolution” catalyzed by the widespread application of nitrogenous fertilizer has propelled global population growth. It has led to imbalances in global biogeochemical nitrogen cycling, resulting in a “nitrogen problem” that is growing at a similar trajectory to the “carbon problem”. As a result of the increasing imbalances in nitrogen cycling and additional environmental problems such as soil acidification, there is renewed and increasing interest in increasing the contributions of biological nitrogen fixation to reduce the inputs of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture. Interestingly, biological nitrogen fixation, or life’s ability to convert atmospheric dinitrogen to ammonia, is restricted to microbial life and not associated with any known eukaryotes. It is not clear why plants never evolved the ability to fix nitrogen and rather form associations with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. Perhaps it is because of the large energy demand of the process, the oxygen sensitivity of the enzymatic apparatus, or simply failure to encounter the appropriate selective pressure. Whatever the reason, it is clear that this ability of crop plants, especially cereals, would transform modern agriculture once again. Successfully engineering plants will require creating an oxygen-free niche that can supply ample energy in a tightly regulated manner to minimize energy waste and ensure the ammonia produced is assimilated. Nitrogen-fixing aerobic bacteria can perhaps provide a blueprint for engineering nitrogen-fixing plants. This short review discusses the key features of robust nitrogen fixation in the model nitrogen-fixing aerobe, gamma proteobacteria Azotobacter vinelandii, in the context of the basic requirements for engineering nitrogen-fixing plants. Full article

In order to solve the problems of existing spiral fertilizer apparatuses, such as the variation in cavity filling rate with rotational speed, fluctuation of fertilizer discharge flow, and inability to discharge fertilizer precisely, a triple-head gradually reducing spiral fertilizer apparatus is designed, which gradually compresses fertilizer particles through the triple-head reducing fertilizer spiral structure to achieve complete cavity filling and uniform fertilizer discharge. The main factors that affect the particle motion state and the structural size of the spiral fertilizer through theoretical analysis are determined, and its theoretical fertilizer discharge amount and rotational speed are calculated. Using EDEM (Discrete Element Method Software 2022) to establish a simulation model of a single-head gradually reducing fertilizer apparatus, the spiral lead reduction percentage x₁, spiral diameter reduction percentage x₂, and rotational speed x₃ are determined as experimental factors, and the filling rate μ and spiral torque Y_average are used as experimental indicators to conduct a simulation study on the secondary universal rotation combination design experiment. The results show that when the rotational speed is 95 r/min, the spiral lead reduction percentage is 60.00~73.21%, the spiral diameter reduction percentage is 86.55~97.05%, the filling rate μ is greater than 95%, and the spiral torque Y_average is less than 16 N·m. In order to further improve the uniformity of fertilizer discharge and ensure the controllable accuracy of fertilizer discharge, comparative verification experiments are conducted on single-, double-, and triple-head gradually reducing spiral fertilizer discharge devices and ordinary spiral fertilizer discharge devices. The results show that the precision of the gradually reducing spiral fertilizer apparatus is better than that of the ordinary spiral fertilizer apparatus. Moreover, it is determined that the three-head style performed best. The triple-head gradually reducing spiral fertilizer apparatus is also validated by randomly adjusting six rotational speeds. The experiment results show that the average deviation of the fertilizer discharge flow rate of the fertilizer apparatus from the preset value is 3.16%. The two have a minor deviation, and the fertilizer precision is high. Precise control of the amount of fertilizer discharged can be achieved by adjusting the rotational speed, and the research can provide a specific reference for the improved design and precise control of the spiral fertilizer apparatus. Full article

Concerning the dependence of land taxation on the cadastral or market value of lands in developed and developing countries, the role of land resources in the system of socio-economic development is quite high. World studies show the presence of methodological problems related, among other things, to the composition of price-forming factors of mass assessment. In relation to garden and vegetable garden lands, the issue of taking into account factors related to the immediate environment and soil quality is especially relevant, which is associated with the social justice of land taxation. The current paper aims to determine the influence of factors of the immediate environment and soil fertility on the cadastral value of the lands under consideration by determining which methodological apparatus has been built. Modeling of the specific indicator of cadastral value (SICV) of land plots is performed on the example of five gardening and vegetable gardening partnerships of the Belgorod district, where 79% of the territory is occupied by agricultural lands, which are quite diverse in soil composition, relief, and other studied factors. A linear model of dependence between local factors and the UPCS is proved. The reliability of the model is confirmed by testing for homoscedasticity, autocorrelation, and statistical significance of factors. The results of determining the cadastral value demonstrated an average change of 10%. Full article

In addressing the challenges of high energy consumption and low efficiency in fertilization borehole drilling for clayey soils in southern orchards, this study utilizes the Discrete Element Method to establish a simulation model for clayey soils. Through this approach, we identify an optimal set of operational parameters that significantly reduces energy consumption. By utilizing simulation technology to model the drilling process, we analyzed the impact of rotation speed and feed rate on the torque and resistance of the drilling apparatus. Initially, this paper describes field measurements of particle parameters in soils from southern orchards. Subsequently, utilizing the Discrete Element Method and particle contact theory, we established a simulation model to represent the interactions between soil and soil, as well as soil and auger in the soil environment of the southern region. For the Southern orchard clay with a moisture content of 16.8% and a measured angle of repose of 35.55°, parameter calibration was performed. The contact model “Hertz-Mindlin with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts” was selected in EDEM. Using Design Expert, a regression model variance analysis was applied to the discrete element model parameters, leading to the determination of the optimal values for significant soil model parameters. The soil JKR surface energy is 5.85 J·m⁻², with a soil–soil restitution coefficient of 0.65 and a soil–steel static friction coefficient of 0.5. Subsequently, discrete element simulation experiments on the drilling apparatus were conducted in EDEM, considering various rotation speeds and feed rates. The simulation analysis indicates that the torque consistently increases with higher rotation speeds, with a maximum relative error of 7%. The torque initially rises from zero to a maximum value, then gradually decreases to a low value, followed by a rapid increase to a higher value, and finally drops back down. This cycle repeats in the observed pattern. The total force experienced reaches its minimum average value of 200 N at a feed rate of 0.05 m/s. Simulation test results indicate that, among the three forces acting on the auger (vertical resistance, horizontal resistance, and lateral resistance), vertical resistance is the primary factor contributing to power consumption. As the rotation speed increases, the maximum value of vertical resistance continues to rise, while horizontal resistance and lateral resistance exhibit a declining trend. As the feed rate increases, the maximum values of resistance in all three directions also increase. When the feed rate exceeds 0.05 m/s, the maximum lateral resistance experiences a sharp increase. Through comprehensive analysis, the optimal operational parameters for borehole fertilization are determined to be a rotation speed of 100 r·min⁻¹ and a feed rate of 0.05 m/s. The aim of this study is to reduce the energy consumption of borehole fertilization operations, minimize carbon emissions, and promote the sustainable development of orchard production. Full article

To investigate the causes of flow fluctuations in a worm-type distributor during the fertilization process, this study employed the discrete element method to simulate the fertilization process. The analysis focused on the influences of force chain evolution on particle flow fluctuations and the effects of the rotational speed. The results indicate that the flow fluctuations in the worm-type distributor are not solely attributed to its helical structure but are closely associated with the evolution of force chains within the particle systems. Furthermore, a one-to-one correspondence between the flow fluctuations and force-chain evolution exists. The rotational speed was found to exert significant influences on the axial and circumferential distributions of the force chains. As the rotational speed increases, the coefficient of variation (CV) of the axial distribution of the force chains gradually decreases. Meanwhile, the uniformity index (UI) of the circumferential distribution of the force chains initially increases and then decreases. In the context of a worm-type distributor, the axial distribution of force chains emerges as the dominant influencing factor for flow fluctuations. For the specific worm-type distributor model chosen in this study, the minimum flow fluctuations were observed at a rotational speed of 80 rpm. These research findings offer valuable insights into understanding the flow fluctuations of worm-type distributors and provide references for further exploration in this field. Full article

Nerve growth factor (NGF) signalling affects spermatogenesis and mature sperm traits. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the distribution and the role of NGF and its receptors (p75^NTR and TrKA) on the reproductive apparatus (testis and epididymis) and sperm of fertile men (F) and men with different pathologies, namely varicocele (V) and urogenital infections (UGIs). We collected semen samples from 21 individuals (31–40 years old) subdivided as follows: V (n = 7), UGIs (n = 7), and F (n = 7). We submitted the semen samples to bacteriological analysis, leucocyte identification, and analysis of sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology, and viability). We determined the seminal plasma levels of NGF, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs), and the gene and protein expression of NGF receptors on sperm. We also used immunofluorescence to examine NGF receptors on ejaculated sperm, testis, and epididymis. As expected, fertile men showed better sperm parameters as well as lower levels of NGF, F_2-IsoPs, and IL-1β compared with men with infertility. Notably, in normal sperm, p75^NTR and TrKA were localised throughout the entire tail. TrKA was also found in the post-acrosomal sheath. This localisation appeared different in patients with infertility: in particular, there was a strong p75^NTR signal in the midpiece and the cytoplasmic residue or coiled tails of altered ejaculated sperm. In line with these findings, NGF receptors were intensely expressed in the epididymis and interstitial tissue of the testis. These data suggest the distinctive involvement of NGF and its receptors in the physiology of sperm from fertile men and men with infertility, indicating a possible role for new targeted treatment strategies. Full article

This study designed two levels of quantitative fertilizer distribution to investigate precision fertilization applications in orchards in South Xinjiang, China, which have vast rows and narrow plant spaces. The machine comprised a base frame, a ditching device, a fertilizing apparatus and an earth-covering device. The design parameters of the flow stabilization screw, conveyor screw and single-ring fertilizer quantity were summarised using theoretical analysis. The single-ring fertilizer quantity of the conveyor screw was verified via an experiment by combining EDEM software. Three-factor and three-level Box–Behnken tests were conducted using the spiral rotation speed of the conveyor, advancing of the speed and the opening degree of fertilizer outlet as the test factors and using the coefficient of variation (CV) of uniformity as the test index—thus obtaining the optimal working parameters. The simulation test results revealed that the single-ring fertilizer quantity of the fertilizing apparatus was 145.6 g, fulfilling the design requirements. The prototype testing results showed that the CV of uniformity was 6.521% when the spiral rotation speed of the conveyor, the opening degree of the fertilizer outlet and the advancing speed were 66 RPM, 42% and 2.7 km/h—thus meeting the needs of precision fertilization operations. The two designed levels of the quantitative fertilizer distributors were applied to fertilization processes in orchards with wide-row spaces and narrow plant spaces in South Xinjiang, China and were able to effectively carry out the precision fertilization applications. These data could also provide references for the optimization of spiral quantitative fertilizer distributors. Full article

Climate change-driven water resource constraints cause tomatoes to suffer from drought. The use of biostimulants has emerged as an important approach to enhancing resilience to drought. However, the roles of biostimulants in the physicochemical characteristics of tomatoes in response to drought are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and compost (versus NPK application) to improve the agro-physiology, yield, and fruit quality of tomato plants and their tolerance to drought by comparing them with conventional chemical fertilizers (NPK). Under drought conditions, plant growth traits associated with yield and fruit bioactive compounds (carotenoids: 73%; lycopene: 53%; polyphenols: 310%; and flavonoids: 158%) were increased in the AMF-tomato treatment. Compost significantly enhanced sugars (ca. 60%) and protein contents (ca. 20%). Moreover, AMF protected the photosynthetic apparatus from drought-induced oxidative stress, improved photosynthetic efficiency, leaf water potential, and osmolytes, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation by increasing peroxidase (POX) (140%) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (340%) activities compared to their controls. Our findings revealed that NPK is an important nutrient-based fertilizer for plant growth and development. However, its efficiency as a fertilizer is quite low. In addition, we highlighted different mechanisms mediated by AMF and compost, inducing drought tolerance in tomato plants. Full article