Search Results (181)

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is increasingly regarded as a biomarker of male infertility, but its predictive value for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes remains controversial. This retrospective cohort study analyzed 870 fresh single-blastocyst ICSI cycles performed between January 2023 and December 2024. SDF was measured using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test and patients were categorized into low (SDF ≤ 20%, n = 664) and high (SDF > 20%, n = 206) groups. Higher SDF was significantly associated with reduced semen quality, lower fertilization rates, and poorer blastocyst development. In multivariable analysis, each 1% increase in SDF reduced the odds of achieving a fertilization rate > 80% by 1.6% (OR = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.971–0.997, p = 0.015) and decreased the chance of obtaining top-quality blastocysts on day 5 by 2.5% (OR = 0.975, 95% CI: 0.958–0.992, p = 0.004). A trend toward impaired day-3 embryo quality was observed (OR = 0.983, p = 0.068). No significant association was found with clinical pregnancy (OR = 0.989, p = 0.155), while the relationship with miscarriage was borderline (OR = 0.961, p = 0.053). These findings suggest that elevated SDF adversely impacts early embryological outcomes in ICSI, supporting its use as a prognostic tool during ART counseling. Full article

The pre-courtship behavior of Proholopterus chilensis on Nothofagus obliqua trees was recorded for the first time, documenting a putative female “calling” behavior and the consequent male “oriented search,” enabling the description of behavioral units, sequences, frequencies, and degrees of stereotypy. Post-resting activity in both sexes began with walking and grooming during the first hour of the scotophase, following a period of daytime inactivity. Subsequently, females extended their ovipositor both horizontally and vertically, alternating between contact with the tree substrate and, simultaneously, walking the surface (=putative calling behavior), while males became active, extending their antennae perpendicularly to the longitudinal body axis. In response to the putative call, males exhibited oriented flight and hasty walking that followed the trajectory and direction previously taken by females on the substrate, ultimately leading to their location. Statistical analysis of behavioral sequences and the stereotypy index indicated that both behaviors were non-random and partially stereotyped. These findings are consistent with previous chemical analyses of female aerations and terminalia performed by our research group, which identified semiochemicals likely functioning as long-range sex pheromones guiding males to the vicinity of the female’s tree, as well as potential trail pheromones facilitating close-range localization. This dual signaling system seems necessary to the high mobility displayed by females during calling behavior, characterized by frequent and extended bidirectional vertical walks along the trunk, which may enhance signal dispersal and/or reduce predation risk. If confirmed, this would represent a novel sexual encounter mechanism within Cerambycidae. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metrnl (Meteorin-like), a secreted protein identified in our lab, has been shown to promote wound healing in mice. However, current therapeutic strategies and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to (1) develop a recombinant human Metrnl (hMetrnl) hydrogel formulation for topical delivery, and (2) elucidate its molecular mechanism in wound repair. Methods: hMetrnl was dispersed in a thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel (hMet-PPP) and applied topically to full-thickness skin wounds in male C57BL/6 mice. A large initial dose was administered on the day of injury, followed by a lower maintenance dose regimen. Mechanistic studies were performed using molecular/cellular assays to assess the effects of hMetrnl. Results: Administration of hMet-PPP significantly accelerated wound healing, reducing the initial wound area and shortening the overall recovery time. hMetrnl transmits signals to endothelial cells via the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase (C-Kit), a membrane receptor, thereby initiating a dual regulatory mechanism involving eNOS to promote angiogenesis: (1) rapid activation of eNOS activity within 30 min through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway; and (2) suppression of proteasomal and lysosomal eNOS degradation, resulting in enhanced eNOS expression and prolonged functional activity under sustained treatment. Conclusions: Topical hMet-PPP administration represents a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing early-stage wound healing. hMetrnl exerts its biological effects through C-Kit, which mediates dual regulation of eNOS, both activation and stabilization, providing a mechanistic basis for its potent angiogenic properties. These findings uncover a novel Metrnl mechanism with potential implications for the development of therapies targeting vascular dysfunction and tissue repair. Full article

We conducted a mark–release–recapture study of the ringlet butterfly, Erebia pronoe glottis, in the Pyrenees to study population density, flight activity, dispersal, and nectar plant preferences. We found differences between both sexes in population density (males: 48/ha; females: 23/ha), sex ratio (2.1), and behaviour (75.4 vs. 20.5% flying). Both sexes used a wide range of nectar plants (Asteraceae, 40.6%; Apiaceae, 34.4%; Caprifoliaceae, 18.8%). However, local abundance appeared to be limited by the availability of nectar plants. Compared to a population of an extensively used pasture in the Alps, a significant increase in flight activity, but not in range, was observed. Movement patterns showed the establishment of home ranges, which significantly limited the dispersal potential, being low for both sexes (mean fight distances-males: 101 m ± 73 SD; females: 68 m ± 80 SD). A sedentary taxon such as E. pronoe glottis does not seem to be able to avoid the pressure of resource shortage by dispersal. As a late-flying pollinator, Erebia pronoe competes seasonally for scarce resources. These are further reduced by grazing pressure and are exploited by honey bees as a superior competitor, resulting in low habitat quality and, consequently, in comparatively low abundance of E. pronoe glottis. Full article

We investigated the dispersal ability of Euphydryas aurinia provincialis in a local-scale analysis within a single habitat patch of the Colfiorito highlands metapopulation. Our findings indicate that inside a single node, the organization of nesting patches can be conceptualized as a metapopulation itself, where reproductive sites, despite their spatial proximity, can act as either source or sink habitats depending on environmental conditions. We conducted fieldwork in six nesting patches inside a single node, capturing, marking, and recapturing individuals to assess their spatial distribution and movement tendencies at a large landscape scale. We found a high degree of site fidelity among individuals, with many recaptures occurring within the original marking site, but also a sex-based difference in movement patterns; females dispersed farther than males, likely driven by reproductive strategies, while males remained more localized, prioritizing mate-searching. Our findings suggest a complex dynamic in habitat connectivity: pastures and abandoned fields, despite being open, seem to act like sink areas, while breeding sites with shrub and tree cover act as source habitats, offering optimal conditions for reproduction. Individuals, especially females, from these source areas were later compelled to disperse into open habitats, highlighting a nuanced interaction between landscape structure and population dynamics. These results highlight the importance of maintaining habitat corridors to support metapopulation dynamics and prevent genetic isolation; the abandonment of traditional grazing practices is leading to the rapid closure of these source habitats, posing a severe risk of local extinction. Conservation efforts should prioritize the preservation of these source habitats to ensure the long-term viability of E. a. provincialis populations in fragmented landscapes. Full article

To investigate the group behavioral characteristics of Schizothorax wangchiachii during the spawning period, we used acoustic telemetry to track 10 mature individuals (4 females, 12 males) in a semi-controlled stream section (28.1 m × 5.8 m) simulating natural spawning microhabitats from 23 to 26 January 2024. By integrating trajectory similarity analysis and wavelet transform, we examined the aggregation patterns and activity rhythms during natural spawning events. The population formed two relatively stable subgroups, with significantly shorter inter-individual distances during the day (1.69 ± 0.72 m) than at night (2.54 ± 0.85 m, p < 0.01). Aggregation behavior exhibited a dominant ultradian rhythm of 16.5 h, with stable clustering between 09:00 and 16:00 (spawning window: 13:40–14:20) and dispersal from 19:00 to 00:00. Group activity followed a decreasing-then-increasing trend, with higher nighttime activity. Males were more active than females (F = 51.89, p < 0.01); female activity peaked on the spawning day and was influenced by reproductive progression, while male activity was mainly driven by diel rhythms (p < 0.01). A weak positive correlation was found between active time and inter-individual distance in both sexes (r = 0.32, p < 0.05), indicating reduced activity when aggregated. These findings provide insight into the temporal coordination and spatial regulation of reproductive behavior under semi-controlled conditions. However, due to the short monitoring period and experimental setup, caution is warranted when generalizing to the full reproductive season or fully natural habitats. Full article

The most frequently used laboratory animals for studies on adipose tissue properties and obesity are rodents. However, there are significant differences in the types of visceral fat depots between rodents and humans, including fat depots in the heart area. The large human fat depot of greatest interest in cardiac research is the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). Its properties are widely investigated, because the EAT lies directly on the heart’s surface and can easily affect myocardial physiology. The major fat depot in rodents‘ chest—pericardial fat—is located on the ventral surface of the parietal lamina of the pericardium and is often incorrectly referred to as the EAT. Further confusion arises from reports claiming that rodents are entirely devoid of the EAT. We decided to verify adipose tissues in the heart area of 16 male Sprague Dawley rats under physiological conditions and in obesity. The animals in the NFD group (n = 8) were fed with a standard diet while these in the HFD group (n = 8) were fed with a high-fat diet (31% fat) starting from 4 weeks after birth. When the animals reached 12 weeks, the presence of fat deposits was verified. Additionally, their blood was collected to characterize carbohydrate and lipid metabolism changes, adipokine profile alterations, and their systemic inflammation status. The obesogenic diet caused significant disturbances in their carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as hyperleptinemia. A high-fat diet primarily promoted the accumulation of pericardial fat, which was absent in the NFD rats and observed in 6 out of the 8 HFD animals. In both groups, adipocytes were also found directly on the hearts’ surfaces (EAT), albeit in very small numbers and limited to the atrioventricular groove on the dorsal side of the hearts. These adipocytes were dispersed among the vessels, making quantitative assessment and separation difficult, however, macroscopic evaluation revealed no noticeable differences in its extent. In conclusion, although rats are not entirely devoid of the EAT, their suitability for studying the properties of the EAT appears to be considerably limited. Full article

The circadian clock orchestrates behavioral and molecular processes such as eclosion. Understanding eclosion timing may offer insights into circadian mechanisms underlying migratory timing. Here, we characterize the diel and circadian patterns of eclosion and core clock gene expression in the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, a globally distributed migratory moth. Using a custom-designed eclosion monitoring system under 14 h light: 10 h dark (L14: D10) and constant darkness (DD) conditions, we observed robust diel eclosion rhythms peaking shortly after lights-off under L14: D10, which became delayed and damped over three consecutive days in DD. Males showed a tendency toward more dispersed emergence patterns and exhibited statistically distinguishable eclosion distributions from females under both conditions. Expression of five canonical clock genes (cyc, clk, tim, per, cry2) displayed significant 24 h rhythmicity, with generally higher mesors in males. However, sex-specific differences in amplitude and phase were detected only for clk and cyc under L14: D10, not in DD. These findings suggest that sex-specific differences in circadian regulation are limited. Nonetheless, subtle variations in clock gene output and emergence timing in the FAW population established in China may contribute to sex-specific ecological strategies in the novel migratory arena. Full article

Objective: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sudden neonatal unexpected death (SNUD), and sudden intrauterine unexpected death (SIUD) are major unsolved, shocking forms of death that occur frequently and without warning. The body of literature on the anatomo-pathological substrates in the cardiac conduction system of SIDS-SIUD and their possible relationship with risk factors and triggers is fragmentary and scarce. The work aims is to analyze the cardiac conduction system findings collected at the national referral center for SIDS-SIUD. Methods: A total of 123 autopsied cases of SIDS (59.35% males, 40.65% females, mean age ± SD: 103.49 ± 67.17 days), 36 cases of SNUD (61.11% males, 38.89% females, mean age ± SD: 8.4 ± 9.17 days), and 127 cases of SIUD (45.67% males, 54.33% females, mean age ± SD: 36 ± 4.59 gestational weeks) were analyzed. In-depth pathological examinations of the cardiac conduction system were performed on serial sections according to the Lino Rossi Research Center’s protocol. Results: Among the studied cases, the following findings were observed: resorptive degeneration (SIDS: 88.7%, SNUD: 88.88%, SIUD: 56.69%), fetal dispersion (SIDS: 73.17%, SNUD: 91.66%, SIUD: 78.74%), Mahaim fibers (SIDS: 40.65%, SNUD: 44.44%, SIUD: 32.28%), cartilaginous meta-hyperplasia (SIDS: 56.91%, SNUD: 25%, SIUD: 33.07%), septated atrio-ventricular junction (AVJ) (SIDS: 21.14%, SNUD: 33.33%, SIUD: 38.58%), AVJ duplicity (SIDS: 6.5%, SNUD: 11.11%, SIUD: 2.36%), intramural bifurcation (SIDS: 3.25%, SNUD: 2.77%, SIUD: 4.72%). Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiac conduction findings was consistent across the SIDS, SNUD and SIUD groups. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathological characteristics of the cardiac conduction system in SIDS-SIUD that are potential morphological substrates for the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Further investigation and study of the conduction system are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of these forms of death. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a major cause of mortality in pediatric epilepsy. Cardiac arrhythmias, possibly reflected by electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, are thought to contribute significantly to SUDEP risk. This study aimed to evaluate ECG indices associated with an increased risk of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in pediatric patients with generalized and focal seizures, excluding those with underlying channelopathies. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients aged 0–18 years with generalized or focal epilepsy followed at our center between October 2024 and April 2025 were enrolled. Comprehensive cardiac evaluations, including echocardiography and 12-lead ECG, were conducted. Patients with channelopathies, structural heart defects, or significant congenital heart disease were excluded. ECG parameters—QT dispersion (QT Disp), corrected QT interval (QTc), QTc dispersion (QTc Disp), P-wave dispersion (P Disp), and T peak-T end interval (Tp-e)—were analyzed across epilepsy subgroups and compared to healthy controls. Effects of antiepileptic drug (AED) use and gender were also assessed. Results: A total of 151 participants were included (generalized: n = 51; focal: n = 50; controls: n = 50). QTc and Tp-e intervals were prolonged in both epilepsy groups compared to controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.036, respectively), however, they fell within the conventional parameters. AED use was associated with further prolongation of QTc (p = 0.035) and Tp-e (p = 0.037), these metrics were similarly found to be within the established normative boundaries. Phenobarbital and lamotrigine users showed the longest QTc, albeit not statistically significant. Males with generalized seizures had longer maximum P-wave duration (P Max) than females (p = 0.009). A moderate correlation was found between Tp-e and QTc (r = 0.557, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although there are findings in our study that may suggest a relationship between SUDEP and arrhythmia according to electrocardiographic markers associated with arrhythmia risk, larger and prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed in the future. Full article

The barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo), like other cnidarians, shows cnidocytes containing cnidae, responsible for the jellyfish’s stinging properties. The sting of R. pulmo can cause contact dermatitis or urticaria and even systemic symptoms. Recent studies have identified stinging-cell structures in the mucous secretion released in the water column by Cassiopea xamachana, belonging to the same order as R. pulmo. The present paper verifies the release of stinging-cell structures in the water by R. pulmo and reports the case of two 17-year-old adolescents (one male and one female) who were affected by epidermal rashes consistent with the irritating sensations of stinging water. The reaction happened twice in the Ionian Sea; the patients were in proximity to R. pulmo but, on both occasions, there had been absolutely no direct contact with the jellyfish’s tentacles. To test the hypothesis of stinging water caused by R. pulmo, samples of sea water and mucous harvested in close proximity to a living jellyfish were taken and analyzed under a microscope at different magnifications. The microscopic analysis showed the presence of free and aggregated nematocysts in both the samples of water and mucous. It is likely that the free and aggregated nematocysts observed were discharged in the water by the jellyfish and were dispersed by water currents that led them to come into contact with the patients’ skin. At present, it is not known what predisposes humans to the perception of stinging water, and it is reasonable to affirm that caution should be advised for people with an allergic history when entering the water in the presence of jellyfish. Further investigations are required to better understand both the pathophysiological pathways underlying the stinging water phenomenon and the minimum concentration of urticating elements that is able to trigger the onset of stinging water. Full article

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is most effective at large regional scales when applied within an area-wide framework. However, there is a need to investigate its feasibility at smaller scales, e.g., for emergency responses to local fruit fly invasions or planning for preventive release of sterile males in local high-risk zones. Available decision support tools and SIT implementation models are effective for large-scale interventions but tend to ignore the influences of fine-grained terrain structures and therefore offer little guidance for small-scale SIT operations in locally diverse landscapes. This study addresses this issue by adapting a site-specific individual-based PESTonFARM model to simulate both the behaviour and fate of individual members of ultra-small invasive medfly propagules and the post-release dispersal and mating performance of sterile males in heterogeneous and mosaic landscapes. To illustrate model operation, several SIT implementation scenarios were simulated to reveal the influence of local landscape structure on the behaviour of wild and released sterile males and to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of different SIT scenarios. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of the model and showed that the influence of the spatiotemporal structure of local resources should not be ignored when planning local SIT operations. Full article

A field study on the biparental convict cichlids (Amatitlania siquia) in Lake Xiloá, Nicaragua was conducted to understand how the loss of a parent’s parental care affects the antipredator behavior of both parents and offspring during intruder events. We hypothesized that the combined efforts of two parents would result in increased intruder aggression and decreased offspring dispersion compared to single-parents of either sex, and that single-females and males would differ in their ability to deter predators and manage offspring dispersion. Both parents in a pair chased half the intruders that single-females did and the same number as single-males, suggesting that the presence of a partner deters intruders from encroaching and affords parents more time to engage in other parental care duties. Compared to single-parents, offspring accompanied by both parents were seldom left alone and showed greater shoal cohesion—both of which would presumably lower their risk of predation. Although there were sex differences between single-parents in terms of how often they left their offspring unattended and called to them using pelvic fin-flicks, neither sex was found to be more effective at managing the distribution of their offspring. This field study provides empirical evidence to support the need for biparental care in this species and gives insight into the selection pressures shaping parental investment. Full article

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been confirmed as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study systematically investigated the distribution patterns of ARGs across different treatment units in municipal WWTPs, along with the environmental drivers, dissemination characteristics, and exposure risks of aerosol-borne ARGs in aerated tank environments. The results revealed a high compositional similarity in aerosol-borne ARGs across the sampling sites, with multidrug ARGs predominating at an average relative abundance of 52%, followed sequentially by tetracycline (11%), MLS (10%), and glycopeptide resistance genes (7%). The diffusion of aerosol-borne ARGs is significantly influenced by environmental factors including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and total suspended particulate (TSP) concentration, with temperature being the most dominant factor affecting the dispersion of ARGs. The atmospheric dispersion model demonstrates that aerosol-borne ARGs decay with increasing downwind distance, showing potential for transport from aeration tanks to locations exceeding 1500 m along the prevailing wind direction. Both within wastewater treatment units and downwind areas, adult males had higher respiratory exposure doses but lower skin contact doses compared to females, with respiratory doses exceeding skin contact by 3–4 orders of magnitude. This study highlights the potential health risks posed by aerosol-borne ARG transmission from WWTP operations. Full article

To understand the spread of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934; Nickle, 1970) and identify infected trees, the dispersal ability of insects was examined. In this study, the effects of sex, adult age, and morphological traits on the flight performance (such as flight distance, time, and speed) of Monochamus alternatus (Hope, 1843) were investigated using flight mills. Over a period of 8 weeks, a total of 42 newly emerged adult beetles were tethered to flight mills once a week. Flight distance and time were recorded for 2 h during each session. The total flight distance of individuals that flew more than 100 m during each session was calculated. The results showed that females flew an average of 6.65 km, for 59.6 min, while males flew an average of 9.89 km, for 85.8 min. In a single flight experimental session, both sexes could fly up to approximately 2 km and were found to fly at an average speed of 1.9 m s⁻¹. In our principal component analysis (PCA), the first and second principal components were found to be highly correlated with the sex, morphological traits, and flight performances of M. alternatus. This study demonstrates that the flight ability of M. alternatus varies significantly according to body size and sex, which is fundamental and crucial for understanding the dispersal patterns of pine wilt disease. Full article