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The widespread presence of microplastics in the environment has raised significant concerns regarding their potential impact on human and animal health. Among various microplastic types, polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are particularly prevalent due to the extensive use in packaging and consumer products. Exploring the uncharted therapeutic potentials of naringin, this study delves into its mitigating effects on disruptions in kallikrein-3 levels, steroidal-thyroidal hormone balance, and antioxidant defense triggered by PE-MPs exposure, paving the way for novel interventions in environmental toxin-induced endocrine and oxidative stress disorders. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were randomly grouped into four: Control, PE-MPs (1.5 mg/kg), PE-MPs + NAR (1.5 mg/kg PE-MPs + 100 mg/kg NAR), and NAR (100 mg/kg). Hormonal and antioxidant parameters were assessed after 28 days of exposure. PE-MPs exposure caused a significant increase(p < 0.005) in the level of kallikrein-3 (KLK-3) while it significantly reduces the levels of testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Free-triiodothyronine (fT3) and Total cholesterol (TChol) concentration. PE-MPs exposure also disrupted significantly (p < 0.005) antioxidant profile by down-regulating the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing levels of glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) while concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased relative to control. However, the mitigating potentials of naringin on disruptions in hormonal and antioxidant profiles caused by PE-MPs exposure were demonstrated, as NAR normalized KLK-3, steroid, and thyroid hormone levels, cholesterol concentration, and enhanced antioxidant defense. This suggests that NAR is a promising protective agent against endocrine and oxidative damage induced by environmental contaminants such as microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the introduction of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-s) in 2014, there is evidence to suggest that male endurance athletes still present with a high prevalence of low energy availability (LEA). Previous findings suggest that energy availability (EA) status is strongly correlated with impairments in endocrine function such as reduced leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), and insulin, and elevated bone loss. This study aimed to report the current EA status, endocrine function and bone health of highly trained Irish male endurance athletes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 3 triathletes; n = 10 runners) completed a 7-day testing period during the competition season using lab-based measures, to ascertain EA status, hormone level and rates of bone metabolism. Serum blood samples were obtained to assess hormone levels and markers of bone metabolism. Results: Mean EA was < 30 kcal/kg lean body mass (LBM)/day in 76.9% of athletes. There was a strong association between LEA and low carbohydrate intake, and lower LBM. Mean levels of insulin, IGF-1 and leptin were significantly lower than their reference ranges. Elevated mean concentrations of β-CTX and a mean P1NP: β-CTX ratio < 100, indicated a state of bone resorption. Conclusion: The EA level, carbohydrate intake, hormone status and bone metabolism status of highly trained male endurance athletes are a concern. Based on the findings of this study, more frequent assessment of EA across a season is recommended to monitor the status of male endurance athletes, in conjunction with nutritional education specific to EA and the associated risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Migratory birds are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which disrupt their timing of migration, availability of resources and even hormonal regulation. Present review summarizes the key points regarding the impacts of climate change on migratory birds and the challenges they face for long-term viability. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and shifts in wind patterns affect migration timing, availability of food resources, and flight paths. Trophic mismatches resulting from climate change reduce reproductive success. Changes in hormone production and secretion, driven by altered day length and light intensity, affect migration and reproductive timing. Elevated corticosterone levels due to environmental stressors influence migratory decisions. Hormones regulating appetite and energy balance impact feeding behavior and fat deposition. These impacts contribute to declining population sizes and increase the vulnerability of migratory birds to extinction. Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting stopover sites, promoting international cooperation, raising public awareness, and engaging stakeholders. Research advancements, such as satellite tracking and predictive modelling, support conservation strategies. Collaborative efforts between researchers, policymakers, and conservation organizations are essential for effective conservation and management of migratory bird populations in the face of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on blood pressure (BP) and autonomic nervous system, indicated by 5-min heart rate variability (HRV) measurement in obese subjects, and determine correlations of BP with metabolic factors. In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, obese subjects (n = 30) were randomly allocated to receive 150 mg EGCG (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) twice a day without dietary restrictions. After 8-week EGCG treatment, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) significantly decreased, while the low-frequency (LF) to high-frequency power (HF) ratio (LF/HF ratio) significantly increased (P < 0.05 all), indicating a shift toward sympathetic dominance, either directly or indirectly after BP lowering. SBP had positive correlations with obesity parameters, leptin, insulin, and insulin resistance but had a negative correlation with insulin sensitivity. DBP was positively correlated with age and HF in normalized unit, but negatively correlated with height and LF in ms2. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was negatively correlated with SBP, DBP, and MAP reflecting its protective effect against elevated BP. In conclusion, the 8-week EGCG treatment decreased BP and increased the LF/HF ratio, reflecting increased sympathetic activity, either a direct EGCG effect or an indirect compensatory response following BP reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diet-related factors are of great significance in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to a high fat diet (HFD), fructose or sucralose on the endocrine functions. Methods: Male, Sprague-Dawley rats received a normal chow diet, HFD, 10% fructose or 0.02% sucralose for 10 weeks. Behavioral changes were assessed by open field (OFT) and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests at week 8. H&E staining was used to observe pathological changes in adrenal cortex, testis and perirenal adipose tissue. Serum hormone concentrations were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of genes along the HPA and HPG axes were determined using real-time PCR. Results: All types of dietary interventions increased body weight and disturbed metabolic homeostasis, with anxiogenic phenotype in behavioral tests and damage to cell morphology of adrenal cortex and testis being observed. Along the HPA axis, significantly increased corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations were observed in the HFD or 0.02% sucralose group. For HPG axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and estradiol (E2) concentrations were significantly increased in all dietary intervention groups, while decreased concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) were also detected. Moreover, transcriptional profiles of genes involved in the synthesis of hormones and corresponding hormone receptors were significantly altered. Conclusion: Long-term consumption of HFD, fructose or sucralose manifested deleterious effects on endocrine system and resulted in the dysregulation of HPA and HPG axes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH), defined as increased serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal free T4 (fT4) levels, is frequently observed in the general population. Prevalence ranges from 0.6% to 1.8% in the adult population, depending on age, sex, and iodine intake. Several studies reported a worse prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and SH, but they considered heterogeneous populations suffering mainly from severe SH. Aim of this study was to evaluate if SH was independently associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular death considering 30 months of follow-up. 277 HFrEF patients enrolled in the prospective, multicenter, observational T.O.S.CA. (Terapia Ormonale Scompenso CArdiaco) registry, were included in this analysis. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of SH (serum TSH levels > 4.5 mIU/L with normal fT4 levels). Data regarding clinical status, echocardiography, and survival were analyzed. Twenty-three patients displayed SH (87% mild vs 13% severe), while 254 were euthyroid. No differences were found in terms of age, sex, HF etiology, and left ventricular ejection fraction. When compared with the euthyroid group, SH patients showed higher TSH levels (7.7 ± 4.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), as expected, with comparable levels of fT4 (1.3 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.3, p = NS). When corrected for established predictors of poor outcome in HF, the presence of SH resulted to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.96; 5–95% CI:1.13–7.74; p = 0.03). Since thyroid tests are widely available and inexpensive, they should be performed in HF patients to detect subclinical disorders, evaluate replacement therapy, and improve prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors in the early life stages can lead the descendant to adaptations in gene expression, permanently impacting several structures and organs. The amount and quality of fatty acids in the maternal diet in pregnancy and lactation were found to impact offspring metabolism. So, maternal diet and insulin resistance can affect the male and female descendants through distinct pathways and at different time points. We hypothesized that maternal high-fat diet (HFD) intake before conception and an adequate amount of different fatty acids intake during pregnancy and lactation could influence the energy homeostasis system of 21-day-old offspring. Female rats received control diet (C) or HFD (HF) for 8 weeks before pregnancy. During pregnancy and lactation C group remained with same diet (C-C), HF group were distributed into 4 groups and received C diet (HF-C), normolipidic diet based on saturated fatty acids (HF-S) or based on polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (HF-P) or remained in same diet (HF-HF). Maternal HFD in preconception, pregnancy, and lactation (HF-HF) led to lower glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in male (HF-HF21) compared to other groups (C-C21, HF-C21, and HF-P21) and compared to HF-HF21 females. Neuropeptide YY levels were higher in the HF-HF21, HF-C21, and HF-S21 male offspring compared to HF-P21. HF-P21 was similar to C-C21. Positive correlations were found among the energy homeostasis markers genes expressed in the offspring hypothalamus. Maternal diet changes to adequate quantities of fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation showed less impaired results but was not entirely avoided. A maternal diet based on PUFA n-3 during pregnancy and lactation seems to reverse the damage of an HFD in preconception. These results of homeostasis energy system disturbance in the offspring at weaning give us clues about changes that precede the onset of the disease in adult life — adding notes to the knowledge for future investigations of prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Different plant hormones contribute to maize reproductive success. Maize is a major crop species and significantly contributes directly and indirectly to human calorie uptake. Its success can be mainly attributed to its unisexual inflorescences, the tassel and the ear, whose formation is regulated by complex genetic and hormonal networks, and is influenced by environmental cues such as temperature, and nutrient and water availability. Traditional genetic analysis of classic developmental mutants, together with new molecular approaches, have shed light on many crucial aspects of maize reproductive development including the influence that phytohormones exert on key developmental steps leading to successful reproduction and seed yield. Here we will review both historical and recent findings concerning the main roles that phytohormones play in maize reproductive development, from the commitment to reproductive development to sexual reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheum pumilum stands as both a quintessential alpine plant and a significant traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicinal herb. Unraveling the molecular intricacies of seed germination in Rh. pumilum not only unveils the genetic foundations of plant seed germination strategies in high-altitude environments but also offers insights for cultivating Rh. pumilum medicinal materials. Employing transcriptome sequencing and the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis, this study delved into the shifts in gene expression levels across various stages of seed germination in Rh. pumilum. The process of seed germination in Rh. pumilum entails a cascade of complex physiological events. Six hormones (ABA, IAA, ETH, GA, BR, CK) emerged as pivotal players in seeds breaking in shells and the facilitation of rapid seed germination in Rh. pumilum. Fourteen transcription factor families (LOB, GRAS, B3, bHLH, bZIP, EIL, MYB, MYB related, NAC, TCP, WRKY, HSF, PLATZ, and SBP) along with four key genes (E2.4.1.13, EIN3, BZR, and BIN2) were identified that may be associated with both biotic and abiotic environmental stress. The ETR, ACACA and ATPeV0C genes were linked with energy accumulation during the initial stages of seed germination, CYP707A may play an important role in breaking seed dormancy, while the BRI1 gene may be correlated with swift seed germination. Additionally, several unidentified genes were recognized to play key roles in seed germination of Rh. pumilum, warranting further investigation. Moreover, Rh. pumilum demonstrates full activation of crucial physiological functions such as energy metabolism, signal transduction, and responses to biological and abiotic stresses during the seed breaking in shells. This study provides molecular evidence elucidating the swift seed germination strategies adopted by alpine plants to thrive in high-altitude environments. Furthermore, it serves as a foundational reference for enhancing seed germination rates and breeding practices to promote the sustainable development of Rh. pumilum medicinal materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates, such as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-isopentyl phthalate (DiPeP), are pollutants with a high potential for endocrine disruption. This study aimed to evaluate parameters of endocrine disruption in specimens of the Neotropical fish Rhamdia quelen exposed to DBP and DiPeP through their food. After 30 days of exposure, the fish were anesthetized and then euthanized, and blood, hypothalamus, liver, and gonads were collected. DBP caused statistically significant alterations in the serotoninergic system of males (5 and 25 ng/g) and females (5 ng/g) of R. quelen and it increased testosterone levels in females (25 ng/g). DiPeP significantly altered the dopaminergic system in females, reduced plasma estradiol levels (125 ng/g) and hepatic vitellogenin expression (25 ng/g), and changed the antioxidant system in gonads (125 ng/g). The results suggest that DBP and DiPeP may have different response patterns in females, with the former being androgenic and the latter being anti-estrogenic. These findings provide additional evidence regarding the molecular events involving DBP and DiPeP in the endocrine disruption potential in juvenile specimens of Rhamdia quelen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace metal pollution of soils is a widespread consequence of anthropogenic activity. Land slugs can be used as bio-indicators of the metals' pollution in the soil, so the present study aimed to determine the metal in the soil and Laevicaulis stuhlmanni land slug tissues by studying its effects on different physiological parameters. Slugs and soil samples were collected from fields in Abu-Rawash, Giza, Egypt. Slugs were identified, and the metals were determined in slug tissues and soil samples. On the other hand, slugs were reared in the laboratory and the new generation was fed on lettuce dipped in 0.027 µg/ml lead (Pb) for 10 days. The results revealed that the soil and slug tissues contained copper, manganese, lead, and zinc; the lead metal bioaccumulation factor was the highest. Also, the results showed that the hemocytes' count, testosterone, and estradiol hormones were significantly decreased. At the same time, the phagocytic index was increased considerably, and some morphological alterations in the granulocytes and hyalinocytes were observed after treatment with 0.027 µg/ml lead compared to untreated slugs. On the other hand, all the oxidative stress parameters were significantly increased in the treated slugs compared with the control. Concerning the histopathological studies, lead caused a rupture, vacuolation, or degeneration in the digestive cells of treated slugs. Finally, it can be concluded that the land slugs were sensitive to lead which was reflected by endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and increased oxidative stress parameters with histopathological damages. Hence, Laevicaulis stuhlmanni can be used as a metal accumulation bio-indicator to reflect the metal pollution in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to elucidate the intricate interplay among miR-105–1, kisspeptin, and their synergistic influence on basic ovarian granulosa cell functions. The effects of miR-105–1 mimics or miR-105–1 inhibitor, kisspeptin (0, 1, and 10 ng/ml), and its combinations with miR-105–1 mimics on porcine granulosa cells were assessed. The expression levels of miR-105–1, viability, proliferation (accumulation of PCNA, cyclin B1, XTT-, and BrdU-positive cells), apoptosis (accumulation of bcl-2, bax, caspase 3, p53, TUNEL-positive cells), proportion of kisspeptin-positive cells, and the release of steroid hormones and IGF-I were analyzed. Transfection of cells with miR-105–1 mimics promoted cell viability and proliferation, the occurrence of kisspeptin, and the release of progesterone and IGF-I; in contrast, miR-105–1 mimics inhibited apoptosis and estradiol output. MiR-105–1 inhibitor had the opposite effect. Kisspeptin amplified the expression of miR-105–1, cell viability, proliferation, steroid hormones, and IGF‐I release and reduced apoptosis. Furthermore, the collaborative action of miR-105–1 mimics and kisspeptin revealed a synergistic relationship wherein miR-105–1 mimics predominantly supported the actions of kisspeptin, while kisspeptin exhibited a dual role in modulating the effects of miR-105–1 mimics. These findings not only affirm the pivotal role of kisspeptin in regulating basic ovarian cell functions but also represent the inaugural evidence underscoring the significance of miR-105–1 in this regulatory framework. Additionally, our results show the ability of kisspeptin to promote miR-105–1 expression and the ability of miR‐105–1 to promote the occurrence and effects of kisspeptin and, therefore, indicate the existence of the self‐stimulating kisspeptin‐miR‐105–1 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water deficit stress reduces crop yield in field crops, including sunflowers, at any growth stage. In response, most plants activate hormonal and gene expression patterns to mitigate damage. In this study, we evaluated changes in the physiological and gene transcription levels of two sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) inbred lines -one sensitive (B59 line) and one water stress-tolerant (B71)–in response to water stress, by using mannitol to simulate water deficit conditions, which provides moderate stress in both sunflower lines. The analyses of the accumulation of various phytohormones under this stress revealed that Jasmonic acid (JA) significantly increased in the shoots of both lines. Similarly, Salicylic acid (SA) increased in the shoots of both lines, although it also accumulated in B71 roots. In addition, Abscisic acid (ABA) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) showed a considerable increase in the B59 shoots. Regarding the JA and SA pathways, the WRKY70 transcription levels were higher in the shoots of both lines and the roots of B71. The B59 line showed overtranscription of a gene related to the ABA pathway (XERICO) and genes associated with IAA (ARF9 and ARF16 genes). The B71 line, on the other hand, simultaneously triggered the JA, SA and ABA hormonal pathways in response to this stress condition. The ABA and JA hormonal pathways activated different TFs, such as RD20, RD22, RD26, ANAC19 and ANAC29, through MYC2. Both the JA and SA hormonal pathways activated the WRKY70 transcription factor. Altogether, each line triggered the hormonal and transcriptional pathways in response to water stress, although at varying intensities. The results suggest that the hormonal pathways of JA, SA, IAA and ABA, along with their primary associated genes, are activated in response to water deficit at the early growth stage in sunflower seedlings, which mitigates damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell cultures are precious tools for investigating the response of plants to altered gravity at the cellular level. In the present study, the effects of clinorotation on the growth and cell cycle progression of cultured Nicotiana tabacum cells were investigated. Exposure to 2D-clinostat for 12 h increased the percentage of the cells in the G1 phase from 80 to 83.2%, while significantly reduced the percentage of those cells at the G2/M transition, compared to their corresponding control cells. When the duration of exposure was extended, the rate of cells transition to the M phase increased, ultimately promoted the exponential growth phase after 168 h. During the first 24 h of clinorotation, a significant rise in the levels of simple sugars within the cells was observed. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of tobacco cells exhibited a downward trajectory that continued until 48 h. This research showed the influence of clinorotation on plant cells dependent on the exposure duration. The cells exhibited signs of stress after a short exposure, possibly due to high levels of soluble sugars that could impede cell advancement in the G1 phase by negatively affecting radical scavenging capacity (RSC). Upon extending the exposure duration to 168 h, the cells were adapted to the altered gravity conditions and improved their growth, probably due to a rise in auxin and gibberellin production. The results suggest cultured cells are a viable candidate, for examining plants in long-term space missions.Key message: The improvement of growth of plant cultured cells after longer treatment with altered gravity suggests them suitable candidates for investigation on plant response mechanisms to gravity in long-term space missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compounds originating from animal husbandry can pollute surface water through the application of manure to soil. Typically, grab sampling is employed to detect these residues, which only provides information on the concentration at the time of sampling. To better understand the emission patterns of these compounds, we utilized passive samplers in surface water to collect data at eight locations in a Dutch agricultural region, during different time intervals. As a passive sampler, we chose the integrative-based Speedisk® hydrophilic DVB. In total, we targeted 46 compounds, among which 25 antibiotics, three hormones, nine antiparasitics, and nine disinfectants. From these 46 compounds, 22 compounds accumulated in passive samplers in amounts above the limit of quantification in at least one sampling location. Over the 12-week deployment period, a time integrative uptake pattern was identified in 53% of the examined cases, with the remaining 47% not displaying this behavior. The occurrences without this behavior were primarily associated with specific location, particularly the most upstream location, or specific compounds. Our findings suggest that the proposed use of passive samplers, when compared in this limited context to traditional grab sampling, may provide enhanced efficiency and potentially enable the detection of a wider array of compounds. In fact, a number of compounds originating from animal husbandry activities were quantified for the first time in Dutch surface waters, such as flubendazole, florfenicol, and tilmicosine. The set-up of the sampling campaign also allowed to distinguish between different pollution levels during sampling intervals on the same location. This aspect gains particular significance when considering the utilization of different compounds on various occasions, hence, it has the potential to strengthen ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most prevalent form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic illness that is on the rise among the geriatric population. Even though research into its biochemical, genetic, and cytogenetic pathways has advanced, its aetiology is still unclear and complex. In this study, we recruited sixty-eight participants diagnosed with AD where the cytogenetic, biochemical parameters and genetic mutations were analysed. Our results revealed chromosomal aberrations such as aneuploidies in the peripheral blood of Alzheimer's disease patients. Biochemical parameters revealed no statistical significance in the study though a pattern could be observed in the serum levels. Further few novel mutations at the c.21 C > T, c.56G > A were observed in the MCU gene of mitochondrial calcium uniporter. All these findings reveal the need for a larger cohort study to gain a better and more detailed understanding of the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caulerpa racemosa is a nutritious food option that has high demand. However, the production rate is lagging behind the increased demand. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of aqueous extract from various plants as an exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs) in the morphology, growth, and nutrition of C. racemosa. The natural PGRs used were coconut water (CW), shallots and coconut water (AESCW), maize (AEM), moringa leaves and mung beansprout (AEMBS), and Kappaphycus alvarezii (AEKA). Fifty grams of C. racemosa was soaked on the natural PGRs and was cultivated for 30 days with a sandy mud substrate. The results showed that the soaking of C. racemosa on natural PGRs had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on absolute growth, specific growth rate, and nutrients. C. racemosa soaked in aqueous shallot and coconut water showed the best absolute growth (214.32 ± 7.68 g) and SGR (5.55 ± 0.08%/day); meanwhile, C. racemosa soaked in coconut water had the best nutrition (protein, 9.54 ± 0.16%; fiber, 1.37 ± 0.21%; and fat, 0.42 ± 0.04%). The morphological analysis showed that soaking C. racemosa on natural PGRs resulted in long fronds, bigger stolons, a greener and fresher color, and more ramuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a plantlet regeneration protocol of somatic embryos in Rosa 'John F. Kennedy' (hybrid tea rose). Different somatic embryo sizes exhibited significant differences in the single bud (SB type) regeneration rate and multiple bud (MB type) regeneration rate. The highest single bud (SB type) regeneration rate (27.10%) was obtained from the large size (4 mm × 5 mm). The multiple bud regeneration rate was highest at 39.60% for the medium size (3 mm × 4 mm). Changes in the endogenous hormone content and ratios of various types of embryogenic cultures were clearly diverse: higher contents of abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) occurred in the SPC explant (single-piece cotyledonary somatic embryo) with a regenerated single bud (SB type). In a MW-type somatic embryo (milky-white single-piece-cotyledon explant), the gibberellic acid (GA3)/ABA ratio was the highest (1.807), and the IAA/GA3 ratio was the lowest (0.902). However, the highest ratios of IAA/GA3 (6.159) and the lowest ratios of GA3/ABA (0.383) appeared in SB-type cultures. Additionally, the highest IAA/ABA ratios (6.535) and higher ratios of GA3/ABA (1.729) were found in MB-type cultures. This indicated that ways to regulate plant cell totipotency in Rosa 'John F. Kennedy' somatic embryos differed between single bud (SB type) regeneration and multiple bud (MB type) regeneration. Finally, this study classified and summarized common intermediate materials in in vitro culture based on morphological characteristics and plantlet regeneration pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanism of flower development and sexual differentiation, which is an intricate process, still unclear in Vitis plants. In this study, we performed the transcriptome analysis by high-throughput sequencing to measure gene expression at three stages in male, female, and hermaphrodite grape flowers, and in combination with the fluctuation of hormones (ABA, IAA, BR, GA3, and JA) to understand the gene function and molecular basis of developmental processes in Vitis flowers. The results showed that more than 581 million clean reads were generated from all samples and average 83% reads were mapped on the Vitis vinifera genome. More, quite a large number of genes were differentially expressed between different stages within and across cultivars and various transcription factor families involved were identified in flower development. The genes belonging to MYB, bHLH, ERF, NAC, and WRKY have more numbers than other TF families. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation of those hormones with 165 DEGs (including 36 TF genes). The results suggested that those genes might play important roles in sex differentiation during flower development and a unique opportunity to increase the efficiency of crossbreeding in Vitis plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the third most important crop after rice and wheat in the world and it is one of the most efficient food crops producing more yield, alimental fibre, high-quality protein, minerals and vitamins than wheat, maize and rice per unit area and time and is recognized as a steady and healthy food crop. The production of seed potatoes and its supply chain face special problems because they are big in size, multiply slowly and large quantities are needed to plant the next crop. There is a huge gap between production and supply of quality planting materials of potato. So, it is important to develop a systematic protocol for production of planting materials at large scale. Given such conditions, the conception of an effective and reproducible in vitro regeneration system in popular potato cultivar(s) is crucial to produce high-quality planting material at large scale. Keeping this in mind, to produce genuine propagative material of high phytosanitary, physiological and genetic quality, effective and reproducible in vitro regeneration protocols of potato are indispensable. To attain such goals, potato sprouts were employed as explants sources and inoculated on MS medium fortified with different auxins and cytokinins in fluctuating proportions or alone as well as in diverse concentrations and amalgamations in combination with 30.0 g l−1 sucrose and 7.5 g l−1 agar. Induction medium MS3NB (MS + 3.0 mg l−1 NAA + 1.0 mg l−1 BA) was more responsive for callus induction (83.00%). Whilst nutrient media MS3BN (MS + 3.0 mg l−1 BAP + 1.0 mg l−1 NAA) displayed better in vitro competence, i.e. number(s) of shoot inducing explants (91.00%) and number(s) of shoot(s) per explant (6.50) along with shoot of bigger length (4.60). Whilst higher in vitro rooting response, viz., root proliferating efficiency (84.0%), number(s) of roots (9.0) with higher length (5.1) was exhibited by rooting medium MSIB (MS + 1.0 mg l−1 IBA). For inducing rooting in vitro, a reduced level of sucrose, i.e. 15.0 g l−l, was used. The regenerants were shifted to pots and acclimatized in polyhouse/net house during preliminary ablactating phase. Regenerants showed normal growth and morphology and were found efficacious in the external environment after hardening. Culture medium with higher regeneration aptitude obtained in present investigation may be used for mass in vitro propagation, micro tuber production and different biotechnological works including tailoring transgenic plants resistant/tolerant against diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant architecture is an important feature for agronomic performance in crops. In maize, which is a monoecious plant, separation of floral organs to produce specific gametes has been studied from different perspectives including genetic, biochemical and physiological. Maize mutants affected in floral organ development have been key to identifying genes, hormones and other factors like miRNAs important for sex determination. In this review, we describe floral organ formation in maize, representative mutants and genes identified with a function in establishing sexual identity either classified as feminizing or masculinizing, and its relationship with hormones associated with sexual organ identity as jasmonic acid, brassinosteroid and gibberellin. Finally, we discuss the challenges and scopes of future research in maize sex determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menopause increases the risk for Parkinson's disease (PD), although the underlying biological mechanisms have not been established in patients. Here, we aimed to understand the basis of menopause-related vulnerability to PD. Main motor and non-motor scores, blood levels of estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, CSF levels of total α-synuclein, amyloid-β-42, amyloid-β-40, total tau, and phosphorylated-181-tau were examined in 45 women with postmenopausal-onset PD and 40 age-matched controls. PD patients had higher testosterone and lower estradiol levels than controls, and the residual estradiol production was associated with milder motor disturbances and lower dopaminergic requirements. In PD but not in controls, follicle-stimulating hormone levels correlated with worse cognitive scores and CSF markers of amyloidopathy and neuronal loss. In conclusion, menopause-related hormonal changes might differentially contribute to clinical-pathological trajectories of PD, accounting for the peculiar vulnerability to the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased father–infant physical contact may promote early paternal caregiving. This randomized controlled trial, preregistered on https://osf.io/qwe3a, tested the effects of a soft baby carrier intervention on fathers' parenting behavior and hormonal levels. Eighty first-time fathers of 2- to 4-month-old infants were randomly assigned to a baby carrier intervention group (n = 41 fathers) or a control group receiving an infant seat (n = 39 fathers). Fathers were instructed to use the baby carrier or seat for 3 weeks. Fathers' sensitive parenting behavior, involvement, salivary oxytocin and cortisol basal levels and reactivity to interacting with the infant were assessed at pre-test (on average 2 weeks before the intervention) and at post-test (on average 1 week after the intervention period ended). The results showed that the intervention did not enhance fathers' sensitive parenting or involvement. Involvement operationalized as hours spent with the infant decreased over time for fathers in the carrier condition compared to fathers in the control condition. The baby carrier intervention had no effect on fathers' basal oxytocin or cortisol levels, nor did it affect fathers' oxytocin or cortisol reactivity to interacting with their infant. Our findings indicate that 3 weeks of using a baby carrier does not have immediate beneficial effects on fathers' parenting behavior or hormonal functioning as assessed here. Future research may examine whether infant carrying has beneficial effects on the longer term or in different groups of fathers, and how fathers' infant carrying affects their infants. Highlights: We tested for the first time the effects of a soft baby carrier intervention on fathers' parenting behavior and hormones. The baby carrier intervention did not promote fathers' sensitivity or involvement. The intervention had no effects on fathers' basal hormonal levels or hormonal reactivity to interacting with their infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copepods are nutritionally superior and important live-feed organisms in aquaculture. However, attaining the high density and continuous production of copepods to fulfil the requirements of fish larval production is still a challenge, as compared to other live feeds such as artemia and rotifer. The lack of effective technology in the live feed industry failed to produce a mass density of copepods. Pseudodiaptomus annandalei is a common tropical calanoid copepod species. Hence, the present study attempted the high-density and continuous production of P. annandalei through various optimization technologies, namely, selective and induced breeding by environmental induction, hormone induction, and microbial induction. The copepod P. annandalei was tested with various selective breeding methods, i.e. (a) 18°C cold selective breeding (18°C CSB), (b) 26°C normal selective breeding (26°C NSB), and (c) non-selective breeding (control). This study reveals, compared to 18°C CSB and control copepods, the 26°C NSB copepod P. annandalei produced a significant population of 17181.6 ± 371.2 ind/l using RASC. Across the five generations, the mean nauplii production genetic gain (∆G) for G5 was 29.6% with calculated heritability (h2) of 0.30. For the continuous production of copepod, P. annandalei was optimized with suitable environmental parameters. In hormone induction, 20 μg/L bisphenol A and 40 μg/L 17β-estradiol produced high NPR, but the survival rate (SR) decreased while using these hormones. In the meantime, probiotic induction gave a positive result in terms of NPR. The maximum NPR in P. annandalei was induced by Bacillus subtilis at a concentration of 106 CFU/mL, and probiotic induction also improved the copepod SR. Our findings provide the first concrete proof that P. annandalei would be a candidate species with favourable outcomes for selective breeding—improving its reproductive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescence is a multifaceted and dynamic developmental phase pivotal in the plant's lifecycle, exerting significant influence and involving intricate regulatory mechanisms marked by a variety of structural, biochemical and molecular alterations. Biochemical changes, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, membrane deterioration, nucleic acid degradation and protein degradation, characterize flower senescence. The progression of senescence entails a meticulously orchestrated network of interconnected molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways, ensuring its synchronized and efficient execution. Within flowering plants, petal senescence emerges as a crucial aspect significantly impacting flower longevity and postharvest quality, emphasizing the pressing necessity of unravelling the underlying signalling cascades orchestrating this process. Understanding the complex signalling pathways regulating petal senescence holds paramount importance, not only shedding light on the broader phenomenon of plant senescence but also paving the way for the development of targeted strategies to enhance the postharvest longevity of cut flowers. Various signalling pathways participate in petal senescence, encompassing hormone signalling, calcium signalling, protein kinase signalling and ROS signalling. Among these, the ethylene signalling pathway is extensively studied, and the manipulation of genes associated with ethylene biosynthesis or signal transduction has demonstrated the potential to enhance flower longevity. A thorough understanding of these complex pathways is critical for effectively delaying flower senescence, thereby enhancing postharvest quality and ornamental value. Therefore, this review adopts a viewpoint that combines fundamental research into the molecular intricacies of senescence with a practical orientation towards developing strategies for improving the postharvest quality of cut flowers. The innovation of this review is to shed light on the pivotal signalling cascades underpinning flower senescence and offer insights into potential approaches for modulating these pathways to postpone petal senescence in ornamental plants.Key message: Senescence in flowering plants, particularly petal senescence, plays a central role in their life cycle. Unravelling the intricate signalling networks involved in this process is crucial for enhancing flower postharvest quality. This review highlights the significance of understanding these signalling cascades to develop strategies for delaying petal senescence and improving postharvest longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sex-steroid hormones are associated with postmenopausal breast cancer but potential confounding from other biological pathways is rarely considered. We estimated risk ratios for sex-steroid hormone biomarkers in relation to postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, while accounting for biomarkers from insulin/insulin-like growth factor-signaling and inflammatory pathways. Methods: This analysis included 1208 women from a case–cohort study of postmenopausal breast cancer within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Weighted Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer, per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone, estrogens, androgens, and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Analyses included sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders, and other biomarkers identified as potential confounders. Results: Increased risks of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer were observed per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone (RR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.44), androstenedione (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.45), dehydroepiandrosterone (RR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34), total testosterone (RR: 1.11, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.29), free testosterone (RR: 1.12, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.28), estrone (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.48), total estradiol (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.39) and free estradiol (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.41). A possible decreased risk was observed for SHBG (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.05). Conclusion: Progesterone, estrogens and androgens likely increase postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer risk, whereas SHBG may decrease risk. These findings strengthen the causal evidence surrounding the sex-hormone-driven nature of postmenopausal breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within recent years, hormones have become emergent contaminants in the water environment. They easily accumulate in living organisms which in effect leads to numerous health problems (endocrine-disrupting mechanism is one of the most known toxic effects). Microbial resistance to antibiotics also became one of the emergent issues related to hormone presence. It was shown that the most common in the environment occur estrogens (E1, E2, E3, and EE2). It has been proven that large amounts of hormones are released from aquaculture as well as from wastewater treatment plants (due to the relatively low separation efficiency of conventional wastewater treatment processes). Within the article's scope, the literature review was performed. The analysis was regarding the characterization of the hormone substances present in the environment, their influence on living organisms and the environment, as well as its potential sources classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To preserve fertility before gonadotoxic therapy, ovarian tissue can be removed, cryopreserved, and transplanted back again after treatment. An alternative is the artificial ovary, in which the ovarian follicles are extracted from the tissue, which reduces the risk of reimplantation of potentially remaining malignant cells. The PTEN inhibitor bpV(HOpic) has been shown to activate human, bovine and alpacas ovarian follicles, and it is therefore considered a promising substance for developing the artificial ovary. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of different scaffolds and the vanadate derivative bpV(HOpic) on mice follicle survival and hormone secretion over 10 days. Methods: A comparative analysis was performed, studying the survival rates (SR) of isolated mice follicle in four different groups that differed either in the scaffold (polycaprolactone scaffold versus polyethylene terephthalate membrane) or in the medium—bpV(HOpic) versus control medium. The observation period of the follicles was 10 days. On days 2, 6, and 10, the viability and morphology of the follicles were checked using fluorescence or confocal microscopy. Furthermore, hormone levels of estrogen (pmol/L) and progesterone (nmol/L) were determined. Results: When comparing the SR of follicles among the four groups, it was observed that on day 6, the study groups utilizing the polycaprolactone scaffold with bpV(HOpic) in the medium (SR: 0.48 ± 0.18; p = 0.004) or functionalized in the scaffold (SR: 0.50 ± 0.20; p = 0.003) exhibited significantly higher survival rates compared to the group using only the polyethylene terephthalate membrane (SR: 0). On day 10, a significantly higher survival rate was only noted when comparing the polycaprolactone scaffold with bpV(HOpic) in the medium to the polyethylene terephthalate membrane group (SR: 0.38 ± 0.20 versus 0; p = 0.007). Higher levels of progesterone were only significantly associated with better survival rates in the group with the polycaprolactone scaffold functionalized with bpV(HOpic) (p = 0.017). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that three-dimensional polycaprolactone scaffolds improve the survival rates of isolated mice follicles in comparison with a conventional polyethylene terephthalate membrane. The survival rates slightly improve with added bpV(HOpic). Furthermore, higher rates of progesterone were also partly associated with improved survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although low L-thyroxine doses have previously been found to increase body's stress resistance, it has remained unclear whether this effect is related to the action of L-thyroxine itself or is mediated by its activating/potentiating impact on other hormones. The aim of this work was to study the role of adrenal hormones in the implementation of the protective effect of low L-thyroxine doses under stress. The work was carried out on white mongrel male rats; stress was modeled by a time deficit situation. L-thyroxine was administered at low, close to physiological, doses according to the following schedule: week 1—1.5 µg/kg, week 2—2.0 µg/kg, week 3—2.5 µg/kg, week 4—3.0 µg/kg. It was found that stress exposure (1) increases the blood concentration of iodine-containing thyroid hormones (ITH) by 23–44%, corticosteroids by 40%, and adrenal relative mass (RM) by 31%, (2) reduces thymic and splenic RMs by 26 and 14%, respectively, and insulin level by 46%, (3) causes damage to the gastric mucosa (GM) with a damage index (DI) of 1.36, (4) increases animal physical endurance, locomotor activity and anxiety, while decreasing the intensity of exploratory responses. Bilateral adrenalectomy (BA) prevents the activation of thyroid function, abolishes the increase in physical endurance, and alters the structure of behavior, as well as determines a more severe damage to the GM (DI 2.7), an increase in anxiety, and the suppression of exploratory behavior under stress. BA limits the protective effect of L-thyroxine under stress, as manifested by lower values of rat horizontal locomotor and exploratory activity, higher anxiety, and damage to the GM (after L-thyroxine administration, DI under stress without BA is 0.12, against BA is 1.19). This corresponds to a lower blood ITH concentration (by 14–43%). Hence, low L-thyroxine doses have a stress-protective effect. BA limits but does not completely prevents its implementation, suggesting that adrenal hormones play an important, albeit not crucial, role in shaping the L-thyroxine anti-stress effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular redox state and hormone levels have important regulatory roles in the process of somatic embryogenesis (SE), but experimental data on the topic are limited in conifer SE. This study investigated changes in redox pairs (reduced glutathione (GSH) vs oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and ascorbic acid (ASA) vs dehydroascorbate (DHA)), activities of enzymes (glutathione reductase (GR), DHA reductase (DHAR), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)), and levels of endogenous hormones (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), zeatin-riboside (ZR), gibberellin (GA), and abscisic acid (ABA)) following exogenous supplements of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), GSH, and L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) to the proliferation medium of Picea pungens SE and linked the changes with proliferation efficiencies. While 2,4-D promoted proliferation and maturation in a concentration-dependent manner, the joint application of 2,4-D (2 mg/L) and GSH (0.5 mmol/L) was the most effective. Such beneficial roles were not observed when GSH alone was applied and exogenous BSO (1 mmol/L) prohibited proliferation. Supplements of 2,4-D and GSH, individually or jointly, enhanced the GR activity, decreased the DHAR activity and increased amounts of redox compounds, yet more in GSH and ASA than in GSSG and DHA, creating reduced environments. Exogenous BSO had reversal effects, creating an oxidized environment, and so was the joint use of 2,4-D and BSO, although at a less extent. 2,4-D and GSH reduced while BSO increased IAA content. The alternations in redox state as well as in IAA content from exogenous 2,4-D or BSO supplements coincided with the corresponding changes in proliferation. The notable finding was that exogenous GSH, regardless its substantial roles in reducing environments or IAA content, did not improve proliferation. Thus, the role of GSH on proliferation varied, depending on 2,4-D existing, and could not be fully accounted for by dynamic changes in redox state or hormone level. Alternations in APX and hormones ABA, ZR, GA, and IAA/ABA ratio were also found not highly involved in altering proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formant frequency spacing of long-distance vocalizations is allometrically related to body size and could represent an honest signal of fighting potential. There is, however, only limited evidence that primates use formant spacing to assess the competitive potential of rivals during interactions with extragroup males, a risky context. We hypothesized that if formant spacing of long-distance calls is inversely related to the fighting potential of male mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), then males should: (1) be more likely and (2) faster to display vocal responses to calling rivals; (3) be more likely and (4) faster to approach calling rivals; and have higher fecal (5) glucocorticoid and (6) testosterone metabolite concentrations in response to rivals calling at intermediate and high formant spacing than to those with low formant spacing. We studied the behavioral responses of 11 adult males to playback experiments of long-distance calls from unknown individuals with low (i.e., emulating large individuals), intermediate, and high (i.e., small individuals) formant spacing (n = 36 experiments). We assayed fecal glucocorticoid and testosterone metabolite concentrations (n = 174). Playbacks always elicited vocal responses, but males responded quicker to intermediate than to low formant spacing playbacks. Low formant spacing calls were less likely to elicit approaches whereas high formant spacing calls resulted in quicker approaches. Males showed stronger hormonal responses to low than to both intermediate and high formant spacing calls. It is possible that males do not escalate conflicts with rivals with low formant spacing calls if these are perceived as large, and against whom winning probabilities should decrease and confrontation costs increase; but are willing to escalate conflicts with rivals of high formant spacing. Formant spacing may therefore be an important signal for rival assessment in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and muscle weakness can cause impaired physical function, significantly impacting patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Loss of muscle strength is usually assessed through clinical and performance outcome (PerfO) assessments, which consists of tasks performed in a standardized manner, providing evidence of a patient's functional ability. However, evidence documenting the patient experience of COPD and muscle weakness is limited. Methods: This two-stage qualitative study used semi-structured interviews in patients aged 45–80 years with COPD (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1s [FEV1]/forced vital capacity ratio < 0.70, and FEV1% predicted of 30–80%) and muscle weakness. In Stage 1, 30-minute concept elicitation interviews were conducted with participants recruited across three US sites to explore impacts on physical functioning and activities of daily living. In Stage 2, interviews were performed with participants exiting a Phase IIa trial investigating the efficacy of a selective androgen receptor modulator (GSK2881078) on leg strength, whereby PerfOs were used to evaluate strength and physical functioning endpoints. These participants completed either 60-minute in-depth (n = 32) or 15-minute confirmatory (n = 35) interviews exploring trial experience, completion of outcome measures, disease experience and treatment satisfaction. Results: In Stage 1 (n = 20), most participants described their muscles as weak (83.3%). Difficulties with walking (100%) and lifting heavy objects (90%) were reported. In Stage 2, 60-minute interviews, all participants (n = 32) reported a positive trial experience. Most participants reported that the home exercise program was easy to fit into daily life (77.8%), the PROactive daily diary was easy to complete (100%) and wearable sensors were easy to use (65.6%). However, technical issues were reported (71%), and few participants (19.4%) found physical assessments easy to complete. Improvements in muscle strength and functional limitations were reported by most participants. The shorter 15-minute confirmatory interviews (n = 35) supported the in-depth interview results. Conclusion: The qualitative interviews generated in-depth evidence of key concepts relevant to patients with COPD and muscle weakness and support the assessments of patient strength and physical function as outcome measures in this population in future studies. Trial number: GSK Stage 1: 206869; Stage 2: 200182, NCT03359473; Registered December 2, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03359473. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appetite hormone dysregulation may play a role in the pathomechanisms of bipolar disorder and chronic irritability. However, its association with executive dysfunction in adolescents with bipolar disorder and those with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) remains unclear. We included 20 adolescents with bipolar disorder, 20 adolescents with DMDD, and 47 healthy controls. Fasting serum levels of appetite hormones, including leptin, ghrelin, insulin, and adiponectin were examined. All participants completed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Generalized linear models with adjustments for age, sex, body mass index, and clinical symptoms revealed that patients with DMDD had elevated fasting log-transformed insulin levels (p =.023) compared to the control group. Adolescents with DMDD performed worse in terms of the number of tries required to complete tasks associated with the first category (p =.035), and adolescents with bipolar disorder performed worse in terms of the number of categories completed (p =.035). A positive correlation was observed between log-transformed insulin levels and the number of tries required for the first category (β = 1.847, p =.032). Adolescents with DMDD, but not those with bipolar disorder, were more likely to exhibit appetite hormone dysregulation compared to healthy controls. Increased insulin levels were also related to executive dysfunction in these patients. Prospective studies should elucidate the temporal association between appetite hormone dysregulation, executive dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GLABRA3 (GL3) and ENHANCER OF GLABRA3 (EGL3) genes encode a typical helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors that primarily regulate trichome branching and root hair development, DNA endoreduplication, trichoblast size, and stomatal formation. The functions of GL3 genes in cotton crop have been poorly characterized. In this study, we performed comprehensive genome-wide scans for GL3 and EGL3 homologs to enhance our comprehension of their potential roles in trichome and fiber development in cotton crop. Methods and results: Our findings paraded that Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense have 6 GL3s each, unevenly distributed on 4 chromosomes whereas, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii have 3 GL3s each, unevenly distributed on 2 chromosomes. Gh_A08G2088 and Gb_A09G2187, despite having the same bHLH domain as the other GL3 genes, were excluded due to remarkable short sequences and limited number of motifs, indicating a lack of potential functional activity. The phylogenetic analysis categorized remaining 16 GL3s into three subfamilies (Group I-III) closely related to A. thaliana. The 16 GL3s have complete bHLH domain, encompassing 590–631 amino acids, with molecular weights (MWs) ranging from 65.92 to 71.36 kDa. Within each subfamily GL3s depicted shared similar gene structures and motifs, indicating conserved characteristics within respective groups. Promoter region analysis revealed 27 cis-acting elements, these elements were responsive to salicylic acid, abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and gibberellin. The expression of GL3 genes was analyzed across 12 tissues in both G. barbadense and G. hirsutum using the publicly available RNA-seq data. Among GL3s, Gb_D11G0219, Gb_D11G0214, and Gb_D08G2182, were identified as relatively highly expressed across different tissues, consequently selected for hormone treatment and expression validation in G. barbadense. RT-qPCR results demonstrated significant alterations in the expression levels of Gb_D11G0219 and Gb_D11G0214 following MeJA, GA, and ABA treatment. Subcellular localization prediction revealed that most GL3 proteins were predominantly expressed in the nucleus, while a few were localized in the cytoplasm and chloroplasts. Conclusions: In summary, this study lays the foundation for subsequent functional validation of GL3 genes by identifying hormonal regulation patterns and probable sites of action in cotton trichome formation and fiber development. The results stipulate a rationale to elucidate the roles and regulatory mechanisms of GL3 genes in the intricate process of cotton fibre and trichome development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-increasing impact of global climate change has profoundly affected crop growth, physiology, and yield characteristics, making them an economic hazard. Canola, a vital crop, is particularly susceptible to environmental challenges at any stage of development, which can have a negative impact on its growth, physiology, and pod formation, ultimately resulting in pod shattering and reduced yield. Canola's rate of return is decreased by mechanical harvesting, which results in pod shattering. The establishment of an abscission layer, triggered by enzymatic and hormonal disruptions, and accompanied by a decline in cell wall stickiness, exacerbates pod shattering. In this context, the potential roles of Paclobutrazol and silver nanoparticles in reinforcing pod strength to withstand shattering. The specific doses of both AgNPs and Paclobutrazol could be done on the aerial parts of plant. These elements facilitate the physiological growth of crops by mitigating the adverse effects of stress on canola, thereby reducing pod shattering and enhancing yield output. This critical review aims to comprehensively explore the physiological, enzymatic, and hormonal-based factors contributing to pod shattering under environmental stresses, while also highlighting the potential mitigation techniques employing Paclobutrazol and silver nanoparticles, to elevate canola yield production. Based on this comprehensive review, it is recommended to organize research experiment to explore the potential of AgNPs and Paclobutrazol in mitigating the pod shattering based yield losses in canola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress is an integral part of human life, small amounts of which can be effective in adapting to conditions, while its continuous increase is a predisposing factor for all diseases. The aim of this article is to determine the effect of stress on auditory system. The full text of 51 articles published between 2000 and 2023 was extracted from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Sciences websites and became the source of this research. Results: Positive and negative emotions cause the release of stress hormones that affect all human cognitive behaviors, perceptions, and peripheral senses. They can have destructive effects on the functioning of the auditory system. Conclusion: Abnormal release of stress hormones can increase susceptibility to hearing disorders. A healthy lifestyle is essential to reduce the harmful effects of stress. The most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle are regular and uninterrupted night sleep, drinking enough water, avoiding high amounts of caffeine, a Mediterranean diet, staying away from noise/light/industrial pollution and social crimes, listening to relaxing music and doing movements in harmony with their rhythm, laughing constantly, writing down negative emotions, having true love in life, deep emotional connections with kind people, and receiving positive energy from their intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progesterone receptor (PR)-interacting compounds in the environment are associated with serious health hazards. However, methods for their detection in environmental samples are cumbersome. We report a sensitive activity-based biosensor for rapid and reliable screening of progesterone receptor (PR)-interacting endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The biosensor is a cell line which expresses nuclear mCherry-NF1 and a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged chimera of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) N terminus fused to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of PR (GFP-GR-PR). As this LBD is shared by the PRA and PRB, the biosensor reports on the activation of both PR isoforms. This GFP-GR-PR chimera is cytoplasmic in the absence of hormone and translocates rapidly to the nucleus in response to PR agonists or antagonists in concentration- and time-dependent manner. In live cells, presence of nuclear NF1 label eliminates cell fixation and nuclear staining resulting in efficient screening. The assay can be used in screens for novel PR ligands and PR-interacting contaminants in environmental samples. A limited screen of river water samples indicated a widespread, low-level contamination with PR-interacting contaminants in all tested samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare cases of autoinflammatory neutrophilic dermatoses (AINDs) have been reported in patients during pregnancy with associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Due to the rarity and heterogeneous morphology of pregnancy-associated AINDs, clinical diagnosis is often overlooked, and treatment options are limited. In this review, we present the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, therapeutic interventions, maternal and fetal outcomes, and discuss the possible pathophysiology of various pregnancy associated AINDs. Risk factors for the onset and exacerbation of AINDs in pregnancy include older maternal age, disease duration, and specific gestational age. The varied disease courses and conflicting clinical outcomes in both mothers and fetuses demonstrate the importance of symptom recognition and the understanding of the role of pregnancy on AINDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotala rotundifolia is an amphibious aquatic plant that can live in submerged and emergent forms. It is superior in nitrogen and phosphorus removal. To elucidate its adaptation strategies from emergent to submerged conditions, phenotypic and physiological responses of R. rotundifolia were investigated during three months of submergence, at water levels of 0 cm (CK), 50 cm (W50), and 90 cm (W90). Results showed that submergence stress reduced the relative growth rate of plant height, fresh weight, and biomass accumulation, leading to root degradation and a significant decline in the root-shoot ratio. The amounts of soluble protein (SP), soluble sugar (SS), and starch in the aerial leaves of W50 and W90 decreased during the early stages of submergence compared to CK, whereas the total chlorophyll and proline contents, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) increased. The contents of endogenous hormones, including abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), decreased during the change in leaf shape; the decline in ABA was more obvious. The leaf primordium generated transition leaves and submerged leaves to resolve the "carbon starvation" of plants. The maximum values of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the leaves of W50 and W90 occurred at day 30, reaching 14.0 mg g− 1and 10.5 mg g− 1, respectively. The contents of SP and starch, activities of SOD and CAT of the roots in submerged treatments increased, while SS and proline content decreased at day 7. These results demonstrated that developing heterophyllous leaves, increasing chlorophyll content, and regulating plant carbon allocation and consumption were important mechanisms of R. rotundifolia to adapt to underwater habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Behavioral effects of testosterone depend on dose, acute versus sustained formulation, duration of administration, personality, genetics, and endogenous levels of testosterone. There are also considerable differences between effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone. Objectives: This study was the secondary behavioral arm of a registered clinical trial designed to determine if testosterone protects against loss of lean body mass and lower-body muscle function induced by a severe energy deficit typical of sustained military operations. Methods: Behavioral effects of repeated doses of testosterone on healthy young men whose testosterone was reduced by severe energy deficit were examined. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-group study. Effects of four weekly intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate (200 mg/week, N = 24) or matching placebo (N = 26) were evaluated. Determination of sample size was based on changes in lean body mass. Tasks assessing aggression, risk-taking, competition, social cognition, vigilance, memory, executive function, and mood were repeatedly administered. Results: During a period of artificially induced, low testosterone levels, consistent behavioral effects of administration of exogenous testosterone were not observed. Conclusions: Exogeneous testosterone enanthate (200 mg/week) during severe energy restriction did not reliably alter the measures of cognition. Study limitations include the relatively small sample size compared to many studies of acute testosterone administration. The findings are specific to healthy males experiencing severe energy deficit and should not be generalized to effects of other doses, formulations, or acute administration of endogenous testosterone or studies conducted with larger samples using tests of cognitive function designed to detect specific effects of testosterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on growing global prevalence of obesity and its associated health complications. Topics include emphasizing the need for more comprehensive treatment strategies beyond traditional non-pharmacological interventions; and potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for weight reduction and cardiovascular benefits.

Global warming is an irreversible trend. Maize hybrids responded differently to elevated temperature throughout the whole growth periods, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear, particularly from the early stalk growth stage that is used to adapt different environments. For this, two hybrids, Zhengdan958 (heat-tolerant hybrid) and Xianyu335 (heat-sensitive hybrid), including control (CK), the whole growth period increased by 2 °C (CK+2°C), and the whole growth period increased by 4 °C (CK+4°C). Compared to CK, the length of the third internode of CK+2°C and CK+4°C at 56 days after planting (DAP), increased on average by 6.91% and 19.20%, respectively. The elongation of internode in XY335 grew faster than in ZD958, and the third internode density of XY335 decreased more than that of ZD958 at 28 DAP. With temperature increasing, cell length elongated significantly, and cell layers decreased significantly under the CK+4°C and CK+2°C. Compared with CK, the total width of ground tissue cells, hypodermis cells and epidermis cell width of CK+4°C and CK+2°C decreased by 26.16%, 30.29%, 28.82%, and 18.57%, 24.39%, 17.11%, respectively. The major axe (R1), minor axe (R2), and length of the third internode were correlated negatively with ratios of IAA/ABA, ZR/ABA, and GA3/ABA. There was significantly positive relationship between total width of ground tissue cells and crushing strength, thrust resistance (p < 0.05). And the correlations between crushing strength and thrust resistance (p < 0.05), R1 cell layers and R2 cell layers (p < 0.01) was significantly positive. This finding would supply a reference to evolve strategies in breeding stress-tolerant hybrids under the global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloroplasts are one of the defining features in most plants, primarily known for their unique property to carry out photosynthesis. Besides this, chloroplasts are also associated with hormone and metabolite productions. For this, biogenesis and development of chloroplast are required to be synchronized with the seedling growth to corroborate the maximum rate of photosynthesis following the emergence of seedlings. Chloroplast biogenesis and development are dependent on the signaling to and from the chloroplast, which are in turn regulated by several endogenous and exogenous cues. Light and hormones play a crucial role in chloroplast maturation and development. Chloroplast signaling involves a coordinated two-way connection between the chloroplast and nucleus, termed retrograde and anterograde signaling, respectively. Anterograde and retrograde signaling are involved in regulation at the transcriptional level and downstream modifications and are modulated by several metabolic and external cues. The communication between chloroplast and nucleus is essential for plants to develop strategies to cope with various stresses including high light or high heat. In this review, we have summarized several aspects of chloroplast development and its regulation through the interplay of various external and internal factors. We have also discussed the involvement of chloroplasts as sensors of various external environment stress factors including high light and temperature, and communicate via a series of retrograde signals to the nucleus, thus playing an essential role in plants' abiotic stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amidst growing concern about the safety of sport-related repetitive subconcussive head impacts (RSHI), biofluid markers may provide sensitive, informative, and practical assessment of the effects of RSHI exposure. Objective: This scoping review aimed to systematically examine the extent, nature, and quality of available evidence from studies investigating the effects of RSHI on biofluid markers, to identify gaps and to formulate guidelines to inform future research. Methods: PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were adhered to. The protocol was pre-registered through publication. MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, and two clinical trial registries were searched (until March 30, 2022) using descriptors for subconcussive head impacts, biomarkers, and contact sports. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias and quality. Results: Seventy-nine research publications were included in the review. Forty-nine studies assessed the acute effects, 23 semi-acute and 26 long-term effects of RSHI exposure. The most studied sports were American football, boxing, and soccer, and the most investigated markers were (in descending order): S100 calcium-binding protein beta (S100B), tau, neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and hormones. High or moderate bias was found in most studies, and marker-specific conclusions were subject to heterogeneous and limited evidence. Although the evidence is weak, some biofluid markers—such as NfL—appeared to show promise. More markedly, S100B was found to be problematic when evaluating the effects of RSHI in sport. Conclusion: Considering the limitations of the evidence base revealed by this first review dedicated to systematically scoping the evidence of biofluid marker levels following RSHI exposure, the field is evidently still in its infancy. As a result, any recommendation and application is premature. Although some markers show promise for the assessment of brain health following RSHI exposure, future large standardized and better-controlled studies are needed to determine biofluid markers' utility. Key Points: This is the first systematically conducted review focused on scoping biofluid markers in sport-related repetitive subconcussive head impact (RSHI) research, identifying a significant body of evidence not previously featured in relevant systematic reviews. The scoping review identified critical limitations of the current research in the field, including lack of impact monitoring and failure to sufficiently control for confounding variables such as concussion history and the effect of exercise. Findings reveal that the current evidence base is largely heterogeneous, limiting any firm conclusions at this stage. Despite limited and heterogeneous evidence, some markers appeared to show promise in detecting the effects of subconcussive head impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Previous studies have shown that gonadal hormones influence opioid self-administration in female rodents, but very few studies have examined these effects in male rodents. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chronic hormone treatment on intravenous heroin self-administration in gonadectomized male rats using both physiological and supraphysiological doses of testosterone, estradiol, or progesterone. Methods: Gonadectomized male rats were surgically implanted with intravenous catheters and trained to self-administer heroin on a fixed ratio (FR1) schedule of reinforcement. Using a between-subjects design, rats were treated daily with testosterone (0.175 or 1.75 mg, sc), estradiol (0.0005 or 0.005 mg, sc), progesterone, (0.0125 or 0.125 mg, sc), or their vehicles. After 14 days of chronic treatment, a dose–effect curve was determined for heroin (0.0003—0.03 mg/kg/infusion) over the course of one week. Results: Neither testosterone nor estradiol altered responding maintained by heroin. In contrast, the high dose of progesterone (0.125 mg) reduced responding maintained by all doses of heroin to saline-control levels. This dose of progesterone did not reduce responding maintained by food on a progressive ratio schedule in either food-restricted or food-sated rats. Conclusions: These data indicate that exogenous progesterone or a pharmacologically active metabolite selectively decreases heroin intake in male rodents, which may have therapeutic implications for men with opioid use disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from juvenile to adult stage is an important switch in the plant's life cycle. Potato is a temperate staple food crop consumed globally. Potato tuberization is influenced by various environmental factors, such as light and temperature. The complex signaling network comprising hormones, sugars, phloem mobile signals, and transcriptional/post-transcriptional regulators determine potato tuber yield. For instance, StBEL5 and StSP6A translocate from leaves to stolon to activate tuberization. Here, polypyrimidine tract-binding proteins and sugar transporters such as SUT and SWEET11 facilitate the translocation. Additionally, post-transcriptional regulation mediated by miRNAs and small RNAs control the expression of StSP6A under elevated temperatures. This review provides mechanistic insights into the signaling networks comprising transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators that coordinate potato tuberization under photoperiod regimes and high-temperature conditions. Such signaling networks are under dynamic genetic and epigenetic regulation controlling potato tuberization. Also, the molecular dialogue between the source and sink tissues is highlighted. Such mechanistic information is crucial to develop climate-resilient cultivars to sustain potato productivity under changing climate. Together, genetic manipulation of these critical regulators by implementing modern biotechnological tools can be a promising approach to enhance tuber production in potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amphibian skin microbiome is an important component of anti-pathogen defense, but the impact of environmental change on the link between microbiome composition and host stress remains unclear. In this study, we used radiotelemetry and host translocation to track microbiome composition and function, pathogen infection, and host stress over time across natural movement paths for the forest-associated treefrog, Boana faber. We found a negative correlation between cortisol levels and putative microbiome function for frogs translocated to forest fragments, indicating strong integration of host stress response and anti-pathogen potential of the microbiome. Additionally, we observed a capacity for resilience (resistance to structural change and functional loss) in the amphibian skin microbiome, with maintenance of putative pathogen-inhibitory function despite major temporal shifts in microbiome composition. Although microbiome community composition did not return to baseline during the study period, the rate of microbiome change indicated that forest fragmentation had more pronounced effects on microbiome composition than translocation alone. Our findings reveal associations between stress hormones and host microbiome defenses, with implications for resilience of amphibians and their associated microbes facing accelerated tropical deforestation. Short-term tracking of treefrogs in southern Brazil, alongside microbiome and stress hormone profiling, suggests that forest fragmentation impacts microbiome diversity and composition, and that these changes might be mediated by the host stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein supplements are important to maintain optimum health and physical performance, particularly in athletes and active individuals to repair and rebuild their skeletal muscles and connective tissues. Soy protein (SP) has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to animal proteins. Objectives: This systematic review evaluates the evidence from randomised controlled clinical trials of the effects of SP supplementation in active individuals and athletes in terms of muscle adaptations, metabolic and antioxidant status, hormonal response and exercise performance. It also explores the differences in SP supplementation effects in comparison to whey protein. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, as well as a manual search in Google Scholar and EBSCO, on 27 June 2023. Randomised controlled trials that evaluated the applications of SPs supplementation on sports and athletic-related outcomes that are linked with exercise performance, adaptations and biomarkers in athletes and physically active adolescents and young adults (14 to 39 years old) were included, otherwise, studies were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane's revised risk of bias tool. Results: A total of 19 eligible original research articles were included that investigated the effect of SP supplementation on muscle adaptations (n = 9), metabolic and antioxidant status (n = 6), hormonal response (n = 6) and exercise performance (n = 6). Some studies investigated more than one effect. SP was found to provide identical increases in lean mass compared to whey in some studies. SP consumption promoted the reduction of exercise-induced metabolic/blood circulating biomarkers such as triglycerides, uric acid and lactate. Better antioxidant capacity against oxidative stress has been seen with respect to whey protein in long-term studies. Some studies reported testosterone and cortisol fluctuations related to SP; however, more research is required. All studies on SP and endurance performance suggested the potential beneficial effects of SP supplementation (10–53.3 g) on exercise performance by improving high-intensity and high-speed running performance, enhancing maximal cardiac output, delaying fatigue and improving isometric muscle strength, improving endurance in recreational cyclists, increasing running velocity and decreasing accumulated lactate levels; however, studies determining the efficacy of soy protein on VO2max provided conflicted results. Conclusion: It is possible to recommend SP to athletes and active individuals in place of conventional protein supplements by assessing their dosage and effectiveness in relation to different types of training. SP may enhance lean mass compared with other protein sources, enhance the antioxidant status, and reduce oxidative stress. SP supplementation had an inconsistent effect on testosterone and cortisol levels. SP supplementation may be beneficial, especially after muscle damage, high-intensity/high-speed or repeated bouts of strenuous exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of cell differentiation in endocrine neoplasms involves not only the identification of a cell's structure and expression of specific transcription factors which regulate that cell, but also the identification of hormones and/or enzymes involved in hormone synthesis. The importance of this functional characterization is emphasized by the fact that the hormones serve as biomarkers for clinical surveillance to identify persistence, recurrence, or progression of disease. Sometimes, unusual patterns of hormone expression lead to unexpected clinical signs and symptoms. Loss of differentiated hormone production can be a sign of dedifferentiation as a tumor becomes more aggressive. In addition to prognostic information, cell differentiation can be predictive, since differentiated endocrine cells express targets for therapy, such as the sodium iodide symporter in thyroid cancers and somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumors. The salient features of differentiation in the three main types of endocrine cells can be used to determine prognosis and to tailor management of patients with endocrine neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]