Littérature scientifique sur le sujet « Fertility tips »

To restore fertility of the F1 between Solanum macrocarpon and eggplant, amphidiploids were produced through doubling of chromosomes by colchicine treatment. Shoot tips and axillary buds of F1 plants were kept for 2 and 4 days in liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) media with 0.05% colchicine. As a result of colchicine treatment, two amphidiploids were identified by observing root tip cell chromosome number, stomatal guard cell size, and pollen characteristics. The amphidiploids contained 48 chromosomes, twice the normal diploid number of 24. Stomata size and pollen diameter were significantly larger in amphidiploids than F1. Flower diameter and length and width of anther, petal, and sepal were significantly larger in the amphidiploids than in F1. Pollen stainability was 40% in amphidiploids but only 0.86% in the diploid F1. The amphidiploids, after selfing and backcrossing with S. macrocarpon, set fruits with healthy seeds. Therefore, production of amphidiploids by colchicine treatment restored the pollen and seed fertility of F1 between S. macrocarpon and eggplant. The amphidiploids produced in this study would be very useful in future breeding programs of eggplant.

Serous borderline ovarian tumours (SBOTs) are an intermediate group of neoplasms, which have features between benign and malignant ovarian tumours and for which, fertility-sparing surgery can be offered. MRI in imaging of SBOTs is, therefore, crucial in raising the possibility of the diagnosis, in order to present the patient with the most appropriate treatment options. There are characteristic MRI features that SBOTs demonstrate. In addition, recent advanced techniques, and further classification into subtypes within the borderline group have been developed. The aim of this article is to review the MRI features of SBOT and provide the reporter with an awareness of the imaging tips and tricks in the differential diagnosis of SBOT.

This article discusses the suitability of flowering annuals for problem soils. Problem soils, such as those with poor drainage, high acidity, or low fertility, can pose challenges for growing plants. However, with careful selection, many annuals can thrive in these conditions and provide vibrant and long-lasting blooms. The article explores the characteristics of problem soils and identifies a range of flowering annuals that are particularly well-suited for these environments. These include hardy varieties such as zinnias, marigolds, and cosmos, as well as more delicate species like impatiens and pansies. The article also provides tips for preparing problem soils for planting, including testing and amending soil as necessary. With this information, gardeners can create colorful and successful gardens even in challenging conditions.

Plant height plays an important role in crop yield, product quality, and cultivation management. However, the physiological mechanisms that regulate the establishment of plant height in alfalfa plants remain unclear. Herein, we measured plant height traits, leaf characteristics, photosynthetic physiology, cell wall composition, and endogenous hormone contents of tall- and short-stalked alfalfa materials at different reproductive periods. We analyzed the physiology responsible for differences in plant height. The results demonstrated that the number of internodes in tall- and short-stalked alfalfa materials tended to converge with the advancement of the fertility period. Meanwhile, the average internode length (IL) of tall-stalked materials was significantly higher than that of short-stalked materials at different fertility periods, with internode length identified as the main trait determining the differences in alfalfa plant height. Leaf characteristics, which are closely related to photosynthetic capacity, are crucial energy sources supporting the expression of plant height traits, and we found that an increase in the number of leaves contributed to a proportional increase in plant height. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between plant height and leaf dry weight per plant during the branching and early flowering stages of alfalfa. The leaves of alfalfa affect plant height through photosynthesis, with the budding stage identified as the key period for efficient light energy utilization. Plant height at the budding stage showed a significant positive correlation with soluble sugar (SS) content and a significant negative correlation with intercellular CO2 concentration. Moreover, we found that alfalfa plant height was significantly correlated with the contents of indole-3-acetic acid in stem tips (SIAA), gibberellin A3 in leaves (LGA3), zeatin in stem tips (SZT), and abscisic acid in leaves (LABA). Further investigation revealed that SS, SIAA, and LGA3 contents were important physiological indicators affecting alfalfa plant height. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the formation of alfalfa plant height traits and for genetic improvement studies.

Introduction. Coal industry increases soil pollution with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Therefore, resoiling is an urgent problem that requires an immediate solution. The present research objective was to substantiate the use of microorganisms from mine tips in order to decrease soil pollution with heavy metals and oil compounds. Study objects and methods. The review featured five years of publications in Scopus, Web of Science, and Elibrary, which were subjected to analysis, systematization, and generalization. Results and discussion. Coal industry changes landscapes, flora, fauna, and soil microbiome. Bioremediation uses various microorganisms as means of resoiling. Some microorganisms isolated from coal mining waste are resistant to heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and are able to utilize them. For instance, such bacteria as Bacillus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are capable of degrading oil pollutants. Microorganisms of Enterobacter and Klebsiella species were found to be resistant to copper, iron, lead, and manganese. Bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Pseudoarthrobacter, and Sinomonas are now to be resistant to nickel, arsenic, and chromium. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase the activity of soil enzymes, improve soil fertility, and decompose various organic compounds. Conclusion. Sequencing methods make it possible to determine the species composition of soils in mine tips in order to search for new strains capable of restoring former mining areas.

Different chemical, physical, and biological treatments were applied to emasculated flower buds of cotton hybrids (Gossypium hirsutum, 2n = 4x = 52) of various genotypes with the purpose of inducing haploid parthenogenesis. Of the treatments applied, the most effective chemical treatment was 0.2% colchicine in 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide (1.22% parthenogenetic seed set), the most effective physical treatment was high temperature (2.66% parthenogenetic seed set), and the most effective biological treatment was pollination with Hibiscus cannabinus pollen (2.33% parthenogenetic seed set). In the progeny of five plants of parthenogenetic origin, chromosome number and meiotic behavior were studied. All were mixoploids at the dihaploid level and yet set bolls almost like normal allotetraploids. Chromosome numbers ranged from 12 to 56 in the root tips within plants, with a somewhat less pronounced variation between pollen mother cells. At meiotic metaphase I in pollen mother cells 89.8% of the chromosomes were associated. Of the bivalents 23.3% showed AA pairing, 18.7% showed DD pairing, and 18.4% showed AD pairing. Trivalents and higher multivalents involved 29.4% of the chromosomes, and 10.2% were univalents. Anaphase I segregation was often unequal. Yet fertility was as high as in the allotetraploid. It is possible that the second generation was formed by parthenogenesis after restitution in the embryonic mother cells.Key words: Gossypium hirsutum, cotton, parthenogenesis, mixoploidy, meiosis fertility.

The development of new cultivars in Doritaenopsis Guillaum. & Lami orchids is often hindered by factors such as low seed count in hybrids. Cytological study may offer the ability to develop new hybrids by revealing cultivars with good chromosome pairing and high pollen viability, which are somewhat difficult to obtain under current breeding programs. Cross pollination, pollen viability, and chromosomal behavior during meiosis were analyzed to reveal the relation between seed fertility and capsule set in Doritaenopsis hybrids. The number of mature capsules harvested and their relative seed content were used as indices of crossing availability. The results of meiosis were evaluated according to pollen viability detected by fluorescein diacetate and quantification of sporad types by acid fuchsin staining. Chromosome number and pairing at meiosis were observed in root tips or in samples of pollen mother cells. A positive relation was found among high seed set, high frequency of viable tetrads, high degree of chromosome pairing, and low frequency of chromosomal aberrations such as inversions and translocations. On the basis of these factors, three types of hybrids could be distinguished. In type one hybrids, chromosomes paired as bivalents, pollen mother cells divided into tetrads, and capsule setting occurred after pollination of pollen acceptors. In type two hybrids, chromosomes remained mainly as univalents that developed into micromeiocytes, pollen mother cell division was disrupted, and seed recovery was low after pollination. Type three hybrids showed chromosomes paired mostly as multivalents, chromosome bridges, pollen mother cell division with massive failure, and little fertility. In Doritaenopsis orchids, high pollen viability and high fertility depends on a high frequency of normal tetrads, and low seed set in cross-pollination is predicted with micronuclei in the end products of meiosis. The occurrence of chromosomal aberrations may suggest a process of genome differentiation that could compromise breeding efforts if not taken into consideration.

Abstract Rubber [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg.] plantations are the largest cultivated forest type in tropical China. Returning organic materials to the soil will help to maintain the quality and growth of rubber trees. Although many studies have demonstrated that organic waste materials can be used to improve soil fertility and structure to promote root growth, few studies have studied the effects of organic amendments on soil fertility and root growth in rubber tree plantations. Here, bagasse, coconut husk or biochar were applied with a chemical fertilizer to test their effects on soil properties after 6 months and compared with the effects of only the chemical fertilizer. Results showed that the soil organic matter content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium after the chemical fertilizer (F) treatment were all significantly lower than after the chemical fertilizer + bagasse (Fba), chemical fertilizer + coconut husk (Fco) or chemical fertilizer + biochar (Fbi) (p < 0.05). Soil pH in all organic amendments was higher than in the F treatment, but was only significantly higher in the Fbi treatment. In contrast, soil bulk density in the F treatment was significantly higher than in treatments with the organic amendments (p < 0.05). When compared with the F treatment, soil root dry mass increased significantly by 190%, 176% and 33% in Fba, Fco and Fbi treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). Similar results were found for root activity, number of root tips, root length, root surface area and root volume. Conclusively, the application of bagasse, coconut husk and biochar increased soil fertility and promoted root growth of rubber trees in the short term. However, bagasse and coconut husk were more effective than biochar in improving root growth of rubber trees.

Background: Oocyte pick up (OPU) involves the suction aspiration of ovarian follicles following controlled ovarian stimulation, via an ultrasound guided needle through the vaginal fornices 1 . There is international recognition of a lack of training tools in OPU, highlighting opportunity for technology and simulation to be further developed 1 . Aim: Here we provide a step-by-step approach to performing transvaginal ultrasound guided OPU with supporting video demonstration. Result: Interviews and procedural observation was undertaken with four fertility specialists performing OPU at a single IVF centre. Routine practice was combined with tips and tricks into a step-by-step guide to OPU. Step one covers procedural planning, patient identification and vaginal preparation. Step two discusses the gentle and steady techniques for optimal follicle aspiration, Step three highlights the important steps required for the care of the oocyte to ensure the best outcomes. Conclusion: A meticulous approach to the retrieval of oocyte is paramount to maintaining their quality; maximising training tools for technique is therefore essential 1 .

This thesis investigates how big economic and demographic changes over the past century influence fertility dynamics with a particular focus on family ties. The first chapter investigates the role of type of partnership in shaping fertility behaviours. Comparing two orthogonally different countries like Norway and Spain, we analyse differences in fertility behaviours between cohabiting and married couples in both countries. For Norway, we find a significant association between selection into either partnership type and fertility, whereas for Spain, a newcomer to cohabitation, we find a significant association between fertility and selection into marriage. The second chapter analyses the role of the so called “bean-pole” family on fertility. It investigates whether would-be grandparents’ propensity to care for their grandchildren influences their transition into parenthood. Considering national context, I estimate distinct models for different groups of countries. Comparison across 11 countries from the first two waves of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe reveal that grandparental childcare propensity has a positive and significant effect on the transition into parenthood for both pronatalist (Belgium, France) and protraditional countries(Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland). The third chapter focuses on grandparental childcare provision. By using an instrumental variable approach, it explores the effect of grandparental childcare, during the first year of the first born, on the risk of a second birth transition among UK couples. The analysis is carried out using the first five waves of the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). Results show a positive and significant effect of grandparental childcare on the risk of second birth. This effect is slightly weakened by level of income
Aquesta tesi investiga com els grans canvis econòmics i demogràfics ocorreguts durant l’últim segle han influenciat les dinàmiques de fertilitat, amb especial èmfasi en els vincles familiars. El primer capítol investiga el rol del tipus de parella en la configuració dels patrons de fertilitat. Mitjançant la comparació de dos països ortogònicament diferents, Noruega i Espanya, analitzem les diferències d’aquests dos països en els comportaments de fertilitat entre la cohabitació i el matrimoni. A Noruega trobem una associació significativa entre la selecció en qualsevol tipus de parella i la fertilitat, mentre que per a Espanya, a on el fenomen de la cohabitació és més recent, trobem una associació significativa entre la fertilitat i la selecció al matrimoni. El segon capítol analitza el paper de l'anomenada família bean-pole en la fertilitat, analitzant en detall si la propensió dels futurs avis a cuidar els seus néts influeix en la transició cap a la paternitat dels seus fills. En aquest cas, i tenint en compte el context nacional, es calculen diferents models per a diferents grups de països. La comparació entre 11 països de les dues primeres ones de l'Enquesta de Salut, Envelliment i Jubilació a Europa (SHARE) revela que la propensió a cuidar els néts té un efecte positiu i significatiu sobre la transició cap a la paternitat, tant per als països pro-natalistes (Bèlgica, França) com per als països pro-tradicionals (Àustria, Alemanya, Grècia, Itàlia, Espanya i Suïssa). Per últim, el tercer capítol es centra en l’efecte que produeix l’atenció als primer néts per part dels avis sobre un possible segon naixement entre les parelles del Regne Unit. Mitjançant l'ús d'un enfocament de la variable instrumental, l’anàlisi es realitza mitjançant les primeres cinc ones del Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). Els resultats mostren un efecte positiu i significatiu dels avis en el risc d’un segon naixement. Aquest efecte està lleugerament debilitat pel nivell d'ingressos.

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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)
O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso do composto de lixo, biofertilizante como fonte de nutrientes e resíduo do processamento da bauxita como corretivo da acidez do solo para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar (cana-planta), irrigada com água potável e servida doméstica. Para tanto foi conduzido experimento em vaso, preenchido com Argissolo Vermelho-amarelo distrófico, cultivando a variedade RB855536. Foram avaliadas variáveis químicas do solo na camada de 0-20 e 20-40 cm, da água lixiviada e nas diferentes partes da planta (raiz, colmo e folha), e variáveis biométrias da cultura (altura, diâmetro do colmo, perfilhamento, números de folhas, matéria seca de raiz e da parte aérea). Os resultados obtidos indicaram que o composto de lixo e o biofertilizante constituíram-se como fonte de nutrientes para as plantas de cana-de-açúcar, mas é necessária aplicação adicional de fertilizantes para a obtenção de produção de colmos similares ao do tratamento com adubação mineral convencional, já o resíduo do processamento da bauxita apresentou-se como material corretivo com atributos químicos e físicos semelhantes ao tratamento com adubação mineral e calcário. Os nutrientes presentes na água lixiviada são proporcionais a sua adição ao solo e em função de cada tratamento, sendo que, todos os elementos avaliados estão dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação. Os teores de metais pesados no solo, na planta e na água lixiviada não foram alterados com a aplicação dos resíduos. A qualidade da água de irrigação, potável ou servida, não influenciou as variáveis estudadas.
The agricultural use is an interesting alternative of exploitation of organic residues and industrial for representing you arrive in port of nutrient of plants and organic matter to the soil. In this direction, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the urban solid waste, biofertilizer as source of nutrients and residue of the processing of the bauxite as corrective of the acidity of the soil for the culture of the sugar cane (cane plant), irrigated with potable water and wastewater. For in such a way experiment in vase was lead, under soil Alfisol, cultivated with the variety RB855536. They had been evaluated chemical variable of the soil in the layer of 0-20 and 20-40 cm, of the leachate water and the different parts of the plant (root, stalk an leaf), and biometrics variables (height plant, diameter of stem, tillering, numbers of leafs, root dry matter and the aerial part). The nutrients in the leachate water are proportional its addition to the soil and in function of each treatment, being that, all the evaluated elements are inside of the limits established for the legislation. The application of urban solid waste and biofertilizer, in the rates calculated in function of the nitrogen content, and residue of the processing of the bauxite, calculated on the basis of the lime necessity for the method of bases saturation, had not caused deleterious effect in the quality of the soil, of the water and of the raw material produced. The content heavy metal in the soil, the plant and the leachate water had not been modified with the application of the residue in comparison to the mineral fertilization. The quality of the water of irrigation, potable or residuary, did not influence the variable studies.

A cultura da videira no Sudoeste do Paraná vem apresentando evolução nos últimos anos. Entretanto, alguns entraves têm limitado expressão do potencial dessa atividade. Neste sentido, se destaca a falta de aporte técnico-científico no que se refere ao manejo da adubação e manutenção da fertilidade das áreas cultivadas. Esse fato, aliado ao aumento na demanda do mercado consumidor por produtos oriundos de um sistema produtivo mais sustentável, motivou a elaboração do presente trabalho, cujo objetivo é avaliar a influência de diferentes formulações de fertilizantes à base de fontes alternativas de adubação sobre o desenvolvimento, produção e qualidade de frutos da videira, com vistas na melhoria destes atributos e na manutenção da fertilidade do solo. Para se alcançar tal objetivo, um experimento foi implantado em 2008, na área experimental da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Câmpus Pato Branco, no qual foram testados 10 tratamentos combinando ou isolando coprodutos do xisto com diversos outros insumos alternativos. Os tratamentos foram: T1: Fosfato Natural de Gafsa (FNG) + K2SO4; T2: FNG + RBL (Remineralizador Bioland®); T3: FNG + K2SO4 + GP (cama de Galinha poedeira); T4: FNG + RBL + GP; T5: FNG + K2SO4 + MBR (Matriz Xisto); T6: FNG + RBL + MBR; T7: FNG + K2SO4 + MBR + GP; T8: FNG + RBL + MBR + GP; T9: SFT (Superfosfato Triplo) + KCl + Uréia; e, T10: Testemunha (sem adubação). O uso da adubação, especialmente as fontes alternativas, melhorou a maioria dos atributos de fertilidade do solo e aumentou a produção nas duas ultimas safras avaliadas. O sulfato de potássio aumentou os teores de potássio no solo e melhorou a produtividade nas três últimas safras. Já a MBR aumentou os teores de fósforo, melhorou a conservação pós-colheita e melhorou a produtividade na última safra avaliada
The vineyard culture, in the Southwest of Paraná, has faced an evolution in recently years. However, some technical barriers has contained the expression of its full potential. Among which, the lack of scientific and technical support about the fertilization management and the fertility maintenance of production fields, is the most worrying. This fact, allied with the raising on the consumers demand for ecological correct products, are the motivations for the present study, whose main objective was to evaluate the effects of different fertilizer formulations, based on alternative nutrient sources, on grapevine yield and grape fruit quality, aiming at the improvement of those parameters and the maintenance of soil fertility. To achieve this goal, an experiment has been evaluated since 2008, at the experimental area of the Federal Technological University of Paraná, Campus Pato Branco, where ten treatments were being tested, combining or isolating shale derivates from other alternative nutrient sources. Those are the treatments: T1: Gafsa Rock Phosphate (GRP) + K2SO4; T2: GRP + RPB (Rock Powder Bioland®); T3: GRP + K2SO4 + LH (Laying Hen Litter); T4: GRP+ RPB + LH; T5: GRP + K2SO4 + MBR (Matrix Shale 3); T6: GRP + RPB + MBR; T7: GRP + K2SO4 + MBR + LH; T8: GRP + RPB + LH + MBR; T9: TSP (Triple Superphosphate) + Urea + KCl and T10: absolute control. The usage of fertilization, specially the alternative fertilization, improved soil fertility characteristics and also the yield on the last two evaluated harvests. The potassium sulfate improved the potassium availability on soil, while improved yield on the last three harvests. The MBR improved the phosphorus availability, improved post-harvest conservation and improved the yield on the last evaluated harvest.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
Brazil is one of the biggest producers and consumers of maize (Zea mays L.) in the world and the fusariosis caused by F. verticillioides, on ears and or on stalk, is a recurrent problem when environmental conditions favor epidemics in the field or in storage. The present study aimed to characterize through crosses the F. verticillioides isolates from the three main climatic zones where maize is grown in Brazil. The fertility and effective population size were calculated from data generated by crossing field isolates with female fertile testers of F. verticillioides. For the entire population, 231 out of 300 isolates were cross-fertile with tester isolates. MAT-1 and MAT-2 idiomorphs of the fertile isolates segregated in a 105:126 rate. Female isolates (hermaphrodites) were 96 out of 231 fertile isolates, while 135 were male only isolates. The Ne(mt) was 99% of the count for the Brazilian population when the mating type idiomorphs were used as predictors in the estimative of the population size. But when this calculation was made on the basis of the female fertile isolates the Ne(f) was 83%. When the total population is divided into sub-populations representing climatic zones, the frequencies of female fertile isolates were 33 out of 80 fertile isolates from the Equatorial Tropical Zonal Climate (ETZC); 14 out of 78 fertile isolates from the Temperate Zonal Climate (TZC); and 49 out of 73 fertile isolates from the Tropical Central Brazil Zonal Climate (TCBZ). The effective population size expressed in percentage of the total number of individual in each population for the three populations represented by isolates from the ETZC, TZC and TCBZ were Ne(mt) = 99, 100, 97 and Ne(f) = 83, 52, 96 respectively. The Brazilian population of F. verticillioides shows high fertility and high effective population size, suggesting the possibility of frequent sexual reproduction in the field. Apparently there is a tendency of higher fertility in populations established at low latitudes, represented by the tropical climate.
O Brasil é um dos maiores produtores e consumidores de milho (Zea mays L.) do mundo e a fusariose, causada por Fusarium verticillioides, seja em espigas ou no colmo, é um problema recorrente quando condições ambientes favorecem o surgimento de epidemias no campo ou em armazenamento. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos caracterizar por meio de cruzamentos sexuais, isolados de F. verticillioides dos três principais climas zonais que se cultiva milho no Brasil. Através de cruzamentos de isolados do campo de F. verticillioides, com testadores de G. moniliformis; e determinar a taxa de fertilidade, frequência de hermafroditismo, e tamanho efetivo da população. Dos 300 isolados estudados, 231 tiveram cruzamento fértil. Os tipos de acasalamento MAT-1 e MAT-2 segregaram numa proporção 105:126. Entre os 231 isolados férteis, 96 se comportaram como hermafroditas e 135 como fêmeas estéreis. Na população total, do Brasil, levando em consideração o tipo de acasalamento, o tamanho efetivo da população Ne(mt), foi de 99% da população total, e tomando por base a frequência de hermafrodita , o tamanho efetivo Ne(f) foi de 83% da população total. Quando o número total de isolados é subdividido em três populações distintas, baseado nas condições de clima de local de coleta dos isolados, as frequências de hermafroditas foram; 33 hermafroditas dentre 80 isolados férteis do Clima Zonal Tropical Equatorial (ZTE), com 47 se comportando como fêmea estéril; 14 hermafroditas dentre 78 isolados férteis do Clima Zonal Temperado (ZT), com 64 se comportando como fêmea estéril; e 49 hermafroditas dentre 73 isolados do Clima Zonal Tropical Brasil Central (ZTBC), com apenas 24 se comportando como fêmea estéril. O tamanho efetivo das populações representadas por isolados dos climas ZTE, ZT e ZTBC, foram Ne(mt) = 99, 100, 97 e Ne(f) = 83, 52, 96 respectivamente, expresso em porcentagem do número total de indivíduos de cada população. A população brasileira de F. verticillioides analisada apresenta alto índice de fertilidade e tamanho efetivo, sugerindo a possibilidade de frequente reprodução sexuada no campo. Aparentemente, existe uma tendência de maior fertilidade da população em latitudes menores, representadas pelo clima tropical.

Orientador: João Antonio Galbiatti
Banca: Raimundo Leite Cruz
Banca: Ariovaldo Luchiari Junior
Banca: Renato de Mello Prado
Banca: Jairo Augusto Campos de Araújo
Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso do composto de lixo, biofertilizante como fonte de nutrientes e resíduo do processamento da bauxita como corretivo da acidez do solo para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar (cana-planta), irrigada com água potável e servida doméstica. Para tanto foi conduzido experimento em vaso, preenchido com Argissolo Vermelho-amarelo distrófico, cultivando a variedade RB855536. Foram avaliadas variáveis químicas do solo na camada de 0-20 e 20-40 cm, da água lixiviada e nas diferentes partes da planta (raiz, colmo e folha), e variáveis biométrias da cultura (altura, diâmetro do colmo, perfilhamento, números de folhas, matéria seca de raiz e da parte aérea). Os resultados obtidos indicaram que o composto de lixo e o biofertilizante constituíram-se como fonte de nutrientes para as plantas de cana-de-açúcar, mas é necessária aplicação adicional de fertilizantes para a obtenção de produção de colmos similares ao do tratamento com adubação mineral convencional, já o resíduo do processamento da bauxita apresentou-se como material corretivo com atributos químicos e físicos semelhantes ao tratamento com adubação mineral e calcário. Os nutrientes presentes na água lixiviada são proporcionais a sua adição ao solo e em função de cada tratamento, sendo que, todos os elementos avaliados estão dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação. Os teores de metais pesados no solo, na planta e na água lixiviada não foram alterados com a aplicação dos resíduos. A qualidade da água de irrigação, potável ou servida, não influenciou as variáveis estudadas.
Abstract: The agricultural use is an interesting alternative of exploitation of organic residues and industrial for representing you arrive in port of nutrient of plants and organic matter to the soil. In this direction, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the urban solid waste, biofertilizer as source of nutrients and residue of the processing of the bauxite as corrective of the acidity of the soil for the culture of the sugar cane (cane plant), irrigated with potable water and wastewater. For in such a way experiment in vase was lead, under soil Alfisol, cultivated with the variety RB855536. They had been evaluated chemical variable of the soil in the layer of 0-20 and 20-40 cm, of the leachate water and the different parts of the plant (root, stalk an leaf), and biometrics variables (height plant, diameter of stem, tillering, numbers of leafs, root dry matter and the aerial part). The nutrients in the leachate water are proportional its addition to the soil and in function of each treatment, being that, all the evaluated elements are inside of the limits established for the legislation. The application of urban solid waste and biofertilizer, in the rates calculated in function of the nitrogen content, and residue of the processing of the bauxite, calculated on the basis of the lime necessity for the method of bases saturation, had not caused deleterious effect in the quality of the soil, of the water and of the raw material produced. The content heavy metal in the soil, the plant and the leachate water had not been modified with the application of the residue in comparison to the mineral fertilization. The quality of the water of irrigation, potable or residuary, did not influence the variable studies.
Doutor

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The genes of the somatotropic axis, which act regulating the metabolism and physiology of the mammals, present polymorphism associated to some characteristics of economical interest, such as reproductive performance and milk production. Such factors may be influenced by the mutation on only one nucleotide in the base sequence of the gene of the growth hormone receptor (GHR), which may alter the density of GHR on the hepatic tissue. Changes in the coupling of the growth hormone (GH) in the hepatic tissue alter the serum concentration of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), as IGF-I is produced mainly by the liver when it is stimulated by the growth hormone. Different studies have evaluated the effect of polymorphisms in the gene responsible for encoding IGF-I on the reproductive performance and milk production of high production dairy cows. Among other functions, the IGF-I mediates the effects of gonadotropins on the follicular cells, stimulating the growth and differentiation of theca and granulosa follicular cells, playing also a significant role on the final growth and maturation of the dominant follicle. Furthermore, high serum IGF-I concentrations are associated with a earlier return to cyclicity post partum in high yield dairy cows. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluated the relevance of the mutations in GHR and IGF-I on the calving conception interval, number of inseminations per pregnancy and milk production in Holstein cows. One hundred and fifty five Holstein cows, submitted to a semi extensive management system, subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) that got pregnant up to 250 days in milk in 2011, were selected. Among the animals tested, 29% presented GHR AluI (+ / +), 57.5% AluI (+ / -) and 13.5% AluI (- / -) genotype. 34.9% presented IGF-I SnaBI (+ / +), 45.8% SnaBI (+ / -) and 19.3% SnaBI (- / -) genotype. No association was observed between GHR AluI and IGF-I SnaBI genotypes and calving conception interval, number of inseminations per pregnancy and milk yield (P> 0.05). Likewise, there was no association between the interaction of GHR AluI and IGF-I SnaBI genotypes and calving conception interval, number of inseminations per pregnancy and milk yield (P> 0.05). Finally, further studies are necessary to better understand the relevance of GHR AluI and IGF-I SnaBI genotypes to the calving conception interval number of inseminations per pregnancy and milk production in Holstein cows.
Os genes do eixo somatotrópico, que atuam na regulação do metabolismo e fisiologia dos mamíferos, apresentam polimorfismos associados a algumas características de interesse econômico, como desempenho reprodutivo e produção de leite. Tais fatores podem ser influenciados por mutações de apenas um nucleotídeo na sequência de bases do gene do receptor do hormônio do crescimento (GHR), que podem alterar a expressão do GHR no tecido hepático. Mudanças no acoplamento do hormônio do crescimento (GH) no tecido hepático alteram a concentração sérica de fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo1 (IGF-I), visto que o IGF-I tem sua produção endócrina principalmente no fígado mediante estimulação do hormônio do crescimento. Diversos trabalhos têm estudado o efeito de polimorfismos no gene que codifica para IGF-I no desempenho reprodutivo e produção de leite de vacas leiteiras de alta produção. Entre outras funções, o IGF-I atua como mediador dos efeitos das gonadotrofinas nas células foliculares, estimulando o crescimento e diferenciação das células da teca e da granulosa foliculares, apresentando também um importante papel no crescimento final e na maturação do folículo dominante. As altas concentrações sanguíneas de IGF-I estão também associadas a um retorno à ciclicidade mais precoce de vacas leiteiras pós-parto de alta produção. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a importância de mutações no GHR e IGF-I no desempenho zootécnico, IPC, número de inseminações por prenhez e produção de leite em vacas da raça Holandês. Foram avaliadas 155 vacas da raça Holandês em sistema semi extensivo submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e que conceberam até 250 dias em lactação no ano de 2011. Entre os animais analisados, 29% apresentaram o genótipo GHR AluI, (+/+), 57,5% AluI (+/-) e 13,5% AluI (-/-). Já para o IGF-I SnaBI 34,9% apresentaram o genótipo IGF-I SnaBI (+/+), 45,8% SnaBI (+/-) e 19,3% SnaBI (-/-). Não foi observada associação entre os genótipos GHR AluI e IGF-I SnaBI e o intervalo parto-concepção, número de inseminações por prenhez e produção de leite (P>0,05). Da mesma forma, não houve associação entre a interação dos genótipos de GHR AluI e IGF-I SnaBI e o intervalo parto-concepção, número de inseminações por prenhez e produção de leite (P>0,05). Finalmente, novos estudos avaliando uma maior população de animais são necessários para elucidar a importância dos genótipos de GHR AluI e IGF-I SnaBI no intervalo parto-concepção, número de inseminações por prenhez e produção de leite.

A sobrevivência do ser humano reside numa fertilidade saudável, no entanto, nos últimos anos tem-se observado um declínio na fertilidade masculina. Este problema tem particular incidência nas sociedades modernas, e a curto prazo estará presente nos países em desenvolvimento. Factores externos associados ao estilo de vida, tais como maus hábitos alimentares, particularmente a ingestão excessiva de dietas de alta energia, têm contribuído para o aumento de doenças metabólicas, nomeadamente a obesidade e a diabetes mellitus (DM). Na verdade, a combinação de factores como: mudanças na composição de alimentos; aumento do consumo de dietas de alta energia; consumo de alimentos com altos níveis de açúcar e gorduras saturadas de elevada palatibilidade; o sedentarismo e a falta de atividade física são a principal causa para o incremento destas patologias. A obesidade e a DM são problemas de saúde pública nos países desenvolvidos e a sua incidência tem vindo a aumentar rapidamente entre os homens em idade reprodutiva, contribuindo para o surgimento da subfertilidade e infertilidade nesses indivíduos. A desregulação metabólica e endócrina associada a estes estadios patológicos compromete a função reprodutora masculina, uma vez que o eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-testículo, também conhecido como eixo reprodutivo, é sensível a alterações metabólicas. O tecido testicular é composto por uma população heterogénea de células somáticas e germinativas. As células germinativas estão dependentes do apoio nutricional fornecido pelas células de Sertoli, e distúrbios metabólicos podem perturbar essa cooperação metabólica. O metabolismo das células testiculares, em particular o das células de Sertoli, apresenta características únicas, uma vez que estas células são capazes de metabolizar vários substratos (e.g.: glucose, ácidos gordos, corpos cetónicos). As células de Sertoli metabolizam preferencialmente a glucose, sendo que a maioria desta é convertida a lactato, e não oxidada através do ciclo de Krebs. Os mecanismos que regulam o metabolismo das células de Sertoli são essenciais para a espermatogénese, e este processo metabólico é controlado por vários fatores, entre eles a insulina e as hormonas esteróides sexuais. Doenças metabólicas, como a DM, apresentam na sua origem resistência à insulina e/ou ausência de insulina, bem como uma incapacidade de as células responderem de forma eficiente à estimulação por esta hormona. Dada a importância da insulina no metabolismo da glucose e o facto de as células de Sertoli expressam receptores específicos para esta hormona, avaliámos o comportamento metabólico das células de Sertoli em situações de privação de insulina. Nestas condições, as células de Sertoli alteram o seu metabolismo glicolítico, diminuíndo a taxa de produção de lactato através da modulação da expressão de proteínas associadas à produção e exportação de lactato, sugerindo que são afectadas na sua actividade metabólica em condições patológicas associadas à desregulação da insulina, como é o caso da DM. No entanto, a DM induz uma desregulação endócrina generalizada. Uma consequência directa da DM na função testicular é a inibição da síntese de testosterona (T). Neste trabalho, demonstramos que os esteróides sexuais, particularmente a testosterona (e o seu metabolito 5α-di-hidrotestosterona) e o 17β-estradiol (E2), modulam o metabolismo glicolítico das células de Sertoli, favorecendo o consumo de glucose, sem contudo promoverem a síntese de lactato. De facto, a produção de lactato, que é o principal substrato para o desenvolvimento das células germinativas, encontrava-se diminuída pela acção androgénica, o que poderá resultar num comprometimento da cooperação metabólica testicular. Quanto mais severo é o estado de progressão da DM, maior é a redução dos níveis da T. Desta forma, estudámos os efeitos da desregulação dos níveis da T induzidos por diferentes estadios da DM, pré-diabetes e diabetes mellitus tipo 2 no metabolismo glicolítico das células de Sertoli. Os resultados mostraram que quanto mais avançado é o estado da doença, mais a via glicolítica está comprometida, verificando-se igualmente uma alteração mais acentuada na maquinaria celular associada à produção de lactato em células em cultura com níveis de T associados à diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Curiosamente, as células de Sertoli em cultura em condições de T similares ao observado no estado de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 mostram que são capazes de adoptar mecanismos que promovem o uso de substratos alternativos, como é o caso do glicogénio. Ao nível do testículo, evidenciou-se que o estado de pré-diabetes induzido pelo consumo de dietas de alta energia também altera o metabolismo glicolítico. Nestas condições, a via glicolítica está favorecida devido ao aumento da expressão e actividade de proteínas essenciais que intervêm nessa via metabólica. Também a expressão de proteínas associadas à produção de lactato está aumentada, o que parece contribuir para o aumento observado no lactato testicular. No entanto, e apesar da adaptação metabólica evidenciada, os parâmetros reprodutivos são seriamente afectados, o que pode resultar do favorecimento de um ambiente testicular oxidativo. De facto, nessas condições observou-se uma diminuição significativa da expressão de proteínas envolvidas tanto na manutenção da biogénese mitocondrial, como na activação do sistema de defesa contra as espécies reactivas de oxigénio. O potencial antioxidante testicular diminuído, assim como, a alteração na respiração mitocondrial testicular contribuíram igualmente para uma deficiente capacidade bioenergética e um aumento do ambiente oxidativo. Já em estadios mais avançados da DM, como é o caso da diabetes mellitus tipo 2, observou-se que o metabolismo glicolítico testicular é seriamente comprometido. A actividade da lactato desidrogenase está severamente diminuída, contribuindo para uma diminuição do conteúdo em lactato neste tecido. Porém, nestas condições destaca-se a adaptação verificada no metabolismo testicular, que promoveu um aumento do conteúdo de glicogénio nos testículos. Estes resultados indicam que a diabetes mellitus tipo 2 induz uma reprogramação metabólica testicular, promovendo vias metabólicas alternativas. No entanto, os parâmetros espermáticos dos indivíduos que sofriam desta condição estavam comprometidos, visto que a motilidade e viabilidade dos espermatozóides estavam acentuadamente diminuídas e o número de espermatozóides com anomalias na morfologia era elevado. Em conclusão, este trabalho demonstra que as doenças metabólicas, particularmente a DM, podem contribuir para uma diminuição do potencial reprodutivo masculino induzindo alterações profundas no metabolismo celular do testículo, e em particular no metabolismo das células de Sertoli. O processo da espermatogénese é complexo e, do ponto de vista fisiológico, o metabolismo glicolítico é essencial para o sucesso deste evento celular. A regulação do metabolismo da glucose nas células de Sertoli é alvo de vários factores, e tanto nos estadios iniciais da DM, como nos estadios mais avançados, sofre alterações, sendo que são mais pronunciadas em estadios avançados da doença. De facto, verificou-se que em estadios iniciais da DM o metabolismo testicular tende a adaptar-se de modo a assegurar a produção de lactato para as células germinativas em desenvolvimento. Todavia com a progressão da doença, a produção desse metabolito energético é seriamente comprometida. De facto, estas alterações metabólicas progressivas estão ainda associadas a uma diminuição dos parâmetros espermáticos, que seguramente serão responsáveis pelo declínio da saúde reprodutiva masculina.
The survival of the human being lies in a healthy fertility, however, in last decades it has been observed a decline in male fertility. This problem has a particular focus in modern societies, but in the near future will be present in developing countries. External factors associated with lifestyle, such as erroneous eating habits, particularly the excessive intake of high energy diets, have contributed to the increase of metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). Indeed, the combination of factors such as: changes in the composition of foods, increased consumption of high-energy diets, consumption of foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, sedentary lifestyle and the lack of physical activity are the main cause for the increase of this pathology. Obesity and DM are public health problems in developed countries and its incidence has been increasing rapidly among men of reproductive age, contributing to the emergence of subfertility and infertility in these individuals. The metabolic and hormonal dysregulation associated with these pathological stages compromises the male reproductive function, since the hypothalamus-pituitary gonadal axis, also known as reproductive axis, is sensitive to the subtle metabolic disturbances. Testicular tissue consists of a heterogeneous population of somatic and germ cells, where germ cells are dependent on the nutritional support provided by Sertoli cells and any metabolic disorder may alter this metabolic cooperation. Metabolism of testicular cells, in particular of Sertoli cells, present some unique features. Sertoli cells are able to metabolize various substrates (e.g.: glucose, fatty acids, ketone bodies), preferentially metabolizing glucose, being the majority of it converted to lactate and not oxidized via Krebs’ cycle. The mechanisms that regulate the metabolism of Sertoli cells are essential for spermatogenesis and this metabolic process is regulated by several factors, among which insulin and sexual steroid hormones play an important role. Metabolic diseases, such as DM, present in its origin insulin resistance and/or absence, as well as an inability of cells to efficiently respond to insulin stimulation. Given the relevance of this hormone on glucose metabolism and the fact that Sertoli cells express the specific receptors for insulin, we evaluated the metabolic behavior of Sertoli cells under insulin deprivation conditions. In these circumstances, Sertoli cells altered their glycolytic metabolism, decreasing the rate of lactate production through the modulation of the expression of proteins associated with the production and export of lactate. This suggests that Sertoli cells are affected in their metabolic activity under specific pathological conditions associated with insulin deregulation, such is the case of DM. DM induces a generalized endocrine disruption. A direct consequence of DM on testicular function is the inhibition of the synthesis of testosterone (T) and the more severe is the state of DM, the greater the reduction in levels of T. In this work, we showed that the sex steroids, particularly testosterone (and its non aromatizable metabolite 5-dihydrotestosterone) and 17β-estradiol, modulate the glycolytic metabolism of Sertoli cells, favoring the increase of glucose consumption, although the production of lactate is not promoted. In fact, lactate production, which is the primary substrate of developing germ cells, is diminished by the androgenic action. We further studied the effects of T deficiency induced by different stages of DM, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus, in the glycolytic metabolism of Sertoli cells. Our results showed that the more advanced is the state of the disease, the more the glycolytic pathway is compromised. Interestingly, Sertoli cells cultured under T conditions similar to those of type 2 diabetes mellitus stage are able to adopt alternative mechanisms that promote the use of alternative substrates, such as glycogen. At testicular level, it was evidenced that the pre-diabetic state induced by high-energy diets consumption also alters the glycolytic metabolism. Under these conditions, the glycolytic pathway is favored, given the increased expression and activity of essential proteins involved in this metabolic pathway. The expression of proteins associated with the production of lactate is also increased, which may have contributed to the increase in the testicular lactate content. However, and despite the metabolic adaptation observed, the reproductive parameters were affected, which may result from the favoring of a high oxidative environment. In fact, in those conditions, we observed a significant decrease in the expression of proteins involved not only in the maintenance of mitochondrial biogenesis, as in the activation of the reactive oxygen species defense system. The decreased testicular antioxidant potential, as well as the altered mitochondrial respiratory function contributed to a deficient bioenergetic capacity and augmented oxidative environment. In more advanced states of disease, as is the case of type 2 diabetes mellitus, testicular glycolytic metabolism was seriously compromised. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was severely diminished contributing to lower testicular content of lactate. Moreover, in those conditions there seems to be an adaptation of the testicular metabolism, reflected in the content of glycogen in the testes, which was increased. These results implied a testicular metabolic reprogramming under type 2 diabetes mellitus conditions, which promoted alternative metabolic pathways. However, the sperm parameters of the individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were seriously compromised, since motility and viability were substancially decreased and the number of sperm with abnormal morphology was increased. In conclusion, this study showed that metabolic diseases, particularly DM, contribute to a decrease in male reproductive potential by promoting profound alterations in testicular cellular metabolism, and particularly in the metabolism of Sertoli cells. Spermatogenesis is a complex process and the glycolytic metabolism is pivotal for the success of this cellular event. Glucose metabolism in Sertoli cells is targeted by numerous regulatory factors and both the initial and the advanced stages of DM the metabolism of glucose is altered in these cells. Furthermore, the more pronounced effects were observed in the most advanced stages of DM. In fact, we observed that, in the prodromal stage of DM, testicular metabolism tends to adapt in order to ensure an adequate production of lactate for developing germ cells. However, in more advanced stages of that disease, lactate production is seriously compromised. Moreover, these metabolic changes were associated with a decline in the reproductive parameters, that may lead to infertility, and that surely will be accountable for the decline in male reproductive health.

Este estudo teve como objetivos analisar os principais efeitos ambientais que influenciam o intervalo entre partos (IP) em bovinos da raça Mertolenga, particularmente o efeito do tipo de cobrição (época de cobrição definida versus época de cobrição contínua). Utilizaram-se 46613 registos de IP’s de 8452 fêmeas Mertolengas, recolhidos entre 2000 e 2019 em 27 explorações. Os registos foram submetidos a diversas análises preliminares, através do PROC MEANS e do PROC FREQ do programa SAS® e, posteriormente, com um modelo misto, através do PROC MIXED do mesmo programa que incluiu os efeitos fixos do criador*ano de parto, tipo de cobrição (definida e contínua), sexo e raça do vitelo e como covariáveis os efeitos lineares e quadráticos da idade ao parto (IDP) e da idade ao primeiro parto (Id1P); a fêmea (vaca) foi considerada como efeito aleatório. Observam-se valores médios da Id1P de 35,5±9,0 meses, da IDP de 87,9±41,7 meses e para IP de 436,5±128,2 dias. Os resultados da análise de variância do IP indicaram que há diferenças significativas entre fêmeas (p<0,01) e que todos os fatores ambientais incluídos no modelo (criador*ano de parto, tipo de cobrição, sexo e raça do vitelo, idade ao parto e ao primeiro parto) têm um efeito significativo (p<0,01) nos valores de IP. Observaram-se grandes diferenças nos valores de IP entre explorações e anos de parto e, que as explorações que optam por época de cobrição contínua, em média, têm IP mais baixos (≈430 dias) do que as explorações que utilizam épocas de cobrições definidas (≈438 dias). Há diferenças significativas entre fêmeas paridas na primavera/verão (438,753±1,325/ 439,833±1,286) e fêmeas paridas no outono/inverno (449,529±1,217/447,391±1,163). Vacas que parem vitelas, em média, têm IP’s inferiores (437,534±0,897) aos das vacas que parem vitelos (443,534±0,901) e vacas que parem vitelos Mertolengos puros, em média, têm IP’s inferiores (422,156±0,833) aos de vacas que parem vitelos cruzados (445,156±1,190). A idade ao parto e idade ao primeiro parto têm um efeito quadrático no IP registando-se valores mais baixos quando as fêmeas têm aproximadamente 8,5 anos e quando parem pela 1ª vez com cerca de 36,9 meses. Pelo impacto que o IP tem na produtividade das explorações de bovinos de carne é importante conhecer fatores que o influenciam, de forma a permitir a correção de aspetos relacionados com o maneio das explorações e, em termos de seleção, ter em consideração os efeitos não genéticos que contribuem para a variabilidade observada no IP.
The aim of this study was to analyze the main environmental factors influencing the calving interval (CI) in Mertolenga cattle, particularly the effect of the type of breeding (fixed breeding season versus continuous breeding). A total of 46613 CI records were collected, from 2000 to 2019, regarding 8452 Mertolenga cows in 27 farms. The records were first subjected to PRO® MEANS and PROC FREQ SAS® programs and subsequently to PROC MIXED SAS® mixed model. Variables included fixed effects of the breeder, year of delivery, type of breeding (fixed and continuous), calf sex and breed. Linear and quadratic effects of age of calving and age at first calving were co-variables and the female (cow) was considered a random effect. Mean age at first calving was found at 35,5±9,0 months, mean age at calving at 87,9±41,7 months and CI at 436,5±128,2 days. The results of the analysis of variance of CI indicated that there are significant differences between females (p <0,01), considering that all environmental factors included in the model (breeder, year of calving, type of calving, sex and calf breed, age at calving and age at first calving) have a significant effect (p <0,01) on CI values. Large differences in CI values were observed between farms and years of calving and that breeders that chose continuous breeding have a lower CI averages (≈430 days) in comparison to defined seasons (38438 days). There are significant differences between calving females in spring / summer (438,753±1,325/439,833±1,286) and calving females in autumn/winter (449,529±1,217/447,391±1,163). Cows that give birth to female calves, on average, have lower CIs (437,534±0,897) than calves that give birth to male calves (443,534±0,901). Cows giving birth to pure Mertolenga calves have lower CIs (422,156±0,833) than those giving birth to cross calves (445,156±1,190). Age at calving and age at first calving have a quadratic effect on CI with lower values when females are approximately 8,5 years old and when they first calve at about 36,9 months. Due to the impact that the CI has on the productivity of beef cattle farms, it is important to acknowledge influencing factors, allowing for possible improvements in farm management. As far as cow selection is concerned, understanding and considering non-genetic factors influencing CI would be extremely beneficial.

Orientação : Carlos Varela Bettencourt ; co-orientação : José Carlos Duarte
Ao longo dos meses de estágio acompanhei diversos procedimentos médicos veterinários, sendo que a maior parte deles diziam respeito à área da reprodução equina. A Raça Puro Sangue Lusitano (PSL) é a mais importante raça portuguesa autóctone de equinos. Contudo, não existem muitos estudos no que respeita à sua eficiência reprodutiva. Este trabalho pretende fazer um estudo sobre o efeito da idade da égua e do tipo de cobrição (natural e inseminação artificial - IA) na taxa de fertilidade de éguas PSL, através do cálculo das diferentes taxas de gestação. Neste estudo, verificou-se que a percentagem de éguas gestantes no final da época reprodutiva foi de 90%, encontrando-se dentro dos valores esperados (71% - 96%). Os dados foram recolhidos durante a época reprodutiva de 2011/2012 e permitiram-me elaborar um estudo retrospectivo para melhor perceber a prática do maneio reprodutivo equino e a influência de alguns parâmetros na taxa de fertilidade das éguas. Relativamente aos diferentes tipos de sémen, verificou-se que a taxa de fertilidade em éguas cobertas por cobrição natural (n=14) foi de 78,6% e por IA (n=36) foi de 94,4%, resultado que se situa dentro dos valores esperados. No que respeita à IA, a taxa de fertilidade com sémen fresco (n=16) foi de 93,8%, com sémen refrigerado (n=19) foi de 94,7% e com sémen congelado (n=1) foi de 100%. Os valores para sémen fresco e refrigerado encontram-se dentro do esperado, sendo que para sémen congelado este é muito superior aos valores reportados na bibliografia, visto ser o tipo de sémen com menores taxas de fertilidade. Este facto deve-se, provavelmente, à dimensão da amostra, e ao facto de o sémen congelado ser de elevada qualidade. Neste estudo verificamos também que não há relação estatística entre a idade das éguas e a taxa de gestação, contrariamente ao que é referido na bibliografia, o que se deverá provavelmente ao tamanho da amostra (n=50).
During my internship I have observed and participated in clinical procedures, most of them regarding equine reproduction. The Lusitanian Pure Blood (PSL) is the most important Portuguese autochthonous breed. However there aren't many studies regarding its reproductive efficiency. This paper intends to study the effect of the mare's age and of the type of breeding (natural and artificial insemination - IA) in the fertility rate of PSL mares, using the calculation of the pregnancy rates. In this study it was verified that the percentage of pregnant mares by the end of the reproductive season was 90%, being within the expected values (71 - 96%). Concerning the type of mating it was verified that the pregnancy rate in mares using natural mating (n=14) was 78,6%, and using IA (n=36) was 94,4%, results within the expected values. The data was collected during the reproductive season of 2011/2012 and allowed me to elaborate a retrospective study in order to better understand equine reproduction practice and the influence of some parameters in the mares pregnancy rate. Regarding the IA, the pregnancy rate using fresh semen (n=16) was 93,8%, cooled semen (n=19) was 94,7% and frozen semen (n=1) was 100%. The values regarding fresh and cooled semen are within the expected, however for frozen semen it is too high when compared with values reported on the bibliography, since it is the type of semen with lower pregnancy rates. This is probably due to the dimension of the sample, and that the frozen semen was of very high quality. In this study it was also verified that there is no statistical relationship between the mare's age and the pregnancy rate, contrasting with what is said in the bibliography, probably due to the dimension of the sample (n=50).

More than 4 decades have passed since the birth of the first in vitro fertilized baby in 1978. The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to overcome infertility has increased steadily with the simultaneous increase in the number of fertility centers in every part of the world. Access to infertility clinics is playing an important role in the treatment of different forms of infertility (like tubal disease, ovarian aging, or ovarian dysfunction). This book captures the state of current and recent advances in assisted reproduction technology in humans and livestock in an easy and comprehensive way for non-experts and learners. 10 chapters cover the biology of reproduction, and male ART methods (sperm retrieval and freezing) and female ART methods (oocyte activation, and cryopreservation), and finally embryo ARTs (assisted hatching and cloning techniques) with simple definitions and explanations. Tips to overcome problems are also presented where appropriate along with references for further reading. This book is a simple primer for students who are involved in courses in embryology or reproductive technologies as part of programs in biology, biotechnology, medicine, and physiology.

Abstract Through this case of a young man with metastatic testicular cancer, a systematic approach to the evaluation and prognostication of such cases is presented. The case explores the contemporary challenges facing the treatment of metastatic testicular cancer with particular attention to the management of residual masses following chemotherapy; and also highlights the importance of focusing on survivorship at every stage to ensure that the patient’s well-being is optimized while still delivering excellent oncological outcomes. The learning points, clinical tips, and expert comments are designed to provide a comprehensive evidence base for treatment decisions. Furthermore, the case looks at future directions in testis cancer including novel prognostic markers such as microRNA-371a-3p (so-called M371 test); minimally invasive and modified template retroperitoneal lymph node dissection; fertility assessment and preservation; and methods of reducing the physical and psychological morbidity of treatments in order to safeguard the quality of life of these patients.

The ongoing transition to low fertility is, alongside the long-term expansion of life expectancy, the key force reshaping populations around the world. It has sweeping economic and social repercussions as it affects labour markets, intergenerational ties, gender relations, and public policies. Many middle-income countries, including China, Brazil, Iran, and Turkey, have joined the expanding list of low fertility countries. Consequently, low fertility is no longer an exclusive feature of rich Western societies. As close to half of the global population now lives in regions with below replacement fertility, low fertility has become a truly global phenomenon. What are the key ingredients of this ‘revolutionary’ change? Expanding education, rising income, the rise of gender equality, female labour force participation, ideational changes, consumerism, urbanization, family disintegration, economic uncertainty, globalization, modern contraception, and many other complementary or contrasting forces are often highlighted. But how will these drivers shape the long-term future of fertility? Will fertility in most countries stabilize at around the replacement level threshold, as implied by the demographic transition theory, or will it decline below this level? Is very low fertility merely a ‘passing phenomenon’, a sign of a temporary imbalance between rapid social and economic changes and opportunities on the one hand, and family, gender relations, and reproduction on the other? This chapter aims to present both a comprehensive overview of the forces shaping contemporary reproductive behaviour in low fertility countries and an exploration of possible future scenarios based upon a new IIASA–Oxford survey of international experts introduced in Chapter 2 of this volume. We begin with a presentation of recent trends in fertility in low fertility settings followed by a review of the particular recent histories of fertility change in North America, Europe, and the emerging low fertility settings in East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. We then explore the theoretical and empirical evidence that has been cited in the literature as underpinning these past trends and possible future scenarios. As well as ‘meta-theories’ such as the Second Demographic Transition (SDT), section 3.2 considers the roles played by cultural, biomedical, and economic factors, family policies, economic uncertainty, education, and the contribution of migrants’ fertility.

This chapter offers a treatise on brown, the color of soil and compost. Though seemingly a hue consigned to decay, brown matter, the very substance that allows for growth and fertility, is life. Specific attention will be paid to The Bluest Eye and Paradise as Morrison deftly ties soil fecundity and biodiversity to race. It is of note that Morrison frames The Bluest Eye, a novel that explores the devastation of racism, with a discourse on soil health and marigold seeds. In Paradise, Morrison again returns to dirt, specifically compost, which she analogizes to the rich lives of a multigenerational group of women. In prioritizing brown as the first chapter of Toni Morrison and the Natural World, this book begins, as Morrison does, by centering African Americans. The universe of color in Morrison’s fiction is inside a palette of browns.

Chapter 6 explores beer from northern Mexico to the tip of South America and how the first beers from this region may have come from chewed husks rather than the kernels so ubiquitous in chicha beers. The chapter will look at the development of beers during the different Andean polities, from the ritual site of Chavín de Huántar to the Inca Empire, which intersected beer with fertility, work ethic, and economic reciprocity. Also discussed is the rich ethnographic evidence of beers from the Sierra Madres in north Mexico to the Amazonian rainforest to the montane region of the Andes.

Chapter 1 explores the factors that influenced couples’ decision to pursue adoption, as well as their feelings, hopes, and fears surrounding adoption. Some couples—particularly heterosexual couples—recounted years of struggling to conceive, often with the help of painful, invasive, and expensive fertility drugs and treatments. Others described genetic or medical barriers to conceiving. This chapter also addresses the kinds of circumstances, beliefs, and experiences that fostered participants’ openness to adoption as a path to parenthood. For example, having family members who were adopted enabled a basic familiarity with adoption as a family-building route, making it less “foreign” than it was to some people—and served as evidence that biogenetic ties were not prerequisites for family membership and love.

This chapter dives deeper into the Norse religion, which it describes as an ethnic religion, not a universal one like Christianity. The Norse religion encompassed a great number of male and female gods and powers. It was tolerant in the sense that there were no rules or laws about what and how the people were to believe. The chapter introduces the two groups of Norse gods: Vanir and Aesir. The best known of the Aesir, the larger group of gods, are Odin, Thor, and Balder. Some royal families claim descent from the gods of the Viking Age. The chapter also discusses the strong ties between the chieftains and Thor, who was believed to rule over the wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. There were also many mythological categories, including völvur (prophetesses), jötnar (giants), Nornir (Norns, similar to the Fates), fylgjur (“fetches” who accompany people to their fates), dísir (ghosts, spirits, or deities, perhaps of fertility), and Valkyrjur (Valkyries). Furthermore, the chapter tackles the worship of the norse Pantheon, as well as ancestral worship. Then it looks at the Christianization of Scandinavia.

In the non-elite household family members themselves were also labourers. Economic strategies of non-elite families start with demography of the family: creating and timing marriage ties, as well as attempts to influence fertility to determine the number of family members. Children were a welcome addition to the household and sometimes vital in terms of their economic contribution, but having children, adopting them or raising foundlings was costly at the outset considering the fact that infants in particular did not always survive to live up to (economic) expectations. The same considerations must be presumed when the non-elite chose to buy, raise or free a slave; and economic considerations also influenced investment in human capital of a (slave or free) child through some form of job training. Looking at the family as an economic unit initially appears to be in line with the well-known image of a Roman city dotted with many small shops and workshops (tabernae) where a family lived and worked. This book means to show why this is a viable economic strategy, but it also means to go further and emphasize that for many families hired labour was at least as important as the family business.

Soil fertility is one of basic caracterisitics of every soil tipe and it is a feature that differentiate soil from bedrock. For determination of soil fertility various physiochemical methods are used, primarily for the purpose of applying soil fertilizers in plant nutrition. In this sense, the following parameters of soil fertility were tested in soil samples: pH in potassium-chloride (KCl), CaCO3, humus, total nitrogen, P2O5, K2O. The results of the research showed high soil fertility in a large number of locations that were surveyed, but also the existence of surveyed sites that require the application of pedomeliorative measures.

Soil fertility studies emphasize the close correlation of all soil fertility factors starting from soil composition and soil properties, pedogenetic factors, climatic factors interactions, different biological, chemical and physical processes, intensive human influence through apication of various agrotehnical measures in different intensity and duration. The research in this paper is focused on connections between some soil physical properties and soil tipe, or in other words basic soil caracteristics that define productive capacity of that soil type.

Globally, lower fertility rates combined with increased life expectancy and the transition of “baby boomers” toward retirement have contributed to an aging population in many societies. Ultimately, these demographic developments contain immense societal and economic implications for the public and private sectors. Subsequently, the term “Silver Economy” has been used to describe the delivery of products and services to older people, with a particular focus on leveraging Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to improve the well-being of older citizens in multi-faceted domains: healthcare, the labor market, social care, mobility, housing, and many others. In an increasingly globalized knowledge economy, regional knowledge sharing, integration, and synergy can enable innovation in the Silver Economy and combat population aging. Transnational innovation networks (TINs) represent a pathway for achieving these goals. Although research exploring population aging, primarily from the EU, has grown in the literature over the past five years, there is a knowledge gap regarding transnational innovation approaches, platforms, and initiatives in the Silver Economy domain. Thus, this paper utilizes a literature review approach from a global perspective to survey the Silver Economy and population aging transnational innovation landscape. Our state-of-the-art review shows the importance of transnational knowledge flows enabled by TINs and subsequent innovations.