Search Results (21,927)

Since individual embryos cannot be evaluated in group culture, establishing a single culture from in vitro maturation to in vitro culture may provide new insights into oocyte and embryo quality. This study aimed to develop a single culture system for individual oocytes, from in vitro maturation through fertilization to embryo development. The effects of curcumin supplementation during in vitro maturation on oocyte maturation, embryo development, and embryo quality were examined in single and group culture systems. Porcine oocytes were cultured individually in 20 µL microdroplets, with one oocyte per droplet, or in groups of 50 oocytes per 500 µL. The maturation medium contained curcumin at concentrations of 20 µM or less. Supplementation with 10 µM curcumin increased oocyte maturation in both systems compared to the controls. The fertilization rates and oocyte/embryo quality did not differ among the treatment groups. Oocytes matured with 10 µM curcumin in a single culture showed a higher blastocyst formation rate (7.0%) than the control (2.3%). In the group culture, 10 µM curcumin increased cleavage rates compared to the control (75.2% vs. 63.0%), but blastocyst formation rates did not differ. Blastocyst formation rates were similar between single and group cultures under control (2.3% and 4.3%, respectively) or 10 µM curcumin (7.0% and 11.4%, respectively) conditions. Therefore, porcine oocytes can develop to the blastocyst stage in a single culture system. Incorporating antioxidants during in vitro maturation may be an effective condition for in vitro embryo culture that can be implemented in a single oocyte. Full article

The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of reducing Fe chelate fertilization (50% and 25% reduction) on soil nutrient content and on different physiological and biochemical parameters in mandarin leaves. The reduction in Fe fertilization efficiently decreased soil Fe content, even in the short-term, without affecting leaf Fe or chlorophyll contents. Reduced iron fertilization increased the accumulation of certain heavy metals in mandarin roots, indicating potential implications for phytoremediation. It is well-established that disturbances of foliar Fe homeostasis can impair the photosynthetic process. Nevertheless, reduction in Fe supply did not negatively affect photosynthetic performance (based on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters), nor did it influence the stress levels of the trees, as indicated by lipid peroxidation. In addition, reduced iron fertilization did not alter peroxidase activity, which is considered a biochemical marker of Fe nutrition in plants. Finally, mandarin production was evaluated over two consecutive years, with no significant variations among the different iron treatments, whereas only minor differences were observed in fruit quality. Overall, these results indicate that reducing Fe fertilization is a feasible strategy, as it does not adversely affect the physiological processes or yield of mandarin trees. Furthermore, this agricultural practice can enhance nutrient use efficiency, thereby contributing to the reduction in soil and aquifer contamination while providing economic benefits to farmers. Full article

Equines play a crucial role in global food security, economic development, and recreation, particularly in regions such as Central Asia, parts of Africa, and South America. However, parasitic infections significantly impact their health, productivity, and reproductive performance, leading to economic losses and reduced animal welfare. This review synthesizes the effects of parasitic infections, including protozoan, helminthic, and ectoparasitic species, on equines. These infections cause hematological alterations like anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, compromising overall health and resilience. Protozoan parasites, such as Trypanosoma spp., Theileria equi, and Babesia caballi, directly affect semen quality and fertility by causing testicular lesions, orchitis, and hormonal disruptions. Helminths like Cyathostomins and Strongyles reduce nutrient absorption, impairing productivity, while some protozoan species can cause abortion through transplacental transmission. Zoonotic parasites, including Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, pose a human health risk through contaminated meat and milk consumption. Despite the effectiveness of conventional anthelmintics, emerging biological control methods like Duddingtonia flagrans (BioWorma^® and Bioverm^®) show promise. However, the development of standardized herbal anthelmintics and vaccines is hindered by limited efficacy validation, complex parasite biology, and inadequate funding. The need for better diagnostic tools and sustainable treatments remains critical for the long-term sustainability of the equine industry. Full article

Understanding groundwater quality and its controlling mechanisms is vital for the sustainable use of water resources in agriculturally intensive regions. This study evaluates the hydrochemical characteristics, controlling geochemical processes, and overall water quality of 226 groundwater samples collected from a typical agricultural reclamation area in the Sanjiang Plain, northeastern China. Major ion compositions indicate that groundwater is predominantly of the Ca–HCO₃ type, with bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium as the dominant constituents. Spatial and statistical analyses reveal that rock weathering—particularly the dissolution of carbonates and silicates—is the primary natural process influencing groundwater chemistry, while cation exchange contributes moderately. Anthropogenic inputs, especially from fertilizers, livestock waste, and wastewater discharge, were found to elevate concentrations of NO₃⁻, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻ in localized zones. The entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) was applied to assess overall groundwater suitability. Results show that 89.8% of samples fall into “excellent” or “good” categories, though 6.6% of samples indicate poor to very poor water quality. This study identified the hydrochemical characteristics, sources of substances, and water quality of groundwater in the reclamation area, providing a basis for scientific prevention and control, rational utilization, and protection of groundwater resources. Full article

Within the LIFE PREPAIR project, the BAT-Tool Plus (released in February 2022) was developed to estimate ammonia (NH₃) and greenhouse gas emissions from intensive livestock farming in the Po-basin, a hotspot for agricultural air pollution. The tool applies a nitrogen mass balance approach, considering housing, storage, treatment, and land application phases, integrating EU Best Available Techniques (BAT) standards. The BAT-Tool includes high-resolution and tailored methodologies, allowing single farms and regional-scale simulations. In this study, the BAT-Tool was applied to the Po-basin using 2023 data from the National Livestock Database and regional statistics on manure management. The results show that around one-third of nitrogen excreted by livestock is lost as NH₃, confirming livestock as the dominant source of emissions compared to fertilizers. In this paper, ammonia emissions and nitrogen load to fields were estimated, analyzing potential reductions achievable with wider adoption of BAT. The BAT-Tool provides standardized, transparent estimates, supporting regulatory compliance, emission inventories, and policy planning. Its scalability from farms to district scale makes it a reference model for improving nitrogen management and reducing PM_2.5 precursors in northern Italy and potentially across the EU. Full article

Rhizosphere hypoxia, caused by soil compaction and waterlogging, is a major constraint on agricultural productivity. It severely impairs crop growth and yield by inhibiting root aerobic respiration, disrupting energy metabolism, and altering the rhizosphere microecology. Micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) show significant potential for alleviating rhizosphere hypoxia due to their unique physicochemical properties, including large specific surface area, high oxygen dissolution efficiency, prolonged retention time, and negative surface charge. This paper systematically reviews the key characteristics of MNBs, particularly their enhanced mass transfer capacity and system stability, and outlines mainstream preparation methods such as cavitation, electrolysis, and membrane dispersion. And the multiple alleviation mechanisms of MNBs—including continuous oxygen release, improvement of soil pore structure, and regulation of rhizosphere microbial communities—are clarified. The combination of MNBs aeration and subsurface drip irrigation can increase soil aeration by 5%. When applied in soilless cultivation and conventional irrigation systems, MNBs enhance crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. For example, tomato yield can be increased by 12–44%. Furthermore, the integration of MNBs with water–fertilizer integration technology enables the synchronized supply of oxygen and nutrients, thereby optimizing the rhizosphere environment efficiently. This paper sorts out the empirical effects of MNBs in soilless cultivation and conventional irrigation, and provides directions for solving problems such as “insufficient oxygen supply to deep roots” and “reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress in sensitive crops”. Despite these significant advantages, the industrialization of MNBs still needs to overcome challenges including high equipment costs and insufficient precision in parameter control, so as to promote large-scale agricultural application and provide an innovative strategy for the management of rhizosphere hypoxia. Full article

Tea plantations are one of the most intensive land-use systems in subtropical China, but the long-term effects on soil microbial functioning remain insufficiently understood. This study combined extracellular enzyme activity, ecoenzymatic stoichiometry, and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) to assess the impacts of forest-to-tea conversion and plantation age on microbial nutrient acquisition and metabolic limitations. The results showed that tea plantations had significantly higher activities of carbon (C)-, nitrogen (N)-, and phosphorus (P)-acquiring hydrolases compared to adjacent pine forests, and oxidase activity increased significantly with plantation age, reaching a fivefold higher level in the oldest plantation. Soil acidification, decreased soil organic carbon, and shifts in microbial composition (decline in bacteria and actinomycetes, increase in fungi) were the main drivers of these changes. The study indicates that tea planting intensifies microbial limitations on carbon and phosphorus and shifts microbial metabolism toward oxidative pathways, which may destabilize soil carbon pools and reduce long-term fertility. These findings highlight the importance of balanced nutrient management in tea plantation practices. However, the study is limited by the short duration of field sampling. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring to better understand the sustained impacts of tea cultivation on soil microbial functions and explore the role of different management practices in mitigating these effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fertility preservation is a key component of oncological care. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols, including dual stimulation (DuoStim), for oocyte preservation, with a specific focus on breast cancer patients, and aimed to identify predictors of mature oocyte yield. Methods: A retrospective single-center study was conducted on 203 women under 40 years undergoing fertility preservation before cancer treatment between August 2013 and May 2024 at the Fertility Unit of the University Hospital of Pisa. COS protocols were stratified by menstrual cycle phase: early follicular (EFP), late follicular (LFP), luteal (LP), and DuoStim. The primary outcome was fertility preservation, assessed by the number of mature oocytes retrieved (MII). Independent predictors of oocyte yield were assessed using multivariable Poisson regression. Results: A total of 244 COS cycles were analyzed. The DuoStim group showed a lower median number of MII oocytes collected during the second stimulation compared to EFP, LFP, and LP (all adjusted p-value < 0.05, FDR); however, cumulative MII counts across both stimulations were comparable to other protocols. Oocyte maturity rates were similar across groups. Multivariable analysis identified AMH and AFC, but not age, basal FSH, hormonal parameters, and year of cryopreservation, as independent predictors of MII oocyte yield. Conclusions: COS is effective for fertility preservation across different cycle phases without delaying cancer treatment. DuoStim is not inferior but rather a valuable strategy for poor responders with insufficient oocyte yield after an initial cycle, thereby broadening opportunities for cryopreservation in time-sensitive oncological settings. Full article

Mistletoe species grow hemiparasitically on a wide spectrum of trees occurring in the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. Mistletoe has been associated with fertility, vitality and fatality in humans. In the present review, we examine articles published in English and/or with the option to translate them into English on the distribution mechanism, ecological impact and value. This study aimed to interrogate and outline the phytonutrient profiling, ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological applications, toxicology and quality control of mistletoes, particularly the Loranthaceae and Viscaceae families. There are at least 1400 species of mistletoe belonging to these two families across the world. Humans have used mistletoe for years, and it has a rich history, mainly in traditional medicine. Recent research interests accompanied by investigations on mistletoe have made a major contribution to our understanding of the survival behavior and mechanisms of the species. This has prompted researchers to intensively investigate and justify its potential and applications in traditional medicine systems to further incorporate it into conventional scientific medicine processes. This study thoroughly outlines the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of various mistletoe species, as well as the factors that play a role in the process. The sections in this study dedicated to elaborating on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of mistletoe show that it is a plant species rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially compared to its host. Its survival mechanism makes it possible for this plant species to contain significant quantities of both nutrients (proximate components and mineral elements) and bioactive compounds (viscin, alkaloids, phenolics and polyphenolics, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins). Overall, mistletoe species have potential as medicinal plants, offering a range of health benefits and the ability to treat ailments (both communicable and non-communicable diseases). However, there are insufficient investigations and records of mistletoe’s toxicity, safety and quality control. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the potential applications, mechanisms of action, and optimal uses of mistletoe preparations and/or extracts. Full article

Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) are a vital global crop; however, Thailand currently imports 99% of its domestic requirement, highlighting the critical need for enhanced domestic production. Morkhor 60, a new high-yielding variety, lacks optimized agronomic management for cultivation in the challenging sandy soils of Northeast Thailand. This study evaluated the effects of NPK fertilizer rates and plant spacing on Morkhor 60 growth and yield through two independent experiments conducted in sandy soils over a four-season period (2022–2023). Results demonstrated that 23.44 kg ha⁻¹ NPK provided optimal cost-effectiveness for Morkhor 60, achieving yields of 1238 kg ha⁻¹ statistically comparable to higher rates (1286 kg ha⁻¹) while reducing input costs by 50%. Plant spacing significantly affected productivity, with 30 × 20 cm spacing producing the highest yield (1775 kg ha⁻¹), representing 41% improvement over the narrow spacing (20 × 20 cm: 1257 kg ha⁻¹). The integrated management system (23.44 kg ha⁻¹ NPK with 30 × 20 cm spacing) achieved 87.6% ground cover for moisture conservation and delivered net profits of 29,850 THB ha⁻¹, with a benefit–cost ratio of 3.1. This research provides evidence-based agronomic recommendations for Morkhor 60 cultivation in sandy soil environments, contributing to Thailand’s soybean self-sufficiency through sustainable and economically viable production practices. Full article

The intensification of agricultural practices and the consequent dramatic decrease in soil organic matter has increased the use of organic fertilizer to recover soil fertility and plant productivity. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of three amendments obtained from the recycling of urban and agri-food wastes on rhizosphere microbial community, soil, and plant nutrient status. The experiment was carried out on rhizobox-grown, 1-year-old vines of Sangiovese (Vitis vinifera L.), grafted onto 110 Richter (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris) planted in April 2023. Twenty-four rhizoboxes were filled with soil collected from a field trial in which three types of amendments had been applied since 2019. In detail, the complete randomized experimental design (with four replications) compared the following treatments: (1) municipal organic waste compost (ACM), (2) agri-food organic waste compost (ACF), (3) defecation gypsum (GDD), and (4) a control that received 60 kg of N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (CK). The application of the amendments increased the soil concentration of total C, total N, and pH. The application of ACM increases soil K and Zn and the concentration of N and K in plant roots. The application of all the amendments increased leaf N concentration in comparison with CK, but only ACF increased leaf P. ACM was the most effective in promoting microbial biodiversity, increasing phyla like Bacillota, Pseudomonata, and Bacteroidota, including genra like Bacillus, Neobacillus, Paenibacillus, and Pseudomonas. ACF promoted Nitrosospherota and Chitinophaga, and GDD promoted Chloroflexota and Agrobacterium. Full article

This study evaluated the biological and economic impact of twin calvings in a commercial dairy herd located in Harghita County, Romania. Data from 2019 to 2022 were analyzed retrospectively using production, reproductive, and veterinary records. The incidence of twin pregnancies averaged 11.0% across the study period. Mixed-sex pairs were most frequent (55.3%), followed by female–female (28.2%) and male–male (16.5%) combinations. Twin calvings were associated with significant reductions in subsequent milk yield (−742 kg per lactation; p < 0.05), decreased fertility (2.3 vs. 1.4 inseminations; 103 vs. 79 days service period; p < 0.05), and higher veterinary costs (EUR 90 per case). The expected loss of replacement value due to freemartinism was EUR 63 per twin calving. After accounting for a small gain in calf value, the total economic loss was estimated at EUR 379 per twin calving. These findings demonstrate that twin pregnancies, although relatively uncommon, substantially reduce productive efficiency and profitability in dairy systems. Early detection and targeted reproductive management are recommended to mitigate their adverse effects and enhance farm sustainability. Full article

Several factors, including semen quality, can influence fertilisation success. Poor semen parameters may necessitate more frequent inseminations or the removal of males with consistently low fertility. This study evaluated turkey ejaculates (n = 37) with good fertility (GF) and impaired fertility (IF). The analyses included sperm motility parameters (total motility—TMOT, progressive motility—PMOT, curvilinear velocity—VCL, straight-line velocity—VSL, average path velocity—VAP, linearity—LIN, straightness—STR, amplitude of lateral head displacement—ALH, and beat cross frequency—BCF), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as enzymatic and biochemical assays of semen, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) activities, glutathione (GSH) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and zinc (Zn²⁺) concentration. In parallel, the proteomes of seminal plasma and spermatozoa were separated using SDS- and Tricine-PAGE, and selected proteins were identified by nano LC-MS/MS. Spermatozoa derived from IF ejaculates exhibited significantly reduced TMOT (p = 0.002), VCL (p = 0.028), and PMI (p = 0.000), accompanied by elevated STR (p = 0.000) and NO production (p = 0.044). In the seminal plasma of IF males, a significant decrease was noted in SOD (p = 0.000) and GPx (p = 0.001) activities, whereas CAT activity was markedly higher (p = 0.014). Seminal fluid from IF ejaculates was also characterised by increased GSH (p = 0.014) and MDA (p = 0.014) concentrations, accompanied by reduced Zn²⁺ content (p = 0.014). In contrast, IF spermatozoa exhibited elevated SOD activity (p = 0.001), but reduced GPx (p = 0.000) and CAT (p = 0.012) activities. Sperm cells from IF ejaculates also had lower GSH levels (p = 0.000), higher MDA concentrations (p = 0.000), and increased Zn²⁺ content (p = 0.018) compared with those from GF ejaculates. A proteomic analysis revealed differences in fertility-associated proteins: peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) was detected exclusively in GF semen, whereas alpha-enolase (ENO1), fatty acid-binding protein (FABP7), cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase (GOT1), and L-lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) were detected only in IF semen. Overall, the results demonstrate that both semen parameters and proteome composition may potentially affect the fertilisation outcomes in turkeys. Full article

Industrial hemp phytochemistry is shaped by genetics and agronomic management, yet field studies integrating both remain scarce. The combined effects of cultivar, planting density, fertilization, and flowering time on cannabinoids, terpenes, and antioxidants in Cannabis sativa L. were evaluated. A field trial was conducted in Mallorca (2023) using two cultivars (Enectaliana, Enectarol) grown at two densities (Sector 1 ≈ 2.3 plants m⁻²; Sector 2 ≈ 4.6 plants m⁻²), with sampling from flowering onset (week 0) to week 5. In Enectaliana, fertilization (with vs. without) was tested. Enectaliana displayed CBD/CBDVA-dominated profiles, whereas Enectarol was CBG-predominant; THC remained consistently low. Effects were assessed via three-way ANOVA (Density × Time × Cultivar; Density × Time × Fertilization). The cultivar and time explained most of the variance, with interactions modulating magnitudes without altering effect hierarchies. Planting density acted as a second-order modulator, modulating concentrations without reversing cultivar rankings. Terpenes peaked early and generally declined as flowering progressed, with cultivar-dependent trajectories. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP assays) increased steadily until week 5, with density and treatment effects. In Enectaliana, fertilization effects were selective: ABTS values tended to be higher in unfertilized plants at the end of the cycle, FRAP results showed a density interaction, and cannabinoids exhibited non-linear responses to nutrient supply. Full article

Nitrate pollution from agricultural activities is a major cause of surface and groundwater degradation across Europe. In Andalusia, southern Spain, approximately 26% of the regional territory is affected by this type of contamination. To mitigate and prevent nitrate pollution, a regulatory framework has been implemented, establishing specific restrictions and recommendations for agricultural practices and nitrogen fertilization management in designated areas. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often constrained by limited awareness of the issue, insufficient understanding of existing regulations, and a general lack of training in nitrogen fertilization management among farmers. To address these challenges, a specialized training program on crop fertilization was developed for agricultural professionals. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of nitrate pollution, disseminate information about relevant legislation, and strengthen technical knowledge related to nitrogen fertilization planning and management, thereby enhancing on-farm decision-making. This study analysed the impact of this training activity on the level of awareness and knowledge regarding nitrate-related issues in Andalusia. Full article