Genome-wide association study of growth curve parameters reveals novel genomic regions and candidate genes associated with metatarsal bone traits in chickens.

The growth and development of chicken bones have an enormous impact on the health and production performance of chickens. However, the development pattern and genetic regulation of the chicken skeleton are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate metatarsal bone growth and development patterns in chickens via non-linear models, and to identify the genetic determinants of metatarsal bone traits using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on growth curve parameters. Data on metatarsal length (MeL) and metatarsal circumference (MeC) were obtained from 471 F2 chickens (generated by crossing broiler sires, derived from a line selected for high abdominal fat, with Baier layer dams) at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. Four non-linear models (Gompertz, Logistic, von Bertalanffy, and Brody) were used to fit the MeL and MeC growth curves. Subsequently, the estimated growth curve parameters of the mature MeL or MeC (A), time-scale parameter (b), and maturity rate (K) from the non-linear models were utilized as substitutes for the original bone data in GWAS. The Logistic and Brody models displayed the best goodness-of-fit for MeL and MeC, respectively. Single-trait and multi-trait GWASs based on the growth curve parameters of the Logistic and Brody models revealed 4 618 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), annotated to 332 genes, associated with metatarsal bone traits. The majority of these significant SNPs were located on Gallus gallus chromosome (GGA) 1 (167.433-176.318 Mb), GGA2 (96.791-103.543 Mb), GGA4 (65.003-83.104 Mb) and GGA6 (64.685-95.285 Mb). Notably, we identified 12 novel GWAS loci associated with chicken metatarsal bone traits, encompassing 35 candidate genes. In summary, the combination of single-trait and multi-trait GWASs based on growth curve parameters uncovered numerous genomic regions and candidate genes associated with chicken bone traits. The findings benefit an in-depth understanding of the genetic architecture underlying metatarsal growth and development in chickens.

Cloning and functional identification of apple LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY DOMAIN 3 (LBD3) transcription factor in the regulation of drought and salt stress.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Overexpression of MdLBD3 in Arabidopsis reduced sensitivity to salt and drought stresses and was instrumental in promoting early flowering. Salt and drought stresses have serious effects on plant growth. LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY DOMAIN (LBD) proteins are a plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) family and play important roles in plants in resisting to abiotic stress. However, about the function of LBDs in apple and other woody plants is little known. In this study, protein sequences of the LBD family TFs in apples were identified which contained conserved LOB domains. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that the MdLBD3 gene was widely expressed in various tissues and organs. The subcellular localization assay showed that the MdLBD3 protein was localized in the nucleus. Ectopic expression of MdLBD3 in Arabidopsis positively regulated its salt and drought resistance, and promoted early flowering. Collectively, these results showed that MdLBD3 improved the abiotic stress resistance, plant growth and development. Overall, this study provided a new gene for breeding that can increase the abiotic stress tolerance in apple.

Effects of Seven Plant Essential Oils on the Growth, Development and Feeding Behavior of the Wingless Aphis gossypii Glover.

Cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover damages plants such as cotton directly by feeding on leaves and indirectly by transmitting viruses and excreting honeydew, which interferes with photosynthesis. The control of A. gossypii is still dominated by the frequent use of insecticides, which leads to a gradual increase in pesticide resistance in A. gossypii. Research is therefore needed on non-pesticide controls. In this study, seven plant essential oils (EOs) of Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum gratissimum L., Mentha piperita L., Mentha arvensis L., Tagetes erecta L., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. were examined as potential controls for A. gossypii. We used life tables and electrical penetration graphs (EPG) to explore the effects of these EOs on the growth, development, and feeding behavior of A. gossypii, followed by a study of effects of the EOs on honeydew secretion by A. gossypii as a measure of their antifeedant activity. We found that the EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, M. arvensis and T. erecta significantly extended the pre-adult developmental period. Also, adult longevity, number of oviposition days, and total fecundity of A. gossypii treated with the EOs of M. arvensis or T. erecta were all significantly reduced. Aphids treated with the EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, or L. angustifolia showed significant reductions in their net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ), and significant increases in mean generation time (T). In terms of their effects on the feeding behavior of A. gossypii, all seven EOs significantly reduced the total duration of phloem feeding (E2 waves), the number of phloem-feeding bouts, and the proportion of time spent in secretion of saliva into phloem sieve elements (E1 waves) and phloem feeding (E2). The total duration and number of E1 waves (saliva secretion) were significantly reduced by the EOs of O. sanctum, O. gratissimum, and M. arvensis. For C waves (probing in non-vascular tissues), the total duration spent in this behavior was significantly increased by the EOs of O. gratissimum, M. piperita, and L. angustifolia, but the number of such probing events was increased only by L. angustifolia EO. The EOs of O. basilicum, M. arvensis, and T. erecta significantly increased the total duration of ingestion of xylem sap (G waves), while the total time of mechanical difficulty in stylet penetration (F waves) was increased by M. arvensis. The total duration and number of the non-probing events (Np waves) were significantly increased by EOs of O. sanctum and O. basilicum. After treatment with all seven of these EOs, the area covered by honeydew was significantly reduced compared with the control. Studies have analyzed that EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, and T. erecta were most effective, followed by the EOs of M. arvensis and L. angustifolia, and finally the EOs of O. basilicum and O. gratissimum. In the present study, the EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, and T. erecta were found to have potential for the development as antifeedants of A. gossypii, and these data provide a basis for future research on non-pesticide chemical control of A. gossypii.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of PEBP Genes in Cucurbits Explores the Interactors of Cucumber CsPEBPs Related to Flowering Time.

The family of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) participates in various plant biological processes, mainly flowering regulation and seed germination. In cucurbit crops, several PEBP genes have been recognized to be responsible for flowering time. However, the investigation of PEBP family members across the genomes of cucurbit species has not been reported, and their conservation and divergence in structure and function remain largely unclear. Herein, PEBP genes were identified from seven cucurbit crops and were used to perform a comparative genomics analysis. The cucurbit PEBP proteins could be classified into MFT, FT, TFL, and PEBP clades, and further, the TFL clade was divided into BFT-like, CEN-like, and TFL1-like subclades. The MFT-like, FT-like, and TFL-like proteins were clearly distinguished by a critical amino acid residue at the 85th position of the Arabidopsis FT protein. In gene expression analysis, CsaPEBP1 was highly expressed in flowers, and its expression levels in females and males were 70.5 and 89.2 times higher, respectively, than those in leaves. CsaPEBP5, CsaPEBP6, and CsaPEBP7 were specifically expressed in male flowers, with expression levels 58.1, 17.3, and 15.7 times higher, respectively, than those of leaves. At least five CsaPEBP genes exhibited the highest expression during the later stages of corolla opening. Through clustering of time-series-based RNA-seq data, several potential transcription factors (TFs) interacting with four CsaPEBPs were identified during cucumber corolla opening. Because of the tandem repeats of binding sites in promoters, NF-YB (Csa4G037610) and GATA (Csa7G64580) TFs appeared to be better able to regulate the CsaPEBP2 and CsaPEBP5 genes, respectively. This study would provide helpful information for further investigating the roles of PEBP genes and their interacting TFs in growth and development processes, such as flowering time regulation in cucurbit crops.

Impact of Three Thiazolidinone Compounds with Piperine Skeletons on Trehalase Activity and Development of Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae.

Trehalases (TREs) are pivotal enzymes involved in insect development and reproduction, making them prime targets for pest control. We investigated the inhibitory effect of three thiazolidinones with piperine skeletons (6a, 7b, and 7e) on TRE activity and assessed their impact on the growth and development of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. The compounds were injected into FAW larvae, while the control group was treated with 2% DMSO solvent. All three compounds effectively inhibited TRE activity, resulting in a significant extension of the pupal development stage. Moreover, the treated larvae exhibited significantly decreased survival rates and a higher incidence of abnormal phenotypes related to growth and development compared to the control group. These results suggest that these TRE inhibitors affect the molting of larvae by regulating the chitin metabolism pathway, ultimately reducing their survival rates. Consequently, these compounds hold potential as environmentally friendly insecticides.

Endocytic recycling in plants: pathways and regulation.

Endocytic recycling is an intracellular trafficking pathway that returns endocytosed molecules to the plasma membrane (PM) via the recycling endosome. This pathway plays a crucial role in remodeling PM composition and is thus essential for normal cellular homeostasis. In plants, endocytic recycling regulates the localization and abundance of receptors, transporters, and channels at the PM that are involved in many aspects of plant growth and development. Despite its importance, the recycling endosome and the underlying sorting mechanisms for cargo recycling in plants remain understudied in comparison to the endocytic recycling pathways of animal systems. In this review, we focus on the cumulative evidence suggesting the existence of endosomes decorated by regulators that contribute to recycling in plant cells. We summarize the chemical inhibitors used for analyzing cargo recycling and discuss recent advances in our understanding of how endocytic recycling participates in various plant cellular and physiological events.

Correlation of palatal anatomic characteristics with dermatoglyphic heterogeneity in different growth patterns.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the correlation between dermatoglyphic patterns and quantitative palatal anatomic variables in individuals with different growth patterns. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 126 healthy patients aged 17-25 years. Participants were divided into three groups based on growth patterns: average, vertical, and horizontal. Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using an optical fingerprint sensor, and palatal characteristics were measured using digital software. Palatal characteristics, including intercanine width, intermolar width, and palatal depth, were measured using digital software. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in ridge counts among the three growth patterns. The average growth pattern showed lower ridge counts compared to the vertical and horizontal growth patterns. Dermatoglyphic patterns, such as double loops and tented arches, were significantly higher in the horizontal growth pattern. Weak correlations were found between certain dermatoglyphic patterns and palatal characteristics, with simple arch patterns showing a negative correlation with inter-canine width and symmetrical whorl patterns showing a positive correlation with palatal depth. Loop patterns, spiral patterns, double loop patterns, symmetrical whorl, and simple arch patterns were significant predictors of growth patterns. CONCLUSION: This study revealed distinct dermatoglyphic patterns and ridge counts among individuals with different growth patterns. Weak correlations were observed between dermatoglyphic patterns and palatal characteristics. However, the predictive value of dermatoglyphics for skeletal malocclusion requires further investigation. Understanding the relationships between dermatoglyphic patterns and craniofacial growth can provide valuable insights into genetic and developmental factors affecting dental and orthodontic conditions.

OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS OF THE HIP IN LEGG-CALVÉ-PERTHES DISEASE: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW.

Introduction: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is the idiopathic osteonecrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis in children. It is a self-healing condition, and the morphology of the hip may vary according to the severity of the disease, among several other factors. The treatment focuses on attempts to prevent femoral head collapse, obtain functional hip motion recovery, and reduce pain. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the femoral head has been reported in 2% to 7% of patients diagnosed with healed LCPD. Although OCD may remain asymptomatic, the osteochondral fragment has the potential to become unstable, evolving into symptoms of pain, locking, catching, and snapping. Case report: We present a case report of a ten-year-old boy with an OCD lesion following LCPD who underwent effective osteochondral fixation through the surgical hip dislocation approach. The patient evolved to excellent functional recovery at 1 year post-operatively. Discussion: The surgical hip dislocation approach allows anatomical fixation of the OCD fragment, as well as improvement of hip biomechanics, decreasing pain, improving range of motion and joint congruency, and preserving the native articular cartilage. It also gives the surgeon the opportunity to assess hip stability, femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears, allowing a wide variety of options for the treatment of the healed LCPD. Level of Evidence IV; Type of study Case Report.

Introdução: A Doença de Legg-Calvé-Perthes (DLCP) é a osteonecrose idiopática da epífise femoral proximal em crianças. É uma condição auto resolutiva, porém a morfologia final do quadril pode variar de acordo com a gravidade da doença. O tratamento concentra-se na tentativa de prevenir o colapso da cabeça femoral, obtendo recuperação funcional do movimento do quadril e redução da dor. A osteocondrite dissecante (OCD) da cabeça femoral foi relatada em 2% a 7% dos pacientes diagnosticados com DLCP já curada. Embora a OCD possa permanecer assintomática, o fragmento osteocondral tem potencial para se tornar instável, evoluindo para sintomas de dor, bloqueio, impacto e estalido. Relato de caso: Apresentamos o relato de caso de um menino de 10 anos com OCD da cabeça femoral após DLCP, submetido à fixação osteocondral do fragmento por meio da abordagem cirúrgica de luxação do quadril. O paciente evoluiu com excelente recuperação funcional 1 ano após a cirurgia. Discussão: A abordagem cirúrgica da luxação do quadril permite a fixação anatômica do fragmento da OCD, bem como a melhora da biomecânica do quadril, diminuindo a dor, melhorando a amplitude de movimento e a congruência articular e preservando a cartilagem articular nativa. Também dá ao cirurgião a oportunidade de avaliar a estabilidade do quadril, impacto femoroacetabular e lesões labrais, permitindo uma ampla variedade de opções para o tratamento das sequelas da DLCP. Nível de evidência IV; tipo de estudo Relato de Casos.

Effects of the use of a cocoon on the autonomic, motor, and regulatory systems in preterm newborns: Randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The wrapping of the newborn in an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, can allow the infant to regain the feeling of security and stability experienced in the uterus given that the movement of one of the parts of the body exerts tactile and pressure variation in others. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the influence of an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, in therapeutic positioning, on the variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems of preterm newborns. METHODS: A controlled and randomized clinical trial was conducted with preterm newborns positioned in dorsal decubitus and divided into two groups: (a) cocoon - newborns covered with an orthopedic tubular mesh, and (b) control - newborns positioned according to the sector's routine and without the use of an orthopedic mesh. During the follow-up, each newborn was placed in the position for 30 min and was recorded for a total of 2 min, once at the beginning and again at the end of the observation period. Variables related to the autonomous system (heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation), motor system (general movements), and regulatory system (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale) were evaluated before and after the intervention. The videos were evaluated by a researcher blind to the purpose of the study, and the resulting data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 40 preterm newborns evaluated (32.5 ± 1.83 weeks), 21 were female, and 20 were allocated to the cocoon group. The variables related to the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems remained unchanged following the positioning in the cocoon, as compared to the typical positioning employed in the neonatal unit. CONCLUSION: The simulation of a cocoon, utilizing an orthopedic tubular mesh, when applied to preterm newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit can contribute to maintaining low levels of stress, without altering variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems.

Roles of CcDFR and CcOMT9 in the cyanidin biosynthesis and development of Cordyceps cicadae.

Introduction: Cordyceps cicadae is a traditional Chinese medicinal fungus known for its rich production of bioactive substances, particularly cyanidin, an anthocyanin commonly found in plants with notable anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. This study revealed two key genes, CcDFR and CcOMT9, affecting cyanidin biosynthesis in C. cicadae. Methods: The roles of these genes in cyanidin production, growth, and development were elucidated through the gene knockout method, phenotypic analysis, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Results: CcDFR deletion led to reduced cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), suppressed expression of cyanidin biosynthesis genes, impaired synnemata formation, decreased polysaccharide and adenosine content, and diminished chitinase activity. Meanwhile, the ΔCcOMT9 mutant exhibited an increase in C3G production, promoted expression of cyanidin biosynthesis genes and rising bioactive compounds, suppressed RNA methylation, and led to phenylalanine accumulation with no effect on fruiting body formation. Discussion: We revealed a distinct anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in C. cicadae and identified two genes with opposite functions, laying the foundation for future genetic modification of cyanidin-producing strains using modern biological techniques. This will shorten the production period of this valuable compound, facilitating the industrial-scale production of cyanidin.

FecB Was Associated with Litter Size and Follows Mendel's Laws of Inheritance When It Transited to Next Generation in Suhu Meat Sheep Breeding Population.

In order to investigate the effect of FecB on litter size and growth and development traits of Suhu meat sheep and the inheritance patterns of FecB between parents and offspring in the population. In this experiment, 2241 sheep from the Suhu meat sheep population were tested for FecB using capillary electrophoresis. We combined the lambing records of 473 ewes, the growth trait records of 881 sheep at both the birth and weaning (2-month-old) stages, and the complete genealogical records of 643 lambs to analysis the distribution of FecB in the Suhu meat sheep breeding population, its effect on litter size of ewes, growth and development of lambs, and the inheritance patterns of FecB. The results showed that there were three genotypes of FecB in the Suhu meat sheep population, namely the AA genotype, AG genotype, and GG genotype. FecB in this population has a moderate polymorphism (0.25 < PIC < 0.5), and deviates from Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (p < 0.05). The litter size of GG genotype ewes was significantly higher than that with the AG and AA genotypes (p < 0.01). A Chi-square test showed that the inheritance patterns of FecB follows Mendel's Laws of Inheritance (p > 0.05). An association analysis of different genotypes of FecB with body weight and body size of Suhu meat sheep at birth and weaning revealed that FecB adversely affects the early growth and development of Suhu meat sheep. In summary, FecB can improve the litter size of ewes but it has negative effects on the early growth and survival rate of lambs in sheep. Therefore, FecB test results and feeding management measures should be comprehensively applied to improve the reproductive performance of ewes, the survival rate and production performance of lambs in sheep production, and thus improve the economic benefits of sheep farms.

Nutrient-efficient catfish-based aquaponics for producing lamb's lettuce at two light intensities.

BACKGROUND: Aquaponic systems are sustainable processes of managing water and nutrients for food production. An innovate nutrient-efficient catfish-based (Clarias gariepinus) aquaponics system was implemented for producing two cultivars of two leafy vegetables largely consumed worldwide: lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta var. Favor and Valerianella locusta var. de Hollande) and arugula (Eruca vesicaria var. sativa and Eruca sativa). Different growing treatments (4 × 2 factorial design) were applied to plants of each cultivar, grown at two light intensities (120 and 400 µmol m-2 s-1). During growth, several morphological characteristics (root length, plant height, leaf number, foliage diameter and biggest leaf length) were measured. At harvest, plants were weighed and examined qualitatively in terms of greenness and health status. Additionally, leaf extracts were obtained and used to determine total phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities, and levels of cytotoxicity to Caco-2 intestinal model cells. RESULTS: After a 5-week growth period, both lamb's lettuce cultivars presented high levels of greenness and health status, at both light intensities, particularly the var. de Hollande that also showed higher average performance in terms of plant morphology. In turn, arugula cultivars showed lower levels of greenness and health status, especially the cultivar E. vesicaria var. sativa submitted to direct sunlight during growth. In addition, plant specimens submitted to higher levels of light intensity showed higher contents in antioxidants/polyphenols. Cultivars with a higher content in antioxidants/polyphenols led to higher Caco-2 cell viability. CONCLUSION: For successful industrial implementation of the aquaponics technology, different and optimized acclimatizing conditions must be applied to different plant species and cultivars. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Cellular senescence in reproduction: a two-edged sword†.

Cellular senescence (CS) is the state when cells are no longer capable to divide even after stimulation with grown factors. Cells that begin to undergo CS stop in the cell cycle and enter a suspended state without committing to programmed cell death. These cells assume a specific phenotype and influence their microenvironment by secreting molecules and extracellular vesicles that are part of the so-called senescent cell-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Cellular senescence is intertwined with physiological and pathological conditions in the human organism. In terms of reproduction, senescent cells are present from reproductive tissues and germ cells to gestational tissues, and participate from fertilization to delivery, going through adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy losses. Furthermore, various SASP molecules are enriched in gestational tissues throughout pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a basis about the features and potential roles played by CS throughout the reproductive process, encompassing its implication in each step of it and proposing a way to manage it in adverse reproductive contexts.

The disrupting effect of chlormequat chloride on growth hormone is associated with pregnancy.

Since chlormequat chloride is widely applied as a plant growth regulator in agriculture and horticulture, its exposure through food consumption is common. We demonstrated previously that chlormequat chloride exposure during pregnancy led to embryos with bigger sizes associated with higher levels of growth hormone (GH) on gestation day 11 (GD11). However, the dose-effect relationship of chlormequat chloride at a lower dose range was not established, and the underlying mechanisms of its promoting effects on embryonic growth and development were not fully elucidated. To address these, pregnant rats were orally exposed to chlormequat chloride at 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg/kg.bw from GD0 to 11 and the embryonic growth and growth related hormones were evaluated on GD11. We found that the growth and development of the embryos was significantly promoted in a dose dependent manner by chlormequat chloride. Chlormequat chloride also increased embryonic GH, GH releasing hormone (GHRH), and somatostatin (SRIF), and inhibited the embryonic cAMP dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. Chlormequat chloride increased GH synthesis modulated by GHRH/SRIF-PKA-Pituitary specific transcription factor 1 (Pit-1) in the maternal rats. Intriguingly, chlormequat chloride did not show any effects on GH and PKA signaling pathways in the non-pregnant female rats. These findings together suggest that the disrupting effect of chlormequat chloride on GH is associated with pregnancy.

Kangaroo care: Benefits, challenges, and future perspectives in neonatal care. An integrative review / Método canguro: Beneficios, desafíos y perspectivas futuras en el cuidado neonatal. Una revisión integrativa / Cuidado canguru: benefícios, desafios e perspectivas futuras na assistência neonatal. Uma revisão integrativa

Objective: To review current scientific evidence on the physiological effects of kangaroo care, explore barriers and facilitators to its implementation, and identify areas requiring further research. Materials and methods: An integrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases without language restrictions. Studies included quantitative and qualitative review studies. Critical appraisal of studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Results: Sixteen studies were analyzed, providing heterogeneous support for the efficacy of kangaroo care  in improving various neonatal physiological parameters including heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen saturation. Major barriers to implementation included restricted visiting hours, healthcare staff workload, negative cultural beliefs, lack of information and empowerment for mothers, and limited involvement of fathers. Conclusions: kangaroo care positively impacts premature or low birth weight neonatal development, though implementation is influenced by sociocultural factors. Further research is needed to better assess real effects on neonatal physiological parameters. Additional qualitative studies could aid in developing culturally adapted strategies to optimize kangaroo care implementation across contexts by better understanding family and medical team perspectives.

Objetivo. El objetivo es revisar la evidencia científica actual sobre los efectos fisiológicos del método canguro, explorar las barreras y facilitadores para su aplicación, además de identificar áreas de conocimiento aún no exploradas. Materiales y métodos. Revisión Integrativa, que incluyó estudios de revisión cuantitativos y cualitativos, en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science y Cochrane, sin restricción de idioma. La valoración crítica de los estudios se realizó con la herramienta del Joanna Briggs Institute. Resultados. Se analizaron 16 estudios, entre los cuales se encontró evidencia que respalda la eficacia del método canguro en la mejora de diversos parámetros fisiológicos del neonato. Entre estos parámetros se encuentran la frecuencia cardíaca, la temperatura corporal y la saturación de oxígeno. Sin embargo, los resultados son heterogéneos. Las principales barreras para la implementación del método canguro incluyen: restricciones de las horas de visita, carga de trabajo del personal sanitario, creencias culturales negativas, falta de información y empoderamiento de las madres, además de la limitada participación de los padres. Conclusiones. El método canguro tiene un impacto positivo en el desarrollo los neonatos prematuros o de bajo peso. Sin embargo, su implementación se ve afectada por diversos factores socioculturales. Futuras investigaciones deben identificar los efectos reales sobre los parámetros fisiológicos del neonato.  Se necesitan estudios cualitativos para comprender mejor las perspectivas de las familias, de los equipos médicos, y así desarrollar estrategias de adaptación cultural que optimicen la aplicación del este método en diferentes contextos.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é revisar as evidências científicas atuais sobre os efeitos fisiológicos do Método Canguru, explorar as barreiras e facilitadores para sua aplicação, além de identificar áreas do conhecimento ainda não exploradas.Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizada uma Revisão Integrativa, incluindo estudos de revisão quantitativa e qualitativa, nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Cochrane, sem restrição de idioma. A avaliação crítica dos estudos foi conduzida com a ferramenta Joanna Briggs Institute.Resultados: Foram analisados 16 estudos, nos quais foram encontradas evidências que sustentam a eficácia do Método Canguru na melhoria de diversos parâmetros fisiológicos do recém-nascido, tais como frequência cardíaca, temperatura corporal e saturação de oxigênio. No entanto, os resultados apresentaram heterogeneidade. As principais barreiras à implementação do Método Canguru incluem restrições nos horários de visita, carga de trabalho do pessoal de saúde, crenças culturais negativas, falta de informação e empoderamento das mães, além da participação limitada dos pais.Conclusões: O Método Canguru demonstrou ter impacto positivo no desenvolvimento de neonatos prematuros ou de baixo peso. Contudo, sua implementação é afetada por diversos fatores socioculturais. Pesquisas futuras devem identificar os reais efeitos nos parâmetros fisiológicos do neonato. Estudos qualitativos são necessários para melhor compreender as perspectivas das famílias e das equipes médicas, visando desenvolver estratégias de adaptação cultural que otimizem a aplicação deste método em diferentes contextos.

Rathke's Cleft Cyst Leads to Stunted Growth in Children: A Case Report Written With the Help of ChatGPT.

In recent times, ChatGPT has become a globally renowned AI tool, revolutionizing academic research by offering innovative methods and opportunities. The integration of AI into various domains is a prevailing topic, focusing on optimizing its utility. This article presents a case study of a child with Rathke's cyst, primarily exhibiting symptoms of growth and developmental delay. The patient's self-perception of stunted growth, coupled with previous assessments indicating partial growth hormone deficiency, prompted further investigation. Laboratory assessments revealed low growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor levels, while imaging disclosed a pituitary lesion. Rathke's cyst was postulated as the probable cause of the growth hormone deficiency. Rathke's cyst remains a rare medical condition with substantial research knowledge gaps. In this article, we synergize ChatGPT responses with a comprehensive case report of a child with Rathke's cyst as the primary symptom-growth and developmental delay. We explore the methods and feasibility of employing ChatGPT within this case report.

SULTR2;1 Adjusts the Bolting Timing by Transporting Sulfate from Rosette Leaves to the Primary Stem.

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and metabolism. SULTR2;1 is a low-affinity sulfate transporter facilitating the long-distance transport of sulfate in Arabidopsis. The physiological function of SULTR2;1 in the plant life cycle still needs to be determined. Therefore, we analyzed the sulfate transport, S-containing metabolites accumulation, and plant growth using Arabidopsis SULTR2;1 disruption lines, sultr2;1-1 and sultr2;1-2, from seedling to mature growth stages to clarify the metabolic and physiological roles of SULTR2;1. We observed that sulfate distribution to the stems was affected in sultr2;1 mutants resulting in decreased levels of sulfate, cysteine, glutathione (GSH), and total S in the stems, flowers, and siliques; however, the GSH levels increased in the rosette leaves. This suggested the essential role of SULTR2;1 in sulfate transport from rosette leaves to the primary stem. In addition, sultr2;1 mutants unexpectedly bolted earlier than the wild-type without affecting the plant biomass. Correlation between GSH levels in rosette leaves and the bolting timing suggested the rosette leaf GSH levels or limited sulfate transport to the early stem can trigger bolting. Overall, this study demonstrated the critical roles of SULTR2;1 in maintaining the S metabolite levels in the aerial part and transitioning from the vegetative to the reproductive growth phase.

DIA-Based Proteomic Analysis Reveals MYOZ2 as a Key Protein Affecting Muscle Growth and Development in Hybrid Sheep.

Hybridization of livestock can be used to improve varieties, and different hybrid combinations produce unique breeding effects. In this study, male Southdown and Suffolk sheep were selected to hybridize with female Hu sheep to explore the effects of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of offspring. Using data-independent acquisition technology, we identified 119, 187, and 26 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between Hu × Hu (HH) versus Southdown × Hu (NH), HH versus Suffolk × Hu (SH), and NH versus SH crosses. Two DAPs, MYOZ2 and MYOM3, were common to the three hybrid groups and were mainly enriched in muscle growth and development-related pathways. At the myoblast proliferation stage, MYOZ2 expression decreased cell viability and inhibited proliferation. At the myoblast differentiation stage, MYOZ2 expression promoted myoblast fusion and enhanced the level of cell fusion. These findings provide new insights into the key proteins and metabolic pathways involved in the effect of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of hybrid offspring in sheep.

Feasibility of spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion stages as an indicator for the assessment of maxillomandibular growth: A mixed longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relative growth rates (RGRs) of the maxilla and mandible at varying fusion stages of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS), thereby elucidating the potential of SOS stages in predicting maxillomandibular growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 320 subjects (171 boys and 149 girls), aged 6 to 18 years, were retrospectively included. Each subject had a minimum of two longitudinal cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, with no more than one interval of SOS fusion stage change between the two scans. Subjects were categorized based on their SOS fusion stages and genders. The RGRs of the maxilla and mandible at various SOS fusion stages were measured and compared using longitudinal CBCT images. RESULTS: Significant statistical differences were observed in maxillomandibular RGRs across various SOS fusion stages. In girls, the sagittal growth of the maxilla remained stable and active until SOS 3, subsequently exhibited deceleration in SOS 4-5 (compared to SOS 3-4, P < .05) and continued to decrease in SOS 5-6. Whereas in boys, the sagittal growth of the maxilla remained stable until SOS 4, and a deceleration trend emerged starting from SOS 5 to 6 (P < .01 compared to SOS 4-5). Mandibular growth patterns in both genders exhibited a progression of increasing-accelerating-decelerating rates from SOS 2 to 6. The highest RGRs for total mandibular length were observed in SOS 3-4 and SOS 4-5. CONCLUSION: Spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion stages can serve as a valid indicator of maxillomandibular growth maturation.