Search Results (65)

As an auxin-responsive gene, Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3) maintains hormonal homeostasis by conjugating excess auxin with amino acids in plant stress-related signaling pathways. GH3 genes have been characterized in many plant species, but the characteristics of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) GH3 (CaGH3) gene family members in response to multiple stimulants are largely unknown. In this study, we systematically identified the CaGH3 gene family at the genome level and identified eight members on four chromosomes in pepper. CaGH3s were divided into two groups (I and III) and shared conserved motifs, domains, and gene structures. Moreover, CaGH3s had close evolutionary relationships with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and the promoters of most CaGH3 genes contained hormone and abiotic stress response elements. A protein interaction prediction analysis demonstrated that the CaGH3-3/3-6/3-7/3-8 proteins were possibly core members of the CaGH3 family interaction. In addition, qRT-PCR results showed that CaGH3 genes were differentially expressed in pepper tissues and could be induced by phytohormones (IAA, ABA, and MeJA) and abiotic stresses (salt, low temperature, and drought) with different patterns. In addition, CaGH3-5 and CaGH3-7 were cloned, and the sequences showed a high degree of conservation. Moreover, the results of subcellular localization indicated that they were located in the membrane and chloroplast. Notably, after overexpressing CaGH3-7 in tomato, RNA-seq was performed on wild-type and transgenic lines, and the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in response to external stimuli. This study not only lays the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the function of the CaGH3 gene family during plant growth and stress responses but also provides potential genetic resources for pepper resistance breeding. Full article

Cotton exhibits indeterminate growth potential at its apical meristem. In field cultivation, it is often necessary to restrict plant height by the foliar application of plant growth regulators or artificial topping. The genetic engineering of cotton architecture offers an efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-cost alternative to current field management. Our study aimed to improve the plant architecture of transgenic cotton by the suppression of GhSP, a key flowering repressor, via the RNA interference method. Sixteen independent transgenic lines were generated and classified as mildly, moderately, and severely suppressed, according to GhSP expression levels. Field evaluation revealed the dose-dependent effects of GhSP silencing on plant height. The mildly suppressed line GhSPi-#5 exhibited a semi-dwarf phenotype of approximately 70~100 cm in height. Negative phenotypes, including excessive dwarf plant architecture and inferior fiber quality and yield traits, were observed in severely GhSP-suppressed transgenic lines. Notably, the mild silencing of GhSP in GhSPi-#5 did not negatively affect leaf and flower organ growth, pollen fertility, major agronomic traits, or fiber quality compared with the wild type. These observations demonstrate the feasibility of manipulating the architecture of transgenic cotton via GhSP silencing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acromegaly is a rare chronic disease caused by excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1) due to a pituitary adenoma. In acromegaly patients, oral and facial manifestations, such as mandibular growth, macroglossia, and dental malocclusion, are common and can affect quality of life. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the diagnostic path of these patients, the impact that acromegaly had on their oral health, the medical figures involved, and the role played by their dentist. Methods: The data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire to study dental health, dental care, and acromegaly diagnosis and history and via validated questionnaires. The validated questionnaires used were the ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) to assess daytime sleepiness, OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile-14) to study perceptions of oral health, and AcroQoL to explore quality of life. Results: We enrolled 90 acromegaly patients: 48% of the patients reported acromegaly oral manifestations and 73% reported facial changes. The most frequent oro-facial manifestations reported by the patients were jaw growth (41%), diastema (40%), macroglossia (39%), and increased size of cheekbones (35%). The median OHIP-14 value was 5 (min 0–max 43), and the highest values were recorded in the questions relating to pronunciation difficulties and problems eating due to dental problems, as well as discomfort with dental aesthetics. The patients’ sleep quality was rated as good by 33% of patients, decent by 47%, and bad by 20%. The median ACROQol score achieved by the patients was 69 (min 19, max 98). An inverse and statistically significant correlation was observed between OHIP-14 and AcroQoL scores (Spearman correlation coefficient—0.44, p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Oro-facial changes significantly affect quality of life in cases of acromegaly, yet dental professionals’ involvement in diagnosis and management is limited. Greater awareness among and integration of dental professionals could support earlier detection and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Polyurethane concrete (PUC) is a promising candidate for structural repair materials due to its excellent mechanical properties and durability. However, the bonding performance between PUC and concrete interfaces may limit its broader application. This study examined the factors affecting the shear strength at the PUC–NC interface. A total of 16 oblique shear tests, varying by interface treatment methods (smooth—GH, roughened—ZM, and grooved—KC), adhesive application rates—NJJ (0, 0.2, and 0.3 kg/m²), and steel fiber contents—GXW (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%), to evaluate their impact on the mechanical properties of the PUC–NC interface. The results demonstrated that roughening the interface significantly improved the shear strength, resulting in a 32% increase compared to a smooth interface and 15% compared to a grooved interface. A moderate adhesive application rate (0.2 kg/m²) enhanced the interface strength, while excessive adhesive did not further increase the shear strength. The optimal steel fiber content (1%) resulted in the highest shear strength, improving it by 22%, whereas excess steel fibers (1.5%) reduced the interface strength. This is due to fiber agglomeration, which weakens mechanical interlocking and introduces defects that impair interfacial bonding. Load–slip curve analysis revealed that roughened interfaces combined with the appropriate amount of steel fibers improved the interface toughness, delaying the failure process. This study presents a model for calculating the shear strength of steel fiber-reinforced PUC–NC interfaces, incorporating shear slip. Compared to existing models, it more accurately reflects the experimental data. Full article

The development of biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based packaging is essential for environmental sustainability. This study presents a novel approach to enhance the performance of hemicellulose-based films by fabricating xylan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO). To address nano-ZnO agglomeration, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) was utilized as a dispersant, while sorbitol improved film flexibility. The composite films were prepared via solution casting, and the effects of nano-ZnO content (0–2.5 wt%) on mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties were systematically evaluated. Results showed that at 2 wt% nano-ZnO loading, the tensile strength increased from 15.0 MPa (control) to 26.15 MPa, representing a 74% enhancement, while oxygen permeability decreased from 1.83 to 0.50 (cm³·μm)/(m²·d·kPa). Additionally, the thermal stability also improved due to hydrogen bonding and uniform nanoparticle dispersion. At this optimized loading, the hydrophobcity was also maximized, with the contact angle peaking at 74.4° and water vapor permeability decreasing by 18% (1.53·10⁻⁶·g·h⁻¹·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹). Excessive nano-ZnO loading (>2 wt%) induced particle agglomeration, generating stress concentrators that disrupted the polymer–nanoparticle interface and compromised mechanical integrity. These findings highlight the potential of nano-ZnO-modified xylan/PVA films as sustainable, high-performance alternatives to conventional packaging. The synergistic use of SHMP and nano-ZnO provides a strategy for designing eco-friendly materials with tunable properties, advancing the use of biomass in food preservation applications. Full article

The construction domain in the Middle East region has experienced significant growth in recent years. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for instance, the number of newly constructed areas with mixed-use development buildings is increasing yearly. Given the region’s harsh climatic conditions, characterized by an extremely hot climate, designing sustainable and energy-efficient buildings is crucial. Under these conditions, shading is a primary strategy. This research explores how parametric design and optimization based on genetic algorithms (GAs) can improve shading structures to reduce solar radiation and lower cooling energy consumption. It is focused on parametric design and optimization of window shading structures, either for retrofitting existing buildings or for new construction. Advanced tools are essential to achieve this goal, as they enable designers to incorporate various architectural features that enhance energy efficiency. The parametric structures are meant to increase the shaded parts by reducing the amount of solar radiation on building facades, reducing the amount of energy consumption for air conditioning and improving overall energy efficiency. The methodology follows the following steps: selection of the case study, weather analysis, modeling and simulation, parametrization process (maximize shaded area and reduce total solar radiation), results, and analysis. The modeling, simulation, and parametrization are completed using Rhino/GH. While the research focuses on a mid-rise building in Abu Dhabi as a case study, the approach can be applied more broadly to buildings in hot climates. Due to excessive solar radiation in arid climate regions, shading of fenestration is a primary focus. The findings show that the GA-based optimized shading system, based on the cumulative radiation, decreased the total radiation amount by 19% and reduced cooling energy use by 26.2% for the case study. This demonstrates that parametric design can contribute to more sustainable and energy-efficient architecture. Full article

Acromegaly is a chronic disease characterized by the excessive production of growth hormone (GH), resulting in elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). It is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias and acromegalic cardiomyopathy, which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in patients with acromegaly. Providing a comprehensive analysis of the cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases associated with acromegaly, as well as examining their impact on prognosis and therapeutic strategies that can improve cardiovascular health in these patients, is key to understanding the magnitude of the problem and optimizing clinical management. The presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes (with a prevalence ranging from 22.3% to 76.8%), hypertension (from 18% to 77%), and dyslipidemia (up to 61%) is worsened by disease activity and duration, increasing the likelihood of adverse cardiovascular events. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are critical to alleviating these complications, as the normalization of GH and IGF-1 levels can improve cardiovascular prognosis. In addition, comprehensive management, including the control of cardiovascular risk factors and regular assessment of cardiac function, is essential. Data suggest that with appropriate treatment, the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke can be similar to that in the general population. In conclusion, paying careful attention to cardiovascular complications in patients with acromegaly will not only enhance their quality of life, but may also increase their life expectancy through the effective management of comorbidities associated with this disease. Full article

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the 21st century and the leading health disorder amongst women of fertile age. Maternal obesity is associated with several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In this group of women, the risk for the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), such as gestational hypertension (GH) and pre-eclampsia (PE), is increased. In fact, there is a linear association between an increase in pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and PE. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is also related to the development of PE and GH. The role of obesity in the pathophysiology of HDP is complex and is most likely due to an interaction between several factors that cause a state of poor maternal cardiometabolic health. Adipokines seem to have a central role in HDP development, especially for PE. Hypoadiponectinemia, hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance (IR), and a proinflammatory state are metabolic disturbances related to PE pathogenesis, contributing to its development by inducing a state of maternal endothelial dysfunction. Hypertriglyceridemia is suggested to also be a part of the disease mechanisms of HDP. Therefore, this review seeks to explore the scientific literature to assess the complications of maternal obesity and its association with the development of HDP. Full article

Background: This study applied levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) and environmental cost accounting techniques to evaluate the feasibility of producing green hydrogen (GH₂) via alkaline electrolysis for use in a bus fleet in Fortaleza, Brazil. Methods: A GH₂ plant with a 3 MW wind tower was considered in this financial project. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the economic viability of the project, considering the influence of production volume, the number of electrolysis kits, financing time, and other kay economic indices. Revenue was derived from the sale of by-products, including green hospital oxygen (GHO₂) and excess wind energy. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to quantify material and emission flows throughout the H₂ production chain. A zero-net hydrogen price scenario was tested to evaluate the feasibility of its use in urban transportation. Results: The production of GH₂ in Brazil using alkaline electrolysis powered by wind energy proved to be economically viable for fueling a hydrogen-powered bus fleet. For production volumes ranging from 8.89 to 88.9 kg H₂/h, the sensitivity analysis revealed high economic performance, achieving a net present value (NPV) between USD 19.4 million and USD 21.8 million, a payback period of 1–4 years, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 24–90%, and a return on investment (ROI) of 300–1400%. The LCOH decreased with increased production, ranging from 56 to 25 USD/MWh. Over the project timeline, GH₂ production and use in the bus fleet reduced CO₂ emissions by 53,000–287,000 t CO₂ eq. The fuel cell bus fleet project demonstrated viability through fuel cost savings and revenue from carbon credit sales, highlighting the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of GH₂ use in urban transportation in Brazil. Full article

Double pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (double PitNETs) are two distinct tumors in the same gland and are infrequent in clinical practice. In typical double PitNETs, an MRI detects two separate tumors that are diagnosed by pathology; they could also appear as a single tumor, and pathology would then identify the two independent tumors. A literature review was conducted, and 142 cases were analyzed to determine the characteristics of double PitNETs. Of these cases, acromegaly (45.5%) was the most common clinical feature, followed by Cushing’s disease (35.1%) and prolactinoma (17.9%), indicating that double PitNETs are usually noticed by hormonal excess symptoms due to at least one functional tumor. The pathological analysis of 284 tumors showed that somatotroph (28.9%) and corticotroph (26.8%) tumors were predominant, with a recent increase in the proportion of gonadotroph tumors. Regarding transcription factors, 51.1% were of GH-PRL-TSH PIT1-lineage, 26.1% ACTH TPIT-lineage, and 17.9% LH-FSH SF1-lineage. The radiological analysis of 82 cases revealed that double tumors (45.1%) and single tumors (47.6%) were comparable, suggesting that double PitNETs are often detected as a single tumor, and attention should be paid to hidden micro-tumors during surgery. Double PitNETs are complicated by a wide variety of clinical, radiological, and pathological findings, but diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are advancing. Full article

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a polypeptide hormone that is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, whose excess is linked to acromegaly-causing pituitary adenomas while deficiencies are linked to disorders including short stature and Turner’s syndrome. This study investigates the real-time biosensing of hGH using a microfluidic optical biosensor based on reflectometric interferometry Fourier spectroscopy (RIFTS). The biosensing platform is based on a monolayer of nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) fabricated following the two-step anodization method to produce pore sizes between 30 and 35 nm. The sensitivity of the nanostructure is improved by increasing the effective surface area by widening the pores to about 45 nm. NAA structures are then functionalized to make them selective to hGH. The sensing performance of the system shows a linear detection range from 12.5 µg/mL to 100 µg/mL with a detection limit of 10.6 µg/mL. This biosensing platform demonstrates the capability to detect high concentrations of human growth hormone using a cost-effective, fast, and portable biosensing system. Full article

Stress is recognized as an adaptive response to potentially harmful environmental stimuli. The primary physiological adaptation to stress is an increase in circulating cortisol levels, which, in excess, can be transferred and incorporated into the oocytes of maturing females, affecting the embryonic developmental program. Additionally, maternal energy availability is an essential environmental factor that modulates this program. Based on this background, we investigated the effects of maternal cortisol on the development of the somatotropic axis in zebrafish offspring and juveniles. Zebrafish mothers were divided into two groups based on diet: Group 1 received a cortisol-enriched diet, to mimic maternal stress, while Group 2 (control) received a standard diet, for five days. On the third day after treatment, the control and treated females were bred with untreated males. Offspring were assessed at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h post-fertilization (hpf). Morphological analyses were performed during embryonic development, including survival rate, body length, the presence of pericardial edema, and heartbeat. We examined the gene expression of key somatotropic axis components, including mtor, foxo3a, mafbx, murf1, mstna, gh, igf1, igf2a, igf2b, 11hsdb2, and fkbp5. The study demonstrated that cortisol-treated females significantly influenced offspring development, resulting in higher mortality rates and increased morphological abnormalities, particularly pericardial edema. Gene expression analysis revealed alterations in transcripts related to the somatotropic axis, especially genes involved in protein synthesis, with signs of accelerated growth in the first hour post-fertilization. At 30 days post-fertilization, juveniles from cortisol-treated females displayed a marked increase in muscle bundle size and cross-sectional diameter compared to the control group. Our findings provide valuable insights into the intricate interaction between maternal factors and the development of the somatotropic axis in offspring. Full article

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) production, due, in the vast majority of cases, to the presence of a GH-secreting pituitary tumour. The chronic elevation of GH and the resulting high circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) cause the characteristic tissue overgrowth and a number of associated comorbidities, including several metabolic changes, such as glucose intolerance and overt diabetes mellitus (DM). Elevated GH concentrations directly attenuate insulin signalling and stimulate lipolysis, decreasing glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, thus leading to the development of impaired glucose tolerance and DM. Acromegaly treatment aims to normalize plasma GH and IGF-1 levels using surgery, medical treatment, or radiotherapy. The effect of the different medical therapies on glucose homeostasis varies. This literature review explores the impact of the currently available pharmacological therapies for acromegaly (first- and second-generation somatostatin receptor ligands, a GH receptor antagonist, and dopamine agonists) on glucose homeostasis. We also discuss the underlying biological mechanisms through which they impact glucose metabolism. Full article

Growth hormone (GH) signaling is essential for heart development. Both GH deficiency and excess raise cardiovascular risk. Human (h) and mouse (m) GH differ structurally and functionally: hGH binds both the GH receptor (GHR) and prolactin receptor (PRLR), whereas mGH binds only GHR; thus, there is the potential for differential effects. We generated transgenic (hGH-TG) mice that produce pituitary hGH in response to hypothalamic signaling. These mice grow at the same rate as mGH-expressing wild-type (mGH-WT) mice but are smaller and have higher body fat. Echocardiography was used here to compare hGH-TG and mGH-WT mouse hearts. Male hGH-TG mice show a 48% lower left ventricular mass, 36% lower stroke volume, and 48% reduced cardiac output, resembling GH deficiency. Diastolic dysfunction, restrictive ventricular filling, and lower heart rate are suggested in hGH-TG mice. No significant differences in ejection fraction or fractional shortening were observed, even after high-fat diet (HFD) stress. HFD did not affect RNA markers of cardiac damage, although a possible association between B-type natriuretic peptide RNA levels and heart rate was detected. These observations suggest that diastolic dysfunction related to hGH and/or low GH might be offset by a lower heart rate, while structural changes precede functional effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a clinical condition that manifests in the form of various physical and psychological symptoms, occurs periodically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and reduces quality of life. Methods: Here, we conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 (HY7801) on PMS symptoms. Results: Data from the in vitro experiments showed that HY7801 inhibits prolactin secretion by estradiol-induced GH3 cells, as well as the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. Additionally, the oral administration of HY7801 (10⁹ colony-forming units/kg/day) to mice with metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia reduced uterine tissue mass and endometrial thickness, both of which were increased excessively in the presence of prolactin. HY7801 also regulated the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and prostaglandin E1/E2, as well as recovering the progesterone/estradiol ratio. HY7801 also downregulated the serum levels of prolactin and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (Il)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf), and IL-1β. Finally, HY7801 reduced the expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines (i.e., Tnf and Il-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mice with hyperprolactinemia. Conclusion: In summary, HY7801 may be a functional bacterium that alleviates PMS symptoms by modulating hormones and inflammatory markers. Full article